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November 2009
Fr ee to Readers
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November 2009
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Feature Articles 6
Giving Thanks to Our Animal Companions Take time to appreciate all your loved ones this holiday.
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Treats for Cats
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In Every Issue 4
The Holiday Season Is Here! Giving thanks during this wonderful season!
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Chip’s Corner We are thankful for our pets.
A low cost way to make treats for your cats.
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The Benefits of Daycare
10
How well do you really know your dog?
Will your pet benefits from daycare?
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The Truth Behind K-9’s and Chocolate How bad is chocolate for your dog?
18 20
The Senior Cat Aging is inevitable — preparing is the key.
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26 27
Ask the Vet How to deal with the big “C.”
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Upcoming Events
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How Cute is Your Pet? This month’s winners of the metropetmag.com contest.
Crimes and Misdemeanors, or A Dog’s Thanksgiving Pet Food Pantry
Cat Horoscopes How well do you know your cat?
MetroPet Resource
Why pets misbehave and how to prevent bad behavior.
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Equipment Tips Ready to buy a pooper scooper? Here are some tips.
Home for the Holidays Tips on how to prepare for the busy holidays.
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Daycare Checklist Ask the right questions before you place your pet in daycare.
Dog Horoscopes
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Dressler’s Dog Supplies
Helping pet owners feed their pets in a difficult economic. N OVEMBER 2009 • MetroPetMag.com
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Publisher’s Message
Staff & Contacts Publisher
DEAR READERS: Now is the season to give thanks. So, where do we begin? First, I want to say thanks to our advertisers. During the past 18 months, our advertisers have made it possible for us to print and distribute this magazine. Currently, we have over 60,000 readers!
So a HUGE thank you goes to our advertisers — THANK YOU! Next, we want to thank our loyal readers. Recently we were at Dogtober Fest. A year ago when we attended many pet parents hadn’t heard of MetroPet. We handed out hundreds magazines. This year, many attendees stopped by just to say “Hello!” Most said “I already have that copy.” or “I just love your magazine!” Wow what a change! I am so proud that we are reaching so many readers. So THANK YOU to our loyal readers for taking time to read our publication and supporting us!
WHERE CAN I GET A COPY? We are now receiving many calls asking where they can pick-up a copy of the magazine. MetroPet is available at over 350 locations city-wide. The easiest place to find a copy is a local BlockBuster or CVS store. We are also at Sears Grand stores, libraries, and a grocery stores. In addition, the magazine can be found at over 200 doctor offices and salons. Of course, you can always read the magazine at metropetmag.com. As we grow, we will continue to expand our distribution. Please check the website for pick-up locations.
DO YOU KNOW A GREAT STORY? MetroPet magazine is always looking for quality articles written by local experts and pet enthusiasts. If you know of a great story, please feel free to download the article guidelines at metropetmag.com or contact us at editor@metropetmag.com.
HELP US GROW MetroPet magazine is ready to grow. To grow, we need two things — more advertisers and increased awareness. If you know a potential advertiser, encourage them to contact us about advertising details. If you are looking for a resource, please consider contacting one of our advertisers. When you do, tell them specifically that you saw their ad in MetroPet. This will help them know their advertising dollars are working. During the next year, we will be participating in many new venues — we look forward to seeing you.
Barbara Riedel barbara@metropetmag.com
Editor/Production Manager Dan O'Leary editor@metropetmag.com
Layout/Graphic Design Alison Fieber info@metropetmag.com
Advertising Sales Eric Novak Ad Sales: 913.579.3815 eric@metropetmag.com
Contributing Authors Andrea Hunnicutt Eliza Sundahl, DVM, Diplo ABVP Heddie Leger Lori Stiles Michelle Chappell, DVM, CVA Pat Hennessy Suezanne Law Tina Marie Frawley
Photographer Dan O'Leary
Contact MetroPet PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Ad Sales: 913.579.3815 Fax: 816.941.4655
Publishing Policy: Articles printed in the MetroPet Magazine express the opinions of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the formal position of MetroPet Magazine. Acceptance of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement by MetroPet Magazine. Articles: Readers are invited to submit articles for consideration for publication to editor@metropetmag.com. All materials are subject to editorial review.
HAPPY FALL!
© 2009 MetroPet Magazine. All rights reserved. Request reprint permissions at info@metropetmag.com.
Barbara Riedel, Editor 4
MetroPet Magazine
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MetroPet Magazine is owned and published by ROI Marketing Services, all rights reserved. N OVEMBER 2009
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home, tired and discouraged from the day, and you are greeted by the sweetest face, the deepest soulful eyes, and the warmth and love that flows unconditionally. The cares of the day seem rather insignificant. You smile, reach out, and embrace the one that has greeted you so joyfully; and you share the love in return.
TAKE TIME TO RELAX AND UNWIND Often times the hustle and bustle of everyday life, especially during the holiday season, takes our time and attention away from things that are important. It is vital to dedicate time for yourself to relax and unwind. It is also essential to dedicate time to your friends and family — including the furry and feathered family members. Often our friends, family and self, take a back seat to the demands of our jobs, community and social commitments. November is a good time to look around at your schedule and priorities. It is traditionally a time for giving “thanks” for the food on our tables and our freedoms. But it is also a good time to take stock in those who support us, reward us, and help us along the way. That would include the companion animals in our lives.
ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU
Giving Thanks to Our Animal Companions by Pat Hennessy
Y
ou know when you have one of those bad days how frustrated you get? You spill coffee on your shirt on the way to work. You miss an important phone call and play phone tag all day long. You are running a wee bit late for an appointment and get stuck in traffic. And on your way home you stop for food and realize you forgot the gift card you were going to use and have already placed your order. You get 6
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At this time of thanks giving, don’t forget to recognize that special dog, cat, bunny, bird, horse, etc., that brings you such unbridled joy. They are there for you when you are celebrating a victory or recovering from an injury, when you have gained a few pounds or lost a job, when you come home every night or come back from your travels. Your animal companion is the one noble being you can count on no matter what life brings you. What better individual could you express your gratitude toward? Louis Sabin said it well, “No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich.” This would apply to any companion animal in your life.
THEY ENHANCE OUR HEALTH There are many stories about a pet saving their family members’ lives by waking them when smelling smoke, or helping to alert someone when their guardian is sick or incapacitated. There are also accounts of dogs or cats indicating a health condition in their companion — detecting cancer, seizures, or even warning of death and staying by their guardian’s side. For most of us, our animal companion’s job will be to ease our pain or stress during every day life and to bring us joy. What a heroic feat that is, for it brings us enhanced health and self-worth. In a world full of greed and mayhem where else can you find loyalty and solace, but in the sweet face and soulful eyes of your furry companion?
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REWARD THEM As we go about our daily lives with our busy schedules, frequently tied to technology, we should take time out for at least a few moments each day to reward our companion animals with some undivided attention and some mindful touching. That is the least we can do for them, since they give us so much. Our companion animals are there for us any time we need to reach out to them, to touch them for our comfort, vent about our day, cry on their shoulder, or just talk out loud to someone who will listen. They never judge us regardless of the way we look, the car we drive, the political party we support, etc. They stick by our sides through thick and thin. You see that with natural disasters, the homeless, and the dying.
HONOR THEM During this holiday season offer thanks to your animal family members — give them a special treat, a new toy, a massage, a ride in the car, a walk in the park, or something you know they would enjoy. To really honor them make it your goal to recognize your animal companion throughout the year. Set aside a few minutes each day to give your furry or feathered friend undivided attention; and set aside a day each week to do something new, different, or fun with them. One way to honor their dedication to you is to provide a commitment to them.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! The turkey is carved, your belly is full and before you get those decorations out, take pause this holiday season and gather your animal family together. Look at them and think about what makes you love them and tell them how much they mean to you. Thank them for all the love and devotion they give you. They may not understand your words, but they will translate your feelings. Martin Buxbaum once said, “A dog wags its tail with its heart.” You can certainly respond from your heart. Let this November bring a day of thanks where we honor our animal friends. Pat Hennessy, is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides companion animal care through behavior education, energy work, and Whole Pet Positive Training methods. Pat is a certified Level 2 TTouch Practitioner, CPDT, 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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Chip’s Corner We are thankful for our pets
Pawzzle by Heddie Leger
Across: I - It is never a good idea to _____ a dog 6 - Dogs are known for their _____ 10 - Insect that has beautiful wings 11 - A pet can provide _____ someone who is alone 12 - People are attracted to these sweet, quiet pets with soft cuddly fur 13 - A group of birds is called a _____ 14 - This farm animal is known to be very smart 15 - Bears do this in the winter 19 - These are what help birds fly 20 - Active, cheerful, beautiful bird with a delightful song 22 - Another word for turtle Down: 1 - Item used to control a horse 3 - The foot of the horse is called the _____ 4 - Container for keeping live fish 5 - A person who takes care of pets 7 - Item used to ride a horse 8 - Dog used to find lost people or items 9 - Bird that makes a humming sound when it flies 10 - The mouth of a bird is called the _____ 16 - Cats can be _____ 17 - Item used to keep dogs teeth clean 18 - A dog has four of these
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H AM I T U P C AT Homemade Cat Treat Recipe Ingredients:
Makes 2-3 dozen
1 jar (2-1/2ounces) strained ham baby food 5/8 cup wheat germ 5/8 cup non-fat milk powder 1 egg, beaten
Directions: Preheat oven to 350ยบ. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Mix baby food, wheat germ, milk powder, and egg in medium bowl. Drop by 1/2 teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack. Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag and place in refrigerator or freezer.
Note: Beef or chicken baby food may be substituted for ham baby food. Reprinted from i-love-cats.com: www.i-love-cats.com/cat-food-recipes/Ham-It-Up-Cat-Treats.html
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Canine Signs Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20) The Strong Silent Type The Taurus Dog is a lethargic and sometimes lazy soul, this canine would much rather sleep than run around.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21) The Yapper The Gemini Dog is difficult to train, firmly believing that he or she knows what is best.
Cancer (June 22 - July 22) The Home-Lover Cancer Dog requires constant patting and reassurance and any owner is likely to be saying, “Good boy” or “Good girl” until the throat is sore.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) The Boss-Dog This canine will need to be put firmly in their place when just a puppy, or there will be the expectation that an owner will fetch and carry for this dog for the rest of their life.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) The Helper The Virgo Dog will never be found sleeping on a hard floor and is sensitive to discomfort in much the same way as the fairytale Princess was to the irritating pea.
Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) The Shop-Steward If an owner should ask this canine to do anything during the evening hours, then double biscuits are in order or there will be no response.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) The Paragon On the outside, it will be necessary to watch out for the tail, which is capable of expressing much more feeling that that of any other canine.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) The Problem Dog This will be a restless dog...versatile, easily bored and totally unfathomable.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) The Social Climber “Walkies” with a Capricorn Dog can be infuriating as he or she forever lags behind.
Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 18) The Friend This canine makes for a good house dog, being steady and calm, not given to rushing around and creating havoc or chaos.
Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) The Interpreter It is not unusual to see him or her pacing between the fire, the basket and the bowl.
Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)
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Leader of the Pack The Aries Dog will never be a “yes-dog,” not even after months of training. The battle for independence begins the moment this little pup arrives in the home.
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The Holidays are Coming!!! While my children are excited about family visits and presents, I don’t know how I am going to get it all done. Business reports, business meetings, doctor’s appointments, driving to Grandmas, bills... oh, and did I mention, I am still scared to death about the economy.
HOW DO WE DO IT ALL? First, I have to remind myself to relax. The best thing I can do for myself, my spouse and children (step or grand) and my animal companions is to be calm. If I remain calm, then I can help others remain calm. Second, take stock of what has to be accomplished. Am I trying to do to much? If yes, what doesn’t have to be done right now? Maybe it can be done in a quieter moment after the holidays, or maybe, just maybe, someone else can do it!
ARE YOU TAKING CARE
OF
YOURSELF?
If you take care of yourself, get plenty of rest and exercise, you will be better able to remain calm and help others during this stressful time. It is amazing how we are willing to spend time, money and energy on others, but forget about ourselves. And, taking care of yourself doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. During these economic times, there are still ways to can take care of ourselves, and our pets, and save money.
PLAN AHEAD Can you plan ahead? Book your pet’s night stay or grooming appointment now. Then, just remember to put it in your calendar. Your life and your pet’s will be more relaxed. If you really get stressed and just can’t take any more, stop. Take a deep breath and spend a few moments with your family — human and pets. Remember the holidays are special because of them. N OVEMBER 2009 • MetroPetMag.com
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The Benefits of Daycare by Andrea Hunnicutt
M
any working parents have to wrestle with the decision of whether or not to send their children to a daycare provider. Do they really want strangers molding their babies? Is there enough attention and love given to them by someone else? For pet owners considering doggie daycare, the answer is yes!
IS YOUR PET LIKE YOUR CHILD? Of course child daycare and doggie daycare is not at all the same thing. But for a lot of pet owners out there, their pets are very much like children to them. Concern for their happiness and wellbeing are very important.
TOO BUSY FOR A PET? My first experience with daycare came when I adopted little Leo, my pitbull mix breed. He was left on the doorstep of the clinic with his seven siblings when he was only about six weeks old. Now, I was in no position to get a puppy. I worked twelve 12
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hour shifts three days a week and took classes the other two. My boyfriend was a consultant and traveled during the week. But the pleas of, “Please, please can we keep him?” from a 14 year old girl can wear you down. Plus he was so cute!
Just like babies, puppies should not be heavily socialized in the world until they are a little older and their immunity is stronger. REQUIREMENTS FOR DAYCARE I was lucky to be able to work out an agreement with my job to allow for potty training the first two months, until he was old enough to attend daycare. Just like babies, puppies should not be heavily socialized in the world until they are a little older and their immunity is stronger. A good daycare facility will have an age requirement for puppies, typically that they be at least four months old. At this point they should be fully immunized with their puppy series of vaccines and dewormed multiple times. I cannot begin to tell you what a difference daycare made in the happiness of our whole family. Instead of sitting in a kennel all day and having boundless energy when I got home exhausted, he was exhausted too! I think everyone knows that feeling of just wanting to take your shoes off and sit for a
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minute, without everyone demanding your attention right now! But when you have a puppy there is no such luxury. Now after his daycare days, Leo was content to be a cuddle bug and just hang out for an hour or so when we got home. Once we both had a little down time and relaxation, we could go for our walk and play a little later.
IS YOUR DOG GETTING ENOUGH EXERCISE? Proper exercise of your dog is key to his and your happiness. A dog with a lot of unspent energy can become unruly or destructive because they are bored and frustrated. Most people simply do not have the time every day to dedicate to truly exercising their dogs. Young, energetic breeds need to run and play for quite awhile before they are ready to quit. The other great benefits I saw right away were Leo’s social skills. As a puppy, he had always been a little on the timid side. Loud noises frightened him and he was shy of meeting new people. In fact the entire litter shared a lot of these submissive characteristics. At daycare he was able to meet new people and doggie friends everyday and learn how much fun that is. Almost immediately he started to come out of his shell. Overall daycare helped us to bond with Leo. Because he got to run off his energy during the day he was much more attentive and easy to train. He seemed to understand pretty quickly that rough and tumble playtime had an appropriate time and place, and was an amazingly mellow puppy at home. He is also very secure when I leave him alone and suffers none of the separation anxiety my older dog has, because I spoiled him by taking him everywhere with me. Leo isn’t perfect; he has his issues just like anyone. But I can imagine what a different dog he would be had he not attended daycare.
DAYCARE IS A GREAT INVESTMENT Daycare isn’t the cheapest thing in the world, but for the benefits you reap I feel it is well worth the investment. You don’t have to send your dog everyday for it to be worthwhile; Leo only went two days a week. Most facilities offer daycare packages so that the more you buy at one time, the less each session costs overall. Daycare is a wonderful option for owners who work long hours and don’t have all of the time needed to dedicate to owning a dog that needs a lot of exercise. It lessens the burden and leads to a more rewarding relationship with your pet. Perhaps weekly visits are not an option for you, but trips once in awhile can still be beneficial. Now that I am working shorter hours and I am able to spend a lot more time at home with Leo, he no longer needs to go to daycare. But every once in awhile I take him for the day so he can see his pals, and let me tell you dogs can smile. On those days, he is grinning! Andrea Hunnicutt is the head technician at Kansas City Veterinary Care. She graduated from Maple Woods Veterinary Technology program in1997. Andrea has been with KC Vet Care since 2001. You can contact Kansas City Veterinary Care at (816) 333-4330, or visit them at their website www.kcvetcare.com N OVEMBER 2009 • MetroPetMag.com
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Eliminate the Hassles of Scooping Poop! by Lori Stiles
Thinking about buying a pooper scooper? Look for these features when buying.
Ergonomic Not having to bend over to remove each pile from your yard is plus. Look for equipment that has an ergonomic handle that allows you to stand upright to clean your yard. Also look for a rake that is height adjustable. This means the equipment accommodates you — you don’t have to bend over to use it!
Durable Some equipment is made of thin plastic with movable components that can break. Look for a simple design constructed of a durable plastic. Also look for a reliable handle. 14
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Sanitary This is the area that normally stops people from wanting to clean their yard. Most equipment makes you scoop directly into a pan that leaves dog waste stuck to the equipment and exposed for you to see the entire time you clean your yard. Look for equipment that allows you to scoop waste into a bag so you can quickly dispose of the waste immediately after cleaning. A rake that is easy to clean is also a definite plus. Remember, equipment that has waste residue stuck on the product is not only disgusting but a health hazard for anyone that comes in contact with it.
Efficiency Most important feature of your equipment is to make sure it allows you to clean your yard quickly. So when you go shopping make sure you purchase the right size of equipment.
Affordable Durable equipment that will last for years and can be used for other tasks around the house such as cleaning up leaves, yard debris, hedge trimmings, etc. is the best buy, even it the initial investment is a little higher.
Dog Waste Piles Up! Did you know dogs eliminate waste up to two times per day? This means that dog waste adds up quickly on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis. Three dogs can generate up to 168 dog piles in just four weeks! Referring to the following table‌how much waste is collecting in your yard?
Dog Waste Piles Up! 1 Dog
1 wk
2 wks
3 wks
4 wks
1 yr
14
28
42
56
728
2 Dog
28
56
84
112
1456
3 Dog
42
84
126
168
2184
Dog Waste Facts 1. Dog waste does not decompose in your yard. It can take up to a year to completely decompose. 2. The lawn mower does not remove it 3. Dog poop it is not fertilizer. 4. Dog poop is a health hazard to you, your family and your pet. Lori and Alan Stiles founded Scoopy the PooTM in 2005. Scoopy the Poo provides professional dog waste removal services and is the leader in the United States that designs equipment used by Professional Pooper Scoopers and is now available for sale to the public. For additional information about services and equipment go to www.scoopythepoo.com or contact Lori or Alan at 816-412-9000. N OVEMBER 2009 • MetroPetMag.com
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The Truth behind
K-9’s and Chocolate by Tina Marie Frawley
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e have all heard people say things such as “Don’t give your dog chocolate, it will kill him!” or “Even a small amount of chocolate will kill a dog.” Fortunately for all cabinet opening dogs out there, the truth to the chocolate rumors lies somewhere between the chilling truth in the refrigerator and the trash. Let’s explore the truth behind chocolate and dogs, and what to do if you find your dog has a sweet tooth. Chocolate is usually associated with being bad for just dogs, but it can be bad for any pet? It is important to know that it is not the actual chocolate that will harm your pet, but an ingredient known as “Theobromine” which is toxic to pets. The amount of Theobromine varies from chocolate to chocolate. This ingredient increases urination and affects the central nervous system in pets.
What to do if your pet gets into your secret stash?
Assess the situation. It might not be necessary to run out to
Did You Know? The National Animal Poison Control Center Hotline phone number is 1-800-548-2423. 16
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the emergency veterinary clinic on Christmas or Thanksgiving if your pet decides on a new snack. As soon as you realize your pet got into the goodies, asses the situation. If your pet snatched a stray M&M that the children dropped on their way through the house, you can relax and move on. If the entire box of chocolate candy bars is gone, start gathering information to give to the vet or veterinary technician you speak with.
Look at the packaging and see how much chocolate your pet ate. Packaging must include the contents weight. Hopefully you will know if the package was already open and about how much was left inside.
Examine the type of chocolate.
Take precautions one step further and place these containers high in a cabinet with a childproof latch. Some dogs are not phased by a little plastic container and will eat right through. Tina Marie Frawley is a freelance writer from Charlotte, NC where she lives with her husband Jay, also a freelance writer, their yellow Lab, Buck, and black cat, McCabe. Her website is www.TinaMarieFrawley.com .
Unsweetened bakers chocolate is considered Theobromine dense. Milk chocolate has the least amount of Theobromine, while semi-sweet chocolate falls in the middle of the chocolate road. Consider your pet’s weight. A large Great Dane will not be as affected by the Theobromine as a small Maltese dog.
Assess how your pet is reacting. Did you notice the chocolate had been eaten because they acted funny? Are they vomiting, do they have diarrhea? Increased urination is another side effect. Go ahead and give your veterinarian a call if your pet experiences any of these symptoms.
DOGS CRAVE IT TOO Understand that just like humans, dogs who have tasted chocolate can actually crave more of it. Never give in to your pet that keeps eyeballing that chocolate chip cookie from under the table. Letting your pet have a taste of chocolate will leave them looking for more and more.
SIZE DOES MATTER Remember, if your 100 pound Newfoundland eats a chocolate chip or two that falls on the floor, you do not need to panic. If your Maltese gets into a bar of bakers chocolate, you should bring your pet right in to see your veterinarian. If less than two hours has passed since your dog ate chocolate, we can induce vomiting to get the Theobromine containing chocolate out of their system. If it has been more than two hours since ingestion (or you are unsure) bring your pet in to see your veterinarian for an evaluation.
CONTAIN YOUR CHOCOLATE Placing chocolate of any kind in a plastic container with a sealable lid will help keep four legged family members out of the chocolate. N OVEMBER 2009 • MetroPetMag.com
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Daycare Checklist by Andrea Hunnicutt
W
hen considering a daycare facility, do your homework. Be sure to ask a lot of questions so you know what you are getting. Not all are created equal! Besides price and location convenient to you, here is a list of things to find out:
Q
How long do the dogs actually play?
Although drop off and pick up times may cover a twelvehour span, typically playtime is more like six or eight hours of the day.
Q
Is there adequate supervision of the dogs by trained personnel?
For instance, is one teenager in charge of watching 40 dogs? Accidents and fights do happen at daycare, it is the nature of the business. But having enough people who are trained to intervene and/or recognize illness or injury is crucial to running a good facility. 18
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Are the dogs separated by size or gregariousness?
A Chihuahua and a Labrador should not be in the same play group.
Q
Are there indoor and outdoor facilities for inclement weather?
Too hot, cold or wet conditions need to be avoided.
Q
Are proper vaccination and preventative medication required by the facility?
Rabies, DA2PP and kennel cough vaccines should be required with proof from a veterinarian. Also proper flea/tick control and heartworm prevention for internal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms) are important to reduce the risk of spreading these parasites. You may be a responsible pet owner, but someone else who brings their dog may not be. If the facility does not require these things, your pet is at additional risk for contagions.
Q
In the event of an injury occurring, what is the course of action?
Is there a nearby veterinarian the facility uses to assess and treat injuries if needed? Who is responsible for the cost? Typically as the owner of the pet, you are responsible for any
charges associated with injury. There should be paperwork that you sign initially starting daycare about this. Be sure that a veterinarian is accessible to your pet should something happen. Also be sure that the facility has emergency contact numbers where you can be reached if needed.
Q
Is a temperament test done on all dogs attending daycare?
Some dogs can be aggressive towards others, and these should not be allowed. Some dogs are very shy and do not enjoy this much stimulation, and owners should be told if it just isn’t right for their pet.
Q
Most importantly, does the staff seem to truly care about your pet?
Is any feedback provided from the staff? A report card of daily activities and friends is a nice touch that some facilities provide. Recognition of your pet by staff and reports of any illness are good indicators of caring employees of a facility. Andrea Hunnicutt is the head technician at Kansas City Veterinary Care. She graduated from Maple Woods Veterinary Technology program in1997. Andrea has been with KC Vet Care since 2001. You can contact Kansas City Veterinary Care at (816) 333-4330, or visit them at their website www.kcvetcare.com
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H ome f or the H o lida y s Tips on how to prepare for the busy holidays
by Pat Hennessy
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W
hether you are planning on traveling “home” for the holidays or having a gathering at your home, it is not too early to be making plans for Toby and Snuggles. It would be no different if you had to travel for your job; you would need to make arrangements. But come holiday time pet sitters, dog spas, kennels and vet’s offices get booked, some pretty far in advance.
PLAN AHEAD FOR THE BUSY HOLIDAY SEASON If you normally count on a friend or neighbor you may want to check with them now, to make sure they will be available. You should also establish a back-up plan, just in case your sitter’s schedule changes. If you are considering using a professional pet sitter, start making calls now to determine availability and interview the person to find out about style and experience. You will want to ensure that they understand your pet’s breed, age, and any health or behavior issues that need to be addressed, as well as any preferences you have about your pet or your household environment, separating dogs when they eat or scooping multiple litter boxes. Having someone dependable and trustworthy come to your home to care for your pets can be a very rewarding and worry-free experience for both you and your furry or feathered companions.
IS YOUR PET UP-TO-DATE ON HIS SHOTS? If you are going to be boarding your furry family member, you will also need to ensure that vaccinations are up-to-date. That means you may need to set aside time to get your canine or feline buddy in to the vet prior to your travels. You also want to call as far in advance as possible to reserve a space for your companion. Even if Toby is a regular for doggie daycare that doesn’t mean he will have a spot over the holiday weekends.
STOCK UP ON FOOD AND SUPPLIES Whether you board or hire a pet sitter, you will also need to make sure that Toby has plenty of his food on hand. You definitely don’t want him to make a diet change at a time when N OVEMBER 2009 • MetroPetMag.com
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he will be a bit stressed anyway. You also want to make sure he has plenty of toys or special treats while you are away. Keeping him occupied with things to do and tasty rewards will allow for a more pleasant time for him while you are gone.
TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET If you take your pets with you when you travel, you need to make sure they are welcome on the receiving end or that you have a separate place to stay. You also need to make sure you have plenty of their food, and some toys or items to keep them occupied. Take some extra time during your holiday visit to give undivided attention to your furry companion. A little massage, meditation, or an extra walk will do you both good. It will not only help relieve his stress, it will help you too.
STAYING HOME FOR THE FESTIVITIES
M ETRO P ET R ESOURCE WHO? WHERE?
DRESSLER’S DOG SUPPLIES 1708 STEELE RD KC, KS • 913-722-2430 www.dresslersdog.com
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS? 40 years
WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS DIFFERENT? We are a family owned business, and our knowledge of the care and training of animals has been passed on through the years along with our outstanding customer service.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF YOUR BUSINESS? Dressler’s has now become wholesale to the public making our prices lower than even the large discount chains. We carry a wide selection of products from hunting and show items to pet items. We also cater to groomers and handle each customer with care. We have daily specials throughout the whole week.
REASONS YOUR CUSTOMERS COME BACK? We always greet our customers with a smile and treats for the pets. Our outstanding customer service and our low, low prices.
See our ad on page 7. 22
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Now…if you are planning on having the holiday celebration at your home, there are several aspects you should consider to get Toby and Snuggles prepared for guests. Provide a “safe” place to get away, be it a room or a crate off in a quiet part of the house, so they are not overwhelmed with the excitement or the stress. If your dog doesn’t have the best manners, start working with him now. You can’t train away from a behavior that you don’t want, but you can train toward a behavior that you do want. If your dog jumps on people when they come in start now by having him practice sitting quietly, or go to a mat or rug, and wait for guests to come in and sit down. If your dog does have pretty good manners, you could train him to do a few tricks — making it fun for your guests to interact with him during his social holiday time. If your dog enjoys being with people, include him in some of the activities, then give him a special chew item to enjoy away from the guests. That way you can focus on your guests and not have to monitor if he is getting into something or being offered something inappropriate. By giving him something to chew on when you take him to a quiet spot, you are letting him know he is being rewarded and not punished.
DO YOU HAVE A CAT? If you have a very social cat that would enjoy guests, it is still best to isolate her to an area or room with a few tasty treats, toys, or some soft music and a place to curl up (not the same room where you place the guests coats). Often you will have someone who doesn’t like cats or is allergic and it is better to be safe than sorry. If your cat is antisocial, then it goes without saying that you would contain her in a safe place and might even put up a “do not disturb” sign to avoid someone accidentally letting her out.
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PETS AND SMALL CHILDREN If your pets will be around small children (especially if not accustomed to it), ensure that they are always supervised in the presence of children and have a “safe” place for them to go when they need to get away. Monitoring your cat or dog with children is for the safety and benefit of your pets and the children. If they both (the animal and the child) have a good experience, they are likely to have a better experience the next time.
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY! Before the turkey is cooked, decorations come out, names are drawn and lists are made, our furry and feathered companions should rest easy knowing that everything is set for them to have a safe and happy holiday season. Pat Hennessy, is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides companion animal care through behavior education, energy work, and Whole Pet Positive Training methods. Pat is a certified Level 2 TTouch Practitioner, CPDT, and member of the IAABC, IAATH, and AWA. You may contact N2Paws via email pat@n2paws.com, phone 816522-7005, or visit the website www.n2paws.com.
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The Senior Cat Starting The Discussion
by Eliza Sundahl, DVM, Diplo ABVP(Feline)
O
ur cats are lucky that they live in a time where people are thinking of old age as a condition to be managed rather than just tolerated. Thank goodness we don’t just accept the infirmities of age any more, but go out and demand medicines and services that are going to make us more comfortable.
AGING HAPPENS TO US ALL
But people don’t recognize that a cat is sick until she has moved through mild to moderate illness and is already into significant “feel bad” territory. 24
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If your knees hurt when you go down to the basement to do laundry, your cat who has arthritis probably hurts too if it has to goes to an out of the way place for the litter box. A lot of my clients say, “Oh I don’t think there’s any problem because they still get there,” even if they are hobbling. But I reply by discussing how much we do in discomfort and how much we must hurt or feel bad before we just flat out give up on an activity. Your quality of life is greatly impacted when you have a mild to moderate amount of illness or pain. Your near and dear probably wouldn’t even know you were having trouble unless you actually verbalized that you felt bad. We get on the phone to our doctors PDQ to get something to help. But people generally don’t recognize that a cat is sick until she has moved through mild to moderate illness and is already into significant “feel bad” territory. So we need to
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depend on other ways to find out when trouble is brewing.
BETTER VETERINARY CARE Our cats have been receiving better veterinary care over the last 30 years and we are able to see that there are some diseases that have a really high incidence in older animals. Just about every older cat is going to develop kidney disease, it’s just a matter of when you find it and how bad is it going to be. About one-fourth will develop a benign tumor on their thyroid that will cause hyperthyroidism. With the exception of our kind of heart disease, cats can pretty much develop anything humans can. Now, we can’t tell you that we can cure these problems, but we can go a long way to manage them and keep your kitty interacting with you, and enjoying life to a very acceptable level. And not just a few weeks or months, we’re talking years of additional quality life.
THE FIRST STEP IN MANAGING AGE The first step in managing age is to find out what’s happening in the body. Once you see what’s there, then you look at treatment options and develop strategies. Since a cat is programmed to hide any illness, you need to be
proactive about looking for problems. The American Association of Feline Practitioners has developed guidelines on Senior Care (catvets.com). These guidelines have recommendations from expects in the field on what to look for and how to manage some of the more common problems. You should start screening for kidney and thyroid problems as early as seven years of age and be actively evaluating your cat’s lab work twice a year by the time they are in double digits. Every older cat should be getting regular blood pressures, blood chemistries, CBCs, thyroid testing and urinalysis. Once a problem is identified, you may need to check more often.
DON’T WAIT TO TAKE ACTION Don’t wait for acute onset blindness to find out that your cat is hypertensive. Don’t wait for your cat to need hospitalization for kidney failure because it wasn’t diagnosed for years after it started. Something as simple as giving a fourth of a pill a day, feeding a therapeutic diet, or giving fluids could make the difference in how long you can keep your companion well. Ask your veterinarian if they have read the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) Senior Care Guidelines and if they have integrated their recommendations into the recommendations they give to you. Work together to make your cat’s golden years as happy and comfortable as possible. Dr. Eliza Sundahl is a board certified feline practitioner. She owns the KC Cat Clinic in Kansas City. You can reach her at 816-361-4888 or visit her website at www.kccatclinic.com.
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Feline Signs Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20) The Earth Mother Lack of sustenance may be the only thing that will motivate the Taurus Cat to get up, go out and complain to the neighbors about the cruelty of his or her owner.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21) Cat On A Hot Tin Roof The Gemini Cat is sleek and long-limbed, possessed with probably the most acute eyesight of its species.
Cancer (June 22 - July 22) The Crazy Cat Indeed, these felines do so love the sound of their own voices.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) The Top Cat Home is where this feline performs to large audiences and even hosts state banquets...all at the expense of their owner and, usually, inconvenience.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) The Kitten Cat This feline is also a victim to allergies in many instances and the tender skin of the Virgo Cat often reacts adversely to flea powder.
Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) The Copy-Cat In comfortable surroundings, the Libra Cat will project an atmosphere of well-being which is pleasant to be around.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) The Cat’s Pajamas The Scorpio Cat always seems to know just what his or her human is thinking, easily senses danger, and will arrive for dinner just moments before being called.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) The Stable Cat A prudent soul from the start, this cat will work calmly and deliberately toward the achievement of their life’s ambition.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) The Cat Burglar This cat is constantly working out ways to improve his or her lot, and devising schemes to eliminate the owner’s shortcomings.
Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 18) The Hip Cat The Aquarius Cat is reliable, goodnatured and intelligent enough to recognize the advantages of sharing life with humans.
Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) The Ship’s Cat Demands that the faucets be turned on in the tub so that he or she can play in the water.
Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19) 26
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The Stray Cat Indeed, the occasional empty feeding bowl may well be the most anyone will see of the Aries Cat.
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Ask the Vet Dealing with the “Big C” by Michelle Chappell, DVM, CVA
Q
A
uestion:
nswer:
My pet has cancer. What can be done to help her?
Sooner, a dog, had a cancer tumor on her leg. We applied the topical Neoplasene paste and it completely disolved the tumor. These are actual photos.
Much depends on the type of cancer and the health of your pet already. Conventional treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Sometimes the patient isn’t strong enough for some of these procedures, or the owner would like other options. We have found some cases where surgery would not have removed all the cancer cells without an amputation, and radiation was too expensive for the family. In these cases, we used a topical paste called Neoplasene to dissolve the cancerous tissue and have saved the leg and are out over a year on some without recurrence. Another case of advanced (Grade 3) mast cell cancer all over the skin of an older Sharpei has been completely in remission for a year also with the use of Chinese herbs and oral Neoplasene. We also stress proper nutrition for all of these patients to strengthen their immune system and “starve” the cancer cells at the same time. The sooner these changes are made, the better the outcome for the pet to lead a full, healthy life. You can reach Dr. Michelle Chappell, at Mariposa Veterinary Center, by calling 913-825-3330, or by visiting mariposavet.com. N OVEMBER 2009 • MetroPetMag.com
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Crimes and Misdemeanors
or A Dog’s Thanksgiving by Suezanne Law
“Mom, Spot grabbed my drumstick right off my plate!” “I walked into the dining room and found Fifi walking down the middle of the table, grazing!” “Buster grabbed the pumpkin pie off the counter and ate it — and it was still piping hot!”
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Oh, the holiday meals that are, shall we say, enlivened by the antics of a hungry dog! But funny as those stories may be in retrospect, in that moment we are often far from amused. The meal is ruined, and often our hardest work is yet to come: cleaning up after a very, very sick dog. So, why — why?? — does Fido do it? Oh, the holiday meals that are, shall we say, enlivened by the antics of a hungry dog! But funny as those stories may be in retrospect, in that moment we are often far from amused. The meal is ruined, and often our hardest work is yet to come: cleaning up after a very, very sick dog. So, why — why?? — does Fido do it?
REINFORCEMENT = POSITIVE ANIMAL BEHAVIOR When it comes to animal behavior, reinforcement is the name of the game: reinforcement makes behavior go! When you want to know why your dog does something (like hanging around the kitchen while you stuff the turkey, or lying in wait under the dining room table), it’s usually not helpful to construct long drawn out explanations about his emotional state or what he might be trying to “say” to you with his behavior.
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The simplest and most effective answer is simply this: your dog does what he does because it works for him. It’s kind of like the Dr. Phil Show: Dr. Phil asks, “How’s that working out for ya?” and Fido says, “Just fine, thanks, and pass the gravy.” With that in mind, maybe it’s time we define the word reinforcement. Reinforcement is anything your dog likes that, when you give it to him after he completes a behavior, makes him more likely to perform that behavior again. Reinforcement always increases the behavior it follows. So, just as gasoline makes your car go, reinforcement makes your dog’s behavior go.
NOT AS SIMPLE AS IT SOUNDS! Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, it’s not quite as simple as that. To really understand how reinforcement can work for — and against — you there are some important points to consider. First, reinforcement can come from many, many sources, and your dog will happily take his reinforcement where he can get it.
TOOLS TO HELP YOU! Containment Options Many people find the idea of containment distasteful because they liken it to imprisonment. When used correctly, however, crates, kennels, and dog gates are extremely useful management tools. It is important for Fido to be included in your holiday activities as much as is possible, (and practical), but for those times you must devote your attention to something else — or for times when you celebrate away from home — containing him in his own safe space can keep him out of trouble and help to prevent bad habits from forming.
Leashes Leashes are for so much more than walking! They can be terrific management tools for a variety of situations. For instance, when your holiday guests arrive, a leash can prevent Fido from jumping on them and engaging in other inappropriate behaviors. Then, since he’s right there by your side, you can train him to sit nicely for greetings instead — and all with very little headache on your part. Sometimes, you can also use your leash to tether Fido to the chair in which you are sitting. That way, you can relax and enjoy your guests, and know that he’s not going to scoot around behind a piece of furniture and get into trouble. Give him a fun toy to gnaw on where he’s tethered, and soon he will learn that hanging out while you chat is an enjoyable way to spend his time. And of course, all the bestdressed pet parents are wearing their dogs today: slip a belt through the loop at the end of your dog’s leash and put the belt around your waist. Now your dog can be with you while you go about your business — without any worry that he will do his business when you’re not looking!
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To change your dog’s behavior, you have to know where his reinforcement is coming from.... SOURCES OF REINFORCEMENT Reinforcement can be external — meaning it can come from his environment, which can include everything from you to, literally, the kitchen sink (including your holiday feast). Or it can be internal — meaning it comes from within the dog: his body chemistry and how he feels physically or emotionally (as he devours the pumpkin pie) are both internal reinforcements. Dogs are opportunists, and your dog’s home environment offers him many opportunities for reinforcement, often at your expense. And since reinforcement always increases the behavior it follows, the turkey carcass Fido dug from the kitchen trash will make it more likely that he will dumpster dive again in the near future, no matter what you do after the fact to punish him for his naughty behavior: The bones are gone and the reinforcement has happened, so the behavior will increase. (Please note that the use of punishment at this point is therefore not only ineffective but also cruel, as it gains nothing and severely damages your relationship with your dog.)
MANAGE THE ENVIRONMENT Likewise, if your puppy feels a powerful need to relieve her bladder, and is unable to get your attention away from your holiday guests, she may potty on your living room carpet. The relief she feels in the moment she lets go reinforces her behavior, and she will go there again, even if she is frightened or even hurt by the rolled up newspaper banging on her backside after the fact. The need to urinate is gone, the relief is felt; the behavior will increase. And once again, punishment only makes matters worse. So, what’s a holiday host to do? Well, if stuffing himself with stuffing is going to increase the likelihood that Fido will stuff and stuff again, and nothing you do afterwards can change that, prevention seems to be the key. In fact, many problems in dog training can be averted simply by managing your dog’s environment so that he learns as much as possible while getting into trouble as little as possible. This can be tricky in our busy human homes, especially during the holidays. But in the long run, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — especially when that pound very likely has the word “dog” in front of it! Suezanne M. Law is a canine-human relationship counselor and accredited dog trainer. She opened Sympawtico Dog Training, LLC to better tailor her training curriculum to the needs of her community. To reach her, call 913-424-5072 or visit www.sympawtico.com. 30
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Feeding Pets in a Difficult Time
The Pet Food Pantry by Heddie Leger
T
he safety nets that have formed in a myriad of cities across the nation prove how resourceful Americans can be. One such resource locally, The Northland Pet Food Pantry is the result of the efforts of Peg McKee and her friends in Smithville, Missouri, the Northland Animal Welfare Society, Friends of the Excelsior Springs Animal Shelter and other animal lovers. Peg has cared for homeless cats and created the KattyShack Cat and Kitten Rescue in Smithville to alleviate the plight of abandoned, neglected, abused and homeless cats in the Northland.
THE NORTHLAND PET FOOD PANTRY Peg McKee noticed a severe increase in the numbers of cats needing homes and people calling her in desperation for help to find a home for their pet due to economic reasons. She couldn’t help them all so decided to do something about it. She contacted a few of her friends that she knew would come to the aid of animals and asked them to help her form a Pet Food Pantry. After just a few organizational meetings, the group was up and running. The Northland Pet Food Pantry, like others across the country, has taken on a life of its own through donations of local citizens. Collections are accepted at a variety of locations listed on the website www.northlandpetpantry.com as well at the dates, times and locations of monthly distributions. The process is amazingly simple, but relies on the goodness of people to share a little of their precious resources of time and money to purchase food for those less fortunate.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call: 816-272-8508 Visit: www.northlandpetpantry.com or www.pcnaws.com
National registry by state of pet food pantries: http://sites.google.com/site/nationwidecatrescue/Home/listing-by-state-of-pet-food-pantries
THANKS TO THE VOLUNTEERS Leading the organization, President Jennifer Fulton, reports that in the first three months they helped 188 families and 289 pets by distributing 2,346 pounds of dog food and 904 pounds of cat food in the Northland alone. Each distribution finds President, Jennifer Fulton and Gina Westpfahl spending hours in the garage preparing the food for distribution. Melissa McMillen, as the Volunteer Coordinator spends countless hours organizing the volunteers who assist. Gina Westpfahl is the site coordinator in Smithville for both collections and distributions. continued on page 32 --> N OVEMBER 2009 • MetroPetMag.com
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This organization could not exist without all the wonderful volunteers who help in any way they possibly can along with the support of locally owned businesses in the Northland community.
TOUGH TIMES CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE The concept of “Pet Food Pantries” is relatively new and becoming more popular with each passing year. Often people are embarrassed at the prospect of needing to ask for assistance when they are used to being self-sufficient. However, tough times can occur at any time to anyone. People should not have to worry about their pets in addition to the emotional stress of losing their income and sometimes their homes. It is at these very stressful times that people need their pets the most. Pets have become family members to many people and are a source of comfort and emotional support, especially to the elderly. It is becoming more apparent with each passing day that animals are the innocent victims of the economic crisis. The Northland Pet Food Pantry provides the opportunity for pet owners to keep their furry family members in the home when tough times hit. Many fam-
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ilies live on the edge from paycheck to paycheck. When a family member becomes unemployed, the decrease of income does not offer the same opportunity to care for their pets. The owner is faced with the dilemma of coming up with a way to care for their pet or relinquishing it to a shelter. The resources for assistance are few and far between and shelters across the country are full to capacity due to this unfortunate turn of events in a person’s life. Many real estate companies report that pets are often left behind when the family looses possession of their home creating an additional burden for shelters.
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DEDICATED EFFORT
October Pawzelle Answers
The Northland Pet Food Pantry is thriving due to the dedicated effort of a small group faithful volunteers that help collect, bag, and distribute the food each month, local organizations like the Northland Animal Welfare Society, Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter, Friends of Excelsior Springs Animal Shelter, along with support of local businesses and churches. The collection process is painstaking in that food is placed in ten pound sealed and marked bags with the original expiration date from the manufacturer. The stories are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. One woman walked away in tears after receiving a disbursement of food. The tears were mixed with joy and sadness. She had lost her job and along with healthcare coverage. Not only was she dealing with the loss of income, but the dilemma of healthcare. Her pet was her only source of comfort to her during her duress. She could not bear the thought of having to give her pet up due to financial reasons. Her appreciation was beyond words at the ability to be able to feed and keep her beloved cat. Other local groups such as Spay/Neuter Kansas City, Animal Haven, Pet Connection and others rescues and humane societies often conduct food drives to help nourish the pets in their care and to assist the families that adopt from them. The Northland Pet Pantry is the only organization in the Metropolitan area that is devoted solely to helping people feed their pets in order to keep them from relinquishing them to a shelter. This in turn helps keep shelter populations more manageable. The Northland Pet Food Pantry accepts donations of cat and dog food, kitty litter, toys, bedding if clean and in good repair and other pet supplies if in good repair. In order to receive food from the pantry, a pet owner must be 18 years of age, have a photo ID, agree not to resell the food or breed pets for profit or sport. Heddie Leger is a Certified Humane Education Specialist, member APHE and NHES, Delta Society International, IAABC, APDT, IACP, NADOI, and PetSit International. She is a Clay County 4H Obedience Instructor, and Registered Dog Tester, PALS for Seniors Program, MU College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center for Human Animal Interaction. She is a member of MoKan Pet Partners and Pets for Life providing animal assisted visitation and therapy services for a schools, nursing homes, libraries, and hospitals. She and her husband own The PawZone Pet Sitting pursuing a lifelong passion of helping people with their pets. www.thepawzone.com. N OVEMBER 2009 • MetroPetMag.com
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UPCOMING EVENTS Paws for the Holiday Food/Donation drive
Nov 1- 30 • Tails R’ Waggin Details: tailsrwaggin.com
Pet Therapy Social Hour Wed, Nov 11 Bolo’s Indoor Dog Park
How Cute is Your Pet? Do you think you have the cutest pet in KC? Snap a photo of your pet and submit it at metropetmag.com.
Details: 816-584-8111
Photos with Father Christmas Fri, Nov 13 • 6 - 8 pm Leavenworth Animal Welfare Details: 913-651-5297 • See ad below
Thanks to My Pet Foodraiser Sat, Nov 14 • Rockhill Pet Clinic
Addie Mae — Addie’s first trip to see her Grandma and Grandpa in Iowa. As you can tell she loved the car ride! Submitted by Lisa McCurnin
Details: 816-333-0973
Greyboy — Greyboy came to us 2 years ago. We think he’s around 4 years old. He likes to talk or coo as I call it. When he came to us he was like a feral cat. I took him to the vet for a bad eye bite and had him fixed. He was scittish at first but now he is really mellow. He even likes our Brussels Giffon Rascal. Here he is getting ready for autumn. He loves to get into boxes. Submitted by Joy Herdman
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Mr. Muggs — Mr. Muggs is a rescue. Pathetic little guy came into our yard in the hot summertime, starving, thirsty, bedraggled and terrified. Dirty brown, completely matted (w/fleas)... couldn’t even tell his sex! Boy, have things changed... after 2 years, the little “Cock of the Walk” runs the household! Submitted by Peterson MetroPet Magazine • N OVEMBER 2009
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