Pet Health and Safety

DECEMBER 2017 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM

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An Independent Supplement by Mediaplanet to USA Today

Pet Health & Safety Catch a glimpse into the jett-setting lifestyle of famous pooch Doug the Pug.

Explore a holiday gift guide that’s sure to have a special

something for every furry friend on your list.

Browse more stories online, including the importance

of pet adoption from the mom of celebrity cat Nala.

2 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM | IN THIS ISSUE

Discover the many ways doggy day care promotes your pup’s overall wellness.

Page 5

Explore pet care tips from the mom of Manny, a Frenchie with a million followers.

Online

Learn five warning signs that could indicate your pet has a serious health problem.

Page 6

Dispatches From the Frontlines of the Animal Welfare Movement Learn about the ways the Humane Society is updating its mission to address the shifting, more complex needs of our times.

We are in the midst of a tremendous shift in the animal welfare arena.

Although consensus on statistics can become a bit of a matrix, one thing most agree on is that the number of cats and dogs entering shelters has gone down, and that pet adoption has become a preferred method of pet acquisition.

Most remember Bob Barker’s signature “spay/neuter” sign off as host of “The Price is Right.” Animal welfare organizations followed suit and dedicated tremendous resources and program design to address the pet over-population issue. Great strides have been made, and while everyone involved in the animal welfare movement should be proud, there is still much work to be done.

Changing with the times In recent years, the field has started to look much more intensely at social and human elements, and how they impact the ways communities interact with dogs and cats. Pets have an amazing ability to cross all boundaries and share the daily lives of people from all communities. The Humane Society of the United States has lead the way in creating paradigm-shifting programs that address the myriad of environmental factors that impact people and pets.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused thousands of families to be displaced, and sadly, despite the efforts of rescue workers, many lost their pets.

In the aftermath, some amazing lessons were learned. The humane movement worked to create new legislation that allowed people to not be separated from their pets during a natural disaster. The Humane Soci-

ety also created programs designed specifically to connect pet owners with veterinary services in communities where the majority of people live at or below the poverty line, and built mentorship and training initiatives to work in collaboration with local shelters in more than 30 cities across the country.

Kenny Lamberti Director, County Leader Program, The Humane Society of the United States

Building pathways to care The work is no longer just about cats and dogs — it is about people as well.

As the field has shifted and started to consider socioeconomics and cultural nuance, we have been forced to be collectively introspective. For far too long, much like the food desert phenomenon, there have been pet care deserts. Thankfully that is changing, and more and more people have access to quality care for their beloved, four-legged family members.

Low-cost or free spay/neuter is expo-

nentially more available, less restrictive adoption policies are becoming the norm and there is tremendous work being done in long underserved areas like Puerto Rico and on Native American reservations. New initiatives focused on regional transfer of adoptable dogs and cats is easing the burden on some high volume shelters and making it easier for families to acquire the pet they desire in the receiving city. Community outreach and initiatives to make housing less restrictive for pet owners, along with community-focused strategies to lessen suffering for cats, are all part of the new, more collaborative holistic approach to animal welfare.

National and local organizations are working together more effectively than at any time in the past. There is much work still to be done, but the future looks brighter and brighter for our beloved animal companions. n

Publisher Chelsea Maizel Business Developer Shannon Pandaliano Managing Director Luciana Olson Content and Production Manager Chad Hensley Senior Designer Celia Hazard Designer Yeilha Vargas Copy Editor Emily Gawlak Production Coordinator Josh Rosman Contributors James Diabri, Emily Gawlak, Ann Hohenhaus, Jerry Klein, Kenny Lamberti, Leslie Mosier Cover Photo Leslie Mosier and Rob Chianelli All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.

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PLEASE RECYCLE AFTER READING

If you have a question about pet health, we have the answer.

The Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education at the Animal Medical Center is the leading provider of pet health information.

We aim to inform and empower pet owners and to educate the public.

To learn more about the Institute, visit: www.amcny.org/usdaninstitute

Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education The Elmer and Mamdouha Bobst Hospital

INSPIRATION | MEDIAPLANET | 3

Can Cute Animal Videos Make Goodwill Go Viral?

From Boo the Pomeranian to Grumpy Cat, pets rule the internet. We chatted with two of the women responsible for the success of The Dodo to learn why.

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n early 2014, an online startup called The Dodo launched with a simple goal: share compelling, entertaining animal content with pet lovers around the world. Today the site averages more than two billion video views monthly, and its editors are using this monstrous audience to advance animal rights.

“The rise of social media has been, undeniably, a powerful tool in raising awareness about lots of issues,” Editor-at-Large Izzie Lerer explains. “It’s such

an efficient distribution vehicle, and animals are no exception.”

From bite-size clips on Facebook to slideshows on Instagram, The Dodo’s content captures stories that showcase the unique ability of animals to tap into a wide range of human emotions.

Spreading awareness “The stories about rescue and adoption are hugely popular,” the company’s president, YuJung Kim, shares. “They’re often dramatic and very heartwarming, but most importantly

they showcase people helping animals in need, whether that’s by actually saving lives or providing forever homes. These types of stories make people feel good about the world.”

She’s not wrong. According to research from the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, a recent spike in feline adoption stems directly from our love of cat videos.

“We really hope our videos make people feel connected to animals; I really want people to be entertained and to feel something,” Kim continues. “Most

of the time people laugh or cry happy tears. If we post a video about a serious advocacy issue, we want them to leave feeling motivated that they can contribute to making the world a better place for animals.”

Making better pet parents The Dodo also provides life hacks for pet parents trying to understand the behavior of their furry friends.

“By consuming this content, you’re able to stay on top the practical aspects of animal

safety, like what to do if your dog gets stung by a bee, but also the quirky, not-so-practical aspects, like why dogs stare at us while they’re pooping,” Lerer laughs.

If nothing more, Kim hopes that The Dodo’s content will provide readers with a better sense of what it takes to keep our pets happy and healthy. “The more we can entertain, inspire and empower our audience, the more we’re able to raise awareness for animals in a meaningful way.” ■

By James Diabri

4 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM | SPOTLIGHT

Thanks to an international fanbase, this Insta-famous pooch knows his way around an airport. His mom lets you know how you can transform your dog into jet-setter, too.

Being the Momager to Doug the Pug means that we are presented with a lot of amazing travel opportunities. We have traveled to 17 states, and even internationally to Barcelona, London and Canada.

Luckily, Doug has an incredibly calm temperament and actually loves the act of traveling — to Doug, going to the airport is just as exciting as going to the park.

Pack the essentials When traveling with your dog, you have to be prepared for absolutely everything, whether it be a cancelled flight (good thing you brought your extra supply of dog food) or a not-so-

PHOTO: LESLIE MOSIER AND ROB CHIANELLI

Prep Your Pup for the Plane With Tips From Doug the Pug hygienic airport floor (that’s what a small blanket is for).

First of all, we have a backpack that has all of our essentials for Doug. In ours, we have baby wipes, a few extra meals of dog food, extra poop bags, treats, his favorite antler bone, a small travel blanket, a collapsible bowl, his health certificate and a lint roller.

If you think you’re going to need it, you probably will. I also buy a bottle of water for Doug as soon

as we arrive at the airport, but remember to give it sparingly.

Take advantage of the pet relief areas in the airport when needed.

Prepare for nap-time When we fly, Doug goes in a Sherpa carrier that fits right under the seat in front of me. The morning of a flight I give him a long walk to make sure he will want to take a nap (even though he always does anyway). Always call your

airline well in advance and be prepared for the airline’s fees.

Doug’s love for going to new places never ceases to amaze me, and I’m very happy to see that it’s becoming easier and more pet-friendly to travel with your dog. Here’s to making memories in new places with your furry friends. n

By Leslie Mosier, Mom, Doug the Pug

INSIGHT | MEDIAPLANET | 5

3 Ways Doggy Day Care Can Boost Your Pup’s Health and Wellness Find out how day care can combat separation anxiety and get your pup’s tail wagging.

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ou love your dog like crazy and want to provide him with a happy life — unfortunately, that’s not as easy as it may seem.

“Being a responsible pet parent

is about more than just feeding and providing a home for your dog and doing the basics of veterinary care,” says Christina Russell, the president of Camp Bow Wow, North America’s largest pet care franchise.

“It’s about getting them out there into the world and letting them experience life as a dog.”

Take a look at a few of the ways doggy day care creates the perfect environment to promote your furry family member’s overall wellness.

1. It provides exercise For the majority of dogs, twicea-day walks or an hour spent at a dog park isn’t enough. “So much of the day they’re sedentary,” says Russell. At day care, dogs are separated by size and temperament into groups and spend most of the day playing. “Playtime with another dog is much more strenuous, typically, than our average walk,” says Erin Askeland, Camp Bow Wow’s training manager and resident dog behavior expert.

2. It encourages socialization “Putting your dog in a Camp environment is a way to make sure that your dog gets comfortable around all different dog types,”

says Russell, adding that camp also exposes dogs to humans.

“Being around the different Camp Counselors — folks that are well-trained at how to make dogs comfortable — puts them at ease.”

3. It shapes positive behavior Russell points out that when dogs have a positive outlet to channel their energy, such as the all-day play and attention that day care provides, “they’re pleasantly fatigued, they’re resting at times that they should rest and they’re integrated with their family in constructive ways.”

“So many working dog parents have started to realize that [day care] benefits their dog in so many ways,” says Russell. “This is a way to give them an experience that makes them as happy as they make you.”

To learn more about Camp Bow Wow and to find a location near you, visit campbowwow.com. n

By Emily Gawlak

6 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM | FYI

Take a Bite Out of Holiday Shopping From teacups to giants and Fidos to felines, we’ve got a great gift for every furry family member on your list.

IVS QUICKBATH™ GROOMING WIPES FOR DOGS AND CATS Created by International Veterinary Sciences (IVS), QuickBath™ wipes are perfect for quickly cleaning a messy dog or cat. Formulated with Vitamins A & E and Aloe Vera, they promote healthy skin and coat while leaving your pet clean and shiny. www.ivspet.com

5 Illness Indicators Pet Owners Should Never Ignore A responsible pet owner should always be watching out for the health of their four-legged friend, and that means being able to determine what’s normal and what might be a sign of something serious.

SHERPA® COMFORT RIDE™ PET TRAVEL CARRIER The Comfort Ride™ features an innovative design, with puncture and chew-resistant mesh on three sides to provide maximum ventilation and durability, a zip-off base for easy cleaning and a wider oval base to provide superior comfort for your pet. www.sherpapet.com

LOVING PETS’ ORA-BONE™ USA DENTAL CHEW Excellent dental and oral care is critical to a dog’s quality of life. Loving Pets’ Ora-Bone™ promotes better movement in the mouth and improved interaction with gums, teeth and tongue, cleaning while freshening your dog’s breath. www.lovingpetsproducts.com

GODOG® RHINOPLAY™ BEAST™ & GODOG® RHINOPLAY™ BEAST JR™ The goDog® RhinoPlay™ Beast™ ball and Beast Jr™ ball never go flat, even when punctured by rough play and sharp teeth.

Beast and Beast Jr. are made from light but very durable foam, float and are great for both indoor and outdoor play. www.godogfun.com

PHOTOS: JAIME CODY PHOTOGRAPHY

PETLINKS® ROWDY RUSTLER™ The Petlinks® Rowdy Rustler™ is the irresistible, rustling, spinning toy that will keep your cat entertained for hours. It even comes with a small tent for added hide-n-peek fun. With three ways to play, it’ll get even the laziest cat moving. www.petlinkssystem.com

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our pet can’t talk, but signs that they’re sick are right in front of your eyes — if you know where to look. Like humans, an animal’s eyes, ears, skin, hair and nails offer telltale signs that something might be wrong, such as the following:

on the tummy. If the skin in any of these areas appears yellow, it could indicate a liver problem.

1. Hair loss If your pet is experiencing hair loss, it may indicate a hormonal disorder, such as an underactive thyroid gland. Your pet should see a veterinarian if hair loss is present anywhere on the body.

4. Bloody nose While a bloody nose is usually not a cause for concern in humans, in pets it can indicate trauma, a nasal infection or cancer.

2. Yellowing Pay close attention to the color of your pet’s eyes, the area around the eyes, gums, the inside of the lips and the skin

3. Redness Redness in the whites of the eyes may indicate a serious health issue such as a corneal ulcer, glaucoma or conjunctivitis.

5. Excessive drooling Excessive drooling should raise your level of concern. While all dogs drool, excessive drooling is a sign of a serious dental issue, gum disease or even an oral tumor.

Programs such as the Animal Medical Center’s recently launched Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education are working to spread expert animal health knowledge with pet owners across the country and around the world. But the bottom line is, these are just a few signs to keep in mind, and no matter how informed you are, you can never be too careful when it comes to the health of your pet. Trust your gut — if you think your pet might be sick, it is always best to seek an evaluation by a veterinarian.

To learn more about signs of illness in your pet and other animal health topics, visit www. amcny.org/usdaninstitute. n

By Ann E. Hohenhaus, DVM, Staff Veterinarian, Animal Medical Center

NEWS | MEDIAPLANET | 7

5 Steps to Combat the Problem of Pet Theft As a pet owner, it’s tough but important to consider and prepare for the worst when it comes to keeping your pet safe.

The thought of your dog being taken from you is unimaginable to most, but with pet theft consistently on the rise, dog owners need to practice caution when it comes to their pups. Consider the following tips to keep your dogs safe and protect them from theft.

Mediaplanet sat down with Cesar FernandezChavez to chat about his six-year-old golden retriever — a pup whose habit for hugging is melting hearts around the world.

What inspired you to start the Hugging Dog? It was nothing planned.

She surprised me one day, around February 2014, asking me to shake hands with her over and over again. At one point, grabbed her paw with a strong grip and noticed that’s what she wanted. She sat up and then she curled her paws. And from that day on, every single walk, she

wanted to hold hands with me every two city blocks. A few months later, instead of holding hands, she just stood up and went up to my knees. A year later, she started hugging people. I created her Instagram because I wanted to see all the posts my friends were seeing of her online.

What was the reaction of the first person, besides you, who hugged her?

I’ve seen people cry, even before she was famous. Sometimes I still see people getting emotional. Without planning anything, I was just letting her be herself. She makes people happy.

With all these strangers hugging her, how do you keep Loubie safe?

I don’t post my location anymore. I used to do that at the beginning. I did a video with The Dodo, and we were with a crew of three people. I could see people running from the corners of Union Square, so I got scared. Another time we did an interview for a Chinese TV channel. It was a Sunday morning, and I remember there were pockets of people at every single corner and they started running towards us. I freaked out.

What will happen if you ever meet

PHOTO: JAIME CODY PHOTOGRAPHY

Meet Louboutina, the Hugging Dog

1. Microchip your pet.

Collars and tags can be removed, so make sure your pet has permanent ID with a microchip. Always keep your contact information current with your microchip recovery service provider so you can be found should your dog be recovered.

Christian Louboutin, her namesake?

We already met the international marketing director from Louboutin — they were already following her since almost the very beginning of her Instagram account. We were featured in a full-page story in the New York Post the Sunday before Valentine’s Day. On Valentine’s, she sent me an email: “Cesar, Christian Louboutin read the New York Post story and was very touched. He wanted me to reach out to say thank you and to see if you would ever consider having Louboutina in one of the photoshoots for Louboutin?” Right away I said yes. n

2. Never let your dog outside unattended.

When your dog is left alone in the yard, he becomes an easy target for pet thieves — especially if he is visible from the street. Be sure to always supervise your dog’s time spent outside.

3. Keep your dog close.

Keeping your dog on-leash and close to you during walks will reduce the chance of him wandering off and possibly catching the attention of thieves.

4. Don’t give out too much information.

If strangers approach you to admire your dog when you’re out, be careful with how much information you reveal. Don’t disclose how much your dog cost or details about where you live.

5. Don’t tie your dog outside a store.

Leaving your dog tied outside of a store can seem like an invitation for a pet thief to steal your dog. If you need to go shopping, be sure to go to dog-friendly stores or leave your dog at home.

By Jerry Klein, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer, American Kennel Club