PETS Magazine | September/October 2015

ECOFRIENDLY

PET CARE TIPS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | $4.95 | www.petsmagazine.ca

Guide to DOG CARE • • • • •

Diet: Not all treats created equal Raising a well-balanced pooch Dental surgery fetches pain relief Is pet insurance right for you?

Flea allergy dermatitis …and more!

BACKYARD HAZARD SERIES:

WORLD RABIES DAY P LU S : G O O D I N T E N T I O N S D E R A I L E D B Y P O O R LY L A B E L L E D P R O D U C T S

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PETS M A G A Z I N E WWW.PETSMAGAZINE.CA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015, VOL.32, NO.5

SIMMONS PUBLISHING LTD. Publisher

John Simmons john.simmons@petsmagazine.ca

Managing Editor

Brad Hussey brad.hussey@petsmagazine.ca

Advertising Sales

Glenn Ward glenn.wardmediapartners@rogers.com

Art Director Billing/Administration Circulation

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

C O N T E N T S

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Eco-Friendly Pet Care Tips

DEPARTMENTS

Have you ever wondered what you could do at home to reduce your pet’s impact on the environment? Check out these tips from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

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Making Tracks

20 PETS Marketplace 22 Paws for Reflection

Guide to

DOG CARE

10 Trick or Treat?

Treats are okay in moderation, but should never be relied on as a sole food source. Check out the top seven things to consider when purchasing treats for your dog.

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

12 Dental Surgery Fetches Pain Relief A dog thought to be shy and low energy gets his bounce back when his veterinary team discovers the real cause.

13 Backyard Hazard Series: Rabies World Rabies Day comes around each September to remind pet owners of the dangers of this disease and its impact around the world.

Here’s what you need to know.

Publications Mail Agreement #41305514

14 The Right Fit Muzzles are sometimes a necessity — learn to use them properly with tips from the Ontario SPCA.

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:

15 Flea Allergic Dermatitis

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.

Pet owners may not realize that even a pet receiving a flea preventive can be bitten by an adult flea and develop an allergic reaction.

17 Dig Deeper on Lyme Disease A common tick-borne disease in humans can be contracted by our canine companions as well.

18 A Helping Hand for Health Insurance and credit products that cover veterinary expenses abound — the key is to shop around for the best fit for your pet and budget.

19 Raising a Well-Balanced Dog

A small amount of effort in training, social interaction and exercise can keep them healthy for years to come. Top tips from our resident training expert.

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NEWS | PRODUCTS | REVIEWS

ONTARIO RESIDENT WINNER OF POST SHREDDIES’ “SEARCH FOR GOODNESS” >> Beamsville, ON, resident Pam Huson’s selfless commitment to her community through her organization that helps animals and families in need has won her top prize in a nationwide contest.

“Canada is full of people who strive to make their community a better place and Shreddies is acknowledging a stand-out citizen for the genuine goodness she brings to others,” says Amy Bernstein, Senior Product Manager of Shreddies & Shredded Wheat, Post Foods Canada Inc. “Pam Huson is dedicated to her community and helping countless numbers of animals and families. She embodies the goodness we seek to recognize and celebrate through the “Search for Goodness” campaign.”

HOW PET-PREPARED ARE YOU FOR EMERGENCIES? >>

By day, Huson is a palliative nurse educator, and in her free time she is the President and Founder of Beamsville4PawRescue, an organization that rescues stray and abandoned animals. Since the launch of the pet rescue in 1997, Huson and her team of volunteers have found homes for almost 3,000 animals in need.

She has created a network of foster homes and volunteers to help look after animals until the rescue is able to find them permanent homes.

As part of her work, Huson also helps people in her community who are down on their luck by providing them with food and medical supplies for their pets. Her efforts enable them to keep their beloved furry friends during tough times.

The Shreddies nationwide search began in March, asking Canadians to nominate and vote for people they believe should be recognized for their selfless commitment to their community.

To recognize Pam Huson for her contributions, Shreddies will feature her story in an advertisement and donate $500 to her organization, Beamsville4PawRescue.com. See how Huson impacts her community and helps animals in need of rescue through the Shreddies Facebook page.

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With Metro Vancouver and much of BC recently covered with a thick haze of forest fire smoke, the BC SPCA is encouraging animal guardians to refresh their emergency pet preparedness. Several new wildfires, as well as old ones, have caused evacuation orders and states of emergency in several B.C. communities, prompting people to leave their homes as quickly as possible.

“When you’re ordered to evacuate, you need to do it as soon as possible, and people don’t necessarily think about their pet in an emergency situation until it’s too late,” says BC SPCA general manager of community relations Lorie Chortyk.

“You don’t have time to gather up everything you need if you have to get out of your home right away.”

Evacuations are usually a busy time for staff and volunteers at the province’s BC SPCA branches, as they provide extra shelter, pet food and pet-related equipment, such as crates and leashes, for pet guardians and animals.

“When you’re in a hurry, it can be easy to forget feeding bowls, food, leashes, everything,” Chortyk says. “That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for any emergency. People love their pets but it often doesn’t sink in that an emergency can happen at any time.”

Having an emergency pet kit handy is key, as well as ensuring your pet is already wearing a collar with up-to-date contact information, Chortyk notes.

Keeping your pets inside the house so you don’t need to search for them is also a good idea, as is having emergency pet boarding plans in place.

Items to include in an emergency kit for your pet(s) include: • A seven-day supply of food and water • Identification tag and collar • Sturdy crate and/or carrier • Pet first aid kit • Blanket/plastic bags • Leash, harness • Food and water bowls (collapsible are great) • Litter box and litter for cats • Manual can opener • Copy of your pet’s current vaccination history • Any special medications and instructions “No one likes to think an emergency like a wildfire or an earthquake will happen. But in the event it does, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared — for themselves and for their beloved family pets,” Chortyk says. — www.spca.bc.ca

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M A K I N G

ASPCA AND NYC POLICE FOUNDATION OFFER REWARDS IN ANIMAL CRUELTY CASES >>

PROTECT YOUR PET WITH REGULAR PREVENTIVE CHECK-UPS >>

The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the New York City Police Foundation recently announced a collaboration through the foundation’s Crime Stoppers program that will, for the first time ever, allow the public to easily and anonymously provide information about animal cruelty crimes in the five boroughs.

Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $2,500 for tips leading to an arrest and indictment, and starting now that will include animal cruelty cases in New York City.

The collaboration is an extension of the official partnership between the NYPD and the ASPCA that was launched in January 2014. In it, the NYPD takes the lead role in responding to all animal cruelty complaints in the five boroughs and the ASPCA provides direct care support for the victims as well as police training and forensic analysis. A year and a half since its city-wide launch, the NYPD-ASPCA partnership continues to produce record-breaking numbers of both animal cruelty arrests and rescued animals across NYC. In the first six months of 2015, there has been a 28% increase in arrests and a 115% increase in animals treated over the same time period in 2014. www.aspca.org

In Ontario, more than 2.4 million households have a pet that they view as part of the family. Despite this fact, the latest survey from the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) finds that almost 25% of pet owners indicate they never take their pet to see a veterinarian and almost 40% report that veterinary appointments only occur as reactive in the case of illness or injury.

Pets are a lot like children, says the OVMA, since they rely on us to protect their health and wellness.

Regular preventive care and visits to a health care provider helps to give them optimal health, so here, the association points out the five benefits of regular, annual check-ups for your furry friends: 1. Vaccine protection: There are many preventable diseases that our pets are exposed to and vaccinations are the best way to prevent them. Your veterinarian can discuss which vaccines (and at what intervals) are most appropriate for your pet.

2. Parasite protection: There are many parasites that can adversely affect your pet’s health.

Routine stool analysis can detect intestinal parasites, which can be carried for long periods of time before showing signs of illness.

Early detection and treatment will lead to more favourable outcomes.

3. Nutritional counselling: Proper nutrition is essential for your pet’s health. Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in our pet population and can have a detrimental effect on their overall health. Nutritional needs change with age and lifestyle — your veterinarian can assess these at regular check-ups.

4. Early disease detection: Dogs, and especially cats, are very good at hiding illness. Ailments such as dental disease, heart conditions and kidney insufficiency are examples of common conditions that may not be evident in the early stages.

Annual veterinary exams provide the opportunity to not only detect and treat these diseases early, but often prevent them altogether.

5. Behavioural advice: The number one reason animals end up at shelters is for behavioural problems.

Your veterinarian and their team can help you deal with undesirable behaviour to help maintain that important bond between you and your pet.

“Being proactive and prepared can help save lives — and avoid unexpected costs down the road,” says Dr. Mark Gemmill, president of the OVMA. “Our job is to help keep your pet with you for as long as possible. With preventative, regular care, together, we can keep them healthy and happy.”

More care tips are available at www.ovma.org.

— From www.newscanada.com

WEB-BASED DOG SAFETY AND FIRST AID COURSE LAUNCHED >> Melanie Monteiro, dog safety expert and author of The Safe Dog Handbook, recently announced a new online certificate course for dedicated dog owners and pet professionals. Dog CPR, First Aid & Safety for Pet Pros & Dedicated Owners is a three-hour, web-based dog safety course that provides dog owners and pet pros with lifesaving skills to set themselves up for success in a crisis.

“Anyone who loves and cares for dogs will be a better guardian if they know what to do in an emergency, and how to prevent accidents from happening in the first place,” says Melanie Monteiro. “What you do, or don’t do in the time it takes you to reach the vet can make the difference between life and death for a dog in your care.”

Students will learn: • How to perform pet CPR, plus life-saving first aid skills for choking, heatstroke, bleeding, car accidents, accidental poisonings and more • How to read a dog’s vital signs • How to handle encounters with aggressive dogs while out walking • How to create a dog-safe home and outdoor environment • How to prevent accidents and prepare for a successful outcome before an emergency happens…and more.

The course is broken up into concise, single-topic lessons, so students can go at their own pace. The format includes video demonstrations with real dogs, lectures, hand-on practice exercises and printable handouts and instructions.

Available on IOS and Android via Udemy: www.udemy.com.

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NEWS | PRODUCTS | REVIEWS TIPS FOR MOVING TO A NEW HOME WITH PETS >>

PLAN RELIABLE CARE WHEN PETS CAN’T TRAVEL WITH YOU >> As you count down the days until vacation, it’s important to prepare a great little “staycation” if your family pet is not taking the trip with you.

If you’re not sure where to start, check off the following items on any to-do list and enjoy a guilt-free getaway knowing your furry friend is in good hands: • Explore pet-care options: If you’re planning a long trip, you may want to consider a local boarding kennel or hiring a pet-sitter. Ask your friends or vet for references, and make sure to book early as spots fill up quickly during the summer.

• Bring information with you: If you’re hiring a sitter, make sure your pet’s ID tags are up to date so you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Also bring your pet’s vaccination records plus the phone number for your vet.

• Hungry pets are not happy pets: To prevent changing their daily diet, leave behind a feeding schedule for the caregiver. This ensures uniformity with the wet and dry food.

While there is no wrong way to integrate wet and dry food, consistency will be important to minimize anxiety for your pets. More information is available at www.petmixedfeeding.ca.

• Don’t take that shirt: Leave behind an old t-shirt that has your scent so your dog feels reassured.

If you do this, check with the boarding kennel about any restrictions.

• Check your house for signs of danger: If your pet will remain in your home, unplug electrical appliances and remove light bulbs that might get knocked over in your absence.

— From www.newscanada.com

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Making the transition to a new home can be stressful for everyone, including your pets. “We often are anxious about our pets’ adjustment to a new home,” says Lincoln Thompson, a broker-owner with Royal LePage Gardiner Realty in Fredericton, New Brunswick. “To ensure a safe and successful transition, homeowners can plan ahead and take initiatives to make the process as smooth as possible.”

Before the move: Pull out moving boxes in advance of packing to allow your pet an opportunity to become accustomed to them. Orient your pet to its carrier or crate so that you have a safe-place for her before and after the move. Try to keep routines as stable as possible during the flurry of packing and preparation for the big move.

Research by-laws and pet licensing in your new area: Contact the local municipality for requirements concerning domestic animals in your new area. Ask about licensing and by-laws concerning the responsibilities of pet owners. Also check into the availability of off-leash areas for dogs in your new community.

Special considerations for rural areas: If your new home is in a rural area, be sure to learn the rights of farmers when neighbouring pets venture onto their property. Often, farmers have special privileges when it comes to protecting their livestock.

Transitioning your pet to your new home: Be prepared for some trepidation, particularly with cats that tend not to take as well to a change in environment.

Cats should remain inside for several weeks until they become comfortable with their surroundings. Then, allow them only short accompanied ventures outdoors.

Take your dog for several walks each day to help him become familiar with the new area. Avoid walking a dog immediately before leaving for errands or work.

Plan to be home for a period of time after those initial walks. That way the dog will associate his new home with positive outcomes.

Additional moving tips are available at www.royallepage.ca.

— From www.newscanada.com

PET-THEMED COOKIE CUTTERS HAVE CUTE BAKED IN >> Whether you’re the proud owner of a Beagle or a Shiba Inu, Cookie Cutter Kingdom has a cookie cutter for you. Perfect for celebrating your doggie’s birthday or announcing the addition of a new dog to your family. Sizes include mini, standard, large and customizable. Cookie cutters retail for $4 to $6 US. — www.cookiecutterkdom.com.

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MAKE PETS MAGAZINE A TANGIBLE BENEFIT FOR YOUR CLIENTS WHY DO SO MANY CANADIAN CLINICS BUY COPIES OF PETS MAGAZINE AND PROVIDE THEM FREE TO THEIR CLIENTS? • TO SHOW THEM WE VALUE THEIR BUSINESS. • ACCURATE INFORMATION WRITTEN BY TRUSTED ANIMAL EXPERTS. • CONTENT THAT REINFORCES CLINICAL ADVICE. For more than 30 years veterinary practices from across Canada have purchased multiple copies of PETS Magazine in order to provide free copies to their clients. Does your clinic?

Contact us to discover how your clinic can also provide the gift of PETS Magazine: PHONE: 1-877-PETS Mag (1-877-738-7642) EMAIL: john.simmons@petsmagazine.ca ONLINE: www.petsmagazine.ca

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PET CARE TIPS SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO MAKE YOUR PET- AND EARTH-LOVING FRIENDS GREEN WITH ENVY From the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association >> n 2013, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) introduced the CVMA Green Veterinary Practice Resource, which provides guidelines for veterinary teams to follow to reduce the impact of veterinary hospitals on the environment.

Have you ever wondered what you could do at home to reduce your pet’s impact on the environment? Here are some tips and remember, every little bit helps!

Poop and scoop: pick up your pet’s waste to avoid contamination of surfaces shared by other people and pets. Use plastic bags that break down to pick up (composting bags are an example).

Avoid letting your pet void urine and pass feces into rivers, streams and public lakes to keep the environment clean and reduce parasite/bacteria/virus transmission.

Avoid passing urine and feces on waterway banks. Regulations require a cottage to be set 100 feet back from the water to help reduce impact of weeping beds and direct yard soiling by pets on the body of water, so keep your pet from soiling where rain can wash it into the water body.

Use low or no phosphate biodegradable pet shampoo products and do not bathe a pet in lakes or rivers, to help prevent phosphorus, body oils and dirt in wash products from entering the waterway Recycle toys and out-of-fashion or outgrown doggie clothes and products if they are still safe and in good repair, by cleaning and take to your local humane shelter or other animal care facility as a donation, or sell them so another family can make use of it.

PHOTO: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

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Recycle bags and plastic containers for pet products, such as litter.

Buy accessories made from sustainable resources and not made of plastic where possible. (e.g., cotton or sustainable fibres for collars or leashes) Reuse newspapers for indoor potty pads, noting one can use pee pads as a back-up underneath to reduce the amount of plastic-lined pads you use.

Practice pet-healthy preventive care to reduce the chance of significant illness and thus the need for medicines.

When your veterinarian recommends culture and sensitivity tests for infections, sign up for that valuable test to reduce the overall amount of antibiotic needed, and

thus indirectly passed into the environment. Animals excrete drugs after they are metabolized, so those drugs can be passed in feces and urine.

Do not flush or dispose of needles and syringes, return them for proper disposal at your veterinary clinic or at a pharmacy.

Do not flush leftover medicines into the toilet. These harmful residues will adversely affect aquatic organisms. Hormones, antibiotics and other medicines may cause problems in fish, amphibians and the animals that feed on them in the food chain.

Buy small bags of food so that they will not expire before being used up, and thus preventing waste. Feeding expired food also is not smart since some key nutrients break down during storage.

Make your own doggie and cat beds using natural fibres, or buy beds with natural fill inside rather than polystyrene foam. Naturalsourced sustainable fill inside a sturdily built bed can include dried beans, chopped hemp or other fibres, and cotton batting.

Use natural compounds for cat litter such as pelleted shredded paper and litter from grains and such to help maximize use of recycled materials. Clumped litter is not good to flush down the toilet for many reasons.

Use natural cleaning compounds to wipe up and cleanse after messes. Use diluted vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, soda water and similar products for a green clean, instead of potent bleaches and ammonia cleaners.

Find out more about the CVMA at www.canadianveterinarians.net SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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GUIDE TO DOG CARE

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GUIDE TO DOG CARE

TRICK OR TREAT?

DON’T BE FOOLED INTO THINKING ALL TREATS ARE CREATED EQUAL

By Kristina Cooper, RVT >>

LOW CALORIE It is important to consider the calories in the treats you choose. Higher-calorie treats will easily turn into added weight gain for your pet if careful attention is not paid to how many are being consumed. No more than 10% of your dog’s daily nutrition should come from treats.

PROPER SIZE TREATS FOR YOUR DOG Treats come in different sizes to suit the needs of the many types of dogs we have as pets. Although giving a small dog a large bone may seem like a kind-hearted thing to do, it can be way too much for their sensitive digestive systems to handle and could pose a potential choking risk should they bite off a piece that’s too large. Choose sizeappropriate treats to minimize these risks.

CHOOSE TREATS SAFE FOR TEETH To prevent painful, fractured and worn teeth consider purchasing treats that are less likely to cause theses issues. Anything that would hurt you if you hit your kneecap with it is likely too hard of a material for a dog to be chewing on and could cause potential damage to their teeth. Whatever treat you are considering should have some flexibility to it. If you are looking for a treat

to help with the control of dental disease, look for treats with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal.

SUPERVISED TREATS Some treats should not be consumed by unattended pets. Rawhide strips are a great example of a treat that can be enjoyed in the presence of a pet parent. These treats have a tendency to become very soft with continuous chewing and begin to break off into smaller pieces. There is a risk of choking, and therefore it is best if someone is around to supervise. When the strip has been chewed down to a piece small enough to swallow it should be tossed and replaced with a new piece, just to be safe.

HUMAN FOOD OPTIONS There are plenty of human foods that can be used in small quantities as treats occasionally. Fruits and veggies such as banana, carrot, cucumber, green beans and green peppers make great low-calorie option. Not all human food is safe for pets, however. The food items to steer clear of are uncooked potatoes, avocado, onion, grapes, raisins, chocolate, alcohol and macadamia nuts, to name a few.

issues can often still receive treats as long as they don’t conflict with their nutritional goals. Your vet is the best person to outline what those requirements are and offer a recommendation for safe treat options for your pet.

HEALTHY INGREDIENTS Not all treats are created equal. Just as humans have the option of healthy and unhealthy treats, the same scenario exists in the world of pet treats, too. Look for wholesome treats with more natural ingredients and fewer fillers, artificial flavours and colours.

VETERINARY RECOMMENDATION Your veterinarian is a great source of nutritional knowledge when it comes to treats and all things pet food related. Some pets that require restricted diets due to medical

Kristina Cooper is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and proud member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT). She has previously worked in both a 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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rowsing through the pet store aisles it is easy to see that the dog treat market is thriving with the current options available to pet owners. One major source of bonding with our dogs is through offering them a special treat now and again. Treats are also often used as a reward and motivator when training dogs to repeat desired behaviours. Treats are okay in moderation but should never be relied on as a sole food source. The following are the top seven things to consider when purchasing treats for your dog.

GUIDE TO DOG CARE

By Lynne Gunville >>

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hen Dr. Erinn Hilberry first met Ben, the blind Border Collie was shy and withdrawn as he lay on the floor with his head down.

Two weeks after dental surgery, Ben was a totally different dog.

“It was amazing! He was wagging his tail, walking around the room sniffing stuff and coming up to people to say hi,” recalls Hilberry, a clinical associate in dentistry at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC).

“The pain he’d had before was gone, and his true personality came out.”

The transformation was also obvious to Cynthia Dyck and her husband Jim Arthur.

The Saskatoon couple had begun by fostering Ben, but they soon decided to adopt the four-year-old collie who had lost his sight about two years before coming to Saskatoon’s New Hope Dog Rescue.

Although Ben had started out as a working sheep dog, his progressive vision loss had ended his career.

Photo: Derek Mortensen

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Dr. Hillberry and Ben. Photo: Cynthia Dyck When Ben first came to Dyck’s home, she assumed that his low energy and shyness were the result of his new environment. But a veterinary examination revealed that he had serious dental problems that were causing a low-grade infection, and Ben was referred to the VMC’s dentistry clinical service.

“Ben had severe wearing of his canine teeth that had caused their sensitive inner structures to be exposed,” Hilberry explains. “It was very painful for him, so we recommended that he have three of them removed.”

Three days after surgery, Ben’s transformation began. He lifted his head above his shoulders for the first time since he’d joined Dyck’s household, and he became more responsive and alert. He also began opening his mouth to pant or to lick — behaviours that his owners suddenly realized they’d never seen before.

Hilberry confirms that dental problems can make a huge difference in the quality

and the length of a pet’s life. Dental disease is associated with other conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease and liver disease – all disorders that can be fatal.

Smaller dogs are more prone to dental disease because their teeth are too large for their mouths. Breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas also need a lot of brushing and diligent care by their owners.

Hilberry says it’s never too late to start brushing your pet’s teeth, and she recommends that you have a veterinarian clean their teeth first in case they already have loose or painful teeth.

During a routine dental cleaning, your pet will be placed under anesthesia so that a special device can be used to clean the plaque and tartar that are below the gum line.

“Think about your own dental care,” says Hilberry. “We brush our teeth twice a day, but when we go to the dentist once or twice a year, think about how long it takes for them to clean your teeth with the minimal amount of plaque that you have. Most of the dogs and cats that we see have way more.”

Once the teeth have been cleaned, brushing can gradually be introduced into your pet’s daily routine. Although human toothbrushes are adequate, human toothpaste is poisonous to animals. See your veterinarian about purchasing animal toothpastes and ask your clinician to walk you through the process of brushing if you’re unsure about how to begin.

Now that the pain is gone and Ben’s true personality is emerging, Dyck and her husband have become increasingly attached to their brave, blind dog.

“When we look at him, we think, ‘Wow! You’re fearless! You’re absolutely fearless!’”

Reprinted with permission from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Companion Animal Health Fund (www.cahf.usask.ca)

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DENTAL SURGERY FETCHES PAIN RELIEF FOR BEN

GUIDE TO DOG CARE

BACKYARD HAZARD SERIES:

WORLD RABIES DAY

HOW PET PARENTS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE FIGHT AGAINST RABIES

By Kristina Cooper, RVT >> The global movement called the One Health Initiative (www.onehealthinitiative.com) creates awareness about transmissible zoonotic disease (diseases that can be passed from animal to human or vice versa). The Backyard Hazards series focuses on the more common diseases that you or your pet may be at risk of contracting.

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his year marks the ninth anniversary of World Rabies Day, recognized annually on September 28. The date commemorates the passing of Louis Pasteur, the French developer of the rabies vaccine.

The creation of World Rabies Day is a combined effort between the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (www.rabiesalliance.org) and the Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/worldrabiesday) to bring awareness to this fatal disease that can affect all mammals, including people and pets.

Although rabies accounts for the death of nearly 70,000 people worldwide every year, it is very well controlled in Canada.

This is due to a multifaceted strategy including veterinary, environmental and human health sectors working together to minimize outbreaks of rabies (which still occur in Canada today).

This strategy includes: • The surveillance of wildlife, domestic animals and livestock who pose a risk for exposing the disease to other animals or people through bites and scratches.

These animals are put under observation for signs of rabies or (in cases where observation is not possible) tested for the presence of rabies virus in brain tissue.

• Gathering and monitoring of rabies statistics to assess trends in disease.

• Preventive vaccination of wildlife species, such as raccoons, foxes and skunks via edible vaccine baits.

• Routine preventive vaccination of domesticated animals.

• Post-exposure vaccination of humans when potential or confirmed exposures have occurred.

• Educational campaigns aimed at rabies awareness, acting appropriately around wildlife and bite prevention.

In order for rabies to continue to be managed in Canada it is essential that these strategies are maintained to prevent an outbreak of the disease on a larger scale.

HOW CAN PET PARENTS CONTRIBUTE TO WORLD RABIES DAY? Vaccinate your pets The easiest and most effective way that pet parents can contribute to the fight against rabies is to ensure their pets are vaccinated at regular intervals by a licensed veterinarian. In Canada, this requires the use of a federally approved vaccine given as per the manufacturer's instructions. Rabies vaccine is required by law. Indoor pets need to be vaccinated, too, as a considerable amount of exposures occur via bats who have entered the home. Researchers have yet to identify a vaccine to protect bats from rabies.

Report bites/scratches to your local health unit If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal or had a wound or mucous membrane exposure (mouth, eyes, nose) to the saliva of an infected animal, you must contact your local public health unit. They can provide a risk assessment to determine the next steps needed to protect your health.

Report stray animals to your local animal control service If you see a stray animal roaming in your area, contact your local animal control service. This will allow the animal to be

housed in a controlled shelter environment and lower the risk of potential fights with other animals resulting in bites or scratches or altercations with unsuspecting people.

Report sickly wildlife to local wildlife departments If you see a sickly wild animal, it is best to contact the local office of your provincial wildlife department. These departments are best suited to assess the risk this animal may pose to your environment and take the proper action.

Educate yourself A wealth of information is available about rabies and how it can affect you and the animals around you. For more information search “rabies” at the following sites: www.inspection.gc.ca; www.phac-aspc.gc.ca.

Take part in a World Rabies Day event For pet parents looking to do more to contribute to world rabies day please visit www.rabiesalliance.org/world-rabies-day/ Kristina Cooper is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and proud member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT). She has previously worked in both a 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

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

PETS 13

GUIDE TO DOG CARE

THE RIGHT FIT

MUZZLES ARE SOMETIMES A NECESSITY — LEARN TO USE THEM PROPERLY

From the Ontario SPCA >>

WHAT TYPE OF MUZZLE SHOULD I BUY FOR MY DOG? It is important to purchase a muzzle that allows for normal breathing, panting and drinking. Basket-style muzzles are recommended by the Ontario SPCA because they allow your pet to be comfortable during regular outdoor activity — however, no muzzle should be worn for a long period of time.

The Ontario SPCA does not regard alternative styles of muzzles as appropriate because they restrict the dog’s ability to pant, trapping heat inside the dog’s body, and prevent the dog from being able to drink water — increasing the dog’s vulnerability to overheating and heatstroke.

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WHERE CAN I BUY BASKET MUZZLES? Basket-style muzzles are available from most pet supply stores, although you may need to request that your retailer stock or order the item. Plastic or plastic-coated wire basket muzzles are preferred, as uncoated wire baskets can injure your dog in hot or cold weather.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THE MUZZLE FITS MY DOG PROPERLY? Basket-style muzzles are available in different sizes designed to fit a wide range of dog breeds. You can use size guides from the manufacturer as a general guideline, but you will need to place the muzzle on your dog to determine whether a particular size properly fits your dog’s head.

A properly fitted basket muzzle should have a strap that sits snugly against your dog’s neck. The strap needs to be tight

enough to hold the muzzle in place and pre vent your dog from pawing the muzzle off, but there should be space for about two fingers to slip between the strap and your dog’s neck. The length of the muzzle’s basket needs to be appropriate for the length of your dog’s nose. There should be about 1.25 cm (0.5 in.) of space between the end of your dog’s nose and the front of the muzzle’s interior.

Once you’ve found a muzzle that fits your dog properly, it’s important to routinely check for any signs that your dog is experiencing discomfort. Although it is natural for your dog to be somewhat uncomfortable wearing the muzzle initially, there should be no signs of chafing, skin irritation or similar injury. You should also check the fit of the muzzle regularly as the muzzle strap may stretch and require adjustment.

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uzzles are used to reduce the risk a dog poses to people and other animals by restricting the dog’s ability to bite. A muzzle is a completely different design and serves a completely different purpose than a head halter and they should never be used interchangeably.

They are commonly used by veterinarians and animal care staff concerned with handling or treating frightened, injured or distressed dogs, as well as anyone managing or introducing dogs that may be aggressive to people or other animals.

Some municipal bylaws or provincial legislation, such as Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act, may require your dog to be muzzled when off your property, or on your property in an unsecured area. Here are some tips to help guide you as you select a muzzle and present it to your pet.

How you introduce a muzzle to your dog can have a significant impact on how quickly he is able to accept wearing it calmly. If your dog is already struggling with wearing a muzzle, try incorporating some of the training pointers to help him learn to adjust.

GUIDE TO DOG CARE HOW CAN I HELP MY DOG ADJUST TO WEARING A MUZZLE? Below are four steps to help your dog learn to accept wearing a muzzle. Be patient and work at a rate that is comfortable for your pet. Most dogs will adjust to the muzzle within a few days to a few weeks.

1. Try to make your dog’s first experience with the muzzle positive. Show your dog the muzzle. While she’s investigating it give her a treat. After feeding the treat put the muzzle away or out of sight. Repeat this sequence several times, or until your dog looks at you for a treat as soon as you show the muzzle. Your dog’s introduction to the muzzle should not be in a fearful or stressful situation.

2. Encourage your dog to place his head in the muzzle by luring with treats. With the muzzle facing your dog, hold or place treats on the inside rim and encourage your dog to take them. If your dog readily takes the treats, start holding or placing the treats further inside the muzzle so that your dog must stick his head deeper into the muzzle to retrieve the treats.

3. Increase the time your dog wears the muzzle without fastening it. Place the muzzle on your dog’s head for a couple seconds and feed a treat while the muzzle is still on. Slowly increase the time your dog is wearing it from several seconds to several minutes while rewarding your dog with treats. Remove the muzzle when your dog is calm and quiet.

4. Try fastening the muzzle and increase the time worn. When your dog calmly accepts the muzzle, you can try fastening it for increasing lengths of time until she will comfortably wear it for 15 to 20 minutes. To help your dog adjust to the muzzle more quickly, reward her with play, affection, treats, belly rubs or walks — activities your dog enjoys — while she is wearing the muzzle. This will distract your dog and help her associate wearing the muzzle with activities she finds fun or relaxing. Try to remove the muzzle when your dog is calm.

Taking off the muzzle when your dog is struggling to remove it will encourage her to repeat the behaviour because she may think it will get the muzzle removed. You can encourage her to leave it alone temporarily by distracting her (for example, clapping your hands, squeaking a squeaky toy, bouncing a ball or giving the leash a gentle tug). Take note that you may be expecting too much too soon. Go back a step and take it slower.

– www.ontariospca.ca

FLEA ALLERGIC DERMATITIS

PROTECTED OR NOT, MANY PETS CAN REACT TO THE SALIVA OF THE ADULT FLEA

By Brittany Way Rose >>

M

ost pet owners know that dogs and cats should be treated regularly with medication to prevent an infestation of fleas, but they may not realize that even a pet receiving a flea preventive can be bitten by an adult flea and develop an allergic reaction.

According to veterinary dermatologists at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, Ill., flea allergic dermatitis represents the most common cause of allergies in temperate climates.

“Many pets are allergic to the saliva of the adult flea, which is injected into the skin when the flea bites to enjoy a blood meal,” said Dr. Domenico Santoro. “If your dog is allergic, you will likely notice itchiness and sores on the rump, tail base, thighs and lower abdomen. In cats you may see itchiness around the neck.”

Even if your pet isn’t born with an allergy to fleas, it is possible to develop this allergy.

You may notice your pet scratching more in the summertime. Unfortunately, the flea problem knows no season.

“Fleas can survive in all kinds of temperatures, so fleas — and flea allergy dermatitis — are present yearround,” said Dr. Santoro. “However, the hot and humid conditions in summer facilitate the development of flea larvae, so the number of fleas in the environment may be higher in summer.”

What if you don’t see fleas on your pet? Or even flea excrement, which has a characteristic comma shape?

“Often the animals with the worst allergies to fleas spend a great deal of time grooming and chewing and may ingest the fleas and flea dirt,” explained Dr. Santoro. “Even a small number of fleas could trigger an allergic reaction, so you may not be able to find any on your pet.”

Of course, prevention is the best way to fight flea allergic dermatitis.

Anti-flea medications for animals with allergies are very important and will help prevent an allergy flare up.

If your pet does develop allergies even while on preventives, your veterinarian may prescribe a course of medication such as glucocorticoids to ease your pet’s itchiness.

If the problem is persistent, it is most likely an environmental problem and you may want to treat your house or room with sprays or spot-on formulas. Use only products that have been recommended by your veterinarian to ensure that the formulations aren’t toxic to your pets.

Flea allergic dermatitis can be very annoying to your pet and may even lead to skin infections if untreated. If your pet is itchy, be sure to ask your veterinarian for advice.

From the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: www.vetmed.illinois.edu

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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GUIDE TO DOG CARE

DIG DEEPER ON LYME DISEASE L

yme disease, a common tick-borne disease in humans, can be contracted by our canine companions as well. The disease, which is caused by a spirochete bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, can often be difficult to diagnose.

“Hard-shelled ticks of the genus Ixodes transmit Borrelia burgdorferi,” said Dr. Carly Duff, veterinary resident at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

“The tick attaches to its host, and then as the tick is feeding, spirochete bacteria migrate onto the host. As the tick feeds for a longer period of time and becomes engorged, there is greater risk of infection.”

Clinical signs in canine patients may include fever, enlarged lymph nodes, a lack of appetite and lethargy. Others may develop acute lameness as a result of joint inflammation, which lasts for a few days before returning days later, not necessarily in the same leg. This is known as shifting-leg lameness. More serious complications can include kidney damage and heart or central nervous system abnormalities in rare cases.

Fortunately, your dog’s disease does not put you or your family at risk. “Dogs do not appear to be a source for infection in humans,” Dr. Duff said, “because they do not excrete infectious organisms in their bodily fluids to any appreciable extent.”

In order to most accurately diagnose Lyme disease, it is important that you provide your veterinarian with a thorough description of your dogs’ symptoms and a history of their health and activities. With this knowledge, your veterinarian will be able to better determine the affected organs and method of treatment.

Diagnostic tests may include a blood test, urinalysis and/or a draw of fluid from the affected joints. Your veterinarian will use these tests to look for the presence of bacteria and parasites in the bloodstream.

Fortunately, Lyme disease is treatable. However, there is possible risk of recurrence of the disease.

“Doxycycline may be prescribed for 30 days, and dogs with Lyme disease should respond within one to two days,” said Dr. Duff. “Other drugs, such as amoxicillin and ceftriaxone have also been used.”

As far as prevention goes, limiting tick exposure by using tick repellents and avoiding frequent exposure to heavy tick-infested areas is the most effective. Controlling the deer population also has a direct impact on limiting the tick population.

Additionally, there are canine vaccines available to prevent Lyme disease, but you should consult with your veterinarian about whether this is the right option for your dog.

— College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University: vetmed.tamu.edu/pettalk.

GUIDE TO DOG CARE

A HELPING HAND FOR HEALTH

By John Simmons >>

INSURANCE AND CREDIT PRODUCTS THAT COVER VETERINARY EXPENSES ABOUND — THE KEY IS TO SHOP AROUND FOR THE BEST FIT FOR YOUR PET AND BUDGET

T

hough it’s been around for more than 20 years, the pet insurance market has rapidly expanded in Canada and the United States, and today there are a variety of insurance products and financial services designed to cover certain costs of veterinary treatment. All it takes is a little pre-planning to make sure the appropriate measures are in place, so that if significant costs are incurred your thoughts can be focused on the health of your pet and not your bank account. The stakes can be high.

As many as one in three veterinary visits in Canada are the result of illness or accident — meaning the associated costs can be an unexpected burden on household finances.

With support from insurance and financing plans geared toward pet health care, pet owners can base important decisions regarding pet health on veterinary advice and what is best for the animal, rather than on their ability to pay. The result is often that a pet lives a longer, healthier life because they receive lifesaving treatments that would have otherwise been costprohibitive.

As with all forms of insurance, our ultimate hope is that we will never need it. While we may question the need to pay premiums if it seems we are

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never forced to make a claim, those of us who have been unfortunate enough to file personal health, auto or property claims know the relief that good coverage can bring. Pet insurance coverage works like most types of policies — owners pay a monthly premium for the life of their pet, and if the pet becomes ill or is injured in an accident, they can visit any licensed veterinary practice in Canada for care.

Plans offer varying coverage from basic to comprehensive. Some cover only accidental injury, and start as low as $10 per month (or less), while more extensive coverage can cost upward of $1,200 per year and more.

As with many private health care plans for people, owners are responsible for paying the veterinary clinic and making a claim to the insurance provider for reimbursement. Normally, owners will be reimbursed for the allowable portion of the treatment, minus the deductible and any coinsurance fees. In some cases, veterinarians may make the claim on behalf of the owner, and take payment directly from the insurance company.

However, it is still the owner’s responsibility to pay any deductibles and coinsurance fees.

A deductible is common for all types of insurance. The amount will depend on the type of plan chosen, the age of the pet and other factors. A puppy or kitten, for instance, will often have a lower deductible than an older dog or cat.

Deductibles tend to increase with the age of the pet.

What does insurance cover? Many plans include X-ray, hospitalization, surgery, prescriptions, chemotherapy and MRI/CAT scan fees, and even homeopathic and diet therapies. But buyer beware: not all plans are created equal. Some have lifetime limits for specific treatments and caps for certain types of procedures — and some plans do not cover certain ailments at all. Some pre-existing conditions may also not be covered. You can also pay more depending on the breed of your pet, and even according to where you live.

The key to finding the right fit is to assess each plan, understand the limitations and read the fine print before determining which plan is right for your situation.

SPECIALTY CREDIT AND FINANCING Special credit programs, backed by large financial services companies, can also be used to finance any treatments a pet requires. These cards and programs are easy to obtain, and are designed to offer pre-approved financing for emergency, alternative or regular veterinary services, as well as prescription drugs and products.

Applying for these cards is as simple as filling out a short application. The upside to these specialty cards is that they can often be used for any type of pet, and they provide high credit limits, enough to cover the cost of nearly all types of treatments for injuries or illnesses.

Thanks to these innovative options, pet owners can rest easy knowing that proper veterinary care won’t take an unexpected bite out of their budget — and that a little financial preparation today will prevent having to make heart-wrenching decisions about their pets’ health tomorrow.

John Simmons is the publisher of PETS Magazine.

WWW.PETSMAGAZINE.CA

GUIDE TO DOG CARE

RAISING A WELL-BALANCED DOG

By Kris Crestejo >>

W

e do a lot of work when it comes to preventive health for our pets — we read as much as we can about canine nutrition, we make sure to feed our dogs the right diet according to their lifestyle and breed and go for walks on a daily basis to exercise their bodies.

But, did you know that you could be doing so much more with a small amount of effort to extend the life of your dog, increase their intelligence and keep their mind and body happy and healthy?

Your dog needs three things to become a well-balanced pet — training (mental stimulation), social interaction (play, praise/affection and physical contact) and exercise (physical stimulation).

SOCIAL INTERACTION Dogs evolved from wolves, which are pack animals that rely on one another for survival; through domestication over the last millennia, humans have become the important survival factor for dogs through our close relationship and selective breeding.

It’s fair to say that dogs have the same emotional needs that we humans rely on and drive us to live, such as happiness, curiosity, bonding and physical closeness. If we deprive dogs of social interaction, they will be unable to cope with normal human-dog interactions such as petting, affection and listening, which can take a serious mental toll on a dog over time. Domesticated dogs are not meant to be isolated from humans, as this can create loneliness, anxiety and in many cases aggression, which can result in re-homing the dog or euthanizing it due to persistent problems.

Social interaction is, simply put, giving your dog attention, whether it’s through playing with a toy and engaging their fun side, sitting on a couch with the dog on your lap while rubbing his or her ears or just plain having a good time together.

Above all else, this is the most important behaviour for dogs and one of the most neglected by humans.

WHAT IS A GOOD ROUTINE FOR MY DOG? Each routine will differ a little by the personality and breed of dog you have:

PHYSICAL EXERCISE There are three types of dog personalities and activity levels that will influence how much physical exercise is enough: low energy, medium energy and high energy: • Low-Energy Dogs: These types of dogs tend to be ones who enjoy lazing around the home and receiving belly rubs rather than exploring the world outside, they also tend to be either overweight (from a medical condition, or lack of exercise), have hypothyroidism or are a senior.

• Medium-Energy Dogs: These types of dogs are usually the ones who are laid back throughout the day, but as soon as it’s “walk time” they bounce around the room. Generally, this energy level is the majority of dogs in Canadian households; they adapt to a schedule and can turn themselves off when they are not in active outdoor mode.

• High-Energy Dogs: These dogs are 100% “go, go, go!” all day, every day. Typically, they have not learned how to turn off, and this can cause problems for many owners who experience destroyed houses, yards and mounting daycare bills. But don’t count these dogs out for being top dog — they are the most sought-after for sports and working, and their strong drive is exactly what some people want.

MENTAL EXERCISE Giving your dog’s mind a workout can serve many purposes, the main goal being to keep him from entertaining himself by chewing or destroying objects around the house and yard. By training your dog with obedience skills or tricks you will accomplish two things — good behaviour and the capacity for sleep and relaxation.

LOW ENERGY • Physical exercise (walks, run, play): 20–40 minutes per day.

• Social interaction (petting, playing): Minimum 30 minutes per day; this can be spread out through the day.

• Mental exercise (trick/obedience training): It’s best to do a little every day, e.g., 10–20 minutes.

MEDIUM ENERGY • Physical exercise (walks, run, play): 45 minutes to 1.5 hours per day.

• Social interaction (petting, playing): Minimum 45 minutes per day; this can be spread out throughout the day.

• Mental exercise (trick/obedience training): Minimum 30 minutes per day; best to be spread into two sessions.

HIGH ENERGY • Physical exercise (walks, run, play): One to two hours per day.

• Social interaction (petting, playing): Minimum one hour per day; this can be spread out throughout the day.

• Mental exercise (trick/obedience training): Minimum one hour per day; best to be spread into two sessions.

When you take extra moments during the day and make an effort to connect with your dog on their level by doing what makes them happy, you will be rewarded with a well-behaved, well-balanced dog.

Kristin Crestejo, ABCDT, is head trainer and behaviour consultant at Modern Canine Training in Langley, BC. www.moderncaninetraining.com

MARCH/APRIL 2015

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PETS 21

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STORIES FROM THE FRONT LINES OF VETERINARY CARE

GOOD INTENTIONS

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.

DERAILED BY POORLY LABELLED PRODUCTS y technician carefully restrained Zazzle to prevent him from hurting himself more. He had already bitten his tongue, and between the blood supply to that powerful muscle and the convulsions Zazzle was having, my exam room looked like a crime scene. In a way, I felt like it was. Stephanie stood aside in the corner of the room and looked on with big, wet eyes, horrified by her boy’s condition. I knew she felt responsible.

A year earlier Stephanie had brought Zazzle in to see me for some serious skin issues. His once gorgeous orange coat had been reduced to random patches on a scabby body. Even as he sat in his cat carrier he’d scratch and pull at his fur with ferocity.

It hadn’t taken me long to realize why when I saw the fleas scurrying over his torso. Stephanie pointed out the flea collar Zazzle wore, but I pointed out the very alive and happy fleas crawling under the white, dusty collar hanging around Zazzle’s mostly hairless neck.

Thankfully, Zazzle’s flea bite allergy dermatitis had been a relatively easy fix.

“Fleas happen,” I told Stephanie, and she grinned and listened as I explained all we needed to do to get Zazzle back to his ginger glory. For the intense itch and inflammation I relied on steroid antiinflammatory medication — the poor guy just needed relief. We used oral antibiotics for the secondary skin infection, along with a diet rich in omega fatty acids. And last, but not least, we evicted the fleas.

With a flea bite allergy, an aggressive flea control strategy is essential, as the bite of just one flea can trigger the allergy

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PHOTO: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

М

again. Stephanie had her apartment fumigated, and I put Zazzle on an effective and safe flea control regimen. In the end I sent Zazzle and Stephanie home with enough flea control product to get them comfortably through the season. When I saw Zazzle later that year, his coat was already well on its way to returning to its full, glorious orange, like the leaves changing on the trees.

I guess that’s partly why I felt affronted by poor Zazzle’s present condition, as he lay convulsing on my exam table, blood spraying from his mouth. Stephanie hadn’t meant any harm. In fact, she’d just been trying to get ahead of the fleas as spring arrived. While shopping for groceries, she’d noticed a topical flea product and, thinking they were all the same, she picked up a package and gave a dose to Zazzle.

The problem was that the product was for dogs only. Within an hour of applying the medication, Zazzle started twitching,

foaming at the mouth and quickly began to seizure.

The concentrated permethrin in the product Stephanie used acted like a potent neurotoxin, and it nearly killed Zazzle.

Despite his convulsions, we did manage to secure an IV catheter to get his treatment started, but it meant three long days of supportive care — intravenous fluids and the antidote methocarbamol to block the effect of the poison, along with the occasional dose of diazepam or valium to control the tremors. It was a close call, but in the end Zazzle pulled through.

Needless to say, Stephanie threw the last two doses of the permethrin in the garbage. I’m all for folks getting a bargain, but it really bothers me when our furry friends suffer as a result of poorly labelled products. Flea bite allergy dermatitis is nasty, and no one likes fleas, but death by neurotoxin is far worse.

Sadly, Stephanie learned a life lesson the hard way: always read the fine print.

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