Wagging Tail Portraits would love to see your pet’s face on Facebook.com/ThatsYourPet contest. Fido, pictured on the cover of this issue of Maryland Dog Magazine, was one of our winners! Over the past two years, we have had lots of cutie patooties enter the contest and have added the winners to our Wet Nose Greetings card line, which are sold on our website as well as area retailers. The winners are illustrated in our fun style and appearing on the back of the cards is a story from the pet’s point of view. To read more That’s Your Pet stories go to Wagging Tale Blog www.waggingtailportraits.com/search?q=blog For more details on the contest, and to enter go to www.Facebook.com/ThatsYourPet and “like” our page, message us your photo of your pet and include a short story. The pet that gets the most “Likes” the week he or she is in the contest wins 50 custom cards and an 11 x 14 print featuring an illustration inspired by their pet’s cuteness. Their families also get bragging rights that their pet is included in our Wet Nose Greetings line of cards. Wagging Tail Portraits also creates custom cards for those who want to commission an illustration of their pet. Great idea for pet lovers! To see examples of our work go to WaggingTailPortraits.com.
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contributing writers PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Dr. Ira Luskin, med vet, FAVD, Diplomate, American Veterinary
Dental College, Diplomate, European Veterinary Dental College. Since 1979, Dr. Luskin has been actively involved with Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery. A graduate of the Veterinary University of Vienna, Austria, he did his postgraduate doctoral in dentistry with the world renowned Veterinary Dentist and Oral Surgeon, Dr. Karl Zetner. He is hospital director of the Animal Dental Center of Baltimore, Columbia, and Annapolis, Maryland and York, Pennsylvania. Dr. Luskin is a well-known national and international speaker on small animal dentistry and oral-facial surgery and has published numerous articles in scientific journals as well as in breed club newsletters. He is often involved in research of new products to determine whether they may improve or enhance defenses against oral disease and assist the healing capacity of the mouth cavity. In January 2000, he established the Animal Dental Training Center (ADTC) of Baltimore as the first private post-graduate training center for veterinary dentistry and oral surgery in the United States. The ADTC is a state of the art teaching facility, dedicated to training veterinarians and technicians in dentistry and oral surgery. Since its inception, the center has hosted over 200 classes across a broad range of topics with veterinarians from all over the world who have come to learn dentistry. It has also hosted numerous dental wet labs for the national surgeon’s meetings and CVC conferences.
Elisabeth Catalano, CPDT, CDBC, is a professional dog
trainer and a behavior counselor with more than 12 years of experience in dealing with canine behavior problems. She is the Directory of Behavior and Training at The Coventry School, Inc. for Dogs and Their People. Elisabeth is skilled in behavior modification techniques and is committed to scientifically based animal training and the use of positive reinforcement methods. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and The Animal Behavior Society.
Joan Allen is passionate about dogs and their welfare, Joan has
volunteered as a Dog Deputy for the Baltimore SPCA, has written for Baltimore Dog Magazine, The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post, Baltimore Magazine, and many other publications. She is the author of Celebrating Single and Getting Love Right: From Stalemate to Soulmate, and editor of The Super Anti-Oxidant Diet and Nutrition Guide. Joan is currently the radio and video producer of the Who We Am series at UMBC’s Imaging Research Center. In addition, Joan has a pet sitting business, Eat, Love, Walk!
“Money wil l buy you a pretty good dog, but it won’t buy the wag of his tail.” JOSH BILLINGS
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Sharon Scholze sharon@marylanddogmag.com PUBLISHER’S ASSISTANT
Amanda Scholze CREATIVE DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGN
Carrie Boyden • Boyden Design www.boydendesign.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dr. Ira Luskin Elisabeth Catalano, CPDT, CDBC Joan Allen MULTIMEDIA
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tableofcontents
Tiam Media COVER PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
winter 2016
Wagging Tail Studios, LLC
6 Maryland Dog Magazine is published quarterly by Tiam Media. Copies are available in locations throughout Maryland. Subscriptions are available for $14.95 per year. Subscription payments can be mailed to P.O. Box 3062, Westminster, MD 21158. Visit www.marylanddogmag.com for more information or call 410-812-9223. The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted by Maryland Dog Magazine with all rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Maryland Dog Magazine and Tiam Media does not endorse or guarantee any product, service, or vendor mentioned or pictured in this magazine in editorial or advertising. Views expressed by writers or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher.
www.marylanddogmag.com facebook.com/Marylanddogmag
Visit www.marylanddogmag.com and like us on Facebook. Connect with fellow Maryland Dog readers and share photos, story ideas and news. Get regular updates on events, adoptions, news, and products.
Fido is a black lab who is full of “labradog” energy, personality, and smarts! He is affectionately known by his nicknames including “Fidy,” “Ginks”, and “Ginkaheimer.” As a certified therapy dog, he brings comfort and smiles to everyone at home, schools, and hospitals. He always looks forward to running errands with mom and meeting new people in the community. Despite being nearly 11, he’s an avid counter surfer, hiker, and swimmer. He also enjoys food, chasing squirrels, snuggling, and hanging out the car window. Did I mention food?
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Manage Diabetic Pets at Home
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Pet Trusts Caring for Your Dog When You No Longer Can
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Welcome Home Bringing Your Knew “Shelter” Canine Companion Home
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Perfect Puppy Recipe
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Keeping a Healthy Smile: Q&A with Dr. Luskin
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Shopping Guide Get your paws on this stuff
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Paw Picks MDM Book Selections
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Shelter News
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Advertising Index
See page 2 for details on Wagging Tail Portrait’s “That’s Your Pet” Contest. www.marylanddogmag.com I 5
››› Manage Diabetic Pets at Home
The
chances are good that you know someone who has diabetes. However, you may not realize this disease that commonly affects humans is on the rise among dogs and cats. Like humans, a diagnosis of diabetes requires lifestyle changes and heightened health monitoring, yet with proper care, your pet can live a full and active life. During a recent fouryear study, Banfield Hospitals have seen a 32 percent jump in cases of canine diabetes and a 16 percent increase in feline diabetes.1 Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body cannot process glucose (sugar) into cells, resulting in too much glucose in the blood and not enough glucose in the cells for energy. Untreated, diabetes can be fatal in dogs and cats, but veterinary care and at-home blood glucose monitoring can help you manage the disease in your four-legged friends. The first step is identifying warning signs of diabetes in your pet. Certain risk factors may increase the chances of your pet getting diabetes. In both dogs and cats, these include age, obesity and breeds with a genetic predisposition. Signs of diabetes in pets are often very similar to those in humans and include fatigue or weakness, increased hunger, weight loss, increased thirst and increased urination. If you observe one or more of these signs, consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause. If your veterinarian diagnoses diabetes, they will create a management plan that addresses your pet’s dietary and dental care needs.The plan also will call for monitoring blood glucose levels and often include a prescription for insulin.
Diet and Exercise Diabetic pets are usually prescribed diets that minimize blood sugar spikes. For diabetic dogs, diets high in fiber WINTER 2016 I 6
are typical because they are lower in carbohydrates – the source of sugar – and take longer to digest. For diabetic cats, your veterinarian may recommend a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Pet Trusts
Exercise and physical activity are also important when managing diabetic pets. In general, physical activity and exercise lower blood glucose levels.This is why consistency in your pet’s daily exercise schedule is important.
At-home Monitoring The goal of pet diabetes management is to make pets feel better by controlling glucose levels and minimizing the risk of complications. Monitoring of blood glucose is one way to assess the diabetes management plan. While veterinarians can test at the office, research shows both biological and psychosocial benefits of using at-home blood glucose monitoring systems. Monitoring blood glucose at home helps you follow your veterinarian’s prescribed management plan while eliminating the pet’s stress over frequent veterinarian visits. At-home monitoring systems for pets are very different than at-home monitoring systems for humans and should not be used interchangeably.You actually can use the same at-home monitoring systems that your veterinarian uses, such as AlphaTRAK® 2, which is available through your veterinarian. Specifically calibrated for dogs and cats, it is easy to use and priced affordably to make at-home monitoring convenient and economical. Once you have a prescribed plan in place, you should meet with your veterinarian three to four times a year for him/her to adjust the plan as needed to keep your pet comfortable. Successful diabetes management is achieved through compliance with your pet’s prescribed plan, at-home blood glucose monitoring and consistent communication and follow-up appointments with your veterinarian. Visit AlphaTRAKmeter.com to learn more about diabetes management. 1 Vernon D (2011). Banfield releases a major veterinary study showing a spike in diabetes, dental disease, and otitis externa. DVM 360. April 21, 2011. [2015 November 19] Available from: http:// veterinarynews.dvm360.com/banfield-releases-major-veterinarystudy-showing-spike-diabetes-dental-disease-and-otitis-externa
Caring for your dog when you no longer can. By L. Joan Allen
Need help planning your Pet Trust? Check out these organizations. Roger Caras once said,“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust…” But what happens to your beloved dog if he outlives you or you become disabled? Effective October 1, 2009, the State of Maryland recognized a pet owner’s right to establish a Pet Trust, as reflected in the Estates and Trusts Article of the MD Code § 14-112, which states: A trust may be created for the care of an animal alive during the lifetime of the settlor.The trust terminates upon the death of the animal, or upon the death of the last surviving animal covered by the trust. Put simply, a pet trust gives you control over certain aspects of your dog’s life when you can no longer take care of him. A pet trust is a document you set up with your attorney in which you choose the trustee, a successor trustee, beneficiary pet or pets, and caretaker, specifying how you want your pet cared for and funds managed. Estate Planning Attorney Richard Gershberg of Gershberg & Associates, LLC, in Owings Mills, MD explains,“The majority of our clients who set up pet trusts are single with no children; their pets being their children, they want to ensure that their pets will be well cared for in the event of the client’s death or inability to care for the pet due to mental incapacity.
“We review with our clients a multi-page questionnaire that includes how they want their pet’s care provided in the event of their death or incapacity. In a pet trust, the trustee may not necessarily be named the caretaker.The trustee is in charge of the funds, and the caretaker cares for the animal. It can be the same person but not always. Many times clients have multiple animals, and all the animals are included as beneficiaries of the trust.” Attorney Randall Fisher, owner Fisher Office, LLC, in Annapolis suggests,“Either find someone you trust to leave some money or put money in a trust for the lifespan of the dog. Unless you have a trusted family member to take care of your dog, you want an independent trustee to handle the money and second person to be a caregiver.”
Trust vs. Will
According to Fisher, a pet trust provides better protection for your dog. He says,“The trustee is responsible for finances and care of the pet. For example, if the dog is not being taken care of properly, the trustee has the power to move the dog to a different caregiver. Let’s say you left your dog in your will and gave money to a caregiver to take care of the pet; nothing requires the caretaker actually to care for the dog, and he still gets the money. A trust can be part of a will but is still a trust.”
Gershberg & Associates, LLC
Fisher Law Office
Maryland SPCA - Legacy of Care Program
11419 Cronridge Dr # 7, Owings Mills, MD 21117 (410) 654-3850 gershberglaw.com
888 Bestgate Road, Suite 420 Annapolis, MD 21401 FisherLawOffice.com
3300 Falls Road Baltimore, MD 21211 410-235-8826 ext. 135 mdspca.org/give/planned/legacy-of-care/
Fisher explains,“The advantage of setting up a trust over a will is that trusts go into effect immediately. A pet trust would specify control and care of funds available, directions on care, medical attention such as what veterinarians and specialists you would like to use and even end of life and burial.
Beyer suggests that you consult with your lawyer or life insurance agent about the correct way of naming the trustee of your pet trust as a beneficiary.
“Will planning is inadequate for pets because wills do not address disability and because of the time lapse between the pet owner’s death and the will being admitted to probate,” says Fisher. Which means your dog may have to go to a shelter until the legal paperwork is settled.”
Beyer also suggests that you include in your pet trust specific instructions in the following categories on how you want the caregiver to care for your dog:
How to determine the cost Fisher says,“I ask the client for the pet’s average annual food bill, average vet bill, and boarding costs in the area. I factor the average life span of the dog (based on the breed) and factor all the numbers by 20% and work the amount of money that can be put aside.”
How to pay There are many creative ways to fund a pet trust if you don’t have enough money to care for your dog after your disability or death.
“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust...” WINTER 2016 I 8
Pet owners should consider life insurance that names a pet trust or traditional trust as a beneficiary to fund a pet’s care. Law Professor Jerry W. Beyer, of Texas Tech University School of Law, explains,“A life insurance policy may be one you take out just to fund your pet trust, or you may have a certain portion of an existing policy payable to your pet trust.This technique is particularly useful if you do not have or anticipate having sufficient property to transfer for your pet’s care. Life insurance creates property when you die which you may then use to fund your pet trust.” Beyer says that you may also use other assets such as pay on death accounts, annuities, and retirement to fund a pet trust.
What to include
• food and diet • daily routines • toys • socialization • preferred vet • grooming • whether the trust will pay for liability insurance if the animal injures someone • how the trustee is to monitor the caregiver’s services • how to identify the animal • how to bury the pet. • how to monitor the caregiver’s services
Other Trust options
Sarah Walton, Director of Development of the Maryland SPCA, says their Legacy of Care program is a good option for pet owners who worry about the care of their pets when they can no longer care for them. Walton says,“Pets enrolled in Legacy of Care will be placed in a carefully screened, permanent home upon the owner’s death.To ensure the best placement, there is an enrollment and screening process. We also require provisions be made in your estate for your pet.This enables us to provide lifetime medical care for your pet. “This program is for pet owners who don’t have friends and family willing to take their pet.The Maryland SPCA will give their pet the quality care they deserve, and will give these pet owners peace of mind.”
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Welcome Home!
Bringing your new “shelter” canine companion home.
did u know? Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats. Of the dogs entering shelters, approximately 35% are adopted, 31% are euthanized and 26% of dogs who came in as strays are returned to their owner. Source: www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intakeand-surrender/pet-statistics
Many families choose the holidays as a good time to give the gift of a new dog or puppy to their children or family member. Winter can be a difficult time to train an untrained dog or new puppy. Reduced daylight and bad weather are not always ideal for the numerous trips required outdoors to potty train a dog correctly. Here are some tips to help make your new dog’s transition to their new home as easy as possible: Puppy or dog-safe your home. Create a pet-friendly environment in the same manner you would if you had a baby or toddler in your home. Items such as cords, house plants, chemicals, electric outlets and items you would be upset if ruined like books or keepsakes are out of reach of your animal. It might sound silly but get down on the floor at the level that your new dog will be and look around to make sure
nothing was missed that may get them into trouble. Baby gates are wonderful for blocking off areas that you would prefer not have your new addition go. Dogs and puppies are curious and just as babies they don’t understand that they could get hurt from chewing on different items in your home. Build a Bond. If you have adopted a shelter dog, they were most likely feeling stressed in the shelter environment. Now is a great time to take some vacation days or adjust your schedule if possible to be home with your adopted dog for the first few days or weeks. The same is true for a new puppy.The more time you can spend together the faster the bond will form and a trusting relationship will begin. Not to mention less opportunity for accidents and negative behavior. Accidents will happen, even with an older shelter dog. DO NOT get angry at your new dog, they are getting used to their new environment, and proper potty training, potty breaks, patience, and training is imperative. Keep in mind how long they should be able to hold their bladder. It is not their fault if you are gone over the number of hours they can hold it. Make sure your schedule is conducive to being home to train and let your dog out during the day or hire a dog walker. Elizabeth Catalano, Director at The Coventry School For Dogs wrote an article a few issues ago that breaks down step-by-step how to properly potty train your dog.You can find the article on our website, www. marylanddogmag.com. Set a schedule, just as in a potty schedule, a consistent routine from the beginning can help put your new dog at ease in their new home. As much as possible keep walks, feeding and training time as routine and familiar as possible. Train your new best friend. Even if you have rescued a shelter dog and the dog is a little older, they may still need to be trained for your environment. If you don’t know who trained the dog, you may not know what they used for motivation, treats or praise. Most shelters have a staff trainer who should be able to let you know their techniques. Shelters are full of lovable dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages needing a good home and ready to become your best friend.The winter can be a very cold and lonely place for any animal to spend. If you haven’t gotten your new furry family member yet, please consider a shelter dog first.
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The
truth is, it is relatively simple to raise a perfect puppy.There is a “special recipe” that involves a delicate balance of five ingredients to create the ‘Perfect Puppy’: • • • • • •
Socialization Physical exercise Training/mental stimulation Alone time/crate training Handling Creating a reinforcement rich environment
Each one of these ingredients is incredibly important to your puppy’s development and emotional well-being.They will also play a role in what kind of a dog your puppy will grow into and what type of relationship you will have with him.
Socialization Socialization is the first ingredient because it is the most important thing for a puppy and the time to do it is limited. Your puppy can be easily socialized between the ages of 3 to 12 weeks but, once that window closes, it becomes more difficult for them to accept new things. Good socialization prepares your puppy for everything he will encounter during his life with you. Puppies that haven’t been exposed to a wide variety of good experiences, may have problems coping in new situations or with new things.They may develop a fear of unfamiliar things or people and can even become aggressive. By Elisabeth Catalano, CPDT, CDBC
Perfect
Puppy Recipe This is the time of year when many people have added a puppy to their family. I adore puppies, and love raising them, but it is a lot of work! It can drive you crazy, especially, if you are unprepared, or unsure how to do it. There is so much to know and do and all the conflicting information available today compounds the confusion. New owners find it difficult to sort it all out, much less do it right. It is enough to make a new puppy owner cry.
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and play, the length of time will depend on the type and breed of dog you have. Fetch is a fast and easy way to burn off steam but can become repetitive and boring for some dogs, so don’t be afraid to add hide-and-seek or tug to the mix. Training is an important mental activity that can tire your dog as well as keeping him nicely behaved.Training should be fun and a bit challenging. Mental stimulation also comes in the form of food puzzles and games like the Kong, the Treat Tornado and the Dog Brick.
Alone Time and Crate Training Teaching a puppy to be able to cope with time alone is something that is often overlooked. It may be nice to have your pup with you at all times, but there will be times when that is impossible. He must learn how to handle down times and be able to settle without being stressed and anxious. Crate training is an excellent way to safely give your puppy alone time and give him a space in which to relax. Short periods of time away from you with a
Kong to enjoy will teach your pup how to amuse himself.
Handling Being a dog means that human beings will be touching and holding you. Puppies must be taught from an early age that being held and touched is not something to be afraid of. Good breeders provide this to very young puppies in advance of them going to their new homes. But the job doesn’t end there, you need to continue to keep the puppy used to being held and touched by making it relaxing and enjoyable. Pups that don’t have this early exposure, become difficult to manage later on in life for simple things like putting on harnesses, clipping nails or even drying off feet.
Reinforcement Rich Environment Most puppy problems can be prevented by simply rewarding the puppy for his attempts at good behavior. Manage the environment so that the puppy can’t make mistakes but if he does it is easily solved by redirecting the puppy to a
more appropriate behavior. Mistake free learning (rewarding good behavior and preventing bad) will take time but is the best way for your pup to learn. Many people focus instead on trying to stop or punish behaviors so that they don’t occur again. Unfortunately, what happens is that the puppies are continually exposed to punishment and they become desensitized to it. As a result, punishments must get harsher and harsher to be effective. Ultimately, the dog begins to fear the owner. Above all, raising a perfect puppy requires patience, planning, commitment and persistence. If these are not things that you can afford to do, then a puppy may not be right for you.Yes, there are shortcuts and you can leave out a few of the ingredients, but the end result will not be a dog who is loving, easy to get along with and welcomed everywhere.The next 10-15 years is a long time to live with regret. Start cooking now!
Your puppy must be exposed to people, places, things, sights, smells, sounds, and other animals (especially other dogs). For each of these individual things, think variety! For instance, how many different types of people can your puppy meet, and in how many different places? Tall people, short people, men with beards, people with floppy hats and mirrored sunglasses, people wearing helmets, and uniforms, etc., must all be part of the program. A good Puppy Kindergarten class is an ideal place to socialize and learn.Take your puppy to visit the local police station or fire department. Sit out in front of Starbucks with your puppy and coffee and see how many people you can meet! But, just exposing puppies to new things isn’t enough; the experiences must be pleasant. Bring treats with you so that people can offer the puppy something yummy to sweeten the deal.
Physical Exercise, Training and Mental Stimulation There is no question that a tired puppy is a good puppy! Your very young puppy will be sleepy and easily pooped. But, as the puppy ages, his energy level will rise and eventually sky-rocket! You must provide outlets for this energy.This is not a luxury for the dog, it is a need as basic as for food and water. Most new owners plan on exercising their dogs by walking them several times throughout the day. It is a nice plan, but unfortunately, not a realistic one. Walks for your dog are not exercise as they rarely release enough energy. Dogs need to run www.marylanddogmag.com I 13
How has pet dental care changed over the years as pets become more a part of our families?
By Dr. Ira Luskin
The evolution of veterinary dentistry has followed a path similar to that of dentistry for people. Veterinarians are beginning to realize that the effects of bad oral hygiene in their patients are far-reaching. Not only do diseased teeth affect a pet’s heart and kidneys but they also diminish their life expectancy and the quality of their lives. Veterinarians who recognize these threats and understand the importance of proper oral care are now able to use sophisticated technologies like digital radiography to diagnose problems and have the ability to continue their post-graduate educations in oral disease. For the last 15 years, through our Animal Dental Training Center also in Baltimore, we have offered educational courses to over 4000 of our colleagues from around the world on oral disease and its appropriate treatment.
What are the main issues you see in your practice with dental visits? Pet owners often give their pets inappropriate chew toys. Hard objects break teeth. Most people do not realize that a dog’s teeth are actually weaker than our own despite the fact that they can bite with far greater pressure and strength than we can. This often results in fractured teeth and causes infections. Such infections easily find their way into an animal’s jaw and subsequently spread to other organs.We educate our clients to follow a simple guideline when it comes to chewing toys; if you personally would not chew on the toy because of fear of breaking your teeth, do not give it to your pets! Our practice routinely performs root canal therapy to preserve these fractured teeth but sadly not every tooth can be saved. This is why taking a proactive approach to your pet’s dental care is essential. [FIGURE 1]
February is Dental Health Month. Dr. Luskin, founder of the Animal Dental Training Center (ADTC) of Baltimore, shares his wealth of knowledge on pet dental health.
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By far, the #1 oral malady we see affecting our pets today is periodontal disease. As in humans, this is a disease that affects the gums and all of the supporting structures that hold the teeth in the mouth. It starts with the accumulation of plaque which then mineralizes to form tartar. Both the plaque and tartar have millions of bacteria which inflame the gums and cause both gum and bone recession. This bone recession weakens the support, and subsequently the teeth become mobile. These bacterial infections, caused by periodontal disease, easily spread to other body organs and slowly deteriorate the animal’s health. The main signs of periodontal issues include bad breath, a red/swollen appearance of the gums, and tooth mobility. A common misconception people have is that as long as an animal is still eating that must be an indicator of good health. Eating equals survival in the wild, and on its own, is not necessarily an indication of good oral health and comfort.
Periodontal disease is a chronic illness and the debilitation of your pet’s health is slow and often times silent.When it comes to tartar and plaque buildup, there are things to avoid, and there are also positive measures that can help your pet enjoy a long and healthy Severe crown fracture from antler chewing. life. While dogs seem to enjoy them, giving hard chew toys and biscuits do not clean the teeth and can have a detrimental effect as mentioned above. In addition to brushing daily, using a wax barrier substance called Oravet™ weekly will slow up the formation of tartar. Periodontal disease is treated with a thorough cleaning Advanced bone loss and gum recession from both above and Periodontal disease. below the gum line. It is the areas below the gums that have the most noxious bacteria that destroy healthy tissue.Therefore, clients should be extremely careful about accepting “anesthetic-free dentistry” procedures since they do nothing to clean the most important areas below the gums and can be potentially unsafe if the animal is moving while the practitioner is using sharp instruments in the mouth! [FIGURE 2] Cats often have very painful dental lesions called tooth resorptions. In the past, they were called “cat cavities” because they resembled true cavities caused by decay. Such lesions are not related to bacterial destruction but rather, the animal’s own bodies attacking their teeth. Once the lesions become deep, the roots are exposed, and this causes great pain to your feline companion. Signs of this type of oral pain in cats include an animal that seems interested in food put in their bowls but then turns away without eating. These lesions can never solely be treated with antibiotics, and surgical extraction of the affected and weakened teeth is recommended. In these cases, the veterinary practitioner must use the utmost care to ensure www.marylanddogmag.com I 15
The Animal Dental Center has three convenient locations: 1209 Cromwell Bridge Road, Towson, MD 21286 • 410-828-1001 197 Defense Highway, Suite 101, Annapolis, MD 21401 • 410-828-1001 8890 Centre Park Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, MD 21045 • 410-828-1001
the entire tooth is removed and that no root fragments remain which will only prolong the infection. [FIGURE 3]
How does my pet’s dental health affect their overall health? We have known for years that oral pain and infection in the mouth will not only cause weight loss but greatly reduce life expectancy. Associated heart and kidney disease are also fairly common. At the Animal Dental Center, we have seen clients with pets who experience seizures as a byproduct of underlying oral disease. Once the actual infection and disease have been properly treated, these
Ingrowth of inflamed tissue into a resorptive lesion.
seizure symptoms can be dramatically reduced both frequency and intensity. Often, other unexplained behaviors that result from oral pain will fully resolve themselves once the dental issues have been treated. Having a proactive care plan in place is a key component to prolonged health and pet comfort.
Signs of health issues and diseases, like cancer can show up in a pet’s mouth. Are there any specific signs pet owners should be looking for? The third most common site for cancer is in the mouth. As in humans, early detection often can lead to a cure. We as pet owners need to be vigilant! Any bumps in the animal’s mouth should be considered suspicious and brought to your veterinarian’s attention. Doctors cannot make an appropriate diagnosis simply by looking at an oral mass, and the next step is to take a biopsy of the abnormal swelling and consult with a pathologist. Just because a swelling or abnormality does not physically grow in size does not mean that it isn’t cancer. Some cancers stay localized to the mouth and destroy tissue locally. Others have the capacity to spread or metastasize. They have many different appearances and need to be categorized and treated as soon as they are detected. A “wait and see” approach in the case of these oral tumors is absolutely not a good philosophy to follow. If biopsies are taken and indicate an oral cancer, then all efforts in their removal should be undertaken. As specialists in oral disease and its treatment at the Animal Dental Center, we routinely provide the advanced care necessary to treat oral tumors. [FIGURE 4]
Do dogs get cavities?
Multiple oral tumors covering the teeth.
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Dogs get cavities when fed simple carbohydrates. Milk products such as ice cream and cheese all promote the bacterial breakdown of the enamel on a dog’s teeth. The most common teeth to be affected are the molars towards the
For additional information on Dr. Ira Luskin and the Animal Dental Center please visit: www.animaldentalcenter.com
back of the mouth due to their relatively large flat crushing surfaces that have a tendency to maintain these foods in their deep crevices. Like human dentists, veterinarians use a sharp pointed probe instrument that “sticks” into any weakened enamel cavity caused by bacteria. Depending on the depth of the cavity, the veterinary dentist can restore the tooth with a filling to prevent further decay. If a tooth’s root structure has been compromised by decay and infection has started, then root canal therapy can be performed to save these important teeth. As always, the best way to prevent such problems is to avoid feeding your pets the foods that cause them.
How often should a pet’s teeth be professionally cleaned? Depending on the frequency of homecare performed by pet owners, the speed of tartar accumulation will dictate when your veterinary team needs to perform a professional teeth-cleaning. Remember, scaling the teeth above the gumline without anesthesia is only half the job. Thorough cleaning below the gums and possible dental x-rays can only be done safely under anesthesia! Certain dog breeds that breath regularly from their mouths, such as brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, etc.), have a greater need for more frequent cleaning due to the constant moisture from their breath promoting more rapid tartar formation. Additionally, these breeds can have deep folds of the roof of the mouth which cause gingivitis or inflammation of the gums.
Are there any healthy alternatives to brushing if you have a dog that is uncooperative? Using dental waxes like Oravet™ once per week or water additives such as Oxyfresh™ or Healthy Mouth™ will delay the onset of tartar accumulation and subsequent gum inflammation. Uncooperative pets should be brought to the veterinary team for assessment
X-ray shows an impacted tooth near the canine root.
under anesthesia. This evaluation can rule out any painful teeth or other issues that might be making the pet more reluctant to having their teeth brushed at home. During this procedure, a thorough above and below gumline tooth cleaning should also be performed. Any infections of the mouth need to be addressed, so the animal is more amenable to having their face touched. Such measures substantially increase the likelihood of making an “uncooperative” dog more willing to have his mouth cared for on a regular basis. As specialists that deal exclusively with oral disease, the Animal Dental Centers are very involved with disease prevention.
Bones, bully strips, rawhide: there are so many options for dogs to satisfy their need to chew. What is safe and what isn’t? Any chew toys that are flexible would be safe. Products such as Kong™ rubber toys and GoughNuts™ brand products that feature a chew “safety” indicator would also be appropriate. Rolled or knotted rawhides, and hard chew toys that are promoted as “indestructible” should never be given to your pet. Do not ever give antlers and hooves as the irregular surfaces and hardness break the most important chewing teeth towards the back of the mouth. These teeth are especially important because they shear the animal’s food. Often, a pet’s excessive need to chew is associated with “boredom”. Routinely playing with
Fractured baby tooth causing the adult to erupt improperly.
or taking the dog for a good run often reduces the animal’s tendency to engage in destructive chew behaviors.
What is the importance of having an x-ray included in the dental visit? Dental x-rays are an absolute necessity in the proper diagnosis of diseases that affect the mouth and are often “invisible” below the gum line. The information provided by a good set of x-rays helps the practitioner evaluate the severity of disease and the most appropriate treatment options. Dental X-rays provide a “full picture” perspective to the veterinary team and are crucial to providing the highest quality of medical care for pet’s today. Before your pet’s teeth are cleaned, every pet owner should inquire if the veterinary hospital has this important piece of equipment. Diseases that are diagnosed with dental radiographs include cancer, impacted teeth, cysts, periodontal disease or bone loss, broken teeth, and infections that have caused abscesses. Many of these conditions can be more appropriately addressed if they are caught at an early stage. Proper radiographs and interpretation of those x-rays play a vital role in detecting such problems and are therefore an essential component of a thorough dental visit. As a veterinary dental and oral surgery specialty group, we use advanced digital radiography to help diagnose all oral problems in our patients. We also consult on cases for general veterinarians who
Impacted tooth which has been Uncapped to allow for eruption.
want a second opinion or perspective on a radiographic evaluation. [FIGURE 5]
Do puppies need anything different in the care of their teeth? It is extremely important that puppies at 10 to 12 weeks of age are evaluated by the veterinary staff for missing or broken teeth. We advise practitioners to follow the “6 and 6” doctrine: By six weeks of age all puppies should have all their deciduous or “baby” teeth and by six months all the adult teeth should be in place. That means if teeth on one side of the mouth have come in, but the other side is missing teeth, the pet owner must bring it to the veterinarian’s attention. These “missing teeth” could be impacted which means something is preventing them from properly erupting. Due to a high probability that these impactions can go on to form cysts, these young patients need dental x-rays to confirm the impaction and, if present, they should be surgically extracted. As the puppies develop, jaws should be symmetrical in their forward growth. Any shorter lower jaws (undershot) or longer lower jaws (overshot) can potentially cause trauma to other neighboring teeth and the soft tissue. Our offices routinely evaluate animals for proper jaw growth and occlusion (how the mouth aligns and closes properly). Like in human orthodontics, we can often move teeth or reduce their height before trauma occurs and to prevent the pain of dental and soft tissue injury. [FIGURES 6 & 7]
www.marylanddogmag.com I 17
The Dogs of Newtown
By Guy Bacon Guy Bacon was just eight years old when his younger sister was a victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School attacks almost exactly three years ago. When he boarded the bus to go back to school the following January, nobody – his grieving parents, his shaken friends, or himself – knew what to expect. But Guy and the rest of the children and teachers were greeted with comfort in the form of furry, four-legged friends.
Pet Bed Warmer By K&H PET PRODUCTS, LLC. This bed warmer is great on cold winter nights for convalescent, arthritic and older pets. The therapeutic warmth utilizes dual thermostats for added comfort. Can be placed inside virtually any pet bed and is easy to use. Electrically heated insert provides gentle warmth for your pet’s bed. Intended for indoor use only. Safe and energy efficient.
Soggy Doggy Super Snoozer Made from the same material as the Soggy Doggy Doormats, the velvety-soft chenille noodles massage as they snuggle and support. The thick, high loft polyester fill eliminates shifting or clumping. Breathable microfiber cover zips off and into two pieces for easy machine wash and dry. Anti-bacterial and quick-drying. Cover remains odor and bacteria free.
Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste
Sponsored by:
Now your pets can care for their teeth! Ark Naturals award-winning BREATH-LESS Brushless Toothpaste is a multiple award-winning chewable dental solution for pets. BREATH-LESS Brushless Toothpaste is a highly digestible dental chew with clinically proven, all natural ingredients. On the outside: Fresh flavors of alfalfa (source of chlorophyll), cinnamon, vanilla and clove help freshen breath. Outside ridges help abrasive action. On the inside: Ark’s patented toothpaste center for plaque, tartar and bacteria control. Made in the USA.
Ark Naturals Plaque Zapper www.mypetstoreandmore.com 410-465-0594 To purchase visit My Pet Store and More at 9469 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD For additional information, call 410-465-0594. To order online visit www.mypetstoreandmore.com.
WINTER 2016 I 18
Designed to use with the Brushless Toothpaste. BREATH-LESS PlaqueZapper patent pending is a hassle-free way pet guardians can help their pets have healthy teeth and gums. Putting Plaque-Zapper in your pets’ drinking water helps neutralize the pH level of saliva, deter the growth of bacteria, and control plaque, tartar, and bad breath.
Encounters with Rikki: From Hurricane Katrina Rescue to Exceptional Therapy Dog
By author Julie Strauss Bettinger Publisher Inkshares Encounters with Rikki tells the true story of the incredible partnership between Chuck and Rikki, a very special rescue dog. Rikki first found her home with Chuck and Patty Mitchell in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Even though the golden retriever was a shy, shell-shocked puppy still adapting to the stress of displacement, Chuck recognized her innate abilities as a therapy dog. Together they bring healing and hope to recovering patients, accident victims, and the mentally ill. Soon Rikki’s quiet confidence attracts the attention of advocates for child victims. Called upon to testify in court, child witnesses must recall horrific memories in the presence of their abusers; the tireless work of Chuck and Rikki allows these children to do so with a therapy dog by their side. Inspiring and heartfelt, Rikki’s story illustrates the far-reaching effects of the human-animal bond. Publication date, Jan 26, 2016, Available on Amazon page www.amazon.com/Encounters-RikkiHurricane-Katrina-Exceptional/dp/1941758533
Therapy dogs played a crucial role in the comforting, mending, and rebuilding of the entire Newtown, CT community. They were so important that Guy knew he had to introduce them to the world, and he wrote and compiled a sweet book to do so: The Dogs of Newtown. In it, Guy includes photos of each of the therapy dogs and emphasizes their unique personalities and traits, as well as the impact that each has made in the lives of those it touched. As Guy, now eleven, says, “these were some of the most special therapy dogs that visited my friends and me at school and helped lick the tears away.” For more information, visit www.gooddogsgreatlisteners.com and www.charlotteslitter.org, and connect with Charlotte’s Litter and Good Dogs, Great Listeners on Facebook and Twitter. The Dogs of Newtown can be purchased from www.amazon.com.
We’re Getting a Pet!
To the rescue! On our way. . . We’ll choose a pet for me today! Published by Random House Children’s Books. A young boy’s family is ready for a pet. But what kind of pet should they get? In this lively read aloud, a trip to a rescue shelter leads to just the right kind of pet for the whole family. It’s an older dog who’s already trained. . . and ready to be a best friend. The author Sue Fliess is a master at writing engaging stories for preschoolers. She penned Robots, Robots Everywhere! and How To Be a Pirate for Little Golden Books. The illustrator Jana Christy is the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Disney Never Girls series. She illustrated The Princess and the Pea for Little Golden Books.
www.marylanddogmag.com I 19
New Executive Director at Baltimore Humane Society “On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff of Baltimore Humane Society, I am delighted to welcome Brad Powers as the new executive director,” said Russell Ashton, Board President. “His wealth of experience and demonstrated leadership in serving the animal welfare world will help our no-kill shelter move forward in its mission to provide a temporary, safe home for unwanted and homeless animals while also further building our community programs and advancing the humane treatment of animals through public education.” Having served since 2011 as part of the leadership team for one of the Midwest’s largest open admission municipal shelters, Brad brings to Baltimore Humane Society extensive leadership and program development experience. He has helped implement groundbreaking
programs that drastically improve the quality of life and path to adoption for thousands of animals in the Midwest, presided over a large-scale shelter reconstruction project, and fostered collaborations with community partners to improve services and resources for pets and pet owners. Brad is also an attorney with a background in animal law and legislative reform. A pet owner his entire life, Brad began fighting for the rights of animals in 2008 while serving as a prosecuting clerk for the City of Chicago Department of Law. Since then, he has lectured law students and contributed to national publications on a variety of animal law and welfare issues. As an Illinois Animal Welfare Federation board member and Chicago Area Shelter Alliance agency representative, he has provided input on multiple state and local legislative proposals that have helped Illinois earn the distinction as the state with the nation’s best animal protection laws.
Give a Valentine eCard and support the Maryland SPCA
“I am excited to continue the work of this wonderful organization’s 90-year history and add to its legacy as a pivotal partner in the community and animal welfare world,” says Brad.
Looking for an inexpensive Valentine gift that shows you care without breaking the bank? Maryland SPCA’s Valentine eCards will do the trick! Send that special someone a Valentine eCard, 12 adorably cute designs to select from featuring pets who were adopted from the MD SPCA. At just $10 each, your purchase will feed a pet in the adoption center for one week. Give a Valentine eCard, and help a homeless pet. Go to www.mdspca.org to view all cards.
Brad was raised the son of a thirtyyear veteran of the United States Army and has lived all over the world. With strong family ties to Maryland, he is very excited to relocate his home with his partner Tara, their twelve-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, Saidey, and their two-year-old shelter mix, Pippin. Submitted by the Baltimore Humane Society.
We’re 87% of the Way There! The Humane Society of Harford County (HSHC) is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy temporary shelter and excellent care to the homeless, abandoned and neglected animals of Harford County. Providing these basic services to almost 4,500 animals a year was challenging, to say the least, in an old farmhouse that had been upgraded and renovated many times over our 70-year history. After years of planning and over a year of construction, our new 19,000 square foot home at 2208 Connolly Road in Fallston, Maryland is almost here.This is a very exciting time for HSHC and our community! What will the new shelter have that the old one doesn’t? Private, individual cat and dog “getacquainted rooms” to promote bonding and adoptions, modern medical treatment facilities and separate isolation/quarantine for sick animals, a procedure room for exams and spay/neuter of shelter animals, multiple air handling systems with 100% fresh air exchange to reduce
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cross-contamination, and expanded outdoor recreation areas, just to name a few. But we still need your help to reach our goal to OPEN THE DOORS of our brand-new facility – to furnish the building and complete the project. And we’re already 87% of the way there! With your assistance, we can make our new shelter a place that not just meets, but exceeds the needs of our animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors. From dog beds to desks and cat condos to medical equipment, every dollar of your contribution will go towards furnishing our new space. There are so many ways you can contribute to a brighter future for Harford County’s less fortunate animals:
• Purchase a “Leaf of Love” on our donor tree that will be displayed prominently in the new Adoption Center Lobby with stones, acorns, and brass and copper leaves bearing the names of special animals or people. • Place your name on a plaque that will become part of the donor wall and give hope to the animals. • Get naming rights for individual areas within the new facility, including on dog kennels and cat condos and outdoor benches and trees. • Make a general donation in honor of or in memory of a special person or a pet. Contribute online at harfordshelter. org, contact Kelly at 443-987-4452, or mail a check payable to HSHC, Attn: OPEN THE DOORS, 2208 Connolly Road, Fallston, MD 21047.
www.marylanddogmag.com I 21
Advertising Index Safe, Friendly, Caring Atmosphere
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Invisible Fence of Maryland PAGE 3
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Pet E.R. PAGE 11
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The Coventry School for Dogs PAGE 11
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My Pet Store and More PAGE 13
Sales Help Wanted Maryland Dog Magazine is looking for an advertising sales person. If you love animals, enjoy helping businesses be successful, while meeting new people then this position is for you!
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PO Box 3062, Westminster, MD 21158 WINTER 2016 I 22
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Wagging Tail Portraits PAGE 13
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Pampered Paws Salon PAGE 30
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The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc. PAGE 30
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