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NEWS FLASH!!!! GREGORIE HAS BEEN AT THE SHELTER FOR 2 YEARS!! Gregorie came to us as a stray where we had heard that there was a car wreck in the area he was found and the owner had passed away. Who really knows if that was his owner but he really deserves a perfect home!! He has been with us for some years now and does well at events! Gregorie is a 4yr old male! He loves the water and has an obsession with reflections! Gregorie has saved a lot of under socialized dogs and enjoys hiking! HE ALSO LOVES the ball and will place multiple balls in his mouth! He is a sweet sweet boy, he is protective over the area where he is and that might be the reason he is here. Gregorie has been socialized with children 2 years of age and older. He does need a home without cats and enjoys car rides. Inquire more at:
BITTER ROOT HUMANE ASSOCIATION HAMILTON, MT 406-363-5311
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FOREVER HOMES NEEDED
In this Issue... Activities with your Dog 06 - Spring Activities for You & Your Dog 07 - New Nature Activity for Your Dog 08 - A Great Montana Summer Camp Get-a-Way Yellowstone Dog Sports - Red Lodge, MT
Faith is a 3 year old spayed female White German Shepherd dog. She was rescued from the high-kill shelter in Las Vegas under German Shepherd Rescue of Las Vegas. She is being fostered in Eureka MT. She LOVES all people and is such a sweet girl. This medium sized girl is about 50 lbs. She would make an excellent family dog, she always wants to please. Faith likes other dogs if introduced correctly. Faith does not like cats or small animals. She has never been around small dogs before. For more information please email: rockymountaingsr@yahoo.com
Health & Wellness
10 - Dental Care for your Dog 11 - Dog Food Ingredients 101 12 - Using Essential Oils for your Dog 13 - The Hype about Coconut Oil & Coconut Water 14 - What is Hip Dysplasia?
Dog Lifestyle
15- Breed Profile [Catahoula Leopard dog] 16 - Rescue Tales 17 - Crossing the U.S. Border from Canada (what you need to know) 18 - Top 5 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Companion 19 - Montana Adoptable Dogs
Blue Mamma has a natural mama vibe, she tends to livestock, cats and children as one of her own. Quite low energy and shy at first. Blue Mamma would need to be a single dog but she would be a great one at that! She is a one of a kind special senior!! Call us and get all the information you need to adopt her at the Bitter Root Humane Association in Hamilton, MT 59840. 4
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Front Cover Dog: Loki is a middle aged Dutch Shepherd male that was adopted from German Shepherd Rescue of Las Vegas a couple years ago. He is an outstanding boy who loves his people. Photo credits go to Mike Heiney of Las Vegas.
From the Editor's Corner.....
Trish and one of her dogs Beau
Photo Credit: Danella Miller
Thank you for taking the time to pick up this publication. We are excited to finally bring you the latest and most appealing articles about our favorite four footed friends. You will find an easy approach to learning about everything dog related. Being from Montana it was only necessary to bring you a Montana related magazine that will not only show the wonderful places we have to share here in Montana, but also to highlight the many talented and upcoming Montana businesses. We will also offer many traditional health related articles, but will also focus on alternatives to natural healing for your dog. Montana is a very unique state; we have hundreds of thousands of acres to explore with our dogs by our side. Thinking of Montana, you probably think small communities and easy lifestyle people. That is true to an extent, our state has SO much more to offer from locally owned pet businesses to pet supply manufacturers, not to mention all the dog sports that you can find here. So sit back and relax, we’ve provided some pretty good information in this issue and we only plan of getting better!
FOUNDER & EDITOR Trish DeVall CONTRIBUTING WRITERS IN THIS ISSUE Trish DeVall Belinda Hendrickson Jenifer Balber-Byrd Our contributors consist of people that have been in the pet/dog industry for multiple years. Some come from; dog rescues, pet supply companies, manufacturers, pet nutritionists and soon veterinarians. monTana dOg Magazine is currently looking for more contributors. We are looking for active dog enthusiasts who can offer fun, unique and entertaining article about dogs. For more information about what we are looking for and what we can offer contact us at montdogmag@gmail.com WWW.MONTDOGMAG.COM Permissions: No contents of monTana dOg Magazine shall be reproduced or replicated in whole or in part without the prior permission of the editor. Copyright 2015
Advertise: If you are interested in advertising with monTana dOg Magazine please contact us at montdogmag@gmail.com or you can take a look at our media kit online at www.montdogmag.com we look forward to working with you.
Subscription: monTana dOg Magazine is a free print publication that will be distributed throughout Montana and surrounding states and territories of Canada. For on-line viewing there is a small subscription fee. To find out more information please visit www.montdogmag.com
Submissions: monTana dOg Magazine welcomes any submissions of articles or photography. Any and all submissions to monTana dOg Magazine constitutes the permission to use material at its sole discretion, in whole or in part, without compensation to All information provided in this magazine is strictly for educational purposes only. monTana dOg Magazine does not claim to diagnose, treat or cure any illness and is not intended to replace your veterinarian with our articles.
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Spring Activities Slow Intro to Exercise
All too often our dogs get ‘spring fever’ just like people do at the end of winter time. Here in Montana, it’s no different. From the beginning of winter to the end, we as Montanans don’t know what the weather will do from one minute to the next. So, making a regular exercise routine with your dog can be a challenge. Winters in Montana can be harsh at times. On average, Montana residents are faced with 5-6 months of cold winter weather. That’s almost half the year! Now that it’s March we are looking to the skies to soak up any sunshine we can, and your dog is too! Most of us are wishing for the sunny and 65 degree weather. Well, so are our dogs. Even though they can’t tell you themselves, you can see it in their eyes, the itch to let loose outside for the first time after a long winter. Spring brings lots of opportunities to get moving outdoors again. The warmer temperatures invite us outside to get outdoor chores started. But what is there to do with your dog? After a long winter with your dog hopefully indoors, they may have become immune to limited exercise. Some dogs may have put on a pound or two during the cold months. It is wise, depending on the age of your dog, to slowly work back up to exercise. Slow, short walks are a good start to reinforce exercise habits again. Just like when people are out of shape, dogs too get sore from exercise. Making these short walks a routine will ensure that your dog will not over strain his or her body.
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Short Hikes
There are hundreds of short hiking trails in Montana, not to mention all the lakes we have to offer. On cool sunny spring days it’s great to get out and get some fresh air. Your dog will appreciate all that nature has to offer, plus they will benefit from the calorie burn. Short brisk hikes are a great way to get your pup back in shape for the summer months. Take a friend or a group and make it a fun experience for all. Public trail information can be found at your local chamber of commerce or area information businesses. Make sure that if you decide to go by yourself to pack the essentials for hiking. Even though you only may be out for an hour or walk only a mile, be prepared, after all this is Montana and we have wildlife. Some essentials could be water/bowl, snack/treats, bear spray. Under this big blue sky there is plenty to do in the spring time. Get out and get some fresh air with your dog today!
“When Is It Time To Let Go?” When is it time to let go? This is something we never really know The memories we have we have to embrace
New Nature Activity for Your Dog!
And know in our hearts, we were given grace The bong between our fur kids is something we can’t explain
Do you have a medium to large breed dog? It doesn’t really matter if they are a retrieving breed or not. This great alternative to the regular ol’ walk is awesome, and can be fun for your dog.
The life we have shared ended up with unbearable pain
Here in Montana we have hundreds of miles of national forest areas to roam through. Have you seen the new pet products of deer and elk antlers at your local pet stores? Well, why buy them when you can go find your own?
Only to find a big empty space
There are multiple companies jumping on the band wagon to supply cut up elk and deer antler. These companies are getting top dollar for a couple inches of antlers. The antler chunks are being sold retail price anywhere from $5 to $25 or more! Could you imagine paying for antler chews for your dog when we live in one of the most deer and elk populated states in America? We can go out and get some fresh air and find our own for free. Plus, we get the added bonus of having quality time with our dogs.
We will see them in the spots that they once had laid
Some people around Montana are taking this one step further. They are actually training their dogs to track and retrieve antlers for them. How cool is that? Just like with any natural object, antlers put off a distinct scent. Training a retrieving dog can be tricky at times, but with consistency and the proper guidance it will pay off.
We want to reach out to touch their face We will call their name as if they were here Only to turn around and not see them there
Only to find an empty hole in my heart that was made BUT... we will keep the memories that will last forever And make this a promise lasting endeavor We must say our goodbyes and we will cry But we must be strong so that we can go on Go on to love the others left behind And somehow the peace I will find You will always forever be in my heart And know that you were the biggest part.....In my life and who I was..... You are not gone, you are “away”.... and I will see you again one day So, “When is it time to let go?” No one can tell you, you will just know In remembrance of “Chatzi girl” 2000-07/18/2012 Written and Created By Jenifer Balber-Byrd July 19, 2012©
© Photofellow
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YELLOWSTONE DOG SPORTS Have you ever wondered what else there is to do with your dog, besides the typical daily exercise or a day trip in the car? Summer vacation camps aren’t just for kids anymore! This high class working facility is all the rage in Montana. “Yellowstone Dog Sports is the only Canine Event Center of its type in the U.S.,” says owner Elaine Osmun. This will be the fourth summer after opening in November of 2011. Yellowstone Dog Sports now offers three summer vacation camps where dogs and their owners can stay and participate in numerous activities together. Some of these activities include: hiking, agility, sheep herding, dock diving, rally, tracking and much, much more. This relatively inexpensive facility offers overnight accommodations that will fit the lifestyle of you and your dog. Yellowstone Dog Sports is located on 90 acres with several hiking paths and two ponds, all nestled near the pristine town of Red Lodge Montana. Red Lodge is located on the historical Beartooth Highway that leads to the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park. With loads of outdoor activities in the outer area such as: hiking, fly-fishing, whitewater
rafting, golf, horseback riding along with outstanding restaurants and shopping, the area is not lacking in accommodations. Osmon says Yellowstone Dog Sports will be hosting eight agility trials at their location this year from May through Labor Day. Spectators are always welcome and the event has free admissions. If you and your dog are into agility, this is the place to be. Yellowstone Dog Sports brings in top agility trainers from around the country for their agility training camps throughout the summer. Not only is this facility an outstanding host, its camp experience get-a-way can offer regular obedience training and agility training. Yellowstone Dog Sports is truly a unique dog friendly operation. They offer dog friendly accommodations on site including 19 comfortable rooms (5 with private bathrooms), others with a “down the hall” bathrooms. With your summer camp package you will also receive 10 wonderful meals. There are RV sites with electricity
offered here as well. This facility offers a 100x200 indoor arena with an artificial turf agility surface. On this 90 acre property, there are always activities to do with your favorite dog, and if you get too hot, well, there’s always the two ponds to cool down in. Check them out today at www.yellowstonedogsports.com or find them on facebook. Their reservations are booking up fast! Upcoming events: May 8-10 YDS NADAC Agility Trial May 22-25 YDS NADAC Agility Trial
All Photo Credits go to www.yellowstonedogsports.com
YELLOWSTONE DOG SPORTS Red Lodge, Montana www.yellowstonedogsports.com 8
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Gregorie - Adoptable at Bitter Root Humane Association Hamilton, Montana 406-363-5311 monTana dOg MagazineŠ
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Dental Care for your Dog
First Aid Kit Ideas for Dog Travel In your travels with your dog you may want to have a dog First Aid kit handy. Much like the human version of first aid kits that have been around forever, dog first aid kits should be on hand when traveling. You never know what will happen next when you’re on the road, so it is wise to be proactive for anything. There are several dog first aid kits on the market today, some the bare minimum, others are stocked full of everything from bandages and tweezers to full blown medications. These are nice to have, but some may be quite costly. Many people are into the DYI of things, so here are a few things to think about when trying to build your own dog travel first aid kits. The best part about making your own is you can personalize it to your dog’s personality and behaviors. First think about what you would need for an emergency. This could be anything from dehydration from being in the car too long, or cuts or lacerations if your dog panics in the car. Here are a few items that you may want to put in your kit: clean towels, bandaging materials such as gauze, non-stick pads, first aid tape and vetwrap. You may also want to include a pair of small scissors and tweezers. For any nutritional support you may need to give, be prepared with rehydrating solution such as plain pedialyte or coconut water. You may even want to add a small travel container of Karo syrup for its high sugar source. Other medicines that can be included in your kit can be wound care ointments such as triple antibiotic ointment, wound disinfectant and sterile saline solution. Don’t forget about those travel sickness aids and anxiety relief aids, and add an anti-diarrheal, Rescue Remedy© for anxiety.
By: Trish DeVall
Did your dog miss national pet dental month? February has been marketed as pet dental month for some time now. It’s a good habit to get into by making sure your dog’s mouth stays clean and clear of dental disease. By maintaining good doggie mouths throughout the year, you can reduce tartar and the chance for dental disease. Did you know that feeding your dog a healthy diet and providing natural meaty bones can reduce tartar and plaque? What you feed your dog is highly important for dental care. Chew toys can also help with the reduction of plaque on teeth. There are several things to look out for in your dog’s mouth, like: bad breath, plaque buildup, tartar and red swollen gums. These are not a good sign of a healthy mouth. For bad breath issues, there are several items on the market such as specialized dental chews, treats and even breath mints… For that black plaque and tartar buildup there are now toothbrushes, finger brushes, dog toothpaste and dental wash. It’s best to get a start on dental care early in your dog’s life if possible. This will make it easier to manage brushing and wiping of the teeth. Some dogs just don’t like things in their mouths, especially their owner’s hand or finger. It can be intimidating to deal with a dog’s mouth, but starting young will get them used to it. Another mouth issue can be oral disease. This can be a serious issue with your dog’s health. Every couple weeks lift your dog’s lips both upper and lower to look for redness or swelling. Oral disease is not something that should be overlooked. Look for excessive drooling, inflamed gums, lumps on gums or under tongue and any loose teeth.
Dental Home Care
1. Provide a good quality food
2. Provide meaty bones and chews
3. Brush teeth and gums
4. Weekly or Biweekly teeth and gum check
© James Hearn
Dog Nutrition Dog Food Ingredients 101
There is much controversy in the dog food world today. Many companies are showing great strides in trying to supply the best quality ingredients for your pet. With hundreds of food companies and manufacturers out there, how do you know which one to buy? The first step to buying any food for your dog is to read the ingredients. With this information you will immediately see what is in the formula. You will see what proteins (the meat) are in the food, which should be the first ingredient. Food labels are listed in a descending order, so whatever ingredient is listed first in the bulk of the food recipe. The protein should be labeled as the meat source, for example, Deboned Chicken, Chicken or Chicken meal. If you see that the protein source states ‘by-product’ or ‘by-product meal’, stay clear of these. By definition by-products can range from any protein source specified, including but not limited too: euthanized animals, diseased animals, animal body parts (not muscle meat). This source of protein is very unhealthy for your pet, even though these ingredients are cooked at a very high temperature, they still may contain the euthanasia chemicals or disease. The second or third ingredients in the food should be the carbohydrates, which make the bulk of the recipe. Using grains in dog food has been done for decades. These days consumers are demanding that there be grain-free foods that they can provide for their favorite pets. Dogs are carnivores, they were never meant to eat a high amount of grains in their diet. Dog food companies use these fillers due to the low cost of the ingredients.
Favorite Cookie Recipes By: Trish DeVall
Plus, there are so many dogs that have become sensitive to these ingredients that it is causing an allergy type reaction. If you do decide that a diet with grains is working for your dog, examine the ingredient list a little closer to look for any signs of GMOs [Genetically Modified Organisms]. The use of these GMO ingredients is not regulated by the FDA. Two of the major contender GMO ingredients are CORN and SOY. The use of corn in dog foods can cause bladder inflammation or even epilepsy. The dog body cannot digest corn; neither can humans, so why give it to them? Further down the ingredient list you should see added vitamins and minerals along with digestive enzymes. Some new formulas also contain pro-biotics for better digestion. There are words of caution if you see Ethoxyquin or Propylene Glycol, don’t buy it! Ethoxyquin is typically found in soft or moist foods. If you’re not familiar with this ingredient, it is used as a preservative in many pet foods. Further, it is also used as a pesticide! Ethoxyquin has been tied to several health ailments such as; kidney and liver damage, cancer, immune deficiency syndrome and blindness. This is an ingredient to absolutely stay away from. Propylene Glycol is also a risky dog food ingredient. This product is a clear, organic compound used in anti-freeze! For some reason Propylene Glycol is an APPROVED dog food ingredient in the United States! This ingredient is used also as a preservative to control moisture content and to avoid bacteria growth. The word anti-freeze should give you enough information to not give this to your dog. Depending on your personal budget, there are multiple options for a wellrounded healthy dog food formula. For more information on these foods visit your local small business pet store or boutique, their business revolves around knowing the facts and ingredients in the products they sell.
Ham & Cheese on Rye Ingredients: 1 cup rye flour 1 cup rolled oats 1/8 cup flax meal 2 eggs 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, reduced fat 1/3 cup chicken broth (organic & low sodium is best) 2 to 3 oz. ham, finely diced Instructions: Preheat oven to 350° F In a large bowl, whisk together the rye flour, rolled oats and flax meal. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and stir in the Parmesan cheese and chicken broth. Make a well in the dry mixture and pour in the cheese mixture. Stir together until combined. Fold in the diced ham. Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Using a tablespoon sized scooper, scoop out little round balls. Dip the bottom of a measuring cup or glass in a bowl of water and flatten the ball into a cookie shape. Repeat this process with the remaining batter. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn off the oven and let the treats cool completely before serving. Provided by: DogTreatKitchen.com
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Using Essential Oils for your Dog
Have you ever wondered if there’s a better way to relieve your dogs ailments, naturally?
Like most people, we tend to think if there is something wrong with our dog that we should immediately take them to the local vet. What if the symptoms are not life threatening, and we feel there has to be an alternative out there somewhere. It is becoming more and more regular to think of alternatives for healing. Typically used for medicinal purposes, these compound plant extracts have some great healing benefits. Essential oils have been a natural healing agent for numerous cultures. These oils are now becoming more main stream in today’s society for peoples’ ailments. What about our dogs, the ones that we love with all our heart and would do anything for? Well, now we are seeing more and more wonderful results with the use of essential oils for dogs. Pet owners tend to gravitate towards trends and fads, but after seeing the results with their own eyes, this is all but a trend. Natural healing is here to stay and
people want what’s best for their dog. There are several certified holistic veterinarians in practice today using essential oils for their powerful natural healing power.
There are a few different ways to use essential oils with your dog. Using these oils topically on paws, ears and tummies is a good way to get the benefits of each oil. Typically it is not good to use essential oils internally for dogs. There are some oils that can be used internally, but make sure to read the fine print on any oils before giving to your dog. Using an oil diffuser can also be a beneficial method to get the health results for your dog. Make sure that the oils you buy are high quality. There are some companies out there that use synthetics, while others use only the richest plant extracts available. The oils should not be sticky or tacky in texture and should easily glide on the skin. If you wish to use essential oils for your dog, it is advised to always dilute the oils in what’s called a base oil or carrier oil. Be sure to always dilute the oils with
By: Trish DeVall
this carrier oil such as these; fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil or olive oil. Essential oils can be used to promote physical healing while others can be used for emotional balance such as anxiety or aggression issues. Balancing a dog’s emotional state can not only bring them peace, but can also give them a better quality of life. Using essential oils for physical health can keep your dog’s body detoxified and can help with the physical ailments of aging. Before you start using essential oils with your dog make sure that the oil you chose is non-toxic to your pet. You should never use undiluted oils on your dog. Here are a few essential oils that have been used for dogs;
ANXIETY:
DIGESTION:
EAR INFECTION:
EMOTIONAL
IMMUNE
INFLAMMATION:
Frankincense
Peppermint
Lavender
SUPPORT:
SUPPORT:
Carrot Seed
Lavender
Ginger
Melaleuca
Lavender
Lavender
Eucalyptus
Geranium
Sweet Marjoram
Peppermint
Frankincense
Lemon
Clary Sage
German Chamomile
Valerian
Lavender
Lemon Melissa
JOINT & MUSCLE: Ginger Rosemary Peppermint German Chamomile
RESPIRATORY:
SKIN IRRITATION:
Peppermint
Cedarwood
Melaleuca
German Chamomile Geranium Helichrysum Lavender
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ALPINE APOTHECARY Integrating traditional pharmacy with natural medicine
Different Sized Dogs need
The Hype about Coconut Oil & Coconut Water By: Trish DeVall
In the past few years the human population has become more likely to use coconut oil for a number of things. Some of these uses start with cooking, using the oil as a substitute for the traditional vegetable your mom used to use. Other uses can even be used for cosmetics. So what’s the hype about using this non-traditional oil? Well…. people are getting smarter. In this day and age there are SO many items that have become harmful to the human race that people want a change. They are looking to alternatives for the traditional items they use from cooking ingredients to health aid to cosmetics. Now people are doing their research and finding out that there is an abundance of natural alternatives that give them the same results, and so holds true to their pets. People are looking for food and natural ingredients that are not going to harm the longevity of their four footed family members. So, what are people using coconut oil for in their dogs healthy lifestyle you ask? There are numerous uses for coconut oil starting right at the core. Coconut oil can be used as a food topper as an alternative healing agent. The properties of this highly recommended oil are great for; skin and coat issues, yeast overgrowth (yeast infections), Candida, balances insulin, helps breath and provides better food digestion to name a few. Coconut oil is a great source for natural medium fatty acids and its properties act as a natural anti-fungal and bacterial. This oil can also be used topically for; minor skin irritation, hot spots, cuts and scrapes or even secondary infections. This natural oil can also be placed on
dry cracking paw pads for moisture relief. You can find this great alternative for natural healing at your local health food store or may find it even at your local pet boutique. There are a few brands on the market so make sure that the label states organic virgin. Quality is essential when you are looking to supplement with alternatives. Now, what’s the difference between coconut oil and coconut water? It is wise to say that these two are very similar in benefits, but they are completely different in molecular structure. The oil is made out of the raw fruit of the coconut, whereas the water is the natural untouched liquid inside the center of the coconut. Although they do have similar benefits the water is a naturally fat and cholesterol free liquid with low carbohydrates. This clear as water liquid packs a powerful punch of electrolytes and potassium. Some benefits seen by using coconut water are; clears skin conditions, helps with arthritis, better hydration and digestion and supports the immune system. Dogs that participate in high energy sports such as; agility, herding or fly-ball may benefit from this liquid as a good hydration alternative. Coconut water can also help those senior dogs too. Even though they may not be as mobile as agility dogs, they too need added hydration. Plus, they will get the benefit for any arthritis issues.
Different Medication Doses A compounding pharmacy can make the exact dose your dog needs in a flavor they love!
No compounding pharmacy in your area of Montana? Give us a call! No shipping charges on all our compounded prescriptions, for your dog or you!
www.MTApothecary.com
406.862.7434 6475 Hwy 93 South Whitefish, MT 59937
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What is Hip Dysplasia? By: Belinda Hendrickson, PhD
Does Your Dog Dream and Run in His Sleep? Does your dog seem to run in his sleep or whimper and whine? Do you think he is dreaming about chasing a cat or begging for a treat? It would be great if we could wake our dog from his slumbers and ask him, but since dogs don’t speak English and we don’t speak dog all we can do is speculate. But according to veterinarian Melissa Bain, associate professor at the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, “but we think they dream,” as stated in an article in Parade magazine. Evidently our brain-wave patterns share some resemblance with those in dogs. “Dogs go through sleep cycles very similar to humans’, with periods of deep sleep and periods of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep,” said Stephen Zawistowski, Ph.D. an applied animal behaviorist and science advisor to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruel to Animals. “Dreaming happens during REM sleep, which is also when dogs twitch their legs, moving their lips or vocalizes.” When your dog sleep deepens and his breathing becomes more regular, the first dream should start within 20 minutes.
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Hip Dysplasia is a condition that shows up in many large and popular breeds due to line or inbreeding. Line breeding, (as many breeders call it to mask inbreeding) is the practice of breeding very close relatives such as mother to son or brother to sister to obtain a specific color or other physical characteristic. Unfortunately, these practices not only increase the desired genetic trait in the dogs, but also increase the undesired genetic trait such as hip dysplasia. According to most veterinarians, only very selective breeding of dogs not related to each other and those animals that have been x-rayed and graded or scored by an independent organization such as The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP. Breeds predisposed but not limited to hip dysplasia include the German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Newfoundland, Rottweiler and Saint Bernard. Hip dysphasia is described as follows: The pelvis, or hip bone, cradles the heads
of the two femurs (thigh bones) in cuplike, cartilage lined sockets. When the fit is not correct, even if there is a slight misalignment making the femoral head loose, the cartilage of the femoral head rubs against the pelvic socket. The cartilage will eventually wear through. The condition is a common form of osteoarthritis. Often there are no early signs of the condition until the wear and tear causes enough damage that result in pain and lameness. Hip dysplasia is diagnosed first by a breed history of the dog as well as a physical examination including a manipulation of hip joint to determine if there is any joint laxity. The diagnosed then can be confirmed by an x-ray done either by OFA or PennHIP standards. Owners can keep the condition under control through the use of weight management, the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs or natural alternatives that may work on a cellular level. Natural joint nutrients glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate may also be helpful.
Featured Dog Breed
Catahoula Leopard Dog
This issues dog breed is the “Catahoula Cur” or for most people the Catahoula Leopard dog. This American breed of dog’s history has many different theories as to how it got here. This strong breed standing 20-26 inches is sometimes called the Catahoula Hog dog, for one of its main jobs is to help hunt wild boar in the south. Catahoula’s are also considered a herding dog and are a recognized breed with the American Kennel Club. These beautiful dogs have a fur coat that is short to medium in length and their colors can range from black to blue to merle colors. They, on average weigh anywhere from 50 pounds (small females) to 95 pounds (large males). Deafness is a major setback to this breeds genetics. Just like many other medium to large breeds these dogs are prone to hip dysplasia if not breed correctly. The life span of the hog dog is estimated around 10-14 years of age. Their temperaments show gentle and energetic, but also very intelligent and loving. They tend to show a little on the independent side in nature.
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Rescue Tales
By: Belinda Hendrickson, PhD
Mono was taken from the highest kill animal shelter by a German Shepherd Rescue. Mono was so smart that he would open the kennel gate and greet the manager at the entrance to the rescue. Once his greeting was accepted, Mono would turn around and go straight back to his kennel and wait for someone to close his gate. One day Mono was watching some volunteers working on a project and he became so excited he began to bloat. The trained volunteers recognized his symptoms within a few minutes and rushed Mono to a nearby veterinarian who performed life saving surgery on the gorgeous red and black GSD. Once Mono was released from the hospital, a foster home was found for him. Mono’s new caregivers were
instructed to provide him with his dry food (which he normally loved,) as well as a tablespoon of a salmon based wet food to disguise Mono’s antibiotic pill. The rescue provided both types of food to the foster home, including a dozen cans of the wet food. After only three days, the anxious foster parents contacted the rescue stating that Mono wasn’t eating. As Mono had always had an excellent appetite and had never been a picky eater, the rescue manager knew there was something wrong with this picture. In questioning the foster dad, it turned out that each day Mono’s foster dad put the dry food in the bowl and placed one tablespoon of the wet food with the pill in it. Mono would go to the bowl wolfing down the wet food and pill. Mono would then lie down across the room on his special bed. The foster dad or mom would then put another spoonful of wet food on Mono’s bowl. Mono would again eat the wet food and ignore the dry food. This went on for several hours every evening until the foster parents had used multiple cans of wet food and Mono had eaten his fill of salmon. Upon hearing the story, the rescue manager laughingly told the foster parents that Mono had trained both of them very well. She suggested that at the next feeding;
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Photos by: Mike Heiney
only give one spoonful of wet food on top of the dry. If Mono didn’t eat the dry food after 30 minutes, it was to be removed from his access and not to give Mono any other food. The manager told the foster parents to behave exactly the same way the next day. Interestingly enough Mono decided that the dry food looked really good the next day, eating both the wet and dry food without any hesitation. Mono’s foster parents had just learned how smart a German Shepherd is with their first experience with accidental training.
Will you be traveling from Canada to Montana with your dog? Crossing the U.S./Canadian border in Montana doesn’t have to be a painful and time consuming process with your dog. By having the proper documents and knowing the “do’s” and “don’ts” of pet food and documents will save you not only time, but may save you money already spent for pet supplies. Here are a few tips if you will be traveling from Canada into the United States. 1. FOOD: All travelers know that they need to pack dog food when on road trips. BUT, make sure that you know what you can bring in to the U.S. before you get to the border crossing. Pet food must be sealed in commercial packaging [un-opened]. The food must be Canadian or U.S. in origin. Foods containing Lamb, Sheep or Goat are prohibited at U.S. border crossings. 2. DOCUMENTS: Make sure to have all the proper documents for crossing the border. All dogs entering into the United States must be healthy and have proof of a valid rabies certificate. Dogs must be vaccinated for rabies at minimum 30 days prior to entering the United States. Minimum age of a puppy is 4 months, due to the 3 month age for receiving the rabies vaccine and 30 day wait period.
Rabies Certificate Information: Name and Address of Owner, Breed, Sex, Age, Color/ markings, and any identifying information Date of Rabies Vaccination and vaccine product information Date the vaccine expires Name, License number, address and signature of veterinarian
3. QUARANTINE: Quarantine for dogs in not required by most U.S. states and territories. Photo by: Mike Heiney
*For updated information about border crossing, please contact your nearest border station.
Have a Montana Pet Business? Your Ad could be here! Contact us at montdogmag@gmail.com
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TOP 5 REASONS TO ADOPT A COMPANION ANIMAL 1. You will save a life: In the United Sates alone there are millions of companion animals euthanized each year. Commonly for no reason of their own, the pets are dumped in shelter across the U.S., due to the typical animal shelter having limited space and resources they must turn to euthanasia as the number one alternative. There are just too few people that adopt.
2. You will receive a healthy pet: Most if not all shelters in the country spay and neuter their animals before adoption. This means that the animal must undergo a physical prior to the surgery to make sure the animal is healthy enough for surgery. They also vaccinate and give Rabies vaccines, and 9 out of 10 shelters now Micro-chip their pets. Some shelters and rescues include an inexpensive pet insurance plan designed just for shelter/rescue pets. It can be a misconception that all shelter animals are sick, abused or tainted. All shelters and rescues screen the pets that come in. They typically have a behavior specialist or the like to examine the animal before it even goes up for adoption. Most commonly the pet has ended up at the shelter or rescue because of the owners’ problems or issues and not the animals.
3. You make room for another animal to be saved: Most often the problem with shelters and rescue groups is they run out of space and fast. By adopting a shelter or rescue pet you make room for another one that is needing to be saved.
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4. You save Money: By adopting a pet you will save money in the long run. Shelters and rescue groups charge much less than pet stores and breeders. The animal that you adopt has already had hundreds of dollars put into it for spay/ neuter surgery and vaccines, not to mention food and boarding costs. From a pet store or breeder you just receive the animal with little health evaluation and commonly no surgery or even vaccines. Adopt and you will receive all of this for a small fee or donation that could even be tax-deductible. Plus, some organizations include basic obedience training for free.
5. You won’t be a supporter of puppy mills and pet stores: Puppy Mills and pet stores have been in the US for decades. Their point of interest is producing and selling as many animals as possible each year. The typical environment of these facilities is filth, disease and over-crowding. Mass production of animals not only flaws the breed standards of these animals, but develops poor body structure, chronic health problems and low immune systems costing you thousands of dollars to maintain.
montana adoption spotlight
ROXY
SCRUFFY Scruffy is around 8 to 10 lbs., 3 to 4 years old Maltese/ Bichon mix male. He can be adorably sweet with a charming personality and goofy playful disposition. However Scruffy does need time to warm up to a new person, after he trusts someone, his true colors shine through.
Roxy is still waiting for a home of her own. Roxy was not socialized well as a puppy and will do best as an only dog for now. Roxy LOVES everyone and needs a family that wants her to be with them, indoors and out. Roxy loves to run and play so she needs a yard, but a fenced one would be best since she can easily get distracted by birds, etc. Contact Lynette (406) 270-7072 or email: lynette@polsonfitness.com
Life Savers Animal Rescue
Thompson River Animal Care Shelter (TRACS) (406) 827-8722
Samwise is a neutered male and is in desperate need of his forever home. He has been in and out of our shelter for almost a year. He loves people, is not good with cats and is dog selective. He needs a loving family who is willing to take the time that he needs to get adjusted and just love him. Please call 406-454-2276 for more info. Great Falls Animal Shelter
Does your shelter or rescue have an adoptable dog? We want to help! Here you can place your adoptable dog for free! We want to do what’s right and help as many dogs find there forever homes as possible. Contact us today to see how we can help you. montdogmag@gmail.com Subject: Adoptable Dogs
BRUISER & MAX Bruiser and Max are a bonded pair of brothers. They will be adopted together but will only have one adoption fee. They are about 5 1/2 yrs old and have never been apart. They are neutered, current on all vaccinations and house trained. They love to sleep with their people and are great on leash. For more information please contact us at Tiny Tails k-9 resue Manhattan, Montana Phone: 406-580-2006 Email: TinyTailsK9Rescue@Live.com
Adopt Your Next Family Member Today
Spot is a medium energy male dog that will enjoy walks and going for rides but will also cuddle up right next to you and keep you company! He bays like a handsome hound should and greets adults with calmness. Spot will need a home without cats. He loves to play ball! He even had is own photo shoot and worked the camera! Find out more at The Bitter Root Humane Association in Hamilton, Mt 59840 406-363-5311
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Animal Rescues. ADOPT DON’T SHOP
Photo Credit: Mike Heiney
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