PAWS
F
I L
E
NorthShore Spring 2018
S p e c ia l P et A d o pt io n
Page 10
Grooming
S ection
Keeping Fido Fresh & Fluffy Through the years
MO T
Page 12
Happiness How Pets improve your
Y LE
Page 13 WILMA
health and happiness Page 14
Leash Walking How to transform your pooch into a polite walking partner
u o y Ba h 24 c r a M • y a rd
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Satu
Bark Fest
ter
No
r Cen o b r a H e r o rthsh
Our Sofa’s are Pet Friendly
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Co n t e n t s on the cover
PAWS
Bayou
cover
I
F
L
E
Spring 2018
Bark Fest
READ MORE ON > PAGE 8 > article by Travis Manney
Ask The
ober
Hammond, & Southwest Mississippi
Keeping Fido Fresh and
Cover: Trainer’s Choice by Liz Maddox
Fluffy
Page 14
Butterfly Cocoon
by krisGUNNARS
PAWS
I L
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Vet
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Happiness with a Pet
Finding
> PAGE 12
> PAGE 10
On a beautiful sunny morning, a man found a cocoon of a butterfly. The next day a small opening appeared. He sat and page 20 Pets & Your Medicine watched the butterfly for several hoursCabinet as it struggled to force its body through thatby Dr. little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any lizaLEDET, DVM progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further. So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of pageand 22 snipped RunningoffFundamentals scissors the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and by aaronPOTTS small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge to beTruth able to support the body, which would pageand 28expand The Bitter About Fructose contract in time.
page 13
Ask The
> PAGE 4
2015
me6 NUMBER 10
Trainer
Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. As we go through life we should keep in mind that struggling is an important part of any growth experience. In fact, it is that struggle that causes us to develop our ability to fly. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us.
Meet the Staff of Paws Life Magazine Publisher Kelly Walgamotte
Editor Lana Walgamotte
Designe & Production Kelly Walgamotte
Contributing Writers: Dr. Liza Ledet, DVM Ted Carlson
Paws Life Magazine is published quarterly P.O. Box 752 Slidell, LA 70459 Copyright 2017 by Paws Life Magazine. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the written, expressed consent of the publisher. Reproduction of editorial content or graphics in any manner or in any medium is prohibited. Opinions of staff & contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Contact the publishers of Paws Life via e-mail at MkMediaGroupKw@gmail.com, or call 985-778-6171.
Letters to the Editor are Welcome – send signed letters to: Paws Life Magazine P.O. Box 752 Slidell, LA 70459 Please include a phone number for verification (it will not be published). E-mail letters to MkMediaGroupKw@gmail.com. The Editor reserves the right to edit for length, style and spelling. Postmaster : Send address changes to Paws Life Magazine P.O. Box 752 Slidell, LA 70459
PAWS LIFE /3
TRAINING
The Trainer Is In
Hi Ted! We have a 2 year old rescue who is usually very well behaved, except when we have guests over he jumps all over them. He doesn’t do this on walks, only in the house. How do we get him to stop jumping on everyone new? -Julie F., Mandeville Hi Julie! The easiest and most reliable way to get your dog to stop jumping on your guests is by teaching them the acceptable alternative behavior. Each time your dog jumps on someone, he is reinforcing his own behavior and becoming more likely to do it again. Teach him a strong down/stay or place command to give him an alternative behavior, as well as limit the chance that he is self-rewarding his own unwanted behaviors. Train a place or down/stay for 40-60 minute duration around limited distractions to make it easier for him to place or down around several distractions for shorter periods of time.
4/ PAWS LIFE
Ask The Trainer
Ted, our family recently got an 8 week old puppy for Christmas and she won’t stop play biting us! She isn’t aggressive at all, but she’s hurting the kids and making them not want to play with her. Can you help us? -Stephanie R., New Orleans Hello Stephanie. I would be happy to help! Your problem isn’t uncommon for a puppy that age. You need to teach her bite inhibition to get her to stop using her teeth to play with people. Any time you or the kids are playing with her and she bites, yell “Ouch!” as if her play nip actually hurts so that she learns that people’s skin is sensitive. If she continues to nip, yell “Ouch!” and give her the cold shoulder. Stand up and ignore her for 10-15 seconds before returning to play with her. If the play nipping still continues, you can give her a time out. Take her to a bedroom or other room that you can leave her in by herself. If she nips again, yell “Ouch!”,stand up, and let her know you’re upset. You can say something like “That wasn’t nice!” or “Okay, you blew it!” and leave the room for 20-30 seconds before returning to the room and resuming play.
Do you have questions you would like answered. Send questions to Ted@TedCarlsonDogTraining.com in the Subject line put Paws Life Magazine Submission.
Pet Insurance
Dave Martin Insurance Agency 1900 Front Street Slidell, LA 70458 985-649-7531 www.DaveMartinInsurance.com
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The Northshore’s Only Integrative Veterinary Practice • Full veterinary sevices • Grooming & boarding
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Compassionate care..... conveniently located in Old Mandeville.
M-F 7:30-5:30 Sat 7:30-12
Health
The Veterinarian Is In
Ask The Vet This month’s Veterinarian Professional Dr. Liza Ledet, DVM Mandeville Animal Hospital 419 Girod St. Mandeville, LA 985-377-0800 We have a mix-breed dog that we assumed ownership from a co-worker that was moving out of state. He’s up-to-date on his vaccines but his teeth look a little dirty and it seems that his gums are sensitive. We tried brushing his teeth and that helped some. I was wondering what I should do next to take care of this. -Mark W., Mandeville Dental health is one of the most important aspects of your pet’s health. Your pet should have an oral health examination with your veterinarian. This should be done at least yearly. They can identify and treat any dental or gum problems that your pet might be experiencing. Most dental disease occurs below the gum line, therefore it may not be obvious that your pet is having discomfort. If untreated, gum disease can lead to infection, recession of the gums, tooth loss, bone loss, and chronic pain. More alarmingly, inflammation in the gums can make your pet more susceptible for kidney, liver, and heart disease! The good news is, this can be prevented with proper dental care by your veterinarian with routine exams, cleanings, and dental X-rays. There are also many at home products that can help your pet maintain a clean, healthy mouth.
6/ PAWS LIFE
Help, my Cat is overweight? I don’t even know how to lose weight myself and I sure don’t know where to start with my little Juju. Any advice will be so helpful. -Michelle J., Slidell First, make an appointment with your veterinarian. They can make sure that it is necessary and healthy for your pet to start a weight loss regimen. A thorough physical exam, history, and routine lab work including a thyroid level can help ensure there are no underlying health conditions affecting your pet’s weight. Also, ask them to recommend an appropriate diet and feeding amount for your pet. This may be based on their age, size, breed, lifestyle/activity level, and existing medical issues. Remember, your veterinarian is the ultimate source for recommending a diet for your pet- not the internet, the pet store, the television, or a friend. Most importantly, keep in touch with your veterinarian. If you feel like your pet is not losing weight despite your efforts, let them know so you can work together to figure out what you can try differently to be successful. Your pet will thank you!
Do you have questions you would like answered. Send questions to MkMediaGroupKw@gmail.com in the Subject line put Paws Life Magazine Submission.
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Saturday • March 24th
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8/ PAWS LIFE
u o y Ba th 4 2 h c r rday • Ma
Satu
Bark F r ee n o i s s i m d A Fest
der n U d ee N u Everything Yo
One Woof
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
At The
Northshore Harbor Center 100 Harbor Center Blvd, Slidell, LA 70461
Q Q Q
This is the first Bayou Bark Fest in Slidell. What are some of the things we can expect?
A
We have a great line up of things to do from kids to adults. Two of the top things are our pet adoptions and pet costume contest. How do you sign up for the Costume Contest and is there a fee to do so?
A
There is no fee and all you need to do is show up at the right time ready to go.
A
We’re going to have a variety of vendors from Vets, Trainers, Pet Shops, Groomers, and much more.
What sort of vendors can we expect to see at Bayou Bark Fest?
Q
Can we bring our own dogs?
A
Yes, we encourage everyone to bring their own dogs. It is dogs only.
Contest Timeline Costume Contest Cutest Dog Adoptable Pets Ugliest Dog Dog/Owner Look-alike Contest People’s Choice Dog Parade
For more information contact the Northshore Harbor Center at 985-781-3650
10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 1:00 1:30
Grooming
Keeping Fido
Fresh & Fluffy Through the Years By: Travis Manny
When your dog was just a pup, he frolicked in fresh cut grass, meandered through mud puddles and helped you dig that garden. He pranced through warm puppy poop and jumped up on you with piercingly sharp puppy nails. In an effort to control the muttly messes, you taught him to enjoy a warm bath, a brisk brush-out, and tolerate nail trimming, if for no other reason than to save your own skin and clothes. As he matured, grooming by you, a professional groomer or both became part of his routine. That fluffy puppy coat was replaced by his adult coat, with its own unique grooming requirements. Those sharp nails became thicker and harder but with exercise to wear them down, and the learning of some manners, your skin and pants remained intact in between nail trims. Time has flown by, and suddenly your puppy is a “senior” pet. He walks slower
Monday:
brush and trim coat
Wednesday: clean ears
Friday:
trim nails, brush teeth
Saturday: bath time
10/ PAWS LIFE
and not as far, plays a little less and sleeps a little more. It would be reasonable to think that his grooming needs would decrease at this time of his life, however, the opposite is true. As your dog ages, it will benefit both of you to pay close attention to his grooming needs. Frequent grooming will help you notice any minute changes in your pet’s skin and coat. Your pet sees his veterinarian only a few time a year, so it’s up to you to monitor his health on a daily basis. Changes in his skin and coat can be the first sign of some serious conditions. Make notes of any skin abnormalities that you may find, and inform your vet at the next visit. As they get older, dogs can develop conditions such as arthritis, muscle, joint and back pain. These can be the result of hereditary genetic diseases, such as hip dysplasia, prior injuries, surgeries or simple aging. In an effort to keep your fur baby fluffy but comfortable, here are some tips to incorporate into his grooming routine.
Although your dog may have had a long flowing coat his entire life, if grooming is becoming uncomfortable, now is the time to consider having his fur clipped down to a more manageable length. Your local professional groomer can help with his makeover. Special Needs: As pets age, they may develop unique special needs. If grooming is truly uncomfortable, speak to your pet’s veterinarian about supplements and medications to increase his comfort on a daily basis, and possibly something a bit stronger to prevent discomfort for extended grooming sessions or baths. Aging pets may develop hygiene issues. Their stools may change consistency, they may have difficulty when defecating, or they may have slight bladder leakage. A “sanitary trim” that shortens the hair around the genitals and rear end
will make cleanup quicker and easier while allowing these areas to dry between bathroom breaks. This is another service your professional groomer or veterinarian can provide for your pet. Your aging companion is probably getting less exercise than in his younger days. This can quickly result in his nails becoming overgrown. Long nails can be problematic for many reasons. In the center of the nail is the quick, which is the blood and nerve supply to the nail. As the nail grows, so does the quick. Once the nails have become overgrown, it will take several months of frequent nail trims to shorten the nail and have the quick recede. If too much nail is trimmed at once, the quick will bleed, and while the bleeding can be stopped with a blood-clotting product, it is better to keep the nails trimmed and avoid the situation. Very long nails can also make it difficult for a dog to walk. This is because he either won’t have traction on a smooth floor, or his nails become caught and possibly break
on a carpeted surface. Both scenarios can cause stress on his joints and muscles and make walking unpleasant. If your dog happens to have longer hair around his footpads, careful trimming can also provide more tractions. Your dog’s senior years are a great time to pamper him with the services of a mobile groomer. The advantages are that there is no wait time, and he has the groomer’s undivided attention. Also, you are close at hand if any questions or issues arise. Keeping your senior pet well groomed will help keep him more comfortable, happy and healthy. He’ll be more pleasant to cuddle up with, and you’ll spend less time cleaning up after him. it’s a team effort between you, your pet’s veterinarian and your groomer. Now get grooming and don’t forget the treats!
Bayou Saturday, March 24th
PAWS
Northshore Harbor Center
MkMediaGroupKW@gmail.com
Bark F est Kara Eilts, DVM (left) Catherine Ziegler, DVM
Free Admission Family Friendly
100 Harbor Center Blvd Slidell, LA
Preventive Care Companion Laser Therapy In-House Blood Testing Digital X-Ray Ultrasound Grooming Doggie Daycare
Free EXAM or $15 Off Wellness Plan www.SouthernPearlVet.com
Bayou Bark Fest Contest Timeline Costume Contest Cutest Dog Adoptable Pets Ugliest Dog
10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00
E
NorthShore
We are hiring
E verything Y ou N eed U nder O ne W oof Saturday, March 24th 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
F
Account Executives to help drive sales. This is a parttime position. If you think you’re the one. Send me (Kelly) an E-mail to:
At The Northshore Harbor Center For more Information Call (985) 781-3650
Free Pet Costume Competitions
I L
Dog/Owner Look-alike Contest People’s Choice Dog Parade
12:30 1:00 1:30
For New Clients
Quality and compassionate Care for the life of your pet. 59026 Pearl Acres Rd. Slidell, LA 70461
(985) 326-8797
Find
By: Travis Manney
Happiness With a Pet Thinking about adding a furry or feathered member to your family? Pets can provide perks no matter what your age. Maybe that’s why 62% of households in the U.S. already have one. It’s true care and feeding a dog, cat, or even a goldfish can cost money and time. The two things families are always short on. But the unconditional love and boost to your well-being that a pet can bring may well be worth your investment.
Here’s how pets — especially dog can improve your health and happiness: A Pet Is Good For Your Heart: High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides can up your risk of heart disease, but owning a cat or dog can lower both, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Owning a cat or dog can also increase your chances of surviving a heart attack. Pets Lower Stress and Depression: Stroking your cat or dog can lower your blood pressure and make you feel calmer. Even watching fish can ease tense muscles. Playing with your pet increases the levels of the feel-good chemicals serotonin and dopamine in your brain. Maybe that’s why people recover from a stressful situation more quickly when they’re with their pets than with their partners or friends, a study done by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found. Pets Connect You To a Community: Dogs, like babies, are conversation starters. On walks, you’re bound to stop for a chat or two with other dog owners. Pets also give you the chance to meet like-minded owners at the vet, pet store, or training classes. There’s even a chance to connect online, where you can find forums and Facebook fan pages devoted to individual dog and cat breeds.
12/ PAWS LIFE
Pets Get You Moving: You can’t be a couch potato when you have a dog. Walking a dog regularly means you’re less likely to be obese and more likely to be physically active, the NIH has found. The benefits continue to pay off as you age. One study followed 2,500 adults, 71 to 82 years old. The result: Those who took their dogs out regularly had more physical stamina & energy; they walked faster and for longer periods of time and had more mobility inside the house. Another plus: All that time outdoors increases your vitamin D levels and helps keep your bones strong. Pets A Source Of Comfort: People may need people to live a richer life, but pets can provide many of the same perks, according to a study published by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Pet owners had greater self-esteem and were better able to bounce back from rejection, the study found. Of course, not everyone is cut out to be pet owner. If you feel you can’t spare the time or funds, reap the rewards of pet ownership by fostering a rescued animal or by volunteering at a shelter. You’ll be helping animals in need and finding a sense of purpose in the process — and that’s a win-win for everyone
MOTLEY
ZELDA
KOA
SPARXX
WILMA
Motley is a two-yearold large breed mix who was originally rescued by St. Tammany Humane Society after Hurricane Harvey. This Texas boy loves people and he especially loves the ladies! His hobbies include all of life’s essentials: running in the backyard, playing with kids, walking on the lakefront, sunbathing and then playing with kids again! He has a sparkling personality and deserves all the love and affection any loving family has to offer.
This beautiful girl’s name is Zelda. Sweet Zelda came to St. Tammany Humane Society June of 2017 when she was found wandering the streets of Mandeville in search of food. Zelda is great with people and other cats. She is up-to-date on vaccinations, spayed, and microchipped. As you can see from her picture, Zelda loves attention and wants nothing more than a forever home where she will be loved every day!
This cutie is Koa, a 2.5-year-old, 42 lbs. boy looking for a forever home at St. Tammany Humane Society. Koa’s hobbies include playing tugof-war with rope toys, running around in the yard, and enjoying the deliciousness of peanut butter from his favorite KONG toy! He is very smart and is even learning a few tricks in his foster home. Koa is potty trained and gets along with both dogs and cats.
Sparxx is a one-yearold medium breed mix looking for a home at St. Tammany Humane Society. Sparxx is one of the 30 + dogs rescued from a severe hoarding case last year. She, like many of the other hoarding pups, is a reserved lady who will need time to warm up in a home. She does great with dogs and would flourish in a home with other pets.
Wilma is a 1.5-yearold grey tabby cat looking for a home at St. Tammany Humane Society. Wilma is a very loving and nurturing kitty who enjoys lounging in the sun with her sister, Betty. She is very low maintenance and even keeps her litter box tidy.
If you are interested in adopting the above pets or browsing through the many other pets we have, please visit sthumane.org or email adoption@sthumane.org
20384 Harrison Ave, Covington, LA 70433 985-892-7387
Top Tips To Walk Your Dog On A Leash 1. Walk in Front Of Your Dog.
Leash Walking
by travisMANNY
Dogs have to be taught to walk nicely on a leash. They’re not born knowing that they shouldn’t pull ahead or lag behind. Teaching leash manners can be challenging because dogs move faster than us and are excited about exploring outdoors. Leashes constrain their natural behaviors and movements. Some dogs are determined to run around as fast as they possibly can. Other dogs want to stop, sniff and urinate on anything and everything in their paths. To teach your dog to walk without pulling, it’s critical that you never allow him to pull. If you’re inconsistent, your dog will continue to try pulling because sometimes it pays off. How to Teach Your Dog to Walk Nicely on a Leash You’ve probably seen dogs at shows or on TV who prance alongside their handlers, staring up with rapt attention. These dogs have received extensive training in precision heeling. It’s impressive but demanding work. Precision heeling demands constant attention from both dog and handler and is not appropriate for long periods of time, like for your daily walks around the block or to the park. Even dogs trained to heel need to learn to walk on a leash without pulling when they’re not formally heeling. You can use various methods to teach dogs to walk without pulling on a leash. No single method works for all dogs. To the left are some tips to help you master your leash skills with your pup. Remember, patience is a virtue.
14/ PAWS LIFE
Walking in front of your dog allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk.
2. Use A Short Dog Leash. This allows you to have more control. Attaching the leash to the very top of the neck can help you more easily communicate, guide, and correct your dog. If you need additional help, consider the Pack Leader Collar. Always keep your dog’s safety in mind when giving corrections.
3. Give Yourself Enough Time For The Dog Walk. Dogs, like humans, are diurnal, so taking walks in the morning is ideal. I recommend setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. The specific needs of each dog differ. Consult your vet and keep an eye on your dog’s behavior to see if his needs are being met.
4. How To Reward Your Dog During The Walk. After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over. It should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.
5. Keep Leading, Even After The Walk. When you get home, don’t stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put away his leash or take off your shoes.
6. Reward Your Dog After The Walk. By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to “work” for food and water.
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