August 2014
6
Articles
16
5
A Note on the Refrigerator
6
Establishing a Dog Park Part II
8
Showing Your Home with Buddy & Bella
10 Newshound — August 2014 12 Animal Bites Controlling & Handling 16 The Pet Unemployment Problem
19 Kitty-Corner 24
20 Purrfect Trip to the Veterinarian 22 A Better Life for Waffles! 24 Moving with Your Pet 26 Pawzzle 28 Purchasing Your Pets Medications Facts You Should Know 28
32 The Adventures of Chip
Enjoying Summer? It is truly summertime! All you have to do is look at the temperature gauge to know that August has arrived! With this in mind, please remember to give your pets plenty of shade, a cool place to rest, and lots of water! And, never leave your pet in a locked car. This issue has a very important article about dogs and biting. Dog bites are increasing and this article provides some important clues about how to read a dog’s body language. Please read and share this article. In this issue, we also have some awesome and fun stories. Did you know there is a Pet Unemployment Problem — don’t laugh it exists! Does your pet have a job? Most pets want to have a purpose and to be with you. So stop and think about what might be a good job for your pet — and find ways you can spend more time together! We also have two great articles about homes and moving, “Showing Your House with Buddy and Bella,” and “Moving with Your Pet!” These articles give some great tips about how to keep everybody happy.
Publisher 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
This issue also has two informative articles about pet health, “The Purrfect Trip to the Veterinarian” and, “Purchasing Your Pet’s Medications — Facts You Should Know.” Both are must reads for pet parents. Finally, we have Chip’s Next Adventure, the Kitty-Corner for the Pawzlle, and A Note on the Refrigerator! And don’t miss the update on how to establish a dog park. Welcome to our newest advertisers – Lou Fusz Subaru Dealership in Creve Coure and Canidae® Pet Food! Did you know that Lou Fusz Subaru has a dog park next to the dealership? Canidae Pet Food now offers Grain Free PURE, in addition to Life Stages. Both foods are available for dogs and cats! Have a great rest of summer. We will see you in September!
Barbara .S. As always, please support our advertisers — they P are what make this magazine possible! Please tell them you saw their ad in MetroPet magazine and say Thank You!
Advertising Sales Ad Sales: 913.548.1433 Deals of the Week deals@metropetmag.com Contact MetroPet PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Fax: 913.387.4313
Contributing Authors Mike Deathe Diana Engeszer Pat Hennessy Pawleen Journe Heddie Leger Cathy Perry Erin Quigley, DVM Debbie Simorte
Sueaanne M. Thibodeau Julia West
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. © 2014 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.
e h t n o e A Not r o t a r e g i Refr The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.
Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest. The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn’t help because I fall faster than you can run. I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.
claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years — canine/feline attendance is not required. The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat’s butt. I cannot stress this enough.
Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door: TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS : 1. They live here. You don’t. 2. If you don’t want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That’s why they call it ‘fur’-niture. 3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people. 4. To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don’t speak clearly.
Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they (1) eat less, (2) don’t ask for money all the time, (3) are easier to train, (4) normally come when called, (5) never ask to drive the car, (6) don’t want to wear your clothes, (7) don’t have to buy the latest fashions, (8) don’t need a gazillion dollars for college!
For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to 5
How to establish a Dog Park - Part II by Julia West
Background: A group of dog owners in Washington MO has spent 4 years working to get a full-time dog park. Here are lessons we’ve learned that might help others.
Create a logo. This will be the way people recognize your group. Use it on your social media page, newsletter, contact cards, etc.
Key points from Part One:
Create an email account. With a Yahoo email account, you can create an alias, or second email address, on the Settings page.
• One person cannot do this. • Have a plan before approaching the City. • Be prepared for objections.
Build a Strong Voice Use social media. With a Facebook account you can add a ‘page’ for your Dog Park group. It will be separate from your page, but its alerts will show with your personal alerts, making it easy to manage. Use this page to “Like” and comment on every local page you find, putting your group out for dog owners to see and “Like.” Post things dog owners will share (cute dog videos, photos, etc.) When they share your post, they share your group and you get more likes and a stronger voice. Write a letter to the editors of local newspapers about the benefits of dog parks. Get as many signatures as you can. Ask veterinarians, trainers and dog owners to write letters also.
Create contact cards (like business cards). Include your logo, Facebook page name and email. Give these to everyone you meet at the dog park and tell them about your group’s efforts. Put stacks of them at vets’ offices, groomers, dog day care, pet stores, etc. Print a monthly newsletter. Explain your cause and how people can help, but include fun bits like memes, cartoons, or training tips. Put the newsletter in a real estate info box at the park and email it to anyone who asks for it.
Always use local businesses for your dog park needs. Find out who welcomes dogs or sells pet-related items. Introduce your group to them. Give them Dog Parks Build Community People who use most public parks keep some contact cards, thank them to themselves. Dog owners at a dog for their help and talk them up at park need to talk to each other and see the park and social media. each other often.
Work With the City Make your group a part of Assn of Professional Dog Trainers No one will sit down and explain the community. Enter parades, how decisions are made in the a table or display at community City government. Your people events. Always put your group’s name front and center. need to attend Parks and/or City Council meetings 6
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - August 2014
Dog Parks Confine Off-Leash Dogs Owners with access to a dog park are less likely to let their dog off-leash at other parks. Assn of Professional Dog Trainers
to learn the budgeting and decision-making processes. Ask supportive city leaders “What should we do next?” Caution: use this sparingly. Representatives have many requests from residents and must ‘budget’ their time. Consider a “One Request” rule: make one request. If there is no response, look elsewhere. Pay attention to groups that are getting action. Find out why. Learn their strategy. Often interest groups raise a portion of funds needed to complete a project.
10th Annual Brighten the Days of Our Strays Dinner & Silent Auction Sunday, August 24th 2014 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. At Spazio’s Grand Ballroom 12031 Lackland Road St. Louis, MO 63146 $70 Regular or VIP table for eight $1,000
Author credits: Julia West is spokesperson for the Washington MO Dog Park Group. WashingtonMoDogParkGroup.com Facebook: Washington MO Dog Park Group email: washmok9@yahoo.com
Visit www.odas.org to reserve your ticket or contact us at 636-671-3643 Open Door Animal Sanctuary is a no-kill shelter. We provide homeless cats and dogs with the hightest quality of life and a forever family. Since our founding in 1975, we have offered hope, help and healing to more than 100,000 precious lives.
www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - August 2014
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Showing Your Home with Buddy and Bella by Cathy Perry
It is a challenge to get your home ready to go on the market when you are a pet parent. It can be an even bigger one to have your home ready to show when an eager buyer wants to see it. Hopefully these tips will help you work through some of the hurdles and sell your home in quick order. The first step is to discuss with your agent how much advance notice you need in order to accommodate your pets prior to a showing (assuming you haven’t made arrangements for your pets to have a vacation with other family members while your home is for sale.) Try not to make that notice any longer than you actually need, as the agent who can’t make an appointment to see your home may not be able to schedule another time with the buyer, especially if they are coming in from out of town. During the work week it is not uncommon to ask for a 24-hour notice if you have pets so you can make proper arrangements for them before you leave for work, but try to be flexible if you can, and permit a shorter notice on the weekends if possible when so many buyers are out and about. Think ahead for possible solutions — doggie day care (especially for when the home is under contract and the inspector and appraiser will be coming through for longer periods of time and need access to the whole house), a neighbor or professional dog-walker who could come in and take your dog for a walk, or failing all else, a safe place to secure your pet at home. While it is hard to understand that not everyone loves our
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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - August 2014
pets as much as we do, some buyers (and agents!) may be afraid of your pet, extremely allergic, or just not like animals. Having Buddy or Bella romp around the house with those buyers is not likely to lead to them staying around long enough to fall in love with your house. Or, the pet-loving buyers may spend their time petting Bella or playing with Buddy, and miss a number of your home’s best features. As an agent, I worry about the pets left loose in the home, especially those that come with the instruction “please don’t let the cat out.” Early in my career, I showed a home with a cat that really wanted to get out the front door when we left. I finally had to let the buyer out, pick the cat up and inch my way to the door, and then gently toss the cat away from the door as I snuck out. Please don’t run the risk of your furry friends escaping from the home; make sure they are secured. If possible, don’t leave your pets in a closed room that the buyer can’t enter, and definitely not if it is the buyer’s second time touring the home. I have had this happen. The dogs were in the laundry room, which was also the pathway to the garage. That was OK for the first appointment, but when I scheduled the second visit, I specifically asked the listing agent to please have the sellers put the dogs somewhere else, so the buyer could see the laundry room and the garage. Nope, the dogs were in the same place, so we didn’t know if they had a fantastic laundry room or oversized garage, and the buyer didn’t purchase the home. Now that your animals are secure for the showing, think about their stuff. Try not to point out that a pet lives here; keep their food in a plastic container and food and water dishes tucked out of sight. Store toys in a basket with a cover. Put away their beds and blankets. Keep the dreaded litter box meticulously clean to eliminate distasteful sights and smells. And please, don’t keep the litterbox in the kitchen!
www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - August 2014
(If you have pets such as guinea pigs, hamsters, iguanas, etc., please don’t keep their cages in the kitchen, either.) You will need to use your vacuum cleaner often, probably daily, unless you are blessed with non- or lowshedding pets, and don’t forget the upholstery, especially if they like to lounge with you on the sofa. Check regularly for hairballs or any other unpleasant gifts your pets may have left for you. Finally, remember the great outdoors. If you have dogs who roam freely in your yard, keep the poop scooped so your buyers don’t track anything back into your home or have any unpleasant reminders of your pets on their shoes as they are talking about your house in their car. It takes a little more work to sell your house with pets in residence, but with diligence and common sense, you can get the job done so that all members of your family, both two-legged and four, can quickly move on to your next home together.
Cathy Perry is a lifelong dog lover (who has discovered a love of cats along the way, too) with a passion for homes and design. She is a Real Estate Consultant with Keller Williams and an interior designer and home stager with her own company, Renovate and Redesign, LLC. Visit her real estate website at www.stlrealtyconcierge.com to learn more, or contact her at 636-236-5695. She would love to help you find or create the perfect space for your two- and four-legged family members!
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Newshound: August 2014 What: Emily says, “Although there are fifteen or more known species of Uromastyx in the world, only about three species have been successfully captive-bred in the United States. That means that most species that are available for purchase are wild-caught or Africanfarmed.” African-farmed lizards come from eggs laid in the wild in Africa to a wild mother. The eggs are hatched in captivity. Why: But Emily doesn’t recommend that people purchase wild-caught or African-farmed Uros. “Wildcaught and African-farmed Uros are wild animals, and you can’t keep them as pets very successfully. They don’t live as long, and they aren’t as healthy. They also don’t become hand-tame very well, and they just generally don’t have a temperament suited to being pets,” she says.
Newshound searches the area, sniffing out leads on kids living well with their pets. Here is our first story. Who: E mily Kenney, 18, and Helios, a yearling Uromastyx (spiny-tailed) lizard Where: Emily says that Uromastyx lizards like Helios come from the deserts of Africa, particularly the southwestern Sahara. Some of them come from mountainous regions and some from sandy, rocky areas. Helios was captive-bred in California. Other species of Uromastyx live throughout Northern Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. When: Though Emily has lived with Helios for only 3 or 4 months, Uromastyx lizards began growing in popularity as pets ten to fifteen years ago. 10
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - August 2014
How: Emily writes, “Uromastyx have fairly specific tank needs. They’re solitary lizards and need a lot of space. It is very difficult to keep Uros together and should not be attempted by a novice. Wild-caught and African-farmed lizards (if you do have one) should also not be housed together as they can show a lot of aggression, even to the point of biting off each other’s toes. Helios is about 4” long and his tank is 12” x 12” x 30”. This is about the smallest I would suggest for a Uromastyx of that size. The terrarium should be at least four times as long as the lizard, and adult Uros, depending on the species, can be anywhere from 14” to 36” long. The substrate (bottom layer) of the cage should have sand or even bird seed. I like natural, filtered desert sand because it doesn’t have lumps for the lizards to swallow and it makes a soft bottom for their fat tummies. A lot of people suggest using calcium sand, but I warn against that since it can be very difficult to monitor you lizard’s calcium intake with that kind of sand.
Each lizard will need two caves to hide in, one near the heat lamp and one on the other side in the cool area. Since they are cold-blooded, they need a good heat gradient to be able to self-regulate their body temperature. I also added a ramp to help Helios get even higher and closer to the heat. A few decorations won’t hurt, either, but they usually ignore them unless they can climb on them (as some of the more mountainous species do). I cover three of the four sides of my tank with aquarium backing to keep Helios calm and to avoid too much stress.
to keep them healthy. Other than that, feed them once a day with between a teaspoon and a tablespoon of fresh vegetables (bok choy works particularly well) and DO NOT give them a water dish. Uros usually won’t drink standing water unless they are extremely dehydrated and a water dish will raise the humidity of the tank and cause breathing problems and tail-rot. They get all the moisture they need from their food.”
Hey, Kids!
If you have a good lead for Newshound, send an e-mail to: newshound@metropetmag.com
Emily and Helios Uros need UVA and UVB lighting for 8 to 12 hours of the day and need a heat lamp for at least 8. As Uros only have heat sensors in their backs, heated rocks won’t do the trick. They will either not realize there is a hot-spot (and not get warm) or they will burn themselves. The best thing to use is a directional basking lamp meant for lizards. As long as there is something separating the lamp from the lizard (as they will climb up on it and burn themselves) this can be as close as 12 to 18” from the substrate. Two thermometers (one for hot, one for cool) are necessary, and a hygrometer (for monitoring humidity) is highly recommended. The basking spot should get to about 120°F and the cool side (during the day) should be between 70°F and 85°F. At night the entire tank should drop to the lower 70’s (house temperature). Keeping a mixture of bird seeds (crushed or small), lentils and calcium powder in the cage is a good idea 11
ANIMAL BITES
Controlling and Handling
by Suezanne M. Thibodeau
There are more than 70 million dogs in America – more than one in every three homes. That’s a lot of dogs. And according to the CDC, an American has a one in 50 chance of being bitten by a dog every year. In fact, dog bites are on the rise. Surveys show that 20 years ago, just over 500,000 people sought medical treatment as the result of a dog bite; by 1994 that number had risen to 800,000, despite the fact that the numbers of dogs in America increased by only 2% during that same time. The vast majority of dog-bites involve kids and canines who are familiar with one another, often living within the same home. This unfortunate reality has lead to a plague of breed ban statutes which make the average citizen feel safe while doing little to address the real issue: dogs are animals who carry dangerous weapons in their mouths, and as such even the smallest of the species deserves the utmost respect. 12
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - August 2014
How To Avoid? Much of the conflict can be easily avoided if humans would take one simple step: learn dog body-language. Once they understand the language, they need to teach it to children. Careful attention to your dog’s bodylanguage (body posture and muscle tension) and how the dog carries his eyes, ears, mouth, and tail, will help you to remain safe around dogs. What follows is an introduction to the essential bodylanguage signals our dogs use every day. Think of it as a doggie dictionary, a Labrador lexicon, a pooch primer: obviously unable to contain the entirety of canine language, it is meant to simply get the conversation started. Fluency is up to you.
All dogs have teeth; any dog can bite.
What Should I Do About A Dog Bite? If a dog bites you or your child, assess the severity of the bite. If it is severe, go to the ER immediately. If you don’t go to the ER contact your doctor about getting a tetanus shot to prevent infection and illness. If you think the bite can be handled at home, here are some tips • Wash the wound gently with soap and running water. • Apply pressure with a clean towel to the injured area to stop bleeding. • Apply a sterile bandage to the wound. • Keep the injury elevated above the level of the heart to slow swelling and prevent infection. • Report the incident to the proper authority in your community (for example, the animal control office or the police). • Apply antibiotic ointment to the area two times every day until it heals. • Assess the need for tetanus vaccination booster.
Tips to Prevent Dog Bites
•T rain your dog; socialize your dog; and consider dog obedience classes. • I f your dog bites or even snaps at someone, call a professional trainer or a behaviorist right away. A snap is only a bite that did not connect. •K eep your dog in a confined or secure area. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. •K eep your dog under control. Don’t allow your child to take the dog for a walk unless he is mentally and physically ready. •N ever leave infants or young children alone with ANY dog. •O bey all leash and licensing laws. •M uzzle your dog if it is from a large, aggressive, a member of a fighting breed; doesn’t like children; gets scared easily; likes to fight other animals; etc. •M ake sure your pets have their vaccinations on the schedule recommended by your veterinarian. •M ake sure your dog is spayed or neutered. •N ever play aggressive games with your dog (e.g., wrestling). •L earn more about your dog. What overexcites him or puts him on guard? Know his personal language, barks, growls and whimpers. Learn to read his tail, eyes, ears and body posture.
Friendly Dogs Posture/Muscle tension
Relaxed and neutral; neither lunging forward nor leaning back.
Eyes
Soft and squinty; the whites of the eyes should not be overly apparent.
Ears
Floppy and hanging loosely; neutral: neither pricked far forward nor pinned.
Mouth
Open and relaxed; teeth may be visible, but no effort is made to show them.
Tail
Wiggly or swinging loosely; neutral position: neither high nor tucked.
What you should do
If the dog is unaccompanied, leave him alone. If there is an adult present, ask if you may pet the dog. Move closer slowly and calmly. Allow the dog to sniff your hand (children should make a loose fist and curl the fingers under to allow the dog to sniff the top of the hand). If the dog still seems amenable to interacting, scratch him under the chin or on the chest.
www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - August 2014
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Anxious Dogs Posture/Muscle tension
Tense and low; pushing away, seeking to increase the distance between you.
Eyes
Wide open; darting from side to side searching for an escape route.
Ears
Tense and held tightly to the sides of the dog’s head; pinned.
Mouth
Clamped tightly shut; occasional snake-like movements of the tongue.
Tail
Tense and tucked tightly to (or under) the body.
What you should do
Remember that anxious dogs can be quite prone to biting. Never approach an anxious dog. Allow the dog to come to you if he wants interaction, but don’t try to reach towards him or pet him. Make all of your movements slow and calm so you don’t further frighten the dog. Move away slowly when it’s time to go.
Threatening Dogs Posture/Muscle tension
Stiff and alert; leaning or lunging forward, taking up space.
Eyes
Hard and staring; large crescent-shaped portions of white visible.
Ears
Stiff and pricked far forward; alert.
Mouth
Puckered, often with teeth showing.
Tail
High and stiff; may be swinging with a tick-tock motion, but not wagging.
What you should do
Threatening dogs of any size are dangerous. Move slowly away from the dog if you can (children should “be a tree” or “be a rock” rather than moving away if the dog is loose; see www.doggonesafe.com for more information). Avoid making eye contact with the dog, but do watch him as you go. Yell, but don’t scream, for help if needed.
A dog may not display every friendly, anxious, or threatening signal listed here — and he may give mixed-signals or show other signals which are less common. But understanding the basics of canine communication can help you to read the dogs you encounter and act appropriately based on the signals you receive. Children should never be left unsupervised with dogs of any size or temperament, and should be taught the basics of dog body-language as well. If you live with a dog who shows any worrisome communication signals, consult a knowledgeable canine behavior technician for help.
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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - August 2014
Sueaanne M. Thibodeau is a Certified Humane Education Specialist and accredited dog trainer. Using an interspecies approach to family counseling, she specializes in training and behavior modification for dogs and the people who love them.
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The Pet
UNEMPLOYMENT
Problem
by Pat Hennessy
Our dogs are cute, funny and very beautiful or handsome, but we often forget that they actually come from a background (or breeding history) that provided a function. While the timing and evolutionary process of our domesticated canines is subject to debate, it is believed that around fourteen to fifteen thousand years ago dogs became man’s best friend, and they have been our partners ever since. One popular theory is that wolves came around human gathering places to feed off of our scraps. The less frightened ones evolved faster as they would stay closer to human groups. As we befriended each other we came to a common understanding because we had a common goal: survival. Our dogs helped us hunt game, herd livestock, guard flocks, eliminate vermin, etc., and we returned the favor with food and social interaction. We worked well together and it was a win-win situation. Many breeds evolved due to their talent and the predisposition they had for certain functions. Their services were invaluable for our species to flourish.
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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - August 2014
Early man’s relationship utilized dogs for: •H unting (rabbits, boar, etc.) • Guarding (flocks for shepherds or palaces for emperors) As Western civilization evolved dogs took on more jobs: • Herding livestock • Retrieving And more recently we have seen the use of our canine friends in occupations such as: • Police work • Contraband detection such as drugs, bombs, plants, etc. • Guiding the blind • Search & Rescue • Medical detection such as cancer, seizures, etc. Canines Need Jobs! What we have today are more dogs, living in our homes, who are jobless. With the canine unemployment rate skyrocketing, it is causing problems in households across the country. Dogs get bored; they get into trouble, and then the next thing you know they are out on the street trying to scramble for a meal. They get caught and thrown in the pen. Once in the pen, their chances aren’t so good. So, the best thing we can do for our dogs is to give them jobs. Give them back their self-esteem and a chance to be functioning in our society. After all, we
brought them in to this world. We domesticated them. They are now dependent on us. It may not solve the national deficit, but it will make for happier homes. How We Can Best Serve Man’s Best Friend? Get to know your breed and find a job (or two) that best serves his skills. If you don’t know his lineage, try looking at breeds to see what you see in your dog. Physical traits can be one indicator toward the propensity for that breed’s characteristics. Try a few different jobs until you find one that he responds to and that might be the best indicator of his breed. Here are a few to try (but the possibilities are endless): • Watch the house and let you know when someone comes. Many dogs like this task. The key to success is to acknowledge a “good job”, then ask for an alternate behavior, such as “place” by teaching her to go to a rug and reward the alternate behavior. This will teach your dog to do her job and stop vs. continuous barking. • Round up squirrels (and if you don’t have squirrels you can toss toys around). This is a good job for retrieving breeds and some herding breeds. It is a good way to get toys picked up around the house, as long as you teach him to pick up the toys and drop them in a certain spot or container. You will need to reward this one with a high value treat at the end, so he knows the task has been completed. • The “round up” task could be something as simple as following you to collect clothes and do laundry. It gets your dog involved in a task and creates interaction between you and your canine partner. You can teach her to alert you when the laundry timer goes off. How many times have you gotten side-tracked and let the clothes wrinkle? • You can even ask your dog to help you with non-dog tasks just to keep him involved in family activities, such as “Let’s go give Billy a bath”. Your dog can follow you to get the bath going and watch while you bathe little Billy. If your dog is watching what you are doing (or lying next to you with a chew toy), he is not www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - August 2014
getting into trouble and is spending more time with you. •F or dogs that like to dig, such as Terriers, you can set up a small sandbox and let them bury toys. You could play games inside by tossing a toy under a desk or bed and encourage your dog to get it out.
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Back in the 1950’s or 60’s, Ward Cleaver might have taught his dog to fetch his slippers or the newspaper, and there is something to be said for that. It gets your dog engaged, gives him a job and is something helpful for you at the same time. If you can find interesting activities for your dog - that will keep his mind engaged and keep him occupied. Jobs aren’t restricted to those around the house. Options to consider would be taking your dog to classes or events that utilize her skills, such as Agility for active breeds, Herding for herding breeds, Earth Dog (running through underground tunnels to find prey) for Terriers, or Tracking for just about any breed. Once you learn a little about those activities you will find bits and pieces which you can use around your home, like hiding a glove and asking your dog to “find it!”, or hiding a toy under a pile of dirty clothes and letting your dog dig it out. What About Man’s Other Best Friend? Cats have been domesticated approximately nine to ten thousand years. Cats have been everything from revered as magical beings to considered community pests. They are one of the most popular pets, not just because of their personalities, but due to their versatility at adapting to many human situations from small apartment living to roaming the streets and cafés of Key West. It is believed that their domestication was due to people tolerating them as they hunted vermin, which were plentiful in villages where people settled. It is important to provide your cat with plenty of environment enrichment, such as places to climb or
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jump up, but it also important to give them scratching posts and toys (or household items, like paper wads) for entertainment. However, you won’t have much luck at giving them jobs. If your cat sprawls across the newspaper when you are reading it, she isn’t looking at the Classifieds. You have probably heard the phrase, “dogs have masters and cats have staff.” Don’t expect your cat to work for you. And don’t think that if she catches a mouse or chipmunk that she was doing you the favor. At your house, the cat probably thinks she is the CEO. Giving our animal companions jobs makes them an important part of the household. So if you don’t want your cat to be CEO, she will just have to be a member of the Board. But for your canine coworker, look around the house. If you were to hold a Career Fair, ask yourself, “Isn’t there some way I can put my dog to work?” Then ask your dog, “Are you more of an individual contributor or do you like to work as a team?” The answer might surprise you, so be prepared and keep your options open.
Pat Hennessy is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides a holistic approach to companion animal care through behavior education, energy work, and positive training methods. Pat is a Level 2 TTouch® practitioner, CPDT, ACDBC, and member of the IAABC, IAATH and AWA. You may contact N2Paws via email pat@ n2paws.com, phone 816-522-7005, or visit the website www.n2paws.com.
Kitty-Corner
by Heddie Leger
Categorically speaking not many people realize there are so many different varieties of cats. This brings up a host of challenges in finding homes for cats. If people don’t know what they want or like, how can they select the cat that will best suit their personality or lifestyle. When looking for a pet dog, people are becoming better educated regarding consideration of these simple facts when looking to add a four-footed family member, but those looking to add a cat have not yet come to realize some may fit their life better than others. As always, when it comes to bringing a pet into our lives, it is important to have the mindset of making a lifelong commitment to that animal and thinking in advance to take into consideration what should happen with the pet, in the event of an unfortunate turn of events in your life. We are featuring cats in the hope of increasing awareness of the joys and drawbacks of adding a cat to your family unit. Cats often make great companions for people who are house bound, travel frequently, do not have or do not want to be locked into a schedule of having to take a dog for a walk several times a day. For those who like to keep life simple, a cat is a wonderful addition being generally self-sufficient and able to self potty in a litter box. There are a few simple rules of cleanliness that all cats must have and their needs must be respected in order to have a healthy relationship. There are two major established breed organizations of cat fanciers for those interested in showing cats that keep records and registration of breeding cats. The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc., and the American Cat Fanciers Association, which hold shows where up to 1,000 cats may be entered for competition. In any case, whether a cat is kept for show or a companion animal, responsible ownership of cats involves making sure the pet is spayed or neutered to diminish unwanted litters. There are never enough homes for cats and each spring untold numbers end up on the streets, only the lucky few find their way www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - August 2014
to a shelter, rescue or wonderful home. Just for fun, here are some factoids about cats that are interesting and amusing. • Mohammed so loved his cat Muesso that, according to tradition, he cut off his robe rather than disturb the cat, which was sleeping on it. • The cat, Tobermory, whose ability to speak devastated the guests at a house party in the story ‘Tobermory, from The Chronicles of Clovis’, by Saki. • A gray cat with six toes, Slippers, favored by President Theodore Roosevelt, who is said to have allowed the cat to appear at diplomatic dinners. • Cheshire cat is a cat that can slowly disappear, leaving only its grin behind, as described in Lewis Carroll’s novel ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ • One of the first great stars of the animated cartoon and the hero of Pat Sullivan’s cartoon strip series Felix the Cat. • The inscrutable cat, Mehitabel, that tells of her former life as Cleopatra in Don Marquis’ novel ‘the lives and times of archy and mehitabel’. • The favorite cat of Dr. Samuel Johnson, named Hodge, who is reputed to have bought fresh oysters personally each day and fed them to his pet. • Lucifer was a black angora, one of many cats that belonged to Cardinal Richelieu of France. • A real cat that belonged to Horace Walpole called Selima was immortalized by Thomas Gray in the poem Ode on the Death of a Favorite Cat Drowned in a Tub of Goldfish. Use the information in this story to complete the Pawzzle on page 26! 19
Purrfect Trip to the Veterinarian
Guidelines For You and Your Cats by Cheryl Waterman, CVPM
Studies prove that the number of cats in United States’ households now far exceeds the number of dogs, which is quite a change from just a few years ago. So, naturally it would seem to follow that the number of feline vet visits would also exceed those of dogs. Unfortunately, not so! Cats are far more likely to go without veterinary care than dogs.
Taking Your Cat to a Veterinarian According to the Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study, “the difficulties associated with taking a pet cat to a veterinarian is one cause for the low frequency of feline visits. From loading the cat in the carrier to the frightened or aggressive behavior the animal expresses at the clinic — just thinking about the ordeal is enough to stress out many cat owners.” This low number of feline veterinary visits is very concerning when you consider that cats are extremely good at hiding pain and signs of illness from their owners. The reason being that this is an inherent instinct passed on to them from their ancestors, when it was kill or be killed, eat or be eaten, in the wild. Due to this ability to mask signs of disease or illness, the annual or semi-annual wellness visit to a veterinarian becomes of utmost importance in diagnosing or identifying and treating certain diseases early enough to make a difference in the cat’s life.
Regular Wellness Exams Unfortunately, the other issue at play, that the cat owner may feel the veterinary visit is too stressful for their cat
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and too much of an ordeal for them, is a real problem also. Because of this, owners may be less likely to pursue regular wellness care for their feline pets. Or, they erroneously believe that because their cat does not go outside, there are no health risks for him/her. This couldn’t be more wrong, especially with regard to airborne viruses, and viruses that are transported by fomites (clothing, shoes, etc.). And things such as diabetes, thyroid disease and cancer are diseases of the individual feline systems, just as they are for you and me. The only way an owner may find out about these diseases early enough for treatment, is to have regular wellness exams done. Vaccines are necessary; however, the real value in your cat’s veterinary visit should be the thorough examination your veterinarian performs. And by thorough I mean, tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. If he/she doesn’t check the ears, eyes, nose and mouth (very important), then the exam is much less than thorough.
New Guidelines for Visits Due to the low number of feline veterinary visits in comparison to that of dogs, and still on the decline, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the international Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) have recently developed a set of guidelines that they hope will make trips to the veterinarian more comfortable for owners and much less stressful for cats. Some of their suggestions to owners for preparing their feline patient for a trip to their veterinarian include such things as: • Rehearsing visits to the veterinary practice • Working on adapting cats to carriers •F inding the cat well ahead of the time you need to leave for the clinic (this reduces your stress, thereby your cats’ stress) •B ringing items with a familiar scent with you for your cat
• Notifying the veterinary staff ahead of time, if your cat is easily upset • Remaining calm, so that your cat doesn’t feed off your stress (cats are very perceptive and sensitive to their owners).
The Cat Carrier is Furniture Make the cat carrier part of the furniture. Don’t stick the carrier in the garage or storage area of the house, and bring it out all dusty and dirty when it’s time to visit the veterinarian. Make sure your cat is familiar with the carrier so that it in itself doesn’t create stress for your cat. An old t-shirt or towel with the owner’s scent can be placed in the carrier, so that the cat feels safe when inside. A towel or sheet may be placed over the carrier, which often seems to calm the cat because they can’t see possible stressors. Another suggestion that I would make is that owners invest in a “top” loading carrier, so that their cat can possibly remain inside during part of their examination at the practice. We are always looking for ways to make cats’ visits less stressful for them and for their owners, and usually things such as talking in a low, calm voice — avoiding eye contact with the patient, moving slowly and deliberately, and placing
ourselves on the same level as the patient, instead of looming over them, whenever possible, are all things that we try to keep in mind during exams.
Be Aware Of Your Emotions Last, but most important is to be aware of your own emotions and their potential effect on the cat’s behavior. Remember that cats, according to the AAFP/ISFM guidelines, are both predator and prey animals, and as such will often demonstrate fear and/ or defensiveness in unfamiliar environments or with unfamiliar people. Many owners find this embarrassing, but it’s only natural. It’s our job to make their veterinary visit as smooth and comfortable for them as possible. If you’re interested in learning more, a PDF of the AAFP/ISFM Feline-Friendly Handling Guidelines can be downloaded for free at www.catvets.com.
As a long-time animal lover, Cheryl Waterman has spent the past 16 years in veterinary practice management. In 2007, Cheryl received the Certification of Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM) designation. She is a member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, and has recently developed her own veterinary management consulting business, “Best Practice Consulting.” Questions may be directed to Cheryl at cherylwaterman.cvpm@bestpracticeconsulting.com. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - August 2014
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A Better Life for Waffles! 22
by Diane Engeszer Waffles was born in a puppy mill in Arkansas and had birthed one litter of puppies. Her owner had purchased her from the puppy mill in order to breed her to make some money. That didn’t work out, and Waffles needed a new home. Her owner could have sold her to someone else who wanted to breed her, but he had fallen in love with her and wanted a better life for her than just breeding puppies for money. The owner contacted St. Louis Bulldog Rescue for help. When I picked up Waffles, I noticed right away that she had trouble breathing and that her eyes were a mess.
A Trip to the Vet’s Office A trip to Dr. Ron for shots and evaluation confirmed our fears: Waffles had entropian on all four eyelids and an ulcer on one cornea. Entropian is an inherited condition where the eyelids roll into the eye and the eyelashes rub on the surface of the eye. She also had a very long soft palate that made it very hard for her to breathe, infected tonsils, a small trachea, and a big hernia. I took her home and settled her in to wait for a few days until we could do the surgery. I noticed that her tail was painful, and she didn’t want anyone to clean it. On Friday morning, we headed out to Dr. Ron’s office for her surgery. I asked Dr. Ron to take a look at her tail once we had Waffles under anesthesia. What a mess! Waffles would need to have her tail amputated.
Recovering from Surgery During the 3-½ hours of surgery, Dr. Ron amputated her tail, removed her soft palette, tonsils, and larynx nodes, corrected all four eyelids for entropian, spayed and repaired a large hernia. Waffles endured the very painful and difficult recovery. The first three days post-op we kept her sedated and woke her up for food, water, medications and potty breaks. By day four post-op Waffles was on her feet doing the “bullie dance” while I prepared soft food for her dinner. Waffles went to work with me and slept on her dog bed next to my desk. I was watching for a personality change once she was able to breathe and felt better. She was the same sweet dog, just more energy.
A New Family! St. Louis Bulldog Rescue found a great home for her, and Waffles is living happily with her new family. I will miss her…but I am proud and happy that the Rescue team, Dr. Ron and our wonderful donors gave Waffles back her life.
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About Bulldog Health English Bulldogs are prone to many inherited problems. Long soft palette, tight nostrils, entropian, small trachea, heart problems, skin problems and orthopedic problems are just a few of the conditions often perpetrated by poor breeding. These problems require VERY expensive and sometime dangerous surgery to correct. A tail amputation alone can cost up to $2,500. A small trachea cannot be fixed. The surgery that was done on Waffles could cost up to $10,000! (Thank you again, Dr. Ron, for so generously donating much of this cost.) If you are looking to purchase a bulldog, PLEASE know your breeder!
Research, Research, Research. Many people breed bulldogs simply to make money. The Bulldog is a very popular breed with puppy mills. Some of the big back-yard breeders and puppy mills have beautiful websites with pictures of the puppies and the grandchildren, and the puppies dressed up in cute outfits. Many of these people will charge the same or more for a puppy as a legitimate breeder. That “cheap” puppy will cost you a lot of money and the guarantees offered maybe worthless. (One
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of the puppy mills says that if you ship the dead puppy back to them they will ship you another puppy, but you have to pay all the shipping. SO wrong!) Some of these people are importing from puppy mills in Eastern Europe. The Bulldog Club of America has a national breeder referral service. Good breeders do not have puppies available all the time. They breed carefully and for the betterment of the breed. There might be a wait as long as a year to get a sound, healthy puppy or young dog. A good breeder WILL NOT put a puppy in cargo on a plane and ship it to you. A good breeder wants to know the buyer, the family, the vet and the family’s experience with Bulldogs. A good breeder is a resource to you for the life of your pet. Go to www.theBCA.org and click the tab for Breeder Referral. A healthy, happy member of your family is worth the wait!
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Moving With Your Pet: Five Things to Know Before You Go by Debbie Simorte
When planning a move to your new home, don’t forget planning for your four legged family members too. This will ensure the safety and happiness of your pet until you are all settled in at the new digs! Research rentals. If you plan to rent, there are many rental houses and apartment complexes that welcome your pets. Find some, then check out the rules, if any, for your pets. Are there pet size restrictions? Where can you walk them? Consider trading a little luxury for more space — you can often rent a decent house with a fenced yard for about the price of a luxury apartment. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with “no pet” people — landlords are desperate for responsible renters and might allow your pet if you come prepared to prove your ability to pay your rent and be a responsible pet owner. Offer references for yourself and the pets. “I have rented my current home for four years and always paid rent in full, on time, and nobody has ever had a complaint about Tippy, as you can see in this letter from my landlord/neighbors. I am prepared 24
to sign the lease right now if I can bring Tippy”. It never hurts to ask! The local Humane Society will gladly provide you a list of pet friendly apartment communities, and online resources like Craigslist post rentals that take pets. Repeat after me: “I will NOT give up my pet just because I am moving.” Expect the unexpected: Make sure your pet is micro-chipped or has updated I.D. well before the move. Sparky’s tags with your old, disconnected number won’t help if he slips out the door while the sofa is going in. Have a tag made with your cell phone number or that of a close friend or relative that can find you if you don’t have phone-service set up yet. Then keep the collar with tags on the pet at all times. ALL times! Bath time and grooming are the only reasons to remove that collar anyway, and who is going to bathe the pup in the midst of a move? Some stores (check your local big box stores), even have machines where you can make your own tags — make one with the temporary information
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - August 2014
and one with the new home phone number to switch to soon if necessary. Check ordinances in your new city for breed bans. If one of your family members is a “bully” find out about any breed bans before choosing your new home. Often a city forbids bullies, but one a couple of miles away welcomes them. Check with mprgroup.net for a list of cities with bans, or call city hall where you plan to move for information. Keep in mind that many ordinances prevent pet owners from adding new bullies to their jurisdiction but don’t make current bully owners give up their pets if spayed and neutered. Know before you go! Never ever think you can take your bully to a town with a breed ban and nobody will notice. License your pet with your new city right away. Having current identification tags on your pet is not the same as a city license. Save
yourself the worry, a huge hassle, and fines, should your pet get picked up by animal control, by having them licensed in their new town. Keep your vet records with your important documents when you move to make this easy. A call to city hall or checking their website will give you the information required to license, which is usually proof of rabies vaccine and a very small fee (where I live it’s $10.00 and only $5.00 if your pet is spayed/neutered). If your pet is impounded and you have not licensed him, you will have to pay a fine and find the vaccine paperwork before you can bring him home. If your pet is not licensed AND not wearing tags, the shelter/pound can’t even contact you to say they have your pet, so know where animal control takes pets too. Calm the nerves: Our pets sense when change is in the air and get stressed. They smell something fishy when they see you packing up the household. If you are loading trucks and making trips without them they may fear being left. They may hide. My cat used to pee in the suitcase when he saw me packing for vacation! During the actual act of moving out, keep pets crated, or consider having them boarded (at a fun day care) for a few hours or a day. Don’t forget to give them lots of attention so they don’t feel neglected. Then when you’re all moved in, show your buddy around his new place - where he will recognize you and your stuff and his stuff and the smells of all that stuff, and be happily at home! Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful time — with a little planning you and your pet can be settled in your new home in the shake of a tail!
Debbie Simorte is a freelance writer who lives in Platte City, Missouri. You can reach her at dsimorte@hotmail.com.
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Chip’s Corner
PAWZZLE by Pawlean Journe
Answers to this Pawzzle can be found in the Kitty Corner story on page 19. 26
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ACROSS
16. Cats are generally self-__________________.
1. When bringing a pet into a home the commitment
17. A male cat should be _____________ so it can not reproduce.
should be ____________. 4.
A cat’s tongue is _________ for grooming purposes.
18. Cats should always have lots of fresh _________.
6.
Another word for cat.
20. A female cat should be ____________ in order to cut
7.
Cats make great __________________.
9.
Otherwise known as Cleopatra.
down on unwanted litters of kittens. 21. A pets needs must be met and respected in order to have a healthy _____________.
11. A box where the cat can relieve itself inside. 12. Cat’s nails are referred to as __________. 13. This cat could speak. 15. Cat’s are fastidious about being ___________.
DOWN 2. One organization is the American Cat ___________ Association 3.
Answers to July Pawzzle
This cat can disappear leaving only his smile.
5. A cat is a good companion for someone who is ______________. 6.
Famous cartoon character cat.
8.
The name of Mohammed’s cat.
10. Word for baby cat. 14. President Theodore Roosevelt’s cat that had six toes. 16. Name of cat in the poem Ode on the Death of a Favorite Cat Drowned in a Tub of Goldfish. 19. How many established cat breeding/showing organizations are there?
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Purchasing Your Pet’s Medications Facts You Should Know By Erin Quigley, DVM
As consumers in America we live in a society where the goal is always getting the best deal. We live on amazon. com and feel gratified when we save a few bucks and don’t pay full price. But, before you run out to find the best deal on pet meds, I wanted to give you some facts to help you make an educated decision regarding your pet’s medication, so that getting a deal doesn’t mean putting your pet at risk. What Goes Into your Pet’s Medication? When you are given a prescription or medication for your pet, it means that your veterinarian has made an educated decision that the medication prescribed is recommended or necessary to treat your pet’s health problem or prevent a serious medical condition. He or she makes that decision based on many factors: physical exam, diagnostic testing, condition of your pet, size and breed of your pet and other medications your pet may be taking. Many veterinarians consider costs and will choose safe generics that they carry in their hospital. If a special medication is needed, they can order that medication from trusted sources and can have it shipped 28
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directly to your house, or available at the clinic for pick up within a matter of one to two days. The number one goal is to help your pet get back to normal while making it as convenient and affordable for you. Why is my Veterinarian MORE Qualified to Dispense my Pet’s Medication? After graduating from college, your veterinarian was further educated at a 4 year medical school, a training program similar to human medical doctors (MDs) but specifically trained in animal health and disease. This means your pets’ doctor trained in anatomy, physiology, pathology (disease), surgery, and pharmacology for dogs, cats etc. Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their interaction in the body. Veterinarians are trained on what medications are safe to use in animals and which ones are not. They are also trained in proper dosing, uses, side effects and drug interactions. It has become increasingly more popular for clients to ask to purchase their pet’s medications through human pharmacies (drug stores, grocery stores, big box stores).
The rationale is that all medications are the same. Yes, there is some overlap in medications — there are some drugs we use for animals that are also prescribed for people. There are also many drugs that are specifically manufactured for animals, that are perfect for their weight/size that makes it easier to dose, and flavored in a way that is more receptive to the animal. There is a third category — drugs people take that are harmful to animals, or that have not been tested on animals and are not considered safe. The only one qualified to make a decision on what medication should be given to your pet is your pet’s doctor. Human pharmacists are trained on medications, but only how they interact with the human body. Pharmacists have zero training on what drugs are safe for pets. The proper dose for a cat or dog (which can vastly differ from a person’s dose) can be higher or lower depending on the drug. If the medication can be safely substituted for another drug, or even what the uses or indications are for that drug in your pet, which can be completely different than for a human. In addition to the pharmacy not being able to advise you, we frequently experience that human pharmacies will not have drug doses small enough for your small dog or cat. Why is My Veterinarian a Safer Source for Purchasing Medications? In addition to having the proper medical training to treat your pet and the custom-built pharmacy, your veterinarian has the proper sources to keep your pet safe. Meaning all of your pet’s prescription medication and over the counter products are shipped directly from the manufacturer. 1. Th is assures that the medication is guaranteed to be the product and not a counterfeit. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - August 2014
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns there are a some Internet pharmacies that are not licensed or reputable. They may sell counterfeit, outdated, mislabeled, incorrectly made or improperly stored drugs. These medications may not contain the actual drug, or the correct amount of the drug (diluted), or may contain contaminants, or are ineffective, due to improper age or storage conditions. The FDA warns of pharmacies that purchase products overseas from countries that do not have the standard of regulations for production or storage, and commonly counterfeit American made products that are resold to U.S. consumers. For information, check out Purchasing Pet Drugs Online: Buyer Beware at www.fda.gov/forconsumers/ consumerupdates/ucm0481164.htm and Online Pet Pharmacies: Protect yourself and Your Pet: Be online Pet Pharmacy A.W.A.R.E at www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/ resourcesforyou/animalhealthliteracy/ucm203000.htm 2. This assures that the medication was properly manufactured, stored and transported at the right temperature, humidity etc. and under the regulation of the FDA or EPA. The latest risk is name brand pet products purchases at big box stores. Note: the makers of Heartgard and Frontline have stated for years that they do not sell directly to some big box stores. What does this mean? This means there are intermediary brokers who purchase pet products and medications and then resell them to big box stores and online pharmacies. Depending on the broker, they could be intermixing counterfeit products with the name brand products. 3. The medication comes with the manufacturer’s guarantee, which means they stand behind their product. If there is any problem they will pay to treat and replace product if indicated. For example, if a chewable medication comes hardened or distasteful for your pet. The company will take back the product and replace it without any question. A more impressive example that I have experienced a couple of times: A client purchased 12 months of heartworm preventative from the animal hospital, at the next 29
yearly visit the pet’s heartworm test was positive. Since the record showed the owner was compliant in giving the pets preventative medication (even though there is no way to know for sure the tablets were given every 30 days without fail) the company completely covered the cost of the pet’s heartworm treatment and another year’s supply of heartworm preventative totally, at a cost of at between $1,000-$1,500. Some popular online pet pharmacies state they give a guarantee to their products. But read the fine print carefully — as they may not cover a pet’s entire treatment. If you purchase your pets medication at your veterinarian’s office they completely take over the work of communicating directly with the manufacturer on your behalf. 4. I n addition to safety and the product guarantee, many products come with free samples or the manufacturer’s special discounts that are not offered at stores. There are many new products or products that have been out for years that manufacturer’s will give free product or samples to your veterinarian so they that can pass it on to you, so you can try it and see if it works for you and your pet. If all your medications are purchased at your veterinary hospital, your pet’s record can be closely monitored for proper dosing, frequency, duration, medication interactions, and in some medications that require blood level screening (NSAIDS, phenobarbital, thyroid, insulin) proper monitoring can be done to control your pet’s health condition. This can keep your pet safer, because you know which medications it has taken. 30
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But Why Is My Vet More Expensive? First of all, don’t believe everything you hear! Some online pet pharmacies say they sell products cheaper than your vet. While that may have been true in the past, I would suggest checking with your vet clinic because many clinics price their heartworm preventatives similar or the same as the Internet sites. At my clinic, Heartworm preventative prices are exactly the same as the online stores, and the same thing goes for many medications your pet takes regularly such as arthritis medicines, incontinence medicines, and supplements, and each comes with the product guarantee. In regards to big box store pharmacies, there are too many out there to keep track of prices. It is possible your vet’s cost on medications is a few dollars more, but I would suggest it is an insignificant amount. Big box stores are multi-billion dollar companies who can sell things for a few dollars cheaper because they sell in bulk, and want to get you in the door to spend more money on other items. Veterinarians, in contrast, have a small business the sole purpose is the caring of your pet — for the life of your pet. They have invested their lives to caring for your pet’s well-being and took an oath to provide the best health care with integrity. Hopefully, this article has provided you with information so you can see the value in purchasing your pet’s medication directly from the veterinarian. We have the knowledge, integrity, resources and care to keep your pet safe. We are convenient and always strive to give you a good value. Not only does your medication come with a guarantee, but hopefully you can appreciate the value in the fact that we are always here to answer questions when you come by for a refill or call on the phone.
Constant communication can keep your pet on the right track for a long life, which is priceless! What if Everyone Stops Getting Prescriptions at the Vet? If the large corporations/big box stores continue to undercut costs, as they have done to many other small businesses, eventually veterinarians will not be able to afford to provide a pharmacy for their patients and will be forced to script out the pet’s medication with risk of the unknown for the pet. This will inevitably cause the cost of veterinary services to dramatically increase which will directly affect pet owners. (To keep up with providing quality medical equipment and trained medical staff.) Sadly the few dollars that were saved by going up the street for a prescription, will cost a lot more in the long run when the pet has other medical needs. No one wants this, not veterinarians, nurses, owners or pets. Protect your pet, support a small business! Erin Quigley, DVM, Member of AVMA, MVMA, grew up in Florissant, MO, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Missouri State University. After college I worked as a receptionist at Rock Road Animal Hospital, a zookeeper at the St. Louis Zoo and a veterinary assistant at Howdershell Animal Hospital until attending Veterinary School at University of Missouri-Columbia. I graduated with my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and have lived in O’Fallon, Missouri since I graduated. I have worked as a veterinarian in Troy, Wentzville, and Florissant, MO, until purchasing Animal Medical Center of Wentzville in 2010. I married in 2011 and live with my husband Ryan and boxer dog Finnegan in Lake St. Louis/O’Fallon. When my husband and I have free time from the clinic we enjoy spending time with our dog, family and friends. Our hobbies include attending Cardinal baseball and Mizzou football games. We also enjoy the outdoors biking, boating and horseback riding. 31
The Adventures of Chip
RESPONSIBILITY by Heddie Leger
Let Down By People
Recap from Chapter 7: Boy, did I get a good lesson in respect with my old and new friends. Funny thing, respect is something that no one can really make up or force, it is something that has to be earned. I guess I had never really known what that meant and really had not had the opportunity to learn about respect of myself or anyone else. I found new respect for Sarah the more I got to know her. Turns out she has two tripod dogs. Her one dog, Amber, is very sweet. Her other dog, was very scared and not too friendly at first. Sarah called him a “work in progress.” He seemed okay with Sarah, Amber and Hero, but he was nervous around other people and dogs. It seemed he had never had a friend and did not really know how to make friends. We all decided to show him respect and not try to force ourselves on him and give him the space and time he needed to heal, both mentally, emotionally and physically.
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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - August 2014
Well, right off the bat, I never realized how difficult it would be to become friends with Sarah’s other dog. She said his name, but it escapes me now. What has really made a huge impression is how much he has been let down by others he has trusted. Trust is something that cannot be bought, but has to be earned. My new friend, (I am going to call him friend, as I know someday he will be my friend), obviously is very different from Amber and Hero. It is going to take some time to get to know him.
His Story
Sarah told me his story and I understand why he does not trust anyone. She said, the shelter staff found him wandering the streets (kind of like me), but he had not been as lucky. I had been found by nice people who took good care of me and were responsible. My new friend was found dirty, skinny and with a broken leg. They said he was very difficult to get along with, probably because he was in so much pain. No one really knew how long he had been in pain, but his front right leg was so badly mangled that it could not be fixed. It looked like someone had done that to him on purpose, but of course, since he cannot talk, no one will ever know.
Responsible Pet Ownership
If his original owner had been responsible and given him proper care and treatment he would not have suffered so much. He must have been limping for a long time, as when they did xrays of his leg, it looked like it had healed, but since he had never gotten medical treatment the bones had healed all crooked and he could not walk on it.
Responsibility – The quality or state of being reliable, trustworthy
and hold moral, legal, mental or emotional accountability.
The shelter could not fix it. So they found a place that had a vet that would fix his leg, but the vet said, it could not be fixed. That is how and why his leg was amputated. It just could not be fixed properly.
From The Dogs Eyes
My new friend had gone from home to home and was very depressed. Each time a shelter dog goes to a home, he is very hopeful this is going to be his forever home and family to love. When it does not work out, or the family returns him to the shelter, it is very sad for the dog. This poor dog had been returned four times and each time he had made a mistake that many dogs make, but for some reason, no one wanted to be responsible for helping him. He was found as a puppy and lived his entire life in a kennel and had not learned to properly interact with other dogs or humans.
Sadness and Sorrow
Now he was withdrawn, depressed and very nervous around everyone. Although the shelter people are very caring, it is still a shelter with lots and lots of barking and sometimes angry dogs. My new friend was not only scared and depressed, but confused about what was the proper way to act around others. So he made lots of mistakes. He also had a very hard time getting around on three legs. Dogs with missing hind legs have it a bit easier as the hind leg is not a balancing leg, it is a supporting and driving leg. A dog can do quite well with a missing hind leg, but will often be off-balanced and fall over a lot with a missing front leg, as the front legs carry most of the weight and balance for the entire body, including the head, which weighs a lot.
Making New Friends
With Sarah’s help, I am certain my new friend is going to do well, but it is going to take time. We all decided we www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - August 2014
wanted to take responsibility for being his friend. So now he has five friends who are going to be responsible to help him and are not going to give up on him. Our first decision was where to go so Sarah, Amber and her other dog could have fun with us. We decided the beach was a good place to be, but decided to go very early in the morning before other people and dogs would show up. I have never seen anything so beautiful as the sunrise over the sand and water at the beach. It became a regular morning activity for all of us and little by little you could see our new friend start to relax. We had a real scare today, when a boat came to close to the shore and our new friend spooked, but instead of running away, he ran towards the boat barking and ran right into the water chasing the boat. He went in over his head, and was trying to swim, but with only one front leg to paddle with he started to sink. His head went under and he would pop back up, it went under again and popped back up.
Hero to the Rescue
We thought for sure he was going to turn around and come back, but he went under one more time and we did not see him for a few seconds, then he popped back up. Then Hero jumped into action, and swam out and grabbed him by the collar and swam back with him, just like he had done with me. The dog laid on the beach on his side, but he was not breathing. We were all very upset and then Sarah remembered the pet CPR class she had taken and decided to do puppy CPR on him. She did her compressions, slightly breathed into his nostrils, then repeated. I had never seen anyone take such responsibility for saving a life and was actually experiencing a flashback from my own experience when Amber came along and pawed at the dogs side and barked. 33
Story Discussion Tips He suddenly coughed up some water and started to whine. His eyes looked all white and wild and we did not know what he was going to do next. We could not have stopped him anyway. He just laid there for the longest time and finally started to wag his tail, then he started to pant and smile.
Seeing a Dog Smile!
If you have never seen a dog smile, you are missing a treat. A dog’s smile is one of the most genuine things you will ever see. He was showing us that he was fine and actually looked very thankful. He did not get up and we wondered if he was trying to say goodbye for the last time, when all of a sudden a huge pelican came walking over and dropped a fish by his side and was flapping its wings. None of us were sure what to do, so we just sat real still by his side…
• How could the new dog’s original owners been more responsible in caring for him? • How did Sarah help in this story? What would you have done? • Have you ever adopted a dog or cat from a shelter? How did you take responsibility for helping the dog or cat?
Activity Visit a local shelter. Ask about how you can help. Find a way to demonstrate responsibility to help shelter dogs either by conducting a donation drive, food drive, or bringing in items like towels, blankets, or something to make life better for a shelter animal.
Heddie is a Certified Humane Educator and member of APDT, APLB, APHE and NHES sharing a lifelong passion of helping children and the elderly learn manners reinforcement with their pets through the PawZone In-Home PetSitting. You can reach her at 816.820.5829.
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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - August 2014