July/August 2012
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6 Feature Articles Howlin’ Hula Cookies
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but love prevails. Have some fun with your furry friends.
This recipe makes 20 tropical treats!
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Bladder and UTI Health Does your cat or dog suffer from Bladder or Urinary T ract Infections? Learn about how to treat and prevent.
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And The Joy Goes On... Back in the Swing is making a huge difference for breast cancer survivors.
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Benefits of a Wellness Plan + Pet Insurance Can you afford to not have insurance?
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Animal Hoarding These volunteers received the call “Animal Hoarding” — Come Help!
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Practice Makes Perfect...
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Dogs Bark You can train your dog to not bark.
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The Adventures of Chip Swimming in water is fun, until it turns...
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Play Groups for Dogs Dog parks can be fun, but you have to pay attention.
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Traditional vs Alternative Care What option works best for your dog?
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General’s Posse Rides Again General completes his 4th Run for the W all.
34 Another Success! 25 Years of Pawtying!
In Every Issue
Hot Weather Is Here Protect your pet this summer with these eight tips.
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Summer Heat... and events for fun!
Who Moved My Bed?
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Chip’s Corner — Use your knowledge about dogs
Moving is hard on pets!
and play groups s to complete this pawzzle!
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 . © 2012 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.
J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
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Publisher’s Message
HOT WEATHER AND PETS — A KILLER Hot weather can be a killer — literally. If you have a a pet, please read the article on page 16. It provides great information about how to help your pet through this summer’s heat. Interested in some making treats for your pet? Check out the recipe on page 5. Don’t have time to cook? There are two area pet bakeries which can create special, wholesome fresh treats for your pet. Treat yourself and your pets!
LIVING AFTER CANCER It is a known fact that pets can help humans survive cancer treatments. In the past several issues, MetroPet has published several articles written by cancer survivors. Included in this issue is an article about what to do after you survive cancer. Back in the Swing has just announced its new cookbook — recipes for eating well every day after breast cancer. The cookbook will be available at a Summer Celebration with Sheryl Crow on July 14, details in the article on page 8.
ALTERNATIVE VS TRADITIONAL VETERINARY TREATMENT When do you choose a traditional vs alternative veterinary treatment option? The article on page 30 provides some background to help you make this decision. What about supplements? Sometimes the food we feed our pets causes health issues. The article on page 6 provides information about supplements which can heal and prevent certain types of issues for pets. And, what about pet insurance? Check out the article on page 12
UPCOMING EVENTS This summer and fall will bring many fun events. See the $2 off coupon for the MidWest Kids Fest, July 28-29, at the Overland Park Convention Center. Also check out Too Cool to Drool and Strutt with your Mutt
Staff & Contacts 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
Advertising Sales Ad Sales: 913.548.1433
Deals of the Week deals@metropetmag.com
Contributing Authors Christine Bessent, DVM Mike Deathe Sarah Estlund Pat Hennessy Mike Jones Pawlean Journe Heddie Leger Kerri Marshall, DVM Jena Newman
SUPPORT PET SHELTERS
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
The summer time is especially hard on local shelters. Consider volunteering your time or supplies to a local shelter. One new group, Unleashed Pet Rescue and Adoptions will soon be celebrating its one year anniversary. Check out its story on rescuing pets from a hoarding situation, see page 14.
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ENJOY YOUR SUMMER — SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER Barbara Riedel, Editor P.S. Support our advertisers — tell them “I saw your ad in MetroPet magazine.”
Cynthia Smith Micheal Tarrant, DVM, CVA
Contact MetroPet PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Ad Sales: 913.548.1433 Fax: 913.387.4313
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’ N I L OW
A L HU
S E I K O CO
Ingredients: 8 ounces canned unsweetened crushed pineapple 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup honey 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla 2 cups white flour 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp baking soda
Makes 20 tropical treats — more than enough for a Labrador luau
• Preheat oven to 350°. • Drain pineapple and set aside. • In a mixing bowl, combine oil and honey. Add egg, pineapple and vanilla and mix thoroughly. • Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda in a separate bowl. After blending, add this into the wet mixture and stir well. • Drop tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Cool on a rack, then serve. Store in an airtight container. Recipe credit:
Three Dog Bakery Cookbook by Dan Dye & Mark Beckloff
J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
Directions:
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Bladder and UTI Health by Christine Bessent, DVM
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t’s a scary experience to rush your cats to the vet clinic because they cannot urinate. The thoughts “Will they need surgery” and “Are they going to make it?” flash through your head. It’s important to know what kind of dietary and supplemental options are on the market to help keep your pet’s bladder and urinary tract healthy. It’s quite common for dogs and cats, especially male, neutered cats, to experience urinary and bladder infections during their lifetime. According to Dr. Chris Bessent, veterinarian and founder of Herbsmith Inc., they may experience crystals in the urine and recurrent bladder infections, as well as the incidence of bladder stones.
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
HOW DO YOU KNOW?
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But how does a pet owner know when their dog or cat is struggling with a bladder or urinary tract infection? Pets with urinary and bladder infections exhibit symptoms such as straining or messing in the house, said Greenfield, Wisconsin veterinarian Dr. Jim Work. However, Work pointed out that just because an animal is messing in the house does not guarantee they have an infection. Bringing the animal into the vet to do a urine test is necessary to unearth the true cause. A pet with a bladder or urinary infection may also exhibit blood in their urine. In severe cases, your dog or cat may appear listless, inactive, and may even show signs of pain and moaning. The unfortunate side of bladder and urinary tract infections is that there is no conclusive proof to show reason for these crystals in the urine and inflammation in the bladder. “Holistic veterinarians speculate that it’s from high carbohydrate diets,” Bessent said.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT! Chinese food energetics emphasize the idea, “you are what you eat.” High grain carbohydrate diets are speculated to promote inflammation in the bladder and play a role in the occurrence of crystals in the urine, creating what Chinese theorists would call “damp heat,” Bessent said. From a Western perspective, damp heat is equivalent to this inflammation as well as changes in the pH of the urine. According to Bessent, cats were originally carnivorous animals that lived primarily on meat and only picked at veggies and berries, while dogs lived as scavenger carnivores. Holistic veterinarians concur that high grain diets are not the optimal choice for cats or dogs.
STEPS TO TAKE Luckily, there are steps pet owners can take to attempt to ward off bladder and urinary tract infections. On the holistic side, Bessent recommends dogs are provided with plenty of water as well as a low carbohydrate diet. Low carb diets are also recommended for cats as well as adding moist food to their diet. Raw food diets are one alternative for people seeking low grain diets for their pets. For those coming from a Western perspective or who are nervous feeding raw diets, it is important to choose the correct food for your pet. According to Work, the key to bladder and urinary health is good nutrition. Work recommends feeding only the premium fixed-diet foods.
Additionally, prescription diets can be helpful, but Bessent said they may not be sustainable long-term and supplements could be needed.
SUPPLEMENTS AS AN OPTION Wisconsin resident Tracy Marconnet struggled with urinary issues with two of her cats. Her female cat struggled with crystals in the urine and experienced straining and blood in the urine. After multiple trips to her regular veterinarian to obtain a sterile urine sample, her cat was placed on amitriptyline, a drug primarily used as an anti-depressant for humans. “She became very subdued and flat with no personality,” Marconnet said. For pets that experience bladder and urinary issues such as Marconnet’s kitty, a supportive supplement is especially beneficial. A form of herb called dianthus is especially helpful in treating painful and difficult urination, in addition to d-mannose and cranberries.
CRANBERRY EXTRACT Cranberry extract is essential for urinary health. Cranberries are acidic and contain bacteria-blocking compounds that are helpful in preventing UTIs. They decrease the ability for bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall so that pets are able to push the bacteria out of their system. DMannose is a simple sugar that works in a similar way to cranberries by also decreasing the ability for bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall. Gardenia and licorice are also important ingredients in a bladder and urinary supplement because they have a cooling nature, which Chinese theory considers beneficial to treating the damp heat in the bladder. After three years of giving amitriptyline to her cat, Marconnet was able to slowly switch her female cat over to a raw diet and start feeding supportive herbs including dianthus. “Her inner kitty came out,” Marconnet said. “She had personality and greeted us at the door. She started curling up in our laps.”
Marconnet’s cat never had a recurrence, and she is still using herbs. She also had positive results when using the dianthus with her male cat. Marconnet was ecstatic to wean her kitties off prescription drugs and onto herbal alternatives. Place your pet’s diet as a top priority when considering bladder and urinary health, and remember there are herbal remedies available to help your pet feel more comfortable so that you in turn can rest at ease. Christine Bessent, DVM, is the owner and founder of Herbsmith Inc. She created Herbsmith Inc. as a way to provide impeccable quality herbal supplements for pets. Dr . Bessent has been a practicing Veterinarian for nearly 25 years in Southeast Wisconsin, most of which as a Holistic Veterinarian. References:
www.cranberries.org University Maryland Medical Center, www.umm.edu
J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
POSITIVE RESULTS
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AND THE
JOY G
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en years ago, Barbara Unell walked out of her doctors office a “cured” woman. She had beaten breast cancer!
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
WHAT’S NEXT?
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OES
ON…
fundraising event in 2002. It was a success. Back in the Swing, a non-profit organization, was born to focus on creating personalized, comprehensive, medical, post-treatment care for breast cancer survivors. With the help of seven area hospitals and community support organizations, Back in the Swing was able help launch survivorship services across the city. It helped others move past cancer and back to improving and protecting their health.
She went home to celebrate with her husband Bob, adult twin children, and Molly, her dog. But, a question lingered in her mind, now what? What was she supposed to do now, to address her bones, heart, skin and fatigue? The doctors and nurses helped Barbara fight her cancer. Her life had revolved around this fight. But now she was left abruptly alone to fight the side effects of her treatments, and to “put herself back together.” It was 2002, and many of the individuals recovering from cancer were in the same position. A road map of what to do next simply did not exist. Barbara was not to be stymied. She went “shopping” for answers. She started working with other survivors and medical professionals to find information on how to improve her life after cancer. She addressed two main areas — exercise and nutrition. She came to realize that one’s survivorship care needed to be as personalized as one’s treatment.
Talk to any cancer survivor who is also a pet lover and you will get an overwhelming response. Phrases such as “I couldn’t have done it without her,” “He always met me at the door when I came home,” or “She slept with me after the chemo treatments, just to make sure I would be ok.” Coming home to unconditional love keeps many cancer survivors going. Just ask Barbara. Molly, the family’s West Highland Terrier, was always waiting for her to come home. After every treatment or doctors appointment, it was Molly’s wet kisses and licks that made Barbara smile. Molly even became her signature icon, showing up on the website, greeting visitors with a friendly bark, and holding Back in the Swing signs.
ALONG THE WAY
A NATIONAL EVENT
As Barbara proceeded, she realized the power of many was greater than the power of one. She organized a retail-shopping event — it was called Back in the Swing Retail Therapy. The stores in Hawthorne Shopping Center participated in the first four-day,
Back in the Swing took off. Other stores in the Kansas City area wanted to participate. Other cities wanted to participate. National sponsors stepped up. Back in the Swing Retail Therapy became a national event.
PETS AND CANCER
Back in the Swing has helped thousands of individuals get back into everyday life. It’s mission: “Improving and protecting your health after breast cancer through education and awareness,” has become a reality. This year, Back in the Swing Retail Therapy will be held from October 814, Mon-Sun. In conjunction with the retail shopping week, Back in the Swing is pleased to announce the national launch of a new, book — The Back in the Swing Cookbook: Recipes for Eating and Living Well Every Day After Breast Cancer. More than a cookbook, this book shares the essentials of what every breast cancer survivor needs at her fingertips every day, from recipes to research, to help take care of herself and demand the best care from her healthcare providers. The contents are based on Back in the Swing’s first decade of supporting the movement to care for this country’s nearly 3 million breast cancer survivors, protecting and improving their health after treatment. Also included are tips on living life — including time spent with your fourlegged companion.
A COOKBOOK CELEBRATION! Back in the Swing will host the “Summer Celebration” with Cheryl Crow. This event will be held on July 14, at 8 pm at the Carlsen Center at Johnson County Community College. During this enchanted evening, you will hear the voice of Grammy award-winning artist Sheryl Crow and her personal reflections about her journey through cancer. There will also be other voices of survivors, healthcare providers and community leaders sharing their powerful messages. The new cookbook will be available for purchase at this event. Details and tickets can be found at backintheswing.org.
Proceeds from the cookbook sales will benefit Back in the Swing USA. Back in the Swing USA is the first and only national nonprofit organization exclusively providing grassroots awareness, education and fundraising on behalf of the millions of breast cancer survivors to empower them to get back in the swing of life physically, emotionally and spiritually. More information, is available at backintheswing.org. ($29.99, Andrews McMeel Publishing, August 7, 2012).
According to the new Back in the Swing Cookbook, pets aren’t only cuddly and lovable… they are good for your heart and cancer survivorship. Cancer research suggests that visits with animals may improve patient outcomes, decrease length of hospital stay, help with confusion, depression, and manage pain symptoms. Researcher Karen Allen and colleagues at The State of New York University, Buffalo, NY, found that pet owners have significantly lower resting blood pressure and heart rate compared to non-pet owners. The research study, published in September of 2002, in Psychosomatic Medicine, reported that individuals had the smallest increases in heart responses to stress if they had a pet in the room with them, and they recovered from stress faster. Pets were even better stress reducers than spouses!
J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
PETS ARE GOOD FOR YOU!
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MOVING FORWARD Survivorship and living a healthy life after breast cancer is the focus of Back in the Swing. Pet parents who are fighting cancer know the difference their fourlegged furry family member has made for them in this fight. If you are interested in learning more about this wonderful organization visit backintheswing.org.
A DIFFERENT SORT OF COOKBOOK
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
“The cookbook is an empowering, informative Survivorship Center According to the new between two covers,” said Barbara Unell. “We need the best trained pro- Back in the Swing fessionals inside every medical practice Cookbook, pets aren’t in America who know how to seamless- only cuddly and ly provide survivorship care. And we lovable… they are good need to know what lifestyle choices we for your heart and can make in between medical visits to improve and protect our health. cancer survivorship. Healthy living after breast cancer is not a matter of living scan-to-scan, blood test to blood test.” According to Unell, we need to know how to change the conversation after cancer from fear-based “waiting for the other shoe to drop” to confident “being back in the swing” every day.
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Back in the Swing will host the “Summer Celebration” with Cheryl Crow on July 14, at 8 pm at the Carlsen Center at Johnson County Community College.
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J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
Benefits of a Wellness Plan
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Pet Insurance THE VALUE OF PRE-SCREENING Most veterinarians encourage pet owners to schedule once- or twice-yearly wellness visits, even if the pet appears healthy. These visits serve many purposes — they confirm the pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and dental cleanings, and they are a chance for the vetby Kerri Marshall, DVM erinarian to evaluate the pet’s weight and nutrition, but most importantly they help ensure that any illnesses or injuries the pet has are caught as early as possible. oday, dogs and cats are not just pets, they are These wellness visits allow the veterinarian to be an advocate for family members. Like they would for any family member, the pet, catching any health concerns they may be hiding, and allowpet owners will always try to protect their beloved pets ing the pet owner to start treatment as early as possible and save from anything that may cause them harm. But curious their pet from unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, this leads to a betcats and determined dogs have a way of ter quality of life for pets — and their owners. surprising us, and it’s important to be Take Rossi, for example, an eight-month-old The answers lie in the prepared for the unexpected. Labrador Retriever. During a pre-screening According to the American Pet importance of regular appointment prior to his neutering, Rossi’s vetProducts Association, pet owners spent wellness care combined erinarian found high creatine levels in his $13.41 billion on veterinary care in with a solid financial blood. After several tests, ultrasounds, and 2011, making it the second-highest bloodwork it was determined Rossi had Atypical plan for accidents and spending category behind food. This is a Addison’s Disease. Because it was caught early, reflection of the advancements in veteri- illnesses. Rossi was able to start treatment right away and nary medicine available to pet owners before significant clinical signs developed, savtoday, including treatment options for cancer, diabetes, ing Rossi from unnecessary pain and suffering. and heart conditions. But what can pet owners do to catch these serious health conditions as early as possiMOVING FORWARD WITH TREATMENTS ble, decreasing the pain and suffering of their pet? And During wellness exams and pre-screenings, it’s important for pet if these conditions are caught early, what options does owners to be prepared for the possibility that something will be the pet owner have to pay for treatment? The answers lie uncovered. Even a seemingly healthy pet could be hiding signs of a in the importance of regular wellness care combined serious condition that may require extensive veterinary treatment. with a solid financial plan for accidents and illnesses.
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
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It’s important for pet owners to have a financial plan in place to be able to move forward with this treatment without financial burden. There are several ways pet owners pay for unexpected veterinary bills — credit cards, savings accounts, and borrowing from friends and family members are all common options. But pet insurance can be the critical option for pet owners without tens of thousands of dollars of disposable income or savings available. Pet insurance takes the issue of treatment cost out of the equation — but having this in place before you need it is vital. Rossi’s owner, Brent M., chose to enroll Rossi in pet insurance just months before that fateful day at the veterinary clinic. Having this financial plan in place allowed Brent to approve advanced veterinary care quickly and without worry of the high cost. “We never would have been able to afford to help our little guy without the help of insurance,” he said.
ALLEVIATING PET SUFFERING AND ENDING ECONOMIC EUTHANASIA
Dr. Kerri Marshall, DVM, joined T rupanion in June 2011 as Executive V ice President of Customer Experience. As a licensed veterinarian, she is passionate about celebrating and protecting the human-pet bond. She uses her vast experience to help T rupanion develop new ways to help people and their pets at the time they need help most. Her ultimate goal is to end economic euthanasia in her generation of veterinarians. Marshall is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, and the American Medical Informatics Association, among other organizations. Details about T rupanion pet insurance can be found at www.trupanion.com or by calling 800.569.7913.
J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
A regular annual or bi-annual physical examination allows the veterinarian to get to know the pet owner and the pet and assess the pet’s health even when they are showing no signs of being unhealthy. These exams help benchmark the pet’s health, giving an indication of what results are “normal” for that particular pet, so any abnormalities are clearly apparent. Pet insurance gives the pet owner the peace of mind that if the veterinarian were to find anything concerning, they are able to quickly move forward with a treatment plan to ensure that their pet has the best chance of recovery, and the best chance at leading a long, healthy, and comfortable life. The advantage of a wellness plan offered by your veterinarian paired with a pet insurance policy is that the pet owner pays one monthly payment that can be included in the family budget. With this care already budgeted, the pet owner is prepared so there is the least chance for them to be caught in a situation where they have no positive options to move forward with. In these unfortunate circumstances, some pet owners are forced to opt for less effective treatment, no treatment, or in the worst situations, euthanasia. With a solid financial plan in place, “economic euthanasia” will never be an option.
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Animal Hoarding by Sarah Estlund
The group arrived to find nothing could have prepared them for the atrocities in this abandoned house. Overwhelmed by the stench of urine in the dark and decrepit house, they found 15 dogs lying in their own feces. They hadn’t seen the light of day or felt the loving touch of a human in a very long time. And those were just the young dogs — the ones under a year old. Huddled in the skeleton of an old rusted out couch were 16 newborn puppies and pacing nervously nearby was a female dog about to go into labor.
A RESCUE IN PROCESS
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
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er heart pounding and palms sweaty, Danielle Reno found herself on the roof of the foreclosed house, while the sun beat down mercilessly. She watched the young dog dangerously near the edge, cowering and trembling, and then gently coaxed him into her embrace. With the help of volunteers on the ground below, Reno lowered him down the ladder into safe and loving arms. Although not an unusual day for Reno, founder and President of Unleashed Pet Rescue and Adoption, this was a first.
A HORRIFYING CALL Just a few hours earlier, Reno received the horrifying call that upwards of thirty dogs were left to die in a foreclosed home in Kansas City, Kansas. “We sprung into action immediately and loaded crates in cars. We didn’t have time to think about what was in store for us.” Upon receiving the call, Reno, accompanied by Melissa McMillin, Chad Ackerman, and a few volunteers, immediately left Unleashed headquarters for the nightmarish hoarding situation that lie ahead of them. Their only hope? That the animals would still be alive.
“We couldn’t hear each other over all the barking. It’s hard to believe we were able to work together to get those dogs out of that house so quickly but, we just did what had to be done.” McMillin said of rescuing the dogs from inside the cluttered and filthy home. The rescuers gently corralled the dogs one by one and ushered them out of the home into clean, blanket-clad crates and into the transport van. Three hours later, with 31 dogs successfully removed from the home, they then used flashlights and cell phones to light the nearly pitchdark house. They examined every crevice and corner for fear they would leave dogs behind. Upon further search they found a broken window, which led them to the terrified dog on the roof. He was so frightened he broke through the window to climb on the roof. It had been so long since he’d experienced human attention and love, if he ever experienced it, that when we got there he just didn’t see another option.
ARRIVED JUST IN TIME The pregnant dog safely gave birth a few days later and every single dog from this house of horrors will make a full recovery. “It isn’t known how long the dogs were left to fend for themselves,” Reno said, “but from the looks
of the house, we don’t want to think about it. We are just so glad we got there in time.” Sarah Estlund 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: Unleashed Pet Rescue and Adoption, Northland Animal W elfare Society, Chain of Hope, SNKC, FOP AS 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.
J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
Unleashed Pet Rescue and Adoption is a progressive, grassroots animal rescue located in Mission, KS. Originally a foster-based organization, Unleashed Pet Rescue and Adoption branched out and began saving “Death Row Dogs” from KCMO, KCK and surrounding area shelters. It is located in Mission, Kansas, and run entirely by volunteers. It is funded solely by donations. This “little group that could” has saved more than 400 dogs! The group will celebrate its first anniversary this year. Unleashed Pet is looking for reliable volunteers with huge hearts for animals. It is also in dire need of monetary and supply donations such as crates, blankets, equipment for the outdoor play areas, oscillating fans, cleaning supplies, trash bags and bleach. Shelter hours are Tuesday through Sunday, opening at noon every day. For more information, visit the website www.unleashedrescue.com
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H o t Weather is here!
HOT WEATHER TIPS So besides a summertime grooming, what are other ways to help our dogs deal with the heat of the summer? 1. Fresh Water — access to fresh water 100% of the time. Don’t just fill the water bowl twice a day make sure it is fresh and full all day. If the dog is outside much of the time, this is even more important. 2. Access to Shade — Access to plenty of shade, especially if your dog spends much time outside in the yard during the heat of the day. 3. Access to Kids Wading Pool — This is a great way for dogs to keep cool. In fact I used to have a Malamute (London, rest his huge soul) that would spend hours just laying in his pool while the family was outdoors 4. Cooling Jackets — these are doggy jackets that are filled with a material that holds water. You simply dunk them in water and put them on your dog. The coolness of the water helps keep your dog from overheating. Be sure to periodically check the jacket to see if it needs another dunking. 5. Early Morning Walks — Going on walks in the morning or the evening. Walking in the heat by Mike Deathe of the day is not good for you or your dog, so try to plan walks for e are at the beginning of a the historical sum- In many cases, dogs times when it is not super hot. mer, and I want to take a minute to talk to you about with long hair actually And remember to take lots of hot weather precautions for you and your pooch. I water. Just like you need to started thinking about this topic yesterday when I had use their hair as hydrate during hot weather so Leo at the groomer for her summer groom. Leo is a insulation from the does your dog, so take enough Leonberger, great big hairy dirt colored bear of a dog. summer heat and the for both of you! My first thought was to completely shave her, she would winter cold. 6. Don’t Walk on be cooler with less hair right? Well not necessarily. In Concrete — Do not walk your many cases, dogs with long hair actually use their hair dog on asphalt or concrete during hot periods. We as insulation from the summer heat and the winter cold. So by willy nilly have all made the mistake of trying to walk shoeshaving a dog you might just be making it harder for your pooch to deal less across the deck of the pool. This can cause with the heat of summer. In Leo’s case we shaved her belly area, did a serious burns to the pads of your dog’s feet. Furminator service (to get rid of the loose blowing coat) and simply 7. A/C In the Vehicle — Never leave a dog used trimmers to thin her coat a tiny bit. My groomer was adamant we inside a car without running the A/C!!! The inside not shave her and as a (reasonably :) intelligent guy I listened to the temp of a car can go from mid 70s to temps above expert (the groomer) and allowed her to make the call. 110 in just minutes — don’t risk it!
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
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8. Talk to Your Vet — Talk to your vet about your dog’s hot weather abilities. For example “smoosh nosed” dogs do not breath as well as long snouted dogs and are more susceptible to heat stroke! Once again listen and ask the experts (The Vet) for advice!!!
FINAL THOUGHT I leave you with one final thought about dogs and dog ownership. Dogs are social animals and do not belong in backyards all of the time. They are pets not shrubbery! If you leave you dogs outside all of the time and never allow them inside, it becomes animal cruelty, not animal ownership. Take care of them this summer and if all of this sounds like too much work, might I suggest a goldfish? They make great low maintenance pets!
J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
Mike Deathe is a stay-at-home dad who found his passion as a dog trainer in 2008. He enjoys identifying unique and useful dog related products and ideas. He is the author of Keep It Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S.) Pet Blog, and has written several books on dogs and dog training. As an avid pet lover , he regularly sees the number of dogs and cats that never find a home, so in 2009, he and his wife Kate founded Muttz “R” Us, a funny t-shirt and pet product company with the motto of “Saving Pets…One T Shirt at a Time” In 2010 KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID (KISS) DOG TRAINING was born and since then has been teaching dogs and owners at Broadmore Kennels, located in Shawnee, Ks. For more information about KISS or Muttz “R” Us V isit us on Facebook, twitter or follow the blog @http://muttzmembers.blogspot.com. We can’t wait to help you speak dog as a second language.
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Who
MOVED
My Bed? by Cynthia Smith
I
recently discovered that moving to a new house with pets is much harder than I thought. I moved from a big house with lots of stairs and a fenced backyard to a patio home with just a few steps and an invisible fence. Downsizing is about to change everything. For me, that is a great thing. For Samson and Wilson, not so much.
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
A TOUR OF THE NEW HOUSE
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I decided to take them over to the new house before the official move, so they could get the lay of the land. They devoured every scent like bomb sniffing dogs. Wilson, who is adorable but dumb as a post, proceeded to poop in my new living room. I couldn’t believe it. He knew something was up and was going to make me pay. The night before the big move, I packed everything except jeans, a shirt, and a pair of undies. The next morning, Wilson conducted a panty raid and the only way to get something out of this dog’s mouth is to offer him a high value treat like a rib roast. With nothing to pry those jaws loose, I had a choice: go commando, or wait out this four-legged
thief and spend the rest of the day in wet slobbery panties. Now, I know what it’s like to wear a wet diaper. The move went well because the dogs were in daycare. That was the last day I would use the words “went well.” Samson didn’t sleep for three days, barking at every new sound, and Wilson would prove to be a true nature lover, and not in a good way.
DAY TWO OF TRAINING On day two, the invisible fence man delivered training collars. The fence was already in place but I needed to teach the dogs not to break the barrier. That was the goal but Wilson took off like a bat out of hell after a bunny. Day two of training, he jumped into a small lake behind my house in pursuit of succulent geese. I was praying none of my new neighbors saw me running around the backyard screaming for Wilson to get out of the pond. Of all the places he could have jumped in, he chose the green scummy side. Two days in the new house and
my dog has just committed an act of vandalism under the covenants of the Home Owners Association. When he got out, he smelled like a wet bag of limburger cheese, but he had the biggest smile on his face. Yes, this new home was going to be just fine with Wilson…..geese, bunnies, and a swimming hole. Samson on the other hand is sporting a new Thundershirt, and I am seriously considering Prozac for both of us. Ironically, my immediate next door neighbor actually trains service dogs. I fully expect to see a “for sale” sign in her yard when she meets these knuckleheads. Considering their escape record, that won’t take very long. Welcome to the neighborhood Smith Family.
J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
Cynthia Smith is President of Wayside W aifs, the largest no-kill Animal Adoption Center in Kansas City, MO. Smith is a two-time Emmy winner and a former news anchor for WDAF-TV in Kansas City . She served as President and CEO of Sunflower House, a Child Abuse Prevention Center . She can be reached at W ayside W aifs at (816) 7618151 or visit www.waysidewaifs.org.
19
Practice Makes Perfect... but
Love Prevails
by Pat Hennessy
Y
ou are sitting on the couch with Abby by your side. You look at her, snoozing and peaceful, remembering the fluff-ball when you first brought her home. Those were the days: puppy class — come, sit, down, stay. You made it past the chewing, potty training, and high energy rebounds. However, Abby seems a bit rusty on the “sit” and “stay.” Come to think of it, she doesn’t seem to respond well on a recall either (aka “come”). We all have habits and it is really hard to break them. When we learn something new, we will act on that for a while. Maybe it’s fun or we are motivated to do it, but often we fall back into our old habits. We are habitual creatures. It is the path of least resistance — to do something that is familiar and comfortable. This applies to our animal companions as well.
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
USE IT OR LOSE IT
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If you find that you have a lazy canine, look no further than the mirror. If you don’t practice with Abby what she has learned, then it is too easy for your faithful companion to quit responding consistently. You know the phrase “use it or lose it”. It doesn’t mean you have to practice as if you are competing, but it does mean you need to reinforce the behavior you want (so that Abby will respond when you need her to). One of the best ways to reinforce a behavior is to reward it periodically (making it a surprise), only after the behavior is truly learned. It would be equivalent to hitting a jackpot on a slot machine. You keep playing after putting in several coins, thinking it will pay out any minute. To get a strong consistent behavior the “surprise” needs to be a good one to encourage Abby to maintain it. The advantage to keeping up with Abby’s “cues” (aka “commands”) is that it gives you choices of behaviors if you need to redirect her attention, for example keeping her from chasing something out into
We all have habits and it is really hard to break them. the street or calling her away from the front door. Teaching her new cues will build her vocabulary, giving you even more choices for communication.
PRACTICE A NEW CUE Along with practicing old cues, pick a new one occasionally to teach Abby even if you don’t plan to strengthen it over time, like “shake” or “high five”. There are benefits to doing this; one would be to keep her mind sharp (similar to us working crossword puzzles), and an extra benefit is the bonding time with your loving companion. If you really want to stretch Abby’s mental acuity and show off her talent, try chaining two or three cues together making a routine, such as waving good-bye, doing a down, and putting her paws over her eyes. It is good to incorporate a non-habitual movement (like walking backward or sideways), into a cue, trick, or routine. Non-habitual movements stimulate neuro-pathways in the brain and promote focused brain function. It is also good to incorporate a variety of surfaces when practicing a cue or routine (like using a plastic tarp or a wide board — if your dog is normally on grass or carpet). Variable surfaces stimulate proprioception (pronounced pro-pree-o-sepshen), the ability to detect the position of the body or a limb when responding to stimuli. Strengthening proprioception promotes physical balance. Since physical, mental, and emotional health are all tied
together, doing exercises that stimulate brain activity help your canine to be well balanced.
FUN THINGS TO DO There are several fun things you can do with your furry family member. If you want something relaxing try meditating to music or doing yoga together (the doggie version is Doga). If you want to do obedience for fun, try starting with Rally (beginning Rally has simple routines, all on-leash). If you want to step it up a notch try Freestyle (dancing with your dog), where you chain routines together to music. And if you want to step it up another notch, give Agility a try - it will be a great work-out for you and your canine companion. Finding ways to strengthen communication with your companion will improve the quality of life for both of you. Doing so while having fun is all the better! Practice may make perfect if you are a concert pianist or a major league athlete, but perfection is not required for a happy life — it is love that prevails. 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 TT ouch® 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.
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J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
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21
Chip’s Corner MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
22
Pawzzle
For tips on the answers to this pawzzle, read the story about play groups for dogs on page 30. by Pawlean Journe
Down: 2. Play is an excellent way to ________ your dog. 4. Important to consider when selecting a play date friend. 6. Dogs play best when matched by ____________. 8. Always be aware and ____________ for potential problems in interactions between dogs. 13. Don’t be afraid to be ______________ when choosing a play date friend for your dog.
14. This type of play date may be the best situation for you. 15. Not every dog will be _______________ with your dog. 16. Find ways to spend time with your dog in different _______________. 19. An appropriate invitation to play. 21. It is very important to be a _______________ handler/owner during play dates.
Sunday, September 9, 2012 Black Bob Bay 14570 W. 151st Street, Olathe, KS 1:00-1:45 — Dogs 25 pounds or less 2:00-3:30 — All sizes welcome! $10 per dog Register at olatheks.org/parksrec Use registration code: 21678
Visit www.metropetmag.com for upcoming events
J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
Across: 1. Dog Parks can be ___________________. 3. A fantastic resource to find play date friends for your dog. 5. It is important to understand dog body ___________ before letting your dog play off leash. 7. Teach your dog a reliable ____________ for his/her safety. 9. Play can build _______________ skills. 10. Dogs should meet on _______________ ground. 11. Dog Parks are not for ___________________. 12. Make sure your dog has a way to ____________ if play becomes to rough. 17. Use _______________ sense. 18. Inappropriate play style. 20. Meeting on neutral ground minimizes the change of the dogs being ______________. 22. Reward and reinforce ______________ play interactions. 23. Dogs are less likely to feel ______________ if they meet on neutral ground. 24. Do not __________ a quiet or shy dog to play.
23
Dogs Bark! by Jena Newman
D
ogs Bark! It’s what they do. There are many reasons why dogs bark; they’ve heard something and want to let everyone know, to get your attention or protect their property. Some dogs bark just to hear the sound of their own voices, because they are bored and under-exercised. However, excessive barking, no matter the reason, must be controlled. This can be quite a challenge. Some of us like the idea that our dogs are going to bark to alert us to possible danger. It makes us feel safe that our dogs can warn us and/or scare a predator away. Most barking is manageable if the dog stops in a timely manner. The problem arises when your dog is barking with no intention of stopping even when asked to be quiet. It can become unbearable when this barking becomes a habit and you are unable to interrupt it.
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
WHY DO THEY BARK?
24
guard his property. He sees the walker and barks. After barking, that scary stranger is now gone. After this occurs multiple times, the dog learns that when he barks at strangers they go away. The dog learns that this is rewarding and empowering and the longer the behavior is allowed to be There are many things practiced the harder it will be to change. Now when anythat can set a dog off one comes near his property, the dog barks and continues to bark even when the “danger” is gone. on a barking tangent.
There are many things that can set a dog off on a barking tangent. Whether it is a door bell ringing, a knock at the door or even a cat outside the window, there is always a reason for the barking, even if it is just to burn off excess energy. You must determine the reason for their barking. If the barking is a result of boredom I suggest you exercise your dog and give them interactive toys to play with. If they are barking out of fear or anxiety please ask a professional dog trainer for help. Let’s look at a situation where someone is walking by your house and the dog barks to
WHO DOES IT AFFECT? Not only does barking affect the family of the dog but it also affects everyone around him. If you live in an apartment the people on every side of you can hear it, in a house, your neighbors can hear it. Nobody wants the police being called due to your dog’s barking.
HOW TO FIX IT So now that we know there is a problem, how do we fix it? The quickest way to control a barking dog is to redirect the dog’s attention. If you give him a behavior incompatible with barking, he will stop barking. For example, if your
dog is toy motivated, throwing a toy in the other room every time the barking is about to occur will redirect your dog’s attention. He cannot bark and chase his favorite toy at the same time. If you do this every time, eventually when he sees the thing that makes him bark he will immediately look to you to throw the toy instead of bark. Teaching a dog to be “quiet” on commend is another great way to stop their barking. Start with a hungry food motivated dog and a high value treat like hotdogs or boiled chicken. Find that treat your dog goes crazy for. Use small, pea sized treats so he can eat them quickly and it leaves him wanting more
TEACHING “QUIET” Now that you have your treats and a hungry dog, you are ready to start training. We will use an example situation in which a dog barks every time someone comes to the front door. Get a friend or family member to stand at the front door and ring the door bell or knock. The instant the dog starts to bark, say “quiet” and wait. The instant he stops barking, give him that wonderful treat and praise him. Make sure every time he stops barking you give him a treat and a lot of verbal praise. In order for this to work, you must do it over and over again. When you are tired of doing it, do it 10 more times. In order to change this deeply ingrained habit, you have to reward the “quiet” more than correct the barking. It can get frustrating, but the end result is worth it. You and your dog will both be more relaxed! If you have more than one dog who barks, you can do the same thing but with a twist. Have someone ring the bell or knock. Say “quiet”, and then only give a treat to the first dog to stop barking. Typically when you get one dog to be quiet the other will follow suit, and all the dogs will be quiet together. Not to mention, the second dog will want the treat you gave the first dog; so next time maybe he will stop barking first.
No matter how you train this behavior, the most important thing to remember is you must reward the wanted behavior. Dogs will forever bark. It is our job to teach them when it is appropriate and when it is not. Jena Newman has been a zookeeper and has been training exotic animals at the Kansas City Zoo for 4 years and recently started her own dog training and walking business. Using her skills from the zoo and the helpful information provided by Patty Homer’ s Good Pup Academy (GP A) she hopes to help create healthy , fulfilling relationships between dogs and their owners. Y ou can contact her at 816-769-3631, jenanewman@ yahoo.com, visit www.newmansdogtraining.com, or follow her at facebook.com/ NewmansDogTraining.
J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
REWARD THE WANTED BEHAVIOR
25
The Adventures of Chip CHAPTER 6
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
RECAP FROM CHAPTER 5
26
Chip begins to feel like he belongs to a family. The big black and brown dog turned out to be very calm, polite and quite humorous. He was a big, goofy dog and Chip could not believe I was ever afraid of him. We had our very first photograph together. A candid moment in the lives of people who had been through some traumatic experiences, but come together and found loyal caring friends to share their lives. How I wished that moment would last forever. I was so thankful for my new friends. I wanted to find some way to show them how grateful I was for meeting them, for Allen and Penelope helping me when they needed help themselves, and for helping me find food and a safe place. I sure hoped some good things would happen for them too.
We all piled into the car. Stephanie made us ALL wear seat belts, even goofy big dog. Boy, they had a big car. Stephanie had packed a picnic lunch and Robert was driving. They said we were going on a day trip. I had never heard of such a thing and wondered what it meant. The car had a top that opened up and the wind could blow all around us. Stephanie and Penelope had on hats, but my ears and goofy dog’s ears flapped in the wind the whole way. Everyone was singing, talking and laughing. Even though it seemed like a long drive we all worked together to make it fun, but it really was not that long because we got there way before lunch time. Our destination was the beach! There were white birds flying all over the place and swooping down over our heads, a roaring whooshing sound came around each time the water came up to the while earth. I learned the white earth was called sand. Stephanie took out our lunch, a big umbrella and opened up four chairs, one for each person, then she put out a big blanket for me and goofy dog. Everyone pulled out buckets and shovels and started to dig in the sand, so goofy dog and I started to dig in the sand also. The sand was flying everywhere and when we turned around we could see Penelope and Allen covered in the sand we had just dug up. They were all laughing so hard, they were crying, but it was a good kind of cry. Then they got some water from what they called the ocean and started to make shapes in the sand that looked like big fancy houses. Me and goofy dog kept digging and sending sand to them. They thanked us for helping and said we were being very cooperative and good helpers. We were just having fun being dogs and digging. From the distance, I could see another figure coming towards us. It looked like a dog, but it did not walk like a dog. It had a kind of hopping motion to its walk. A lady was running with the dog and talking to him in an encouraging way. Good boy, Howie, she said, keep up the good work. They looked like a team together, but the funny thing was that the lady had one normal leg and another leg that looked like a springboard or something. As they came closer, I could see that both of them were missing a leg, and they were encouraging each other. I could see how the dog cooperated with the woman as he looked back and waited for her to catch up with him. Even with just three legs, he still had an advantage over her with just one real leg. She stopped near us and wiped her brow. It was hot and she did not have any water with her. Penelope and Allen noticed that she looked kind of tired, so they called to Stephanie and asked her to come over with some water for the lady and her Cooperation — The act of working dog. Stephanie also brought together towards a common mutually over a chair so the lady could beneficial goal. sit down and rest a bit. The
lady’s name was Sarah. She looked to be about Stephanie’s age, but was much taller and had very long dark hair. She said her dog had saved her life. She was swimming when a shark had come up to her and bit off her leg. Her dog had jumped in to chase off the shark. But another shark had bit off his leg, too They were both injured, yet the dog found a way to bark and get help. Sarah said the dog’s quick actions had save her life and brought people quickly to her assistance. Sarah said that she did not want fear to rule her life, so she made sure that she and her dog, Amber, came to the beach every day to enjoy the water and regain the confidence of being near the place where the incident had happened. We made new friends that day. We were ready for lunch by then and Stephanie invited Sarah and her dog, Amber, to join us. Of course, I was not delighted about sharing my lunch, and goofy dog, definitely did not like it, as his favorite thing to do is eat, but they praised us for being kind, sharing and cooperative, so we could not disappoint them. We all ate and drank just enough and then everyone decided to fly kites as there was a very nice breeze. Penelope and Allen were really excited about flying the kites. I noticed some clear mushy things floating in the water. I started barking and running towards them in the water, as they looked like they would be fun to catch and play with. I heard some voices behind me yelling, but could not tell what they were saying. I kept running through the waves, it was so much fun, and then I caught one! For a second, I was so happy and excited, and then instantly a sharp pain went shooting through me and I could not move, then I blacked out. All I could hear was crying and screaming and people saying, get him, get him. I was floating out on the waves faster than they could run or swim. I was limp and could not move. I could hear goofy dog and Amber barking excitedly and smelled goofy dog’s breath very close. The last thing that went through my mind was the smell of lunch on goofy dog’s breath. Then, and I blacked out again.
1. In what ways did characters in this episode demonstrate cooperation? 2. How do you feel when you meet a person that is different physically than you? Such as if they are in a wheelchair, or cannot hear or see? 3. In what ways did the dog, Amber, in the story help her owner?
ACTIVITY Watch the movie Dolphin Tale or go the website: www.seewinter.com. Read about TriPod dogs and how they learn how to function in life. Discuss how you might be a better friend in school to someone who is different physically from you.
J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
STORY DISCUSSION TIPS
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PLAY GROUPS by Heddie Leger
M
any people believe that dog parks are a great place to socialize their pet, but dog parks are not for everyone. Sometimes a play date is a better alternative for you and your dog. According to researchers at several universities, dogs have an inherent genetic need to socialize with other dogs. Dog parks can be chaotic and unpredictable as far as the activities and level of play the dogs engage in. There are no guarantees that the other dogs will be compatible with your dog.
FOR DOGS
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
SIMPLE DOG PARK TIPS
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A private play date for your dog can be the solution for you. Below are a few simple tips to have a safe and successful play date for your pet. • Dogs should meet first be on neutral ground. Neither dog will feel that their territory is being invaded and less likely to feel threatened. • Don’t be afraid to be selective regarding size of dog and play style. Smaller dogs often play better with dogs close to their size. High energy dogs are often too overwhelming for dogs with a calmer play style. • Reward and reinforce the positive interactions that your dog displays in his/her behavior. • When you are comfortable with understanding your dog’s body language, you are ready to take the dogs somewhere where they can play off leash. • Always be aware and watchful to make sure this play date is enjoyable for all the dogs.
PRACTICE FIRST Play sessions with a trainer are the best option for first time dog/puppy owners who may need a little extra coaching in learning dog body language and what it means when the dogs growl, pounce, chase, and bark during play. A supervised play group can help determine what is appropriate puppy play, and what may constitute as “bullying.” Dogs and puppies
RESPONSIBILITY AT PLAY DATES AND DOG PARKS The most important aspect to enjoying your play date experience is to be a responsible handler. • Use common sense. • You may feel you have the right to be there, however, you gain nothing by pushing your limit and risking a dog fight. If an out of control or dangerous shows up, leave the park. • Learn when the quiet and off-peak times are, those are the best times to be there with your dog. • Teach your dog a reliable recall. Immediately call your dog away from the pack, if a scuffle should arise. • Be more fun than other dogs at the dog park. When you go, play the games your dog absolutely loves to draw him/her away from the dog pack. • 100% of your of your focus should be on your dog, when your dog is off leash either on a play date or at the park, • Don’t just go on play dates or visit the dog park. Vary your interactions with your dog. Go for walks, go swimming , find ways to play or train in different locations. • For more information visit: www.playdatebuddy.com/ or www.dogplay.com/index.html
should engage in role-reversal: chase/be chased, pounce/be pounced on. Your dog will learn many lessons in a play date. If negative behavior is persistent, or accompanied with growling, lifting his lip, general overstimulation, or is “bullying,” find a trainer with a background in positive reinforcement who can help you redirect unruly play before it becomes a more serious behavioral issue. Meetup.com is fantastic resource for finding existing play groups in your area. You can search by breed, by location, or by type. Some dogs are intrinsically shy or introverted. With time, these dogs will likely come out of their shell, but don’t force them into play. If your dog seems nervous or shy, make sure there are plenty of places they can hide, and escape to. Play is an excellent way to exercise your dog, build socialization skills, and teach them how to behave around small dogs and big dogs alike. It’s a great way for your puppy to learn bite inhibition and become comfortable with different kinds of dogs.
J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
Heddie Leger is a Certified Humane Educator. She is recipient of the 2011 Excellence A ward from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is the Director of Community Programs and V olunteers for HSPCA. She is also a Community T raining Partner for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and the local Kansas City Area Representative for the Animals and Society Institute. Her compassion for animals extends to all species. Y ou can reach her at the PawZone In-Home PetSitting (www.thepawzone) and The DogSpot Training Center.
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Traditional vs. Alternative ETERINARY
V
CARE
by Micheal Tarrant, DVM, CVA
S
o what exactly is the difference between traditional veterinary care and alternative veterinary care? There are many different ways that we, as veterinarians, can treat our patients and the real difference between traditional and alternative care is simply the approach used to treat a specific illness or ailment. Here is a brief overview of some of the treatment options that are available.
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
TRADITIONAL VETERINARY PRACTICE
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Firstly, there is the traditional veterinary practice which includes the majority of veterinarians in the Kansas City area. In these practices, through physical exams, bloodwork, x-rays and others diagnostics we try to find out what is causing the problem. We then use things like surgery, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications to address the problems. This is what most people think of when they think of taking their animal to the vet.
ALTERNATIVE PRACTICES So you’re asking what exactly are the other options and alternative treatments? There are four main areas
that I would like to address in this article. These are herbal medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, and nutritional therapy. These treatment options have the most credibility and are more widely accepted in the veterinary community as valid treatment methods than other alternative treatment options such as color, sound, light therapy, reiki, qi gong, reflexology, therapeutic magnets, and homeopathy.
Herbal Medicine Herbal medicine includes the use of both western herbs and Chinese herbs. Herbs can be used for any condition that could be treated by conventional western pharmaceuticals. In my experience however, there are some diseases/ailments that respond better to pharmaceuticals and some that respond better to herbs. Herbal medicine, in general, takes a bit longer to start working but can address the underlying cause of the issue instead of
masking the symptoms. When the root cause of the problem is treated the secondary symptoms will resolve accordingly. Herbal therapy is usually continued for weeks to months by adding powders or tablets to the dog/cat food and is changed according to the needs of the animal.
Acupuncture Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into specific points of the body to elicit physical or chemical changes. Some of the changes include change in pain sensation, decreased inflammation, decreased blood pressure, muscle relaxation, and the release of hormones. It can be used for a wide variety of issues such as pain, arthritis, urinary incontinence, allergies, chronic GI problems, immune system disorders, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). There is a recent veterinary article in JAVMA citing dogs treated for back problems (IVDD) that shows better results with acupuncture than with surgery.1. Acupuncture can be used as the sole means of treatment or in conjunction with other types of therapy. It varies from patient to patient and depends on their response to the needles. Treatments are initially performed from once daily to once weekly, and then taper off. Acute sprains or strains will often resolve in a few days to weeks and chronic conditions such as arthritis or allergies will often require maintenance treatments that vary from once a month to every six months.
This has lead to the preven- So the question — tion of a number of nutriwhen to use traditional tional diseases such as heart disease in cats caused medicine and when by taurine deficiency and to use alternative the formulation of thera- medicine. peutic diets that will help with dissolution of crystals or stones in the bladder. These diets have helped countless numbers of animals. There are also many animals that are getting too many carbohydrates and fats. Along with a lack of exercise these diets lead to an increasing number of obese pets and weight related health problems, such as arthritis and diabetes. By providing high quality nutrition: food, vitamins, minerals, and supplements many diseases can be successfully controlled or even reversed.
WHICH OPTION IS BEST? So the question — when to use traditional medicine and when to use alternative medicine. For acute conditions or very severe medical conditions such as infections with high fevers, congestive heart failure, or seizures,
Chiropractic Chiropractic therapy is also used in veterinary medicine. It is mainly used for musculoskeletal pain and follows a schedule similar to that of acupuncture, with more frequent visits at first and tapering off as indicated by the patient. Nutrition is the last “alternative” treatment modality to be covered in this article. There has been a lot research in the U.S. in the last 20-30 years regarding nutritional requirements for animals. 1. Reference: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, June 1, 2010, Vol. 236, No. 11, Pages 1225-1229 doi: 10.2460/javma.236.11.1225. Comparison of decompressive surgery, electroacupuncture, and decompressive surgery followed by electroacupuncture for the treatment of dogs with intervertebral disk disease with long-standing severe neurologic deficits.
J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
Nutritional Therapy
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I tend to reach for western pharmaceuticals because they are very powerful and will have an immediate impact on the patient’s condition by relieving pain, suffering and possibly saving their life. For more chronic conditions such as recurrent skin and ear infections, allergies, hip dysplasia or arthritis, I prefer to use herbal medicine or a combination of both traditional and alternative medicine. These are the conditions that have not developed overnight and are not going to be resolved overnight. Arthritis or hip dysplasia is a great example of where traditional and alternative/complimentary medicines can join together to benefit our patients. Use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as Rimadyl or Deramaxx can decrease pain and inflammation; nutrition changes can promote weight loss; supplements such as glucosamine/chondroitin can protect cartilage in the joints; and acupuncture can decrease pain and reduce inflammation to relax the surrounding muscles. Many people are not aware that there are alternative options for treating their pets. As both human healthcare and veterinary care evolve, many of the “alternative” treatments will become more mainstream and gain acceptance in the United States. Mike Tarrant grew up in a small farming in Oklahoma where he gained invaluable experience working with all types of animals. He attended the University of Kansas and Oklahoma State University, where he graduated in 2003 as a Doctor of V eterinary Medicine (DVM). Y ou can reach Dr . Michael T arrant at Arbor Creek Animal Hospital, by calling 913764-9000 or by visiting www.acanimalhospital.com.
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
June Pawzzle Answers
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General’s Posse Rides Again by Mike Jones
O
n May 11, 2012, General got aboard his 2010 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic ElectraGlide and headed west. It was going to be another experience like no other. Since 2008 General has ridden in the Run for the Wall (RFTW) event. This will be his 5th Run. It was also his 2nd All The Way (ATW). All the Way means you ride to LA. and from there you ride to DC. The trip form LA. to DC. takes 10 days.
MEETING UP WITH THE POSSE Generals’ first stop was Liberal, Kansas. Very nice little town. However we saw a billboard that said it was the home of Dorothy from Wizard of Oz. That kind of made the black clouds seem a little more ominous! The next morning we rode to Tucumcari, NM, to meet up with The Posse, three other riders from the 2008 Run. I passed out patches that said “The General’s Posse 2012” with an image of General.
year when we ride I pack him in ice packs. However this heat was not tolerable for him. This year General was given the honor of being a Jr. Ambassador. The Ambassador Corp. has the honor of stopping at the overpasses to thank the supporters that are there every year holding American Flags and banners of encouragement. He was presented with a visor which he wore it with pride. This year was General’s best Run so far. He will ride again in 2013. It will be another All the Way and he will be an Ambassador again. The best thing about next year is that it will be The Run for the Wall’s 25th anniversary. Mike Jones is General’ s driver . When he is not traveling around the country with General, he is a Structural Engineering T echnician with Shafer , Kline & W arren in Lenexa.
Our next stop would be Phoenix. The recent fires were just getting started when we went through. General wanted to stop along the way to see the Petrified Forest and to visit General Patton. We arrived in California Monday afternoon. It was good to be back with family. When General was there in 2009 he only missed one item on his list of things to do. This trip he would not miss it again. He finally had his picture taken in front of the Hollywood sign.
HONOR OF JR. AMBASSADOR The Run started on Wednesday. Our first stop was back to Phoenix. Through the desert it was 115º. I had made prior arraignments for General to ride in an air conditioned vehicle. During the heat of the
J ULY / AUGUST 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
ON TO CALIFORNIA
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Dog-n-Jog:
25 Years of Pawtying T
he Country Club Plaza became a dog’s play land on Sunday, June 10 for the 25th Annual Dog-n-Jog. Nearly 1,000 dogs and their people trekked to The Country Club Plaza for the 1 and 2-mile run/walk and to enjoy the various dog activities. A grand total of more than $83,000 was raised for the animals!!! Special thanks to our celebrity emcees that kept the dog loving entertained: NBC Chief Meteorologist Gary Lezak, KFKF radio host Debbie Erikson, and Q104 radio host TJ McEntire.
A BIG THANK YOU! A big thank you to our top three pledge collectors that went above and beyond to collect donations for the shelter pets from their friends, family, neighbors and co-workers: Crissy McNellis raised $3,500, Teresa Kellough raised $3,105 and Stacey Rieckmann raised $2,600. These three women singlehandedly raised enough money to keep all the shelter pets fed for the next four months! To view pictures of the event, visit www.thomasphotographic.com. (A por-
MetroPet Magazine • J ULY / AUGUST 2012
tion of event photo purchased will be donated to the Humane Society.)
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Our top runners this year included some new and familiar faces. 1 Mile Run 1st Place Female Angie Moody, dog Lucy; 5:31 2nd Place Female Elizabeth Kelsey, dog Prada; 5:47 3rd Place Female Lori, dog Jax; 6:00 1st Place Male Jacob Lock, dog Casey; 5:45 2nd Place Male Faulker, dog Bella; 6:15 3rd Place Mail Tyler McDaniel, dog Max; 6:23 2 Mile Run 1st Place Female Carmen Hamblin, dog Greta; 12:51 2nd Place Female Patty Vidrine, dog Ellie; 13:30 3rd Place Female Jessica, dog Maddie; 13:48 1st Place Male
John Coler, dog Sage; 10:24
2nd Place Male
Hodges, dog Miley; 11:17
3rd Place Male
Bruce Campbell, dog Boss; 11:27