Spring 2013

Spring has sprung!

Editorial Department: Pamela James Adam Colwell Art Department: Catt Gould Caryn Metcalf

Contributing Writers: Lis Coplen Dave Ficere Stephanie Fries Linda Gilden Carol Hatcher Phil Thompson Amy Wyatt

Copyright 2013, Pet Genius LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Pet Genius Magazine is a product of Pet Genius LLC. Printed in the United States of America. The articles in Pet Genius Magazine are for information only.

Pet Genius does not practice veterinary medicine. Consult your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns regarding your pet’s health.

Click here to visit PetGenius.com now!

7

spring 2013

magazine

Life lessons p. 7

The Importance of kids raising animals

5 A new leash on life

In celebration of International Guide Dog Day

11 Properly prepared

Pet First Aid Awareness Month

12 Fancy fur coat

A veterinarian’s guide to grooming and coat care for your cat

15 Ferrets 411

Veterinarians guide to caring for ferrets

18 Life in a cage

5 15

Cage hygiene in birds, a vet answers yor questions

Also in this issue 2

Puppy Lowdown

3

Ask Brett the vet

4

Pet proofing

6

Importance of ID

10 Ferret fun 20 Returning the lost

12

Pet Genius Magazine • Spring 2013

1

Puppy lowdown

The first 120 days of a puppy’s life

by Carol Hatcher

Is there anything better than a new car? Yep! A new puppy.

Something about those adorable creatures makes even the hardest of hearts melt. Perhaps it’s their tiny bodies, or maybe their “puppy dog” eyes, but something about puppies draws animal lovers young and old to stop and say, “Awww.”

If you bring a puppy into your home, what can you expect in those first months?

Attention Before adoption, puppies must be weaned. “Usually that happens around eight weeks,” says Leigh Fulford, a veterinarian from Bethlehem, GA. “But it totally depends on the breed.

Some wean as early as six weeks, but

Pet Bytes

Negative reinforcement is used to remove something your pet considers unpleasant. Examples of negative reinforcers include water spray, being ignored (shunning), using a shaker can, raising your voice and withholding toys or food treats.

2

Pet Genius Magazine • Spring 2013

weaning isn’t the only factor involved.

Puppies need to develop a strong immune system. They are prone to get sick just like babies do.”

“Puppies are a huge commitment,” says Fulford. “You’ll lose sleep and have to get up to take them out at night. If they cry, take them to the bathroom. If that doesn’t work, feed them and make sure they have enough interaction with you. Dogs are social creatures.”

When you play with your new pup, be careful about the toys you give them.

Not every dog toy is created equal.

“Check the labels on the toys.

Look for ones specifically for puppies.

Even still, watch your dog with the toy. Goldens and Labs are known for being big chewers. Don’t give them something they could chew off a large chunk of and get it stuck inside them.”

Food A good start is to choose a dog food formulated for puppies.

“A higher quality of food is more efficient at providing the nutrients a puppy needs, so they require less food and will actually need to poop less,” says Fulford.

“With adult dogs, we encourage owners not to allow them to graze all day. But with puppies, you should allow them to eat whenever they want until they are full size.”

As always, consult your veterinarian and ask what she recommends for your puppy’s specific needs.

Medical care Like babies, puppies need vaccines.

“Their shots usually start at six weeks,” says Fulford, “although some vets vaccinate for Parvo at three weeks.

The Parvo virus is the plague of puppies.

It is very common and is characterized by profuse watery diarrhea. While it is treatable, many puppies die from it, so vaccines are very important.

“Vaccines are usually given around week six, nine, 12, 15 and 16. After week 16, shots are given yearly. Puppies will also need to begin a monthly dose of heartworm medicine,” Fulford advises.

While lots of hard work goes into the first months of a puppy’s life, the lifelong companionship is worth it.

Carol Hatcher is a staff writer for Pet Genius and former teacher. This southern belle lives with her husband and three children in Buford, GA where they enjoy playing fetch and doing tricks while their yellow Labrador, Comet, watches.

Ask

Brett the Q: We can’t trim our dog’s toenails.

When we try, she goes crazy – but her long nails are now getting caught in our carpet. Please help!

A: I’m sorry to hear about your plight.

Long toenails can be a hazard to your pet’s health if not properly manicured.

A dog’s nail bed is very sensitive and if not trimmed properly, the pressure and pain can have a lasting impression.

The good news is you can improve this situation using my method or a version of it.

Every day, sit with your dog on the floor and practice a little “Touch Therapy.”

Rub her ears, lift her tail, open her mouth and play with her feet. Rub each toe and move down to the nail.

Squeeze it gently. Gradually increase the stimulus to the toes while restraining the foot. Your goal here is to establish safe restraint of the limb and have a dog who is relaxed. Once you feel she’s safe and relaxed, go back to pinching the toes. This process takes up to two weeks and some dedication.

Once this desensitizing therapy is successful, you’re now ready to trim.

Take this slow and remove just the tips to prevent a lot of pressure on the nail bed. If you get too close – Darn!

You’ve just undone everything you worked for and are back to building trust.

Toe trimming technique is impor-

Vet

tant, but behavior modification and desensitization is the key to success.

If you don’t feel comfortable with this plan, most veterinarians have a key team member who can do this for you. They also know how to insure a quality trim.

Hopefully, the end result will be a happier dog with less anxiety – and it’s easier on the carpet, too!

Q: Our vet tells us we should be using heartworm treats for our dogs on a monthly basis. I don’t understand why because we don’t have mosquitoes during the winter where we live. Am I right to think this way?

A: We get wonderful questions from our members, and this is another one.

I hear it often from clients in my exam room. The answer is yes – monthly prevention, even during winter months, is vital in preventing heartworm disease. Why? 1. It only takes one bite from a mosquito carrying the larvae (parasite). A late season mosquito bite means a dog with a debilitating heartworm disease in spring.

2. All parasites have a life cycle, and the cycle for heartworm disease is several months long.

Practicing proactive pet care Monthly prevention kills the life cycle.

Skip a month and you’re in trouble.

Don’t let this disease surprise you.

The old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure applies here because the disease requires costly and concerning treatment.

Prevention is so important and has proven to reduce disease; I personally feel 100 percent of heartworm cases can be prevented when prescribed properly. Your vet is giving you solid advice and is practicing a high standard of care.

Whether its toenails or heartworm, being proactive in your pet care decisions shows you are a conscientious and caring pet owner. Your local veterinarian is an invaluable resource for you and all the animals in your home.

For more pet care help, go to petgenius.com and search our extensive expert-rich health and wellness library for information that interests you.

Dr. Brett Cordes is the Chief Veterinarian Officer of Pet Genius Group.

Pet Genius Magazine • Spring 2013

3

Be prepared...pet proof!

National Animal Poison Prevention Week

Largely, it’s an avoidable tragedy.

Thousands of pets are poisoned every year, with some incidents resulting in death. Yet with a little preventative attention, you can decrease the odds of the unthinkable happening to your animal.

“Dogs are like toddlers on speed,” says veterinarian Tina Wismer, Animal Poison Control Center medical director for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“They don’t taste things and they get into everything! Nothing is safe. They get on counters, in your purse, or if you drop a pill, they’ll find it.”

There are several actions you can take in preventing your pet from being poisoned or aiding in the treatment if a poisonous substance has already been ingested.

Be aware: Some things to look for if you think your pet may have ingested

a poisonous substance could be vomiting, fatigue or seizures. “Nobody knows your pet like you do,” Wismer says. “If he’s behaving in an unusual manner, call your veterinarian right away.”

Be prepared: The more information you can give your veterinarian, the easier it will be to diagnose and treat the poisoning. Gather up any remaining materials you think your pet may have ingested, even if it’s an empty bottle or container. If he has vomited, be sure to package it and bring it with you to the veterinarian’s office.

Pet proofing: “Pet proofing your home is essentially like baby proofing,” Wismer says. “Get down low and try looking at things through your pet’s eyes.” Remember, anything Frisky or Spot can get into, they will.

This is especially true of curious puppies and kittens.

Make sure to store poisonous items such as chemicals, cleaning products, antifreeze, rodent poisons or bug sprays up high. If your pet is a jumper or climber, be sure to keep everything

by Liz Coplen

in a locked cupboard.

Educate yourself: Make sure to know what you have in your home. If you’re a plant lover, do your research to learn which ones are poisonous to pets. Birds and pocket pets like hamsters can be especially sensitive to toxic plants. Whenever possible, try avoiding harsh chemicals and replace them with animal and environmentally-friendly organic products.

Don’t assume: Many foods humans enjoy can be harmful to pets.

Just because you love chocolate after dinner, never assume it’s safe for your pet. Foods which can be toxic for pets include chocolate, alcohol, garlic, onions and caffeine.

The most important thing to remember if your pet has been poisoned is to act quickly and stay calm.

It could be the difference between life and death.

Liz Coplen is a staff writer for Pet Genius. She and her girlfriend of 11 years are the proud parents of six cats and one bossy parrot. They live in Tucson, AZ.

“Dogs are like toddlers on speed. They don’t taste things and they get into everything! Nothing is safe. They get on counters, in your purse, or if you drop a pill, they’ll find it.”

A new leash on life In celebration of International Guide Dog Day

by Amy Wyatt

Almost everyone has a friend they rely on to help guide them through life’s obstacles.

Imagine if that friend were a dog.

For many visually impaired individuals around the world, this is a reality.

“Guide dogs assist individuals who have visual impairments with mobility, giving them a greater sense of independence and dignity,” says Jennifer Bement, media relations manager at Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, FL. A guide dog’s main goal, Bement shares, is to keep their handler safe in any environment. A guide dog leads his handler through daily life situations most people take for granted – such as crossing streets or navigating public transportation.

Ever wonder how these dogs get so smart? Bement says the dogs undergo a rigorous training process. From an early age, puppies enjoy intentional socialization that exposes them to different motions, sounds and surfaces.

At 14 months old, they begin intensive harness training, learning more than 40 commands including “intelligent disobedience,” which means disobeying commands that may place a human in danger.

Each dog is then paired with his recipient. The two live, work and learn together for 26 days on Southeastern’s campus before returning home to begin their life together.

“Having my guide dog Hurbie gives me a sense of independence because I don’t have to ask for help with everything.”

One individual who received a new friend from Southeastern is Melissa McMann of Winder, GA. “Having my guide dog Hurbie gives me a sense of independence because I don’t have to ask for help with everything,” says McMann.

“I can now do things on my own, for myself, by myself. She also has provided me a sense of dignity and security.”

It’s not always smooth sailing once the pairs arrive home. “One issue many handlers face is access,” Bement says. “Not everyone is fully aware of the laws protecting guide dogs and the fact they can go anywhere.”

Melissa experienced this firsthand when a security guard forcefully removed her from an office and told her she could not bring her

dog into the building. “It was a very upsetting, embarrassing and disrupting,” she said.

Despite these challenges, the rewards of having a guide dog are evident. Melissa’s previous guide dog Leo (also placed with her from Southeastern) saved her life twice. “Once he kept me from stepping out in front of a car that was disobeying the traffic rules, and once from walking onto the tracks at the Marta station in Atlanta.”

Though it takes some work and adjustment, having a companion that can save your life is worth the challenges. “It’s given me a new ‘leash’ on life,” she said.

Amy Wyatt is a staff writer for Pet Genius. She travels the country educating others about epilepsy and seizure response dogs. She resides in Dacula, GA with her husband, two children and their cat Oreo and service dog Lucia.

Pet Genius Magazine • Spring 2013

5

Pet Bytes Change in a work schedule or a child leaving home for college may trigger separation anxiety in your pet. Because they are creatures of habit, dogs may not react well to changes in the family’s routine.

Lost and found

“Lost Dog. Reward Offered.” How often have you seen those signs? It’s heartbreaking to lose a special member of your family. Yet many times pet loss is preventable.

Is your lovable companion protected in the event he gets lost?

The simplest reason to ID your furry friend is so your pet can make it back home safely. The good news is that there are several ways to protect your pet.

“First, there are Rabies tags,” explains Sergeant Chip Moore from Animal Control in Gwinnett County, GA. “Wherever your pet gets his Rabies shot will have a record of your contact information. Dogs should wear their Rabies tags at all times. If someone finds him, they can call the number on the tag and locate you that way.”

Some states require pet licenses.

Check authorities in your state and county to find out more specifics for your location. In the areas that do require a license, there is often a tag to accompany that license as well. It’s 6

Pet Genius Magazine • Spring 2013

one more way to reunite a pet with his owner.

There are numerous pet ID tags you can purchase to add to your dog’s collar.

Some are engraved with your information. Others have a web address and an ID number to provide your specifics. “The bad thing about tags is they can come off. If a dog gets his collar stuck, he may lose it trying to get loose,” says Moore.

The surest pet identification is the microchip.

“Rescue groups often provide microchips for $20 to $30,” Moore said. “Vet offices and larger pet stores regularly do chips. All dogs and cats adopted from animal shelters get a chip before they leave. We gave a chip to a pig one time at animal control.

We picked up a family’s lost pet pig.

When the family came to pick him up, we gave them a chip for the vet to install.”

“The issue with microchips is they can migrate throughout the pet’s body and prove difficult to find. It’s about

The how and why of pet IDs and licensing

by Carol Hatcher

the size of a grain of rice. And depending on the chip, some scanners don’t pick up every frequency. Not all animal control officers have scanners strong enough to find every chip.

However, you can go to a vet’s office.

They have surgery grade scanners that should pick up any chip,” says Moore.

“The problem with any of these methods of ID is failure of the owner to update information,” warns Moore.

“If you get a new dog who’s chipped, you need to find out the maker of the chip and change the owner’s information. Rabies tags will update themselves at your pet’s yearly vaccines.”

Pets get lost. It happens. So be sure to do what you can to make sure they are found again.

Carol Hatcher is a staff writer for Pet Genius and former teacher. This southern belle lives with her husband and three children in Buford, GA where they enjoy playing fetch and doing tricks while their yellow Labrador, Comet, watches.

Lessons that last a

lifetime

by Liz Coplen

The importance of children raising pets

W

henever I think back on my childhood, my fondest memories include those with some of my most lovable family members…my pets!

I believe raising animals played a huge role in molding me into the kindhearted, compassionate person I’m proud to be today.

There certainly are challenges associated with children raising pets, but they are far outweighed by the benefits.

The addition of a pet to your family can help your child develop good work ethics, understand responsibility and promote nurturing behavior.

“Learning to prioritize others over themselves

is a hard but important lesson for any child,” says Nancy Ennis, a single mother of one. “Being paid back with unconditional love from the pet is a great way to make this lesson stick.”

Teaching your child responsibility

If your child ignores the responsibility of taking care of his pet, the animal’s unmet needs will be obvious…even to the most negligent kid.

The importance of keeping promises and directly showing the ill effects of ignoring commitments can be made crystal clear.

Kids talk to animals

It’s true! Your child may not be comfortable sharing every thought and emotion with you,

especially as they reach adolescence.

Having a pet (in essence, a safe, nonjudgmental therapist) to hear one’s innermost thoughts and feelings actually teaches that talking about problems does help. Even though the pet can’t offer advice, your child will feel better after speaking problems out loud – and hopefully feel more encouraged to share with peers or parents.

The cycle of life

Death is one of the hardest things to explain to a child. Caring for a pet and witnessing it pass away is never easy, but will help prepare your kid for those difficult times when a human family member dies.

Compassion, empathy, trust and love. The greatest benefit a child can gain from caring for an animal is the unconditional love and trust pets

bring to their human companions.

Learned early, these lessons can last a lifetime.

Once you determine your child is ready to navigate the responsibilities

of pet ownership – with your guidance, of course – you must decide what kind of pet is right for your situation.

While it’s ultimately your child’s

A magical connection In celebration of national kids and pets day “The bond between a child and a pet is a silent and magical connection. It is a link between two souls that was created in the stars above.

It is a love and loyalty that becomes an eternal part of the human experience. There is nothing more pure, more at peace, more perfect than the love a child and their pet share together.”

– Colleen Paige, founder of National Kids and Pets Day That simple yet profound statement is the foundation of National Kids and Pets Day, begun by Paige in 2005. This annual celebration, held April 26, is dedicated to enhancing the special bond between children and animals, and seeks to raise awareness about the plight of pets in shelters.

“The future of our children, and their ability to show compassion toward animals and each other, depends on us giving them the skills necessary to make the world a better, kinder place to live,” Paige says. “A child who is shown at a young age how to be compassionate towards pets is very likely to carry that compassion on into adulthood, in both their behavior towards animals and people.”

The benefits of the child-pet bond are numerous.

Some studies show that kids suffering from learning disabilities can greatly increase their academic success by reading to their pets. In ad8

Pet Genius Magazine • Spring 2013

by Dave Ficere

dition, pets help shy children open up and express their emotions as well as feel more confident. Finally, Paige says, what a child can learn from caring for a pet is important for their social development and for learning about responsibility.

Part of the focus of National Kids and Pets Day is to encourage families to “adopt rather than shop” for a new addition to the family.

Organizers say millions of orphaned pets sit in shelters just waiting for a new home. Of course, before you bring any pet into your home, you must make sure your entire family is ready for the responsibility and commitment of a new pet.

This April 26, take a moment to consider the special bond between kids and pets. Perhaps your own childhood was filled with wonder, adventure and unconditional love thanks to a special pet. Such magical connections truly last a lifetime.

Dave Ficere is the proud owner of “Scully,” a mixed breed Poodle / Terrier rescued from a local shelter. Married and the father of two sons, Dave writes for a variety of clients on an assortment of topics as owner of his own freelance writing business.

choice, you will need to weigh in to help decide which pet is best for your family. Here are three guidelines to help you along.

1. Is my child really ready?

Introduce your youngster to a friend’s pet and observe your child’s behavior. If your kid tugs at the pet’s fur or pulls the animal’s tail, how does your child respond when told such rough play is inappropriate? This early test will tell your volumes about your child’s readiness to take care of a pet.

2. Start younger children with smaller pets

With hamsters or gerbils, your child can be given simple yet important tasks like feeding, watering and playing with the pet, then graduate to larger jobs like cleaning cages and grooming when they’re ready.

Once your child’s

proven capable of taking care of a small pet, try a larger, more interactive family pet like a dog or cat.

Keep your child’s activities in mind, as well. “As your child grows, so does his academic and sports schedule,” says Ennis.

“When my son became involved in after school and weekend sports, he didn’t have as much time, so the responsibilities fell to me. It is something to consider.”

3. Match the pet to the child’s personality

If your child is very energetic and loves running, a lap cat may not be the best choice. Try a sport or herding dog. They will help each other burn off that excess energy and have fun doing it. Likewise, if your child tends to prefer curling up indoors with a good book or a video game, a cat may be just the company needed.

“Learning to prioritize others over themselves is a hard but important lesson for any child. Being paid back with unconditional love from the pet is a great way to make this lesson stick.”

Additionally, don’t forget the needs of the pet. How much space you have to offer? How much time can you and your child realistically give? Research the animal to assure a good fit for your child, your family and your new pet.

Finally, it is important to remember that kids have short attention spans. When the newness of their pet wears off, they may become disinterested or only see their pet as an additional chore.

So how do you keep your children interested in caring for their pets and providing the daily love and attention needed?

“Given the choice, they don’t want to lose their pets,” says Ennis, “so offer your child options. Tell him he can either find time to love and care for his pet or help find a new loving home.”

The key is to keep it fun!

If walking the dog feels like a chore, it’s not fun. Get creative to turn the most mundane task into a game!

• How many times can you walk Spot around the park in 30 minutes?

• How many steps does Spot take when walking from here to the end of the block?

• Can you brush Fluffy 100 times before she tires of it?

• When bathing Spot, can you keep your swimsuit dry?

• When feeding the fish, have a contest as to which fish will find the food first?

• Can you secretly clean Fluffy’s litter box before she notices?

All animals can also learn to do some type of cute trick. Encouraging your kids to teach their pets new tricks will revitalize their enthusiasm in the pet while instilling a sense of pride. This will build self-confidence and increase the bond with the pet. The closer the bond, the more natural nurturing tendencies will become. This will make your child want to care for his friend instead of viewing it as something that has to be done.

With just a little encouragement and creativity, you can rely on your faithful family pet to draw out your child’s most wonderful qualities.

Liz Coplen is a staff writer for Pet Genius. She and her girlfriend of 11 years are the proud parents of six cats and one bossy parrot. They reside in Tucson, AZ.

Ferret Fun

First, there are cats; then dogs; and next comes…ferrets?

According to the Ferret Information and Rescue Shelter and Trust Society of Vancouver B.C. Canada, ferrets are the third most common uncaged household pets in North America.

The only domesticated member of the weasel family, ferrets make entertaining, fun and playful pets.

Laurie Myrick, a ferret owner in Vermont, says “Fertie Dertie is an awesome pet. She has so much personality. When we let her run loose she suddenly starts bouncing around the room sideways and then slides under a chair or sofa like someone sliding into home plate. Fertie could also flatten herself out and slide under closed doors. Next thing you know, she’s pouncing on your feet like a kitten on caffeine. There is never a lack of entertainment when she is around.”

Jills (female ferrets) usually weigh about two pounds. Hobs (male ferrets) can weigh double that. Even though they are small, pet ferrets require specialized and daily care. If you are thinking about getting a ferret, here are a few things to consider.

Food. Ferrets need high quality ferret or kitten food. They are carnivores and enjoy a meat diet.

Health. Ferrets have special needs and are prone to certain illnesses and accidents because of their playful nature, so they need 10

Pet Genius Magazine • Spring 2013

regular checkups with their veterinarians.

Compatibility. Ferrets are social and gregarious. They bond with their group or cage mates. However, households with certain pets such as birds and fish are not the ideal situation in which a ferret can thrive. They’re also not best for small children.

Legalities. Ferrets are not legal pets in some states, so you should check your local regulations.

Security. Ferrets need boundaries.

You must have a way to provide safety for their security. They are escape artists and can find even the very smallest route to freedom! Ferrets also like to nest, so ferret-proofing your furniture is essential.

National Ferret Day

by Linda Gilden

Dave Esber of Cape Fear Ferret Rescue in Wilmington, NC currently has 68 ferrets. “Ferrets are like potato chips. You can’t just have one!” he says. “These social animals make great pets and provide hours of enjoyment.”

While there are many things to consider when adopting a ferret, ferret owners like Myrick and Esber would agree that these small, lovable furry creatures with such unique personalities are worth the work and make excellent pets.

For more information, read “Ferret 4-1-1” for veterinarian insight about being a ferret parent.

Linda Gilden is a staff writer for Pet Genius. She is the happy caretaker of dogs, horses, hamsters, parakeets, chickens and a fish. She is a professional writer, speaker and writing coach with many articles and books to her credit. Linda lives in South Carolina with her five children, four grandchildren and two granddogs.

Properly prepared

by Phil Thompson

Pet First Aid Awareness Month

I am the proud pet parent of a wonderful Pit Bull Terrier, but I never considered having a pet first aid kit until he was attacked by a pack of javelinas last year.

Thankfully, with some excellent treatment from his veterinarian, Sampson recovered and was just fine.

While no one ever wants to think of their precious pet getting hurt or ill, pet owners should always be prepared.

For many people, first aid is not on their mind until their pet suddenly begins choking on a toy, is hit by a car, suffers a near-drowning accident, or ingests one of the countless toxins found in the average home.

Thankfully, the odds are in your favor that these terrible things won’t happen. But I can assure you from personal experience that anyone whose pet has suffered a life-threatening accident no longer cares about the odds.

In truth, pets are surrounded by hazards. Sometimes these hazards can lead to serious accidents. The actions you take in those first crucial moments following an unexpected event can be the difference between life and death.

Though prepackaged first aid kits are available commercially, most experts recommend you take the time to put together your own first aid kit.

Erin O’Donnell, owner and medical director of Northwest Pet Clinic in Tucson, AZ, says a properly stocked pet first aid kit can be a deciding factor in your pet’s well being during an emergency.

Based on O’Donnell’s recommendations, a pet first aid kit should contain: • Sterile gauze pads • Gauze rolls • First aid tape • Scissors • Hydrogen peroxide (three percent) • Antibacterial ointment • Antiseptic wipes • Eye dropper • Muzzle • Leash • Digital thermometer • Antihystamine (Benadryl or generic) • Blanket or stretcher

your pet ate it or was exposed to it.

4. Have the product container/packaging available for reference.

Your kit should also have the name, address and phone number of the nearest animal emergency hospital.

Finally, you may consider signing up for a pet emergency training course. Check your local Red Cross or Humane Society for availability.

Preparing your emergency first aid kit is a lot less daunting than it may seem. Set aside a few hours to prepare for your pet’s sake. When the job is finished, you can relax and enjoy your pet with a little more peace of mind.

Your kit should also have the phone number for your area Animal Poison Control Center.

If you ever have to call, have the following information ready: 1. Species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved.

2. Symptoms.

3. Name and description of the substance in question; the amount the animal was exposed to; and how long it’s been since

Phil Thompson is a staff writer for Pet Genius and the proud parent of Sampson, an American Pit Bull Terrier. Phil lives in Tucson, AZ.

Fancy fur coat from the Pet Genius Health & Wellness Library

A veterinarian’s guide to grooming and coat care for your cat

The general condition of your cat’s skin and coat are good indicators of its health. Although health and nutrition influence the luster and texture of your cat’s coat from the inside, regular grooming and skin care on the outside will help keep your cat’s coat clean and free of tangles, no matter what type of hair coat he or she has.

What are the different types of hair coat for cats?

With selective breeding, man has developed breeds of cats that range all the way from hairless Sphinx cats to fluffy long-haired breeds.

Some cats shed very little, such as the Sphinx and the Rex breeds. The majority of other breeds of cats have a smooth outer coat of “guard hairs” and a fine undercoat of soft hairs that provide additional insulation. Longhaired breeds of cats often have very fine silky outer coats that may tangle very easily.

Some cats that live in cooler climates, particularly if they venture outdoors, will undergo two heavy seasonal shedding cycles per year (late spring and late fall), during which much of the undercoat falls out in clumps. However, many cats that share our homes shed their undercoat and guard hairs in low levels all year round.

12

Pet Genius Magazine • Spring 2013

How often should I groom my cat?

All cats benefit from regular brushing to remove loose hairs and dead skin cells, to keep the coat free of dirt, debris and external parasites, and to distribute natural skin oils along the hair shafts.

Cats with long, silky or curly coats require daily brushing to keep their hair from becoming tangled or matted, especially around the ears, in the armpits or along the back of the legs.

Cats with short hair coats may require less frequent brushing.

Daily brushing will cut down on the amount of hair that a cat swallows during the course of self-grooming with its tongue, thus helping to reduce

the number of hairballs your cat may develop.

Daily brushing will cut down dramatically on the amount of loose hair and pet dander floating around the home. For some people with mild cat allergies, daily brushing may even reduce the amount of airborne allergens enough that they can share their home with a cat.

Regardless of the type of hair coat, you should inspect your cat’s coat every day to make sure there are no tangles or clumps that have developed under the armpits, in the groin or behind the ears.

If you regularly check your cat’s coat and skin, you will also have a

better chance of detecting any unusual lumps, bumps or areas of sensitivity on your cat’s body at an early stage.

the veterinarian so that the appropriate treatment can be prescribed.

If you are planning on bathing your cat, make sure that you brush out as What type of brush or comb should many burrs or tangles from the coat I use? before bathing, since tangles can Different styles of brushes work bet- become impossible to remove after a ter on certain types of hair coats. bath!

Stiff bristle brushes will help remove loose hairs from cats with short coats How often should I bathe my cat? or sparse undercoats, while longMost healthy adult cats are fastoothed metal combs or brushes, tidious groomers and rarely require a especially ones with rows of offset bath. tines, are useful to remove loose hair How often your particular cat needs and smooth minor tangles in medium to be bathed will vary somewhat with and long-haired cats. its age, lifestyle and underlying health Other combs are designed to remove status as discussed above. For examclumps of loose undercoat if your cat is ple, an older, arthritic cat that has difundergoing a heavy seasonal shedding, ficulty grooming itself may need the or for gently teasing out smaller mats occasional bath to remove loose hair behind the ears or along the back legs and objectionable odors. If your cat of long-haired cats. has allergies, your veterinarian may Whatever the choice of brush you prescribe frequent bathing as part of use, it is important to be gentle when the treatment regimen. using it, and to avoid excessive pulling If you find that your cat requires on tangles. frequent bathing, you should disYour veterinarian can give you spe- cuss this with your veterinarian, who cific recommendations for a grooming may recommend the use of a “dry tool that could work particularly well shampoo” or a special shampoo and for your cat’s type of coat. conditioning rinse so that your furry friend does not develop skin problems How should I remove tangles, mats associated with the repeated baths. or burrs?

If a tangle is small or relatively minor, or if your cat has just picked up a burr or grass awn, you may be able to gently remove it by brushing or combing it out.

If, however, the tangle is extensive or there is a large clump of burrs or grass awns forming a mat, it may be necessary to cut out the clump of hair.

In this case, you need to be extremely careful that you do not accidentally cut your cat’s skin.

When tangles are severe or extensive, we strongly recommend that you seek professional care, either from a groomer or from your veterinarian.

If a mat has caused any sort of skin irritation, you should take your cat to

Can I use baby shampoo?

No. Cats should only be bathed in a shampoo that is formulated for use on cats – their skin has a different thickness and pH than human skin, and human shampoo, including baby shampoo, is too harsh for their skin.

For routine bathing, a hypoallergenic shampoo without any added perfumes is the best choice.

How should I bathe my cat?

Bathing cats can represent a big challenge to many cat owners, because few cats enjoy the experience.

If you have a new kitten, you can teach it to tolerate baths by starting when it is young, but it can be difficult to train an adult cat to accept bathing as part of its grooming rituals. Many people choose instead to take their cat to a professional groomer for bathing, or to arrange with their veterinarian to have the cat sedated and groomed at the veterinary clinic.

If you are going to attempt to bathe your cat on your own, the bath water should always be warm, partly for the comfort of the cat and partly because shampoos clean more effectively in warm water.

Most people find that the easiest

way to bathe their cat is in the laundry tub, bathroom sink or tub. Since few cats will sit still in a sink full of water, some groomers recommend “dipping” the cat into the water to wet it down, then applying the shampoo and lathering it up while the cat is on “dry ground”.

“Daily brushing will cut down on the amount of hair that a cat swallows during the course of selfgrooming with its tongue, thus helping to reduce the number of hairballs your cat may develop.”

Ideally, you should rinse off the shampoo or other products using running water, but many cats become frantic when put under a stream of water. If this is the case with your cat, you may find it easier to dip it into the water until all the soap is removed.

When dipping a cat into water, it is important to hold onto all four feet so that it can’t escape and make sure you guard against personal injuries from teeth or nails!

After you have applied the shampoo, work it through the entire coat to remove all dirt and debris. Some owners of cats with particularly thick coats find that it is best to dilute the shampoo in some water so that it is easier to apply and rinse out.

For routine bathing, you can rinse the shampoo out right away, but if you are using a medicated shampoo, it must be allowed to sit on the coat for 5-10 minutes before being rinsed out.

14

Pet Genius Magazine • Spring 2013

Make sure you read the instructions on the shampoo label for the specific product that you are using, or follow your veterinarian’s directions if you are using a medicated shampoo.

Once the shampoo has done its job, it must be completely rinsed out.

For best results, a conditioning product should be applied afterwards to restore any lost moisture to the skin and minimize the development of dandruff after the bath. Since your cat WILL groom itself vigorously after the bath, it is important to rinse out all traces of shampoo or other products.

This is even more important if you are using a medicated shampoo or a flea shampoo, to avoid any risk of toxicity to your cat.

Should I have my long-haired cat shaved down in the summer?

Most cats, even those with long

hair, cope very well with hot summer temperatures without the need for a haircut.

However, long-haired cats that are prone to getting large mats in their fur, or cats that don’t groom well and object to regular brushing, may benefit from having their hair shaved down periodically.

In the majority of cases, the cat will require sedation during this procedure, since few cats will tolerate the noise of the clippers or the discomfort of extensive mat removal while awake and alert. If your cat requires a haircut in the summer months, it should be done before the temperature becomes too high, so that the exposed skin does not become damaged from sunburn.

Are there any other recommendations?

Your cat’s general coat appearance may be the first indicator of health problems.

A healthy animal will not shed excessively and will have a shiny coat that is free from dandruff or greasiness.

Before reaching for the bottle of shampoo, think about whether that lackluster coat could be telling you something else. If you have any concerns, contact your veterinarian to arrange a consultation.

Contributed by Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH and taken from the Pet Genius Health & Wellness Library. © Copyright 2010 Lifelearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.

Ferrets Veterinarian’s guide to caring for ferrets from the Pet Genius Health & Wellness Library

The ferret has been domesticated for over 2,000 years. It was originally used for pest control and hunting in Europe (the polecat). They are members of the weasel family, which includes skunks, otters, mink, weasels and badgers.

Ferrets are generally good-natured, inquisitive, playful animals that enjoy the company of humans.

Ferret coats have several different color patterns. The fitch or sable ferret is the most popular. Fitch ferrets have a buff-colored coat with black markings on the face, feet and tails. Albino ferrets are white with pink eyes. Some ferrets have a buff coat with light markings. Other types and color variations include the silver mitt, Siamese, cinnamon, panda, black-eyed white, blaze and butterscotch.

The female ferret is called a jill, the male is a hob, and the infants are called kits.

The gestation period, or length

of pregnancy, is about 42 days. Like puppies and kittens, kits are born deaf and with their eyes closed. They begin walking by about three weeks of age, which is also when their eyes and ears open. By about six weeks of age, they can be weaned onto ferret food. The average life span is five to eight years; ferrets are considered geriatric pets at three to four years of age (compared to seven to eight years of age for dogs and cats).

Ferrets can make good pets

As with all animals, socialization is important. If not properly trained, they can be aggressive and nippy.

Make sure you check with your veterinarian prior to purchasing a ferret if you have small children.

Ferrets easily learn to use a litter box. Ferrets are true carnivores. The best diet for a pet ferret is commercial ferret food.

For further information regarding

diet, visit the Pet Genius Health & Wellness Library and read “Ferrets – Feeding.”

Curious critters

Due to their curious nature, ferrets are great escape artists. All holes, no matter how small, leading to inaccessible areas must be blocked off to prevent escape or injury.

A good rule of thumb: if the ferret can put his head into it, the body will fit, too. Ferrets will burrow into the foam of couches, chairs and mattresses, and climb into the back of stereo speakers, closets and drawers. These areas should be blocked off or sealed off with thin plywood or hardware cloth.

Chewing champions Ferrets love to chew! All foam, plastic and rubber objects must be kept out of harm’s way, including shoe inserts, ear plugs, kid toys, pet Pet Genius Magazine • Spring 2013

15

toys, erasers, rubber bands, balloons, speaker foam and headphone foam, swim goggle liners.

If a ferret swallows one of these objects, it can cause a gastrointestinal blockage, which may lead to an expensive surgery or perhaps cause its death.

Tracking tip Some people recommend putting a collar with a bell attached on your ferret so that it can be easily found if it escapes your sight (make sure it’s firmly secured to the collar and can’t easily detach, and make sure that the bell can’t be swallowed if it does become detached).

Reproduction Ferrets are usually spayed or neutered and de-scented prior to purchase. Unless you want to breed your prospective pet, surgical sterilization is highly recommended.

Intact male ferrets have a musky odor and can be more aggressive; once female ferrets reach sexual maturity, they will remain in estrus, or heat, unless bred. This prolonged heat results in bone marrow suppression from high levels of estrogen; unless treated early and aggressively, this can cause death.

For more information about this topic, visit the Pet Genius Health & Wellness Library and read “Ferrets – Reproductive Disease”.

“Your ferret should be examined by a veterinarian who treats these special pets within 48 hours of purchase.”

16

Pet Genius Magazine • Spring 2013

De-scenting The anal glands of ferrets secrete a foul-smelling, musky liquid. Descented ferrets (which have had these glands removed) make more aesthetically-appealing pets.

Even after de-scenting, ferrets still have a slightly musky odor. You can routinely bathe your ferret weekly or every other week using a gentle moisturizing shampoo as recommended by your veterinarian.

Ferrets should have their sharp claws or toenails trimmed regularly.

Your veterinarian can teach you how

to do this procedure safely.

Ferrets should not be declawed.

Vaccinations Just like dogs and cats, ferrets require a series of vaccinations as youngsters. At least once a year, they also require an examination, a fecal test for internal parasites, and booster vaccinations.

Ferrets are usually vaccinated at eight, 12 and 16 weeks of age against canine distemper. There is also an approved vaccine for rabies in ferrets. However, since local municipal

Other anatomic and physiologic features of ferrets Ferrets do not have any identifiable blood types. Therefore, blood from any ferret can be given to a ferret that needs a blood transfusion.

Ferrets are very susceptible to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). For this reason, they are only fasted for a few hours (rather than overnight) prior to surgery or blood sampling.

Ferrets, like many small mammals and pocket pets, are extremely susceptible to heat stress or stroke. The temperature must be kept below 90 degrees.

young children, as ferrets can be aggressive and nippy) and due to the chance of escaped ferrets becoming established in the wild.

If owning a ferret is legal in your area, they can be purchased at pet stores or through breeders or ferret club members.

Ideally, purchase a young ferret, since it will adapt more readily to its new home. The eyes and nose should be clear and free of any discharge that might indicate distemper or a respiratory infection.

The ferret should be curious and inquisitive; it should not be thin or emaciated. Check for the presence of wetness around the anus, which might indicate diarrhea. Check for the presence of external parasites such as fleas.

Selecting your pet ferret In some municipalities, it is illegal to own a pet ferret due to the potential for attacks on people (specifically

The first veterinary visit Your ferret should be examined by a veterinarian who treats these special pets within 48 hours of purchase (this

laws vary regarding ferret bites, some veterinarians do not vaccinate ferrets for rabies.

is often required by the seller or the guarantee is voided).

At this visit, your veterinarian will discuss proper diet, housing, and toys for the ferret. A vaccination program will be set up, a fecal sample will be checked for worms or other intestinal parasites, and the ferret may be started on heartworm preventative.

Once a ferret reaches three years of age, a complete geriatric work-up, which includes an EKG, urinalysis, blood tests and radiographs (X-rays), is necessary on at least an annual basis. This will allow for the early detection of diseases so commonly seen in older ferrets, such as cardiomyopathy and cancer.

Contributed by Rick Axelson, DVM. Taken from the Pet Genius Health & Wellness Library. Š Copyright 2009 Lifelearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.

Life in

a cage

Cage hygiene in birds, a vet answers your questions

From the Pet Genius Health & Wellness Library

Q. a.

What do I clean my bird’s cage with?

Birds living in cages have the misfortune of eating in their bathroom and defecating in their kitchen, since it’s all the same place; therefore, it is essential to keep a bird’s environment as clean as possible.

The bottom of the cage should be lined with a disposable paper such as newspaper or paper towel that can be thrown away every day. Newsprint is now free of lead so should be of little concern.

White birds that insist on playing in the newspaper may get grey newsprint on their white feathers, but this is easily washed off.

The sandpaper sold in the pet stores to line the bottom of the cage is of little beneficial value and more expensive. Wood chips and shavings, clay, shredded or recycled paper and corncob bedding are not highly recommended for many reasons.

The dust can be a potential respiratory irritant, especially aromatic pines and cedars. Many owners neglect to change the cage daily with these products (since it becomes more expensive to throw out daily) leading to increased contamination of the bird’s environment.

Also, is virtually impossible with these particulate cage bottom coverings to monitor the color, consistency and wetness of the feces that can be an important reflection of the health of the bird.

Remember, dirt, dust, fecal matter, bits of food and

18

Pet Genius Magazine • Spring 2013

feather dust constantly accumulate on the cage and everything in it. The entire cage should be scrubbed down at least once weekly with soap and hot water plus a good disinfectant. Most disinfectants should be allowed to sit wet for 30 minutes on the surface being cleaned.

A thorough brushing followed by a fresh water rinse is always advised after application of any soap or disinfectant. Food and water dishes should be cleaned in the same fashion and should be washed and rinsed well daily.

Wood, wicker and bamboo are porous materials that are impossible to sterilize. Dirt and bacteria can penetrate these substances very deeply; therefore, it is advisable to replace these items every 6 - 12 months.

Thorough cleaning and disinfection should also be done weekly or as needed as described above.

Q. a.

What disinfectants are safe to use?

Many different kinds of disinfectants are capable of killing a variety of germs including viruses, bacteria and fungi.

For home use, most general disinfectant-deodorizer products are quite adequate.

One cup of household chlorine bleach in one gallon of water is considered effective against many organisms. To be most effective, disinfectants should be applied to a washed surface. For aviary or flock situations, a broader range disinfectant may be more beneficial.

Discuss your specific needs with your veterinarian. Many disinfectants need to be used with great care and may release toxic fumes. They must be used with proper ventilation, and the bird should not be present while they are being used. Remember to rinse well whenever you use a disinfectant.

Contributed by Rick Axelson, DVM taken from the Pet Genius Health & Wellness Library. Š Copyright 2009 Lifelearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.

Pet Bytes Teflon or non-stick cookware can be fatal to parrots and other pet birds. The coating gives off an odorless fume when heated that can kill a bird within minutes.

This means that any non-stick cookware you may own will have to go, and you will need to invest in pots and pans made of stainless steel or another safe substance.

Pet Genius Magazine • Spring 2013

19

Long way from home What if you find a lost pet with no visible ID? by Carol Hatcher “So, I guess Comet got out,” our dog’s previous owner told me over the phone. I ran to the window to look in the backyard. When I didn’t see our yellow lab, I tore out the back door.

“I just got a call from an officer with animal control. He has Comet.

I can give you his number,” she told me.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Our busy two-year-old lab loved to dig and had dug her way out of the yard before, but usually came to the front door and waited to be let inside.

But this particular day Comet took a stroll through the neighborhood.

When a neighbor a few streets over saw her, she called animal control.

There was just one problem – Comet’s tags were still linked to the previous owner.

Before the days of microchips, if a dog didn’t have a tag it was hard to find an owner. But times have changed. Now many dogs and even cats have a microchip embedded

Pet Bytes On rainy days, you may have to exercise your dog indoors to burn off their excess energy. Play hide and seek in the house or use dog toys to engage in a tug-of-war with your pet.

20

Pet Genius Magazine • Spring 2013

under the skin.

“In the old days, we only had the tags to reunite a pet with his owner,” said Sergeant Chip Moore from Animal Control in Gwinnett County, GA. “But if a dog digs out of his fence or gets loose, often they lose their collars with their ID tags.

New technology with chips helps us reunite more pets with their owners.”

The officer who picked up Comet called the animal hospital that gave Comet her Rabies shot. The hospital gave him the name of the previous owner. He had to call her in order to finally get to me. Before the officer called the number on the tags, he scanned Comet to see if she was microchipped. She was, but his scanner couldn’t find her chip.

“Chips can migrate through the body,” he explained. “Some scanners can’t pick them up because they don’t detect certain frequencies. They are originally placed behind the shoulder

but can move all over.

“If you find a pet with no visible ID, the best thing to do is take him to the closest veterinarian,” Moore says.

“First, vets have high-grade scanners.

If there is a microchip, the vet will find it. But even with no chip, often when you walk in with a dog, the vet will recognize him immediately and be able to call the owners. Anything that keeps the pet out of animal control is good. We want animals and owners to be reunited.”

So if you find a pet with no visible ID, try taking him to the vet. And if that doesn’t work, call me. Comet may just be a long way from home.

Carol Hatcher is a staff writer for Pet Genius and former teacher.

This southern belle lives with her husband and three children in Buford, GA where they enjoy playing fetch and doing tricks while their yellow Labrador, Comet, watches.