October 2011
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Feature Articles 5
Grandpaw’s Spice Cookies Yum... remember the trips to Grandma and Grandpa’s when you were a pup?
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Trick for Treat! If you are trying to teach your dog a trick, offering him a treat (which doesn’t have to be food) may entice him to learn.
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Cats and Gum Disease Periodontal disease affects 85% of all cats older than 3, according to the American Animal Veterinary Dental Society.
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Kitty Kat Korner Black Cats — lucky or unlucky? It depends. Learn more about cat myths.
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When We Know Better — We Do Better Positive training creates a stronger bond with you and your pet.
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She Loves Life... and animals! and people! and country music!
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My Adventures with a Squirrel on a Stick A new toy for my friend’s pup, ended in a trip to the emergency room.
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Cancer Touches Everyone Everyone knows a person or a dog who has died of cancer.
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Hand Feeding Your Dog Why should you hand feed your dog? There are lots of reasons!
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Variety feeding is a holistic philosophy for nourishing your pet’s health and happiness.
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7 Emergency Care Tips Do you know how to take care of your pet in an emergency? Here are some tips.
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What is Osteoarthritis? This is a degeneration of the bones, cartilage and joint fluid.
In Every Issue
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Follow us on
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Fall into Fall — Have you seen the new pet of the day on Facebook?
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Chip’s Corner — What do you know about cat myths?
O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
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The Benefits of Feeding a Variety
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Publisher’s Message
Staff and Contacts Publisher
Fall Fun Has Arrived! Finally — Fall has arrived! Cool weather and falling leaves. Now is a great time to get outside and enjoy your four-legged friends before it turns too cold. If you are looking for a great fall activity to enjoy with your pet consider Dogtoberfest. Held on Sunday, October 16, this great outside event offers all types of fun events, details on page 11. If you are looking for a way to support Spay and Neuter Kansas City and meet TJ McEntire, plan for Saturday, October 22 in Westport, details on page 13 and 33. This is a people only event. And, on November 6, 2011, is the Puppy Up Walk, at the Belvoir Winery. This walk supports the 2 Million Dogs Foundation. Read more about this incredible walk and the reason it was created in the article on page 24.
Pet of the Day Contest We have a new contest! MetroPet has received so many photos for our Pet of the Week contest that we now have started posting daily winners on our Facebook page. If you have the cutest pet in Kansas City, then enter the photo at metropetmag.com and ‘like’ MetroPet on Facebook — easy link on our website at metropetmag.com.
Are You Prepared for a Disaster? With all the recent disasters, we are reminded to be prepared. There are some simple things you can do including keeping copies of pet records, an extra leash and tag, etc. A few minutes of planning time may save you and your pet lots of heartache.
Want Copies of MetroPet at Your Office? We are adding corporate lunchrooms to our distribution. If you work for a mid- to large corporation and would like MetroPet magazine delivered for your employee lunchroom, please call us at 913-548-1433. Our complete distribution list is at www.metropetmag.com.
MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
Last but not least — Support our Advertisers
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If you read MetroPet magazine and use the services of an advertiser, please mention that you saw their ad in MetroPet. If you are looking for a new product or service, support these advertisers. They are supporting this magazine with their advertising dollars — so please support them. Tell them, “I saw your ad in MetroPet magazine.”
Barbara Riedel, Publisher
P.S. ‘Like’ us on Facebook and check out our Pet of the Day photo winners — they are too cute.
Barbara Riedel info@metropetmag.com
Editor Dan O’Leary editor@metropetmag.com
Magazine Layout ROI Marketing 816.942.1600 • roi@kc.rr.com
Web Master www.2Amarketing.com
Advertising Sales adsales@metropetmag.com
Deals of the Week deals@metropetmag.com
Contributing Authors Mike Deathe Pat Hennessy Patty Homer Jerry King Heddie Leger Cynthia Smith John Rowe, DVM, CVA Cheryl Waterman, CVPM
Contact MetroPet PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Ad Sales: 913.548.1433 Fax: 913.387.4313
Photo Credit: Terry Weckbaugh ImageQuest • 913.262.4355 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. © 2011 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.
GrandPaw’sSpice Cookies Yum... Remember the trips to Grandma and Grandpa’s when you were a pup?
GRANDPAW’S
SPICE COOKIES
Ingredients Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. • Mix together honey, applesauce, molasses and egg in a bowl. • In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and spices, then stir into the molasses mixture. • Drop teaspoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle a few peanuts on top and pat down gently with your hand. • Bake for 8 to 10 minutes then cool on a rack before serving. Store in an airtight container.
1/2 cup honey 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce 2 1/4 cups white flour 1 tsp ginger 1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 cup molasses 1 egg 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Makes approximately 25 golden-baked, paw-natural cookies
Three Dog Bakery Cookbook by Dan Dye & Mark Beckloff Over 50 wholesome, healthy, simple-to-cook recipes for your pooch, from Hearty Hound Loaf and Banana Mutt Cookies to Hungry Mongrel Turkey Burgers and Fiesta Bones.
O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
Recipe credit:
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TRICK FOR TREAT
by Pat Hennessy
“T
rick or Treat” – the famous phrase that is uttered on All Hallows’ Eve (or Halloween as it is now known), conjures up images of children begging for candy in spooky or silly costumes. The American tradition of going door-to-door has its roots in the Great Depression. People used the holiday to vent their anger, turning harmless pranks into costly vandalism. Households began offering bribes to neighborhood kids to distract them from their dirty deeds. After all, isn’t money or chocolate more rewarding than pulling a prank? Well that logic is not lost on our canine companions either.
MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
OFFER A TREAT
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If you are trying to teach your dog a trick, offering him a treat (which doesn’t have to be food) may entice him to learn it. If you are trying to keep your dog out of trouble (tearing something up or nuisance barking), redirecting him with something appropriate that will keep his mouth busy will be very motivating. We all have different learning styles. Some of us prefer to read words. Some of us prefer to draw pictures (or diagrams). But we all like to have good communication with clear constructive feedback about what we are learning. Moshe Feldenkrais (founder and pioneer of a teaching method which focuses on the relationship between movement and thought) discovered that, “we can learn more in one lesson in the absence of fear or pain”. Therefore, we will concentrate and learn more effectively with praise than if we have someone leaning over us and smacking us with a ruler if we get it wrong. Fear or force may get
the “job done” by achieving the desired behavior, but it adds stress which is harmful to one’s health and it certainly does not build trust.
STRESSFUL SITUATIONS When we are put in stressful situations our bodies automatically go into the fight or flight physiology (shutting down the digestive system, pumping blood to the muscles and raising adrenaline levels). Those dogs who cannot flee may turn to fight and you could end up with aggression. For those dogs who cannot flee, and fight is not an option, a strong toll is taken on the body and the digestive system is most likely the first indication (not eating or not digesting food). In this situation you could end up with a very fearful dog. Why risk the very reason that you have a dog — the relationship! An alternative to fearful or forceful training methods is positive reinforcement training. Positive reinforcement methods date back to the 1700s when hunters gave their dogs bread for finding truffles (because pigs ate too many truffles upon sniffing them out).
MOTIVATION WORKS
TRUST A relationship should be built on TRUST and good communication skills. If you can teach your dog to think through a “request” and make an educated decision, then you are both winners. Learning to make the right choice is far more rewarding than just reacting to avoid punishment. If you want to help your dog learn quicker, you can use a signal that let’s her know she is “off track” by making a specific sound or using a word/phrase like “uh-oh”. That gives her the “direction” she needs vs. a “correction. Then teaching your dog a new trick will be like the Hot & Cold childhood game, where children are given guidance by telling them they are hot (going in the right direction) vs. cold (heading off the wrong way). This October, when the wind comes up and the moon comes out, and you hear the haunting sounds………get yourself a bag of candy and get your dog a bag of liver treats — start teaching those new tricks and you will both be rewarded.
Pat Hennessy is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides a holistic approach to companion animal care through behavior education, energy work, and positive training methods. Pat is a Level 2 TTouch® practitioner, CPDT 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.
Book now for the holidays!
O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
And unlike Halloween pranksters, using positive reinforcement is not “bribing” our dogs. It is using a motivator to stimulate learning. Give a dog a treat and he has one snack, teach a dog how to earn a treat and you have a new learned behavior. After you have built many of these learned behaviors, then you have a vocabulary (and a lot of options at your disposal). You want to use a high value treat – something that is really special and used only for training exercises. Remember when you would go through your Halloween candy? You always saved out the good candy to eat later and the rest you were willing to give up or trade away. A high value treat would be like getting a caramel apple instead of a piece of gum. You want it to be special and worth working for it. Training for your dog will be like Trick for Treat every time. Making training fun, and keeping it short, will inspire your dog to want to learn more.
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Cats and Gum Disease QUESTIONS: • WHAT IS THE NO. 1 DISEASE SEEN IN GENERAL VETERINARY PRACTICE? • WHAT’S THE MOST UNDER DIAGNOSED AND UNTREATED DISEASE SEEN IN VETERINARY?
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et me give you a clue, the answer is the same for both questions! It is periodontal disease.
MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
85% OF CATS AFFECTED
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Unfortunately, periodontal disease affects 85% of all cats older than 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.
YOUR 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 assessment ranging from Grade 1 through
by Cheryl Waterman, CVPM
Unfortunately, periodontal disease affects 85% of all cats older than 3, according to the American Animal Veterinary Dental Society. 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.
IT IS A BIG DEAL 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.
A HUGE IMPACT ON A CAT’S HEALTH
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.
O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
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 since 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 and began the examination, Dr. Schomacker, starting at the tip of his nose. She opened his mouth and 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.)
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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 followup 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
i t s e u Q h t i W s U l a C you have any questions regarding kittens or cats, please call the Cat Clinic of Johnson If
MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
County, 913-541-0478. We are always happy to help.
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This 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. examine his mouth with no problem whatsoever.
STORY SPEAKS FOR ITSELF 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 directed at the Cat Clinic of Johnson County, (913) 541-0478.
Pet of the Week
Winners Won an entry to
Romeo
Sherwin
A Package from
Sherwin enjoys chasing squirrels out of our yard & chasing the cats around the house. Submitted by Stacy R.
www.broadmorekennels.com Submit your photo at metropetmag.com.
O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
Romeo came to live with our family as a foster dog. We were just helping him get back on his feet, the 3 he has left. Romeo had to have a front leg removed due to abuse he had suffered before he was taken to a local shelter. After having Romeo for a short while our family decided to adopt him. Romeo is happy and full of life. He loves to run and play and keeps up well with our other dogs. Romeo has been a great addition to our family. Submitted by Megan M.
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Kitty Kat Korner Black Cat and Other Myths Myth #1 Black Cats bring bad luck... or do are they? It depends on what continent or country you live in. If you live in Great Britain or Ireland and Japan, a black cat will be seen as one that brings good luck. In Scotland, it is believed that a black cat’s visiting your home signifies prosperity. So where did all these myths originate? The supernatural powers ascribed to black cats were often viewed positively, for example sailors considering a "ship’s cat" would want a black one because it would bring good luck. The idea of black cats being positive creatures is attributed to the Egyptian cat goddess Bast; Egyptian households believed they could gain favor by hosting black cats in their household. This view continued until the early 17th Century by the English Monarch Charles I. Upon the death of his treasured pet black cat, he is said to have lamented that his luck was gone. True to his claim, he was arrested the very next day and charged with high treason.
MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
Myth #2
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Cats can have cow’s milk. While some cats love to drink cow’s milk, it is not recommended. Many cats are lactose intolerant. Giving the cat milk can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. This can be dangerous to kittens that can dehydrate quickly. Adult cats don’t need to drink milk at all. If you must give your cat milk, it is recommended you purchase special "cat’s milk" which has been formulated for cats to drink.
Myth #3 Cats can have fish. While it is perfectly fine to give your cat the occasional treat of fish, but it should not become a part of their regular diet. Feeding too much fish can lead to Yellow Fat Disease (steatitis), caused by Vitamin E deficiency.
by Heddie Leger
With modern surgery, cats can now be safely spayed or neutered as young as eight weeks of age.
Myth #4 Put butter on your cat’s paws when you move to stop it from getting lost or roaming. Putting butter on your cat’s paws won’t stop it from getting lost when it moves to a new home. The safest way to keep your cat safe is to either keep it exclusively indoors or allow it to go out in a purpose built cat enclosure. Hold off for 2-3 weeks before letting your cat go outdoors in a strange place and make sure your cat has a microchip and the details are current.
Myth #5 A female cat should have one litter before being spayed. No, No, No, in fact it is better to have her spayed before six months of age to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. With modern sur-
Myth #6 Cats always land on their feet? Not really. If the cat falls a very short distance from the ground it doesn’t have enough time to right itself and can be seriously injured or killed.
Myth #7 Declawing won’t hurt my cat. Declawing is more than simply removing the cat’s claws, the last bone on the cat’s claw is amputated. This is excruciatingly painful and not all cats fully recover. Many declawed cats are surrendered to shelters because of behavioral problems they developed after being declawed including biting and refusing to use their litter tray. Cats by nature walk on their toes, so after they’ve been declawed, walking often becomes extremely painful to them.
Myth #8 Cats can fend for themselves. If you no longer want your cat, just release it into a park or countryside. This is definitely NOT the case. Pet cats who find themselves stranded and alone will most likely die of injuries caused by fights with other animals, starvation, disease, or be hit by a car. If you
no longer want your cat then do the right thing, either find it a new home or take it to a shelter.
Myth #9 You cannot turn an outdoor/indoor cat into an indoor only cat. Yes you can, and my cats are a great example of this. They were all indoor/outdoor but reverted to indoor only (with access to an outdoor enclosure) with very little difficulty. It is easy to do as long as you ensure the cat has enough physical and mental stimulation.
Myth #10 Pregnant women should not own a cat. If a woman hasn’t had prior exposure to Toxoplasmosis and becomes infected during pregnancy, it can harm her unborn baby. Cats are the natural host for Toxoplasmosis, however Toxoplasmosis can also be acquired from eating undercooked meat, improperly washed vegetables or gardening. Pregnant women should take precautions such as avoiding cleaning the litter tray, ensuring their meat is thoroughly cooked, washing vegetables properly & wearing gloves while gardening. There is no need to get rid of your cat just because you’re pregnant. Join us next month and learn more about Chip’s Kitty-Cat Corner friends
O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
gery, cats can now be safely spayed or neutered as young as eight weeks of age.
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Chip’s Corner
MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
Pawzzle
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by Heddie Leger
Across: 3. In this country a black cat signifies prosperity. 5. Cats _____________ fend for themselves. 9. If you live in Scotland a black cat is ________ luck. 10. Declawing is actually part of the claw being _________________. 13. True or False. A female cat should always have one litter before being spayed. 15. The best way to keep your cat safe after moving to a new place. 17. A beverage cat’s should not drink. 18. Cats by nature walk on their __________. 22. A disease cats can get from eating too much fish. 23. Cats can be spayed or neutered as young as ________ weeks of age. 24. You should never drop your cat from heights to see if it will land on its feet. 25. What color cat brings many myths about its color? 26. Cats need this to be happy indoors.
1. It is a very good idea to _______________ your cat in case it gets lost. 2. What type of goddess was Bast? 4. Name of Monarch who was arrested for high treason? 6. Many cats are lactose _______________. 7. Can be acquired by eating improperly washed vegetables. 8. Toxoplasmosis can be acquired by eating __________ meat. 11. These men wanted a black cat on their ship for good luck. 12. After having claws removed walking can become very ______________ to a cat. 14. One way a cat can die if left out to fend for itself. 16. If kittens get sick they can ______________ quickly. 19. If you cannot keep or do not want your pet cat any longer it is better find it a home or take it to a _______________. 20. __________ women do not need to get rid of their pet cats. 21. Declawing a cat can cause this bad habit.
O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
Down:
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When We Know Better
We Do Better by Patty Homer, DVM, CVA
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ife is full of change and progress. Since the beginning of human civilization, progress has taken us from caves and fire to homes with many comforts and incredible technology. The way we interact and treat animals has also changed over the years. In my opinion, our awareness of other creatures as living beings that deserve our respect, kindness and understanding is one of the human race’s greatest advancements — and this includes how we teach our pets to live harmoniously within our homes.
One of the side benefits to teaching dogs through positive methods is it creates a stronger bond between teacher and student.
MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
CHANGES IN DOG TRAINING
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Dog training has made an incredible progression over the last 15 – 20 years. Dog trainers that have been practicing for more than 15 years probably started out with some pretty aversive methods. When I entered the training world, dog training consisted of harsh methods like leash jerks and ear pinches. These methods taught dogs through fear, pain and intimidation. Training was not fun, dogs did not enjoy being jerked around, yelled at and dominated and many people were injured when the dog decided they weren’t going to take any more abuse. To explain why traditional training methods were harsh, you have to understand why these methods were used to begin with. Formal dog training started around the time of the first world war, when the military needed dogs to
M EET HEART! There is a not-for-profit group in Kansas City called HEARTland Positive Dog Training Alliance (www.trainerswithheart.com). HEART has trainers located from Lawrence to Pleasant Hill and from North KC to Harrisonville. There are approximately 40 trainers in this group and they are all vetted and adhere to a strict code of conduct. The group meets 6 times a year and at each meeting, they provide educational presentations on topics relating to pet care. The group is not just for professional trainers; HEART has members that are pet owners, rescue organizations and other pet professionals. HEART’s mission is to educate the community and pet professionals about the benefits of using positive reinforcement training.
assist in combat and needed them quickly. The militaristic approach to training worked quickly to get more dogs into service, but these methods were used on dogs specifically bred to work and still, many of these dogs could not finish the intense training, breaking their spirit and ruining their willingness to work with and for the humans.
A NEW ERA Then a new era arrived with trainers like Ian Dunbar who, in 1982 taught the very first off leash puppy class focusing on positive reinforcement instead of the traditional methods and Karen Pryor who worked with marine mammals in the sixties and in 1987 started teaching seminars to dog trainers on the benefits of positive reinforcement training with the use of a clicker. In 1976 the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) was founded with the “commitment to improving the quality of life of all animals and strengthening the bond between animals and their owners.”
DOG TRAINING HAS PROGRESSED Every time I see Maya Angelou’s quote “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better,” I think about how far dog training has progressed. After learning about positive reinforcement dog training and the benefits of teaching both humans and other animals through positive methods, my eyes and my mind opened up with wonderment, followed closely by the thought of “Why did it take so long to discover this?” When you teach with respect and kindness for the pupil, no matter what species the pupil is, the pupil learns eagerly, retains the information longer and readily comes back to learn more. One of the side benefits to teaching dogs through positive methods is it creates a stronger bond between teacher and student. It creates a happier, less stressful environment for dog and owner and teaches your dog what you want him TO DO as well as what NOT TO DO.
When you hire a trainer, ask them what methods or training equipment they use. If they use the dominance theory or any of these devices, they probably have not studied dog psychology, learning theory or the science behind dog training. The AVSAB (www.avsabonline.org) has very specific position statements on dominance theory and punishment in dog training and the adverse effects. They also have set guidelines on how to hire a dog trainer. Please take a look at these before you choose a trainer. The Humane Society of the United States (www.hsus.org) says “Training techniques should never involve yelling, choking, shaking the scruff, tugging on the leash, alpha rolling (forcing the dog onto his back), or other actions that frighten or inflict pain.” 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 she works with. You can find her at www.goodpupkc.com, pattythepuppypro@gmail.com, 816.699.2260 and follow her on facebook.
Traditional (aversive) training includes the use of devices that reinforce the “dominance” theory (you must be alpha at all times) and only teaches the dog what NOT TO DO. The dominance theory has been disproven by repeated research done by legitimate researchers in the animal behavior field. Many trainers, including me, believe that the use of dominance devices can make behavior worse or suppress a behavior causing frustration that can build to the boiling point.
O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
POSITIVE MESSAGES
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Q 104’s TJ McEnt ire
S Life! MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
he lo v es
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and animals! and people! and country music!
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f you live in Kansas City and have listened to the radio at anytime during the last 18 years, then you have heard the voice of TJ McEntire. She is the afternoon DJ on Q104, the Number One station for new country. While TJ loves country music — she also loves the two furry friends that greet her when she comes home. Meet Tito McEntire-Simmons and Skitch McEntire-Simmons!
A LIFETIME OF LOVING ANIMALS! TJ McEntire was born on April 8 in Independence, MO. TJ had a regular childhood. Her love for animals started as a child. TJ found a stray dog roaming the neighborhood. Like many of us, she begged her mom to let her keep him. In the end, Mom relented. The dog was hers. TJ named the dog Pepperoni. She isn’t sure why she chose this name, but Pepperoni was just one of many childhood pets, including bunny rabbits, gerbils, and more. She was surrounded by them and just loved it. Whether Pepperoni started her love for animals or just expanded her love, is a moot point. TJ’s love of animals is huge. She enjoyed having pets in her life and she has fond memories of her childhood pets.
TJ found a stray dog roaming the neighborhood. Like many of us, she begged her mom to let her keep him. In the end, Mom relented. The dog was hers. As with most professionals, TJ didn’t start out with her dream job. She started working at a small radio station. She worked hard. Then she had a chance to come to Kansas City and join the staff of Q104. She said yes — she was home.
CHANGES IN RADIO While much has changed in radio through the years, including the owners of Q104, TJ says her role as DJ has stayed the same. Her “job” as a DJ is to play current hits and help launch new music from new and current groups. In 2001, Q104 was one of the first stations to play music from the new group named Rascal Flatts. She remembers hearing them play the song Praying For Daylight in the station’s lunch room. Since that time, this single has sold millions of CDs. It is exciting to be on the cutting edge and hear new music from popular artists. It is also really fun to hear songs from new groups. She feels a sense of responsibility to help them reach listeners. She loves her listeners and can’t wait to get to work each day. But, work isn’t just being on the radio from 3-7 pm, Monday – Friday, she is also the music director. So when she isn’t on the air, she is listening to the tons of new singles that come in to the station, talking to record promotion people, doing music logs, handling production, and voicing or writing & voicing commercials. It is a heavy workload.
But life changes and TJ went off to college, and the pets stayed at home. While she missed them, school was the priority. It was here that she first connected with radio. A supportive teacher listened to her read aloud in class. He suggested that she would be a good radio announcer. So she volunteered at the college radio station and found out she loved it! After graduation, TJ found a job in radio. Now, she could talk and people would listen. She could be happy, have fun, and get paid to do it! It didn’t get any better than that — TJ’s career was launched!
O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
OFF TO COLLEGE
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CREATING A FAMILY As soon as TJ felt comfortable in her career and at home at the studio, she decided it was time to create a home that she would love as much as her work. Creating a family is not just buying a home and selecting comfortable furniture. It means surrounding yourself with the people and animals you love. Finding just the right pet to fit you and your lifestyle takes time and patience. And, as many pet lovers know, the right animal often finds you — at exactly the right time.
FINDING THE PERFECT FIT
MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
As she searched for the perfect pet, TJ learned more about the different breeds. She also learned more about the local shelters and rescue groups. She became an advocate of adoption. She decided to volunteer her talent and time to help these groups raise money to rescue all types of animals. In the past few years, she has helped with events that support the Greater Humane Society of Kansas City, including the Kansas City Pet Telethon and Dog-n-Jog.
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TJ’s early experience with animals taught her that animals are amazing. They give you unconditional love — all the time. They wait patiently for you to come home and greet you at the door with hugs and kisses.
The first event is a 3-hour pet telethon held early in the year, February or March. The telethon is telecast on Channel 38 on a Sunday evening. This event invites viewers to call in and pledge money to support the Greater Humane Society of Kansas City. Last year this event raised over $150,000 and represents an essential part of the this groups budget. The second event is Dog-n-Jog. This event is held on the Country Club Plaza in June. Dog lovers bring their dogs to the Plaza and walk, stroll and run through the course. This year, Dog-n-Jog raised more than $50,000 for shelter animals through registration fees, sponsorships, day-of activities and pledge collections. “Dog-n-Jog is so much fun. You have people and dogs all over the Plaza for several hours on a Sunday morning! It is just fun,” says TJ.
A NEW HOME FOR TITO While she was working as a volunteer, Tito found TJ. When Tito came into her life it was love at first sight. A lovable boxer, he wasn’t just a family member, he also is her protector. When Tito is around, he is checking out the perimeter, pacing the room, and only barking when necessary. When he is convinced all is safe, he will settle down and rest. Early in the relationship, TJ had Tito neutered. She is a strong proponent of spay and neuter. “Why wouldn’t you? It is not only better for their health, but there are plenty of animals born each year, there is no reason to add to the pet population.” Says TJ. Tito is very sensitive to humans. TJ remembers a time when the young child of a good friend was terrified of dogs. Tito was just a pup. He calmly walked over to her, put his chin on her leg and waited for her to accept him. In less than a week, the little girl was in love with Tito and not afraid of animals any longer. Tito had showed her the power of animals.
personality is apparent He rarely speaks. He just spreads love. And he sticks like glue to TJ. So not only did Tito gain a best friend, TJ gained another member of her family. As the relationships with Tito and Skitch solidified, TJ married the human love of her life — Matt Simmons, on December 12, 2008. Now her family is complete.
ADVICE TO OTHERS As a child, TJ learned a lot about animals and their amazing talents. As she grew to adulthood, she took her time to find the right animals for her lifestyle. Being a responsible pet owner, means finding the right pet for your lifestyle, being financially prepared to take care of the animals and making a long term commitment to the animals, who become part of your family. With time and patience, Tito and Skitch helped TJ create the perfect family. Along the way, TJ used her talents to help other pets find their perfect home. With TJ what you see is what you get — she is an open book! And, something she won’t tell you — she talks to her dogs like they are actual people! Her advice to others: “Take time to find the right pet(s) and be a responsible pet owner. Adopting an animal is a great way to expand your family. When you are ready, do your research and then make the commitment. You will never regret it — I love my life!”
As her relationship with Tito grew, TJ realized he was lonely. She worked long hours. When she was away from him he was lonely. He need company, a best friend. So, along came Skitch. Skitch is an adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Skitch is larger than most Cavalier King Charles — but no less lovable. When you first meet him, his
O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE + PATIENCE = UNBELIEVABLE
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Cancer Touches Everyone
~Cancer is not always the end of life, but often the beginning of a new way of living~
by Heddie Leger
MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
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ancer touches everyone. Most of us have lost a friend, coworker, family member or pet to this dreaded disease. It seems like everywhere we turn someone is talking about their experience regarding cancer. More people and pets are surviving due to the efforts of research, but there is a great need for more support and awareness. It is possible to find cures for cancer. The mission of the 2 Million Dogs Foundation is to foster awareness of the opportunities that exist in discovering the common links between canine and human cancers through comparative oncology research.
2 Million Dogs is doing this through Education and Awareness. The field of comparative oncology is relatively new. By educating people about its tremendous potential through a global campaign of strategic partnerships, seminars, speaking engagements, social media, events, broadcasts, and other forms of media 2 Million Dogs is bring awareness to a higher level, by taking it to the streets. Through The Puppy Up! Walks, pet owners are building the largest pet and people cancer community in the world. People from all walks of life are being empowered and mobilized, including business people, teachers and artists, house wives, college students, scientists and humanitarians. A partnership forged with a single purpose of finding cures for this deadly disease is bringing people of all walks of life together.
2 MILLION DOGS WALKING ON THE SAME DAY The story of the 2 Million Dogs began with a man named Luke Robinson, and his two dogs, Hudson and Murphy, who embarked on a walk
from Austin, TX, to Boston, MA. Inspired by the loss of his Great Pyrenees, Malcolm, to cancer, they walked from town to town sharing Malcolm’s story and educating people about cancer in dogs. As they built a nationwide grassroots movement, Mr. Robinson had a vision: 2,000,000 dogs walking simultaneously all across the United States for cancer. If 2 dogs could walk over 2,000 miles surely it was possible! That’s how the 2 Million Dogs Foundation was born and the legacy that started out with just a man who lost his beloved dog continues... The funds raised from these events will be used to fund canine cancer and comparative oncology research. 2 Million Dogs 2 Miles, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
THE WALK CONTINUES ON NOV 6 November 6, 2011, the 2 Million Dogs March Continues! This year there will be 30 Puppy Up! Walks across the country. We invite you to join a walk near you. For more details on the walk in Kansas City, please visit this website: https://2md2m.ejoinme.org/ MyEvents/2011LibertyMOPuppyUp Walk/tabid/288350/Default.aspx
WHAT IS COMPARATIVE ONCOLOGY? Just like humans, companion animals, that is cats and dogs, naturally develop cancer and just like humans: • Pets are exposed to many of the same environmental risks as people • The cancer cells are biologically comparable • There is a large population of cats and dogs with pre-existing cases of cancer • Cancer occurs in pets within years compared to decades in humans
BENEFITS OF COMPARATIVE ONCOLOGY Veterinarian Oncologists believe there are between 4 and 8 million new cases of cancer in companion animals every year. Most of those never receive adequate care or treatment. Increasing the number of comparative oncology studies means more and more cats and dogs will have access to the latest drug candidates. Furthermore, grants from private and public sources will help subsidize the costs helping more families afford treatment. It’s important to note — comparative oncology studies are NOT animal testing. The companion pets that participate have naturally occurring cancer which means one of the potential long-term benefits of these studies could be reducing our reliance on animal testing.
Behavior Consultants. She is 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.com) and The DogSpot Training Center.
O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
Heddie is a Certified Humane Educator. She is the recipient of the 2011 Excellence Award from the International Association of Animal
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My Adventures with
a Squirr el on a Stick by Cynthia Smith
W
hen my beloved Golden Retriever Wishbone died of cancer in 2010, I couldn’t imagine my house without a dog. It had been 13 years since I had a puppy and I wasn’t sure I could handle that much activity. I know play is an important part of their development, but I am no spring chicken.
A NEW ADVENTURE My new Golden Retriever, Samson, was extremely active by 6-months of age, and in my effort to keep him busy, I thought I’d pick up some tips from watching Animal Planet. Victoria Stilwell is an English dog trainer who can walk into your house and change your dog’s behavior in about five minutes, which really irritates the pet owners. In one episode, she recommended that the owners exercise their dog using a squirrel on a long stick that looks something like a fishing pole. You twirl it around, drag it on the ground and the dog chases it and gets exhausted in no time. Just what I needed, so I purchased one online. Samson went crazy and we had a great time in the backyard. Upon seeing the joy Samson had playing with the squirrel on a stick; I immediately thought about my friend Connie and her 7-month old Golden Retriever puppy named Finn.
MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
FINN AND A SQUIRREL ON A STICK!
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Finn is built like a Mac truck, with feet the size of pie plates. He is big, strong, fast and magnificently beautiful. Here is where things go terribly wrong. Apparently, a squirrel on a stick is like crack cocaine to a Golden Retriever. As I stood in my friend’s backyard swinging the squirrel and twirling it around to
As I twirled around to keep from being run over, I fell off my clogs, and just as I was falling to the ground Finn took me out like a 300 pound linebacker with 10 seconds left on the clock.
keep the fuzzy toy away from our two young dogs, I noticed they were jumping higher, chasing it a lot faster, and were on such a high that it would have taken a firefighter’s hose to break their concentration. They were in the zone. As I twirled around to keep from being run over, I fell off my clogs, and just as I was falling to the ground Finn took me out like a 300 pound linebacker with 10 seconds left on the clock. Now, I am on the ground and both dogs are attacking me to get their hands on the squirrel which happened to be wedged under my body. I might as well have had a pork chop tied around my neck. I can't get up, and Connie is screaming and can’t get them off of me. I have no idea how I got up. I crawled across the yard to safety, leaving the squirrel to meet its demise.
MY TRIP TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM
Cynthia Smith is President of Wayside Waifs, the largest no-kill Animal Adoption Center in Kansas City, MO. Smith has had many animals over the years. She recently wrote the book Dogs Get Cancer Too. She is a first time author, but a seasoned journalist. She is a twotime Emmy winner and a former news anchor for WDAF-TV in Kansas City. She also served as President and CEO of Sunflower House, a Child Abuse Prevention Center. She can be reached at Wayside Waifs at (816) 761-8151 or visit www.waysidewaifs.org.
O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
I told Connie I was okay, even though I could hardly walk and my foot had swollen to twice its size before I left her driveway. For the next hour or so, I sat on my couch watching my foot turn black. About 9 pm, my son came home and I said, “Do you think this looks bad?” Off to the hospital we went, and I spent the entire trip trying to figure out how I was going to explain this to a doctor. How can I say I was attacked by a dog who was trying to get my squirrel on a stick? How could I call my office in the morning and tell them I couldn’t come to work because my foot was broken in an accident that involved a squirrel on a stick. I don’t look crazy, but my life sometimes indicates otherwise. I am sure the incident provided another great story for the emergency room staff at Shawnee Mission Medical Center. And, you know they have seen a lot of weird stuff. Eight weeks later, I was back in my clogs and the squirrel was safely put away in the garage. Every time I see it, I burst out laughing. I guess the moral of the story is “Don’t play with a squirrel on a stick, and if you do, keep it to yourself.”
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Hand Feeding Your Dog
Why You Should! I
always get one particular question from folks when they find out I am a dog trainer. “What can I do to make my dog pay attention to me?” Well that’s a bit like asking what a person can do to get better gas mileage. Trust me, there are more than just one or two answers. That being said, there is one thing I wish all dog owners would do. And of all the things I could teach them, the one thing that will produce the fastest and biggest change in a dog’s behavior is to hand feed your dog. Okay, I know many of you are wondering if Mikey has finally lost it, but I really mean it. When you hand feed your dog, you make yourself more important, you teach bite inhibition and you get your pooch to pay more attention to you, all without being mean to your dog. Let’s break this idea down into the three smaller pieces to get the whole picture!
MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
MAKES YOU MORE IMPORTANT
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The first thing that hand feeding your dog does is make you more important in your dog’s eyes. Some trainers call this “being the pack leader” others call it “being the alpha dog.” I simply call it making yourself the most important or necessary thing in your dog’s life. To be honest, I don’t put any credence in the idea of pack theory or could care less who the “pack leader” is in my house (unless you are referring to my wife!) The way I look at leadership with my dogs is that if I control all the really important resources in Fido’s world, who is really going to be calling the shots? So, if I could get people to hand feed every piece of food to their dog for at least 30 days, the dog is going to very quickly understand that without Mom or Dad, Fido might not get fed! This is not only a great way to bond with and build a better relationship with any dog, but it works even better when the dog is new to the family.
by Mike Deathe
When you hand feed your dog, you make yourself more important, you teach bite inhibition and you get your pooch to pay more attention to you, all without being mean to your dog! HOW TO FEED YOUR DOG So how does hand feeding impact bite inhibition? I believe that all dogs need to be taught to be careful with their mouths and teeth when interacting with people. There is no better way to get this point across than by hand feeding. It gives me the perfect opportunity to focus on giving pieces of kibble, one or two at a time, and teaching the command “gentle.” If the dog touches my finger with teeth, I can squeal “ouch,” with a calm voice use the command, “gentle,” and withhold the food for, let’s say 10-15 seconds, then repeat the process. Before you know
Regardless of whether you are dog or person, we all tend to pay way more attention to the person in our life that doles out the rewards, paychecks or praise. it, the shark you have been living with is now the polite and patient dog you wanted in the first place. In fact, if you do it right, you will find that when you say “ouch” anytime a tooth is felt, most dogs will actually begin licking you as a way to express their own apology and realize they got too rough. So simply by feeding our dogs by hand, we are teaching mouth skills (or bite inhibition) with humans who they need for the stuff they want. But wait there’s more…
PAY ATTENTION
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 2010 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.
O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
It makes sense that hand feeding your dog would help get your dog to pay attention to you, right? But why does that matter? Regardless of whether you are dog or person, we all tend to pay way more attention to the person in our life that doles out the rewards, paychecks or praise. Unfortunately, the opposite can be said for those who punish, write up or take things away (we avoid them like the plague!) So by simply looking at the relationship between you and your dog, and determining who controls the resources, you can put yourself right at the top of Fido’s list of people he/she needs to survive in this big old world. I hope as you are reading this article you are starting to inventory all the resources that your pooch has and how you can use them in training. I do want to share with you a very critical distinction and mistake many people make when trying to control resources with a dog; they think that control has to be in some way negative. Think of it this way... spoiling a dog or child is thought to be a bad thing; but what if the spoiling only occurs when the dog or child has earned it? The ultimate goal is to be necessary in their life, not control that life. So, get out there, and hand feed your pooch and see the differences it will make!
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The Benefits of Feeding a Variety
MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
WHAT IS VARIETY FEEDING?
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Variety or rotational feeding is a holistic nutritional philosophy for nourishing your pet’s health and happiness. It means varying both food proteins (chicken, beef, lamb, etc.) and food forms (raw, cans, dry, etc.) offered to your pet. In essence, the simplest way to think of variety feeding is to think about your own diet. Do you eat the same meal every morning and every night? No, of course you don’t. Humans have the ability to choose different foods every day. Chances are, if you ate chicken and rice for every meal, you would become bored with the flavor. Similarly, if you ate soup for every meal, you may get tired of the texture. Variety feeding allows pets to enjoy variety in their diet, and enables them to experience different flavors and textures for health and happiness.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS Although we believe there to be many health and behavioral benefits to feeding pets a variety of proteins, the four major benefits are the following.
Most premium natural pet foods are complete and balanced. However, every food ingredient has a unique nutritional profile.
MORE COMPLETE MICRO-NUTRIENT INTAKE, BOTH CANINES AND FELINES (ROTATION OF PROTEINS ) Most premium natural pet foods are complete and balanced. However, every food ingredient has a unique nutritional profile. This includes amino acid ratios, fatty acid profiles, and micro or trace nutrient compositions. For example, oatmeal is a great source of beta glucans, while brown rice is rich in manganese. Variety in your pet’s diet delivers different food ingredients and promotes a well-balanced nutrient intake from a wide array of foods. For example, feeding Instinct® Duck Meal and Turkey Meal Formula, supplies your pet with a high level of the amino acid tryptophan. Feeding Prairie® Salmon Meal and Brown Rice Medley, provides high levels of omega fatty acids from fish. Both are excellent and complete diets that can be fed without rotating, but rotation allows your pet to experience the benefits of both.
Water is critical to life. Without adequate water intake, our cells experience detrimental effects and begin to die.
INCREASED WATER CONSUMPTION (ROTATION OF FORMS)
INTEREST AT MEALTIME, BOTH CANINES AND FELINES Some pets become accustomed to certain textures, flavors, and even brands; they become less inclined to try new foods or may become uninterested in their meal. With a variety of food choices, your pet will always be excited about the foods in his or her dish, anticipating the excitement mealtime brings.
O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
Water is critical to life. Without adequate water intake, our cells experience detrimental effects and begin to die. However, not all pets will drink water, especially cats. The ancestors of our pet felines drank very little water because they ate fresh prey, which contains over 70% moisture. Many health problems that veterinarians see in their clinics are related to water imbalance. Urinary tract disease (stones, crystals), liver disease, kidney disease, and constipation are all indirectly related to water balance. Typically, the symptoms of these diseases can be alleviated by feeding a high moisture diet such as canned or raw frozen foods. Once the body is properly hydrated, the liver, kidney, and bowels have the opportunity to function correctly. More importantly, the urine becomes more dilute which prevents crystals from forming or turning into stones. The first line of defense against urinary tract disease is not always feeding a special diet – generally veterinarians will first suggest that their clients increase water consumption.
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PETS OF ALL BREEDS AND ALL AGES BENEFIT FROM VARIETY FEEDING
MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
Ideally, feeding a variety of proteins should start as soon as your puppy or kitten can eat solid food. Starting with various flavors of canned and kibble, mixed with raw frozen diets, is an easy way to introduce your new family member to the benefits of a natural, variety-based diet. Eventually, the amount of raw food you feed your pet can be increased so that your pet is eating all 3 forms. These 3 forms need not be fed at the same meal — some people mix kibble and raw or kibble and canned while others feed kibble for breakfast and canned or raw for dinner. Any of these combinations are acceptable — the idea is simply to offer a variety. If your pet is older, introducing him/her to rotation feeding may take a little bit of patience. Older animals tend to become imprinted on certain foods. It is much easier to transition younger animals to raw diets than it is for older animals. For these cases, some owners find it useful to gently take the “chill-off” the raw food and serve it with canned or kibble. Likewise, cats that have been fed solely canned food may not like the crunchy texture of kibble. It is often recommended that small amounts of kibble be blended into the canned food to accustom your pet to the new texture of a dry food. Alternatively, some owners pour a natural chicken broth over the kibble. Each pet is unique and there may still be some flavors he/she does not like. Interestingly, when disliked flavors are re-introduced after a few months of feeding a variety of proteins, many pets readily accept the once disliked flavor. Or perhaps your pet has developed a food intolerance or allergy to certain ingredients. In these cases, any degree of food rotation will be beneficial. Food allergies or intolerance are slightly different and may require a stricter diet. However, once the foodrelated symptoms are under control, many owners report that their pet is able to tolerate small amounts of the once problematic ingredient, though not always. Raw frozen diets are excellent for pets with food-related allergies.
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At Nature’s Variety, our passion is the health and happiness of your cherished cat or dog. We are proud pet parents, just like you! So we understand that your pet has a special place in your family, in your life, and in your heart. Nature’s Variety is a natural pet food company located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Our team is passionate about providing proper, holistic nutrition for your beloved dog and cat. Details about the entire product line, including retailers can be found at http://www.naturesvariety.com/about
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7 Emergency Care Tips for Injured Pets O
ne of the most distressing events for pet owners to encounter is witnessing their pet being injured in a road traffic accident, or some other type of mishap that causes injury. When your pet does become injured, here are some tips to increase your pet’s chance of a speedy recovery. Get your pet out of harm’s way. If your pet was involved in a road traffic accident, move the animal to the side of the road, using slow, deliberate movements. You don’t want to scare the already frightened animal or worsen any injuries that your pet may have suffered. Call a veterinarian. Add your veterinarian’s telephone number into your cell phone speed dial in case of an emergency, or if you are traveling, the number of a local veterinarian. Do not administer fluids or food to the animal in case an anesthetic is needed, unless instructed by the veterinarian, as in the case of a diabetic with low blood sugar. Stop any bleeding. To stop heavy bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean towel or cloth. This is usually better than a tourniquet, which can lead to tissue death from lack of oxygen. To stop a graze bleeding, apply powdered pepper or turmeric, which are easily available and wonderful clotting agents. Keep the animal warm. If an injured animal feels ice-cold due to shock, wrap a plastic bottle filled with warmed water in a towel to avoid burning or overheating the animal. Never put a hot water bottle directly against the animal. The animal can also be wrapped in insulating material such as a rug, a thermal blanket, or even bubble wrap. If an animal is in shock, a quiet, dimly lit space can be helpful. Use a large rug or box to transport the animal. When a pet has been badly injured and is not easily handled due to pain, use a large rug to transport dogs, or a cage (or box) lined with a towel for
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small pets such as cats, rabbits or hamsters. If you suspect fractures, a board can be used like a stretcher. Remember, even the most friendly pet may bite when in pain. A thick towel wrapped around your arm and hands can help. A tie or soft rope can be used as an emergency muzzle or leash. Clean the wounds. Clean wounds can be washed with calendula herbal tincture (available at most health food stores), 10-20 drops in tepid water. Infected wounds can be safely cleaned with tepid salt water. Use as much salt as will dissolve in water. Carry supplies. Always carry a tube of HP Healing Cream for external application onto wounds, cuts, bruises, burns, and bites, as well as HP Trauma/First Aid, for internal use for shock, sprains, injury, and swelling.
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O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
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What is
Osteoarthritis? by Dr. Rowe
S
imply put the ongoing degeneration of cartilage and joint fluid in various joints over time. It occurs in everyone to some degree with the aging process. Both genetic and environmental factors play key roles in its progression and prevention.
Weight control is paramount. Exercise and diet can actually prevent arthritis!
MetroPet Magazine • O CTOBER 2011
SIGNS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS
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Many pets are slow to rise after sleeping or resting. Stiffness in the legs and back may lessen with movement. Short stilted gaits and sore muscles are often observed. Cats may simply choose not to jump as high or as often. It is important to note that most dogs and cats will now cry out in pain. Some may exhibit subtle grunts and groans, while others may be agitated or grumpy. It is important to note that most dogs and cats will not cry out in pain. Some may exhibit subtle grunts and groans, while others may be agitated or grumpy.
WHAT IS AFFECTED? Any pet can be affected by OA. Seniors, athletes, those with breed or genetic predispositions and individuals who have suffered traumatic injuries are most commonly impacted. Seniors most often
come to mind, but most pets begin the process much earlier in life. Some changes can be seen radiographically by six months of age! That is why prevention is the key.
WHAT CAN WE DO? Weight control is paramount. Did you know that the heavier you are the more inflammation you have in your joints? New research has found that inflammatory mediators are produced in your fat reserves and cause inflammation throughout the body. Exercise and diet can actually prevent arthritis! If your pet is already overweight, we can easily reduce weight using proper nutrition, probiotics, and healthy products like Slentrol® to manage appetite more naturally.
SUPPLEMENTS Vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine/chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and chondroprotective agents (Adequan®) are essential for the healing proves to occur. As inflammatory mediators and free radicals damage cartilage and joint fluid, these agents reduce and remove free radicals and stimulate new cell growth. Not all supplements are created equal. Please ask us for our recommendations
NSAIDS Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs have long been used for arthritis pain and inflammation. Many people avoid their use for their pets, thinking they are unhealthy. However, research has shown that judicious use of NSAIDS in low doses consistently can slow down and reduce arthritis through time. It is important to note that human NSAIDS are not safe for use in pets. Veterinary formulations, such as Rimadyl®, is thoroughly tested for long term use as needed.
ACUPUNCTURE AND LASER THERAPY Many people are unaware of the tremendous benefits of these modalities. When using acupuncture and laser therapy as part of a preventative health program, we simply use fewer pharmaceuticals! We can naturally reduce pain and swelling, stimulate circulation and healing, and enable the body to rehabilitate much quicker than using conventional methods alone. Talk to us. We are here to help.
KEEP MOVING! Strong muscles mean more healthy joints and better flexibility. Using a “whole body” philosophy while combining contemporary and alternative medicine is key in the preventative health and management of every pet. Your involvement is very important to your pets health. Together, we can live longer, healthier lives. Dr. John Rowe received his veterinary degree from Kansas State University in 1990, and has been the proud owner of Aid Animal Hospital for over a decade. Today, Dr. Rowe is an accomplished surgeon, certified veterinary acupuncturist, and medical practitioner. The hospital is located at 8343 Wornall Road and Dr. Rowe can be reached at 816-363-4922.
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O CTOBER 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
September 2011 Pawzzle
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Pet of the Week
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