PETS Magazine September/October 2012

September/October 2012 | $4.95

w w w. p e t s m a g a z i n e . c a

PET RESCUE Takes Flight

Guide to

DOG CARE HOME HEALTH CHECK 101 PLUS: Preventing rabies • Cuterebra parasite • When cats rule

Contents SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

EXPLORING THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND SINCE 1983

• VOL. 29 NO.5

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

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Publisher’s Message

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Making Tracks

IAMS HOME 4 THE HOLIDAYS: 7 MILLION PET ADOPTIONS AND COUNTING As one of the most successful pet adoption programs in the world, Iams Home 4 the Holidays partners with thousands of animal organizations dedicated to finding homes for orphaned pets.

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26 Paws for Reflection 27

PETS Marketplace

MAKING THE VISIT TO THE VETERINARIAN A SMOOTH AFFAIR

28 The Healthy Bond

If you have ever had the frustration of enticing your pooch to go to the vet, you will want to read this!

30 Pet Projects

Guide to DOG CARE 13

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Dog home health check 101 We all know that the best thing we can do to ensure our pets are healthy is to schedule regular examinations with our pet’s trusted veterinarian. But do you know what to look for between visits?

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14 A lifelong guide to owing a dog Dogs live in an alien world; they don’t communicate the same as us, nor do they like the same stuff we do. So, it is up to us to guide them into our world, creating an outstanding canine citizen.

16 There’s nothing cute about Cuterebra Most commonly found in the late summer and fall, these parasitic larvae from the rodent /rabbit botfly will really get under your pet’s skin.

17 Human treats can be dangerous for pets On my monitor this typeface seems different than the other items for some reason

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Sleeping disorders take their toll on health Sleeping disorders are not healthy, and as with humans, disturbed sleep patterns can be a sign of old age, disease or life-altering illness.

Dogging myth-understandings While pet owners have good intentions for the animals in their charge, misguided interpretations of health information can have a serious, negative effect on pets.

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Lowering the ‘boom:’ Reducing pets’ noise sensitivities If your dog or cat is among those terrified by storms or other sudden, loud noises, such as fireworks, there are steps you can take to help reduce your pet’s anxiety.

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Knowing your dogpark etiquette Visiting a park is a social activity — encouraging proper behaviour skills in our furry friends while maintaining proper park etiquette ourselves is key to a happy outing.

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Step up to the paws-itive benefits of exercise Diet is not the only factor in keeping your dog in good shape.

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

PETS M A G A Z I N E WWW.PETSMAGAZINE.CA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 VOL.29, NO.5

SIMMONS PUBLISHING LTD.

Dog tales from the heart

F

ond memories of my best friends!

I love my buddy Bailey… I mean it. I love that dog! He has been my constant companion for over 13 years. We have a close and special bond that cannot be fully expressed. I’m sure it would be difficult for anyone who has not loved a dog as much as I do to fully understand where I am coming from or why I feel the strong connection I do. I enjoy his company and it gives me comfort to know he is healthy, happy and present in our lives. He is a friend that I cherish.

The old saying, “dog is a man’s best friend” certainly rings true in my home. A woman’s too — my wife Linda feels the same way I do about Bailey.

Over the years there have been many dog acquaintances in my life. Growing up there seemed to be an endless parade of mongrels, misfits, visitors or orphaned canines passing through or living with the Simmons clan. Whether they were visiting with my friends, boarding for a short time or living in our home, all were welcome and loved. They had good old fashion dog names like Prince, Major, Lady, Boots and Lucky. Toby was our special friend before Bailey. My best friend and companion when I was young was a beautiful American Cocker Spaniel we adopted when I was in my early teens, named Tootsie.

Tootsie was an amazing companion. She was incredibly intelligent, playful, cuddly and physically fit. She loved to run and explore the forests and open fields in our rural area of Northern Ontario. One of my favorite memories is that of a hot afternoon in mid-summer. We went for a very long walk through the woods and fields.

The Timothy hay was long and we played hide and seek. She bounced as high as she could above the tall grass to try and get a glimpse of where I was. When she found me, as she always did, she would bark and jump and run in circles. And, when we were both exhausted, we lay down and rested until it was time to go home for dinner.

I had a very special friend in Tootsie, but I have a different bond with Bailey.

But I cannot compare the two.

The human-animal bond is very strong. We love them, enjoy them and want to do our best for them. In turn they do so much for us… Memories, companionship, devotion, unconditional love and so much more. It is my hope that everyone can experience, at least once, the special joy and happiness an animal friend can bring into their lives.

Enjoy!

John Simmons Publisher PETS Magazine john.simmons@petsmagazine.ca

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Publisher

John Simmons john.simmons@petsmagazine.ca

Managing Editor

Brad Hussey brad.hussey@petsmagazine.ca

Designer

Billing/Administration Circulation

Mark Tzerelshtein markintoshdesign.com Linda Simmons linda.simmons@petsmagazine.ca

EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Dr. Mike Bondar, Westside Animal Hospital, Toronto, ON 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 Behavior 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 Subscription Rates: Canadian 1 year: $23.00 (plus applicable taxes) 1 year U.S.: $30.00 (U.S.); Single Copy: $4.95 GST#857545362

Publications Mail Agreement #41305514

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Simmons Publishing Ltd. 32 Foster Crescent Whitby, Ontario L1R 1W1 (905) 665-9669: Fax (905) 665-9249 E-mail: circulation@petsmagazine.ca

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.

Printed in Canada.

T R A C K S

Introducing BioSnax, a functional biscuit designed to combine the benefit of treat giving with the ultimate peace of mind. Each biscuit is created using a chicory root base containing prebiotic inulin to aid digestion. For optimal nutrition, the biscuits are only made from the freshest local meat and vegetable ingredients and are artisan baked to perfection.

BioSnax are featured in four different varieties: Hip & Joint, Fresh Breath, Shiny Coat and Calm. www.northernbiscuit.ca

Products for trained, contained and happy dogs Fenceless yards and dog training regimens are no longer a challenge for pet owners, thanks to a complete line of electronic dog training collars and devices, and a new hidden electronic dog fence from Havahart.

The newest in pet in-ground fencing solutions, the Havahart Fence Free Containment System uses state-of-the-art intelligent electronics to help train your dog to stay within set boundaries, up to 1/3 acre. The system includes one programmable electronic dog fence collar, which offers run-through and safety shut-off features to protect fenced pets. By training your dog, he/she will learn to recognize the Fence Free’s flagged boundary visually, through an audio tone, and through a corrective static stimulus transmitted through the collar. The Fence Free collar offers tone only or five static levels, allowing the owner to set the correction level that is appropriate for their pet. www.havahartwireless.com

Top 10 most unusual dog and cat names of 2012 revealed

Is Your Ad in ?

Market Place

Call John Simmons

1-905-666-0258

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Eat local, even for dogs

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M A K I N G

“Bella” and “Max” once again topped the list of most popular pet names last year, but there are thousands of pet owners who look for more originality when naming their furry, four-legged friends. Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance in the U.S., celebrates the most clever, creative and quirky pet names nationwide. After a thorough selection process, 50 unusual dog names and 50 unusual cat names were chosen from VPI’s database of more than 485,000 insured pets and narrowed down with a vote for the 10 most unusual names in each category. Following are the 10 Wackiest Dog and Cat Names of 2012: Dogs 1. Chew Barka 2. Nigel Nosewhistle 3. Sir Maui Senqkey Schwykle 4. Spark Pug 5. Agent 99 6. Stinker Belle 7. Vienna Sausage 8. Furnace Hills Dante 9. Senorita Margarita 10. Trigonometry

Cats 1. Pico de Gato 2. Dingleberry 3. Dumpster Kitty 4. Schnickelfritz 5. Koobenfarben 6. Sassy Pants Huska 7. Vincent Van Furrball 8. Kitty Gaga 9. Beefra 10. Mister Bigglesworth

“Sorting through our database of more than 485,000 insured pets, we found some very interesting, amusing and flat-out peculiar dog and cat names,” said Curtis Steinhoff, director of corporate communications for VPI. “When we spoke with the pet owners from our Top 10 lists, we heard some entertaining and heartwarming stories about how each owner selected their unusual pet name. While monikers like Stinker Belle and Vincent Van Furrball might sound odd, they are also a reflection of what makes each pet unique and special to their family.”

For the full list of 50 unusual dog and cat names, pictures of pets that made the Top 10 and the stories behind their unusual names, visit www.wackypetnames.com.

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M A K I N G

Neater feeder for the messy eater

Get your pet entourage ready. PetSmart and multi-platinum rock star Bret Michaels are prepping pets for the limelight with the new Bret Michaels Pets Rock collection. Available exclusively at PetSmart stores, the collection includes toys, beds, apparel, collars, leashes, and bowls — everything your pet needs to go from the backyard to backstage and beyond.

Michaels’ most recent reality show, Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It, gave fans a glimpse into his family life, which includes two German Shepherds (among other pets). He designed the new collection with his very own pets in mind and in his signature rock-star style, complete with tattoos, skulls, thorns and fauxleather trim decorations. The collection includes his trademark doo-rag made for dogs with guitar and flame prints.

Pets will have “Nothin’ but a Good Time” with these unique products. www.petsmart.com/bretmichaelsrocks

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When it comes to four-legged companions, which do most Canadians prefer? Do they consider canines to be the top dog or have cats clawed their way to the top spot?

A new poll commissioned by President’s Choice Financial and President’s Choice Services Inc. has found that Canadian families actually prefer dogs over cats. Overall, 75.3% of respondents identified themselves as “dog lovers,” while only 55.4% reported they were “cat lovers.”

If those statistics make the fur on the back of your neck stand up, don’t worry. Actual pet ownership is pretty evenly split in Canada. While a slight majority of Canadians (50.4%) don’t have either a cat or a dog, those who do have pets are almost evenly divided between cats (18.9%) and dogs (19.6%).

There can be no doubt that Canadians love their pets though. Fully 79% of all respondents consider pets to be “important members of the family,” while 93.5% of respondents who currently have a cat or dog agree with that statement.

“For many Canadians, pets really are a member of the family,” says noted author Kathy Buckworth, Chief Family Advisor for President’s Choice Financial. “They’re willing to go to great lengths to protect their furry friends — our research tells us that the majority of pet owners say they would spend ‘whatever it takes’ to make their pet better if they are sick or injured. Now that’s real love.”

The survey, the latest instalment in a research series on the Canadian family conducted for PC Financial and President’s Choice Services by Leger Marketing, found that while nearly half of Canadians (45.6%) think pet insurance is valuable, only 4.6% actually have coverage for their beloved pets.

Of pet owners, 42.9% indicated the reason was because the costs were too high.

Another 9.2% felt their dog or cat was “too old” to insure.

“Families without pet insurance run the risk of having to make a difficult decision should their pet need expensive medical attention,” said Maria Forlini, senior vice president of President’s Choice Services. “PC Insurance offers a range of simple and affordable coverage options — starting as low as $10 each month — that offers families the peace of mind that comes with knowing your cat or dog will be taken care of.” www.pcinsurance.ca.

Pets rock! Rock star Bret Michaels launches exclusive PetSmart collection

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Is Canada going to the dogs — or are felines the cat’s meow?

T R A C K S

Most homeowners can relate to the cat or dog dish getting kicked around or just a messy fourlegged eater and drinker who makes a mess out of your kitchen floors.

The Neater Feeder is a revolutionary new feeding system that contains spills and splashes. The two-part container allows food to stay in the top reservoir while water drains into the easy to empty lower reservoir, protecting floors from stains and damage and making clean-up a snap!

The Neater Feeder comes in beautiful finishes including bronze, with stainless steel accents. www.NeaterFeeder.com

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T R A C K S

Here’s the ultimate gift that keeps on giving — a virtually puncture-proof toy!

Engineered for extreme toughness, Bionic Dog Toys withstand the play patterns of even the most aggressive chewers. That’s because they’re made of Bionic Rubber — a revolutionary material that’s practically indestructible. As years of real world testing with tough pets can attest, fewer than 5% of dogs are able to outsmart these ultra-durable toys. Their bold colour and innovative, ergonomic shapes make them easy to see while playing outside in the water or even in the snow. And since they’re made from non-toxic, FDA food grade materials, Bionic toys are as smart as they are strong. www.bionicplay.com

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Fashion to the Rescue

Rescue Pet Collars double as a multi-functional accessory for outdoor safety, combining adornments, ingenuity and a parachute cord that can turn into a life-saving rope or tourniquet. With multiple sizes to choose from, the Rescue Pet Collars fit the smallest neck to the largest with ease. Choose great styles for every pet by selecting custom colours and designs as unique as your pet. When unravelled, Rescue Pet Collars can hold up to 550lbs of weight. www.rescuebands.com

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How many pets are lost?

How many find their way home?

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Romping in a Bionic wonderland

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M A K I N G

The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) recently announced that a telephone survey of more than 1,000 pet-owning households across the U.S. has uncovered new data regarding how many pets have been lost, how many ultimately made it home, and how their guardians found them.

The study involved a random digit dial survey of pet guardians to find out if they lost a dog or cat in the past five years — and if they did, did they find that pet — and where did they look? There were 1,015 households that had cared for a dog or cat within the past five years, and of those pet guardians surveyed: • Fifteen percent had lost a dog or a cat in the past five years — a lower number than had been anecdotally reported; • Eighty-five percent of those lost dogs and cats were recovered; • The percentage of lost dogs compared to lost cats was quite similar — 14% for dogs and 15% for cats; and, • Cat guardians were less likely to find their cat — only 74% of lost cats were recovered, while 93% of lost dogs were recovered.

“This research tells us that there is a possibility that a significant percentage of the stray dogs and cats in the shelters around the country do not have someone looking for them,” said Dr. Emily Weiss, vice president of shelter research and development for the ASPCA. It also highlights the importance of ID tags and other forms of identification to ensure the quick return of lost pets.”

In addition, there were differences in the ways in which the lost dogs and cats were recovered: • Forty-nine percent of dog guardians found their dog by searching the neighborhood, and 15% of the dogs were recovered because they were wearing an ID tag or had a microchip; • Fifty-nine percent of cat guardians found their cat because it returned home on its own; 30% found their cat by searching the neighborhood; and • Only 6% of dog guardians and 2% of cat guardians found their lost pets at a shelter.

The data from this research study that shows how and where the guardians found their animals could be extremely helpful for those who may lose a pet in the future. Searching immediately when one knows the pet is lost, and searching within the neighbourhood first through visual searches as well as posters and Internet opportunities proved to be key. Checking local shelters from the first day your pet is lost is also important. www.aspca.org

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IAMS HOME 4 THE HOLIDAYS:

SEVEN MILLION PET ADOPTIONS AND COUNTING

OVER 1.2 MILLION ANIMALS ADOPTED DURING LAST YEAR’S CAMPAIGN – AN AVERAGE OF NINE ADOPTIONS PER MINUTE!

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t’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit, especially when that spirit moves Canadians and Americans to open their homes and wallets to pets in need of a loving forever home.

As one of the most successful pet adoption programs in the world, Iams Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH) partners with thousands of animal organizations dedicated to finding homes for orphaned pets.

Founded by Helen Woodward Animal Center and supported by Iams, IH4TH began in 1999 with just 14 participating animal shelters in San Diego County. Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, nonprofit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, California, the Center provides services for more than 57,000 people and thousands of animals annually through adoptions and educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community.

Since it began 14 years ago, IH4TH — along with more than 4,000 pet adoption centres — has helped more than seven million families experience the joy of pet adoption.

Last year, IH4TH announced that 1,267,541 animals were adopted in North America in just 95 days — October 1, 2011, through January 3, 2012! In Canada alone, 75,633 animals found forever homes during the campaign.

Those who adopt through the program receive an Iams adoption kit loaded with important information about nutrition, training and proper care to ensure their relationship with the new animal starts off on the right paw.

While finding loving homes for orphaned pets is critical and the core of the program, the

campaign is also designed to provide shelters and rescue centres with much needed food donations through the Bags 4 Bowls program.

“In just three months, we saved the lives of more than 1.2 million animals and gave them a second chance at life and love,” said Mike Arms, founder of the adoption drive and president of Helen Woodward Animal Center.

“Not only is this a huge victory for these pets, but for the thousands of people working in animal organizations around the world who have dedicated their lives to helping end pet homelessness.”

During the campaign, Iams also met its goal to donate five million meals to pets in need through its annual Bags 4 Bowls program, which encouraged consumers to “paw it forward” by engaging in activities that would result in food donations to participating organizations, such as “liking” the Iams Facebook page; downloading and sharing custom online adoption announcements, holiday cards and badges; and purchasing specially-marked bags of Iams cat and dog foods.

Other highlights of the campaign included: • Dogs won by a nose — More dogs were adopted in 2011, with 651,224 finding new families, compared to 595,000 cats and 21,317 other pets (including rabbits, reptiles, horses, birds and more); • Bags 4 Bowls — 10 million bowls of pet food have been donated through the Bags 4 Bowls initiative since it began in 2010; and, • Cards for a cause — More than 1,000 cards were created and shared from the Iams Facebook page, generating thousands of meals donated.

“We are incredibly encouraged by the success of the Iams Home 4 the Holidays campaign and are elated at the strides the program has made in finding loving homes for animals across the globe,” said Barbara Cartwright, CEO, Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, after last year’s program. “With the help of Iams, we will continue to promote shelter adoption as the best avenue for those looking to add a four-legged family member to their home.”

The 2012 program runs from October 1, 2012 through January 3, 2013. To learn how to get involved and make a difference in the life of an orphaned pet, visit www.facebook.com/iams.

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THE CHECKUP

CHECKLIST

Photo: Shutterstock.com

MAKING THE VISIT TO THE VETERINARIAN A SMOOTH AFFAIR Contributed by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

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f you have ever had the frustration of enticing your pooch to go to the vet, you will want to read this! Getting in the clinic door when your furry friend wants to exit stage-right can make for a tough day! How can you reduce the stress of going to the veterinary clinic? Not always really easy — especially if our four-legged friend would rather be napping on the couch! Here are some tips to help make things go smoother:

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1. Take only one pet along per appointment. The sight of a fine member of the community (like you) leashed to three 40 kg doggies — being dragged — to the nearest fire hydrant, well, we will say no more! If you have been there and done that, you should remember that if the weight of the pet is greater than you, best to ask friends or family to lend a hand for the trip into the clinic!

2. Bring along only those children who can be calm and attentive during the visit. It is fun to let them share the excitement, but trying to bring along a brood of lively children, with a teething toddler in tow can take the “fun factor” out of it for you. Too many children can be just as taxing as multiple pets!

3. For dogs, start early in life with proper socialization and obedience

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training. This can make going to the vets a whole lot easier for all! A pup who knows new people are not too scary will be more likely to enjoy his visit. A pup that knows the basics, such as “sit,” “come” and “stay,” will be a pup that will be under your control in a strange and exciting place. All those doggie smells around the hospital can really excite!

4. Take your dog for short drives that don’t include destination “pet vet!”

If a dog is used to travel and is not stressed, most certainly your stress levels will be lower too!

5. A pet with motion sickness or a real aversion to car rides may be slowly trained to travel before travelling to the vet’s.

6. Veterinarians often get asked for sedatives. Sedatives should never be a substitute for gentle gradual training. Sedatives are variably effective, and titrating the dose to calm (but not over-sedate) can sometimes be a challenge. “Tipsy Tuffy” is not easy to move around, especially if he is a giant breed dog! Overweight, pugnosed, pediatric or ill animals are at increased risk of side effects of sedatives, so they must be used cautiously. Each animal has an individual reaction to sedatives — some fine tuning may be needed.

Doing a test dose prior to a vehicle trip is helpful to determine the optimal dose. Some sedatives may not work well if the animal has already become excited before the dose is administered. Sedatives can be helpful if the veterinarian prescribes them as needed for some pets.

7. Always keep your dog on a leash, and the collar snug when not in the kennel so you do not watch your little buddy go into reverse, slip out of the collar on the front doorstop of the vet facility and run off. Just because your puppy is really sick do not assume he will hang around if you do not attend to leash restraint. A dog that is lying around at home, seemingly on death’s doorstep, sometimes will get a second wind when out in the stiff breezes and may bolt from your arms or blanket if given the chance to make a run for it. He may happily head for the hills when set down on the ground while you grapple with purse and keys. These things do happen!

8. If your four-legged friend is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea or oozing secretions or blood, make sure your transport vehicle is well protected. A moisture-proof seat or compartment cover (like plastic throws) can be used if a kennel or carrier is unavailable.

9. Animals in pain may bite! A trip to the vets is not fun at all if the next step needs to be a trip for you or your friend/family member to the ER for your very own wound repair. Remember to protect yourself during the trip in. Bumpy rides may put a pained pet over the edge. Talk to your vet before transport for advice on safety if a pet is in pain.

10. For routine visits, bring along a favourite toy so that you can play with a puppy if there is a wait.

Bring along a favourite treat if he is not having digestive upset.

When your puppy behaves well, you can reward good behaviour.

11. If this is a trip to a new vet, bring all of your records with you or arrange to have any records forwarded from previous visits elsewhere. Make sure you tell the veterinary staff if the dog has had a previous reaction to any medications or vaccines. Bring along previous vaccine, worming, registration, microchipping, and adoption papers — you’ll be glad you did. This will help the vet healthcare team become familiar with any previous recommendations.

12. Give staff a heads-up if your pet has a “prior” for biting — before staff handle your pet — very much appreciated! It’s good to have our (and your) fingers and faces intact, so help protect everyone’s health and welfare. And allow qualified assistants to restrain your pet while being examined and treated, for everybody’s safety.

13. Get to know your vet and their care team. This will make the trips to the vet a lot more fun.

Knowing the practice well will help you to be more comfortable, and your pet will get familiar with the routine, too.

Everyone at the practice wants to see “Nervous Nellie” get back to your fireside at home ASAP, and looking forward to the next visit! Making the trip “fun” might seem to be a bit of a reach, but proper preparation will at least help to reduce the stress of the visit.

ANIMAL HEALTH WEEK 2012 Animal Health Week runs from September 30 to October 6, 2012, under the theme Preventive Veterinary Care…for the health of it! Findings from the Canada’s Pet Wellness Report released in 2011 suggest there’s room to help pet owners better understand how to recognize the visible signs of health issues, while encouraging them to visit their veterinarian to evaluate those they are unable to recognize. The 2012 campaign intends to help share information with clients on stress-free veterinary visits and the benefits of protecting pets with routine veterinary care.

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Photo: Shutterstock.com

Guide to DOG CARE

Guide to DOG CARE

DOG HOME

HEALTH CHECK 101 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR PET

By Kristina Cooper, RVT

W

e all know that the best thing we can do to ensure our pets are healthy is to schedule regular examinations with our pet’s trusted veterinarian.

But do you know what to look for between visits? The following are a few things to keep in mind when assessing your pet’s daily health.

EARS A healthy ear should be a healthy skin colour and have no odour coming from it. Signs of ear trouble may include scratching at the ear, a yeasty or garbage-like smell coming from the ear and white, yellow, greenish, brownish-red or bark-brown discharge. Another cause for concern is an ear that looks red, inflamed and possibly swollen.

SKIN/COAT Healthy skin will be a normal skin colour (unless you pet’s skin is pigmented) and will be hydrated without any odour. A healthy coat will appear shiny and full. Some signs that could indicate unhealthy skin may include scratching, redness, inflammation, scabs, open wounds, flaking, oiliness, lumpiness or a rash. An unhealthy coat may appear dry, dull, brittle, greasy, thin and may include patches of hair loss.

Body temperature A normal body temperature for a dog falls between 38.0° and 39.2° Celsius. Most commonly, a rectal thermometer is used to determine body temperature, if you are concerned that your dog’s body temperature is not right. Ear thermometers are also available.

Photo: Shutterstock.com

EYES Your pet’s eyes should look bright and clear, and she should be able to easily open them. There should not be any apparent discharge of any colour. Signs of eye trouble may include squinting, eyes sealed shut, pawing at the eyes or clear, yellow or green discharge coming from the eyes.

GUMS Healthy gums should be a pink salmon colour and moist. Signs your pet may be in trouble can include tacky or dry gums, or if the colour appears white, bluish, red, brown, yellow or has small bruises. A capillary refill test (CRT) can be done on the gums simply by pushing on the gum and counting the seconds it takes for it to turn from white back to pink. A normal CRT should be between one to two seconds; anything higher could indicate a circulation problem.

RESPIRATION RATE A normal resting breathing rate for a dog should be between 16 to 24 breaths per minute. Of course, if they are playing, running or somehow otherwise exerting energy, this rate will increase. Abnormal respiration signs may include panting while resting, using more abdominal muscles to breath, laboured breathing, increased or decreased respiration rate, wheezing, coughing and choking.

HEART RATE A normal resting heart rate for a dog is be-

tween 60 to 140 beats per minute and is dependent on the dog and its size. Generally, a larger dog will have a slower heart rate and a smaller dog will have a faster heart rate. A dog’s heart should have a normal, consistent “lub-dub” rhythm. You can feel your dog’s heartbeat on the left side of its chest around the third to fifth rib area. Indications of a problem may include an increased or decreased heart rate and/or an abnormal rhythm, which may include the heart speeding up and slowing down or missing beats.

If you think any of these areas of your pet’s health don’t seem to be in tip-top shape, you should consider calling your veterinarian to set up an appointment to discuss what you can do.

Kristina Cooper is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and a member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT). She works in a Municipal Animal Shelter and in her family’s dog and cat boarding facility, Cooper Kennels, in Ancaster, ON (www.cooperkennels.ca). She can be reached by e-mail at krizzteena@hotmail.com.

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Guide to DOG CARE

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE:

A LIFELONG GUIDE TO OWING A DOG

Photo: Dreamstime.com

By Kris Crestejo

W

hether you just got a young pup or adopted an older dog from a rescue, they both have something in common; they both need training and a lifetime commitment from you to be a benevolent leader. Dogs live in an alien (i.e., human) world; they don’t communicate the same as us, nor do they like the same stuff we do. They have their own personal doggy preferences to everything they come in contact with, including foods, entertainment, work ethic and doggy friends. So,

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it is up to us to guide them into our world, creating an outstanding canine citizen.

Many times, after becoming a dog owner, people become lazy, bored, angry or distant toward their new pets, possibly because it’s not like a dog they had that passed away or the dog just isn’t what they were expecting. They put the dog on the back burner, forgetting that the dog has needs that must be fulfilled. When people become irresponsible pet owners, it’s the dog that pays price, and sometimes that price is its life.

Dogs are a full-time commitment. When you decide to add one to your family, you must understand that to successfully raise and keep a dog you need to meet the species’ and breed’s needs, including the following: • Patience. Because dogs don’t speak English, it can be very hard to get your point across verbally; you must find a common communication ground, and be repetitive and consistent with exactly what you want out of the dog in the long run.

• Time. If your life is already very hectic, do not bring a dog home. This is unfair to the dog and you. Take your dog out, rain or shine, no matter what size the dog is. Taking a dog outside isn’t just for exercise; the outdoor exposure is crucial for the dog to be able to process and ignore normal sights and sounds. Dogs that are deprived of physical stimulation and exposure to outside stimulants will have a greater chance of becoming fearful, reactive and/or overstimulated and unruly in the long run.

• Daily social interaction. Many owners will keep a dog confined outside or in its crate/pen for the majority of the day because they don’t want to deal with it. This has dire and tragic consequences for the dog over time.

• Finances. Dogs need training, high-grade food, toys (so they don’t eat your things) and quality treats to train with on a regular basis.

There are also vet bills, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, flea medications, de-wormers and the possibility of emergency vet visits.

• Training. Every single dog needs training; obedience training, socialization training and behaviour training on a regular basis.

This means taking your dog to places and creating positive and calm associations to environments, people, other dogs and other animals/species. This can prevent many problem behaviours from developing.

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Guide to DOG CARE HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DOG: FOUR THINGS YOU MUST KNOW The job of a dog trainer is to meet the needs of both the owner and dog, then to get to the end goal via the easiest route possible. Every person is capable of training their dog and getting results; all you need to know is a universal training regimen used for any problem behaviour or to train a new behaviour.

Step 1: Know your dog’s reinforcement values Every single dog likes and dislikes different things; it’s your job as the owner to find what your dog really likes. What makes his tail wag?

For the majority of dogs, it is food; this is the ultimate training tool because it is embedded into every dog that food is key to their survival. You must use something that the dog enjoys, so don’t try using kibble unless that gets their tail wagging. Remember that the more powerful the reinforcement, the quicker you will get to your end goal.

Other reinforcements can include the environment (sniffing, walking, running), other dogs, toys, praise, play or people, to name a few of the common ones.

Once you find a reinforcement tool for your dog, you can move to the next step.

Step 2: Break it into smaller steps Know your end goal. What do you want your dog to do (sit, down, come)? Once you know what you want your dog to learn, break the goal into smaller steps (between two and five steps for most), which is called a behaviour chain. You train each step to the dog; once your dog can successfully complete each smaller step, put them together and the dog has reached the end goal.

For example, if your end goal is to have the dog come to you in a high-distraction area, first break it down into three smaller steps. In this case, (1) Have the dog learn the word “come,” which is your recall cue; (2) practice this recall in a low-distraction environment; and lastly (3) practice in a distracting environment.

The key with any behaviour chain is you can’t move to the next step without successfully completing the step before. By following this method you will have a much higher success rate and a better training foundation for you and your dog.

Step 3: Set the dog up to succeed Make every situation easy, so there is less chance the dog will fail and learn bad behaviours. This means, if you know your dog has a habit of being easily distracted and running off — which ultimately teaches him to ignore you — put a leash on the dog so he is unable to run away.

Once the dog no longer becomes distracted with the leash on, you can take the leash off and have more chance of success.

Step 4: Be consistent Staying focused while training can sometimes be a bit difficult, especially for people who have a very hectic schedule, but there are ways you can incorporate training into your everyday activities with your dog.

Don’t just use your walking time to get the dog out for a bathroom break; instead, use this valuable one-on-one time as an opportunity to keep your dog’s mind sharp. The following are some tips to keep training on a regular schedule: • Build the dog’s attention skills by randomly stopping and waiting until the dog turns around to you, as if to say, “Why are you stopping?” Reward with a treat or praise and then keep walking — two rewards in one!

• You can even turn walking across the road into a chance to heel every time. After a few months, your dog will naturally heel beside you as you cross a road.

• Before going through any door, have your dog sit and wait until you go through first or give a release cue, “Okay.”

• Teach your dog tricks that you can show off to your family and friends. Tricks are just as important as obedience cues, and they are more fun for the owner, as they are also entertaining. But learning both obedience and tricks help you bond with your dog.

• In the end there is one phrase you should remember that defines any training in a nutshell: What you put into your dog, you will get out.

Kristin Crestejo, ABCDT, is head trainer and behaviour consultant at Modern C a n i n e Tr a i n i n g i n L a n g l e y , B C . www.moderncaninetraining.com

Guide to

THERE’S NOTHING CUTE ABOUT

Illustration: Dreamstime.com

DOG CARE

CUTEREBRA A SKIN PARASITE YOUR PET MAY ENCOUNTER

By Kristina Cooper, RVT

M

ost people are familiar with common fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites, but have you ever heard of a Cuterebra?

WHAT IS A CUTEREBRA? A Cuterebra is a type of parasitic larva from the rodent/rabbit botfly. What makes it unique is that it will burrow underneath your pet’s skin where it will continue its lifecycle, maturing into the pupae stage when it will fall off the pet and onto the ground, where it will stay until it emerges into the adult fly stage. While living under a pet’s skin, the larva will breathe through a breathing hole in the skin.

HOW CAN MY PET GET A CUTEREBRA? An adult botfly will lay its eggs in vegetation outside and, over time, these eggs will hatch into the larval form. These larvae

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

will then attach themselves to unsuspecting dogs travelling through the area and will gain entry into the body through the nostrils, open wounds or by burrowing into the skin.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS MY PET MAY HAVE A CUTEREBRA? Once under the skin, the Cuterebra will grow, which will form a lump under your dog’s skin. Upon closer inspection, a breathing hole will be apparent and you could possibly see the movement of the Cuterebra underneath.

The skin may appear reddened, thickened and may have a pus discharge. Your dog may bite, lick or scratch the area, indicating its discomfort. Cuterebra are most commonly found in pets in the late summer and fall.

These larvae start off as small, whitish wormlike specimens that can grow up to 4cm in length, at which point they appear as a greyish-coloured slug.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR CUTEREBRA? Depending on the size of the larva, your veterinarian may make an incision to enlarge the breathing hole to remove the Cuterebra. Once removed, the wound will be flushed and any dead tissue will be removed. A course of antibiotics may be necessary if infection is present. Your veterinarian may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to decrease the inflammation and pain in the area.

If you suspect your dog may have a Cuterebra larva living underneath its skin, contact your veterinary office to schedule an examination.

Kristina Cooper is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and a member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT). She works in a Municipal Animal Shelter and in her family’s dog and cat boarding facility, Cooper Kennels, in Ancaster, ON (www.cooperkennels.ca). She can be reached by e-mail at krizzteena@hotmail.com.

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Guide to

HUMAN TREATS

DOG CARE

CAN BE DANGEROUS FOR PETS

Photos: Shutterstock.com

Т

here are a number of things around your house that can be deadly to your cats and dogs, some you may know, and some may be surprising. Some are even in your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator. Dr. Dorothy Black, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVM), shares some enlightening information about common food items that may be toxic to your pet.

According to Dr. Black, the following foods can be particularly dangerous to cats and dogs.

“These foods may not necessarily cause toxic reactions in every case of ingestion, but it’s just a good ‘rule of thumb’ to keep these items off your kitchen counters and under no circumstances feed these foods to your pet,” Black said.

Grapes and raisins possess an unknown toxic substance that can lead to renal failure by an unknown mechanism. Toxic doses have been reported after ingesting just one to two grapes or raisins. Not all animals suffer kidney failure after grape/raisin ingestion and it appears to be an idiosyncratic reaction. Nevertheless, it is best to avoid this food for your dogs and cats. There is no known antidote, only supportive care and renal dialysis to support kidney recovery.

“Grapes can be particularly tricky for dogs, because many actually like to eat grapes, so you have to be especially aware,” Black said.

“Our pets are amazing creatures, but they can really get into dangerous situations with human food very quickly.”

Chocolate is commonly known to be bad for pets. It contains two ingredients known to be toxic to dogs and cats, caffeine and theobromine. Dark chocolate is particularly harmful because it has a higher concentration of toxic metabolites than milk or white chocolate. Clinical signs of distress seen after chocolate ingestion include: anxiety/anxiousness,

hyperactivity, urination, elevated body temperature, seizures and irregular heart rhythms.

There is no antidote, but supportive care is usually successful for recovery.

Xylitol is a common sugar substitute now used in many home kitchens. It is associated with a severe decline in blood sugar levels and liver failure if ingested by pets. The exact mechanism of the toxicity is unknown and there is no antidote. Supportive care is typically successful for treatment of hypoglycemia; however, liver failure may still occur and prognosis is guarded.

“It is important to remember that if you cook or use xylitol in your foods, that those foods should not be fed to pets,” Black said. “It is still toxic if used in cooking or baking.”

Onions, garlic, and chives are also toxic to pets. They contain the toxin allicin, which is released upon crushing or chewing the plant. Allicin damages the hemoglobin in red blood cells leading to anemia (such as Heinz body anemia and methemoglobinemia). Cats are especially susceptible to this toxin. There is no antidote; however, supportive care is typically successful.

While cats are particularly affected by

onions and garlic, dogs are especially susceptible to macadamia nut toxicity. An unknown toxin in the nut leads to difficulty walking, high body temperatures, depression and vomiting within one to two hours after ingestion. While no deaths have been reported to date, supportive care in the hospital is often required.

“Supportive care, which is the usual treatment for food toxicity, often works to recover pets who ingest these foods,” Black said. “But these supportive treatments to get pets back on their feet are often very costly for the owner, and difficult for the patient. In cases that require dialysis, pets have a difficult road to recovery.”

The foods mentioned here should be kept off countertops and out of reach of pets, and under no circumstances fed to dogs and cats.

Preventing your pet from ingesting these items is the best way to keep them safe. But if they do ingest these foods, Dr. Black recommends contacting your veterinarian immediately.

— College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

PETS

17

Guide to DOG CARE

SLEEPING

DISORDERS

TAKE THEIR TOLL ON HEALTH

M

aybe you’ve seen the comical home video on YouTube titled “sleepwalking fail?” It is a short clip of a sleeping dog that starts to “run” horizontally in his sleep, then suddenly jumps up and slams into a wall. Although the video is seriously funny, there is nothing funny about what might be wrong with this animal. This dog could be dreaming, although it is unknown for certain if animals dream, according to Dr. M.A. Crist, clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. Most likely this animal is displaying signs of a sleep disorder.

Sleeping disorders are not healthy, and as with humans, we see disturbed sleep patterns as a sign of old age, disease or life-altering illness. The two sleeping disorders that are most dangerous to an animal’s health are narcolepsy and cataplexy. If your pet has one of these disorders and is left alone, or unattended near water, they could possibly drown.

“Narcolepsy is the occurrence of uncontrollable rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase characterized by the presence of rapid eye movements and fast phase activity,” said Crist. “Cataplexy is the sudden development of rapid duration voluntary muscle weakness, flaccidity or paralysis of all muscles except extraocular and respiratory muscles.

These two sleep disorders are usually a congenital and inherited condition that can be brought on by excitement such as playing, eating, drinking or greeting owners, and can last seconds to minutes, many times a day or infrequently.”

Warning signs of one or both of these disorders are the pet may suddenly collapse into lateral or sterna recumbancy with no move-

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ments. With narcolepsy the animal appears asleep, and with cataplexy the animal is alert but can’t follow motion with eye movements.

The pet can be aroused with petting, external stimuli and loud noises.

These disorders are not curable.

Older cats may also experience behaviour changes in sleep cycles or waking in the night, restlessness and pacing. This is either related to senility or a disease called hyperthyroidism.

“Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of thyroid hormone, which can lead to cardiac disease and high blood pressure,” said Crist. “A specific thyroid blood test can be checked to verify this abnormality and treatment can be initiated. Melatonin, an internal hormone secreted by the pineal gland during darkness, can also be given as an oral supplement, usually with minimal side effects as a potential treatment for sleep disorders.”

Of course, there are several things that pet owners can do for their pets before their sleeping disorders become too severe.

“If owners notice their pet having a change in their sleeping pattern, they want to take them to their veterinarian for a complete physical examination and laboratory analysis,” said Crist. “Medical problems may contribute to these disturbances and some medicines may need to be prescribed by a veterinarian to help combat their sleep disturbance.”

Placing your pet on certain diets can also aid in their sleeping troubles. “Omega 3 fatty acids and diets that are enriched with antioxidants are good for dogs with cognitive dysfunction and sleep issues,” said Crist. “Therapeutic diets supplemented

with antioxidants, such as vitamin C, mixed tocopherols, beta-carotene, flavenoids, carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids, had dogs show improvement on the performance of cognitive tasks than dogs on a nonsupplemented diet.”

It will always be a true mystery whether or not pets dream.

“In mammals and birds, studies have shown that long episodes of nondreaming sleep referred to as “slow-wave” or SW sleep is followed by short episodes of dreaming sleep referred to as rapid eye movement or REM sleep,” said Crist. “If a disturbance in this pattern occurs, then sleeping problems can begin.

However, we will never really know if pets dream because we cannot talk to them. However, we do know that dogs have the REM sleep phase and this is the dream activity period in people. Dogs do have leg movements, facial twitching, vocalizations and tail movements. Therefore, it might be likely they are having a dream.”

Crist mentioned that it is important to know some sleep disorders require a lengthy behavioural consultation and examination by a veterinarian. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants should be prescribed for these dogs and cats who have diagnosed obsessive-compulsive behaviour disorders that are disturbing their sleeping patterns. She also reminded that by always taking our pets to the veterinarian for their regular checkup, many potential problems can be caught before they seriously affect your pet’s health.

— College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.

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Guide to

DOGGING

Photos: Shutterstock.com

DOG CARE

MYTH-UNDERSTANDINGS A VETERINARIAN HIGHLIGHTS PERSISTENT CANINE MISCONCEPTIONS

I

By Dieter Kohlmaier, DVM

20

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JULY/AUGUST 2012

n all aspects of life, people often formulate firm opinions based on hearsay and partial truths. Circulated and repeated often enough, particularly in the Internet age, these fallacies morph over time into myths that are assumed to be facts. Health “information” is particularly susceptible to this phenomenon, as anyone in human and pet healthcare will know all too well. Over the years, I have heard many such myths from clients with respect to companion animal health. While pet owners have good intentions for the animals in their charge, misguided interpretations of health information can have a serious, negative effect on pets. Here are some of the more common myths about pet health — you might be surprised at what you learn!

MYTH: ALL TYPES OF DRY PET FOOD KIBBLE WILL CLEAN MY PET’S TEETH Food and special diets have always had many myths associated with them. Many of my clients are under the impression that all dry pet foods clean their pets teeth because the kibble is hard and crunchy. The truth is that there are only a few brands on the market that have undergone clinical trials to substantiate this claim — so the truth is that the vast majority of dry pet foods will not clean your pet’s teeth simply because they are hard.

Dogs and cats teeth are much sharper and pointier than ours, and when they bite into most dry foods it will break into smaller pieces and mix with saliva, which in turn will

Guide to DOG CARE MYTH: THE DOG I ADOPTED IS AFRAID OF MEN, SO SHE MUST HAVE BEEN ABUSED! As unfortunate and unlikely as this sounds, it may actually be true – but only for a small percentage of cases. It is much more likely that these dogs are either submissive by nature, were improperly socialized or a combination of the two.

Female dogs tend to be more submissive in the canine social hierarchy, and will often shy away from dominant individuals, whether human or canine. Men, with their larger physical size and louder, deeper voices can be more intimidating, especially to shy, submissive females. Dogs that are poorly socialized during the first two to four months of life are also more likely to demonstrate a fear of men, and this may give the false impression that they were abused.

begin the digestion process. So, only the points of the teeth will make contact with the food and will be cleaned by biting and chewing. In fact, some of the food will soften and accumulate along the gum line where it may adhere to plaque on the teeth, causing tartar build-up. Brushing your pet’s teeth on a daily basis is the single most effective method of preventing plaque and tartar build up.

MYTH: RAW FOOD IS HEALTHIER THAN COMMERCIAL DOG FOOD Given the pet food recall a few years back, some people have been afraid of feeding commercially available pet foods to their pets, which has caused a rise in the popularity of raw-food diets. While a raw-food diet can be nutritious if it has the proper balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, a balanced diet is much easier to accomplish with a high-quality, approved commercially prepared diet. Raw foods are more susceptible to bacterial and parasitic contaminants, and there is simply no evidence to substantiate any claims that they are healthier or safer for your pet. Cooking does change the nature of the ingredients, and can actually improve digestibility. Home-cooked diets are safer than raw-food diets, but need to be evaluated to ensure that your pet’s nutritional needs are being met. And remember to feed the appropriate amount of food to avoid weight gain. A lean pet has an increased lifespan of 15% — that’s one to two more years for most cats and dogs!

MYTH: MY DOG DOESN’T HAVE A DENTAL PROBLEM IF THEY’RE STILL EATING THEIR KIBBLE This is another fallacy that I hear all the time.

My job would be a whole lot easier if every dog or cat with dental pain would stop eating their food, because that would make more sense.

Unfortunately that rarely happens, and pain has to be extreme for most pets to get to that point.

I believe they suffer in silence, choosing to eat and endure the pain rather than starve and endure the pain. For them, to stop eating would be the equivalent of throwing in the towel and saying life is not worth living anymore. Often, after I have removed broken or infected teeth, many pet owners will comment on how much more active their pet has become.

MYTH: SCOLDING A PET FOR URINATING IN THE HOUSE WILL PREVENT A REPEATED INCIDENT While this may relieve frustration for the pet owner, it is actually detrimental to house training. To understand why, we need to understand a little about animal behaviour. Pets live in the moment, and their actions can be guided by the responses they receive during or immediately after an action has occurred. For example, if you wish to train a puppy to relieve themselves on grass, you would be most successful if you take them out to the grass and give them a reward as they are eliminating.

They will perceive this as a positive response and want to repeat it. If repeated, they will soon understand that this behaviour elicits a reward, and they will be inclined to repeat the action. If you come home to find they’ve eliminated on your heirloom Persian rug, and you take them to the spot and scold them, they will only learn that the next time you come home and find they’ve eliminated on your not-so-special-anymore rug they will remember that this combination elicited a negative response, and may try to hide or cower or just “look guilty.” Because they cannot reason, they will not understand that if they didn’t do it, they wouldn’t get punished. As such, we need to positively reinforce good behaviours and ignore the unwanted ones.

MYTH: MY DOG SLEEPS ALL THE TIME BECAUSE HE’S OLD I tell many of my clients that old age is not a disease, and as such it’s not the reason their pet is sleeping more. The truth is that there is likely an underlying illness or disease process that is keeping your dog in bed more. Animals are far more stoic than we are, and often do not complain or demonstrate pain. Many senior dogs and cats will suffer from osteoarthritis in one or more joints.

They may not limp or whine and, when excited, can run almost as well as when they were younger.

But just like the human weekend warrior, they pay for it later. This may manifest itself in longer rests, stiffness when they get up or unwillingness to go for their usual walks. The changes are often subtle and gradual, so we often don’t even realize there is a problem until it becomes quite obvious. Other illnesses can also result in your pet sleeping for longer periods of time. Thyroid disease, kidney disease or liver disease, to name a few, can all have an effect on your pet’s sleep and activity patterns.

Remember the adage that actions speak louder than words — but in this case it should be their inaction that speaks volumes to us. If this sounds like your pet, consult your veterinarian.

As always, your veterinarian is your best knowledge resource for pet health information — ask yours before you act on anything you’ve heard elsewhere.

Dr. Dieter Kohlmaier runs the Westoak Animal Hospital in Oakville, ON. He contributes his regular column, The Healthy Bond, on page 28.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

PETS

21

Guide to DOG CARE

LOWERING THEREDUCING ‘BOOM’ PETS’

By Andrea Lin

Illustration: Dreamstime.com

W

hen summer thunderstorms roll in, some pets dive for cover. If your dog or cat is among those terrified by storms or other sudden, loud noises, such as fireworks, there are steps you can take to help reduce your pet’s anxiety.

According to Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a veterinarian with a special interest in animal behaviour, the reason pets are scared of thunderstorms isn’t always clear. One study found that a traumatic experience linked to noise was the likely origin of noise sensitivity in only about a third of pets with these phobias.

Other factors that may contribute to noise sensitivities include chronic stress, genetics, neurochemical imbalances and a change in hearing.

Practicing at the University of Illinois Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Ballantyne offers behaviour consultations to help pets with phobias and other behavioural issues.

She says it is perfectly normal for a pet to be scared by the loud noises and flashes the first time the pet experiences a thunderstorm or fireworks. A pet may react defensively to these high-decibel noises because they probably hurt the pet’s ears, they lack a regular pattern, and it’s difficult to figure out where they are coming from.

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PETS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

NOISE SENSITIVITIES

It isn’t normal, however, if the animal does not get used to storms, and each thunderstorm is as terrifying as the previous one. Unfortunately, thunderstorms are common, and these frequent stressors can reduce a pet’s quality of life. Addressing your pet’s fears is important for the sake of the pet — not to mention the household objects sometimes destroyed by frightened pets.

Dr. Ballantyne suggests several measures that may help noise-sensitive pets feel a little safer and less frightened during a thunderstorm.

“First, try to make a safe place where your pet can go,” she says. “An interior room with no windows is ideal because it is more sheltered from noise and the flashes of light.

Avoid crating your pet unless the pet already feels that the crate is a safe place.”

When pets are already hiding, don’t force them out: that can scare and stress them more.

Playing music or increasing the white noise in the house can decrease the perceived amount of noise from the storm.

Your behaviour around your pet also plays an important role in managing the pet’s anxiety during a storm. You should avoid either comforting or punishing the pet, and you should stay calm to avoid increasing the pet’s anxiety.

If your dog isn’t too scared, you can try to play with him. Interactive toys, such as a Kong filled with food, can help as well if he is willing to eat.

A pheromone spray for dogs called DAP helps reduce anxiety in some dogs. It can be sprayed on a bandana and tied around the pet’s neck during a storm.

Dr. Ballantyne acknowledges that noise sensitivities can be hard for owners to manage.

Sometimes you can do everything right and your pet is still scared of the storms.

“Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for help,” advises Dr. Ballantyne. “If nothing else is working, your veterinarian can prescribe anti-anxiety medication to augment the behaviour modification plan.”

Don’t forget that a pet that is scared of thunderstorms will likely have a similar reaction to fireworks. These pets should be given a safe place to hide during the celebration and should never be taken to watch fireworks.

If you have questions about pets’ noise sensitivities, please contact your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviourist.

— From the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/

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Guide to DOG CARE

KNOWING YOUR DOG

PARK ETIQUETTE

T

he concept behind public dog parks is an exciting one for dogs and owners alike, where fresh air and playfulness are plentiful. Because public dog parks are accessible by anyone, each trip proves to be a different experience, hosting a range of different interactions for a pet.

Visiting a park is a social activity, and unlike their owners, dogs do not always know how to behave accordingly. While this should be a fun and exciting experience for the dog, owners should try to enforce proper behaviour skills in their furry friend, while maintaining proper park etiquette themselves.

Always remember to pick up after your dog when they use the restroom; most parks supply dog waste bags and designate trash cans for this purpose. One health risk that comes along with visiting a dog park is the amount waste from different dogs that your pet is exposed to.

“One disease that animals can catch from drinking standing water that has been exposed to animal waste is leptospirosis,” says Dr. Mark Stickney, clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Stickney explains that dogs can be vacci-

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

nated for this disease, and recommends that any dogs visiting a dog park on a regular basis stay current with this vaccination. Gastrointestinal parasites, such as hookworms, round worms and whip worms, also pose a threat to any dog that is exposed to another dog’s feces.

“Dogs like to sniff each others’ noses and rear-ends, so if a dog has any type of respiratory disease, signs of coughing, eye discharge or nasal discharge, then that is not the time to bring them to the park,” says Stickney.

Another common problem that is transmitted dog-to-dog is fleas. So, having a dog on a flea and heartworm preventative is another good step to take.

Socializing dogs with other dogs and other people is one perk that dog parks have. However, if a dog is not accustomed to being around other dogs and people, it might be a good idea to try socializing them with another dog that the owner is familiar with. It is possible for a dog to do well around a couple of other dogs but then feel very overwhelmed in a dog park setting with 20 other dogs.

“The most critical period for socializing a dog occurs within the first eight to 12 weeks of their life; this is a good time to expose them to different people and types of animals in

order to help avoid any anxiety or behavior problems in the future,” said Stickney.

Stickney explains that this is almost a double-edged sword because it is good to socialize a dog at a young age; however, this is also when their immune systems are not the strongest and owners want to be careful to whom they expose them.

“I like to take my puppy everywhere with me, and to go visit my neighbours friendly dog often, but I am not going to turn him loose at a park with many different dogs that I do not know,” adds Stickney.

Also, some dogs simply are not social creatures and are not comfortable around a lot of attention. If a dog appears skittish or afraid in unfamiliar settings or frequently rolls over in a submissive position when other dogs approach it, then chances are it will not enjoy a trip to the dog park.

When dogs interact with each other for the first time in a park, it can be a stressful moment if one is unsure of the response that will occur. It is important not to bring a female dog that is in heat to a dog park; this will result in having to deal with the constant bother of male dogs and, even worse, an unexpected litter of puppies!

When fights break out in public areas between dogs, usually it involves male dogs that like to display their dominance. Even if a dog is well trained and able to run off of the leash, it is always good to have a leash handy. Getting exercise is key to a dog’s health, so running around with them on a leash or playing fetch with them off of a leash are both rewarding forms of play.

Visiting a dog park can be an exciting and interactive practice for a dog as well as the owner. As long as owners are courteous and aware of their surroundings and the potential problems that can arise, more time spent with a pet is always a positive thing!

— College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University

WWW.PETSMAGAZINE.CA

Guide to

STEP UP

DOG CARE

TO THE PAWS-ITIVE BENEFITS OF EXERCISE

WHERE TO WALK It is safe in urban residential areas to walk your dog on sidewalks and stay out of traffic’s way. However, parks and nature trails provide softer ground, which puts less pressure on your pet’s body. The number of leash-free dog parks in Canada is growing. These areas provide space for dogs to socialize and run freely, within an environment designed to be safe and secure. Check your municipality’s website for details on local parks.

HEALTH CONCERNS In the warmer weather, when going for longer walks or spending the afternoon at the park,

Photo: Shutterstock.com

D

iet is not the only factor in keeping your dog in good shape. Regular exercise is also necessary. Since it both increases the animal’s expenditure of energy and decreases the loss of lean body mass, it can complement a weight reduction plan.

If your dog is currently overweight or under-exercised, beginning a new fitness regimen can be tricky. Too much cardiovascular activity too soon can have serious side effects.

Dogs need gradual conditioning so they have time to strengthen their heart, muscles and joints, as well as toughening their paw pads.

If you add an additional walk to your pet’s daily schedule, it should start out relatively short (10 to 15 minutes) and at a slower pace. Once your dog has become accustomed to this routine, the walk can become longer and/or faster.

Many dogs enjoy a structured routine, so whenever possible, it is a good idea to use a regular schedule for walks. Adjustments may be advisable depending on temperature and weather — avoid hot midday sun in the summer or dark snowstorms in the winter.

you should bring a water bottle and a small bowl, to help make sure your dog will not become dehydrated.

Most owners either walk or run, but some keep their dog on a leash while they bicycle.

There is some debate over the safety of this practice. If you are considering it, consult your veterinarian to determine whether or not your dog is an appropriate candidate for bikewalks. Even with bike attachments specially designed for dog harnesses (with safety releases and other features), many dogs face risks associated with trying to keep up with higher speeds, dealing with traffic and losing their footing.

At least 20 minutes of physical activity is appropriate for almost all dogs — and many will gladly take on more than that. However, health problems can sometimes result from over-exercise. Certain breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, will push themselves too far if their owners let them, which is all the

more troubling when they are predisposed to degenerative joint diseases, including hip dysplasia. Too much exercise for puppies can contribute to arthritis and other problems, as the growth plates generating new bone growth are located near easily injured joints.

Furthermore, dogs often try their best to please their owners and meet their expectations. If your pet seems to be just barely keeping up with you, it is best to slow down the pace or end the day’s exercise completely.

Signs that your dog has had more than enough exercise for the time being may include: • Excessive panting.

• Limping.

• Vomiting.

• Restlessness.

• Its tail hanging down between its legs.

Daily exercise will help your dog become healthier, stronger and happier, but needs to be undertaken appropriately. Ask your veterinarian for advice.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

PETS

25

PAW S F O R R E F L ECT I O N

With Darren Low, DVM

STORIES THAT REMIND US OF HOW MUCH WE LOVE THE FOUR-FOOTED MEMBERS OF OUR FAMILIES

HOT WHEELS,

and an even hotter cat

26

PETS

I

met Alex several years ago, and he was an interesting guy, to say the least. In fact, I heard him coming even before I saw him.

The loud, throaty rumble from his 1972 Plymouth Cuda 340 was unmistakable, and I heard it even through the closed exam room window that looked over the parking lot. Alex walked in with some serious Harley Davidson gear on, and a little silver kitten in his arms. Andre, who Alex named after the wrestler Andre the Giant, was only four months old at the time but already weighed eight pounds. At that pace the little Maine Coon Silver Tabby, Alex assured me, would likely grow to close to 25 pounds. At that weight, the “gentle giant,” as the breed is known as, would surely live up to his name.

At eight years of age, Andre remained the picture of health. I’d seen Alex and Andre together only once each year for regular checkups. Alex was a regular, however, always stopping in for Andre’s food and for the occasional deworming and flea treatment. I always managed to chat for a minute with Alex, especially about his car. He loved to talk about his Cuda, almost as much as he loved to talk about his Andre.

A few weeks ago, I heard that classic rumble during my morning appointments. The windows were open facing the parking lot, and I saw Alex getting out of his car, but he also had Andre with him. I got a bit worried, as it had only been four months since I’d given Andre a clean bill of health. Alex told Lynn at the reception desk that Andre wasn’t critical, or deathly sick, but that he “just ain’t doin’ right.” I had a few other appointments waiting, but I brought Andre in as soon as possible.

Alex apologized for not calling first, but he said he just wasn’t thinking. Andre had seemed a bit lethargic the last few days, which was certainly out of character, but when Alex got home from his night shift he found Andre in the same spot he had left him 10 hours earlier. He even found Andre hot to the touch, and that was enough to make him jump in the car and head right over.

Aside from a pretty hefty fever, closing in on 41 degrees Celsius, Andre looked in fine physical condition. Having only a single cat, and with a strict in-

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Darren Low, DVM, practices companion animal medicine and surgery in Sydney, Nova Scotia, where he lives with his wife, son and 10 four-footed family members. He writes a weekly column for the Cape Breton Post.

door only policy unless supervised with his harness on, Andre was at a pretty low risk for infectious diseases. His weight, which did actually just top 25 pounds, was ideal for his large frame, and there were no other signs of disease or sickness on a thorough physical exam.

I explained to Alex that many cats develop a fever for unknown reasons. Fever typically indicates infectious, inflammatory, immune-mediated or neoplastic (cancerous) diseases, but quite often the fever has no known cause. In Andre’s case, I was happy to report “none of the above” on his rule out list. It took a few tests, but with full blood, urine and X-rays showing all systems normal, Alex agreed with me that the next step would be to see how Andre would respond to antibiotic therapy. Considering therapy in the absence of a diagnosis can be risky, but many of these fevers of unknown causes in cats will respond to antibiotics.

Alex monitored Andre very closely over the ensuing days, and much to his delight Andre perked up quickly, indicating that a bacterial source was likely the cause. I could only speculate, but thought perhaps that one of those classic silver hairballs lingering in his small intestine had led to an infection in his gall bladder, leaving no clues on Andre’s full diagnostic profile. Either way, Alex’s gentle giant was back, and that was all that mattered.

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T H E H E A LT H Y B O N D

With Dieter Kohlmaier, DVM

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

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PETS

THE SPREAD OF RABIES R abies is a fatal neurological disease that affects all mammals and results in over 55,000 human deaths each year, mainly in Africa and Asia. This is the equivalent of one death every 10 minutes. Dogs and cats are two of the most common sources of transmission to humans in North America and the reason why immunization is crucially important.

Rabies is one of the oldest zoonotic (transmissible to humans) viral diseases, appearing in over 90% of the planet. It has never existed or has been successfully eradicated on some islands, most notably England, Australia, Japan and Antarctica. In North America, eradication may not be attainable because the virus is present in reservoir hosts, namely bats and carnivores, which include foxes, coyotes and wolves. It can also be found in skunks, racoons, cattle and domestic dogs and cats. It is rare in rodents, but occasionally groundhogs have been affected. There are strains of the rabies virus that tend to be more prevalent in certain animals.

Rabies infections begin with a bite or scratch by a rabid animal. The virus travels up the peripheral nerves to the spinal cord; this typically takes between one to three weeks, but, in rare cases, it can take over six months. Over the next one to two weeks, the virus travels to the brain, where it replicates and spreads to the salivary glands. The virus alters the behaviour of the infected animal in one of two ways. The “dumb” form of rabies renders the animal quiet and subdued, and these animals are less likely to bite and transmit the virus. The “furious” form is the one most people are familiar with; the animals lose their fear, become extremely aggressive and will bite any animal or human they encounter.

Once an animal is bitten, the cycle will repeat itself.

Rabid animals will eventually die from the virus as it destroys their brain tissues and they succumb to heart or lung failures.

If a human is bitten by an animal, the wound should be cleaned immediately and medical attention should be sought. If the animal was wild, local animal control should be contacted. If they suspect rabies, the animal will be humanely euthanized and it will be sent away for testing. Depending on the circumstances, doctors may treat the bite victim with a

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

series of immunizations and/or rabies immunoglobulin to prevent infection. If untreated, rabies in humans has an incubation period of usually between three to seven weeks. Clinical signs are many and may include the following: anxiety, stress, drooling, convulsions, excitability, muscle spasms, numbness and difficulty swallowing, among others. Eventually it leads to coma, respiratory depression and, almost always, death. There have been some rare cases of humans surviving rabies infections by being placed in induced comas for several months.

The cornerstone of rabies prevention in the human population begins with immunization of domestic dogs and cats against the rabies virus.

Due to the serious nature of the disease, immunization is mandatory by law. It is imperative that children are taught to leave wildlife alone, and if wild animals do not show fear, then they may be sick or injured. Local animal control should be contacted to deal with these animals. If they suspect the animal has rabies, the animal will be humanely euthanized and the brain tissue will be analyzed for the presence of the rabies virus. Animal bites and scratches need to be reported to the local health authorities and the animal in question will be quarantined for 14 days to insure it did not have rabies at the time of the incident. People in high-risk professions (e.g., veterinarians, technicians, researchers, animal control officers) should be immunized against the rabies virus.

Prevention of rabies in the wildlife population involves the use of several immunization strategies.

Foxes and coyotes are immunized by way of oral rabies vaccines that are hidden in baits. Racoons, however, are leery of the baits and have to be trapped and injected with the immunization, a much more labour-intensive approach. Unfortunately, there are no effective means of immunizing bats.

Because rabies is usually fatal when contracted — despite the risks of contracting it being low in North America — health authorities are vigilant in dealing with animal bites or scratches. You can do your part by ensuring all your cats and dogs are immunized against the virus and educating children to leave wildlife alone, especially if an animal is acting strangely.

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HELP FROM ABOVE

Pilots N Paws Canada sets lofty goal for transporting abused and abandoned animals

M

ore shelter animals will be finding loving homes across Canada if an innovative airborne initiative gets its way.

Pilots N Paws Canada launched in June 2012.

Based on the original Pilots N Paws program in the U.S. (www.pilotsnpaws.org), they hope to provide the same kind of service in support of Canadian rescue organization animals.

“We are very excited to launch the wholly Canadian-run program, “says Gini Green, founder. “Like most non-profits we operate on donations. Donations to help us get the word out to rescue groups and Canadian pilots, and to promote and expand our operation. And more importantly, donations from general aviation pilots who become an integral part of our program when they volunteer some of their time and skill to help fly these rescue animals to waiting homes or fosters, virtually anywhere in Canada.”

Whenever rescue groups can expand their geographic pool of potential homes for the animals in the shelter systems, there is a greater chance of finding a perfect home, Green notes.

“By utilizing a nationwide network of pilots and rescue professionals, more of these displaced animals no longer face more neglect or, in some cases, euthanasia — just because they are limited by location to find a home. The death or mistreatment of any animal is unacceptable when we can do something about

it,” she stresses. “I see this program supporting our strained shelter systems in the long run.”

Pilots N Paws Canada brings these two communities of pilots and rescue groups, who normally would not interact with each other, together so they can organize and conduct these flights. Pilots are provided with special documentation so that every flight is well documented and recorded, therefore making some of their flight costs eligible for a tax deduction.

At present, Pilots N Paws Canada has 20 pilots recruited.

Their goal will be to open up more of the north to south corridors of Canada as well as the central provinces, which have no volunteers to date.

While you may not be a pilot or run a rescue organization, your donation can be just as important in saving precious animals from what is for most an unfortunate, intolerable or potentially life-threatening situation. Check out www.pilotsandpawscanada.com for more information on how you can be the wind beneath the wings of pets looking for their forever home, as a pilot, pet rescue shelter or donor. All cash donations are tax deductible, as well.

— With files from Kit Watson. Pilots N Paws Canada can also be found on Facebook; they can be contacted at pilotsnpawscanada@gmail.com.

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