Northwest Pet Magazine by Laura Olson

FEBRUARY 2011

SPOKANE | COEUR D’ALENE | SPOKANE VALLEY | LIBERTY LAKE | SANDPOINT

we are

growing ...

pet northwest

Find out how to grow with us:

(208) 457.7211

MAGAZINE

www.northwestpetmagazine.com

Pets with Purpose

Pet Picks

What’ s Inside

Raising Chickens

Editor Letter

Community Spotlight

Pets & Family

Professional Spotlight

Pet Advice

Sweet Treats

Look! I’m Famous...

Hazardous Plants Ralph Ansel

Acupuncture

Herbs for your pet

Pets & Technology

Feature Pet

northwest pet magazine

Look...

pet northwest

M A G A ZIN E

PUBLISHER

ZOLT Publishing

EDITOR Emily Olson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Laura Olson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Emily Olson | Laura Olson | Duncan Behar EDITORIAL INQUIRES Emily Olson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emily Olson | Laura Olson | Stephanie Waltz

PHOTOGRAPHY Laura Olson

Want to see your precious pet in a future issue?

WEB DESIGNER Laura Olson

Visit us online to submit your pet photos for consideration! www.northwestpetmagazine.com All eligible photos must be 300dpi or more and contain non copyrighted images.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED BY: Kathy Regan CONTACT US Northwest Pet Magazine is published monthly by ZOLT Publishing, Inc. 2600A E Seltice Way #306 Post Falls, ID 83854 Phone: (208) 457.7211 Email: info@NorthwestPetMagazine.com www.NorthwestPetMagazine.com

I’m famous! 4 northwest pet magazine

ADVERTISING OFFICE: 208.457.7211 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from publisher. Photographs, graphics,and artwork are the property of ZOLT Publishing, Inc. © 2011 ZOLT Publishing

Love

Family

Hom e

Shelby

Shepherd Mix | Adult Female Shelby is a sweet girl who is seeking a forever home. She participated in our Pawsitive Works Program and did very well! Shelby knows her basic commands and even knows how to “shake”. Shelby has been here for a long time and is a member of our Lonely Hearts Club. Shelby would do best in an adult only home with no felines.

Pampurred Apparel Pet Bakery

Boarding Supplies

208.777.3190

To learn more about Shelby, please contact: Kootenai Humane Society (208) 772-4019

ver e r o F Every pet deserves to be loved! Cheris h

February 2011 What an amazing diﬀerence a month can make! This time last month we excitedly put pen to paper with the hope of providing our community with a publication of substance, style and significance dedicated to our beloved pets. Based on the wonderful reader response we received, we couldn’t be any prouder of our launch issue! It’s humbling to hear that our January issue generated so much dialogue amongst readers and businesses alike. Your kind words of encouragement and praise let us know that we are on the right track. You may not be aware of just how interactive we’ve designed our magazine and website to be with our community. We would love it if you would take part in making this the best magazine it can be by getting involved. Visit our website and upload your pet photos for the Look! I’m Famous pages or suggest an upcoming event (large or small) that you’d like to see in the Activity Guide. We would love to hear what Pet Advice questions you have. If you ask the question, we’ll find the local expert to give you an answer. So, what’s going on in February? In this issue, we've gathered up a handful of great gadgets designed just for your pets in our Pets & Technology feature story (p.16)…make sure you take a look at the awesome inventions that have made owning a horse, dog or cat easier, healthier and more fun! As the Spring makes its slow approach we thought it only fitting to talk about a growing trend in the U.S. and certainly here in the Northwest, the who, what, where, when, and how on raising Backyard Chickens. (p.20). We close this month’s magazine with our first local Pet with Purpose (p.30), Schweitzer Mountain’s very own Avalanche Rescue Dog, Chaco! Be sure to visit our website and watch the video of Chaco hard at work up on the mountain. We couldn't have asked for a better dog as our first local Pet with Purpose and I guarantee you will be amazed when you see him riding the chair lift and running fullstop down Schweitzer's steep slopes! After consulting our crystal ball and foreseeing the future of Northwest Pet Magazine, we simply can’t wait to bring you interesting and informative articles each month about our community, about our resident pet experts and about the connections we forge between us and our pets every day.

As I sign oﬀ, it bears repeating just how touched we were to hear your words of appreciation and excitement for our publication...I assure you, the feeling is mutual!!! Emily Olson Editor

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northwest pet magazine

february activity guide

Annual Sled Dog Races

Spokane Ag Show & Farm Forum

February 1-3 Spokane Convention Center The Pacific Northwest Farm Forum produces farm panels, seminars, and other educational activities to bring you the most current & cutting-edge information. The Ag Expo/Farm Forum Pass is good for ALL three days of the show. For more information call (509) 321-3633

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February 5-6 U.S.F.S Airport, Priest Lake For over thirty-five years the US Pacific Coast Championship Sled Dog Race has been held at Priest Lake. Each year 75 to 100 teams from around the country and as far away as Alaska and Canada gather on the west side of the lake for the competition. Mushers come from all over the west to participate in the Priest Lake Race. 509-447-5744 or http:// inlandempiresleddogassociation.com

PAWS & POLES

March 5th 49 Degrees North Nordic Ski Area The 5th annual Paws and Poles will be held March 5,2011. There will be a live auction at the conclusion of the race! Bring your dog, your skis or snowshoes, and join us for a romp in the snow! All proceeds benefit SpokAnimal C.A.R.E.

northwest pet magazine | Community Spotlight

Locally Produced! Libby’s Best Dog Bakery Libby’s Best Dog Bakery produces tasty 100% USDA Certified Organic dog treats. Committed to the development of organic products, Libby’s Best hand grinds all of their grains and peanuts to insure they are using only the freshest products available and never contains added salt, sugar or preservatives. Produced in Post Falls, Idaho and found in many local pet supply stores Libby’s best has become a favorite for dog owners near and far. For more information visit www. libbysbestdogbakery.com

America’s Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, "America's Veterinarian," is the popular veterinary contributor to ABC-TV's "Good Morning America," the resident veterinarian on "The Dr. Oz Show" and the pet expert for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Dr. Becker is co-author of the fastest-selling pet book in history, "Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul," and is a resident of our area. For more information about Dr. Becker’s fantastic collection of books visit www.petconnection.com

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pet picks winter warm-ups Winter warm-ups for your pet that are functional and fashionable. To find quality apparel to suit your pets needs check out these great local options.

Avery - Boaters Dog Parka Vest Pawpular Pet Companions 21950 E. Country Vista Drive #100, Liberty Lake

Wind Horse Jackets Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pet Market

Premiere - Fido Fleece Urban Canine

12208 N Division Street, Suite B, Spokane

1220 S Grand, Spokane

Ruff Wear - Cloud Chaser Prairie Dog Mercantile 2917 E Palouse HWY, Spokane

Zack & Zoey - Knit Sweater Yuppy Puppy 9423 N Newport Hwy, Spokane

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EZY Dog - Mission Jacket DogTown 518 S Thor St, Spokane

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for the March issue?

www.northwestpetmagazine.com 11

northwest pet magazine | Pets & Family

Fun Facts

Dogs:

Cats:

• Most domestic dogs are capable of reaching speeds up to nineteen miles per hour.

• Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds, while dogs only have about ten.

• At the end of the Beatles’ song “A Day in the Life”, an ultrasonic whistle, audible only to dogs, was recorded by Paul McCartney for his Shetland sheepdog. • The last member of the famous Bonaparte family, Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte, died in 1945, of injuries sustained from tripping over his dog’s leash.

Exotic Pets: • To survive, every bird must eat at least half its own weight in food each day. • The maximum speed of a chicken is 9 miles per hour.

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• A cat’s tongue is scratchy because it’s lined with papillae—tiny elevated backwards hooks that help to hold prey in place. • Black cat superstitions originated in America. In Asia and England, a black cat is considered lucky.

h azardou s

Plants...

houseplants to keep your pet clear of

With over 100 different house plants considered poisonous to cats, dogs and people it is important to research any new houseplants prior to bringing them into your home. Many plants are quite beautiful and add vibrancy and vitality to your home however even the most beautiful plant loses its luster when it can make your pet ill. To make sure that you and your family are as safe as possible we’ve compiled a list of the most commonly grown houseplants that pose a threat to your beloved pet. CATS: Aloe Vera, Amaryllis, Asparagus Fern, Caladium, Crotons, Dieffenbachia (aka Dumb Cane), Any True Lily, Philodendron, Rubber Plant, Carnation, Daisy, Baby’s Breath, Bird of Paradise DOGS: Aloe Vera, Daffodil, Ivy, Ficus, Jade, Peace Lily, Philodendron, Poinsettia, Mother in Law’s Tongue, Tulip, Croton, Pothos, Sago Palm, Schefflera

"Voted Spokane's Best Pet Supply Store" "Voted Spokane's Best Pet Supply Store" (KREM ZBest of Spokane 2010 Survey)

Offering only Wholistic Dog & Cat food and treats from Acana, Orijen, NutriSource, Pure Vita, Lotus, Natural Balance, Canidae, Honest Kitchen, California Natural, Innova, Evo, Taste of the Wild, Merrick, ZiwiPeak, Stella & Chewys', Instinct, Zuke's, Plato, and many more...

Mention this ad and get 10% off one bag/box of treats! expires 7/31/2011

www.prairiedogmercantile.com

www.northwestpetmagazine.com 13

Professional

Spotlight

Trainer | Ralph Ansel To serve and protect. One might assume that 25+ years of police K9 handling experience would make resident trainer, Ralph Ansel, singularly focused on training protection or detection dogs in our area but this is not the case. Ralph has taken his vast experience with detection dogs and created a translation for our residents; a program which is family friendly, practical, and accessible to the owner of any breed, German Shepherd or Poodle alike. Trained at the world renowned Adlerhorst International Police K9 Academy and receiving his direct education from Adlerhorst founder, Dave Reaver, Ralph was instilled with an unparalleled foundation for his career in dog training. After relocating to Kootenai County, Ralph joined forces with the Post Falls Police Department to offer handling assistance for their K9 officer, Koda. In addition to his already extensive resume, Ralph and his son, Scott Ansel, recently opened Northwest Pet Resort which brings a new perspective to the dog day care and boarding industry. Designing the facility from the ground up allowed Ralph to apply his understanding of dog behavior and create a facility that set the dog at ease and minimized stress commonly associated with separation. I sat down with Ralph to learn more about his rich background and get his take on how to combat the most common pitfalls in obedience training.

NW PET: How can your K9 handling experience be applied to basic dog obedience training? RA: I am not here to train your dog to become a police K9 dog; my objective is to help the general public condition their dogs to be good pet citizens and well behaved family members. I approach our obedience classes differently than most trainers because we limit the class size to 4-5 dogs which ensures that I will have ample time to work one on one with the owners. I always instruct owners to design a training program that is fluid and responsive to where their dog’s training is at each week. We don’t subscribe to a rigid, fixed length program. Some weeks you may prefer to continue working on the last week’s conditioning before returning to class, and that’s fine…our classes are flexible and are meant to be a value to the owner. NW PET: What would you say is the most common obstacle you face in training? RA: I can work with dogs that haven’t had any training and get them doing things quickly but it’s the owner that has to understand and maintain the commands, the relationship between positive and negative commands. The dogs are so in tune with not only your thoughts but you body language and the biggest thing I do is get owners to understand that how they are feeling and how they are presenting themselves is directly affecting their dog’s behavior. A dog can sense your anxiety and fear and will behave or misbehave according to what they are sensing NW PET: What is the biggest misconception about dog training that you have seen? RA: It’s not dog training, its dog conditioning. We help you “condition” your dog to do certain things…the “training” is really for the owners. Educating owners on how to evoke the conditioned behavior that we’ve instilled in their dog is what makes for better family bonding and a much more content environment between owners and their dogs. For more information, contact Ralph Ansel at Northwest Pet Resort located at 1717 Northwest Blvd Coeur D’Alene, ID (208) 292-4394

Pets &

Technology by Stephanie Waltz by Stephanie Waltz

16 northwest pet magazine

s our pets become an increasingly important part of our families it is only natural that we would want to incorporate the most innovative and eďŹ&#x20AC;ective pet products for our furry friends.

As our pets become an increasingly important part of our families it is only natural that we would want to incorporate the most innovative and eďŹ&#x20AC;ective pet products for our furry friends. Conveniently enough, some of these products even manage to make our lives a little bit easier as well!

Conveniently enough, some of these products even manage to make our lives a little bit easier as well! We scoured the market and discovered that the greatest pet products out there are actually a combination of old classics but built with the help of modern technology. Among the endless options available, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve selected a handful that we think are worth trying.

Portable Pet Potty Perfect for your dog - Getting a puppy is a lot of fun for kids and adults alike. Along with all the fun of playing and bonding with your new puppy, comes the responsibility of training him and forming routines and habits he will carry into adulthood. Perhaps the most difficult task you’ll have is housebreaking or potty training your pooch. One helpful tool that is becoming increasingly popular among dog owners is the portable dog potty. These portable potties usually come in the form of an indoor “grass” platform that puppies, as well be trained to use. Not only is this a helpful product when training a new puppy, but it can also be a true savior on days when you get stuck at the office and your pup is forced to be inside for longer than usual. Pet owners can put their minds at ease and eliminate unwanted accidents by training their dogs to use the portable potty in emergency situations. The portable potties come in a variety of sizes and materials, with a broad price range.

Waste Digester System Great for dogs - Picking up after your pet has been made easier with the many different in-ground waste digester systems that are now available for dog owners. These systems install into the ground and provide quick and easy cleanup of pet waste. The system is installed directly into the ground, you put the waste into the system along with the digester solution, and the digester acts as a home septic system, using environmentally friendly products and bacteria to liquefy the waste. These systems offer an easy and effective way to pick up after your dog and help keep your yard looking clean.

Dental Care Great for your cats and dogs - Your pet’s oral hygiene is extremely important since poor hygiene can lead to complicated health problems. Pets can be afflicted with dental disease or worse if their teeth aren’t properly maintained. With 85% of adult pets having oral cavity issues, it is important to find an oral hygiene routine that works for you and your pet. For pets who don’t mind having their teeth brushed, oral hygiene gels offer the protection your pet’s need. If you pet won’t tolerate brushing there are effective dental care products which can simply be mixed in with your their drinking water. 18 northwest pet magazine

Filtered Water Feeder Great for your dogs and cats The more we learn about the potential dangers of our own tap water, the more homes are becoming outfitted with water filtration systems to ensure that our families are getting the cleanest and purest water available. Now our pets can enjoy the health benefits of fresh and filtered water as well. Water feeders have been a huge source of convenience for pet owners since they first hit the market and have helped our pets remain hydrated throughout the day, helping reduce the chance of urinary tract infections and renal failure in our pets. A large amount of these feeders are now available with filtration systems built in, allowing you to provide your pet with healthy filtered water all day long!

Ionic Silver Water Buckets Great for your horse – A good watering bucket is a necessity for all horse owners but don’t be mistaken – not all buckets are created equal! With all of the choices out there, it can be hard to choose a bucket that truly makes a difference for your horse. We recommend a bucket that is infused with ionic silver. water use after use. The ionic silver helps to control bacterial growth and minimize bucket slime, ensuring that your horse continues to get fresh water. www.northwestpetmagazine.com 19

Electric Containment Systems Hoof Hardener For dogs, cats, and horses - One challenge today’s pet owner faces is wanting to allow their dogs to play outside without having to worry about them running into the street or taking off on a little adventure away from the safety of their backyard. Electric containment systems have become extremely popular with pet owners for a couple of reasons: they come in a wide variety of systems, they can’t be chewed on or dug under or jumped over, and they won’t obstruct your view or change the look of your yard and house. Electric containment systems can also be used for your cats, horses, and other livestock. Electrical containment fences are becoming extremely common and appear to be an effective way to keep your pet safe and sound within the boundaries of your yard.

Electric Pet Door Great for cats and dogs - Pet doors have long been a great convenience for pets and pet owners alike; allowing cats and dogs to enter and leave the house as desired, without having to disturb you. Of course the downside to having open access is that your pet may not be the only pet - or little creaturecoming into your home through the pet door. However, new electronic pet doors which allow access for your pet, and only your pet, eliminate unwanted visitors. These doors work in conjunction with either a microchip or a special collar and tag. The doors sense the chip or collar, and open only for the entrance or exit of your pet and lock before any other animals can slip inside. Keep in mind that your pet, especially your cat, will need some training in order to get the hang of it but these doors prove to be an excellent way to keep unwanted critters at bay. 20 northwest pet magazine

A must- have for horses- If you are a horse owner, you have likely dealt with weak, cracked or worn hooves at some point in time. Not only can weak hooves lead to loose shoes but they can also create discomfort or pain for your equine companion. For any horse owner, it is important to invest in a good hoof hardener. Look for a gentle formula that forms additional intermolecular bonds between molecules of keratin through a cross-linking process. This process strengthens weak hooves by improving the structure of the horn itself. A good hoof hardener will lead to less cracking in the hooves, less loose shoes, and most importantly, less discomfort for your horse.

Micro chip implant Great for cats, can also be used for dogs or horses - There are plenty of cats who absolutely refuse to wear a collar, which can be problematic, particularly if your cat is an outdoor pet. If a lost cat turned up without a collar, it used to be nearly impossible to identify her owner. Today, the increasingly popular micro chip implant has made it possible to identify a pet’s owner and contact information with the scan of the chip. The chip, which is roughly the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under the skin of your pet, and uses Radio Frequency Identification technology to provide owner information. Although the chip implants are commonly used in cats, they can also be used on dogs, horses, and a variety of other animals as well. Your veterinarian can provide you with further information including specific implant techniques and providers

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northwest pet magazine | Pet Advice

Pet advice

acupuncture advice from:

Dr. Tracy Ridgeway “I have an eight year old Lab and as she gets older I notice she has a diﬃcult time getting up and down the stairs. I’ve read stories about acupuncture being used on animals...Is this eﬀective? Would acupuncture only work for muscle pain or are there other health problems it can improve?” -On Pins and Needles Spokane, WA Dear On Pins and Needles, Acupuncture is widely used as the primary treatment for arthritis and osteoarthritis. Pain management is the second most common reason people seek out acupuncture for their pets. (The first reason being neurological disorders and degenerative disc disease). Acupuncture has been used to treat both animals and humans for thousands of years. Acupuncture stimulates specific points, called acupoints, inducing a desired therapeutic homeostatic result. Studies show that the body’s metabolic response to stimulating the acupoints is to release beta-endorphins (opiates), serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. Although the specific mechanism of action induced by acupuncture is not completely understood it is accepted that it alleviates pain.mechanism of action induced by acupuncture is not completely understood it is accepted that it alleviates pain. 22 northwest pet magazine

D.V.M C.V.A

Acupuncture is a noninvasive treatment modality that is safe and effective and animals do very well with acupuncture. The first treatment is directed to calming the patient and having them get used to the needle placement. Once an animal understands that they will get an opiate release from having the treatment they are hooked! Many times there is no restraint needed. The beauty of acupuncture, and the primary reason I was drawn to it as a practitioner, is the induced metabolic reaction seen in the patient. The body is overcoming the disorder or disease. Clinical signs are not being masked by a pharmaceutical medication. Although a goal of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is to avoid giving any medication, the reality is that we may only be able to reduce the quantity or prolong the requirement for such treatment until clinically indicated. Our primary goal is to provide a good quality of life for our patients. I see this as a beneficial necessity to ensure proactive and preventative animal health. Submit your pet advice question online at: www.northwestpetmagazine.com

Featuring...

Love Birds Feeding:

Origin: Lovebirds are native to Africa and consist of nine different species, the peach-faced lovebird being the most commonly owned in the United States. Lovebirds earned their name because of their affectionate disposition.

Temperament: Sweet and loving to their chosen partner the lovebird is perhaps one of the cuddliest of the parrots. In contrast, any animal (cat, dog or even another lovebird) which they feel is challenging them for the affection of their chosen partner can be seriously injured by the lovebird as it is prone to attack animals it deems to be a threat.

Lovebirds should be fed a variety of foods with a good pellet food as the foundation for their diet. Supplement their diet with a variety of fresh foods and some seeds (seeds should make up less than 25 percent of the total diet). A cuttlebone can be provided for extra calcium.

Cages: Lovebird cages should be at least 2 feet wide by 2 feet long (and 2 feet tall). Avoid round cages. Provide a variety of perch sizes (including natural branches if possible).

Life Span: Lovebirds typically live about 15-20 years as pets.

Size: Lovebirds are small, compact parrots about 5-6 inches in length.

Habits: Lovebirds do not have a song like other parrots but rather communicate with chirps, chatters, and high pitched squeaks. Play can include popping buttons off of your garments as well as biting necklaces and other jewelry. Lovebirds are very curious, intelligent, and playful often considered the comedians of the bird world, they love their toys and have endless energy. They typically love swings and hanging upside down. Lovebirds think they are born with a mission to shred any and all paper and take every opportunity to do so.

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. . . g n i Rais

Backyard Chickens compiled by: Emily Olson

It has long been the way of Americans to seek out opportunities to become self-sustainable and the latest addition to that trend chirps, roosts and lays eggs.

Becoming a backyard chicken farmer may not seem like something for everyone however almost any family backyard can become a perfect location for creating your own fresh egg and poultry store. With the cost of poultry and eggs rising each year, many local residents have determined that the short term cost of setting up their backyard chicken farm is exponentially more aﬀordable than what they spend on eggs and poultry at the grocery store. Ensuring exceptional quality control is one substantial benefit to raising your own chickens. If you want to raise organic, free-range eggs and poultry; all you will need to do is supply your chickens with organic feed. As you explore the world of backyard chicken farming you will begin to fine tune your operation to better suit your preferences; determining which layer breeds produce the most eggs, evaluating which breeds are the most “neighborhood friendly” since minimal clucking and chirping will go a long way with your neighbors. Every backyard chicken farmer will invariably do things diﬀerently however there is one universal experience each chicken farmer will have in common, a moment when you realize you no longer need to put eggs or chicken on your grocery list. Read on to learn some backyard chicken farming basics and must-know tips to get you started. The first step in becoming a backyard chicken farmer is to determine if you can legally own and raise backyard chickens. Check your zoning ordinances before you begin to make sure that you are in accordance with local regulations.

Choosing your chicks?

There are many breeds of chicken available but each have distinctive diﬀerences when it comes to egg production, egg color, temperament, meat production, broodiness, foraging habits, and survival skills. If you are looking for an egg layer then the Leghorn might be just the breed for you. Leghorns are good at producing white eggs, good at foraging, and make an ideal choice for free range situations. As a rule of thumb, birds that are prolific layers are not known as good meat producers. If you are looking for a family pet, children can better

24 northwest pet magazine

appreciate the Bantam, which makes good pet or show bird. This breed is small, agile and fast and cannot be readily captured by a predator. Because of its size, though, it’s not meant for meat and egg production.

litter layer. The litter should be changed out every couple of days, and never allowed to remain damp - cleanliness is VERY important at this stage. Baby chicks are prone to a number of diseases, most of which can be avoided with proper sanitation. Chicks should be kept indoors (or in a heated brooder) until they have their feathers which takes around 5-8 weeks. When the chicks are a month old, add a low roost - a stick or piece of wood dowelling about 4” oﬀ the floor of the brooder. The chicks will jump on it and may even begin sleeping there.

Temperature Water

Clean, fresh water must ALWAYS be available to your chicks. Get at least a medium size watering container as chicks drink way more water than you’d imagine. Clean the watering container at least once a day.

Feeders and Feeding

The brooder can be heated by using a light bulb with a reflector, available at any hardware store. The brooder temperature should be 90-100 degrees for the first week and then should be reduced by 5 degrees each week thereafter. A thermometer inside the brooder is very helpful for maintaining the proper temperature settings. Local Feed Stores carry a variety of day old chicks starting in February.

Even baby chicks will naturally scratch at their food, so a feeder that (more or less) keeps the food in one place is good. Chicks start out with food called "crumbles". Crumbles are specially formulated for their dietary needs and come in both medicated and not medicated varieties. If you don't use a medicated feed, you run the risk that Coccidiosis will infect and wipe out as much as 90% of your chicks. If you choose a non-medicated feed, be sure to pay extra attention to cleanliness. The feed is a complete food however, feeding your chicks treats can be fun. After the first week or two, you can give them a worm or a bug or two from your garden to play with and eat.

Play Time

Chicks are insatiably curious and after the first week or two can be put outside for short periods of time if the temperature is warm. At this age it is important to watch them very closely when they are outside since chicks can move fast, squeeze into small spaces, and would be helpless against a variety of predators, including the family dog or cat.

Brooders

The chicks’ first home is called a “brooder”. For one-time or once-in-a-while use, a cardboard box works just fine. A cage suitable for a rabbit or guinea pig is terrific and easy to clean. The bottom of the brooder should have a layer of clean litter. Pine shavings work well as a bottom

Discount does not apply to sale or otherwise discounted items.

2422 E. Sprague 534-0694 7302 N. Division 484-7387 www.thegardenpet.com

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northwest pet magazine | Sweet Treats

Garlic

Dandelion Good for: Cats, Dogs & Horses

Good for: Cats, Dogs & Horses

Benefit: Improves liver function; improves digestion; useful in kidney and bladder problems

Benefit: Help create a healthy coat and is a natural dewormer and flea repellent

Sweet Treats Reward your furry friends

Considering a new treat for your beloved pet? Think whole foods! There are many great herb based treat recipes... some will freshen breath while others help with ailments, naturally. If you have questions regarding whole foods for your pet, consult your veterinarian recommended dosage and frequency.

Chamomile Horse Chews Ingredients:

Instructions:

1 1/2 cups of unsweetened applesauce 1 cup oat bran cereal or ground oatmeal 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/4 crushed, dried chamomile

Oil a 9inch x 9inch square cake pan. Combine the ingredients to make a batter. Spread the batter evenly in the cake pan. Bake 20-30 minutes. The batter will shrink away from the sides and be firm. Slice them into squares while they are still warm. Keep them in the refrigerator in an air-tight container.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

When giving your horse treats, be responsible. Don't feed your horse too many.

Hemp Protein Good for: Cats, Dogs & Horses Benefit: helps create a healthy coat; strengthens immune system; increases energy

Chamomile Good for: Cats, Dogs & Horses

Peppermint

Benefit: Can be used to alleviate anxiety and insomnia

Good for: Horses, Dogs & Cats Benefit: Can be used as an aid for proper metabolism; digestive aid; natural flea repellent

Mint Salmon Cat Treats Ingredients:

Instructions:

1/3 cup canned salmon or mackerel, drained 1 cup dried bread crumbs 1 large egg, beaten 1 tablespoon bacon grease or vegetable oil 1 tablespoon crushed, dried peppermint Â˝ teaspoon active dry yeast

Mix together all of the ingredients, and drop small spoonfuls on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Bake the cat treats for approximately 7 minutes, or until they are lightly browned. After the cat treats have cooled for several minutes, transfer them to a wire rack. When the cat treats are completely cool, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

L o o k ! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Famous... Check out this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous local friends! To submit your pet photos for consideration in the March issue, visit us online at www.NorthwestPetMagazine.com to submit your photo.

Tanner

Woofy

Charlie

Popo 28 northwest pet magazine

Newfy

Grizzly

Raisin

Toula

Bandit

Pugsly

Chewbacca & Yogi

Gunner

Dixie

Eddie www.northwestpetmagazine.com 29

northwest pet magazine | Pets with purpose

Pets with Purpose...

Chaco the Avalanche Dog If you’ve been up to Schweitzer Mountain recently and thought you saw a handsome Chocolate Labrador riding the lifts behind you or bolting down the slopes in front of you, rest assured it wasn’t your imagination playing tricks on you. What you saw was Schweitzer’s impressive and astute Avalanche Rescue Dog, Chaco. Chaco began his training at Schweitzer in the fall of 2009 with simple games of hide and seek but as his training progressed, Chaco was challenged to perform more complicated searches in more difficult terrain. Training continued to evolve until his handler, Bill Williamson, was able to bury full bodies (gracious Schweitzer Mountain volunteers) somewhere on a slope on the mountain and instruct Chaco to locate them based solely on their scent from under the snow. Chaco alerts Bill of his discovery by beginning to dig in the location of the scent. In the event of an avalanche, dogs have been proven to be the most useful in recovering survivors when guided over the terrain by a great handler, such as Chaco’s. A dog can cover 200 times the space of a probe-line and in less time! Chaco is considered an employee of Schweitzer and as such has his own ski pass, rides the chairlifts with Bill and spends his days running down the hill beside or in front of him. While his task is serious in nature, Chaco loves his job and approaches it as a game, never ceasing to get excited when he sees Bill strapping on his ski boots! So the next time that you are skiing or snowboarding up at Schweitzer keep an eye out for Chaco since he is doing his part to keep an eye out for all of us!

For more information about Chaco or Schweitzer Mountain’s Avalanche Rescue Program please contact Bill at bwilliamson@schweitzer.com 30 Williamson www.northwestpetmagazine.com

Health Services

River City Animal Hospital 310 N Herborn Pl (208) 777-9178 Dr. Tracy Ridgeway 920 N. Spokane St (208) 819-6472

Pet Supplies

Coeur D’Alene Area Pet Supplies

Spokane Valley

Spokane

Snooty’s Pet Salon 520 S Pines #4 (509) 921-5612

Northwest Seed & Pet, Inc. 2422 East Sprague Ave (509) 534-0694

D&B Farm & Home Store 170 E Kathleen Ave (208) 666-0506

Julia’s Jungle Grooming 12619 E Sprague Ave # 1 (509) 922-6197

Bark Avenue LLC 4750 North Division St (509) 487-4242

Grooming

South Hill

Grooming

Good Dog 3115 Government Way, Suite 3 (208) 664-4364

Pampurred Pet Boutique 920 N. Spokane St (208) 777-3190

Angie's Groomingdales 2425 N Government Way (208) 666-6025

Grooming

Coeur D'alene Pet Resort 125 East Hazel Ave (208) 667-4606

Dog House Grooming 830 N Spokane St # 4 (208) 777-9988

Northwest Pet Resort 1717 Northwest Blvd (208) 292-4394

Sandpoint, ID

Paws & Claws Pet Resort 2900 Government (208) 667-6700

Health Services

Pend Oreille Veterinary 895 Kootenai Cut Off Rd (208) 263-2145 North Idaho Animal Hospital 320 South Ella Ave (208) 265-5700

Pet Supplies

Pampurred Pets 210C N Triangle Dr (208) 263-0777 Carter Country Farm & Feed 357 Olive Ave (208) 263-8236

Grooming

Professional Groomers 895 Kootenai Cut Off Rd (208) 263-8888 Pooch Parlor 210 N Triangle Dr # D (208) 255-2699

Coeur D’Alene Area Health Services

Lake City Spay & Neuter Cliniic 902 Lincoln Way (208) 664-5629 Lakewood Animal Hospital 272 West Hanley Ave (208) 772-9669 Prairie Animal Hospital 920 W Prairie Ave (208) 772-3214 Mountain View Veterinary 10187 N Taryne St (208) 772-7484

Liberty Lake, WA

Ponti Veterinary Hospital 25007 East Wellesley Ave (509) 922-7465 Liberty Lake Veterinary 22026 E Country Vista Dr (509) 928-3007

Grooming

Flintlock Country Kennels 17505 East Cataldo Ave (509) 922-8118

Spokane Valley Health Services

Spokane Valley Animal Hosp 14306 East Sprague Ave (509) 926-1062 All Creatures Veterinary Clinic 11105 E Dishman Mica (509) 921-9829

Pet Vittles 919 N Argonne 509-927-0675

Hot Dogz Grooming Salon 1028 W. Shannon Ave (509) 326-5788 Pooch Parlor 5702 N Wall 509-489-2886

VCA Manito 2304 E 57th Ave 509-850-3438

North Spokane

Pet Supplies

Health Services

Urban Canine 1220 South Grand Blvd (509) 744-9663

Legacy Animal Medical Center 1318 N. Stanford Ln (509) 926-8387

Evergreen Pet 14319 E Sprague Ave (509) 926-6200

The Cat’s Meow 1017 South Perry Street (509) 535-6369

Health Services

Pet Supplies

Health Services

Boarding

Pretty Pooch 310 North Herborn Pl (208) 773-9198

Grooming

Fairwood Animal Hospital 317 West Hastings Rd (509) 467-0566

Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile 2917 East Palouse Hwy (509) 443-9663

North Spokane Veterinary Clinic 9321 N Nevada St (509) 466-4696

Grooming

Pet Supplies

Pampered Pets 2718 E 57th 509-448-6600

Urban Canine 9222 N Newport HWY (509) 465-9663

Dogtown Company 518 South Thor Street (509) 534-4880

Spokane

Health Services

Hunter Veterinary Clinic 933 N Washington St (509) 327-9354 Pet Emergency Clinic 21 E Mission 509-326-6670

Nature's Pet Market 12208 N Division Street, Suite B (509) 464-3400

Grooming

The Yuppy Puppy 9423 North Newport Hwy (509) 467-8221 Beeson Grooming 7617 N Market 509-467-5177

DIR EC TO RY

Post Falls, ID

You never know what might happen at your home on the Spokane River.

*Hotshot stunt dog not included

• 4 miles of boatable waterfront • Access to the Centennial Trail • Just below Arbor Crest Winery • 1.5 miles from I-90

WAT E R F R O N T

LIVING

• 10 minutes from Downtown Spokane

For a tour of our award-winning model home, call

509-922-4239 Request more information or watch our video at:

CoyoteRockLiving.com Cooperating brokerage welcome.

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