May/June 2012 Issue of Pet Me! Magazine

Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

May/June 2012

Your Guide To All Things Pets

What a

PAIR

PLUS: S-S-S-Spring Has Sprung Fat Cats Aren’t Funny Feline Purrrrrsonality Have We Seen Your Cat Lately & Much More!

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012 To adopt one of these pets please contact Castaic Animal Shelter at 661.257.3191 or visit our website at www.PetMeMag.com Please visit our remodeled Cat Habitat. Interact with the cats and kittens in an open environment.

Meet Gus, an amazingly sweet and affectionate giant. He walks well on leash and knows “sit”.

He seems fine around other dogs but he would much rather be with his 2 legged friends! Gus is a bit of a talker, especially when he sees one of his favorite people!

Gus is an easy going fella who would fit in with any family who has room for this big guy. Come and meet this handsome black and white boy and see if he can “talk” you into taking him home!

Gus

Poppy Meet POPPY! She is a 9 month old American Staffordshire female. She is a stunning beauty! She is doggy door trained and housebroken. Gets along well with other dogs and of course people! A sweet pea looking for her SAFE forever home. Anyone interested in adopting this gal can contact Kyle Harris on Facebook or at caninecommands@hotmail.com

Adeline

What a slimline beauty! Adeline is an absolute sweetheart, she loves to run and play with her 2 legged friends and loves to play out in the large pens. She loves people but needs to be the only dog in the home, she does not do well with other dogs.

Adeline is another high energy smart dog and needs a family committed to her ongoing training and her exercise needs.

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Dante is a handsome little tan and white Chihuahua mix. He loves to be held and petted by the people he knows. He needs you to go slow at first until he has had a chance to sniff you and check you out! He is a playful guy who is doggy social and outgoing.

Come and meet Dante and you too will fall in love with this little cutie!

Rocky

Dante

Rocky is a high energy smart guy. He needs a family committed to giving him the exercise he needs and he would do best in a family with teenage children. If there is an active family looking for their new canine buddy then they should look no further than Rocky!!

This absolutely stunning gal has no name but hopes there is someone out there who will adopt her and give her one! She is a 5 year old tan/white Chihuahua mix female. She is a little shy but is slowly coming out of her shell. She seems sweet and playful and loves to be held!

Because she is a little timid she may enjoy a home without small children. Gets along with other small dogs. Her big, soulful eyes say “Please love me!” You have to meet her to appreciate how pretty she really is! Available for adoption at the Castaic Shelter.

Another cutie with no name who truly deserves a forever home and a name.

This handsome guy is a 1 year old Chihuahua mix male. He is a beautiful reddish brown/white color.

He came in as a stray so volunteers don’t know too much about him. He seems very happy and playful! Seems to enjoy people too. Gets along with other small dogs. Just look at that smile. How can you resist him? Available for adoption at the Castaic Shelter.

MAY/JUNE

Contents 4 S-S-S-Spring Has Sprung Snake season has arrived.

8 What A Pair

Chihuahua’s and Pit Bulls ~ they have more in common than you think.

10 Have We Seen Your Cat Lately?

It’s not just dogs that need an annual vet visit.

12 Fat Cats Aren’t Funny

Negative effects of obesity can put your cat at risk.

14 Feline Purrrrrsonality~ Just what makes a cat tick?

22 Directory for All Things Pets

Advertising Information Direct: 661.255.9979 Fax: 866.259.9201 29743 Seco Cyn. Rd. #518, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

email: petadv@petmemag.com Web: www.petmemag.com

Please Contact Us For A Subscription – Annual Subscription By Mail: $12 PUBLISHER AND EDITOR Bridget Alves ART DIRECTOR Doug Conboy COVER PHOTO Cherifoto.com

As we kick off the summer here in the sunny SCV many of us will be hitting the hiking trails with our furry four-legged and often curious canine friends. Very early on, this year in particular we have already seen a variety of snakes hitting the trails as well. Prevention, training and vaccines can avoid a dreaded snake bite, especially from the rattler.

While you’re enjoying those long hikes remember to protect your skin and your pups from the sweltering rays, and while you will be wearing shoes, be sensitive to the pads of your pooch, they burn too.

I spend much of my free time volunteering at the local shelter.

When I began volunteering I just couldn’t wait to work with the dogs. That all changed after my first visit to the cat room.

“Where are all of the cat volunteers I asked?” I quickly learned how very few volunteers there were for our very sensitive feline friends. I immediately knew that this was where I would make a difference. I’ve had cats and kittens my entire life and it seemed a natural fit. Though I thought I knew more than I would ever need to know about cats, volunteer life at the shelter would prove me wrong. In this issue we take a look at cat personalities, understanding our feline friends and some of the reasons they lash out and bite when you least expect it.

We visit an important and concerning topic in this issue. Two breeds with something very unfortunate in common; both are neglected and discarded at alarming rates. Dani Coulette educates us on why this occurs and what we can do to help curb these numbers.

I love publishing this magazine because it allows me to do what I love to do most. Study animals, be with animals, love animals and protect animals. I feel pretty fortunate. Thank you for your kind emails and for reading Pet Me! Magazine.Your support means so much.

Enjoy and be safe.

PUBLISHED BY Pet Me! Publications

Bridget Alves

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Pet Me! Magazine

Publisher & Editor

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

S-S-S-Spring Rattlesnake, Red Diamond rattlesnake, Speckled Rattlesnake, Sidewinder, and Mohave Rattlesnake. All of which have venom that can be toxic to humans and our pets.

Rattlesnakes are most active at dusk and dawn.

The striking speed of a rattlesnake is astounding.

They can strike up to 2/3

By Kim A. Schumann of their body length and it is suggested to stay at least 10 feet away. Snakes like to hide under rocks, in holes and brush “Spring is sprung, the grass is riz, piles...all of the places your dog (and cat) like to stick their I wonders where the birdies is...” noses. It’s a good idea to keep thick brush and foliage cleared from your yard and walkways. pring time in the Santa Clarita Valley is something to The physical appearance of each snake species varies and behold. The surrounding mountains and rolling hills it is difficult to tell what species of snake you’re looking at. are covered with an emerald green carpet. The flowers Some general appearances of poisonous snakes are: and trees burst forth with blooms of violet, yellow, pink and • Broad, triangular head with a noticeable “neck” behind orange. The warmer weather lures people from their homes the head. to tend to their gardens, to take their dogs to the park or • Vertical pupils (non-poisonous snakes have round for a hike on one of the many mountain trails. What was pupils) though hopefully one would not be close dormant during the cool, gray winter has come to life again. enough to determine this.

Yes, the desert in spring can be breath taking... but it can • Rattlesnakes are also called “pit vipers” because they also be life threatening. have heat-sensing “pits” on their faces between the eye One morning, while in your back yard with your beloved and nostril. The pits help them locate prey. dog, you hear it. The sound is unmistakable. You freeze Rattlesnakes can be found in rural areas as well as suburban out of fear and scan the yard...there it is, coiled under the areas where there is a sufficient food source and natural habitat. azalea, a rattlesnake. Unfortunately, your dog has seen it too In Southern California snakes can be active all year round and heads over to check things out. Before you can get the but activity increases as the weather gets warmer. As early command out... it’s too late. The snake rattles again and then as March through September snake related calls to Animal strikes, biting your dog in the muzzle. He lets out a yelp and Control will triple in frequency. Although a percentage of the the snake retreats, slithering back down the hillside. Now calls turn out to be gopher snakes, king snakes or red racers all what? You panic. Your dog is still yelping and his face is snake calls are treated as emergency/priority calls. swelling...

Dogs encounter snakes on trails, in parks or in their very The only venomous snakes in California are rattlesnakes. own backyards. Most bites to dogs occur on the face or legs.

The 6 rattlesnake’s native to Southern California include The swelling is often dramatic with up to 1/3 of the total the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake, Western Diamondback blood circulation being lost to the affected area in a matter

S

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

Has Sprung of hours. The toxin further disrupts normal blood clotting leading to uncontrolled bleeding. This kind of blood loss induces shock and eventually death. Facial bites are often more lethal as the swelling may block the throat or impair the ability to breathe.

An exception would be the Mojave rattlesnake whose venom is “neurotoxic.” The bite of this snake causes rapid paralysis. This includes paralysis of the respiratory muscles and leads to suffocation.

How serious a snake bite is depends on two factors: • The species of snake • The size of the dog The amount of venom injected (approximately 20-25% of bites are “dry” meaning no venom has been injected, 30% of bites are mild meaning they cause local pain and swelling in the bite area and no systemic symptoms, 40% of bites are severe with approximately 5% actually being fatal.

The faster the bite is recognized, the more effective the treatment is.

Do not try to cut the bite wound open or suck out the poison.

Seek veterinary care immediately for proper treatment.

ANTIVENIN There are numerous misconceptions about antivenin. The first is simply the name of the product. It is not “anti-venom.” It is not a single injection that provides the antidote to snake bite venom.

Antivenin is a biological product consisting of antibodies made by horses in response to exposure to four common snake venoms. The antibody serum is reconstituted into an intravenous drip that is run into the patient over at least 30 minutes or so.

Antivenin is expensive (at least $400 per vial) and a large dog with a severe bite is likely to require several vials.

Because the product is of horse origin, often a scratch test to the ear flap is used to test for immunological sensitivity (i.e. to predict whether the patient is likely to have anaphylactic reaction to the antivenin once it is administered intravenously). The patient will likely always be sensitive to equine products after administration of antivenin which makes future snake bite treatment problematic.

A newer, more purified antivenin of sheep origin has recently been marketed (“Cro-Fab” antivenin) but this is even more expensive (approximately $700 per vial).

Antivenin is very helpful in the inactivation of snake venom but there is a narrow window during which it must be used. After about 4 hours post-bite, antivenin is of minimal use.

VACCINATION Initial vaccination is given in 2 doses 3-6 weeks apart. Dogs over 100 lbs and dogs less than 30 lbs in body weight need 3 doses 3-6 weeks apart.

• Annual boosters are best given approximately one month before snake season starts in the spring. Dogs where snake season is year round or where they hike year round should have boosters every 6 months.

If a vaccine is skipped, the initial vaccination protocol should be re-started.

• Vaccination is safe in pregnancy, lactation, and for puppies 4 months of age and older.

• Vaccination reactions occur in 0.27% of cases (27 per 10,000 doses given) and are largely limited to swelling at the vaccine site occurring 7-10 days after vaccination. This is particularly true for dogs with a past history of bee stings.

• Vaccinated dogs typically develop protection comparable to 2-3 vials of antivenin.

continued on page 6 Pet Me! Magazine™

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

continued from page 5 PREVENTION Santa Clarita Valley is expanding. As they build further into the Desert Mountains, the more they are going to disrupt the existing wildlife. Coyotes, snakes, bats and bobcat sightings are increasing every year. It is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the wildlife indigenous to the desert, knowledge is power and your best defense. Prepare and protect yourself, your families and your pets.

Training dogs to avoid being bitten by rattlesnakes has many names. Snake breaking, snake proofing, snake avoidance, snake aversion and snake busting all come to mind. While these terms all mean the same thing, dog training procedures, techniques and methods vary between those performing the snake avoidance programs. The important thing is that the training is accessible, affordable and invaluable.

The snakes used during the rattlesnake avoidance training are either muzzled or contained in a “blind box” to ensure the safety of the dogs being trained. The snakes are always treated humanely and your dog will never be in danger. The trainers will use a low frequency shock collar on your dog during the training the rattlesnake aversion training consists of three phases: Phase One: Smell Recognition The handler will take an inanimate object that has been scented like a rattlesnake and introduce it to your dog several times. After the dog shows interest in the scent a low level stimulation will be applied.

This teaches your dog to avoid the smell of a rattlesnake.

After your dog learns aversion behavior, he/she will proceed to the next phase.

Phase Two: Sound Recognition The handler will bring your dog to the “blind box” multiple times and from 6 Pet Me! Magazine™

different angles. A low level stimulus is applied each time your dog acknowledges the rattle from a live rattlesnake. This teaches the dog to avoid the sound of a rattlesnake. Once your dog learns aversion behavior, he/she will proceed to the next phase.

Phase Three: Applying Phases One and Two The handler will bring your dog up to a live rattlesnake multiple times and from multiple angles. The dog has the ability to see, hear and smell the rattlesnake. This is where the animal can put all three together and understand what a rattlesnake is.

When your dog shows consistent avoidance behavior they have been successfully trained.

There is no time like the present when it comes to preparing for and preventing a potentially life threatening encounter with a snake. In addition to the training it is always a good idea to check your yard before you allow your dog outside in the morning or at sundown. Do a quick scan of your yard’s perimeter, under bushes or piles of brush.

Install snake fencing to discourage them from coming into your yard. Keep the number of a 24/7 veterinary hospital on hand.

Now armed with training and an education, you, your family and your pet can really enjoy the Santa Clarita Valley in the spring.

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Here at Happy Pets Veterinary, we offer many different services to keep your animals healthy & happy.

We see exotics,birds, reptiles, & pocket pets • Quality veterinary medicine • Dental & surgical services • Digital x-rays/ultrasound • In-house lab work • Compassionate euthanasias • Vaccine clinic Weds. 9a-12p and Sat. 3p-5p • Laser therapy for pain control • House calls (call for availability) • Pet shuttle services (call for availability) • Homeopathy, Chiropractic, Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

What a

PAIR...

Misunderstood and Rejected

By Dani Caouette

A

fter a visit to your local Animal Shelter, you may notice two breeds in abundance; the Chihuahua and Pit Bull. Many of the abandoned dogs in Los Angeles city shelters are labeled some version of either Chihuahua or Pit Bull mix. Often these animals are the product of backyard breeding… Often misunderstood with insufficient training, these rejected breeds face a dismal future.

The unfortunate outcome for dogs that become popular and are bred for profit was proven with Taco Bell and their Chihuahua mascot exclaiming, “Yo Quiero Taco Bell.” The itty-bitty canines became even more popular after the 2001 movie “Legally Blonde.” Paris Hilton made them in to a fashion statement during her reality series, “The Simple Life.”

Then the 2008 comedy, “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” bred 2 more sequels, which perpetuated the idea that dogs have a certain type of personality. But if your dog receives insufficient training and socializing, they can become a large problem!

Chihuahuas are often treated like anything but a dog, which can result in aggressive behavior and injuries. People put their pet in a purse instead of puppy classes. This made Chihuahuas the third most popular dog breed, and for the first time, inundating animal shelters in numbers challenging Pit Bulls.

People often see a cute pudgy Pit Bull puppy or pocket8 Pet Me! Magazine™

sized Chihuahua and think they will train him or her to be a good dog, like they see in the movies. Then they get busy with life, as their cute puppy grows into an unruly teenager… often times, when issues finally arise, pet owners do not have a plan in place. They frequently end up failing their pet then take him or her to a shelter or some other home. Lacking proper training and socializing can result in catastrophic results for the human, or animal, or most likely, both. An untrained Pit Bull can become a liability, just as much as an untrained Chihuahua becomes a nuisance and liability, don’t let that small stature fool you; results are that neither one will get adopted, facing eminent death, even if they were “such a good dog!!”

Behavioral issues cannot be ignored – whether the focus is the aggressive Chihuahua, or the negatively publicized traits of a Pit Bull, both canines require proper training and respect.

Despite the rate of successful adoptions, Chihuahuas and Pit Bulls arriving at shelters are euthanized in large numbers, either due to dangerous behavior or simply because shelters have too many. The Los Angeles Department of Animal Services, who adopts more Chihuahuas and Pit Bulls than any other agency in the U.S., still must euthanize.

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Have We Seen Your Cat Lately?

By Evelyn Vega, D.V.M.

certain geriatric conditions – thus making prevention and early detection especially important. Remember six months to a cat here are 82 million pet cats in the United States, is equal to three or four human years! A lot can happen in that compared to 72 million dogs. Studies show that the time frame in any geriatric individual. number of cats that get to see their veterinarians is Now about those myths – is it true cats can stress out more declining each year. We here at Happy Pets Veterinary Center compared to dogs, or that they are harder to handle in the have also noticed this trend. We see about half of the amount exam room? Not necessarily; dogs also get stressed and can also of cats compared to dogs each month. Why is this so? It cannot be difficult – sometimes more than cats. However, with dogs, be that cat owners don’t care about their pets compared to dog owners try to make their annual veterinary visits a “fun time” by owners; from our experience, cat owners are super-attentive to offering treats during their exams, or going somewhere special their pet’s needs. No, we believe it is due to some misconceptions afterwards. Most dogs love going for a car ride because it means about cats as to why our lovable felines don’t see the veterinarian fun and adventure. as often as their doggy counterparts. Some common cat myths For cats, we have to think of ways to make the carrier and include: “Visits to the vet are more stressful for cats than dogs,” car trip as enjoyable as it is for dogs! You can try making the or “Cats are harder to handle than dogs during an exam.” Our carrier more comfortable and cozy with blankets, toys or an favorite myth is “Indoor cats don’t need to have to see the vet article of clothing belonging to your cat’s favorite person. or get ‘shots’ because they are “safe” inside the house; that only Several days before the appointment, leave the carrier out and outdoor cats get sick.” open, and place food and treats in the carrier. Spray a synthetic We, as humans, have been ‘trained’ by our own physicians feline pheromone, put cat nip, or other botanical blends in the to come see our doctors at least once a year for a physical exam carrier to help make your cat feel calm and secure. Once kitty is and blood work. However, young children need to go more comfortable with the carrier, take him or her for a few short car often for immunizations and special screening tests, and elderly rides, always making it a positive experience. patients, need to see their doctors more regularly, have blood If all that fails and your feline friend still stresses, then have work performed more often, and start another set of screening the veterinarian come to you. At Happy Pets Veterinary Center, tests most common for their age group. It is no different for cats; we will do house calls in the SCV for this reason. In closing, our pets age more rapidly than we do, so all these things need keep in mind that cats are masters at hiding illness and you may to be done in a shorter time period. Remember, our pet’s age at not notice any signs until the illness has reached an advanced a rate comparable to approximately seven times our rate. So, a stage. Therefore, prevention is the preferable treatment option cat’s life span from birth to age 15 or 20 years is comparable to and this can only be accomplished with regular annual or semia human from birth to hopefully well into their nineties. annual wellness visits. Catching a problem early can not only Kittens need to be seen by the vet regularly for their spare your cat some suffering, but in the long run, save you immunizations and specific laboratory tests such as fecal exams some money. and Feline Leukemia and FIV testing. We focus more on yearly And yes. Even indoor cats are at risk of developing health preventative care, vaccine boosters, weight management and problems. dental care in our adult cats. Senior cats need to be seen by the vet more often; every six months being the ideal, to check for Courtesy of D.V.M. Evelyn Vega, Happy Pets Veterinary Center

T

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arland Dr. Tracy McF

The Cat Doctor

Dr. Rebecca Palmer

Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

& Friends

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

Fat

By Dr. Tracy McFarland

F

ace it, fat cats are cute. We’ve laughed at Garfield and his lasagna addiction. We love the video of the fat cat falling off the top of the television. Sadly though, when a cat is obese, he or she is likely to suffer some unfunny consequences of too much food and too little exercise.

Obesity is defined as 20% or more above a cat’s ideal body weight. If a cat is supposed to weigh 10 pounds, as little as 2 extra pounds puts a cat into “fat cat” range. By far the most common nutritional problem veterinarians see is over nutrition, leading to obesity. The average adult neutered cat needs approximately 25 calories per pound a day, which is provided by 5 to 6 ounces of canned food or 1/3 to 1/2 cup of dry food. Very small cats need less, bigger cats need a little more, especially if they are

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active ( think young adult Maine Coon). Your veterinarian can help you with exact amounts for your cat; this is one reason why an annual exam is important for all cats, even those who are strictly indoors. Indoor cats are more likely to be overweight, so their diet may need to be measured, if you are not lucky enough to have a self-regulating cat.

Most people don’t know that kittens need at least twice as many calories as an adult neutered cat!

What negative effects can obesity have on your cat? The consequences are similar to those for overweight people, including an increased risk for arthritis, diabetes and certain cancers. In addition, overweight cats store a lot of fat in their liver. If an obese cat suddenly stops eating or has his normal diet drastically decreased in calories, he is at risk to develop hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). Hepatic lipidosis is definitely not funny, often requiring tube feeding for 4 to 6 weeks. This is why you will want to consult your veterinarian about a safe diet plan for your chubby cat companion. A general rule of thumb is no more than 2 ounces weight loss a week, or 1/2 pound a month.

There are three different ways to help a cat lose weight.

1. Simple reduction of calories by decreasing a cat’s food consumption without a change of diet. First, you would find out how much food your cat is currently consuming on average per day. If you are feeding dry food adlib( feeding as much as your cat wants), you can put 1 cup of dry food in his dish and measure how much is left in 24 hours. The difference in the two amounts is the amount your cat ate. Cutting this amount by 15% makes a good starting point for many cats, especially if they are only mildly overweight.

2. Seriously overweight cats will probably need a change in diet . The traditional approach is a switch to a low fat high fiber diet. This will cut calories while hopefully still keeping your cat reasonably satisfied.

3. A newer approach is the “catkins” diet. This is a high

Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

Cats

Aren’t Funny

protein, restricted carbohydrate approach, usually accomplished by feeding an all canned pate style cat food. If a cat will accept an all canned diet, they usually lose weight and as a side benefit are very unlikely to develop type 2 diabetes. In fact, the newest way to manage cat diabetics is to switch to this style of eating.

The downside is this is the most expensive way to feed your cat and may contribute to dental plaque and tartar.

Please take a good look at your furry best friend. If his or her waistline has disappeared, please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss a healthier lifestyle, combining an

appropriate diet and more exercise, such as “food” balls that he has to play with to get a treat. By the way, treats are a big source of extra calories, so be careful to keep treats to a minimum.

Extra affection and playtime are great ways to show your cat how much you love him or her.

Courtesy of Dr. Tracy McFarland, The Cat Doctor & Friends

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Feline Purrrrrsonality~ Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

Just what makes a cat tick?

By Kim A. Schumann

“W

hat in the world just happened?” I was petting him…he was purring...and out of nowhere ….he just bit me!”

Cats are amazing and complicated creatures. They are not motivated by social structure or status; they are independent and often solitary. Of all of the cat’s finely tuned senses, their sense of touch is probably the most enhanced. A multitude of pressure-sensitive nerve endings keep a feline in constant contact with its physical environment. Whether a cat is hunting, eating, playing or simply sleeping, this unbroken communication with the world contributes to its split-second reaction time.

A cat’s reaction to physical contact depends on where it is touched. Any cat owner knows that their pet enjoys being rubbed under the chin, behind the ears, and down the back to the base of the tail. Even in the wild, these are the same places cats focus on to nuzzle or groom each other. Touching tails, stomachs or feet, however, may provoke an unwelcome response. Contact with these areas may produce discomfort, and no cat puts up with human-induced discomfort for more than a second before responding with a scratch or a bite.

Cats instinctively hunt things. Even if they don’t hunt prey, they show hunting behavior when playing with toys, playing with other cats or playing with owners. Hunting involves knowing where to find prey, following the motion of fastmoving prey and co-ordinating the motion of paws and jaws to seize the prey. As kittens, a lot of feline play is geared to honing these instincts. The basic hunting skills are hard-wired into the cat’s brain. Even if a cat has never hunted, the pounce-and-bite behavior can be triggered by stimulating the appropriate part of the brain. The behavior is automatic and even if the cat is not hungry it will still react to the sight and sound of prey.

Cats can tell the difference between a sound that lasts 4 seconds from one that lasts 5 seconds and can learn to delay their response to a stimulus by several seconds, down to an accuracy of one second. This means they have an internal clock, with a one second accuracy, that can be used to time both external and internal events.

We can describe the average cat as an eight pound, finely tuned, sensory receptor. Sharing several common traits, each with their own personality and individual needs; they feed off of their environment and any type of change in that environment

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can lead to some very undesirable behaviors.

Seemingly calm, cool and collected a feline’s stress level can go undetected to the untrained eye. A cat that is stationary, excessively grooming (or not grooming), low or no appetite, may very well be stressed. Urinating or defecating outside of the litter box, displaced aggression towards people or other cats are more obvious signs that a cat may be experiencing stress.

Like people, cats get stressed for many different reasons.

Most of the reasons for stress in cats can be classified with one word, change.

Cats are, for the most part, creatures of habit, they love and understand routine. A change, however small, may be enough to trigger stress.

Cat’s don’t appreciate “new”...new boy/girl friend, new baby, new furniture arrangement, new puppy, new address…..give a cat what they know, give a cat what they are used to. What a cat is comfortable with is unlikely to cause anxiety or stress.

Cats in Confinement Now, you can only imagine what it is like for a cat to be left at an animal shelter or displayed at a pet store.

Life spent lounging on the window sill in the sun, is now spent cowering in the back of a cage. Sensory overload ensues.

Thousands of different smells, noises, movements. People touching you, scruffing you, metal doors opening and slamming shut. No familiar faces. No routine. No peace.

While the dogs in animal shelters are routinely subject to a temperament evaluation prior to placement, it’s commonly known that “there is no real temperament test for a cat”. Cats that hiss when you approach the cage are deemed “unfriendly” or “caution”. Cats that have shut down due to stress levels are accused of “having no personality”. Even a feral cat who has spent his/her’s entire life outside, is now forced to eat, sleep and defecate all within 3’x3’ foot space.

The first 24 hours in any confined situation are the most difficult for a cat. Shelters and the like are very stressful places and to try to observe a cat’s temperament when he/she first comes in is often impossible. The way cats are housed and cared for in that first 24 hours can make all the difference.

Cats new to a confined area seem to adjust better when

Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

safely caged in a pleasant, well lit room. Putting a cat in a quietly busy area, (without dogs), where he can observe some activity but feel safe, can help him adapt more quickly. In most shelter environments, having other cats in the room cannot be avoided.

If this is the case, they should be placed several feet way or at least mixed by gender so that male/neutered cats aren’t face to face with other male cats. Once cats get the hang of the routine, the people and smells, their curiosity starts to overcome their caution/fear instincts and they are then more ready to accept handling.

In order for cats to feel at ease, it’s best to house them waist high or higher. When cats are looked down upon, they can become fearful. In the three tiered metal cages that are used in shelters, the cats on the bottom row are at a distinct disadvantage. The bottom cages should be used for holding cats during cage cleaning. It’s also best not to have a lot of loud noises like barking coming from another room. When cats hear noise but can’t see the cause of it, it scares them.

Feral Cats ~ In the shelter environment, when housing feral or semi feral cats “feral boxes” should be used. These boxes were designed to give a feral cat an additional sense of security as well as keep shelter staff safe while cleaning the cage. The “box” is a type of carrier that fits inside a cage. It has two, clear, sliding doors,

one on the side and one at the front. The side door is left open while the box is in the cat’s cage, allowing the cat to hide in the box if he so desires. This gives them the opportunity to feel safe which in turn de-escalates feelings of stress. During the cleaning process the cat is simply closed into the box and the box is lifted out of the cage. This keeps everyone safe, no one is stressed from unwanted handling and more importantly no one is injured in the process.

Not using the proper precautions when dealing with feral cats will always lead to injury. It is imperative that the cats be clearly labeled or kept in a separate area of the shelter where only staff has access. These cats are wild animals; they were born and raised outside with no human contact.

Domestic or wild cat bites and scratches are serious business.

Because cats clean themselves (licking of the paws etc.)a cat will need to be placed in quarantine for a period of ten days even if it just scratches. A bite or scratch from any cat, wild or domestic, should be followed up with a visit to your doctor.

Wild or domestic, in a shelter or at home, the complexity of a feline needs to be taken into consideration when we interact with them. Understanding a cat’s perception of the world that surrounds him will help you to provide them with a safer, more secure environment. A little less stress in everyone’s world makes for a happier home and a happier cat.

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Dr. Grewal & Associates of Valencia Veterinary Center welcome their newest team member, Amy K. Shumaker, DVM. Dr. Shumaker brings experience in a much needed field for our SCV pets; Dermatology.

Being a chronic allergy sufferer herself, Dr. Shumaker has a strong interest in diagnosing and treating allergies in companion animals. She often refers to herself when describing the type of response clients should expect with allergy testing and desensitization therapy. Dr. Shumaker also has a strong interest in treating ear disease and is very experienced with videootoscopy and laser procedures.

Her animal family includes Scully, a very vocal mixed breed dog she rescued during veterinary school, and Pete, a fantastic Jack Russell Terrier that was rescued by her husband.

Dr. Shumaker enjoys traveling, hiking (with the hounds, of course) and cooking, when she has the time, that is!

www.dermatologyforanimals.com

DERMATOLOGY FOR ANIMALS

●Intradermal Allergy Testing ●Dermatohistopathology Service ●Otitis and Video-Otoscopy ●Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy ●Dermatology at the Multi Specialty Facilities*

DERMATOLOGY FOR ANIMALS

Amy Shumaker, DVM, DACVD Valencia Veterinary Center 23928 Summerhill Lane Valencia, CA 91354 Phone: (661) 855-4870

Birds • Supplies • Grooming • Cages • Fresh Food • Boarding Under New Ownership

Mon - Sat 11 AM - 7 PM Sun 11 AM - 5PM Grooming Hours Fri - Sun 12PM - 4PM

16 Pet Me! Magazine™

661-284-6200 21021 Soledad Canyon Rd. #101 Santa Clarita TheBirdBungalow@aol.com www.BirdBungalow.com

Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

continued from page 8 As the economy declined, so did the chances of Chihuahuas and Pit Bulls. More people were forced to surrender pets to shelters largely due to rental property guidelines, many don’t allow for pets more than 35 lbs, and few will allow bully breeds at all. More and more people began trying to earn a few dollars through backyard breeding. Shelters in California are now exporting Chihuahuas to adoption agencies as far away as New York and Canada. Adoption rates for Pit Bulls have increased, but unfortunately not enough. The future of an unruly Chihuahua or Pit Bull is very slim indeed. But if we acknowledge the importance of training, spaying and neutering, we can reduce shelter killing of Chihuahuas and Pit Bulls. In turn this will reduce euthanizing of other shelter animals as well, whose numbers often have to be reduced if their holding time has expired, in order to make room for more incoming Chihuahuas and Pit Bulls.

Let’s help this pair live happily ever after… If you would like to make a Chihuahua or Pit Bull a part of your family, please explore adoption first, educate yourself on the breed, properly train, spay, neuter and love your pet for their entire life. It will make the difference in both of your lives…until death do you part!

Santa Clarita’s Premier Dog Lodge & Spa

24 hr. In House Care Dog Limo Dog Swimming All Breed Boarding

661-618-6628

Last minute reservations welcome! www.hasshaus.com • honestgalpal@att.net

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

Greener Grooming J

ust as we seek out the perfect stylist for our own hair needs, so goes the story for our canine friends. Is the cut just right?

Does the cut/style fit the dog and your lifestyle? These are questions every pet parent should be thinking about when finding a groomer. These days one more question is being asked; are the chemicals used harming the planet? In an era of going green eco-friendly products and services are available now more than ever; and So Cal Grooming is the first to make them available here in Santa Clarita. This family owned business, run by Lidia Mora and her husband Edgar Reyes, was started in 2008 in Los Angeles. So Cal Grooming concentrates on providing their pet clientele with high quality natural and organic all biodegradable eco friendly products. They believe in a modern way of grooming and are leading the way as a model for the SCV. Lidia Mora say’s “it’s important to ask questions; we want to know all about your pet; possible allergies, skin sensitivities, diet and shedding habits”.

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An intake of each client is prepared prior to any treatment. “We don’t want to give a flea bath to a dog that is instead allergic” says Mora. So Cal Grooming recently set up their second facility on the corner of Copper Hill and Seco Canyon Road. Mora and her husband are committed to a healthier grooming style; and equally committed to making it convenient for their pampered clients. If your busy day finds a trip to drop off your pooch inconvenient, they will come to you, equipped with an eco-friendly mobile grooming facility complete with solar panels that power the vans equipment. Their new storefront is completely remodeled and filled with custom pet outfits and hip pet accessories. Look for the near future to include other convenient luxury’s services such as gourmet dog cookies, dog walking and doggie day care.

For more information on SoCal Grooming’s eco-friendly van and other services, log on to their website, www.socalgrooming.com

Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

GRAN

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

We treat each pet as if they were our own!

Here at Seco Canyon Animal Clinic, we offer a full range of high quality medical services including physical examination, veterinary X-ray facilities, dental treatment, veterinary surgical procedures, chiropractics and diagnostic analysis. We also offer Orthopedic Surgical services as well. At Seco Canyon Animal Clinic we are dedicated to keeping your pets happy and healthy.

Rattlesnake Vaccination

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Seco Canyon Animal Clinic 27935 Seco Cyn. Rd. • Saugus, CA 91350

661-296-8848

www.secocanyonanimalclinic.biz

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10am to 6pm • Sat. 9am to 1pm (closed Sundays) • se habla espanol • Accepting Care Credit 20 Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

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Ark All Animals Pet Cremation Services (661) 212-4647 www.arkallanimals.com Cal Pet Crematory (310) 278-0633 (818) 983-2313 (323) 875-0633 www.calpet.com Guardian Animal Aftercare (818) 768-6465 www.guardianaftercare.com Great Groomers So Cal Grooming 28011 Seco Cyn. Rd. Santa Clarita, 91390 (661) 513-0778 www.socalgrooming.com Pawpular Pet Suppliers Bird Bungalow 21021 Soledad Canyon Rd Canyon Country, CA 91351 (661) 284-6200 Fox Feed 17028 Sierra Highway Canyon Country, 91387 (661) 252-9790 Pet Supply Santa Clarita 26831 Bouquet Canyon Road Santa Clarita, 91350-2372 (661) 296-2654 Dermatology for Pets Amy Shumaker, DVM, DACVD Valencia Veterinary Center 23928 Summerhill Lane Valencia, CA 91354 (661) 855-4870 Animal Control Centers Castaic Animal Shelter 31044 N. Charlie Canyon Rd. Castaic (661) 257-3191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Lancaster Animal Shelter 5210 W. Ave. I Lancaster, CA 93536 (661) 940-4191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov

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Rescue Organizations Brittany Foundation Agua Dulce (661) 713-5240 Citizens for Sheltered Animals, Inc. 26893 Bouquet Canyon Rd. C-318 (661) 513-9288 www.citizensforshelteredanimals.com Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue (661) 273-9822 www.forgottenangelsrescue.org Ratz Nest Rescue (661) 303-7872 www.ratznest.weebly.com Save A Kitty, Inc. (818) 825-3096 www.SaveaKittyCA.org PetSave Foundation Bunny Rescue (661) 478-7360 www.petsave.org Trusted Vets In and Around SCV All Animal Veterinary Group 3419 Soledad Cyn Acton, CA 93510 (661) 273-0909 www.arkallanimals.com All Creatures Emergency Center 22722 Lyons Ave # 5 Newhall, 91321-2876 (661) 291-1121 www.all-creatures-emergency.com Animal Medical Center 25848 McBean Parkway Valencia, 91355 (661) 255-5555 www.AMCValencia.com Animal Specialty Group 4641 Colorado Boulevard Los Angeles, 90039 (818) 244-7977 www.asgvets.com AV Animal ER & Critical Care 1055 W Columbia Way Lancaster, 90039-1105 (661) 729-1500 www.avanimaler.com

Grand Opening Canyon Country Animal Hospital May 5th 1pm – 5pm 18840 Soledad Canyon Road Canyon Country, 91351-3772 (661) 424-9900 www.canyoncountryvet.com Come celebrate the opening of SCV’s newest FULL SERVICE veterinary hospital! Enjoy snacks, raffles, tour of the facility, education, freebies, vendors, kissing booth and adoptions! Bring your family, friends and fur babies too!

Happy Pets Veterinary 27550 Newhall Ranch Road Valencia, 91355 (661) 295-9972 www.happypetsveterinary.com Seco Canyon Animal Clinic 27935 Seco Canyon Road Santa Clarita, 91350 (661) 296-8848 www.secocanyonanimalclinic.biz The Cat Doctor & Friends 26055 Bouquet Canyon Road Santa Clarita, 91355 (661) 259-5288 www.catdoctor.com Valencia Veterinary Center 24036 Summerhill Ln. Santa Clarita, 91354 (661) 263-9000 www.bestvalenciavet.com Best Boarding Facilities Canine Country Club 20341 Blue Cloud Road Santa Clarita, 91390-1259 (661) 296-0566 cccofscv.com Castaic Canine Camp 36975 Ridge Route Road Castaic, 91384 (661) 257-0957 www.castaiccaninecamp.com Santa Clarita’s Premier Dog Lodge Trish Cohen (661) 618-6628 www.hasshaus.com

Pampering Pet Sitters

A-Z Critter Care (661) 524-6224 http://www.a-zcrittercare.com Kyle’s Custom Critter Care caninecommands@hotmail.com (661) 305-4981 kylescustomcrittercare.com Heirloom Pet Portraits Santa Clarita Photo Studio (661) 775-0890 www.scphotostudio.com Dog Trainers Dog Gone Happy Tami Cox (661) 310-4133

Pet Therapy Program Looking for Participants Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Paws of Love pet therapy program is actively recruiting new pet therapy teams. You must have a dog to test and certify to be a pet therapy team.

For information, please join us at an orientation Tues. May 1st @ 7PM, Auditorium C, entrance 5, Kaiser Woodland Hills, 5601 De Soto Ave. Woodland Hills, Ca. 91365. Kindly RSVP to marshanonstop@msn. com, 818-881-2122, or Avi.E. Zaraya@kp.org, 818 710-4143. This is a volunteer activity with activities and benefits.

!

Pets

Animal Aftercare

Clip & Save!

Directory for all things

Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012 To adopt one of these pets please contact Castaic Animal Shelter at 661.257.3191 or visit our website at www.PetMeMag.com Please visit our remodeled Cat Habitat. Interact with the cats and kittens in an open environment.

Bowser

My name is Bowser and I’m looking for my human soul-mate.

I’m somewhat of a mellow guy.

I would love to find someone with a warm lap and lots of kisses to give. I’m very calm and super easy going. This calmness will rub off on you when you’re petting my head and I’m sitting on your lap. Cats are good for relieving stress. Did you know that? I could be just what you need. ♥

My name is Ricky.

I’m a big loving teddy bear! I’m 5 years old, in good health. I like everyone, except cats with claws and dogs.. they scare me. I was left at the shelter because my family became allergic. I’m very social. I have tested negative for FELV. I’m beginning to think I will never find my forever family…would you like to adopt me? ♥

Ricky

Tellie Bubbles

My name is Bubbles and I’m 3 years old. I’m super sweet. I love human affection. I like to be the only Diva feline in the house… and trust me I deserve to be.. I am ALL you’ll need. I’m a good girl. I use my litter box. I’m in good health and I can’t wait to have a warm friendly human to cuddle with. I’m patiently waiting for my forever family. ♥

My Name is Angel. I am only 4 years old. I am a beautiful seal point Siamese. I’m a bit shy at first, but will become putty in your hands when you gain my trust. I’m very petite. I like spending time together. I would make a great companion for someone who spends much of their time at home. Please come meet me. ♥

Angel

My name is Tellie. I am very shy and having a very hard time here. I’m only 6 months old. My last family described me as social and outgoing, but here I’m just scared. I don’t like it. I need someone to help me learn to trust again. My family gave me up because they had too many pets so I get along with others. I’m really just a baby. Can you help me? ♥

My name is George. I’m a big lovable guy.

I don’t have a mean bone in my body. I have very long gorgeous hair and love to be brushed! I have an unusually curly tail.

I like other cats, but really prefer human companionship. I’m only 3 years old. Please come say hello. ♥

George Pet Me! Magazine™

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2012

Valencia Veterinary Center “pets are people too!”

NEW

Board Certifiesdt Dermatorelmoisges.i On the P ent.

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24 Pet Me! Magazine™

Dr. B. Grewal, al, DVM & Associates 23928 Su Summerhill Lane ncia, CA 91354 Valencia, On McBean Pkwy near Decoro, across from Ralphs

www.bestvalenciavet.com s r

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TM