May 2010
6
18
12
28 In Every Issue
Feature Articles 6
Saving Animals: Changing Lives
4
Join us for lots of pet events this spring and summer!
Placing pets with senior citizens can do wonders and improve lives.
10
Training 101: Teaching Basic Commands
17
Local Resource: Specialists in Pet Care Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center of Kansas City (VSEC) provides specialty care to animals.
14
Life Coaching: For Your Animal Companions Finding the right specialist to help your animal companion.
18
Hug-A-Tree and Survive Here are some tips to keep your children and pets safe.
22
Does House Training Your Pet Have You Frustrated? Don’t let house training frustrate you — it is simple with time and patience.
26
Dog Horoscopes How well do you really know your dog?
Tips to teach your pet how to sit.
12
Are You Ready for Pet Events?
21
Cat Horoscopes Do you know your cat? Check out its horoscope!
24
Chip’s Corner Complete this pawzlle and learn about a breed!
30
Ask the Vet Is your cat overweight? Here are some tips to help.
33
Upcoming Events Check out these upcoming events.
34 How Cute is Your Pet? The winners of this month’s contest.
Things You Need to Know: Bloat Learn more about bloat and how you can protect your pet.
28
Seniors and Their Pets This community of seniors loves their pets!
M AY 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Publisher’s Message
Staff & Contacts
THE EVENTS ARE STARTING!
Publisher
When Spring arrives, you can get ready for pet events! 2010 will be no exception. There will be many events and MetroPet will be attending as many of them as possible. If you want to see what’s coming up, check out the events listing in the next few issues of MetroPet magazine.
PETS IN OUR LIVES In this issue of MetroPet, you will find several terrific articles about how pets positively influence our lives. The article on page 6 about Changing Lives: Saving Pets is a heart-warming story about how pets and people interact at important junctions in our lives. The article on page 16 profiles specialists in pet care; and the article on page 19 is a great refresher about how to be safe when you get lost. The article on page 26 provides details about pets and Bloat. Cat lovers take note of the Ask a Vet article on page 30. And dog lovers, learn life coaching and training tips in the articles on pages 10 and 14.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT OF METROPET We continually hear from readers about how much they love the magazine. Thank You! We greatly appreciate your support. Please show your support by telling our advertisers, “I saw your ad in MetroPet.” This will help them grow and, in turn, will support our growth.
METROPET IS GROWING! MetroPet is a FREE magazine. You can pick-up your copy at over 100 FREE magazine racks around in the Kansas City metro area. On page 33 is a short list of the racks where you can pick up your own copy. You can also find copies at our advertisers and at over 350 other locations. Of course, you can also read it online!
ENJOY
YOUR
SUMMER !
Please stop by and say hello at the upcoming events — we love to hear from you.
Sincerely
Barbara Riedel barbara@metropetmag.com
Editor/Production Manager Dan O’Leary editor@metropetmag.com
Magazine Layout ROI Marketing 816.942.1600 • roi@kc.rr.com
Advertising Sales Eric Novak Ad Sales: 913.579.3815 eric@metropetmag.com
Contributing Authors Mike Deathe Tina Marie Frawley Pat Hennessy Heddie Leger Sara Meinking Sarah Estlund-Mullally T. Olson Irene Schomacker, DVM
Photographers Eric Novak Dan O’Leary
Contact MetroPet Barbara Riedel, Publisher
P.S. When you need a new resource — groomer, trainer, pet food store, day care/boarding facility, veterinarian, etc. Look no further than MetroPet. We have some great resources in our magazine. You won’t be disappointed!
PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Ad Sales: 913.579.3815 Fax: 816.941.4655 Publishing Policy: Articles printed in the MetroPet Magazine express the opinions of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the formal position of MetroPet Magazine. Acceptance of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement by MetroPet Magazine. Articles: Readers are invited to submit articles for consideration for publication to editor@metropetmag.com. All materials are subject to editorial review. © 2010 MetroPet Magazine. All rights reserved. Request reprint permissions at info@metropetmag.com. MetroPet Magazine is owned and published by ROI Marketing Services, all rights reserved.
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MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2010
Saving Animals:
Changing Lives
A
mber Heineman has always been a dog person. But something special happened when she acquired her family’s third dog, Chico, from Kansas City’s Animal Haven shelter. “I was the one to go get him from the shelter and bring him home, and he has certainly picked me as his person,” said Heineman, the wife of Wizards owner Robb Heineman and a member of the Animal Haven Development Committee. “He gives me unconditional love, companionship, my kids love him… sometimes it feels like I get more out of being a pet owner than he gets out of being a pet.” Heineman’s case is just one example of how a dog can change a person’s life for the better. Now, Heineman and Janet Curran (wife of fellow Wizards owner Pat Curran) have teamed up to make such moments happen more often, and for more people.
SASSY A good example comes in the form of two undeniably morose situations: a small dog struggling to live after being hit by a car and an elderly woman whose husband of 62 years had just died. Both these things happened at around the same time, but thanks to the efforts of Curran and her organization SASSY (Saving Animals by Supportive Seniors Young-at-heart), these two negatives added up to become a positive. The dog was brought to an animal shelter, where the staff treated it back to health for six weeks. And once it was back on four paws, Curran and her organization SASSY sent the little dog to live with the newly widowed woman.
Placing pets with senior citizens can do wonders to improve the pet owner’s memory, physical fitness and morale.
CHANGING A PERSON’S LIFE FOR THE BETTER “It was like a whole new life,” Curran said. “So often, after a marriage of that long, you're just a caregiver. You've cared for someone every single day, so having that person die is a tremendous loss. [The dog] gave her someone to take care of again. It filled a void.” That, in a nutshell, is SASSY’s mission; to bring together senior citizens with age-appropriate pets from local shelters with the aim of improving the quality of life for both sides. 6
MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2010
KICKS FOR CANINES Celebrating the importance of the pets in your life, the Wizards will be hosting the Kicks for Canines on Saturday, October 9, at the Community America Ballpark. For this special event, you can purchase a ticket for you and your canine companion. More details are on page 9 or at www.kcwizards.com.
NEW ORGANIZATION — LARGE IMPACT Founded in 2007 with 501(c) approval coming in 2008, SASSY is a relatively new non-profit organization to the Kansas City area. However, the organization has already managed to have a large impact on animal shelters and senior citizen communities across the metropolitan area. SASSY produces booklets that connect senior citizens with local vendors that can assist with anything from pet food delivery to mobile veterinarians. These services make it possible for almost any senior to own a pet. “Technically, you could be a senior with no car and never leave your home and still own a pet with some of these vendors,” Curran said. According to Curran, placing pets with senior citizens can do wonders to improve the pet owner’s memory, physical fitness and morale. SASSY’s brochure cites a national Purina Senior PetLover survey where 66% of respondents said that their pet keeps their mind active and memory
M AY 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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sharp. 45% of those same senior citizens said that owning a pet caused them to engage in more physical activities like walking, and 84% said that owning a pet made them feel happier.
THE SASSY FUND Besides their work with placing shelter-based pets with seniors, SASSY has also initiated a fund that helps both sides in times of hardship.
Why adopt a shelter dog? The answers are simple: loyalty, personality, and a genuine appreciation for bringing them into a stable living environment. Recipients of these funds will be identified by their veterinarian as responsible senior pet owners whose pet has a catastrophic medical need that is beyond their financial means. The veterinarian will deem the medical situation as fixable and necessary for continued companionship.
SASSY FUNDRAISER On May 23, 2010, SASSY will team with the Animal Haven shelter to put on Project Poochie, a person/pet fashion show at the Kansas City Country Club that will feature shelter alums modeling clothing made by local designers Swizzle and Land of Paws pet clothing. Heineman says that the event will go a long way towards helping one of Kansas City’s busiest animal shelters. “They have an incredibly small facility for the amount of dogs they take in a year,” Heineman said. “They make it work for what they do, it's an incredible organization, but they are so in need of more space and bigger facility.” The hope is that Project Poochie will not only help drive donations to Animal Haven but also help to get some of the many dogs that currently reside adopted into good homes. “Every dog model will be a shelter dog or an alum,” Heineman said. “The hope is that some of the dogs in the show get adopted because they look so darn cute.” Why adopt a shelter dog? According to Curran, the answers are simple: loyalty, personality, and a genuine appreciation for bringing them into a stable living environment. “I think shelter dogs are a breed of their own,” Curran said. “They just have a spirit about them. They know they've been rescued and who has saved them. There’s a certain appreciation of a second chance in life that is just beyond words. It’s this connection you have with these pets…it’s unbelievable.” For more information about SASSY, call 913-236-9882. 8
MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2010
Save the Date! What:
“Kicks for Canines” night
Who:
The Wizards vs. Seattle Sounders, you and your pet
When:
October 9, 2010, 7:30 PM
Where:
Community America Ballpark
Benefits: Part of the proceeds will go to:
Wayside Waifs Animal Haven Humane Society of Greater KC S.A.S.S.Y Details: Visit www.kcwizards.com
NEW US STAMPS FEATURE PETS On April 30, 2010, in North Hollywood, California, the Postal Service™ will issue a 44–cent, Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet special stamp. The ten designs were created by Derry Noyes of Washington, DC. The U.S. Postal Service hopes to raise awareness of the need to adopt shelter pets with these new stamps. The new stamps were available beginning April 30.
During the launch of the new stamps, Halo pet food company will donate one million meals... Photographer Sally Anderson-Bruce found these beautiful, adopted pets in her hometown of New Milford, Connecticut. Each of these animals was given a good home thanks to animal rescue shelters and the families who adopted them. The stamps were available beginning April 30; you can buy stamps online or at your local post office. During the launch of the stamps, Halo pet food company will be donating a million meals to animal shelters around the country. M AY 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Training 101:
Teaching Basic Commands
by Mike Deathe
O
K, at this point you know that a polite “sit” is the way your dog asks for something or says please. Now for the big question, how do we teach sit? Well, we know that “sit” is when a dog puts his/her rump on the ground, right? So, let’s use a little bit of physics to help us get this behavior. Put simply, where the nose goes, the butt follows! I start with a basic luring technique. I hold a treat near the dog’s nose until Fido is interested in it, and then I move my hand with the treat in it, back over the dog’s head towards the tail. You will notice that as the dog tries to follow the treat with their nose they fold into a sit so they can get to the treat! This sounds really simple and it is; but you have
Now for the big question how do we teach sit?
to consider the value of the reward and the speed in which you lure the dog with the treat! With a couple of tries and some patience you should be able to consistently lure the dog into the sit position! The mechanics are easy; the process is a little more complicated! When do I click? Do I say “sit”? When do I treat? Do I use a hand signal? The answer to all of these is yes, but the order is specific and important!
CLICKERS — HOW TO USE As you are luring the dog to this position you need to also be using the clicker! I know that some people are not fans of this 10
MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2010
device and debate its usefulness, but if you have been reading my blog at all, you know I am a big believer in these simple noise makers as a way to tell your dog they have done something correctly. The idea of a clicker is to bridge the time period between performing the right behavior and getting the reward. The click will be used as a way to let the dog know that what they have done is correct, and that a treat or reward is on its way. So, as you lure the dog into a “sit,” make sure to click the moment Fido’s rump hits the floor, and follow with a tasty treat or toy, to let them know they got it right!
RELEASE — HOW TO USE I need to mention at this point that a release word must also be worked into the picture. If not, you will find the dog releasing their “sit” at the sound of the clicker. Remember, the click is the positive mark (letting the dog know they have done something right); but how do we let the dog know it is OK to come out of the sit and get the treat? Enter the idea of a release word. The release word is used in conjunction with the positive mark (clicker). The idea here is the clicker tells the dog something correct has happened and a treat is on the way, while the release word tells the dog the behavior is complete and now you can come get the treat or reward. So, after the rump hits the ground and you click, you will need to say the release word (all done is mine) then allow the dog to have the treat. As the dog becomes better at the command “sit” you will begin to add time between the click and the release word, which will start building time (duration of the command) or what we call stay. As you go forward you will find that many dogs will begin to work just for the noise of the clicker! At this point, we not only have a dog that can be lured into a sit but one that is working for the positive mark of the click. Mike Deathe is a stay-at-home dad who found his passion as a dog trainer in 2008. He enjoys identifying unique and useful “muttz” related products. He is the author of Keep It Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S.) Pet Blog. Mike has had dogs since he was four years old! As an avid pet lover, he regularly sees the number of dogs and cats that never find a home. In 2009, he and his wife Kate founded Muttz “R” Us, a t-shirt company with a philanthropic motto of “Adopt a Pet, Save a Life.” Visit them at www.muttzrus.com, on facebook, twitter or follow the blog, muttzmembers.blogspot.com. M AY 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Local Resource:
SPECIALISTS
IN
PET CARE by T. Olson
It was a blustery winter night when I found myself sitting in the waiting room of the Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center of Kansas City, also known to veterinarians in town as VSEC. This was my first visit to VSEC. I had called my veterinarian after regular business hours and a recording on his phone instructed me to take my dog to VSEC, if I deemed him to have a significant illness. I had considered his vomiting of blood to be a significant illness. As I waited for a report from the emergency clinician who was running tests on my dog, I thumbed through the practice brochure. Preliminary tests indicated my dog was dehydrated and should respond to treatment with antibiotics and intravenous fluids overnight. He would likely be sent home the following day. The following afternoon, as I waited to pick up my recovered dog, I decided to learn more about the practice. I was Minimally invasive procedures like arthroscopy are offered at VSEC. directed to Dr. Jeff Dennis, one of the internal medicine specialists working at VSEC. He explained to me that the developing new medications, keeping veterinarians practice opened in 1992 and had grown to include specialists in internal medand their staff up-to-date on the latest pet health icine, orthopedic surgery, neurology, cancer therapy, cardiology, dermatology, issues and treatments, and offering our services and ophthalmology. These daytime specialists offered services to pets referred and charitable dollars to support pet welfare.” Dr. by family veterinarians. VSEC also was staffed after-hours with emergency cliniDennis provided me names of individuals to concians. Veterinarians are present in the facility to evaluate patients and provide tact if I had any additional questions. Impressed by care 24 hours per day. the facility and its services, I decided to take Dr. Dennis up on his challenge. SPECIALISTS IN PET CARE I decided to start by contacting local family veteri“Have you ever been to an orthopedic surgeon or an ophthalmologist?” Dr. narians to determine what VSEC meant to them. My Dennis asked me. “Well our specialists are the same, only they see pets”. Dr. first call was to Dr. Cindy Church of Green Summit Dennis gave me a tour of the facility. CT scans, ultrasounds, endoscopic proceAnimal Hospital. Dr. Church informed me that she dures, arthroscopy, laparoscopy, radiation treatment for cancers, and 24 hour utilized the specialists at VSEC for patient evaluations critical care are all available on site. and 24 hour critical patient care. She also indicated Dr. Dennis then challenged me to find out what VSEC meant to Kansas City’s that she was a frequent attendee of the many continpet-owning public and the veterinary community. “Certainly, we feel our patient uing education opportunities provided to veterinaricare and services can’t be beat, but we strive to do so much more. Most people ans by VSEC. She appreciated the information prodon’t know that we are involved in training future veterinarians and specialists, vided on important diseases and novel treatments. Special Section — Advertorial 12
MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2010
CONSULTS FOR DIFFICULT CASES Dr. Don Dinges of Camelot Court Animal Hospital, meanwhile, informed me that the technicians from his practice also attended educational meetings offered by VSEC. “I often call the specialists at VSEC to consult on difficult cases and they are very helpful in giving me a direction to pursue. More times than not, a specialist is available right away and is able to consult in a quick and timely manner. The quarterly newsletter is always informative and a great outreach to the veterinary community.” Dr. Dennis had indicated that VSEC was also involved in researching new medications for use in pets. My next call was to Ms. Debbie Breckenridge of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc, a pharmaceutical company headquartered in St. Joseph, Missouri. “VSEC is an important partner to Boehringer. Their world-class specialists provide a sounding board for our company in the research and development of new treatments for cat and dog diseases. In addition, like many of the top human hospitals, VSEC is involved in clinical trials of new medications Boehringer has developed. We value their expertise, real world experience and shared goal of providing veterinarians and their clients with the best possible treatment for their pets” noted Ms. Breckenridge. The latest treatments for feline diabetes and canine heart disease were developed with the help of VSEC. I also remembered Dr. Dennis saying that the promotion of pet welfare and responsible pet ownership was important to the staff and clinicians at VSEC. “We work closely with Wayside Waifs, Animal Haven, and the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City helping them to achieve their missions”, he had said. Courtney Thomas of Wayside Waifs was quite enthusiastic when I called her for her opinion of VSEC. “They go out of their way to help us. They offer free services to our most ill patients and work with us on our promotional events to the public.” Meanwhile, Robin Rowland of the Humane Society indicated that VSEC had both made a sizeable financial contribution to their program and could be seen manning the phones at their recent Pet Telethon. Finally I called Mary Buford, Program Director for Pets for Life, a therapy pet organization of volunteers that go to nursing homes and many other types of facilities to cheer up patients. “VSEC allows us to use their large conference room for our training and testing.
It’s perfect for us. I know that many other pet groups similarly use their facilities free of charge. We can’t thank them enough,” she informed me. I called Dr. Dennis and summarized the results of my investigation. “I am glad they all had good things to say,” he laughed. “We take our commitment to the Kansas City community very seriously. We are a part of the community. We want to contribute to the quality of pet’s lives and subsequently to the lives of their owners. We have learned that there are more ways to do this than by just providing great patient care.” Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center of Kansas City (VSEC) is located at 11950 West 110th Street, Overland Park, KS 66210, (913) 642-9563. More information can be found at vseckc.com.
M AY 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Life Coaching: for your
Animal Companions by Pat Hennessy
PET COACHES
F
or the times you can’t figure out why Snuggles won’t use the litter box, why Bruno is destructive when you are gone, why Pablo is plucking his feathers, or how you can help Gracie when she burrows under the bed during a storm, there is someone who can coach you through the issue and bring harmony to your home.
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MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2010
You may think a pet coach is only for those who do sports with their dogs, such as agility, rally, fly ball, tracking, etc. While those activities do lend themselves to having support, there are many reasons why people may need the assistance of a pet coach, including behavior and wellness issues. You should certainly consult your veterinarian for advice, but there are times that your pet coach may be a dog trainer, animal behaviorist, or animal practitioner (all of whom should provide services that are complimentary to your veterinary support). • You might be making the decision to add an animal member to the family. Seeking the advice of a pet coach will help you make an appropriate choice for your life style. • When you choose to rescue a dog or cat, a pet coach can advise you on ways to make the transition easier (for both of you). • If you are going through a change in your life such as a marriage or divorce, having children, moving to a new home, etc., those milestones can certainly affect your animal companion. Your pet coach can help you support your pet through those life changes. Animals pick up on our moods and differences in our demeanor, and it can impact their conduct. • If your companion animal has a behavior that you would like to change, your pet coach will evaluate the problem and guide you to modify that behavior. Your pet’s actions could be due to factors such as environmental changes (like those mentioned above), medical issues, or merely a lack of consistent training. It is important to get an accurate assessment to get you going down the appropriate path. If your
If your animal companion has a wellness issue that could use some at-home support... animal companion starts acting differently and you can’t identify a root cause, a veterinary check-up would be the first option. • If your animal companion has a wellness issue that could use some at-home support, a pet coach (such as a Vet Tech, Animal Rehabilitation Specialist, or TTouch ® Practitioner), could provide you techniques for making your pet more comfortable (e.g. recovery from an injury, dealing with a chronic illness such as arthritis, offering support through the senior years).
SELECTING A PET COACH When selecting a pet coach for any given situation, it is important that you choose someone you are comfortable with and that your coach has the expertise for your situation. Whether you are having issues with a dog or cat, bird or bunny, there is a coach out there who can help you. If you have rescued an animal, your local rescue organization may also have helpful resources. • You should begin by visiting with your veterinarian and asking if he or she has a recommended approach or referral.
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• When choosing a trainer or animal behaviorist, look for one who uses positive reinforcement training. Techniques other than positive reinforcement can be harmful to your pet and create fear or aggression problems, as well as damage the trust you want in the relationship with your companion. It is useful to ask a pet coach what methods they use, as advertising names, labels, and phrases can be confusing. Two of the largest resources for trainers and animal behaviorists include: Association of Pet Dog Trainers – APDT (www.apdt.com) and International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants – IAABC (www.iaabc.org), where certifications are listed as CPDT, CABC, CDBC, etc. There are many positive training options in the metropolitan area. • When working with a pet coach — ask questions. If you are not comfortable with a method or technique, ask for more information about what the method is supposed to provide and ask if there is another tool or approach. You are an advocate for your animal companion so you should be comfortable with the training methods -as they are your communication tools with your pet. • When choosing an animal practitioner (be it a Rehabilitation Specialist, Nutrition Counselor, TTouch® Practitioner, etc.), you want to find one whose practice is
Begin looking for referrals, by visiting with your veterinarian and asking for a recommended approach or referral. complimentary to veterinary care, who always recommends seeking the advice of your veterinarian and is willing to work with your veterinarian regarding your companion animal’s issues. Any practitioner that you work with should be providing techniques that will do no harm; they should not be treating or diagnosing. There are many ways in which a coach can help you. A coach is someone who should educate you on what you don’t know, help you build your skills, and mentor you until you are confident. Just as it is useful to call in a life coach to get us going in the right direction, it is equally as useful to consult a pet coach for our animals’ needs. The key is finding a coach who can adjust to your learning style as well as your pet’s learning style. Knowledge is power, so the key is in your hand. Pat Hennessy, is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides companion animal attunement through behavior education, energy work, and positive training methods. Pat is a certified TTouch® Level 2 Practitioner, CPDT and member of the IAABC, IAATH and AWA. You may contact N2Paws via email pat@n2paws.com, phone 816522-7005, or visit the website www.n2paws.com. 16
MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2010
Canine Signs Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20) The Strong Silent Type The Taurus Dog will happily sit for hours listening to the classic composers, such as Beethoven, and may even howl along to the orchestration.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21) The Yapper. It takes the strength of personality found in a Leo native to help the Gemini Dog become more decisive, and a natural sympathy between the two usually ensures compatibility.
Cancer (June 22 - July 22) The Home-Lover. The Cancer Dog makes for a delightful and lovely pet, being loyal and faithful no matter how he or she might be treated by an owner.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) The Boss-Dog. The Leo Dog makes for an exceptional guard dog but has one strange eccentricity... he or she is often deathly afraid of cats.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) The Helper. Virgo Dogs are loyal and expect the same steadfastness from any owner. It should be noted, however, that this dog does not take kindly to small children.
Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) The Shop-Steward Since the Libra Dog models their life on that of the owner, if things go wrong then the owner only has themselves to blame.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) The Paragon. This dog has a tendency to be overweight in middle age; owners would be well-advised to take care of the diet when this canine is a puppy.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) The Problem Dog. If this canine does not find an owner to suit their particular taste, then the owner will be treated in the same manner as any other casual acquaintance.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) The Social Climber. When found in an average sort of household, the Capricorn Dog will begin to work on betterment of the current situation without the owner even realizing it.
Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 18) The Friend. The airy mental attitude inherent in this Zodiac Signs toward life makes a perfect foil for the Aquarius Dog.
Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) The Interpreter. The life of a Pisces Dog will be spent by putting his nose in it, while the other half will be concerned with trying to mend the situation.
Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19) Leader of the Pack. Most Aries dogs are constantly getting into scraps and trying to dominate each and every other pet (and person) in the household.
M AY 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Safety tips for children and pets
Hug-A-Tree and Survive by Heddie Leger
I
t is every parent’s nightmare. Their child did not arrive home at the expected time and no one has seen or heard from them for over 3 hours. Panic sets it... it is important to have a plan in place and teach children what to do if they become lost. With Summer fast approaching, more children will be out and about with scout groups, camp sessions, and vacationing with their families. The chances for lost children increase during Summer months more than any other time of year. Children can also become lost walking their pets in the park woods or chasing a pet that gets loose. The Hug-A-Tree program teaches children how to survive in the woods should they become lost. Keeping children and pets safe is a very important. There are a few simple rules to keep everyone safe should your pet or child wander off your property or become lost. Hopefully, your pets are microchipped for easy identification should they become lost. Children should have identichild fingerprinting information stored in a safe place at home.
Second Do not chase your pet. Chasing is often a game to the dog and it will cause him to run faster and farther away. Often a dog will wander around and then meander back home. Although cars are a great danger to a loose dog, most will not wander into traffic unless running away from something.
Third Do not leave your pet or young child unattended. Anything can happen, such as the gate can accidentally be left open. Someone can let your dog loose, or he can jump a fence, or break away from a tether. The best way to keep your dog safe is to keep a watchful eye on him at all
IMPORTANT STEPS
times.
First
STEPS IF YOU LOSE YOUR PET
Make sure your pet is spayed or neutered. One of the leading causes of dogs wandering away from home is due to the female being in season. The females become restless and will wander; the males will chase after a female, even one at a great distance. The only way to avoid this from happening is by having your pet spayed or neutered. 18
Should your pet become lost call animal control, local veterinarians and surrounding neighbors immediately. Creating flyers to post around in stores is a good way to let the general public know what your dog looks like and how to get in touch with you should they see or find him. continued on page 20
MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2010
HUG-A-TREE Many people were the affected by the tragic loss of Jimmy Beverage’s life when he became lost and had a desire to prevent it from occurring again. The tragedy gnawed at Ab Taylor, a Border Patrol agent and renowned tracker, and Tom Jacobs, a free-lance writer and photographer. Both had been members of the search team looking for Jimmy. It was the first time in Mr. Taylor’s thirty-one years as a tracker that he had failed to find a missing child alive. The experience prompted him to collaborate with Jacobs, Jackie Heet, and Dorothy Taylor in the development of an educational program designed to teach children, ages 5-12, very basic principles for staying safe in the wilderness. The program derives its name from its primary message: If you are lost, stay put and hug a tree — until help arrives.
In 2005, Ab Taylor donated the rights to the Hug-a-Tree program and materials to the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR). The intent was that NASAR would modernize the program and continue to get the important Hug-A-Tree message out to children. In 2007,after two years of development and using only private donations of time and money, a new video was distributed for use in the program. In 2008, a new presenter trainer video was released. It shows how anyone can present the program. In addition, numerous new supporting documents were developed and distributed for use with the program (e.g., activity/coloring book, program handout, presenter manual, etc). It is the sincere hope of those who have contributed to this project that all children will someday be exposed to the lifesaving principles of the Hug-a-Tree program. To read more about Hug A Tree go to www.nasar.org. Should you desire to have a copy of the program for your scout or youth group, please contact www.midwestsar.org or contact your local law enforcement agency. M AY 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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continued from page 18
HUG-A-TREE Lost children and pets cause much worry for families and friends. The Hug-A-Tree Program for children was first developed in California after a search for a nine year old boy ended in his tragic death. Many children are alive today due to their training of this simple survival skill. These simple steps can help save a life. • If you think you are lost, Hug-A-Tree. By staying in one place you are easier to find and will not be injured by running or walking around. • Agree on a secret code word in advance for your family to give to searchers who might be looking for you. If anyone else approaches, and does not know the code word, you should not go with them. • It is a good idea when hiking to always carry a trash bag and whistle. The bag can keep you warm and dry, and a whistle can be heard from a long distance, even more than yelling.
Many children are alive today due to their training of simple survival skills
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• Parents should keep a footprint of their child by tracing their shoe on a piece of aluminum foil each year. Trackers can often differentiate tracks and quickly determine the direction of travel. • Parents should not hesitate to call for help immediately. A delay in calling can cause a dangerous situation, especially if the weather is bad. • Make yourself big by using twigs, branches or rocks to write out a big “X” or “SOS” sign. Wear bright colors that are easily seen. • If it is getting dark and you hear an animal, blow your whistle or yell as loud as you can. Most likely the animal will run away to protect itself. Do not run, as the animal could chase you. • Remember you have many people out looking for you. Don’t be afraid to let people know where you are. They will not be angry. They will be happy you are found safe and sound. • If search dogs come looking for you, remember most trained search dogs are friendly and like children. It is okay to pet them and be friendly. Search dogs work very hard using their nose to find you. They will be very happy to see you. They are your friends. Heddie Leger is a Certified Humane Education Ambassador for Wayside Waifs, American Humane and Best Friends. She and her canine partner Halo, serve on the Liberty CERT team and Northland CERT/NSAR. Learn more about Community Emergency Response Teams at www.citizencorps.gov/cert/.
Feline Signs
Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20)
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
The Earth Mother. This cat rarely allows paws or torso to lose contact with a solid surface because it will be too heavy to move very far.
The Cat’s Pajamas. The Scorpio Cat is a powerful cat with more than a mere sting in his or her tail. This feline is resourceful and intelligent.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. Being exceptionally bright creatures, the Gemini Cat will soon learn how to open any cat-flap.
The Stable Cat. The true love of this feline’s life will always be horses, even if there are other animals in the household!
Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20)
The Crazy Cat. There may be a feeling of togetherness as this cat sleeps through the day in the middle of the kitchen.
The Cat Burglar. The Capricorn Kitten will be fittingin quickly and may only once make the mistake of jumping onto the kitchen table.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)
Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 18)
The Top Cat. The Leo Cat does not care to be in a houseful of other animals who will doubtless compete for attention.
The Hip Cat. This cat will attract people with an incredibly strange allure until he/she has a battery of acquaintances of all shapes and sizes.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)
Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)
The Kitten Cat. Birdwatching or other type of nature study will quickly relax the Virgo Cat, while giving the owner some breathing space at the same time.
The Ship’s Cat. Natives of Cancer and Scorpio tend to get on best with the economic “two for the price of one” bundle, which is the Pisces Cat.
Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)
Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)
The Copy-Cat. The Libra Cat will be a truly loving and devoted feline. It is of dire importance to this feline, that it be among people who are sympathetically inclined.
The Stray Cat. The Aries Cat has no desire to spend evenings in a mutual haze of “stroke and purr” with his or her owner and a well-balanced, two-sided partnership will never occur.
M AY 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Does House Training Your Pet Have You
Frustrated? Don’t be frustrated! House training can be successful and accomplished within a week, if you have patience. by Sarah Estlund-Mullally
Y
ou just adopted a dog from one of the many animal shelters in the Kansas City area. Whether this new member to your family is a ten week-old puppy, a two year-old adult or a ten year-old senior, the House training method will be the same — positive reinforcement. House training can be one of the most important behavior modifications in which you will have a direct impact during the lifetime of your dog. Forget what you learned as a child about rubbing the dog’s nose in the “accident.” Forget what your parents did or what your college roommate did if it involves hitting or applying vinegar.
FIRST STEP — RELAX Dogs are very smart. Your dog can be house trained within a week if you just have patience. Know there may be setbacks and if the dog becomes scared or sick, he may have the occasional accident. Expect to take two steps forward followed by one step back. The number one thing to remember is this: your dog’s sole purpose in life is to make you happy. Keep that in mind when she does something good. Instead of scolding for bad behavior, always praise for good behavior. Also remember the only way to teach her the difference between bad and good is when she actually makes a bad choice, like going to the bathroom in the house.
KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL TRAINING You will need a kennel to correctly house train your dog. The kennel should be large enough for her to stand up and turn around in a circle, but no larger. Dogs rarely go to the bathroom in their kennels, so this is a proven tool to assist in housebreaking your dog. Choose a word that you want to use 22
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Dogs are very smart! Your dog can be house trained within a week if you just have patience. to signify going to the bathroom. The word can be “outside” or “potty” or “tree.” For the next three days, watch him every single minute that he is not in the kennel. You will gradually learn the signs that he is about to squat or lift his leg. Sometimes dogs sniff the ground (in this case maybe carpet) or turn in circles — usually before making a bowel movement. The moment you see him begin to squat, gently and swiftly go to him, scoop him up (or grab by the collar) and immediately take outside. The whole time you are walking toward the door, say “no”. Repeat “no no no no” until you reach outside. At this point, say your word whether it is ‘outside’ or ‘potty’. Whenever you leave home, make sure to put her in the kennel. As soon as you return, immediately remove her from the kennel and take her outside to go to the bathroom. This “routine” will condition her to understand that as soon as she is let out of the kennel and taken outside, it is okay for her to relieve herself.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT Should you catch her in the act of urinating or defecating in the house, simply repeat the word ‘no’ while escorting her outside. Once outside, use your chosen word for bathroom. Never hit your dog, rub her nose in the accident or yell. These reactions are all completely counterproductive to the training process. By practicing patience, incorporating a kennel and using positive reinforcement, your best four legged friend will be house trained within a week. Sarah Estlund-Mullally is a freelance journalist and has worked in animal rescue for more than half her life. She supports animal activist organizations in Kansas City including; Northland Animal Welfare Society, Chain of Hope, SNKC, FOPAS and Northland Pet Pantry. She is very active with the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislature and has a special place in her heart for bully breeds. Sarah and her husband, Kurt, have three rescue dogs ranging from 40 to 95 pounds! M AY 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Chip’s Corner
Pawzzle by Heddie Leger
The Basset Hound is sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and naturally wellbehaved. They fit into family life well. Their temperament should always be friendly and never vicious, moody, or harsh, They would only become so if the owners led the dog to believe he was pack leader over humans. They are mild but not timid; very affectionate with its master and friendly with children. It can be a bit stubborn with meek owners and need a firm, confident, and consistent owner who displays natural authority over the dog. Dogs need to know the rules of the house and have the humans stick to them. Bassets like to do tricks for food. It has a deep musical bark. Housebreaking is difficult, but they do well with positive reinforcement and patient, gentle training. With proper training, they are obedient, but when they pick up an interesting smell, it’s sometimes hard to get their attention, as they like to follow their noses and may not even hear you calling them back. Information courtesy of www.dogbreedinfo.com/ bassethound.htm
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Across: 2. Most dogs like to play with ____________________ 5. A device used in an auto to keep your dog safe and confined 8. First mentioned and recognized as a ____________ dog 10. Owning a dog is a ___________________ 14. The Basset _________ is recognized in which AKC group? 15. By nature they are very ______________ 17. This breed has a bone structure that is ________________ 18. A national __________ club was established in 1935. 19. Use this when walking your dog 20. This breed is very ______________ in nature 24. The Basset is very _________________ 26. The legs of a Bassett Hound are ______________ 28. All dogs and living things need this _______ 29. The first Basset was exhibited at an __________ show in 1875
Down: 1. When a dog follows a persons footsteps with its nose to find them 3. The Basset is known for its amusing _____________ 4. Thought to have originated in this European country 6. Keeps your dogs coat and skin healthy 7. Bassets may not do well when left _______________ for long periods of time 9. It is important to trim your dog's ______________ 11. Has a _________ mentality 12. Uses this to find things 13. The Basset Hound loves __________________ 15. ____________ control keeps dogs safe and off the streets 16. This breed can be very _______________ 21. It is always important to do this with your dog 22. The back of a Basset Hound is _______________ 23. Known for a ______________ demeanor 25. The Basset is known for having long _______ 27. The work a dog does using its nose
April Pawzlle Answer
BELLA 39818475
CHEWS SHOES REPEAT OFFENDER
M AY 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Things You Need to Know:
BLOAT
G
astric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), known as bloat. is the second most common killer of dogs after cancer. This serious yet treatable condition requires dog owners to recognize the signs and symptoms and be able to act quickly seeking treatment.
WHAT IS BLOAT? Bloat is a condition which presents itself in two forms. One is simply “gastric dilatation” or gas causing distention in the digestive “gastric” system. The second is gastric dilatation with the stomach twisting known as “volvulus.” The stomach fills with gas and becomes painful as it distends (swells and expands). In some cases a dog’s stomach will twist and cut off blood supply to and from the heart sending a dog into shock and lowering blood pressure.
WHAT CAUSES BLOAT? Several factors can contribute to bloat. The first factor is breed. Bloat is most common among large breed dogs such as Great Danes and Retrievers. Hereditary traits and anatomical structure of a dog is another factor. A large and deep chest, which is common in these large breed dogs, contributes to the possibility of having a bout with bloat. Along the lines of anatomical structure and heredity is the finding that dogs that have a close relative (i.e. mother, father, litter mate, or offspring) who have suffered from bloat are more likely to have it themselves than those who do not have a relative who has had this condition. This is most likely do to the fact that animals so closely related are likely to share a similar body structure. 26
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by Tina Marie Frawley
Age is another factor of bloat, being more common in fully grown and developed dogs over the age of two. If a dog has had bloat in the past, they are more likely to have it happen again at some point in their life. Additionally, male dogs are twice more likely to bloat than females. Stress has been shown to potentially cause bloat. A stressed out dog should be calmed down and given an enjoyable eating experience. This doesn’t mean you should play soft waterfalls or piano music in the background, but if there is stress in the home due to other animals coming into the home, try separating everyone during feeding times.
SIGNS OF BLOAT The signs of bloat include dry heaving, i.e., attempting to vomit and being unsuccessful at emptying the stomach. While you may see foam, saliva, or mucus, nothing substantial will be thrown up. This is happening because while the stomach hurts and your dog wishes to alleviate himself by emptying the stomach, there may be twisting of the stomach preventing him or her from
throwing up. This is the most common sign of bloat. This may be accompanied by a distended stomach and rib area. Other signs include restlessness, such as pacing and whining; pale, pink, or blue gums, coughing and panting. Your dog may seek a hiding place or curl up because he or she is in pain and is focusing on this pain. A change in breathing such as slow breathing or heavy panting is an indication something is wrong. A rapid heart rate may accompany this (or serve as a “stand alone” symptom).
dog has to work around the object to get the food. A small, upside down bowl inside of the main feed dish works. Avoid high fat foods. If “fat” is listed in the top four ingredients, look for another protein rich food appropriate for your dog’s age, activity level, and breed. • Reduce the amount of carbohydrates your dog intakes. Many cookies and biscuits are high in carbs. Look for all natural treats or try your hand at baking some of your own. • Feed your dog when he is calm and recently rested. Extreme exercise and play IF YOU SUSPECT BLOAT just before feeding and just after can cause twisting of the stomach. While your dog can and should lie down, letting him or her roll over is not a good idea. If your dog shows signs of bloat, you should immediately take him or her to their veteri• Avoid allowing your dog to drink large amounts of water just prior to eating narian. Call ahead to let them know you susand immediately following eating. This is especially true when feeding dry dog pect your dog has bloat and how long it will be food as the water may cause the food to swell and expand in the stomach. before you arrive. If your dog shows signs of If your dog is one of the high risk breeds, or has other risk factors for bloat, you as an owner need to be aware of the condiSeveral factors can contribute tion and be prepared to act if you suspect your dog has bloat.
to bloat. The first factor is breed. Bloat is most common among large breed dogs such as Great Danes and Retrievers.
Tina Marie Frawley is a freelance writer from Charlotte, NC where she lives with her husband Jay, also a freelance writer, their yellow Lab, Buck, and black cat, McCabe. Her website is TinaMarieFrawley.com.
bloat outside normal office hours, call the oncall doctor or local animal emergency clinic and let them know you are on your way. Alleviating some of the gas built up inside your dogs gastric system may give you more time to get to the veterinarian. It is a good idea to keep simethicone, found in Gas-X or Mylanta Gas, in the house. Administering this to your dog may reduce the gas. Discuss with your veterinarian how to properly administer this to your dog, including how much, if you suspect bloat. Your veterinarian can give you advice based on your dog’s size and weight.
THINGS TO DO AVOID BLOAT • Feed your dog more than once a day, especially large-breed dogs, breaking their meals in to two or three a day. • Help your dog eat slower by purchasing feeding bowls designed to slow your dogs eating time. Bowls with small obstacles can be purchased at your local pet store or your veterinarian’s office. Alternatively, try placing a small (safe) object in the bowl so your M AY 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Seniors and their Pets by Sara Meinking Most of us have a memory of a beloved pet. It might have been a puppy or kitten that showed up under the Christmas tree or a pet that came into the family some other way and is now one of the family. On a nightly basis my kids argue over where our black lab will sleep. All the while, she waits for the nod — knowing it’s a win-win for her. No matter how old we are — we long for that loyalty and companionship of our four-legged friends.
PETS ENHANCE OUR LIVES On a daily basis, I see how pets enhance our lives in my own home and in my workplace. I spend my days at a local retirement community, amongst the many who call it home. Those in the community made a decision to leave their homes of many years for the simplified lifestyle of retirement living. The greatest thing, howMary Henderson with her cat, Sweetie Pie. ever, is the community allowed them to bring not only their possessions they love so dearly, but the companions they cherish — their pet. Mary Henderson’s cat, Sweetie Pie, has been with her for 14 years. “I’ve always been a cat lover,” Mary shared, “She’s a lot of company for me, and makes me feel so good – she’s the love of my life. Sweetie Pie is a sun-worshipper too!” Cats are the quiet companions, but Wilma Jean Spaulding prefers the energy of dogs and enjoys her Chihuahua, Peppy. “I brought Peppy with me when I 28
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Interaction with seniors and their pets is beneficial mentally, physically, and emotionally moved here. I used to have dachsh u n d s before I got Peppy 8 years ago. When I sit, Wilma Jean with her dog, Peppy. he has to be in my lap, my little lover. He’s spoiled. Peppy doesn’t like others very well — but he likes me, and that’s what makes me feel so good.” Interaction with seniors and their pets is beneficial mentally, physically, and emotionally. Seniors have a purpose —caring for their pets — which in turns increasing mobility and exercise through walking, brushing, and petting. Loneliness is reduced when seniors spend time with a pet. When seniors make that emotional connection, it improves their mental well being; and that, in turn, can improve their physical well being.
THE VALUE OF PETS — PRICELESS! You can’t walk the halls of the community without running into a resident and his/her pet; and the look on the resident’s face as you stop to say hello and give a quick pat, is priceless. “Abby makes me feel good. I miss her so much on the days she goes to the vet. It feels like something in the house is missing – and it’s her. I love her so much”, Ruth Henry shared when asked about the role her cat plays in her life. Companionship at a time in life when many feel alone is so important to the seniors. Of course, many seniors are busy in daily activities; but they always know that someone’s waiting when they get home, with a wag of a tail or rub against their leg, to jump into their lap, and remind them that they are loved! Sara Meinking is the Community Relations Manager of Garden Village Retirement Community.
M AY 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Ask the Vet Feline Obesity:
Feeding a Household Predator by Irene Schomacker, DVM
QUESTION
How are my cat’s dietary needs different from a dog’s? Dr. Schomacker: Because cats are cute and cuddly it’s easy to forget that they are also natural predators. Household cats, as well as their wild relatives, are “obligate carnivores”, meaning they should eat an all meat diet. They require high levels of protein to sustain optimal health and well-being. In fact, cats have four times the protein requirements of dogs or people. In addition, cats have a shorter GI tract and possess only 10% the digestive enzymes of dogs.. This is ideal for breaking down protein, but makes it difficult for them to break down carbohydrates.
QUESTION
How does this affect my cat’s weight? Dr. Schomacker: Since cats aren’t efficient at breaking down carbohydrates, their bodies store excess carbs as fat, which can lead to feline obesity.
QUESTION
What does obesity mean to my cat’s health? Dr. Schomacker: Feline obesity is considered one of the most common health problems for household pets. Just like people, obesity can lead to more serious conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and fatty liver, just to name a few.
spine can be readily felt with your fingers without a lot of pressure. A slight fat covering is normal. This should be checked during your cat’s annual well visit by a veterinarian.
QUESTION
How much should my cat weigh? Dr. Schomacker: Your cat’s weight will vary depending on gender, age, skeletal structure, activity level, and breed. Many veterinarians use a scale called a Body Condition Score (BCS) to determine the ideal weight for your cat.
QUESTION
My cat’s belly hangs down low. Does this mean he’s overweight? Dr. Schomacker: Not necessarily. This is a common place for cats to carry some fat. What you want to look for is whether or not the ribs and 30
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QUESTION
What type of food should I feed my cat? Dr. Schomacker: A low carbohydrate, high protein diet is best for cats. Because dry diets require carbohydrate binders during the baking process to form kibbles, an all canned, or “wet” diet is generally recommended.
QUESTION
Isn’t dry food better for my cat’s teeth? Dr. Schomacker: The truth is cats don’t really chew their food. Cats’ teeth are serrated like a knife and designed for ripping and
tearing (remember you’re feeding a highly adapted killing machine). Your cat is only going to crunch the pellets into smaller pieces, or swallow them whole. The dry kibbles bypass their teeth altogether, and don’t provide much benefit to dental health. There are, however, special dry cat treats that are formulated to help with tartar build-up and prevent periodontal disease.
QUESTION
How much food should I feed my cat? Dr. Schomacker: This will vary depending on the cat and whether there is a need for him to lose or maintain weight. The key to healthy weight loss is portion control. Guidelines on the package label are a good start, but they may lead you to overfeed and cause unnecessary weight gain. You’ll have to consider the calories per cup of food. For example, a 10 lb. cat needs 220 cal/day to maintain weight, but only 176 cal/day to lose weight. A thorough examination by a veterinarian to determine your cat’s BCS, and create a nutrition plan specific to your cat’s needs is your best option.
QUESTION
If my cat is overweight, how quickly can I expect to see him/her drop pounds? Dr. Schomacker: A general rule of healthy weight loss is between 1 and 1 1/2 pounds per year. This might not seem like much, but consider that one (1) pound on a ten (10) pound cat is 10% of its body weight. If an overweight cat loses too quickly, it may cause some serious and life threatening conditions like fatty liver disease. Careful monitoring of weight loss by a veterinarian is advised
QUESTION
Can I feed my cat meats like chicken or fish? Dr. Schomacker: This seems like a good idea, but these foods don’t provide all of the nutrition your cat needs to stay healthy. It’s difficult to supplement a homemade meal with the vitamin and mineral elements of a balanced diet on your own. That’s why a packaged food is really best.
QUESTION
How often should I feed my cat? Dr. Schomacker: If you currently have food available for your cat at all times, try feeding 2-3 small meals throughout the day. More frequent feedings will help your cat feel more satisfied. M AY 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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QUESTION
Can you use this therapy on pets of all weights? Dr. Schomacker: Laser therapy can be used on most pets that are five pounds or more.
QUESTION
I have one cat that’s too heavy and one that’s too thin. What should I do? Dr. Schomacker: This is always a challenge for multi-cat households. Try separating the cats during meal times and only feeding the amount of food that is recommended to each cat. Another option is to separate the underweight cat only and provide extra feedings periodically. You might also be able to identify a location where your overweight cat can’t reach the food, but the underweight cats can, i.e., on a counter, table, or window sill..
EXERCISE SUGGESTIONS • Set aside playtime every morning and/or evening for 5-10 minutes. • Play with your cat using cat-safe toys like feather ticklers, laser pointers or furry mice. Avoid using your hands or feet to wrestle with your cat. This can lead to other misplaced aggression issues. • Use your cat’s natural predator instincts to create a “hunt” by hiding his/her food meals in small portions around the house. • Construct or purchase a cat jungle gym for climbing.
QUESTION
What role does exercise play in feline weight loss? Dr. Schomacker: Exercise and playtime not only help your cat lose weight, they can help you bond more closely with your feline companion. The trick is being creative with your cat to find ways to increase his/her activity level. Dr. Irene Schomacker received her Veterinary Degree from Kansas State University in 1980, and established the Cat Clinic of Johnson County in 1985. Her 30 years of experience in feline exclusive medicine have given her a sensitivity to the special needs of cat owners and the bond they share with their cat companions. Dr. Schomacker is a former member of the advisory board for Veterinary Forum Magazine and has published many articles concerning feline health. She can be reached at 913-541-0478 or visit us www.catclinicofjc.com
DID YOU KNOW... that the right water can benefit you and your pet? In 2006, when we adopted our cat, Clementine, at the age of 3, she was playful and affectionate, but not a “snuggler.” Over the past year she started slowing down, playing less and sleeping more. Recently, we changed her from filtered water to our ionized, restructured water. Within a few days, she started acting like a kitten again. Now at age 7, she races from one end of the house to the other, playing fetch and chasing her tail. She has also become a “lap cat.” What is the difference? The water. When your pets drink water that hydrates and puts extra oxygen in their system, they feel better and live a healthier live. Give it a try!
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MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2010
Upcoming Events Caturday Night Fever
Barkside Bash Yappy Hour
Benefits: Wayside Waifs Sat, May 8 • 6 pm Where: Overland Park Convention Center Details: waysidewaifs.org
Who: Camp Bow Wow, Olathe & Lee’s Summit What: Book Signing by Camp Bow Wow Founder/CEO Heidi Ganahl Where: Olathe — June 1 • 5 - 7 pm Lee’s Summit — June 2 • 5 - 7 pm Details: campbowwowusa.com
Sheltie Rescue Adoptions What: Adoption Events Where: Petco, 75th and Metcalf, OP, KS When: Sat, May 8 & 22 • 10am-2pm Sun, June 6 • 11am-3pm
Lakewood Run for the Dogs Heart of America Humane Society Where: Lake Village Park, Lee’s Summit When: Sat, May 15 • 7 - 11 am Details: heartofamericahs.org
Tails R’ Waggin 2nd Anniversary Sat, May 15 • 11 am - 4 pm Benefits: Animal Haven & No More Homeless Pets Details: tailsrwaggin.com
All About Dogs / U-Wash Puppy What: Old Shawnee Days Parade Where: Shawnee, KS When: Sat, June 5 • 10 am
Rediscover’s Paws for a Cause Where: Downtown Lee’s Summit, MO What: Dog parade, fashion show, and more! When: Sat, June 12 • 11 am - 2 pm
Pets-N-All That Jazz Gala Sat, June 26 • 9 am - 4 pm Benefits: Animals Best Friends Details: animalsbestfriends.org
Pooches on the Parkway Where: Young Park, Blue Springs When: Sun, May 16 • 11 am - 4 pm Details: bluespringsgov.com
Strothertowne Pet Hospital Open House Where: Lee’s Summit, MO When: Sun, May 22 • Noon - 2 pm Details: strothertownepet.com
Go Pet Go Grand Opening Where: Liberty, MO What: Prizes, pet/owner look-alike contest, prizes When: Sat, May 22 • All Day Details: gopetgokc.com
Bikers for Paws — Poker Run When: Sat, May 22 • Noon Where: Worth Harley Davidson, KC, MO Benefits: No More Homeless Pets Details: nmhpkc.org
Rolling Acres Open House Where: 12200 N. Crooked Rd, KC, MO When: Fri-Sun, May 29-31 • 10 am - 3 pm Details: visitrollingacres.com
METROPET PICK-UP LOCATIONS MetroPet Magazine can be found in 100 FREE Magazines racks in the KC metro area. Here is a short list of these locations. Blockbuster Stores: Sears/K-Mart Stores: CVS Stores: Grocery Stores: Gladstone, MO • Hy-Vee, 71st & N Prospect • Balls Price Chopper, 500 NE Barry Road • Balls Price Chopper, 5820 N. Oak Trafficway • Balls Price Chopper, 6475 N. Prospect Kansas City, MO • Hy-Vee, 207 NW Engelwood Parkville, MO • Mckeever’s Price Chopper Platte City, MO • Price Chopper Riverside, MO • Red X
All KC area locations Most KC area locations Most CVS locations See list below Kansas City, MO • Hy-Vee at 207 NW Engelwood Merriam, KS • Balls Hen House, 5800 Antioch Overland Park, KS • Queens Price Chopper, 86th & Antioch • Queens Price Chopper, 151st St Shawnee Mission, KS • Hy-Vee, 13650 W 63rd St • Ball’s Price Chopper, 63rd St • Ball’s Hen House • Costentino’s, W. 66th St M AY 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Is Your Pet the in KC?
Cutest
Snap a photo of your pet and submit it at metropetmag.com.
Hail — This is a photo of Hail meeting his new baby brother Spencer Reed. Submitted by Katie Reed
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MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2010
Daisy and Allie — We inherited these two dogs from two separate families that were unable to care for them. Daisy (a three year old Chihuahua — Miniature Dachshund mix) and Allie (a one year old Boxer) are the most oddly matched playmates. We just spend hours a day watching them wrestle and play tug-o-war. We also have a cat, Lilly, that is considerably larger than Daisy that really keeps the playing interesting when she decides to join in the fun. Submitted by Kim Stoneking