June 2012
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Feature Articles Cheese Please Hound Rounds
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Bakes up approximately 24 chewy, cheesy chompers!
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Fireworks may be fun for you, but not for Fido.
Acupuncture for Animals There are many alternative and complimentary treatments for animals. Will they work for your pet?
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Summer Highs...
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Congratulations Zack!
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Summer Time Travel Pet Poison Hotline Here is a great, low-cost app to answer questions about pet poisons.
The Verdict on Nuisance Barking Does your dog bark? Does your neighbors? Learn more about the legal issues of dog barking.
In Every Issue
What is the best boarding option for your pet?
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Miniature Pot Bellied Pigs Do you think a pig might be the perfect pet for you? Learn more about them, before you go find one.
Quality of Life This topic isn’t just for the end of life. It needs to be considered at different times during your pet’s life.
The Adventures of Chip Chip’s home now includes Allen and Penelope!
The latest winner of our online pet contest was Zack!
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Happy Dog Parking Do you know dog park etiquette?
can make for summer woes. Protect your pet this summer.
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Celebrate Independence with Calm
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Summertime! Summertime is here!
24 Chip’s Corner — Use your knowledge about Pot Bellied Pigs to complete this pawzzle!
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Number 1 Disease... as seen in general veterinary feline practice.
J UNE 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
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Publisher’s Message
SUMMER IS HERE! This issue includes many must read articles. Take time to learn how to protect your pet this summer, check out the mobile app for a poison control hotline, see the recipe for summer treats, and much more!
IMPORTANT TREATMENTS Did you know acupuncture is available for pets? What about other non-traditional treatments? How can these treatments impact your pet’s lives? Check out the article Acupuncture for Animals, page 6! Do you know what is the number one disease for felines? According to the American Animal Veterinary Dental Society, periodontal disease affects 85% of all cats older than 3. Taking care of your teeth is critical to your health — taking care of your pet’s teeth is equally important. The article on page 20 illustrates the importance of this simple task.
OUT AND ABOUT... Do you celebrate Fourth of July? What about Fido? Does he cringe from loud noises? Will you be at home to help keep him calm? Having a pet, means making sure your pet is safe during this holiday. The article Celebrating Independence with Calm, page 22, provides suggestions on how to keep Fido calm. If you go out to run errands, never, never, never leave Fluffy in the car. The article Summer Highs can Make For Summer Woes, page 9, also asks important questions: If there is an emergency what will you do? Have you prepared a first aid kit? Where is the closest 24-hour care facility? Included are links to create a first aid kit and local emergency care facilities. Summer time is when dogs go barking... which may mean less sleep for you. If your dog is barking, get help before the law comes calling. If it is your neighbor’s dog, make a phone call to your neighbor before it escalates to a police visit. Check out the article The Verdict on Nuisance Barking, page 32, for details.
MetroPet Magazine • J UNE 2012
SUPPORT PET SHELTERS AND CLINICS
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Will you be at Dog N’ Jog? This event will be held on June 10, on the Country Club Plaza. Dog N’ Jog supports the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. You can register up to the day of the event. If the event has passed, you can still make a contribution. Summertime is a great time to support a shelter or a not-for-profit spay and neuter clinic. Choose one and show your support through contributions, supplies or time. If everyone helps just a little, it will make a huge difference.
ENJOY SUMMER! Barbara Riedel, Editor P.S. Remember to support our advertisers. Please specifically say “I saw your ad in MetroPet magazine.” Thanks for being a MetroPet reader!
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 Kelli Cooper Mike Deathe Pat Hennessy Patty Homer Pawlean Journe Heddie Leger Cindy Pugh Micheal Tarrant, DVM, CVA Cheryl Waterman, CVPM Alyssa Willett
Contact MetroPet PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Ad Sales: 913.548.1433 Fax: 913.387.4313 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.
CHEESE PLEASE HOUND ROUNDS Ingredients 2 cups white flour 1 tsp parsley flakes 1/2 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese 2 TBSP vegetable oil 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese 3/4 cup chopped peanuts 1 tsp chopped cilantro leaves 2/3 cup water
Bakes up approximately 24 chewy, cheesy chompers
Directions:
Recipe credit:
Three Dog Bakery Cookbook by Dan Dye & Mark Beckloff
J UNE 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
• Preheat oven to 375°. • Mix together flour, Cheddar and cottage cheese, cilantro leaves and parsley. • Add oil, peanuts and water and mix thoroughly. • Break off gold ball-size pieces and shape into balls. • Place on greased baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Cool on a rack and serve. Store in a sealed container if the refrigerator.
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Acupuncture for Animals?
Alternative & Complimentary Treatments for Animals by Micheal Tarrant, DVM, CVA
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can’t tell you how many times I hear the phrase, “Acupuncture for animals? I knew they had that for people but I didn’t know you could do that for animals!” And then we start to talk about other treatment options that are not considered mainstream such as herbal medicine, chiropractic treatments, homeopathy, and nutrition. Many of treatments these are not really ‘alternative,’ it’s just that they are not widely practiced amongst veterinarians in the United States. This is one of my favorite quotes in regards to medicine by Jen Hsou Lin, DVM, PhD. “It does not matter whether medicine be old or new, so long as it brings about a cure. It matters not whether theories be eastern or western, so long as they prove to be true.” There seems to be incredible wisdom in that statement and it is one that helps guide the way I practice veterinary medicine. If a vaccine or antibiotic injection is
NUTRITION FOR YOUR PETS Nutrition is somewhere in the gray zone of traditional medicine and alternative medicine. There has been a lot of research in the U.S. in the last 20-30 years regarding nutritional requirements for animals. This has lead to the prevention of a number of nutritional diseases such as heart disease in cats caused by taurine deficiency or growth abnormalities caused by the improper calcium: phosphorus ratio. No doubt, these kinds of diets have helped countless numbers of animals, but many veterinarians have largely ignored or simply don’t know a great deal about nutrition because major companies have made it very easy to pick a diet that corresponds with a certain disease. A number of marketing strategies have also convinced the public that a certain brand of food is the best for their pet when the outside of the bag shows healthy ingredients, but in reality the food is filled with low grade by-products, preservatives, colors, fillers and allergens. It is certainly true that “you are what you eat,” and feeding animals the same low-grade diet day after day leads to deficiencies and an overall weakened immune system. This, in turn, leads to disease. By providing high quality nutrition including food, vitamins, minerals, and supplements many diseases can be successfully controlled or even reversed. Nutrition is largely overlooked in the U.S. as a component of overall health. We all hear about eating a balanced, healthy diet but very few people or animals actually follow this practice. Most animals are getting too many carbohydrates and fats combined with a lack of exercise. A prime example is the increasing number of obese pets and weight related health problems such as arthritis and diabetes. Pets are being overfed and undernourished.
ACUPUNCTURE Ok, here’s the part about acupuncture. Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into
If acupuncture or herbal medicine is appropriate, that’s also great. So long as it will not cause harm to my patients and could potentially help them... specific points of the body to elicit physical or chemical changes. It can be used for a wide variety of issues such as pain, due to muscle and tendon injuries, or arthritis, and things like urinary incontinence, allergies, immune system disorders and intervertebral disk disease. Acupuncture can be used as the sole means of treatment or in conjunction with other types of therapy. Its effectiveness varies from patient to patient along with their response to the needles. Treatments usually start anywhere from once daily to once a week and then are tapered off as their response changes. Acute sprains or strains will often resolve in a few days to weeks. Chronic conditions such as arthritis or allergies will often require maintenance treatments that vary from once a month to every six months. I often find myself turning to acupuncture as the first choice of treatment over traditional western treatments for certain conditions. One example is for intervertebral disk disease or herniating disks in the back. Traditional treatment has been to use massive doses of
J UNE 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
appropriate, that’s great. If acupuncture or herbal medicine is appropriate, that’s also great. So long as it will not cause harm to my patients and could potentially help them…that’s the treatment plan that I prefer to choose. So let’s explore some of these a bit more.
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steroids and rest in a cage for 2-6 weeks. I used to do this until I found that I could get the same response using antioxidants and acupuncture. The best part is avoiding the side effects of the steroids (mood changes, increased thirst and urination, and predisposition to diabetes with long term use).
CHIROPRACTIC THERAPY Chiropractic therapy is also used in veterinary medicine with more frequency than in the past. This involves the manipulation of the vertebrae and joints to relieve muscle tension and strain and to relieve pressure on nerves. It is mainly used for musculoskeletal pain in veterinary medicine and follows a schedule similar to that of acupuncture with frequent visits at first and tapering off as indicated by the patient.
MetroPet Magazine • J UNE 2012
HERBAL MEDICINE
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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 better to herbs. For acute conditions such as infections with fevers, broken bones, and emergencies 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 and suffering and possibly saving their life. For more chronic conditions such as skin and ear infections, allergies, gastrointestinal issues and cancer I prefer to use herbal medicine. These are the types of conditions that have not developed overnight and are not going to be resolved overnight by giving a pill. 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 it on their own. Herbal therapy is usually continued for weeks to months by adding it to their food and is changed according to the needs of the animal. Alternative treatments, I think, should be called by a more appropriate term such as “complimentary treatments.” They do not have to be exclusive of each other or alternative to other treatment options. They can and should be complimentary to each other by choosing what is best for ourselves and our pets. Integrating eastern and western medicine will become more common in the United States as our exposure and awareness of different treatment modalities increase. 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 Veterinary Medicine (DVM). You can reach Dr. Michael Tarrant at Arbor Creek Animal Hospital, by calling 913-764-9000 or by visiting www.acanimalhospital.com.
Summer High’s can make
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y now, you have probably read about or heard about the dangers of leaving your pet in a car in the summer time. You most likely have seen a dog left in the car with the windows rolled down that precious few inches so as to keep the temperatures “comfortable” while their owner is somewhere inside in the air conditioning.
CITY ORDINANCES It’s an important enough issue that most cities have ordinances prohibiting animals being left in vehicles during dangerous weather conditions. What may seem like a comfortable spring day to you while you wear your shorts and short sleeved shirt, that dog is wearing his winter coat all year long. And the 3-4 inches the window was cracked does very little to cool down the temperatures inside a vehicle. Just think about how warm it feels every time you get in your car when it’s sat while you ran inside to pick something up from the store. That’s even with the windows cracked too. Add a panting dog in it and see how the temperatures soar. Heat stroke is a very serious condition. Immediate measures must be taken if your pet is to survive.
SYMPTOMS OF AN OVERHEATED PET The following are some symptoms to watch for if your pet has become overheated. • Anxiety and restlessness • Bright red or blue/purple gums • Collapse • Confusion • Exhaustion or fatigue • Glassy-eyed expression • Heavy, rapid panting • Salivating • Vomiting or diarrhea
J UNE 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
by Cindy Pugh
for summer woes…
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WHAT DO YOU DO? If you feel your pet has overheated, take him into the shade or air conditioned area and use cool water (not cold water) to wet him down so as to lower his temperature. If possible, use a rectal thermometer to find out his temperature. A normal temperature is around 101.5 degrees. Contact your veterinarian immediately and let them know you are on your way. Another safety risk is leaving the windows down and having the dog with his collar and leash on. Many dogs have hung themselves by jumping out the window and hanging by their leash. This is a terrible thing to come out to and is totally avoidable.
HAZARDS OF OUTSIDE PETS Outdoor pets have a very high risk factor to something that is beyond horrible. As much as I hate to discuss this subject, every summer we see animals presented with maggots. Pets that have had diarrhea, open wounds, hotspots, or are weak and debilitated can fall victim to this terrible condition. If you have an outside pet, not only should you be putting fresh
cool water and food out regularly, you should be petting and examining your pet for any of the above symptoms. Once flies become attracted to a wound, or a pet that has feces matted to their rear end, they begin to lay eggs on it. Once those eggs are laid, it can take less than 24 hours for the maggot to emerge. The maggot burrows into the flesh of the animal leaving tracks and holes. It truly is one of the most gruesome sites imaginable. Again, often avoidable simply by having a watchful eye and catching a problem before it has a chance to manifest into an even bigger one. Bee stings and reactions are frequently seen during the summer months. You may not be aware that your pet was stung until you see their face blown up about twice the size or their eyes nearly swollen shut. Hives all over the body cause the fur to stand up in tufts all over. Pawing at the face, eyes or their mouth are also symptoms of a reaction or sting. Any of these symptoms require the immediate attention of your veterinarian. In some rare instances, the throat can swell up obstructing air supply. This is an emergency and the pet needs to be seen immediately.
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BURNS AND ABRASIONS
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Burns and abrasions to the pads of the feet can be caused by the heat of the asphalt during those summer strolls. The sealant used for cracks and holes actually can heat to the point that it makes small blisters that pop when you step on them. Walking your dog is an excellent thing for both you and your dog. However, walking them during the heat of the day is asking for some serious problems that can ruin a good thing fast. Walk them in the morning or evening time, before the sun has had a chance to heat the street or sidewalk up. If at all possible, walk them on the grassy area to prevent the pads of their feet from being injured due to the excess heat.
FIRST AID KITS First aid kits are like insurance policies. You’re glad you took the time to have one but hope you never have to use it. Be prepared.
Gather up some supplies to keep on hand in case of an emergency. The Red Cross has an excellent link for a list of items to have in your first aid kit. This list can be found at to www.redcross.org/images/pdfs/code/ First_Aid_Kit_for_Pets.pdf and start preparing your kit today. Write down the number of your veterinarian as well as the following list of emergency clinics and keep these numbers in your first aid kit.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS — PLAN AHEAD When faced with an emergency, having a plan is essential. Many of these conditions can be avoided by being aware of your surroundings and keeping a close watch on your pet. If there is even the slightest chance you may stop off somewhere during your errands, leave your dog at home. It’s simply not worth the risk and some emergencies can’t be undone. Summer is a time to enjoy outdoor events. However, if you wouldn’t sit in your car, go on a long jog or run with your winter coat on, don’t do it with Buster either. It’s simply not worth the risk. And believe me, we’ve seen everything I have shared with you today. Some things just can’t be forgotten. Please don’t allow a summer time mistake be one of them. Cindy Pugh is the Office Manager at Aid Animal Hospital and truly loves her job. During her 17 years at the hospital, she has enjoyed the lives of many pets, from the first visit through the golden years. Aid Animal Hospital has been around for over 50 years and currently offers a wide array of traditional and holistic veterinary care for dogs, cats, bunnies, etc. The hospital also offers boarding and dental care. The hospital is located at 8343 Wornall Road and Cindy can be reached at 816-363-4922.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION There are 3 local emergency veterinary centers in the metro area. • Blue Pearl — Located at 11950 W. 110th Street, Overland Park, KS; 913642-9563. kansas.bluepearlvet.com/ • VCA Mission Animal Referral and Emergency Center — Located at 5914 Johnson Drive, Mission, KS; 913-7225566. www.vcaspecialtyvets.com • Animal Emergency and Referral Hospital (AERH) — Located at 3495 NE Ralph Powell Road in Lee’s Summit, MO; 816-554-4990. www.aerhkc.com/ • Northland Veterinary Emergency Center — Located at 8850 N. Flintlock Road, Kansas City, MO; 816.476.4047. www.nveckc.com/
CONGRATULATIONS ZACK!
Visit the MetroPet Facebook page for details on the next contest!
J UNE 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
Zack was the winner of the recent online pet contest. He won tickets to the Bark at the Park, for a KC Royals game, dog food from Earthborn, courtesy of American Midwest Distributors, and treats from Three Dog Bakery!
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Quality
of Life by Heddie Leger
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here doesn’t seem to be a clear cut definition of the topic “Quality of Life.” It is a topic that is as varied and unique as each living being. It is a topic well worth reflecting upon as each of us at some point in our lifetime will be called upon to address the topic. Our interactions with our companion/working animals is a true relationship; one with a beginning and undoubtedly an end. More often than not, the human part of the relationship puts their needs before the needs of the animal. A friend recently shared her experience while presenting at a conference where her assistance dog became unduly restless and began to whine. She recognized that he needed some time to himself and decided to let him rest in the room. She needed her companion to help her, but she also realized that asking him to be with her all day in crowds of people was asking too much of him. A few short hours of quiet time and he was his old self again, providing the comfort and much needed assistance she required. This is but one example of a human providing a certain level of “Quality of Life” for her dog.
Our interactions with our companion/working animals is a true relationship; one with a beginning and undoubtedly an end.
DEFINING QUALITY OF LIFE So how do we define “Quality of Life?” It most often comes up with regards to “End of Life” conversations? However, there are many other situations to consider when talking about Quality of Life.
Consider the person with too many pets. This is often termed a “hoarding” situation. The person has such a severe need to be needed; they lose the ability to see the situation for what it really is, thus affecting the “quality of life” for themselves and the animals in the situation. This indicates an inability to truly care for the pet for their most basic needs. This particular person does not see the problem and no form of punishment will stop them. Only recently have treatment plans for the human, specific to these types of situations have become available for those suffering from this type of imbalance in their ability to see that both their quality of life and those of the animals in their care is suffering. (Please see: www.animalsandsociety.org)
LIVING THROUGH YOUR PETS What about the person who lives vicariously through their pets in attaining recognition, trophy after trophy, ribbon after ribbon, providing medical surgery to repair injuries caused by extreme sports with their pets. Only living for the next competition, show or trial with no regard as to whether the animal is enjoying the activity or just going through the motions as trained. Many of these types of people will discard the animal when it no longer can perform to the level expected to attain the high rankings of record that the person desires, only to be replaced by another hopeful to fulfill the human need for recognition. Do the dogs really know the difference or care? In fulfilling the human’s desires, what is the quality of life for these animals? Racehorses, farming and working animals often fall into this category.
MAKING THE ASSESSMENT There are others with disease in advanced stages that are unable to be treated successfully, left to die a painful death. In making an assessment of Quality of Life, it is important to remember that a life spent in pain, extreme isolation and severe mobility or health challenges profoundly impacts the animal’s Quality of Life. Many shelters a r e judged
By considering their needs, before our own, we can work towards offering them a higher Quality of Life regardless of the venue...
Most people only think about quality of life in terms of end of life which rightfully should be considered. We are often placed in the situation of needing to determine if a companion animal should be provided a peaceful sleep, better known as euthanasia (Greek: Good death). Euthanasia should always be a last option with many things to consider; some of those being mobility, appetite, breathing, discomfort, incontinence, mental capacity, response to treatment and happiness. The purpose of this article is not to define quality of life, but to encourage the reader to consider the term in all areas of the animal’s life. There are many shelter dogs that are kept in solitary confinement their entire lives due to being very aggressive and unable to safely be near any other living being without doing bodily harm.
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CONSIDER ALL STAGES
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harshly when determining an animal should be euthanized. Granted it is a decision that should never be taken lightly, but in the shelter setting an animal’s Quality of Life is diminished greatly and many animals do not thrive well in that type of setting which creates a myriad of relationship and behavioral issues that require expert help in order to repair, if possible. Most are repairable and it is always worth working towards the rehabilitation of any animal, but it is important to keep in mind that there are some individuals where the damage is so severe it is inhumane to keep them trapped in their bodies that have been tortured so severely by a human that they cannot be helped.
We should be ever mindful that in an animal’s natural state of being and living, that nature would take its course.
NATURAL STATE We should be ever mindful that in an animal’s natural state of being and living, that nature would take its course. However, we have taken that gift away by domesticating animals and asking them to join our lives and serve in our world. We owe them the gift of “Quality of Life” for their devotion and service to us. This is really what the "quality of life" issue is all about. By usurping nature’s role throughout the life of our pets, we must also accept our role in determining the quality of life or death of a pet. We may have to do some real soul searching and accept that in some cases, the quality of life we are actually trying to protect is our own. We sometimes allow our pets to suffer out of a desire to avoid the emotional pain and anguish we will experience when the pet dies. Providing a “Quality of Life” decision is ultimately the most unselfish act of love we can offer.
IMPACT ON OUR COMPANION ANIMALS
MetroPet Magazine • J UNE 2012
The Quality of Life topic is not a new one, but it is a topic worthy of personal investigation. There are many ways we can make a positive and/or negative impact on the companion animals in our lives. By considering their needs before our own we can work towards offering them a higher Quality of Life regardless of the venue whether it be as a assistance or service animal, companion, competition, hunting or sport during end of life decisions. It is a known fact that animals improve our Quality of Life. It behooves us to make sure and provide the best Quality of Life for them in return.
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Heddie Leger is a Certified Humane Educator. She is recipient of the 2011 Excellence Award from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is the Director of Community Programs and Volunteers for HSPCA. She is also a Community Training 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. You can reach her at the PawZone In-Home PetSitting (www.thepawzone) and The DogSpot Training Center.
BOARDING YOUR PET
Summer-Time Traveling by Patty Homer
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The best option for your pet may be to have a friend or family member stay at your house and take care of your pets with as little interruption to their normal routine as possible. If you can’t find anyone to stay over or just don’t want someone staying in your home, the next best option may be to have your pets stay at a friend or family’s home. This is especially good for dogs that are not social and prefer not to be in the company of other dogs.
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ummer is here, a time when most of us are planning some kind of vacation which means it is time to figure out what to do with your dog or cat while you are gone. There are many different options available. How do you know what is right for your pet? I am hoping to make your decision a little easier and possibly shed some light on some practices that you may not be aware of. I want to address cats first because they are the more sensitive pets. Most cats REALLY don’t like their routine changed. They can get stressed very easily. Stress can affect cats in different ways including litter box issues, anorexia and/or aggression that can be temporary or permanent. The best option for cats is to have someone stay at your home or have someone come by once or twice a day to love them, play with them, feed them and do the maintenance on litter boxes. The only time I ever recommend a cat be boarded away from the home is when the cat has an illness that needs to be monitored, and then they should only be boarded at your veterinarian’s office. Dogs are more resilient, so you have choices. I am listing the choices in what I believe to be best order with the first option as the best and the last option as the least recommended. Red flags are facilities that don’t ask for your pet’s vaccine records, don’t have a business license or insurance, un-friendly staff and not answering your questions or giving you a tour of the facility.
There are many different options available. How do you know what is right for your pet?
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MetroPet Magazine • J UNE 2012
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Family Style Boarding — This refers to an individual who boards pets at their home. There are a few companies that do this well. They know what they are doing and how to keep your dog safe. There are others who just like dogs and want to make some easy money. For this option, your dog doesn’t stay in a cage; they live in the person’s home along with their own dogs and family. Carefully check out this option. Ask a lot of questions and make sure you and your dog are comfortable with not only the home, but the human. You should never use this option if they don’t require a meet & greet prior to boarding. This can be as simple as taking your dog by to meet the person and their dogs or leaving your dog overnight for a trial before you schedule your boarding. Don’t be surprised if they ask you to leave the premise while they introduce your dog to their dogs, owners being present can very negatively affect the greetings. One rule of thumb, you get what you pay for. Safety, dog knowledge, business license and insurance are nonnegotiable!
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Day Care or “Free Range” Boarding — Many day care facilities offer boarding, some boarding facilities offer play time and some veterinary offices offer day care so that your dog-friendly dog gets to play and socialize during the day and sleep in a kennel overnight. Refer to the article in May’s MetroPet magazine “Doggie Day Care — Asking all the right questions.” Some facilities have someone on premise 24-hours a day and some don’t. Either may work, it just depends on what you are comfortable with and what works for your pet.
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Extended Boarding Kennels — I classify this as facilities that have indoor/outdoor runs so your dog can have space to move around, work their muscles, potty in one area, eat and/or sleep in another. The size of the run should be no less than 6’ X 8’ for medium to large dogs and 4’ X 6’ for small dogs. The dog bed should be elevated, a dog door should have access to the outside portion of the run, and there should be a visual and/or space barrier between the dogs. The facility should let you tour the area where dogs are boarded so you can check cleanliness. If they don’t allow tours, go somewhere else. Some will say you can see it on the video camera, but there is no substitute for up close and personal. Your dog will likely be in his kennel for 24 hours a day.
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Boarding Kennels — I classify this as a facility that has stacks of cages; some being 2’ X 2’, 3’ X 3’, 3’ X5’ up to an indoor dog run of 4’ X 6’ with no outdoor area. In these facilities, your dog may be in a cage for up to 24 hours a day. Some facilities walk the dogs a couple of times a day, some just rotate dogs to clean kennels as they clean the dirty ones and some just clean up the cage while your dog is tethered somewhere. This is a
Board & Train — Some dog trainers offer board and train programs while you are gone. This is a GREAT option for young dogs, untrained dogs or dogs that could use a refresher! Most board & train programs include obedience training and some offer behavior modification. Some trainers offer board & train in a family style setting (see #3) and others offer it in a kennel setting where your dog stays in a kennel except for the time that the trainer is working with them.
miserable experience for most dogs and after a stay at one of these places many dogs come home with some behavior issues.
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Veterinary Offices — Some veterinary offices now offer day care and boarding. Vet offices are typically very busy leaving very little time for the staff to interact with your dog.
skillful care from the staff as well as the owner. Bottom line, in my opinion, cats should not be boarded unless there is a health issue, no dog under 6 months should EVER be boarded in number 5-7, don’t force a non-social dog into a social environment and no dog should be caged for 23-24 hours a day. You plan on having fun while you are on vacation, make your dog’s stay a safe and happy vacation, too!
Make a checklist with all the questions you want to ask and take that with you when you visit a facility...
Patty Homer has worked as a vet tech for 10 years and has been training pets for over 20 years. She offers in home training, behavior consulting and private obedience classes for dogs and cats as well as Pet First Aid and CPR classes. Patty is certified through the Certification Counsel of Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) and is the founder and president of HEARTland Positive Dog Training Alliance. Her experience in the veterinary field as well as training gives her a unique approach to dog training, considering the mind, body and spirit of each pet. You can find her at www.goodpupkc.com, pattythepuppypro@gmail.com, 816.699.2260 and follow her on facebook.
Your dog may be kept in a small cage for up to 24 hours a day. Some vet offices have dedicated kennel staff that comes in just to clean cages and walk dogs, but even then, your dog may get very little attention.
Make a checklist with all the questions you want to ask and take that with you when you visit a facility (be sure to leave your dog at home while you are interviewing and interview several places). The boarding facility you choose will be caring for an important part of your family and you will most likely be spending a fair amount of money there, so don’t be shy! Expect good customer service, clean facilities and knowledgeable, professional and
J UNE 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
MAKE A CHECKLIST
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Pet Poison
Hotline How would you like to save your dog’s life for less than a dollar?
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ow would you like to save your dog’s life for less than a dollar? As we all know it seems like in today’s economy everything costs more, and if you’re household is like mine, pet expenses are a big chunk of your budget. However, I have found an App for my iPad that seriously costs less than a buck and yes; it could easily save one of my dog’s (or cat’s) lives…
MetroPet Magazine • J UNE 2012
PET POISON HELPLINE
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The Pet Poison Helpline has been around for years, but until recently your only option was to call and pay for advice if Fido got into something you thought was poisonous. They did develop a website with tons of great info but what if you are not at home or have your laptop (or internet access!) when disaster strikes? Well, they have now developed an App for our “i” gadgets and smart phones that is as simple to use as typing in the name of the item your pet (yes it applies itself to not only dogs but also cats, horses and other animals) has ingested, and then tells you the degree of danger, which animals are affected, what if anything you should do, symptoms, description of the item and even offers a link to make a phone call to the hotline for live help. It is one of the coolest Apps out there! Let me give you a couple of examples…
EXAMPLES 1. Arrowhead Vine (Arrowhead Ivy House Plant) — Generally mild to moderate poison, toxic to dogs and cats, symptoms drooling, vomiting, pawing at mouth, increased respiratory rate/effort, difficulty breathing. It then gives the link to the hotline and instructs to call the vet. 2. Gorilla Glue — Generally mild to moderate sometimes requiring surgery, toxic to cats and dogs, drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, distended stomach, retching, a long description of chemical properties and possible outcomes of ingestion and suggestion of call vet or hotline. 3. Scorpions — Generally mild to moderate, toxic to cats and dogs, drooling, localized pain, itchiness, redness to the bite area, abnormal heart rate, abnormal blood pressure, dilated pupils, tremors, walking drunk and abnormal eye movement. Talks about types and venom differences and pros and cons of anti-venom, and where the really dangerous types live. Suggestion of calling hotline or vet!
EASY TO USE There is an index, as well as a search option. I found an App for This app includes plants, pharmaceuticals, poi- my iPad that sonous animals and reptiles, household cleaners, seriously costs toxins, and more. The list is mind-blowing. The information is easy to understand and well writ- less than a buck ten. I have actually started to include the use of and yes; it could the App in my classes as a way to show the dangers easily save one of that lurk inside our houses for not only humans, my dog’s (or cat’s) but also pets. For an investment of only .99¢, I lives… would say it is a no brainer! Now it is your job to go get it to become better educated and share this App with someone else. Be safe, be smart and have some fun with your Furry four legged friend!!! http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com /2012/04/new-iphone-application-and-mobile-enabled-website/
May Pawzzle Answers
J UNE 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
Mike Deathe is a stay-at-home dad who found his passion as a dog trainer in 2008. The author of the Keep It Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S.) Pet Blog. Mike has had dogs since he was four years old! In 2009, he and his wife Kate founded Muttz “R” Us, a t-shirt and pet product company with a philanthropic motto of “Adopt a Pet, Save a Life.” In 2011 Muttz “R” Us also launched KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID DOG TRAINING. He is a charter member of Heartland Positive Dog Training Alliance and just earned his CPDT-KA credential! Visit him at facebook or twitter or follow the blog @http://muttzmembers.blogspot.com/ or check out the website muttzrus.com for details about shirts.
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Number 1 Disease Seen in General Veterinary Feline Practice
Question: What is the No. 1 disease seen in general veterinary practice?
Question: by Cheryl Waterman, CVPM
MetroPet Magazine • J UNE 2012
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et me give you a clue, the answer is the same for both questions! It is periodontal disease. Unfortunately, periodontal disease affects 85% of all cats older than three (3), according to the American Animal Veterinary Dental Society. Yet only about 1% of affected cats receive proper dental care, according to the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) Compliance Study. And, unfortunately, the diagnosis and control of this disease is often the ONE BIG THING that can make a difference in your cat’s overall health and well-being.
FIRST RESPONSIBILITY Your first responsibility, as a good cat owner, is to make certain that your veterinarian is doing a thorough and complete oral assessment during your cat’s annual or semi-annual wellness exam. He or she should be able to give you an
What’s the most under diagnosed and untreated disease seen in veterinary medicine?
Unfortunately, periodontal disease affects 85% of all cats older than three according to the...
HUGE PART OF OVERALL HEALTH You may ask “why is this such a big deal?” It’s a “big deal” because periodontal disease plays a huge part in your cat’s overall health. It can have a strong negative effect on not only your cat’s ability to eat pain-free and his breath, but on his or her essential internal organs, such as heart, kidneys, and liver. Unchecked plaque in your cat’s mouth (as in your own) allows harmful bacteria to flourish and overgrow, which causes periodontal disease. These harmful bacteria enter the bloodstream through lesions in your cat’s gums. And the worst thing about it is that it doesn’t always take the presence of advanced disease for this to take place. Of course, once in the bloodstream, these bacteria travel throughout the body, and can have an extremely harmful impact on your cat’s organs. Kidney disease, heart disease and liver disease are all things we want to avoid, if at all possible.
LIFE CHANGING APPOINTMENT To illustrate my point that dental health is so important, I want to share a story that Dr. Schomacker shared with me recently. As we all know, cats are extremely stoic animals and do not show symptoms or pain, even when they may feel really bad. This particular patient was new to our clinic, and in fact, had not seen a veterinarian in quite some time. The owner apologized for her kitty’s grumpy behavior, saying that he used to be great, but sense he’d gotten older he was getting very grumpy. (By the way, we don’t look at old age as a disease.) Dr. Schomacker wasn’t concerned, she’s used to unhappy patients, however, she actually wasn’t able to examine him without using a little gas anesthesia. Once she was able to proceed with the exam, and began the examination, Dr. Schomacker, starting at the tip of his nose - opened his mouth. There she found that he not only had severe periodontal disease, but 8-9 teeth needed to be extracted. (A panoramic x-ray would show us exactly what was going on beneath the gum line and clarify any questionable need for extractions.)
THE NEXT APPOINTMENT The owner felt bad that they hadn’t known he needed the procedure, and promptly made the appointment for the dentistry and extractions. The procedure was done and the owner was scheduled to bring her cat in for a follow-up exam. Upon seeing that this kitty, which had been totally untouchable, was coming in for his follow-up post dental appointment, Dr. Schomacker was somewhat concerned. We really don’t like to have to anesthetize a patient for just a follow-up. However,
when the owner arrived with her kitty and Dr. Schomacker went into the exam room (expecting the worst), Mr. Grumpy had turned into Mr. Sweetie. He was walking around the room with his tail up, and immediately walked over and began rubbing against Dr. Schomacker’s legs. The difference in his attitude? He was no longer in, what must have been, horrendous pain! She was able to examine his mouth with no problem whatsoever.
DON’T DELAY The above story speaks for itself. I cannot stress this point enough, if your kitty hasn’t had a thorough oral exam in the past year, do him or her a favor, make an appointment and get them into your veterinarian as soon as possible. You will thank yourself, and your faithful companion will be very grateful that he or she isn’t in pain any longer. And, most important, your cat will be living a healthier, happier life. Cheryl Waterman is the Hospital Administrator at the Cat Clinic of Johnson County and a long-time cat lover. She has been with the Clinic for the past 13 years, and in 2007 received Certification in Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM) designation. She is a member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association and the American Animal Hospital Association. You can contact her at the Cat Clinic of Johnson County, 913.541.0478.
J UNE 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
assessment ranging from Grade 1 through 4, as to the level of dental disease in your cat’s mouth. No. 1 being the mildest gingivitis to No. 4 being extreme periodontal disease with a need for extractions. If your veterinarian is not checking your cat’s mouth, ask him or her to do it and to give you some type of assessment.
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Celebrate I NDEPENDENCE It is important to always have a current ID tag on your companion animal, because if an individual or family finds your pet, the first thing they will look for is the tag and that is the quickest way they can get your pet back to you.
DON’T TAKE YOUR ANIMAL COMPANION TO FIREWORKS DISPLAYS
with Calm MetroPet Magazine • J UNE 2012
by Pat Hennessy
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ooray for the red, white and blue!!!! But, while you’re waving your flag is Buster hiding under the sofa? You may be enjoying your bratwurst and potato salad, while Molly is miserable and trembling in the closet. To them it sounds like we have just been invaded by the enemy. It is very important that you keep your animals secure over this noisy holiday, as more animals are lost over the 4th of July than other times during the year. You can certainly still show your patriotic spirit while ensuring that your animal companions are protected by following these guidelines.
It will be quieter and safer at home. With the crowds, the smoke, and the noise, it is not something your dog will enjoy. The sound alone can be unbearable (your dog can hear up to three times greater than what the human ear can register).
NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR The temperature can become deadly in a matter of a few minutes in a closed car. Leaving the windows open only provides an opportunity for your dog to escape or be stolen.
NEVER LEAVE PETS UNATTENDED IN A YARD OR ON A CHAIN In an anxious state your pet may jump a fence or dig out and become lost or injured. If your pet is on a chain or cable, your pet runs the risk of injury or death by choking or getting tangled.
THE BEST BET IS TO KEEP YOUR ANIMAL COMPANIONS INDOORS Provide a quiet comfortable area for them to stay — a room downstairs (farther from the sound), a closet, or an open crate (offer this option if they are used to a crate and consider it a “safe place”). Leave a TV or radio on at a normal volume, which will provide some background noise and mask some of the distant fireworks. If your dog is not bothered much by the noise, you may offer an appropriate chew toy as you would if you were leaving any other time (toys you know are safe to leave with him). If your dog is bothered by the noise, then you will want to pick up items that he could tear up — some dogs get destructive when frightened.
MAKE SURE YOUR PETS ARE WEARING IDENTIFICATION. It is important to always have a current ID tag on your companion animal, because if an individual or family finds your pet, the first thing they will look for is the tag and that is the quickest way they can get your pet back to you. Animal shelters, and some veterinarians, will be able to scan for a microchip.
While July 4th is a day for us to celebrate our Independence as a nation, let it be a day that your animal companions can celebrate their independence from stress.
Pat Hennessy, is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides companion animal attunement through behavior education, energy work, and positive training methods. Pat is a certified Level 2 TTouch® pracIf your dog is bothered by the titioner, CPDT and member of the IAABC, IAATH and AWA. You noise, then you will want to may contact N2Paws via email pick up items that he could pat@n2paws.com, phone 816tear up — some dogs get 522-7005, or visit the website www.n2paws.com. destructive when frightened.
Along with the basic safety tips, if your pet is truly distressed by loud noises, consider these additional options. • Stay home with your pets. Having a familiar family member with them, who is calm, can be the first step in lowering their anxiety. • Try some gentle touch or massage techniques. • Body wraps are another great calming option, such as the Anxiety Wrap ® or Thundershirt ®. These stretchy fabric shirts bring body awareness and have the calming effect of swaddling a baby. • Add aromatherapy to the mix — lavender oil works well for us and our animal companions, but formulas specifically for them include the pheromone versions (DAP for dogs and Feliway for cats). • Try flower essences, such as Rescue Remedy™ or natural supplements which have herbal ingredients, such as Calmazon™ with Chamomile and Passion Flower, or ProQuiet™ with L-Tryptophan, Chamomile and Ginger. • If the noise phobia is severe and you feel you need something strong, be aware that some drugs will relax the muscles but not the mind. Consult with your veterinarian.
J UNE 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
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Chip’s Corner
Pawzzle For tips on the answers to this pawzzle, read the story about pot belly pigs on page 30.
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Down: 1.
Pigs, even miniature, pot belly pigs are ________________. 2. This process will subdue the growth of tusks in male pot belly pigs. 4. People don’t always realize they can be very ___________. 5. Pigs are resistant to rabies, however, are susceptible to the virus ____________, not at all related to rabies. 6. One way to reward your pig for doing something right. 7. They can learn to use a _____________ pan. 8. They will eat almost __________________. 9. A fruit or vegetable may be used as a means of positive ____________ when teaching your pet pig. 10. Currently, there is no pig ___________ in this country approved for rabies. 11. Pot belly pigs can make good pets due to their good natured ______________. 13. They can also provide ___________________ as they can be very funny in their actions. 14. Pigs do not ______________ and need water to help them cool off. 17. One positive trait of the Pot Belly Pig 21. Pot belly pigs need fresh air and _____________________. 22. They should have their __________ teeth removed to prevent unintentional injuries. 23. They will wallow in this to keep cool.
J UNE 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
Across: 3. What is the name of the pen used to confine the animal? 6. You should never __________ your pot belly pig. 12. A type of behavior that can cause harm if the animal becomes territorial. 15. It is important to do this before acquiring any pet, especially a pot belly pig as a pet. 16. Even the miniature pot belly pig can reach weights of over one ___________ pounds. 18. Another word for stubborn that describes a quality of the Pot Belly Pig. 19. What type of pet category does the Pot Belly Pig fall into? 20. If the Pot Belly Pig becomes bored, it can be very ________________. 22. There are now some good _____________ diets specially created for the development and maintenance of the pig as a pet. 24. Pigs are very, very _______________. 25. What type of diet should a pot belly pig be fed? 26. You can train a pig much like you would train your pet _______. 27. Check your city ____________ for the rules regarding types of pets you can own. 28. Having a pot belly pig as a pet is a life time _______________ not to be taken lightly.
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Happy Dog
PARKING
MetroPet Magazine • J UNE 2012
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by Alyssa Willett
’m not the only one excited about warm weather. Dogs all over the city couldn’t be happier! I have seen dogs literally flopped over on to their backs “cockroach style,” excited to hit warm, green grass — and I think I saw a few people join in with them! With warm weather, dog parks are becoming more popular and enticing. If you are new to the dog park scene, or are a seasoned veteran, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you head out to the doggie playground.
IS YOUR DOG SOCIALIZED? First, is your dog socialized? Has he/she ever been around any other dogs (other than ones they live with)? There is a misconception that dogs automatically get along and become friends. While dogs can be very flexible, if they are uncomfortable (or are not socialized enough to know the difference between a friendly
approach and an aggressive approach) you may have difficulties. Dogs learn the proper play skills when they are puppies. If you’ve had your dog since he/she was a puppy and you were active in finding playmates and playgroups for your pooch your dog will probably know a thing or two about appropriate interaction. But that doesn’t mean he/she will get along with every dog. I had a puppy one time that met every type of dog imaginable, and loved other dogs, but she had no clue when dogs were giving her clues that they wanted to be left alone. It wasn’t until they snapped that she got her feelings hurt and learned a lesson. If you’re not sure about your dog, seek help from a professional trainer. And if you aren’t sure about how to read your dog’s behavior a professional trainer can help you with this too! A lot of behaviors dogs show that look scary are actually very appropriate!
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR DOG!
SIZE DOES MATTER Do you have a small dog that gets along with everyone? That has never had any issues with any dog, big or small? That is great news! But, that doesn’t mean you should take them to the big dog park. Some dogs have a very strong prey drive. One minute everything will be fine and everyone is having a good time. The next, your little dog is running for its life in what started out as a ‘follow the leader’ game and has now turned in to a ‘catch the little guy!’ game. Dogs can’t help themselves; its instinct. Some dog parks have a small park especially put together for your smaller breed dogs. It’s going to be safer for your little one to go to a small park with dogs its own size than risk getting into a dangerous situation with a group of bigger dogs at the big dog park.
BATHROOM ETIQUETTE Nothing is more infuriating than watching a dog relieve themselves, seeing the owner looking at their dog as it’s reliving itself, and them ignoring it. At some point, someone is going to step in the mess that an irresponsible dog owner left. Would you walk in to a public restroom, relieve yourself, and then not flush? I certainly hope not; so why would you let your dog do that? Have the common courtesy to pick up after your dog. If you are among the few people that get ‘embarrassed’ to pick it up, don’t. It’s going to be a lot more embarrassing for you when a dog park patron yells at you from across the park to clean up after your dog.
NOT A PLACE FOR MATING Lastly, it’s time to touch base on a very touchy topic; unaltered animals. If you have an unaltered male it does not mean they are mean, aggressive or bad. What it does mean though, is that they have a lot more testosterone running through their
system and they are more likely to get over stimulated and pushy than a neutered male. This causes problems at dog parks, especially if there are more than a couple of dogs running around. Most parks have rules that you cannot have an unaltered animal at their park. It’s a safety precaution. Please do not put your dog and others at risk and if you have to go to a dog park go during an ‘off time’ when not many people are there. There is absolutely no reason a female dog in heat should EVER be in a dog park. Even if all of the male dogs at the park are neutered they can still get extremely riled up, and your female can get ganged up on and fights can break out. There are plenty of other do’s and don’ts when it comes to dog parks and feel free to research about it. You’ll find some sites that fully support dog parks and can give you great tips and you will find other sites that don’t agree with dog parks and can give you information on why. Regardless of which route you take, to go to the park or not to go to the park, be smart about it. A dog park isn’t an option for all dogs. You know your dog better than anyone else, be honest with yourself; is your dog a dog park candidate? If the answer is ‘yes’ then ask around; go to different parks and find which one suits you best. Happy Dog Park-ing! Alyssa Willett is the Adoptions Manager at Wayside Waifs. Wayside Waifs is the largest pet adoption center in Kansas City, and is committed to finding homes for all adoptable pets. It places over 5,000 animals each year in loving forever homes. She can be reached at 816.761.8151 or by visiting www.waysidewaifs.org.
J UNE 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
If you are thinking you can do some work and let your dog romp and run in the dog park at the same time, think, think again. You have to be conscious in what is happening with your dog at the dog park. Think about it as if your dog is your child (most people feel this way); would you just let your child run around a play ground without watching them? Of course not! Too many things can happen! They can get hurt, run off, or get in a fight with another kid; same thing with dogs! Your dog can be the most well socialized happy pup around but that doesn’t mean the dogs around him are the same way. There are so many different canine personality types at a dog park and you have to be aware of what’s going on in order to keep the atmosphere safe and fun.
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The Adventures of
Chip
RECAP FROM CHAPTER 4
MetroPet Magazine • J UNE 2012
Chip demonstrated courage in meeting a huge scary dog and in calming Allen and Penelope, even though he was scared too. When visiting them them at their foster home, he got a very bad feeling about the place they were staying. He wanted to help them be brave and tried to encourage them the best way he knew how. He heard the nice lady say, “I am going to help those children, no matter what.”
me, as I did not know if they were going to come back. Of course, they had a very nice house so there was no reason why they would not so I decided to lay down and take a nap. I don’t know how long I slept before I heard the car engine from a distance. I went to the window to see if they were coming home and did CHAPTER 5 not see the car, but I The next day Chip could hear the could smell it and hear lady arguing with a man that also lived it. I sat there quite a while and then I saw it, in the house. They usually were very the car was driving slowly up to nice to each other, but not on this day. the house and into the driveway Gratitude —is characterized by or Chip heard her say she could not and I could see two other people showing faithfulness to commitments, believe she had lived with the man so in the back seat, but could not see vows, allegiance, or obligations. long and still they did not have any who it was, but…….it smelled children. Turns out Horace the big like Allen and Penelope. They sat black and brown dog was the only in the car quite a while talking. I could see they were smiling and they were no other one living in the house besides longer mad or yelling at each other so my guess is that something good was me. The lady was now crying and about to happen. Low and behold the doors of the car opened and out stepped upset. She kept saying she wanted to Stephanie and Robert. They turned to open the back doors and out JUMPED Allen go and get Allen and Penelope so they and Penelope. I started jumping up and down and barking, running back and could have a nice home. The man forth, I was sooooooooooo happy. Had they come to get me, were we going back seemed to be more logical and insistto find our parents???? They all came in and Allen and Penelope said, “Boy, we ed they needed to make sure and do are starving, the food in that place was horrible, and we hardly ate any of it.” things right. The man remained calm Their clothes were kind of wrinkled and a little bit dirty, but they looked happy and tried to reason with the lady. I and healthy. Boy, was it good to see them, as I ran to them they sat down on the found out the lady’s name was floor and we had a hugfest. They were so happy to see me and I was so happy to Stephanie and the man’s name was see they, it was the happiest day of my life. Robert. In the kitchen, I could hear Stephanie and Robert talking. They were talking Stephanie and Robert left together in about paperwork and court dates, medical care and schooling. They never once the car and sped off. It kind of scared got mad at each other and seemed to be at peace as they discussed these things. I went running into the kitchen where they were talking and Loyalty — The state of being grateful and/or an was showing them how happy I was, and they said, “Yes,
expression of thankfulness. 28
STORY DISCUSSION TIPS 1. How would you define loyalty? 2. When Chip greeted his friends upon return what emotion was he showing? 3. There are many types of friendships and family units. Discuss how this friendship helps everyone feel connected and supported. How do you define a family unit?
ACTIVITY Make a gratitude journal. List at least five things you are thankful for this month, each day. Write a thank you to someone that has done something nice for you. It could be a brother, sister, mother, father, aunt, uncle, friend, bus driver, teacher, or even the grocery sacker that helped at the grocery store. Every single person you know likes to feel appreciated. Do you have someone in your life that has shown loyalty to you? Write them a thank you letting them know how much it means to you.
J UNE 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
Chip, we are happy they are here too.” Is this what a family feels like, I said to myself? It sure felt good to all be together again. Allen and Penelope ran outside and I ran out the doggy door after them. There was a big tree in the backyard and they were sitting under it eating cookies and drinking milk. They were discussing how much better it was here with Stephanie and Robert and how they wished they could stay. They said something about fostering people and a temporary home, but I did not want this to be temporary, I wanted this moment to last forever. From around the corner, the big black and brown dog cam lumbering over to us. I thought he was going to grab a cookie right out of Penelope’s hand, but he sat down next to us all polite and calm with drool hanging down from the corner of his mouth all the way to the ground. He looked so funny, we all started to laugh uncontrollably, and then he rolled over on his back and stuck his feet up in the air. He was a big, goofy dog and I cannot believe I was ever afraid of him. He laid there in that position just looking at us for a long time. Allen and Penelope finished their cookies and milk, and decided to join him. They laid down beside him on their back and put their hands and feet in the air. It looked like so much fun that I did too. We laid there like that for quite a while, when we could snickering and laughter at the door, and then a click and flash. Stephanie had seen us and decided we all looked so funny laying there together, she took a photo. It was 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.
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MINIATURE POT BELLY PIGS by Heddie Leger
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f you are considering a Miniature Pot Belly Pig as a pet, it is very important to do a extensive research before purchasing one. These animals fall into the category of Exotic Pets. There are local ordinances regarding these types of pets. It is in your best interest to research your animal ordinances before spending much time thinking about such a pet.
as Pets
MetroPet Magazine • J UNE 2012
CHARACTERISTICS OF POT BELLY PIGS
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While Miniature Pot Belly Pigs are intelligent, entertaining, loving, and can make a wonderful pet for some people, they can also be sensitive, stubborn and headstrong, easily bored thus becoming destructive. Pigs can become territorial and aggressive. Many people are not aware of these traits and often overlook the downfall to keeping such an animal as a pet. Before you begin your search, think about where you are going to keep this animal when it grows to over 100 pounds. Can you imagine a 100 pound pig sitting on your sofa? Pigs often have the tendency to get into your garbage and other things and tearing them to shreds. Think about whether you have a safe place to keep your pig so it can get some exercise. If you plan to build a holding pen, it will need to be of adequate size, and also need a heat source to keep the temperature above 70Âş. Also a means to keep the pig cool if the weather gets warm. Pigs do not perspire and need to access to cool water in order to cool off. This is why pigs have been depicted as wallowing in mud. They are actually cooling off. If it gets cool out they need a warm place to sleep and live. Your pig could live in an extra bedroom, if you have one, with a litterpan. If he lives in the house, he will need a pool outside to cool down in. There are many things to consider!
PIGS ARE VERY SMART Pigs are very smart and can be trained to eliminate outside or to use a litterpan. Confine your pet pig, during the first days to a small area, taking him outside frequently, at least every couple of hours and after
While Miniature Pot Belly Pigs are intelligent, entertaining, loving, and can make a wonderful pet for some people, they can also be sensitive, stubborn and headstrong, easily bored thus becoming destructive. eating and waking up, just like you would train a puppy. Praise and tell your pig that he is a good pig. This will establish a routine and he will quickly catch on. Always use positive reinforcement and never punish your pig. When he has an accident and you catch him in the act, gently scold him by saying no and take him outside. Clean the soiled area with vinegar or a pet stain and odor remover so he does not return to that spot again because of the odor. This is exactly the same method you would use training a pet dog.
BALANCED DIET In order to maintain good health pot belly pigs should be fed a balanced diet developed especially for Miniature Pot Belly Pigs, although they will eat a wide range of foods. Dry dog food, table scraps, and fruits and vegetable diets have all been fed to these animals, but they do not meet the specific needs of the pig. There are now several companies make complete rations for pigs based on their stage of development and/or a maintenance diet. Pigs are omnivorous. If given the chance, they will eat almost anything. The occasional piece of fruit or vegetable may be used as a treat or as a positive reinforcement when teaching them tricks. Raisins are also handy as a reward. Care must be observed to not overindulge in treats, as the pig may rapidly become a beggar. This behavior may be quite persistent and annoying. Miniature pigs also have the tendency to become obese, a condition that may adversely affect their health. The obese pet is prone to heat stress and other problems. Some owners restrict the dietary intake of their pigs in the mistaken belief that it will prevent these pigs from becoming overly large. While this may check obesity in the adult pig, a restricted diet should never be used in the young, growing pig.
SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PIG It is important to spay and neuter pet pigs just as you would a cat or dogs. Males need to be neutered before they are 3 months of age or some residual boar taint may be left; however, they may be neutered as early as 3 days old. Neutering will also subdue the growth of tusks which may become several inches long in the intact boar. Females can be spayed as early as 6 weeks of age. Age is not as critical a factor in spaying the female as it is in neutering the male. Pigs are extremely resistant and rarely contract the rabies virus. They are however susceptible to the virus pseudorabies, not at all related to rabies. There is currently no pig vaccine in this country approved for rabies. Even though other household pets (e.g., cats and dogs) are vaccinated against rabies, the pet pig should not be vaccinated for rabies. For more information on rabies or pseudorabies, consult your veterinarian.
they can be trained the same way. They are social creatures that are very devoted to their family. Even though they are usually friendly and loving, the pot-bellied pig should have its canine teeth removed. These teeth are quite sharp and can inflict serious unintentional injuries. If you are considering a Pot Belly Pig, remember that it can live a long time and this is a life time commitment to the animal as they can be hard to rehome should you tire of the care and upkeep of such a pet. Usually, you must find a rescue that has the capacity to handle exotic animals. These types of rescue shelters are few and far between and always full to capacity. Heddie Leger is a Certified Humane Educator. She is recipient of the 2011 Excellence Award from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is the Director of Community Programs and Volunteers for HSPCA. She is also a Community Training 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. You can reach her at the PawZone In-Home PetSitting (www.thepawzone) and The DogSpot Training Center.
The vaccines used on Miniature Pot Belly Pigs are similar to those used in commercial swine. Your veterinarian will know how to adjust doses to avoid such reaction. Mites and lice have both been found on pet pigs. Lice are large enough that they can be seen walking around on the pig with the naked eye. The pig’s skin is usually not affected by lice infestation, but it should be treated anyway. Some of these parasites are microscopic, so your veterinarian may have to perform a skin scraping before prescribing medication. In some cases, these mites may transfer to the owner, causing an itching sensation and slight rash. Pigs will not get fleas. They may, however, have an occasional transient flea if dogs and cats are also in the household. Miniature Pot Belly Pigs can make an enjoyable pet due to their temperament. They can be very vocal when they want something. They are loyal companions much like a dog, and
J UNE 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
HEALTH CARE OF YOUR PIG
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Training and controlling a barking dog is a challenge for all dog owners, but what happens when you end up in court as a result of your barking dog?
MetroPet Magazine • J UNE 2012
by Kelli Cooper
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T The Verdict on Nuisance N Barking
raining and controlling a barking dog is a challenge for all dog owners, but what happens when you end up in court as a result of your barking dog? When a neighbor complains about your barking dog, you may face a nuisance citation from your local municipal court. In order to take preventative steps to avoid the hassle and the expense of a citation, it is important to understand what actually constitutes nuisance barking. If you receive a citation for nuisance barking, you need to understand your rights, the process, and the potential penalties you may face.
UISANCE
BARKING DEFINED
A nuisance citation for barking will typically come from your local municipal animal control or law enforcement officers following a com-
This article is for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws are subject to change and vary by locality. You should check other information sources and talk to a licensed attorney to receive advice specific to your legal issue before taking action on any of the content addressed in this article.
plaint by a neighbor. Most municipalities have adopted their own municipal codes, so the definitions and penalties for nuisance barking may vary from city to city. Stop by your municipal court or look at your local code online to determine how your specific municipality defines nuisance barking. Most municipalities tend to use similar language in their definition, generally defining nuisance barking as excessive noise, including barks, howls, whines, brays or cries, which cause an unreasonable annoyance, disturbance or discomfort to a neighbor.
fine. Most municipalities Keep your neighbors increase the penalties for from making complaints subsequent offenses. Check your local municipal ordi- by taking preventative nance or codification to measures and being a determine what penalties good neighbor. your specific municipality prescribes for nuisance barking.
THE CITATION
PREVENTION
THE PENALTY The penalties associated with citations will vary depending on the municipality, but typically can consist of fines, removal of the nuisance dog, or potential jail time. For a first time offense, you will most likely be penalized with a
Ultimately, the best way to avoid a citation and penalty is prevention. Keep your neighbors from making complaints by taking preventative measures and being a good neighbor. Introduce yourself to your neighbors if you haven’t already. Give them your phone number and ask them to call you (not animal control) if there is ever a problem. If there is a problem, work to fix it. Don’t leave your dogs outside unattended or for long periods of time. Try to keep their outdoor time to a minimum when neighbors might be sleeping. Work with your trainer on correcting problem barking. If you can keep your dogs quiet and your neighbors happy, odds are low you will ever receive a citation for nuisance barking.
J UNE 2012 • MetroPetMag.com
Problem barking can be a difficult behavior to address and some neighbors have unreasonable or unrealistic expectations. If you receive a citation for nuisance barking, you will have the option of pleading guilty and accepting a penalty or pleading not guilty and taking the case to trial. As with any legal matter, you should consult an attorney prior to making any legal decisions. An attorney can assist you in determining the best way to proceed, explaining the legal ramifications of a guilty plea, or by representing you at trial. If you decide to take your case to trial, the city will have the burden to prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The city will have to present evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that your dog was creating excessive noise that caused an unreasonable disturbance to your neighbor. Most likely, your neighbor will testify as to their negative experience with your barking dog. The city may present additional evidence as well, such as testimony from an animal control or law enforcement officer, a recording, or photographs. You are not required to present evidence or to testify, but you may choose to do so. To ensure you understand your rights and to determine what your best trial strategy may be, you should discuss your case with a licensed attorney.
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WHEN YOU ARE THE NEIGHBOR Are you the neighbor who lives next door to an excessively noisy dog that causes an unreasonable disturbance in your life? First, step back and make sure your expectations are reasonable. Five minutes of raucous “welcome home” barking when your neighbor arrives home from work at 5:30 pm is probably not excessive. A dog barking while playing and interacting with the kids in the yard is probably not excessive either. However, if the dog is outside all day long and barks at every gust of wind or every bird flying overhead, or if the dog is left howling outside all night, then it is probably reasonable to address the issue. If you feel safe and comfortable doing so, try to speak with your neighbor first to give them an opportunity to address the problem. Some people may just need a reminder that their dog’s howling is not as endearing to the person next door as it is to them. Keep in mind some owners may be hard of hearing or sleep with earplugs in, or perhaps they are aware of the problem and working diligently to address it with training. After you have disIf you feel safe and cussed the problem comfortable doing so, with your neighbor, if try to speak with your he or she still fails to address the issue and neighbor first to give the excessive noise them an opportunity to next door continues, it address the problem. may be time to involve local animal control or law enforcement. Call and file a complaint with the address and description of the barking dog. Be ready to give a statement to animal control or law enforcement. You should also be prepared to testify in court as to the excessive barking or howling that you have observed and how it disturbs your life.
MetroPet Magazine • J UNE 2012
WORKING TOGETHER
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The best scenario would always be neighbors working together without the need for an intervention from law enforcement and the courts. Whether you are the dog owner or the annoyed neighbor, communicate with each other. If you are the dog owner, let your neighbors know up front that you are open to hearing their complaints and addressing any issues that may arise. If you are the neighbor, let the dog owner know if their dog is disturbing you. After all, they can’t fix a problem they don’t know they have. Kelli Cooper is an attorney licensed to practice law in Kansas and Missouri. In her spare time, Kelli enjoys working with her dogs in conformation, obedience and drafting events. She is also very active in local and regional breed-specific and all-breed rescue. For more information, you can contact Kelli at her Olathe office, 913-2547600, or visit her webpage, www.kellicooperlaw.com.