PETS Magazine | January/February 2015

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PAYING A HIGH PRICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 | $4.95

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FROM FIV

Guide to

PUPPY AND KITTEN CARE • Dental health with Dr. Fraser Hale • Training and socializing your pet • Keeping pets from predators • When to visit the vet …and more!

PETS MAG PHOTO CONTEST:

CHECK OUT THE WINNING ENTRIES! PLUS: 2014 VET TEAM APPRECIATION AWARD RECIPIENTS • DIAGNOSING LUMPS AND BUMPS

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C O N T E N T S

FEATURES Vet Team Appreciation Awards 2015

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John Simmons john.simmons@petsmagazine.ca

Managing Editor

Brad Hussey brad.hussey@petsmagazine.ca

Advertising Sales Art Director Billing/Administration Circulation

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Glenn Ward glenn.wardmediapartners@rogers.com Mark Tzerelshtein markintoshdesign.com Linda Simmons linda.simmons@petsmagazine.ca

EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Kristina Cooper, RVT, Cooper Kennels, Ancaster, ON Dr. Dieter Kohlmaier, Westoak Animal Hospital, Oakville, ON Dr. Darren Low, Kennedy Animal Hospital, Sydney, NS Kerry Vinson, Animal Behaviour Professional, Roseneath, ON Dr. Christina McRae, King Street Cat Hospital, Whitby, ON Dr. Cliff Redford, Wellington Vet Clinic, Markham, ON PETS Magazine is published six times a year by Simmons Publishing Ltd. ISSN: 0831-2621 To subscribe to PETS, contact Linda Simmons Toll Free: 877-738-7624 or visit us on the Web at:

www.petsmagazine.ca

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Making Tracks

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PETS Marketplace

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Pet Projects

PETS Magazine Photo Contest Winners

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The Healthy Bond

Shutterbug readers were asked to send in the best shots of their companions. Check out who is under the lens this year!

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Joyful Tails

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Paws for Reflection

Did you nominate your veterinarian and their team? PETS and Royal Canin Canada unveil the top picks!

SIMMONS PUBLISHING LTD. Publisher

DEPARTMENTS

Guide to

PUPPY AND KITTEN CARE 11

Prime Time for Care

A timeline of major milestones in your new relationship that should involve your veterinarian.

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Into the Mouth of Babes

A primer on juvenile pet dental care by one of Canada’s top experts.

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Toxoplasmosis: Is your family protected?

The Backyard Hazards series continues its focus on common Subscription Rates: Canadian 1 year: $23.00 (plus applicable taxes) 1 year U.S.: $30.00 (U.S.); Single Copy: $4.95 GST#857545362

diseases that you or your pet may be at risk of contracting.

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Setting a Main Course for Health

The pet food aisle is a grab-bag of quality that can be as confusing as it is crowded. Here are some top tips to keep in

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mind when choosing what to feed your young pet.

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Behaviour: Doing things right, from the start

PETS’ dog behaviour expert on fostering a healthy

32 Foster Crescent

relationship with your pet based on your leadership and

Whitby, Ontario L1R 1W1

their desire to please.

(905) 665-9669: Fax (905) 665-9249 E-mail: circulation@petsmagazine.ca

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Basic Training Boot Camp

With a little patience, a lot of repetition and some professional Contents of PETS Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of Simmons Publishing Ltd. The publisher shall not be liable for any of the views expressed by the authors of articles or letters published in PETS Magazine, nor shall these opinions necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

advice, you can help your puppy be all they can be.

Printed in Canada.

Bringing home a new addition to the family can be a joyous

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Protecting Pets from Predators

Your backyard may not be the safe haven you think it is, according to one U.S. expert.

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Cats, Dogs, Children: Can We All Get Along?

experience, but it can also be a stressful time for a family that has to navigate new relationships and behaviours.

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BECOME A HERO TODAY FOR A HOMELESS PET >>

Canada is a nation full of pet lovers, but recent research shows that many communities need some guidance on how to help solve the homeless problem.

The 2014 Shelter Pet Report (by PetSmart Charities of Canada) found that while 73% of people say that pet homelessness is at least somewhat important to them, an equal number of people admit that they don’t do anything to solve the issue.

With the following simple steps you can make a difference today: 1. Adopt your next pet. The largest motivator for adopting is to save a little life. Did you know that an estimated 70,000 pets are euthanized every year in Canada? By choosing adoption we can all work together to decrease this number.

2. Spay/neuter your pets. Unplanned litters are the main source of pet overpopulation. By increasing access to spay/neuter services and spreading the word about how important fixing your pet is, you can reduce pet overpopulation from the start.

3. Help stray pets. If you notice stray cats in your neighbourhood, call your local animal welfare organization to see if they offer trap-neuterreturn (TNR) programs. TNR is an innovative program that allows street cats to live out their normal lives without the risk of being euthanized in shelters.

NEWS | PRODUCTS | REVIEWS

PET SITTERS INTERNATIONAL: BEWARE PSEUDO PET SITTERS >> Pet Sitters International (PSI) launched a new campaign last month — dubbed Get a Real Pet Sitter — to educate pet owners on the importance of using professional pet sitters for their pet-care needs.

“Often times, pet owners, and even news outlets, use the term ‘pet sitter’ carelessly, referring to anyone — from a family friend to the neighbourhood teenager asked to walk a dog — as a ‘pet sitter,’” explained PSI president Patti J. Moran. “It is important that pet owners understand pet sitting is a professional career and professional pet sitters offer peace of mind that other pet-care options cannot.”

Even for pet owners committed to using professional pet sitters instead of friends or family, the search can be confusing. Moran notes that with the influx of pet-care directory sites popping up in the last couple of years and news stories touting pet sitting as an easy way to earn extra money, more and more people are deciding to cash in on the growing need for pet care.

“Just because you’ve seen a pet sitter in an online directory — or even on a nationally publicized site — doesn’t ensure they are a legitimate, qualified petsitting business,” explains Moran. “Anyone can post a profile advertising pet-sitting services, so it’s important for pet owners to take a closer look to ensure they are hiring a ‘real pet sitter’ to care for their pets.”

PSI advises pet owners to ask seven important questions when interviewing a potential pet sitter: 1. Does the pet sitter have the proper business license for your city or state/province?

2. Is the pet sitter insured and bonded?

3. Can the pet sitter provide proof of clear criminal history?

4. Does the pet sitter provide client references?

5. Will the pet sitter use a pet-sitting services agreement or contract?

6. Is the pet sitter a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) and/or has he or she participated in pet-care training, such as pet first aid?

7. Is the pet sitter a member of a professional and educational association, such as Pet Sitters International?

PSI also recommends pet owners schedule an initial consultation with a potential pet sitter prior to booking services, and offers a Pet Sitter Interview checklist on its website to guide pet owners in the interview process.

Pet owners in need of pet-sitting services can visit www.GetARealPetSitter.com to find PSI member pet sitters in their area and download the Pet Sitter Interview checklist. To learn more about PSI or becoming a professional pet sitter, visit www.petsit.com.

PETS’ CONTRIBUTOR MOURNS LOSS OF SUGAR BEAR >> 4. Donate to animal welfare organizations. Championing this effort is PetSmart Charities of Canada, for example. It funds hundreds of local animal welfare groups that offer adoption and spay/neuter programs.

5. Spread the word. By helping pet lovers get more involved with local shelters and rescues, we can help find a lifelong, loving home for every pet.

Shelter and rescue groups say that if communities work together we can all end pet homelessness in a generation. More information is available online at petsmartcharities.org. – From News Canada

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By Kerry Vinson It is with a heavy heart that I write this about Sugar Bear, who has passed away unexpectedly of cancer. Readers of PETS will have seen her picture in the magazine on quite a few occasions over the last seven years. In many ways she was the ideal dog: loyal, affectionate, trustworthy and a true guardian, as well. Sadly, she only lived for about half of the expected life span of an Ovcharka. Wherever you may be Sugar, thank you for those seven wonderful years.

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NEWS | PRODUCTS | REVIEWS

LOCK AWAY PET ODOURS WITH INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS >> The LitterLocker is a great way to dispose of soiled litter and keep nasty odours locked in. Perfect for use in apartments or small spaces, LitterLocker locks in smell and bacteria and holds up to two weeks of soiled litter for one cat. One cartridge lasts up to two months. Convenient and easy to use — simply open the lid, scoop in the soiled litter, close the lid and pull and release the handle at front to lock in odours and bacteria. When the bag is full, just open the LitterLocker, cut the bag and dispose of it.

You can also trap odours from the messes that puppy will inevitably make during training with the PadLocker. The unique clamp system in the PadLocker makes for quick and easy disposal of puppy waste with zero pet odour, so your home always smells fresh. The multi-layer bag can easily hold up to 12 training pads (54 per refill cartridge).

Also great for other small pets! www.litterlocker.com/www.padlocker.ca

INSURER COMPILES TOP HEALTH CONDITIONS FOR SMALL DOG BREEDS >> While small dogs typically have long life spans, their small size can correlate with a number of unique health concerns. These issues affect everything from their teeth to their knees, and small dog owners should be prepared in case a big problem arises.

Trupanion, a medical insurance provider for cats and dogs, looked into its database to find the top five health conditions that affect small dogs more frequently than large dog breeds.

1. Medial luxating patella 2. Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) 3. Pancreatitis 4. Conditions relating to the eyes 5. Conditions relating to the mouth Some of these conditions can be very costly and they can occur at any age.

A luxating patella, common in Pomeranians, Chihuahuas and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, can expect to incur $1,200 on average in veterinary costs in a given year. IVDD, often affecting Dachshunds and French Bulldogs, can cost over $1,000 on average in a given year. Pancreatitis, common in Miniature Pinschers and Dachshunds, can be around $1,000 on average. Eye conditions, common in Cocker Spaniels and Pomeranians, and oral conditions, common in Pugs and Pomeranians, can be around $280 and $500, respectively.

In general, the smaller the package, the bigger the risk for injuries. Small dogs can often become injured jumping from the couch or out of their owner’s arms. This is especially true with puppies, whose tiny limbs are still growing.

“All dog owners should be diligent in monitoring their pup’s health,” said Kerri Marshall, DVM, Trupanion’s chief veterinary officer. “While we can’t prevent some of these common conditions from occurring, we can prepare for them.”

Dr. Marshall recommends pet owners take their pet to the veterinarian if they notice any abnormal signs — whether that be a limp or bad breath — and treat conditions early. She also encourages medical insurance for your small dog. – www.Trupanion.com

M A K I N G

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ARE CANADIANS HAVING A CAT MOMENT? >> During the holiday season it was difficult to get away from cats.

Between the Grumpy Cat Christmas movie, the Vancouver Canucks posing with shelter kittens or ubiquitous Internet cat videos, it’s impossible to ignore felines. All of this cat attention is coming at the same time as things are improving for shelter cats.

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies’ (CFHS) annual shelter statistics were released in mid-December, revealing that feline adoption rates have increased, euthanasia rates have decreased and fewer cats were taken in by shelters. The 2013 data was collected from 90 shelters across Canada, representing the best information about companion animals in Canadian shelters.

“Not only has cat adoption increased, for the first time it has jumped above dog adoptions,” says Dr. Toolika Rastogi, policy and research manager at the CFHS. “More Canadians are bringing cats into their homes!”

“When the CFHS began systematically collecting shelter statistics in 1993 only 28% of cats that entered shelters were adopted and a staggering 60% of cats were euthanized. In 2013 the adoption rate jumped to 53% and the euthanasia rate dropped to 37%,” says Dr. Rastogi.

Surprisingly, lost cats are less likely to be reunited with their owners now than in the past — in fact the reclaimed by owner rate for cats has actually dropped over time. In 2013 only 3.5% of cats in shelters were reunited with their owners.

The highest rate was 5.1% in 1997.

“The reclaim numbers for cats become even more shocking when they are compared to reclaim rates for dogs,” says Dr. Rastogi. “Lost dogs in shelters are seven times more likely than lost cats to be reclaimed by their owner,” says Dr. Rastogi. “The best present a cat can receive is some form of identification, be it a collar tag or a microchip, so that they can be reunited with their family if they are lost.”

Right now there are thousands of cats in shelters waiting for their forever home and you don’t have to be a hockey player to cuddle them.

Just imagine the cat videos you could make!

To read the full shelter statistics report, visit www.cfhs.ca.

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M A K I N G

T R A C K S

NEWS | PRODUCTS

EIGHT GOOD REASONS TO TAKE YOUR PET FOR CHECKUPS >> One thing is certain whether you’re a dog person or a cat person: you love your furry pal.

In fact, a Western Financial Group study showed that half of Canadians with pet insurance purchased a policy in case of emergencies or serious illness, while 26% did it simply because they see their pet as a family member.

This means that you do everything in your power to keep him or her safe, happy and healthy. You go out for exercise whatever the weather, you opt for a nutritious diet and you make sure to visit your veterinarian regularly. Of course, that visit can prove costly and many pet owners question whether or not their pet needs to see their veterinarian on a regular basis. According to Dr. Bernhard Pukay, chairman of the Petsecure Veterinary Advisory Board, the top eight reasons for regular checkups include: 1. Prevention is better than reaction: Just like a human, animals need checkups to ensure they remain healthy. This way, you can stop many illnesses long before they become a problem.

2. Save yourself money: Prevention is far less expensive than medical treatment. So, while you may pay more in the short term for checkups, you will ultimately conserve cash if your pet gets ill or has an accident.

3. Compensate for the aging process: You’ve heard that dog and cat years happen much faster than the human equivalent. With that in mind, an annual checkup for them is like you waiting several years for your next physical. Don’t put it off.

4. It doesn’t need to be costly: By purchasing a pet insurance policy, you not only protect yourself and your four-legged pal from the very high cost of an emergency, you can also reduce your routine regular vet fees. “Certain insurance plans from Petsecure will cover up to four visits per year,” explains Dr. Pukay. “You should speak with your insurance provider to learn more.”

5. Fend off unwanted visitors: Internal and external parasites and heartworms can prove very dangerous for your pet, but preventing these is easy. Talk to your vet for appropriate medication.

6. Keep the pounds off: Ongoing nutritional consultation provided by your vet allows you to control pet weight gain and loss, making sure that your canine or feline roommates are on diets that are designed with optimal nutrition in mind.

7. Healthy smiles: The majority of cats and dogs will experience dental problems in their lifetimes and, given how much they rely on their mouths, it’s particularly important to properly maintain their teeth. A dental examination is part of every veterinary exam and, as always, prevention is better than treatment.

8. You’d do it for your car: It’s true that we regularly take our cars in for maintenance and when the mechanic fails to find anything wrong, we rejoice. This should be the same approach with pet care. Moreover, it will give your veterinarian a baseline — a way to understand what state your pet should be in — which makes it easier to treat them should an illness or injury occur.

More information is available at www.petsecure.com. – News Canada

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MEET THE WINNERS: 2014 VETERINARIAN TEAM APPRECIATION AWARDS

Congratulations to the many nominees for the 2014 Veterinarian Team Appreciation Awards, sponsored by Royal Canin Veterinary Diets and PETS Magazine. We received an overwhelming number of entries from coast to coast, and we thank our readers for taking the time to recognize the excellent care their pets receive. It was both rewarding and difficult to select the winners from such a varied, worthy field of entries. One clear theme was evident among the entries we received. The teams nominated are all groups of dedicated professionals who are genuinely concerned not only for the welfare of the patient, but also for the pet owner. Each team provided quality care, compassion and empathy to owners as they struggled through their pets’ health issues.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diets and PETS Magazine are proud to have the opportunity to recognize the following regional winners from across Canada. Each team will be presented with a commemorative plaque in recognition of their outstanding dedication and commitment to pet care.

ATLANTIC CANADA:

South Shore Veterinary Services, Bridgewater, NS Nominated by Pat Townsend, who wrote: “I appreciated all they did for [my elderly dog Sophie]... The techs and office staff took the time to pet her and see how she was doing. I can never thank them enough. They made a devastating time easier for me, not just from obligation, but because [they] care.”

QUEBEC:

Sherwood Park Animal Hospital, Beaconsfield, QC Thelma Haimovitz wrote a lengthy email with numerous accolades in her nomination of Dr. Enid Stiles and the entire Sherwood team: “Each and every member of the team truly cares about the animals who come into the clinic. Animals are treated gently and given rewards and not forced or held down if they are stressed during treatments. It is hard to describe in words what a caring, compassionate person [Dr. Stiles] is. The Sherwood Park team was very comforting and helped me through a very difficult time.”

CENTRAL CANADA:

Clarkson Village Animal Clinic and Hospital, Mississauga, ON This team, like many others, received multiple nominations. Iryna Martynenko wrote that they are “…the most caring and loving veterinary team I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They go out of their way to help their clients with any questions, insurance dealings and pet care, and they always make sure the pets are comfortable for their visits. Dr. Ellison is such a knowledgeable physician but he takes the time to explain everything in simple terms to his clients.

Although my pet and I have moved two hours away to a different city, I refuse to change my vet team because of how amazing they haven been to myself and my dog, Charlie.”

WESTERN CANADA:

Fairfield Animal Hospital, Kelowna, BC Colleen Noseworthy nominated this team by writing: “Dr. Steve Ganton and his team go above and beyond each and every time for our family pets.

Their love of animals big and small shows on each and everyone’s faces from when you walk in the front door, until you walk out the door. We love them all!”

THE TOP FOUR GRAND PRIZES RANDOMLY AWARDED TO READERS WHO SUBMITTED WINNING VTAA NOMINATIONS ARE: ONE YEAR OF ROYAL CANIN PREMIUM PET FOOD: Pat Townsend for nominating South Shore Veterinary Services, Bridgewater, NS BISSELL VACUUM: Thelma Haimovitz for nominating Sherwood Park Animal Hospital, Beaconsfield, QC BISSELL VACUUM: Colleen Noseworthy for nominating Fairfield Animal Hospital, Kelowna, BC

FREE PET HEALTH ASSESSMENT AT YOUR VETERINARIAN (Sponsored by Royal Canin): Iryna Martynenko’s for her nomination of Clarkson Village Animal Clinic and Hospital, Mississauga, ON In addition, each of the following individuals was selected at random from the many entries submitted. Each will receive a free one-year subscription to PETS Magazine: Carrie Conlon, Bonnie Kirby, Carol Mazor, Lynnda King and Randy Fowler.

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THE BIG PICTURE PETS MAGAZINE PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS ARE READY FOR THEIR CLOSE-UP 1ST PRIZE: BISSELL SPOTBOT PET VACUUM

WE ASKED AND YOU ANSWERED! After pouring through hundreds of entries in our semi-regular photo contest, we’ve picked some stellar winners. We received so many quality submissions this time around that it was difficult to narrow down the choices to just a few winners!

Thanks to everyone who contributed — watch for your pics to appear in future issues of PETS!

3RD PRIZE: ONE YEAR SUPPLY OF INTERSAND CAT LITTER

Bobby, submitted by Alexandra Jaeger.

2ND PRIZE: ONE YEAR PET FOOD SUPPLY FROM RAYNE (provided through winner’s veterinarian) Alfie, submitted by Tom Grant.

BONUS PRIZE: CANON PIXMA MG7120 COLOUR PHOTO PRINTER from PETS Magazine

Laddie, submitted by Dean Mailloux.

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Champion, submitted by Kim Nelson.

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HONOURABLE MENTIONS: ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO PETS MAGAZINE

Kioko and Kiva, submitted by Jennifer Harper.

Mattie, submitted by Heather Bundschuh.

Henry, submitted by Andrew and Devon Howitt.

Davey, Mini and Gracie, submitted by Holly Brookhouser.

Bain, submitted

by Andrea Jose.

Bailey with horse, submitted by Margaret Sadlon.

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Guide to

PUPPY AND KITTEN CARE

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GUIDE TO PUPPY AND KITTEN CARE

PRIME TIME FOR VETERINARY CARE

By Kristina Cooper, RVT >>

RIGHT AFTER YOU PICK UP YOUR NEW FAMILY MEMBER If you know ahead of time what your pickup arrangements are, you may want to consider calling ahead to your veterinary clinic to book your first appointment on the way home. Most kittens/puppies arrive home at six to eight weeks of age. Having your new fluffy family member examined soon after pickup will help to ensure your new friend is healthy (and not showing any signs of contagious disease that may be transmitted to other pets you may already have at home). In some cases, a health exam may be required within the first 72 hours for an adoption contract to be valid. An early meeting at this young age with a veterinarian will also start your pet on the right path to feeling comfortable in the clinic environment, which will help to foster positive experiences in the visits to come.

EIGHT WEEKS OF AGE Your new pet’s eight-week examination is important to ensure that they are developing properly. This visit will also include the first series of vaccinations given to provide immunity to your new pet against common contagious diseases, as the maternal immunity their mom provided in young kitten/puppyhood has now waned. Parasite control will also be discussed and treated for both internal and external parasites, such as fleas and intestinal worms. Don’t forget to bring along a fresh fecal sample for testing!

12 WEEKS OF AGE The 12-week checkup helps your veterinarian make sure everything is still on track with your pet’s development. This visit will also include a set of booster vaccinations to ensure your pet’s immunity is still effective and that any potential parasites are under control. Another fecal sample should be tested.

16 WEEKS OF AGE At 16 weeks of age, your new friend will begin losing their baby teeth and adult teeth will erupt. Your veterinarian will make sure this is going smoothly (see page 12 for more on dental care), on top of performing another physical exam. This visit will also include the final booster vaccine for your pet, as well as a rabies vaccine.

A final fecal exam will be done to check one more time to make sure your pet is parasite free. This test may be done multiple times to cover the prepatent period of multiple parasites, as they do not all follow the same schedule of showing signs of infection.

SIX MONTHS OF AGE Now that your pet has matured six months, it is the prime time to discuss having your pet spayed/neutered.

Spaying/neutering will prevent unwanted pregnancies as well as decrease the chances of reproductive organ diseases, such as potentially fatal infections and cancer. This surgical procedure can also help to decrease territorial behaviours.

Once the surgery has been performed, a return visit in 10-14 days will be necessary to ensure the surgical site is healing well and so sutures can be removed if necessary. See page 30 for a story on what can happen when you don’t spay/neuter pets!

ONE-YEAR VACCINE ANNIVERSARY Your furry family member has celebrated their first year milestone and is likely a happy and healthy member of your family.

As a young adult, your pet should make an annual trip to the veterinary office to have a complete physical exam (and receive any annual booster vaccines needed) to ensure they remain healthy for years to come.

Examinations provide the opportunity for your veterinary staff to observe any underlying disease at an early stage and start treatment to halt or delay its progression.

Kristina Cooper is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and proud member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT). She has previous worked in both small animal practice and a municipal animal shelter.

With a special interest in the relationship between animal and human health she is currently the Lead Manager of the OAVT Public Health Rabies Response Program and an active One Health Initiative advocate. She can be reached by email at krizzteena@hotmail.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

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PHOTO: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

With the addition of a new puppy or kitten to your family, life has no doubt become exciting! Keeping their health in tip-top shape is sure to be on your mind as you embark on new adventures in your life together. Here is a timeline of major milestones in your new relationship that should involve your veterinarian.

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GUIDE TO PUPPY AND KITTEN CARE

INTO THE MOUTH OF BABES

By Fraser Hale, DVM, FAVD, DiplAVDC >>

A PRIMER ON JUVENILE VETERINARY DENTISTRY

I

t is often assumed that dental problems are reserved for older pets, but young animals may also suffer from a number of dental and oral problems. Early management can often avoid more serious complications later. Also, many of these problems are painful and so require treatment to alleviate suffering.

You can avoid a lot of dental/oral disease simply by not selecting a pet that has genetically based deformities of the skull or face, such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, French and English Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boxers and Persians. Also, the extreme miniaturization of the head in very small

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dogs (such as Yorkshire Terriers, Teacup Poodles or Chihuahuas) often results in severe dental crowding, predisposing these breeds to early development of uncontrollable gum (periodontal) disease.

When you bring your pet home for the first time (usually around eight weeks of age), the primary (baby) teeth should be in place. There should be no clefts or defects in the lips or palate (roof of the mouth).

The tiny teeth at the front of the upper jaw should just slightly overlap the lower ones, and the lower fang tooth should be placed in front of the upper fang but not touching the upper jaw.

A puppy or kitten with an obvious malocclusion (bad bite) is a candidate for interceptive orthodontics, which typically involves selective extraction of primary teeth that would impede the development of a proper bite. This will not force the short jaw to catch up, but it will allow it to.

A more certain and immediate benefit of interceptive orthodontics is that it instantly relieves the pain associated with abnormal tooth-to-tooth or tooth-to-soft tissue contact. A puppy that goes through its socialization period with a sore mouth is more likely to become head shy and difficult to handle.

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GUIDE TO PUPPY AND KITTEN CARE The rule is that if the permanent tooth crown is visible above the gum line, then the primary tooth should be gone. If the primary tooth is still in place, it should be removed as soon as possible. Leaving a persistent primary tooth in place until six months (spay/neuter time) is inappropriate as it forces the permanent tooth to erupt into an abnormal location.

When your pet goes in for spay/neuter at about six months of age there is a golden opportunity. The animal will be under general anesthesia and your veterinarian can do an unhurried, thorough oral examination. In most breeds, all permanent teeth should be partially or fully erupted by this age. During the examination, they should note any missing or extra teeth, deformed or malpositioned teeth and any other situations that might predispose to problems.

“Missing” teeth should always be documented with an oral X-ray. If it shows that the tooth is missing, then it can be recorded as such on the animal’s permanent dental record for future reference. If the radiograph shows a tooth that is unerupted for any reason, then it should be removed to prevent the development of what are called dentigerous cysts.

PHOTOS: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

To maximize the benefit of interceptive orthodontics, it should be performed as soon as possible. The hope is that the jaw length relationship will normalize before the permanent teeth erupt and recreate dental interlock. The more time between primary tooth extraction and permanent tooth eruption, the better the chances of success. Therefore, I like to see these dogs at about eight weeks of age.

Over the years, I have had a number of breeders and colleagues ask about clipping the primary canine teeth, with nail trimmers or wire cutters, rather than extracting them. This is absolutely discouraged, as it would expose the pulp tissue inside the teeth. If a puppy has a malocclusion with the lower canine teeth traumatizing the palate, the treatment is extraction of these teeth. If that is not an option, then doing nothing is preferable, as it would be far less painful and harmful than cutting the teeth and leaving the pulps open to infection.

Primary canine teeth are long and thin and are found in the mouths of puppies.

These three factors make them very subject to wear and fracture, which will also expose the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue that is found inside a tooth, including the nerves. Once exposed to oral bacteria, the pulp quickly becomes infected and dies. During this time, the resultant inflammation will be painful and may damage the developing permanent teeth in the area.

The treatment for all primary teeth with exposed pulps is immediate and careful extraction of the entire crown and root. It is never appropriate to do nothing and just wait for the tooth to fall out on its own. A primary canine tooth broken when a puppy is 12 weeks old will still be there, causing trouble, up to two-and-a-half months later. That’s a long time to leave a painful infection untreated. Also, I have observed that often, dead teeth do not fall out on their own as they should.

Between the four-month final vaccine visit and the six-month spay/neuter visit, all of the primary teeth should fall out and all of the adult teeth should arrive (erupt). I recommend going in for a dentaldevelopment assessment at five months of age to monitor this busy time.

Extra teeth also call for an X-ray to determine if they are two completely separate teeth or two crowns sharing a common root system. If there are two completely separate teeth and the extra tooth is causing a crowding situation, it should be extracted to reduce the risk of periodontal disease.

Many brachycephalic and small breed dogs will have severe crowding and rotation of teeth, which virtually guarantees the early onset and rapid progression of periodontal disease. I strongly recommend selective extraction of less significant teeth to relieve the crowding and improve the periodontal prognosis for the remaining teeth. Failure to do this can lead to chronic periodontal infection and loss of a great many more teeth within a few years.

Most orthodontic problems lead to abnormal tooth-to-tooth or tooth-to-soft tissue contacts. The resulting trauma can cause a variety of problems, including periodontal disease and endodontic (pulp) disease. The treatment varies depending on the specifics of the condition but may involve selective extraction, crown reduction or orthodontic movement of teeth to alleviate the abnormal contacts.

Young animals may suffer significant fractures of their immature permanent teeth as a result of inappropriate chewing habits or accidental trauma. If treated within days of the accident, these teeth can often be saved through vital pulp therapy by a qualified veterinary dental specialist. If the injury is more than a few days old, extraction is often the only option. Therefore, crown fracture with pulp exposure in a young animal constitutes a time-critical dental emergency that requires immediate attention.

Dr. Fraser Hale is a diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC). He has served as chair of the examination committee and the Review and Assessment Examination of the AVDC. In 2003, he opened Canada’s first dental-only veterinary facility in Guelph, ON. For more information, visit www.toothvet.ca.

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BACKYARD HAZARD SERIES:

TOXOPLASMOSIS IS YOUR FAMILY PROTECTED?

By Kristina Cooper, RVT >>

Through the global movement called the One Health Initiative (www.onehealthinitiative.com) blazing its path, the importance of the relationship between human health, animal health and environmental health is being discovered and communicated to increase the public’s awareness of transmissible zoonotic disease (diseases that can be passed from animal to human or vice versa.). The Backyard Hazards series of articles focuses on the common diseases that you or your pet may be at risk of contracting.

WHAT IS TOXOPLASMOSIS? Toxoplasmosis is an intestinal parasitic infection caused by the single-celled organism known as Toxoplasma gondii.

This parasite can affect many mammals including both cats and humans.

Cats are considered a definitive host, meaning they are the only host in which the parasite can continue its life cycle by producing infective eggs (called oocysts) that are excreted from the body in feces. It can take anywhere from three to 10 days for a cat to begin excreting infective eggs.

Once excreted, these eggs go through a process called sporulation that can take one to five days before they can be infective to another animal. These eggs can be numerous and very resilient, surviving in the environment for great lengths of time.

A secondary process may also occur, where the parasite burrows through the intestinal wall and migrates to other tissues of the body (where it lays dormant in the lungs, muscle or brain).

WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES TOXOPLASMOSIS INFECTION SHOW IN MY PET? Many cats infected with parasite will not show any symptoms at all. Those who already have a challenged immune system due to other disease processes such viruses like Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) may be at risk of developing symptoms of toxoplasmosis. Symptoms can vary and are related to the tissue the parasite may have infected. Respiratory

distress, vision issues and neurological signs may occur.

If you think your cat may have toxoplasmosis, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for consultation.

HOW DO HUMANS GET TOXOPLASMOSIS? Humans and other mammals are known as intermediate hosts. Intermediate hosts can ingest oocysts and become infected with the parasite, but are not suitable hosts for the parasite to reproduce and pass along its infective eggs through feces (like the cat).

Toxoplasma gondii is of special concern to pregnant women who have not come into contact with the parasite in the past.

Ingestion of the parasite, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy, can be dangerous to the unborn fetus. Although infection from cats is rare, women should wear protective gear when cleaning litter boxes during this delicate time — or better yet, avoid litter altogether.

HOW IS TOXOPLASMOSIS DIAGNOSED? Toxoplasmosis is diagnosed through a combination of a history of potential exposure, symptoms and lab tests looking for antibodies in the blood and eggs in the feces.

HOW IS TOXOPLASMOSIS TREATED? Once Toxoplasma gondii is detected, your veterinarian can easily treat the infection with medications, such as antibiotics and those that inhibit the reproduction of the parasite.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT GETTING TOXOPLASMOSIS? Although cats can transmit Toxoplasma gondii to humans, it is more likely to be consumed through food. You should clean cat feces from the litter box on a daily basis to prevent sporulation while still in the box. Fastidious hand washing afterward should be practiced.

Food, including produce, should be thoroughly washed before eating. Special consideration should be taken to prevent ingestion of undercooked meat (avoid feeding raw food to your cat, as well). Unpasteurized foods should be steered clear of, too. It is also helpful to wear gloves when gardening, and to make sure that outdoor sandboxes are covered to prevent the space from being used as a litter box. Cats should be kept indoors to prevent roaming and defecating outdoors. Maintain rodent control in your home and on your property to prevent the possibility of ingestion of infected rodents by other animals.

Kristina Cooper is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and proud member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT). She has previous worked in both small animal practice and a municipal animal shelter.

With a special interest in the relationship between animal and human health she is currently the Provincial Manager of the OAVT Public Health Rabies Response Program and an active One Health Initiative advocate. She can be reached by email at krizzteena@hotmail.com

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SETTING A MAIN COURSE FOR HEALTH

By Michelle Evason, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM (SAIM) and Heather Parsons, VMG, MBA >>

THE PET FOOD AISLE IS A GRAB-BAG OF QUALITY THAT CAN BE AS CONFUSING AS IT IS CROWDED. HERE ARE SOME TOP TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN CHOOSING WHAT TO FEED YOUR YOUNG PET.

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hoosing the right diet for your new puppy or kitten can be overwhelming. There are a seemingly endless amount of choices — diets targeted for size or breed, formulations boasting exclusion of certain ingredients and inclusion of others, and products in different sizes, flavours, colours and shapes.

You have a new furry bundle of joy and you want to do everything right. So, where do you start?

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Step 1: Speak to your veterinary team.

Their knowledge of the fundamentals of nutrition and of dogs’ and cats’ unique needs, as well as their familiarity with your individual pet, make them the best source for a nutritional recommendation, regardless of life stage.

Puppies and kittens have immature gastrointestinal (GI) tracts that are still growing. They will therefore benefit from nutrition that can support their GI tract, which is also a major component of

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your new family member’s immune system. Puppies and kittens put a lot of stress on their immune systems; they are exposed to different environments and are given different preventive medicines, such as vaccines and parasite control. As such, support of GI health is very important for overall growth needs.

There are some key ingredients and nutrients to look for in a food for your puppy or kitten. Ultimately, it is the nutrients that come from ingredients that are essential for your new pal, but the overall quality of those ingredients is still essential. Not all nutrients are created equal, not all protein sources have the same digestibility and not all diets meet growth needs for dogs and cats. Your new furry family member may have an easier time utilizing nutrients that come from whole food ingredient sources. Increasing attention is being paid to the benefits of whole food in veterinary medicine, which may lead to mirroring recommendations being made in human medicine.

Prebiotics can be beneficial for your growing buddy. A common prebiotic, fructooligosaccharides (or FOS) is a specialized carbohydrate that feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. This means more growth of healthy bacteria and fewer resources for harmful bacteria. A great complement to FOS is MOS, or mannanoligosaccharides, which strengthens gut wall immunity.

Glutamine is an important amino acid for GI health. An energy source for rapidly dividing cells, like gut cells, glutamine can help support growing puppies and kittens.

Like many nutrients, pets are more able to use glutamine if it comes in a natural source instead of a synthetic supplement.

Turkey is an excellent source of bioavailable (or easy to use) glutamine.

A highly digestible diet is also essential.

High digestibility means more of the ingredient/diet is available for your pet to absorb and grow; a low-fibre diet may be appropriate for your growing puppy or kitten.

Will your new canine buddy benefit from a diet marketed to his specific size?

Will your new feline friend do better if she is fed a diet with her breed on the bag? Talk to your veterinary team, as they can help you identify marketing versus science,

and, most importantly, determine what the best nutritional choice for your pet is by taking into account all the things that make them special.

Below are a few ways to help choose a diet from the available options. They include some things you should look for in the development of your pet’s food.

• Were there experts involved in the development? The best diets are formulated by board-certified veterinary and PhD nutritionists in collaboration with veterinarians and veterinary specialists.

If you aren’t sure about a diet you are looking at, get in touch with the company who makes it and ask who formulates it and what their credentials are.

• Do you feel good about the diet’s approach to nutrition? Your veterinary team can guide you on choices and help you understand what is important for your pet (as they have different needs than people), but you should feel good about the ingredients going into the diet, where they came from, how they were processed and so on. Again, contact the company who makes the diet and ask them these questions to ensure you have all the information you need.

buy ingredients through brokers — find out where your pet food is sourcing their ingredients. Do they know who is supplying their ingredients? What quality assurance standards have they committed to in order to provide a safe and consistent diet for your pet? This is important for quality, safety and your peace of mind.

• One great resource is from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. They have created a toolkit for nutrition that can help you evaluate diet options: Find it at: www.wsava.org/nutrition-toolkit.

Nutrition is a key foundation to overall health. Work with your veterinary team to find the right diet for your puppy or kitten so your new friend can be a part of your family for many years to come.

Dr. Michelle Evason is head of Rayne Clinical Nutrition’s nutritional consult team, providing case consults and support to veterinary practices in Canada. Heather Parsons is president of Rayne Clinical Nutrition. — info@raynecanada.ca

• Where did the ingredients come from? Many pet food (and human food) companies

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BEHAVIOUR:

DOING THINGS RIGHT FROM THE START

By Kerry Vinson >>

PHOTOS: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

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t’s easy to overlook the fact that many puppies will grow into relatively large dogs as adults, depending on their breed. If you don’t start them off on the right track in terms of their behaviour, even a smaller dog can be a handful as an adult if it has learned some bad habits while growing up. If you’ve ever taken the time to look at the huge number of dogs in shelters and/or from rescue groups on the Internet that need homes, you may realize that many of these dogs are in this predicament due to their behaviour. In many of these cases they could still be with their original owners had they gotten off to the right start.

In broad terms, the majority of dog behaviour is attributable to either genetic influences or learning, although some medical conditions can certainly influence behaviour. Since it’s not always possible to alter genetic-based behaviour, learned behaviour is the one area that dog owners can regulate. To some extent, dogs are similar to humans in the sense that what they learn in the early part of their lives can have a great influence on their behaviour in adulthood. It is important to realize, however, that dogs are members of the canid species, whereas we are hominids. As they are members of a different species, they interpret things somewhat differently than humans do, so we need to be careful not to anthropomorphize too much when it comes to our pet dogs. That being said, dogs do learn in a similar way to people, i.e., the consequences of their behaviour determine to a large extent their future behaviour.

By understanding this principle, we can teach them the desired behaviours that we want them to have by consistently reinforcing these behaviours. By focusing on positively reinforcing wanted behaviours, as opposed to punishing unwanted ones, we can go a long way to establishing our leadership in the eyes of our dogs. If they learn to associate something positive with obeying us, they will tend to obey us in the future more. On the other hand, fearing what may happen to them if they do not obey may work in the short term, but it can have negative consequences in the long run. The kind of relationship that I want to foster in a dog is not one based on fear, but one based on their recognition of my leadership and their desire to please.

When you combine that philosophy with things like early socialization, structure in their lives and clearly defined acceptable behaviours, puppies are more likely to grow up to be the kind of adult dogs that most people want to have. This does take time and effort to accomplish, as dogs (especially puppies) are highmaintenance animals compared with many other pets. If you are not prepared to put in the required amount of time and effort into a new dog, then perhaps you should consider a lower-maintenance pet, since if left to their own devices puppies can (and usually will) develop bad habits. Puppies are continually learning each and every waking hour of every day, and if you don’t teach them to behave the way you want, how will they know what you expect?

Taking what I just said into consideration, I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering getting a puppy (or a young dog still in the formative stage) to sit down and really think about how much time they have to devote to supervising, socializing and training their new dog. If the conclusion is that you have a lot of time for these things, then by all means get one. If you’re not sure, then it might be better to wait until you are. On the other hand, if you’re not sure about a puppy but you are sure you want a dog, then I suggest that you look into getting an older dog. There are many older dogs in shelters or with rescue groups that need a home, and it can be just as rewarding to give a good home to one of them.

In fact, I think there’s something to be said for older dogs being calmer and needing less maintenance as they age.

Whatever you decide to do, keep in mind the famous words attributed to Lord Byron in the early 1800s about his dog Boatswain: “Dogs possess all of the virtues of man without his vices.”

Kerry Vinson, founder of Animal Behaviour Consultants, has a BA in psychology and has extensively studied animal learning and behaviour modification. In addition to conducting seminars on canine behaviour and assessing dogs with behavioural problems, he has been designated by the Province of Ontario as an expert witness in the area of canine aggression and re-training. For more information, contact him at (705) 2953920 or (905) 352-3353, or visit: www.animalbehaviourconsultants.com.

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BASIC TRAINING BOOT CAMP

WITH A LITTLE PATIENCE, A LOT OF REPETITION AND SOME PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, YOU CAN HELP YOUR PUPPY BE ALL THEY CAN BE.

By Kris Crestejo, CDBC, ABCDT >>

Q: What is the first cue I should teach my puppy?

A: A positive interrupter is a noise that cues a dog to expect something it likes.

Once you have conditioned the dog to reacts to the noise in anticipation for the good thing to follow, you can use it to call your puppy away from potentially dangerous situations or to stop them from chewing on items, such as furniture.

Always reward the puppy for leaving these situations, and then focus their mind on something more safe and suitable.

Q: How do I stop “accidents” in the house?

A: Management is the key to success here.

Puppies are used to relieving themselves whenever they require, which could be when they wake up, or even in the middle of play. Get your puppy on a good schedule starting with going outside every 20 to 30 minutes for the first week of training (for most eight-week-old pups). If no accidents happen inside the home, increase the intervals between bathroom breaks to 45 minutes for a week. If the success is main-

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tained, bump the indoor time to one hour between outside visits, and so on. If at any time your dog has an accident, go back a step for another week and increase the intervals again based on success.

What if you bring your pup outside and they do nothing? Come back inside with the pup on leash (no freedom) and then try again every 15 minutes until they relieve themselves, at which time they can come inside and experience freedom again!

Q: How do I stop puppy from biting/mouthing?

A: When your puppy puts teeth to your skin, you can say “ouch” in a flat tone while raising your hands in the air (as if you’re surrendering). If the puppy stops the unwanted behaviour, offer your hand back to them and say “kisses” (offering your palms to the pup).

If the pup licks your hand, praise them calmly and provide a suitable toy for the pup to play with. If the puppy does not stop and lunges for your hands (or any other body part), get up and leave them behind for two minutes, isolated. When you come back, do not acknowledge the pup in an excited way — just act normally and calmly. Repeat when necessary.

You also need to practice proactive training by smearing honey or peanut butter on your fingers and hands, allowing puppy to lick them on a regular basis.

This this will teach them what to do with people’s hands — lick and be gentle.

If this doesn’t work, it could be that your puppy is not getting sufficient sleep time throughout the day (pups should be up for a total of five hours each day), or that they do not have proper chew toys.

Q: How do I stop my puppy from biting at the leash?

A: A leash can be fun for puppies because it’s a long, skinny cloth that they can really sink their teeth into. The best way is to train your puppy with the leash on so they can habituate themselves to it while enjoying some treats, too. Ignore it when the puppy is mouthing the leash; if you move the leash, you make it more interactive and fun. Keep it boring and keep walking, engaging your puppy with its environment while practicing other training items.

Q: How do I get my puppy to sleep through the night?

A: Creating a small area for your pup to sleep in can be one of the easiest ways to get them to settle in for the night. It has to be a big enough space that allows them to move around, but small enough so they can’t have a party by themselves in the middle of the night. Puppies always need access to fresh water and a soft bed, and you can give your puppy a safe bone to gnaw on if he wakes up and is bored; this should pacify him back to sleep.

Set the puppy up to succeed by tiring them out one hour before bed (physically and mentally) and then give them a drink. Allow a one-hour rest period for the water to go through their system and one last bathroom break before heading off to bed.

Kris Crestejo, CDBC, ABCDT is a certified canine behaviour consultant and head trainer at Modern Canine Training in Langley, BC www.moderncaninetraining.com.

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A

s a professional trainer, I often hear the same questions from concerned puppy owners wanting to train their dog to avoid aggression and be the best dog that he or she can be. One thing to remember is that all puppies are completely different in terms of their personality, and the impact of nature versus nurture. Remember that 50% of a dog’s personality and behaviour traits are based on genetics, and the other 50% is determined by what we do right and wrong with them when they are a puppy.

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PROTECTING PETS

FROM PREDATORS A

s caring pet owners, we do everything possible to keep our pets out of harm’s way. However, with more wooded and natural areas being developed into neighbourhoods and businesses, wild animals have fewer places to reside. Birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, can pose a serious threat to cats and other small animals, and depending on where you live, coyotes and mountain lions may also be a danger. Since we share our habitat with wild animals, learning how to prevent an attack can make all the difference.

Supervising your pets when they’re outside is an effective way to deter predators.

“Even in local outlying neighbourhoods, hawks, coyotes and other predators can harm pets,” said Dr. Stacy Eckman, lecturer at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “Stay away from nesting predators such as owls and hawks if you know where their nests are and keep your pet’s area clean and free of debris or plant material that predators can hide in.”

Depending on the size of your pet and the area in which you live, keeping your pet in the backyard overnight may not be safe. If your pets are accustomed to being outdoors and are able to defend themselves,

such as a larger dog breed, backyard housing can be suitable. However, keeping smaller animals in the backyard unsupervised is not recommended.

“The caution with even larger dogs who encounter a predator is that they are still at risk for fatal diseases such as rabies,” said Eckman. “At a minimum, they will need a shelter of some sort.”

A good rule of thumb is to appropriately fence in your backyard or outdoor pet area to keep out unwanted visitors. Depending on the region you live in, this may include fencing with barbed wire or roll-bars on the top to make it harder for coyotes and other large predators to get over.

“Even raccoons have been known to attack small dogs in backyards in shelters,” said Eckman. “Keeping food bowls empty by discarding any leftover food to keep from attracting wild animals may also help.”

If you come face-to-face with a predator while on a walk or even in your own backyard, stay calm and never turn your back to run away.

If you have a small dog or cat with you, pick them up and slowly back away. Grab the leash or collar of a larger dog. Carrying a walking stick is a good weapon to help fend off an attack, as are sticks or rocks to throw at a predator if they look like they’re going to attack.

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EVEN A BACKYARD IN THE SUBURBS HAS ITS RISKS, EXPERT SAYS

“ L o u d , f r i g h t e n i n g noises may scare and deter predators, as will threatening body language,” said Eckman. “If your pet is attacked while walking, seek medical care immediately. Even if there are no obvious wounds on your pet, your veterinarian will perform a thorough exam to find any unnoticed injuries and vaccinate them for rabies.”

The best tip in protecting your pet from a predator is to let pets outside only when you are with them, especially at night, and to keep pet food and water either inside or empty. All wildlife should be respected for their role in the environment, and while healthy habitats need predators, you don’t want your beloved pets to be the prey.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University/ www.vetmed.tamu.edu/pet-talk

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CATS, DOGS, CHILDREN: CAN WE ALL GET ALONG? B

ringing home a new addition to the family can be a joyous experience, but it can also be a stressful time for a family that has to navigate new relationships and behaviours. If you have other pets and/or children, introducing a new dog or cat requires some special considerations to ensure a smooth transition for everyone in the home. Here are some of my tips to make sure that everyone gets along.

Most animals (humans included) can be habituated to other animals if their interactions are pleasurable and

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free from fear or stress. Behavioural science has shown that the key window for socialization in domestic dogs and cats is between two and four months of age. After that timeframe they can still be socialized, but it will take a lot longer. The key is to be prepared and plan ahead. Do not squander this opportunity, or you may live to regret it. If you are considering a new pet, give your local animal shelter a call as most will assess whether or not the cat or dog is good with children and other cats or dogs prior to adoption.

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By Dr. Dieter Kohlmaier >>

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BRINGING HOME A NEW CAT Cats are probably the most challenging animals to habituate to dogs and children.

As cats are often considered prey for dogs, they are instinctually wary of all canines.

They are also more difficult to train and harder to interpret from a behavioural point of view. If you have an older cat and bring home a new baby or puppy, your cat will likely not be impressed (especially if they haven’t had any previous exposure to children or dogs). If you think you may add a dog to your family in the future, it’s a good idea to have someone bring over a cat-friendly dog to spend time together to build some familiarity.

Some cats love children, while others will avoid them like the plague. Again, exposure at a young age can make a big difference. Kittens are remarkably adaptable and will bond well with children or dogs.

In some instances kittens may even bond more closely to the family dog rather than an established family cat. When bringing a new cat home, ensure that it is separated from the dog for a week or more. When they are together, ensure that your cat has avenues for escape such as a cat door, a high perch or gates they can jump over (but that the dog cannot).

BRINGING HOME A NEW DOG The ultimate challenge is bringing a new puppy into a home with an older cat. Dogs are almost always very interested in cats, and it’s their natural instinct to chase them, so the first order of business is to ensure that your dog doesn’t frighten the cat. Remember, the adage “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” applies, and a bad first impression may have long-lasting, negative implications. Dogs are more easily trained than cats and can be trained not to chase. Again, separating the dog and cat for a week or more so that they can get used to each other’s scents and sounds is a great idea.

If you are expecting a new baby, then habituate your dog to the baby’s toys and room by giving Fido rewards in the room or when you make noises with the toys.

Once the baby is born, bring home a receiving blanket for your dog to sniff, and when the new baby comes home ensure

THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE IS BRINGING A NEW PUPPY INTO A HOME WITH AN OLDER CAT. DOGS ARE ALMOST ALWAYS VERY INTERESTED IN CATS, AND IT’S THEIR NATURAL INSTINCT TO CHASE THEM, SO THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS IS TO ENSURE THAT YOUR DOG DOESN’T FRIGHTEN THE CAT.

that your dog receives plenty of attention.

A good tip is to also give treats when around the child so they develop a positive association.

Many new parents are overwhelmed with a new baby and neglect the needs of their pets. If you don’t exercise your dog, it will become anxious and then exhibit unwanted behaviours which are often misconstrued as attention-seeking behaviours. Take your dog to obedience classes and train them to walk properly on leash and then progress to walking next to a bicycle, cart or stroller. Take your puppy to the local park or schoolyard to socialize with young children. If friends or neighbours have young children, invite them

over to meet your new puppy and have them give the puppy treats. If you really want to be proactive you can play sound effects CDs with various noises such as babies crying to habituate your puppy to a variety of sounds. This incidentally is an excellent way to get your puppy used to a variety of phobia-inducing sounds, such as thunder and fireworks.

Also, touch your puppy’s face, feet, tail and skin constantly while giving them praise or food rewards to familiarize them to such interactions. In this way, if a child were to pull their tail, they’ll be less inclined to turn and bite.

TIPS FOR THE NEW BABY/CHILD Believe it or not, your kids can be trained, too! Have them spend time with dogs and cats under supervision when they are young and teach them to be gentle and to avoid poking eyes or pulling ears and tails.

Teach them the proper way to pick up a cat.

When they are older, teach them always to ask the pet owner for permission to pet their dog or cat. Never assume that every pet is friendly, even if they appear so. Learn and teach your child the signs of a friendly cat or dog. Remember, if a cat wags its tail, it’s usually upset. Teach your children how to react if approached by a dog off leash.

Tell them to never run away, as this may evoke a prey response in some dogs that makes them more likely to attack. If standing, they should be like a tree with their arms at their sides and if on the ground they should be a “rock” curled up to protect their belly and face.

Remember that despite your best efforts some situations are impossible and may result in injury to one of the pets or your child. In these cases, sometimes, the parties can be separated and they may over time become more accepting of each other.

Some situations are more serious, and if one of the parties is in serious danger of injury then you need to consider rehoming one of your pets.

Dr. Dieter Kohlmaier runs Westoak Animal Hospital in Oakville, ON. His regular column, The Healthy Bond, can be found on page 28.

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ATTENTION ALL PET LOVERS!!

THE 2014 PETS MAGAZINE

PHOTO

CONTEST

IS NOW CLOSED

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos of your furry family member for the judges’ consideration.

Pick up a copy of PETS Magazine at your veterinary office or get a personal subscription so you can enjoy every issue at home!

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BADGE OF

HONOUR CANINE POLICE OFFICERS (AND THEIR HUMAN PARTNERS) SEE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN IRON DOG

Const. Jennifer Dagg and Qaybre of the Peel Regional Police competed at the 2014 Guelph Iron Dog Challenge and achieved the fastest time in the Women’s Open Category.

PHOTO: ON COMMUNICATION

I

t takes commitment, dedication and a special set of skills to become a police officer — human or canine. Seventeen canine police officers and their human partners put those skills to the test on October 22, 2014, when they competed to see just what it takes to be an Iron Dog. The 2014 Guelph Iron Dog Challenge brought together teams from London, Waterloo Region, York Region, Peel Region, Halton Region, Brantford and Guelph. Challenging both the dogs and their handlers, the 3.25 km-long obstacle course set in Barber Scout Camp took an average of about 20 minutes to complete.

“Many of the obstacles simulated working situations the dogs may have to encounter, such as having to jump over hurdles and through windows or having to crawl under barriers,” says Constable Andrew Crowe of the Guelph Police Service, who, alongside Constable Neil Moulton, organized the event.

In addition to canine agility obstacles, both the dogs and handlers had to cross a cold, waist-high river that dissected the course. Handlers were also tested with target shooting and general dog knowledge trivia.

In the final stages, handlers had to carry their dogs up a hill before identifying an assailant — an officer in a bite suit — and then command the dog to run and apprehend.

“Events like Iron Dog are an excellent opportunity for K9 units to liaise and share ideas as well as to expose the service dogs to unique outside conditions that might not always be part of their day-to-day training,” says Sergeant Grant Rieder from the Waterloo Regional Police Service, who is in charge of training K9 teams in seven Ontario police departments.

After the police dogs had completed the course, the organizers opened it up to civilians and sponsors to participate. The Guelph Iron Dog Challenge was sponsored by Royal Canin Canada.

“These service dogs are the perfect example of what happens when great training, great exercise and great nutrition all work hand in hand,” says Monica Small, field marketing manager at Royal Canin Canada. “We’re proud to provide the fuel that keeps so many of these working dogs going.”

The event was co-hosted by the K9 Unit of the Guelph Police Service and the United States Police Canine Association. Iron Dog Challenges are held annually across the country.

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T H E

H E A LT H Y

B O N D

with Dieter Kohlmaier, DVM

PHOTO: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

ADDRESSING LUMPS AND BUMPS: PART ONE

Dieter Kohlmaier, DVM, owns and operates Westoak Animal Hospital in Oakville, ON. He can be reached at westoakvet@gmail.com

umps and bumps are regularly brought to my attention by pet owners, especially as my patients age. Over the next two issues, I will address some of the more common types I find on cats and dogs, and what you as an owner need to watch for (and what can be done about them).

Finding a lump on a pet can be stressful for pet lovers. Naturally, many people worry that the lump(s) could be malignant and spread throughout the body. Fortunately, not all lumps are tumours, and not all tumours are malignant in nature.

Hives are a common skin lump seen in canines, often during the summer months. Hives are raised lumps that appear suddenly due to an allergic reaction, usually to insect bites, food or medications. They usually appear in clusters of six or more. Cats and dogs allergic

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to flea bites have a delayed skin reaction that starts out as red raised lumps and ends as hard scabs. They are usually located along the spine, down to the base of the tail.

Bacterial skin infections can result in pustules (pimples) or sometimes dry, crusty lesions. Abscesses usually form after a penetrating wound, bite or scratch from another animal. They will begin as a firm swelling that grows in size and becomes softer, eventually rupturing and oozing pus. Dogs and cats who fight with another animal commonly present with abscesses. Dogs that present with a bump on their face below their eyes often have an abscessed tooth in their upper jaw.

A cyst is a skin lesion that can contain a variety of body fluids. The most common, especially in dogs, are epidermal inclusion

cysts, which often arise from a blocked hair follicle. They may appear as solitary or multiple lumps under the skin. They have a lining and contain a semisolid matter, usually an off-white colour.

A hematoma is an accumulation of blood under the skin, most commonly found in the ear of an animal that has been shaking their head vigorously and ruptured a blood vessel.

It is important to have all lumps and bumps checked out by your veterinarian.

For non-tumour lumps, the veterinary may be able to diagnose them by their location and appearance. Some (e.g., abscesses, cysts) require obtaining a sample with a hypodermic needle and analyzing the contents under a microscope.

In the next issue I will discuss some of the more common tumours found in cats and dogs.

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J O Y F U L

T A I L S

with Jennifer Skiff

INSPIRING STORIES OF THE PROFOUND IMPACT DOGS CAN HAVE ON OUR LIVES

ONE LAST

GIZMO. PHOTO: JOANNE LECLAIR

Jennifer Skiff is an awardwinning television producer, journalist and author of The Divinity of Dogs. She lives in Australia and the U.S. Jennifer is an animal advocate and a trustee of the Dogs’ Refuge Home in Australia. www.jenniferskiff.com

WALK TOGETHER ince writing The Divinity of Dogs, I’ve learned that miracles surround us and can be experienced through our pets. These inspirational signs often come at a time of crisis, when people are actively seeking answers.

A few weeks ago I boarded a threehour-long flight from Maine to Florida, and was lucky enough to be seated next to a woman named Joanne Leclair from New Brunswick, Canada. As usual for me, I started talking “dog.” She responded with the following story of loss and confirmation: “I was married to my loving husband Danny for 22 years. We had a great family with twin girls and our little dog, a boy Shih Tzu named Gizmo who we rescued from a shelter. Gizmo was happy, feisty and friendly and his favourite thing to do was to play with Danny. My life came to an abrupt change when my husband, out of the blue, committed suicide. It was the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to deal with and I had doubts

S

that I would even make it through the loss.

To make matters worse, Gizmo’s behaviour after the death was bizarre. He was constantly searching for his best friend. It broke my heart.

As the family prepared to leave for the funeral home, I let Gizmo outside. But he refused to come back. It was a hot day and I was uncomfortable leaving him outside but he insisted on staying underneath our family canoe. After a few minutes of trying to coax him in, I asked my father to tie him up and leave him there. As we left, I looked back at Gizmo and he was sitting with his head in the grass, devastated.

When we returned, I could not believe what I saw. Gizmo was untied, happy, excited and jumping up into the air. He was a changed dog. I looked at my mother and we both knew, without saying a word, that Danny had untied Gizmo and taken him on his last walk.

I suddenly felt a huge surge of inner peace and knew from that moment that my hus-

band was at peace and that he was now part of Gizmo. In my heart I knew that he’d keep an eye on us through our special dog.

Eight months later I started dating a man named Chris. Chris and Gizmo bonded quickly and became very attached to each other.

Almost a year later, Gizmo was suffering with complications from Cushing Disease, and Chris and I spent one last night with him, crying. We went to the veterinarian together.

I had this strange feeling. I knew I was saying goodbye to Gizmo but I felt that I was also saying my final goodbye to my loving husband. I think Danny knew I was going to be okay and that I had someone who he knew would take care of me and love our daughters as his own.

Later, as we grieved Gizmo’s loss, Chris revealed to me that he’d always felt that a part of my husband was within my dog. I’d never shared with him that I’d felt the same way, too.

It was a confirming, spiritual moment when we realized that Danny had indeed stayed, and then left with Gizmo.”

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PAWS

FOR

R E F LEC TION

with Darren Low, DVM

STORIES FROM THE FRONT LINES OF VETERINARY CARE

Darren Low, DVM, practices companion animal medicine and surgery in Sydney, NS, where he lives with his wife, son and 10 four-footed family members.

He writes a weekly column for the Cape Breton Post.

A NEIGHBOURHOOD SCRAPPER PAYS

A HEAVY PRICE

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Jig had become quite the fighter in John’s neck of the woods. A gentle cat on John’s lap in the evening and a mildmannered tabby in my office, he was a formidable fighter in his neighbourhood, eager and willing to protect his turf. Most likely he contracted the disease from the

PHOTO: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

J

ig was only eight years old, but his fate was sadly sealed by the appearance of a small blue dot.

I first met him when he was a little orange, peeking out from inside John’s well-worn cable-knit sweater. The two met earlier that same day, during John’s morning walk. I remember the smile on John’s weather-beaten face as he introduced the kitten. They looked quite a pair — a ball of scruffy fluff and an old fisherman. There wasn’t a smile on John’s aged face now, however, as I showed him the blue dot on the test, a confirmation that Jig’s blood sample tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, or FIV. I try to protect all my feline patients to the best of my ability. I vaccinate them against many diseases and recommend regular treatments against a multitude of pa ra sit e s. I p r om ot e spaying and neutering to keep them healthy, particularly to prevent aggression and fighting in male cats. John had been willing and eager to vaccinate his new friend and to treat for parasites, but I hit a brick wall when it came to the discussion of neutering. John thought it unnatural to neuter Jig, and no matter what I said to convince him, Jig remained intact over the years. As I explained to John, that was likely what led to Jig contracting the deadly disease, FIV.

many cat bites he received during these scraps. Infected cats may appear normal for years, but infection eventually leads to a state of immune deficiency that hinders their ability to protect themselves against other infections. It was that non-healing abscess on Jig’s front paw, in combination with his high-risk lifestyle that led me to suspect the disease.

I could see now that John was becoming upset as I explained to him in more detail what this diagnosis meant. Jig was only showing early signs of immune deficiency with the non-healing wound, but that was just the beginning. An infected cat’s health may deteriorate progressively, or be characterized by recurrent illness mixed with periods of seemingly good health. Poor coat condition, persistent fever and reduced appetite are just the beginning.

Mouth infections, diarrhea, eye conditions and even various kinds of cancer and blood diseases can occur. Jig’s future was certainly not a pretty one, but John and I decided to just deal with the here and now.

I gave Jig a long-acting antibiotic injection for his infected paw, and finally convinced John to neuter his boy and to confine him indoors to prevent spreading the disease. John had no other cats, so Jig’s FIV could at least be contained. We also made some better nutritional choices for Jig to keep his immune system as strong as we could.

As far as the future goes, I will be seeing John and Jig every few months for regular wellness visits with detailed physical exams, along with periodic blood tests to monitor his health. I can’t predict exactly the time that Jig has left, but I assured John I’d be there for them both.

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