Pet Gazette May 2018

Pet

Treat your furry friend Holistic Pet stores

Dog Training 101

Teaching owners reward-based methods

Food Pantry for Pets! an oklahoma gazette special section

Mon-Fri: 8:30-5:30 • Sat: 8:30-4 4141 N. Western • OKC 73118

405-605-4151

Your Neighborhood Pet Market!

Healthy All Natural Pet Food Treats • Collars & Leashes Grooming Services and more!

Rewarding behavior

ROC Animal Training and Behavior instructs dog owners in reward-based methods. By Hannah Meekse

C

orrecting your pet’s behavior with physical force is easy, but sometimes we are telling them no without teaching them correct behavior. Dog trainer and owner of ROC Animal Training and Behavior Jessi Lane recognizes this problem.

“I saw the fearful and anxious dogs in clinic settings and also saw many dogs who were hyper, lacked manners and the owners just didn’t know how to handle them,” said Lane, who graduated from OSU-OKC in the Veterinary Technology program in 2010 and works with dogs in a veterinary setting.

As a graduation present, she bought herself a dog, now a 7-yearold Doberman named Jett Roc. She worked to avoid the behaviors she witnessed at clinics, and together, they competed in agility, barn hunt, lure coursing and trick dog competitions.

Lane graduated in 2014 as a certified training partner from Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Training & Behavior, and a year later, she started ROC Animal Training and Behavior. ROC stands for “Right On Click.” She also has a 12-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix named Skout and a 2-year-old Doberman named Colt.

She started out using harsher training methods but soon learned it was not the most efficient way to work with animals. With harsh treatment, a dog’s behavior issues get worse.

“I saw that while [harsher training methods] did work and dogs learned, there was baggage to the training,” Lane said. “You have to know what motivates your dog and what your dog is saying in his or her body language.”

Lane puts the problems dog

owners experience into two categories. The first problem is impulse control.

“These dogs are jumping on people, pulling on the leash, barking excessively, and the owners have little or no control over them,” Lane said.

The second common problem is fear and aggression, in which dogs are fearful or reactive to other dogs or people. That is where the Learn to Earn program comes into play.

“This is where the owner is the giver of all resources — food, play and attention — and if the dog wants something, they have to learn how to earn,” Lane said.

The best method for achieving this is with a clicker, a reward-based form of training.

“Clicker training is using a clicker to communicate with your dog that what they did at that exact second you clicked will be rewarded,” Lane said.

It is a repetitive technique to point out each time the dog does something right — hear the click, get a treat.

At ROC Animal Training & Behavior, Lane works to overcome behavior issues and create wellrounded dogs.

“I help with dogs who need to learn good manners, advanced dog and owners who are looking to continue learning with their dog and I work with reactive, fearful and aggressive dogs,” Lane said.

“Classes are kept small to help your dog succeed. Private lessons are tailored to fit you and your dog to accomplish your training goals.”

Behavior consultation is $150 per a 90-minute session or $245 for an in-home session. Group classes are $35-$130, and ROC Animal Training and Behavior also offers private lessons for $40-$160.

Visit rocanimaltraining.com.

Jessi Lane and dogs | Photo provided 20

M ay 3 0 , 2 0 1 8 | p e t g a z e t t e

Pet Food Pantry of Oklahoma provides free pet food to disadvantaged Oklahomans. By Ian Jayne

P

ets are a twofold presence in our lives — we care for them, and in turn, they give us love and affection. Through a variety of services, Pet Food Pantry of Oklahoma aims to help disadvantaged pet owners provide a high quality of life for their animals.

A nonprofit founded in 2010, Pet Food Pantry serves about 150 lowincome Oklahomans, senior citizens, veterans and homeless pet owners by delivering pet food once a month.

In order to qualify for pet food, interested parties should call 405-6642858 or

Pet Food Pantry of Oklahoma clients | Photo provided

email info@petfoodpantryokc.org to request an application.

Applicants should be at least 63 years old (veterans may be any age but must provide proof of service) and low-income, and pets should be spayed or neutered, said founder Kim Pempin.

Pempin inadvertently discovered the need for a pet food pantry several years ago when a friend gave her several cases of canned pet food to donate. She passed along the food to Skyline Urban Ministry, where she served on the board.

With the addition of free pet food, attendees of Skyline’s senior program would regularly choose food for their pets before they picked out food or clothing for themselves.

“If I can provide them pet food, then they’ll have enough money to buy their own food and take care of their medical needs,” Pempin said.

The pantry has evolved into a multi-faceted service. Excepting two part-time warehouse employees, the pantry’s 29 route drivers and helpers at the pantry are volunteers, many of whom have full-time jobs. This model keeps administrative costs low and allows for about 95 percent of donated funds to go directly to the program, Pempin said.

Photo provided

Purposeful pantry The pantry offers a variety of resources to applicants regardless of whether they meet the criteria for free pet food, Pempin said.

“I envision us to be not just somebody that delivers pet food, but a resource for these people and their pets,” she said.

With the pantry application comes a list of resources, such as low-cost spay and neuter veterinary clinics, information about vaccinations and Oklahoma animal shelters that provide temporary free pet food. Pet Food Pantry also provides information about kennels at Homeless Alliance and domestic violence shelters.

“It crosses all kinds of borders,” Pempin said of the pantry’s purpose.

from left Kim and Mike Pempin | Photo provided

“I was just involved in animal welfare, and that’s still my passion, but just by trying to help the animals, we’re helping the people.”

Those interested in volunteering can donate food, money or time.

Pempin said that the pantry purchases pet food at wholesale prices. Volunteers can help re-bag pet food or sign up to be route drivers or assist with events such as money or food drives.

“We’re more than just delivering pet food,” Pempin said. “I’m not going to be a veterinarian, but I’m going to tell you what I know and tell you where to go. We’re here to take care of their pets all the way around.”

Visit petfoodpantryokc.org.

Understanding and treating food intolerances in pets. By Family Features

I

Dietary solutions for pets

f your four-legged friend is exhibiting some unusual symptoms, there’s a chance a food sensitivity may be the culprit.

Even for pets that don’t have a fullblown food allergy, food intolerance can create problems that are easily remedied with a change in diet.

“The length of time a pet has been on a food does not seem to affect the risk of developing adverse food reactions,” said Dr. Jennifer Adolphe, PhD, a companion animal nutritionist and registered dietitian. “A pet can react to a food after just one feeding, or after many months or years on the same food. Just like people, every pet is different, so the degree of sensitivity to an

ingredient can vary.”

Knowing the warning signs is the first step toward understanding whether your pet is suffering from a food-related intolerance.

Cats with food intolerances may show symptoms such as: • Vomiting and diarrhea • Bloating and related symptoms, such as gas • Skin irritation, which is typically rare in cats Dogs may display these symptoms if they are suffering from sensitivities to certain foods: • Excessive paw licking or chewing with paws often turning red as a result

• Chronic or recurrent ear infections • Visible fur loss • Itching and rashes, especially around the dog’s face, feet, ears, forelegs or armpits • Vomiting and diarrhea If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, it could be a sign he or she has a food intolerance.

First, consult with your veterinarian to rule out any health conditions. Once your pet receives a clean bill of health, switching the food your pet eats may help alleviate his or her symptoms.

Home-Cooked Elimination Diets

An elimination diet is a specialized diet that is fed to pets and excludes all suspect ingredients. Once a diet is found that resolves the symptoms, a pet is then fed potentially aggravating ingredients to see if symptoms reappear. If they do, an adverse food reaction is confirmed. The elimination diet will need to be closely monitored by a veterinary professional and followed for approximately 6-8 weeks to determine success.

Limited Ingredient Diets

A limited ingredient diet (LID) offers a single source of meat protein with as few additional ingredients as possible to meet the nutritional requirements of your pet. Options like GO! Solutions recipes from Petcurean are formulated especially for pets with specific dietary needs and food sensitivities, and carefully prepared with premium-quality meat proteins, unique carbs and essential omega oils.

To determine whether a limited ingredient recipe will work for your food-sensitive pet, you should eliminate all treats and other food sources. You may notice immediate improvements, but your pet should stay on the new food for 8-12 weeks to ensure it is the right choice.

It may take some trial and error to find a food that works for a foodsensitive pet, but patience and persistence can help your pet live a happy and healthy life. Learn more about food options for pets with special dietary needs at Petcureango.com.

Source: Petcurean

p e t g a z e t t e | m ay 3 0 , 2 0 1 8

21

Photo provided

the years. We will continue to look for products that make pet owners happy and their four-legged family members healthy.”

Photo provided

About the Brand

New feed

Hollywood Feed Brings a “different breed” of pet stores to OKC. By Beth Okeon

N

atural and holistic pet food retailer Hollywood Feed recently welcomed three stores in the Oklahoma City metro: Oak Grove, 12220 N. MacArthur Blvd., Suite G; Nichols Hills Plaza, 6413 Avondale Drive; and Edmond, 1200 W. Covell Road, Suite 116.

“As our neighborhood footprint expanded, Oklahoma was a natural direction for our growth — and it is also clearly a market that has a heart for animals,” said Shawn McGhee, Hollywood Feed president. “We are excited to help Oklahomans improve the health and well-being of their beloved pets. Our awardwinning offerings of canine and feline supplies matched with our superior service are offerings we are eager to bring to pet lovers throughout Oklahoma City.”

Hollywood Feed is consistently ranked among the “Best of” categories in the markets it serves.

Its new OKC location offers a highly curated selection of dog and cat food and products not found anywhere else. Treats from Hollywood Feed’s own Tennessee Bakery complement the brand’s Georgia Made jerkies roasted in beechwood smokers near its Atlanta stores.

Each location is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

Team knowledge

Shoppers can expect to find premium brands at Hollywood Feed such as Orijen, Acana, Fromm, Primal, Honest Kitchen and more.

Hollywood’s team feed members can tell you all about their products.

In fact, each team member goes through more than 40 hours of training from veterinarians, nutritionists, animal behaviorists and multiple vendors and manufacturers on various product 22

M ay 3 0 , 2 0 1 8 | p e t g a z e t t e

lines and pet-related education every year. If you aren’t sure what your pet might need, a Hollywood Feed team member can help you make an informed decision.

And they always stand by this promise: “If your pet doesn’t love it or you don’t love it, we’ll gladly replace or refund it.”

Giving back

With the goal of improving the lives of pets wherever their shelter might be, Hollywood Feed donates over 100,000 pounds of dog food and countless other supplies to homeless pets every year. In addition, each of the Hollywood Feed retail locations hosts adoption events with local shelters and rescues on a regular basis.

matching pet collars, leashes and bowties. In addition, they make decorative items for the home that sport the fashionable dog bed patterns including picture frames, lampshades, night-lights and more.

These items can help a pet owner align their home accents with their pet’s bed, rather than their dog bed being a decorative outlier in an otherwise coordinated room.

“When we say American Made, we mean it,” said McGhee. “We are committed to sourcing products and treats in the regional areas that have supported our business over

Environmentally conscious

Hollywood Feed produces several American-made items created right in the heart of the country, including: • Hollywood Feed’s Georgia Made jerky strips featuring flavors such as chicken, venison and catfish and black bean • Hollywood Feed’s Mississippi Made line of dog beds, collars, leashes and home accessories • Hollywood Feed’s Fresh Bakery biscuits in flavors such as pumpkin and cranberry; apple and bacon; ham, Parmesan and rye; and peanut butter, oats and flax The natural and holistic retailer is also a good steward of the environment. Not too long after launching its Mississippi Made dog bed line, Hollywood Feed found a sustainable way to use the remnants of material left over after its dog bed patterns have been cut. The leftover fabric was perfect for making

Photo provided

Founded in 1950, Hollywood Feed is a natural and holistic pet specialty retail store with a strong focus on customer service and improving the lives of pets everywhere. The brand began as the local feed store on the corner of Hollywood Street in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis Zoo, Memphis Animal Shelter and Memphis Police Department were amongst its original house accounts.

Over the years, the store began focusing its products and services on household pets. Today, Hollywood Feed offers a wide selection of natural, holistic, American-made pet food and premium products and supports local rescues through regular pet adoption and community events.

Hollywood Feed serves customers in nearly 70 stores across the southeast in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas. Hollywood Feed consistently ranks atop consumer choice lists in the markets it serves, including Memphis Most, Dallas A-List and Best of North Atlanta, to name a few.

Visit hollywoodfeed.com.

Come celebrate our 35th Anniversary with us

June 29th & 30th!

All Flea & Tick Products Buy 2, Get 1 Free!

Photo provided

Rescue cats Hinton’s 9 Lives Rescue Oklahoma helps contain feral cats and offers adoptions.

U

ntil recently, the western Oklahoma town of Hinton only had one dog rescue and a rising feral cat population. Katherine Piatt and Caitlin Sumler, co-founders of 9 Lives Rescue Oklahoma, addressed the issue through a program called TNR — trap, neuter and return.

They set traps for the roaming cats, retrieve them and transport the felines to a clinic to be spayed or neutered.

The cats are then returned to the location where they were trapped.

“We have helped 288 cats, and we have had 76 dogs that we helped transfer to other rescues as well as six other species,” Piatt said. “We try to help any animal that comes our way.”

Piatt said they have noticed a decrease in the number of complaints about the cat population since 9 Lives opened in March 2018.

But it does more than save and foster cats. The rescue helps law enforcement with hoarding cases across the state and has rescued dogs, donkeys, hamsters, ducks and more. A lot of the cases are from law enforcement but also include owner surrenders or deaths when relatives cannot care for a pet anymore.

One of its most recent hoarding cases occurred when police called in 9 Lives Rescue on a case. When the team arrived at the house, Sumler said fecal matter had built up so high on the floor that even hunched over,

pet-vetsupply.com

Free $25 Gift Card With Every $75 Spent!

1215 E. Lockheed Drive Midwest City, OK 73110 Store Phone Number: 733-4846 Animal Clinic Phone Number: 733-4649 Grooming Salon Phone Number: 733-2238

By Hannah Meeske

members of the 9 Lives crew hit their heads on a ceiling fan.

Many of the cats were sick, but all of them have since been adopted.

“We took most of the severe medical cases. Some of them ended up having one or both eyes removed due to severe infection,” Sumler said.

Director of adoption outreach Stephanie Jarvis, one of six staffers at 9 Lives, helps place cats with adopters through its barn cat program, which requires potential new owners to provide shelter, food and water for the cats as well as proof of vet records to show they use a veterinarian consistently.

9 Lives charges an $85 adoption fee for kittens 6 months old and younger and $65 for adult cats. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, dewormed and vaccinated. Find 9 Lives’ cats on PetFinder or visit ninelivesrescueoklahoma.weebly. com to fill out an adoption application. Questions include the name of your vet and your current home address. All adopted cats can be returned to 9 Lives at any time.

The rescue accepts donations of dry and wet food, treats, blankets, bowls, toys, litter and more. It also posts an Amazon wish list and can accept cash donations through PayPal.

Full-service hospital committed to providing appropriate and compassionate veterinary care for pets in Norman and it’s surrounding areas

Compassionate care for dogs, cats and exotics since 1997 Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 6:00 pm | Saturday 8:30 am-5:00 pm Closed on Sunday 1067 36th Ave. NW, Norman • msvhnorman.com • 405-329-6555

p e t g a z e t t e | m ay 3 0 , 2 0 1 8

23

Your cat’s scratch has met its match

Photo provided

E

ver since the day the first feline became a house cat, destructive cat scratching has plagued owners. All the affection and loving care owners shower upon their cats can feel like wasted energy when the thanks they get looks more like hatred: shredded furniture, carpet and curtains.

It’s a normal human response to be angry or frustrated about damage inflicted by cats’ scratching, but equally normal is a cat’s need to scratch. Cat scratching is a behavior that fulfills both physical and emotional needs. Cats scratch to stretch their bodies, maintain their hunting and climbing skills, groom

their claws and mark their territory, showing they’re in a safe space.

However, these behaviors cats exhibit to establish a safe living space can be anything but pleasant for their human companions. This can lead frustrated owners to take drastic measures to modify behavior, but those decisions can be risky, especially when it comes to a permanent and potentially harmful practice like declawing.

Many pet owners believe that declawing their cats is a harmless and quick fix for unwanted scratching, similar to trimming one’s nails. However, if a declawing procedure were performed on a human being, it would be like cutting

Why cats scratch and hot to safely stop it.

By Family Features

off each finger at the last knuckle.

“Not only does the practice cause pain, it removes an important selfdefense tool and the surgery itself poses risks related to anesthesia and infection,” said Dr. Valarie V. Tynes, president of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, licensed veterinarian and veterinary services specialist at Ceva Animal Health.

“All of this can lead to behavioral issues that may be worse than a shredded couch.”

Declawing is an irreversible measure to address a normal behavioral issue in cats. Declawed cats may be less likely to use a litter box, more likely to bite and the disruption of the natural scratching behavior can cause lasting physiological problems.

That sentiment is echoed by national organizations such as the American Association for Feline Practitioners, which deems the practice of declawing an ethically controversial procedure that is not medically necessary in most instances. In fact, declawing cats is now illegal in several U.S. cities.

Find alternatives to declawing, and cat-scratching solutions, at savethecouches.com.

DIY Scratching Post Designating a spot for your cat to safely scratch is one of the most effective ways to minimize damage to your possessions. A homemade scratching post is a quick and easy project.

1. Cut foot-long length of 4-by-4inch wood and a 1-foot square piece of plywood. The exact sizes can vary, but these are good starting points that you can adjust up or down, depending on your space.

2. Sand away splinters and rough edges.

3. Add a sturdy fabric wrap or paint to lend aesthetic appeal to the plywood base.

4. Wrap the post tightly with heavy-gauge rope or carpet scraps (or both), securing tightly with glue and reinforcing with a staple gun.

5. Securely attach the post to the base using a long bolt.

6. Place the post in an area your cat enjoys spending time, and consider adding a pheromone therapy spray to attract your cat to the post.

DOG DYNASTY

Help us end tHe GroomingSalon eutHanasia of animals We are non-profit founded to rescue animals with Walks-ins Welcome Appts. Preferred Open at 8:00am 10% Senior Discount

treatable / manageable illnesses and injuries

405-602-3004 Assist us in our mission & visit our Facebook 5026 N May ave, OKC 73112

Doggone Poop offers complete yard clean-up service for canine waste on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

• Professional waste removal service • Exceptional customer service • Reliable and dependable • Honest and hard-working • Satisfaction guaranteed

Call today and be doodie-free tomorrow!

Al Alonzo • 399-PAWS aalonzo007@att.net www.doggonepoop.com 24

M ay 3 0 , 2 0 1 8 | p e t g a z e t t e

! now Calld visit 3r REE! is F

Pho

CBD products for your PETS!

10% discount for Military • ID Required 5% discount on all cash purchases!

Photo provided

EarthWise wisdom

607 NW 28th St. Suite A | OKC, OK 73107 Paseo | 405.509.3183 herbanmotherllc.com

Cannabis Dispensary

1380 W. Covell Road | Edmond 73003 405-697-2868

EarthWise Pet Supply’s experienced staff make the store a hub for metro pet owners.

T

ucked into the busy retail hubbub of Belle Isle Station is EarthWise Pet Supply, an oasis of holistic delights for the discerning pet parent. EarthWise carries food for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, hedgehogs and ferrets. This store features products that are natural and healthy for your animal family.

Steve Goss, the owner of this posh paradise at 1710-G Belle Isle Blvd., wanted a business people and their pets could visit, learn about nutrition and just have a good time.

“I love when customers bring their dogs in,” Goss said. “We get to meet new friends and help these animals get a proper diet to help them live healthy and happy lives. I want this store to be a fun place for pets and people.”

Nutritionist Bel Barrick will be glad to help you find the right food for your furry or feathered friends. She has been working with animals for over seven years, and her passion for proper diet is contagious. “Nutrition is the most important thing we can do for our animals, and many brands out there do not have the adequate elements to bolster a strong immune system. Look at the first five ingredients in your pet food,” she said. “That will tell you a lot about what you are giving your pet.”

EarthWise also offers grooming services by seasoned professional Ashley Allinson.

Ashley has been clipping canines for almost fifteen years.

“I’ve always wanted to be a groomer,” she said.

“I’ve been around dogs all my life. My mom

By Nicole Castillo

raised miniature schnauzers, and my grandmother raised and showed white German shepherds. It’s just something I wanted for my life. I love it.”

Ashley enjoys the relaxed environment of the pet store.

“At EarthWise, I get to spend oneon-one time with each client, making sure they are comfortable and content, especially with the elderly or special needs dogs,” she said. “We had a paralyzed Pekingese come in last week, and I was able to focus on him and make it a good experience. Grooming is not easy, and it’s important that your pet comes in regularly to lessen any stress it can cause.”

Ashley is also certified in pet first aid and CPR from International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC) and is working toward becoming certified at a grooming seminar this November.

If your dog just needs a good bath, EarthWise offers two self-wash tubs at the store. Chemical-free and soap-free shampoos, conditioners and perfumes as well as aprons, towels and dryers are available. The tubs are raised for your comfort with ramps for easy accessibility. Treats are at the ready for tasty rewards after bath time.

EarthWise is not just a pet store, but a place animalloving

people can gather and learn the latest in pet health or support local shelters and rescues in the community. Weekly events such as DIY Doggie Ice Cream & Cookie Class and Calm Pets Happy Family Essential Oils Class allow the store to be a social hub for the OKC metro. Call 405-607-8965 or visit earthwisepet.com.

Who let the dogs out?

(Woot! Woot!)

Carey Pet Did!

Bonded and insured with a full range of pet sitting options

• Reclaim Your Lunch Hour • Weekend availablity • Holiday overnights

405-605-3355 | www.careypet.com p e t g a z e t t e | m ay 3 0 , 2 0 1 8

25

26

M ay 3 0 , 2 0 1 8 | p e t g a z e t t e