November/December 2014 Issue of Pet Me! Magazine by Pet Me! Magazine

November/December 2014

Your Guide To All Things Pets

Hybrid

Cats

PLUS: Ebola and Pets How Much is that Puppy in the Window? Over-Loving Your Pet & Much More!

What it is really like to own one E

ING

g in rv e S

V! C eS th

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Awesome

Adoptables

To adopt one of these pets please contact Castaic Animal Shelter at (661) 257-3191 or visit the website at http://animalcare.lacounty.gov. All cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and come with a free vet visit.

Dolly – Adopt me because; I am the friendliest cat around, and I will give you cuddles for the rest of your life. I like other cats, and I am very happy and relaxed.

Mokey – Adopt me because; I will fit in with any décor; I like other cats and have the softest shiny fur. I am scared at the shelter, but once I know you I love you so much!

Misty – Adopt me because; I love to have my belly kissed. I have very soft fur and will make you look great because everything I am near suddenly looks pretty. Plus I have the sweetest meow, and I like everyone and other cats.

Julia Childs – Adopt me because; I will give you great cuddles. I am

Craig – Adopt me because; I get along great with dogs and cats; I am super chill and have a great personality. I am a little older, so I am very relaxed and easy to look after. I would make a perfect family cat.

Gracie – Adopt me because; I am a Bengal, and I am a super cool cat. I talk - really talk, and I like everyone I meet. Though I’m not a crazy kitten, I still love to play!

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very relaxed and won’t drive you crazy because middle-aged cats make the best pets. My purr will make you smile, and I would be the perfect cat for someone with another relaxed kitty at home.

NOVEMBEr/DECEMBER 2014

Contents 4 Hybrid Cats – What it is really like to own one 7 Ebola and Pets 8 How Much is that Puppy in the Window? 12 “You Mangy Mutt!” 16 Battling Allergies in Pets 18 Anti-Cruelty Laws 20 Over-Loving Your Pet

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 PUBLISHER Bridget Alves EDITOR Caroline Squires ART DIRECTOR Doug Conboy COVER PHOTO Caroline Squires PUBLISHED BY Pet Me! Publications Find Us On Facebook and Twitter Pet Me! Magazine

Pet Me! Magazine is celebrating its 5th anniversary! As I looked back at our first issue, I am proud that our mission of providing a magazine for Santa Clarita residents that covers issues relevant to all types of pets is still strong today. We have provided 5 years of educational and inspirational articles, and we have also been able to showcase adoptable pets every issue. In fact, dozens of animals have found their forever home because of this publication. Though I will never really know to what extent this magazine affects people’s lives, I can only hope that pet owners have gained valuable knowledge and have utilized the services highlighted in the pages of the magazine to better their pet’s life. This issue carries on our mission and we’re fortunate to be able to bring Pet Me! Magazine to SCV residents. With the end of the year quickly approaching and holidays just around the corner, people might begin to think about adding a new pet to their family. With so many choices as to where to find a companion animal, such as: shelters, rescues, ads in the paper, and pet stores, one might find the process overwhelming. However, it’s important to do research and educate yourself about your options. One option, pet stores that sell puppies, rely on impulse buyers who see the classic “puppy-dog eyes” that seem to communicate take me home, and do just that. But, if you had done your research, you would know that purchasing that puppy means your money is going to support an inhumane industry called puppy mills. Read more about puppy mills, and educate yourself about pet stores that use large breeding operations to supply their stores in our article, “How Much is that Puppy in the Window?” Also for pet owners, local veterinarians address several health issues in their articles about Demodex mites and allergies in pets. Learning about these two health topics can help you to be better informed and perhaps help those of you who might have a pet with an undiagnosed problem. As always, thank you for your wonderful email and kind support. Please continue sending your input as it assists us in providing you with the information you want. We appreciate the privilege of bringing you Pet Me! Magazine. Looking forward to another 5 years! Happy holidays from our four-legged friends to yours.

Bridget Alves Publisher

Pet Me! Magazine Pet Me! Magazine™

Hybrid

Cats Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

What it is really like to own one

Photo by Bridget Alves 4 Pet Me! Magazine™

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By Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel

re you considering the purchase of a hybrid cat? There are many pros and cons to consider before you purchase one. Many people want to bring that gorgeous “wild” look into their home, without considering what it could be like, and we are finding more and more hybrid breeds being surrendered and killed in shelters. If you want to adopt a hybrid, you must go into this as a partnership with the animal and be fully aware of the consequences. Despite their beauty, there can be a hidden dark side to a hybrid. They have the genes of one or more wild animals. These wild characteristics can pose a threat to the new owners who expect they are bringing home a “cute little kitty.” Sometimes a hybrid is unpredictable. They can bite, scratch, climb on furniture, climb up drapes, sit in high places where humans cannot go, run to escape out of a door, break items of great value, knock knick-knacks over and refuse to listen to commands and want to do things their own way. They may not conform like a “regular” cat will tend to do. They can also be loving companions. They are very smart. They require intensive training. And, they can lapse at any time. I recently rescued a cat that is a hybrid. In fact, I’ve rescued 4 Bengals, a Bobcat, and a Savannah, so I’ve had my share of crazy cat training. My newest hybrid rescue is named Titus. Titus was a breeder, and was recently relieved of this duty. He is gorgeous. He’s big, and he’s completely unruly. He’s broken too many pieces of Waterford crystal to count. He broke a 2500 year old Palestinian oil lamp that I’ve had for about 50 years. He broke a dozen antique teapots when he jumped up onto a shelf, clearing the shelf of all the contents on display. And, he sat there proudly, having no idea that he was in big trouble. And this is only one problem I have with him. He bites. HARD. I have bloody holes all over my arms every day. He also loves to attack legs when you walk by him. He is unpredictable. One minute he’s happy and purring, and then the next minute I’m bleeding. He also shows the desire

Photos by Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel for dominance in the household. He is anything but your typical “cream puff ” cat. He loves to go where I go….so he runs ahead of me, anticipating where I’m going to go, and he has nearly tripped me a couple of dozen times on his way to get there first. He loves to answer the phone. He picks up the receiver and he purrs into it, then walks away, leaving the poor caller on hold until they finally give up. Sound like fun? Luckily, I’ve had some experience in training these types of behaviors, and I am making progress. He does not get fed unless he sits first. So, he sits. That lesson took less than an hour to complete. He’s still biting me, but I’m getting one or two bites a day instead of 12. He is responding to my commands to “GET DOWN, NOW.” Which is better than it was before when he would look at me dumbfounded and sit there until I would go get the ladder to drag him down. And just a swish of his powerful tail can send priceless items of art flying. I have collections from all over the world that I’ve collected on my travels and have on display. It’s not easy to find new protective storage for thousands of items. So, for

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Bite marks left by Titus.

continued from page 5 now, I have many of them jammed onto my dining room table with the hopes that there will be safety in numbers until he is trained. And, there’s no way I can entertain. He cannot stay off of surfaces unless I am standing there. My china and crystal would be history in nothing flat. And, forget a vase with flowers in it….that too would quickly find its way to the floor with rose petals left behind in his mouth. All of my house plants have been relocated outside. And, because he bites, I have to be especially careful when people come to call. It seems that there has been a court ruling

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against some hybrids. Apparently the rabies vaccine has not been proven affective with hybrids, so if he bites someone, they can quickly get a court order to euthanize your pet. So, when the doorbell rings, I have to put him in his carrier, which sits by the door like a decorative knick knack until this problem, or the biting issue is solved. So, are you still ready to go out and buy a $5,000 to $20,000 hybrid? Titus is one of the most loving cats I’ve ever owned. He wants to be with me 24 hours a day. He purrs like a tiger, looks at me with those (almost) innocent, green eyes, meows his funny “gruff ” meow, sleeps on my shoulder at night, begs and dances for his food, sits on command, is curious about everything I do and he loves to sit on my lap. In fact, he is helping me type this now (as he bangs on the keys with me and I have to continually correct those typos). He loves to watch TV with us, he sits on hubby’s lap too, and he comes when he is called. If I get mad at him for one of his misdeeds, he gives himself a “time-out” in his carrier. He simply walks over to it, opens the door and goes in. He’ll sit there until the coast is clear and the mess is cleaned up. I think hybrids are the “bees knees.” But, you have to be prepared for the dark side of them as well. If you can handle it, you are better than most. If not, stick with a calm, cool tabby cat from the shelter.

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Ebola and Pets By Dr. Evelyn Vega, DVM, Happy Pets Veterinary

e are all aware of the tragic loss of Excalibur — a beloved pet of a Spanish nurse who has been diagnosed with Ebola and who is still fighting the disease. But did Excalibur have to die? Was he a potential source of infection that could spread this horrible disease? The natural host of Ebola virus is yet to be identified; however, it is believed by scientists that the first human patient to become infected in an outbreak was from contact with either an infected fruit bat or primate such as an ape or monkey. Ebola virus is spread through direct contact of broken skin or mucous membranes with blood or any body fluid from an infected individual. The only mammals thus far that have shown to be infected with Ebola and transmit the disease are primates and humans. There is evidence that dogs and cats can become infected with the Ebola virus, but they most likely get infected from eating contaminated meat or body fluids or from playing in open sewer — not from direct contact with a living individual. Yet once they are infected, the virus stays inactive in their body and does not cause disease nor exhibit any symp-

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toms. Even in parts of Africa where there have been Ebola outbreaks, there have been no reports of dogs or cats becoming sick with the disease. So can a dog or cat transmit this disease to humans? At this time, there have been no reports of dogs or cats becoming sick with Ebola or of being able to spread Ebola to people or animals. As of now, only primates such as apes and monkeys have been identified as a potential source of Ebola infection. They can become infected and show symptoms of infection similar to humans. They can spread the disease to other primates and humans. Monkeys should not be allowed to have contact with anyone have Ebola. Healthy monkeys already Rescued desertwho dog, may Missy. living in the United States and without exposure to a person infected with Ebola are not at risk of spreading Ebola. So after reviewing the literature, it seems very unlikely that Excalibur could have been a potential source of infection to humans with Ebola virus. In my opinion, a 21-day quarantine would have sufficed. This is what our government chose to do with the pet of the American nurse infected with Ebola virus in Dallas, Texas. But this is what happens when fear sets in and irrational decisions are made. I hope that no more people become infected outside of the outbreak zone in Africa, but if they do, hopefully their pets do not have to be sacrificed like Excalibur was and that their local governments will make rational decisions and not jump to what would be the easier solution. Rest in Peace Excalibur, hopefully your sacrifice will not go unnoticed and it will prompt other pets belonging to Ebola victims to be saved instead of condemned. For more up-to-date information on the Ebola virus, visit www.cdc.gov.

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How Much is that

Puppy in the Window? By Caroline Squires

hat too-cute-for-words puppy in the pet store window is hiding a terrible secret that it can’t tell you, and the store owners and employees won’t tell you either. Want to know the secret? That puppy came from a puppy mill. Buying a “purebred” puppy from a pet store means you are contributing to the inhumane business of puppy mills. Pet stores will tell customers that their puppies come from licensed breeders who are inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in order to add credibility. Many of the pet stores I have visited will also go so far as to claim that the USDA wouldn’t give licenses to bad breeders. However, what they don’t tell you, and what I have discovered, is that the inspection reports, which are available due to the Freedom of Information Act, document the majority of breeders run at substandard levels, which leaves the dogs and puppies at risk. For example, at a pet store in Thousand Oaks, CA, one USDA breeder’s inspection report states there were 64 dogs at a mid-west puppy mill with NO dog houses, and no bed-

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ding for at least 10 other dogs when the prior morning’s temperature was in the 30’s! This breeder was issued a violation because it is cruel to leave dogs outside when the temperature is below freezing. This breeder has received numerous violations under the Animal Welfare Act, which regulates and sets the minimum acceptable standard of treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. Therefore, breeders like the one mentioned are not even meeting the minimum acceptable standard of care. Additionally, my research has found that many of the breeders are only inspected once a year, and many receive repeat violations year after year, yet their licenses are not taken away. So, when a pet store claims their breeders are “USDA inspected” it does not necessarily mean that they are operating under conditions that we would expect from a reputable breeder. Per the Humane Society of the United States’ website, when cruelty exists at a puppy mill, they have assisted in shutting them down with the cooperation of local law enforcement. The HSUS has assisted in the rescue of almost 5,000 dogs from puppy mills. Puppy mills are frequently deemed inhumane and the dogs have to be rescued so no further harm can come to them. Sadly, puppy mill dogs are neglected and spend many years stuck in a cage with no chance to run around, no toys,

hardly any vet care, and no name to call their own. A few lucky ones get rescued and placed into loving homes. Harvey is one such dog. He is what you would call a puppy mill survivor. Harvey’s owners posted his story on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (ASPCA) website. They stated that Harvey, a fawn pug, lived eight years in a cramped wire cage in complete darkness. His owners said it took almost 6 months for Harvey to finally trust them and realize he had found his forever home. Harvey’s days are now filled with care: a warm bed, walks around his neighborhood, plenty of nutritious food and, above all, love.

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continued from page 9 Because puppies at puppy mills live in dirty and neglectful conditions, they are often times sick or become sick once they are at the pet store. USDA inspectors report time and time again that puppy mills are dirty, which can ultimately lead to parasites and diseases for the dogs and puppies. Coccidia and giardia are two intestinal parasites dogs and puppies can receive due to living in a dirty environment. Puppy mill puppies are also prone to genetic abnormalities because of careless breeding. Genetic abnormalities that they can inherit include: patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, deafness, tracheal collapse, “cherry eye,” and skin allergies. Additionally, puppies that are born at a puppy mill live in cramped wire cages and do not have the freedom to run around. They eat, sleep, play, and potty all in the same area, which is not natural for a puppy. They often times become bored, restless, and develop bad habits. When a person buys a pet store puppy they will most likely have a difficult time house training their puppy because the puppy has been used to going potty where it eats, sleeps, and plays. Kathleen Summers, an expert on puppy mills for the Humane Society of the United States, said typically a puppy from a pet store has spent the first weeks of its life in crowded, unsanitary conditions with improper veterinary care, another week packed

into a crate on a truck, and another week or two in a cage at the pet store. As a result, these practices can cause sickness and behavioral problems with pet store puppies. Unfortunately, when a person buys a puppy from a pet store, they often spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars trying to get their puppy well. Melanie Hudson bought her puppy from a pet store and told me, “I spent $500 for my Yorkshire terrier, and the employees told me she was healthy, but after I brought her home she became very sick and I spent over $1,000 trying to get her well.” Likewise, Jenny Marsh bought her Maltese from a pet store and stated, “I paid $800 for my puppy and later spent another $500 to treat her for internal parasites and pneumonia.” With puppy mill puppies flooding many pet stores, sometimes we forget that we have dogs and puppies in need of homes at our local shelters. According to the L.A. City Animal Services’ website, from 2013-2014, 19,694 dogs were brought into their shelters. With so many of our local dogs in need of a home, it is of extreme importance that we don’t shop for a dog, but rather we should adopt. A person can go online and preview the animals available for adoption. On October 19th, 2014, per the L.A. City and L.A. County Animal Services’ website, collectively there were 2,143 dogs in need of a home! You might think that you cannot find a purebred at the shelter, however, typically, 25% of dogs at

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the shelter are purebreds. There are poodles, Yorkshire terriers, boxers, German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, beagles, and Shih Tzus, just to name a few. Shelters have the same dogs and puppies as pet stores, but for less money and there are added benefits to adopting rather than shopping for a dog. For example, the average price for a pet store puppy is $500-1000, whereas for a shelter dog, the average price of adoption is $100 or less. When you adopt, the dog comes spayed or neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped, and you receive a free vet exam! Above all, you are saving a life, which is priceless. So how much is that puppy in the window? Too much. Purchasing a puppy from a pet store supports an inhumane business practice. The customer also risks bringing home a sick puppy. Lastly, local dogs and puppies are in need of homes, which means we should help our community animals first before shipping in animals from out-of-state. If every person who chose to buy a pet store puppy instead saved a life from their local shelter or informed someone they know about the truth behind those pet store pups, thousands of lives would be saved and perhaps puppy mills would vanish and dogs would be treated with the love and respect they deserve. Just remember, dogs don’t have a voice, but we do. Don’t shop – ADOPT!

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Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

“You

Mangy Mutt!”

By Amy Shumaker, DVM, DACVD Dermatology for Animals

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e’ve all heard this phrase, but where did it come from? There are two major parasites that can cause mange: Demodex mites and Scabies mites. This article will discuss mange resulting from Demodex mites. Localized demodicosis (affecting only 1 body region) is believed to be passed from the mother to her nursing puppies after they are born. Generally, a puppy will clear a localized mite infection once its immune system strengthens. In some cases, a generalized demodicosis can develop (affecting several areas) and is believed to be an inherited immune-deficiency. In young dogs with generalized disease, treatment is usually necessary. If demodex mites are found in older dogs, an underlying disease such as cancer or endocrine disorders (e.g. Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism) can be an underlying cause for development as well as certain medications that suppress the immune system. Canine demodicosis is a type of mange that occurs when abnormally high numbers of a mite called Demodex canis multiply on the skin. This mite is normally present in small numbers in the skin of healthy dogs, but when a dog’s immune system becomes weakened, the mites can overgrow and cause disease and inflammation of the skin. It is not uncommon for nursing puppies to become infected with this eight-legged skin parasite during the first two to three days of life. The mites can be passed from the mother to the nursing puppies because the puppies have a weak, underdeveloped immune system that allow the mites to overgrow, causing occasional localized patches of hair loss, redness and scaling. However, as the puppies grow and their immune sys-

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

tems become stronger, they are usually able to fight off the disease on their own with little or no medical intervention. It is possible for older dogs (those four years of age or older) to develop canine demodicosis, but for them, the disease is much more serious. The infestation can be localized to a few areas of the body, or generalized, meaning that the mites are all over the body. Generalized demodicosis can indicate that the dog has a serious underlying disease or is on certain medications that are weakening the immune system, thereby making the dog susceptible to overgrowth of the Demodex mites. There are two types of demodicosis: localized, meaning confined to a few specific areas of the skin, and generalized, in which the mites have spread all over the body. Each type has a different set of signs or symptoms. Localized demodicosis occurs most often in young puppies six months old or younger and usually only involves the front legs and face. The effects of their presence will be fairly mild. Hair loss with red and scaly skin is the most common symptom, and the condition may or may not be itchy. Most cases heal without treatment and do not progress to generalized demodicosis. Generalized demodicosis is far more severe than the localized form, especially when it starts when the dog is an adult of four or five years of age. Clinical signs begin with multiple areas of hair loss, scaling, and redness. These small areas get larger and progress to affect the entire body, causing severe

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Left: Example of Demodectic pododermatitis (demodex affecting the paws). Right: 4 weeks after starting treatment. irritation of the skin. Secondarily, severe bacterial infections commonly occur as a result of the demodicosis. After a few months, the skin may become covered with infected, pusfilled, crusty, bloody sores. In dogs less than 2 years of age, this is considered to be juvenile onset generalized demodicosis and is considered to be an inherited disorder. Dogs with juvenile

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continued from page 13 onset demodicosis should not be bred as this condition can be transmitted to offspring. Additionally, breeders should be noted if their puppies are developing generalized demodicosis as they should no longer be breeding those dogs with affected offspring. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose demodicosis after analyzing skin scrapings from the dog and detecting the presence of the mites under a microscope. In an adult dog that has the more severe, generalized form, additional diagnostic tests (blood work, possible X-rays) may need to be performed to find the underlying disease that has caused the immune system to be weak and has made the dog susceptible to demodicosis as a result. If the demodex is resulting from immunosuppressive drugs such as steroids, then attempts to discontinue the drug or at least decrease dosage are made to aid in resolution. When the demodicosis is localized or only affects a few regions of a puppy’s skin, it will usually heal within six to eight weeks with minimal or no medical treatment. Generalized demodicosis, however, often requires a very intense and lengthy treatment plan. Thus, the underlying disease should be determined and the dog’s overall health should be improved before attempting to treat demodicosis. Sometimes in older dogs the disease cannot be cured but only controlled. Oral antibiotics are often needed for 1-2 months to treat secondary bacterial

infection. Options for treatment of the demodex mites include topical therapy with weekly amitraz dips, or systemic medication with daily ivermectin or weekly doramectin. These potentially toxic medications should be dispensed by a veterinarian at a carefully calculated dose, and ivermectin or doramectin (in the dose needed to treat demodex) should never be used in herding breed dogs such as collies, shelties, Australian shepherds, Old English sheepdogs, or border collies, as neurologic side effects or possibly death can ensue without prior genetic testing. A genetic test is available to screen animals for sensitivity to Ivermectin (http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/) and related products. Regardless of therapy, treatment is continued until 2 negative skin scrapes (no live or dead mites), which is an average of 3-4 months. Regular rechecks with your veterinarian are important to determine need for continued therapy. In animals where relapse recurs after cessation of treatment, lifelong maintenance treatment at a decreased frequency of medication is needed to control. The best prevention is to keep animals in good health. Regular visits to the veterinarian will help maintain the dog’s overall health and detect underlying conditions that could weaken the dog’s immune system, such as endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease). Dogs with generalized demodicosis should be spayed or neutered, as they will pass the immune defect which will predispose their puppies to demodicosis as well.

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Battling By Jaimie Ronchetto, DVM, Cinema Veterinary Centre

kin allergies are one of the most common problems we veterinarians see on a daily basis. It can be a very frustrating problem for the doctor, the owner, and the pet. Signs of skin allergies can include itchiness, dry flaky skin, chewing at the feet, ear infections, and many times presents as a combination of these signs. Animals may be reacting to ingredients in their food or to allergens in the environment (inhalant or contact allergens). Like people, animals can benefit from treatment for their allergy symptoms. For significant allergies it is often recommended to pursue allergy

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A l l e r g i e s in Pets testing to determine if the pet is reacting to ingredients in the food or to environmental allergies, or both. Once it is determined which food allergies the pet may have, we can change the diet to eliminate those allergens and help to resolve the itching. Animals can be allergic to either the protein or the carbohydrate source. Some dogs are allergic to many different ingredients commonly found in their food and need to be placed on a very limited ingredient diet to help keep them comfortable and prevent flare-ups. Treatment options for preventing flare-ups caused by environmental allergens may include using antihistamines or steroids to help bring down inflammation of the skin and to reduce itchiness, using medicated shampoos and topical medications that may contain chlorhexidine, steroids, and anti-fungals to help with certain conditions of the skin, and using systemic antibiotics and anti-fungals when necessary to treat secondary bacterial and fungal skin infections. In some cases, immune modulating types of medications need to be used, like Cyclosporine to help the petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immune system to not overreact to the allergens. Hyposensitization injections can also be beneficial to the chronically allergic pet to help

their bodies not react as much to the specific environmental allergens (known from previous allergy testing). Whether year-round or seasonal, allergies are a chronic condition that requires life long care to keep signs in check. Owners that know what signs to watch for including redness of the skin, itchiness, and shaking the head, will help to catch flare-ups early while signs are mild and easier to treat.

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Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

poses, no matter how painful to the animals, are exempted. Also exempted are the methods used to raise farm animals as long as the experiments or farm practices are in line with the general practices of that industry or in a licensed facility. For example, the relevant California statute, Penal Code 599c, reads as follows: “No part of this title shall be construed as interfering with any of the laws of this state known as the ‘“game laws,’ or any laws for or against the destruction of certain birds, nor must this title be construed as interfering with the right to destroy any venomous reptile, or any animal known as dangerous to life, limb, or property, or to interfere with the right to kill all animals used for food, or with properly conducted scientific experiments or investigations performed under the authority of the faculty of a regularly incorporated medical college or university of this state.” But what if the “general practices” are themselves cruel? Experiments are common in which a dog’s bones are broken or an animal given a lethal dose of a toxic substance. Exempting institutional practices excludes from protection the vast majority of acts that would be considered cruel if done by a private person. Veal calves are one example. They are often raised from birth to death in small enclosures no more than 6 feet by 2 feet. Many calves raised for veal suffer nearly their entire lives inside individual crates and are often tethered by their necks for most of their four-to five-month lives. Veal crates are so small the animals are unable to even turn around. Such crates are banned in the European Union and in some parts of the U.S. though they remain legal in most states. If a dog in your home town were confined for her entire life in such a crate this would constitute cruelty. Some states do not consider activities such as leaving an animal with no water or shelter for a long period cruelty. These acts often categorized as “neglect”, rather than cruelty, and treated more leniently by the courts. But the result is the same

Anti-Cruelty Laws A

ll fifty states have anti-cruelty laws. Some list animal cruelty as a felony, carrying a possible prison term, while others have kept it as a misdemeanor. Each state divides cruelty into various degrees, such as intentional or aggravated, which raise the level of the offense and carry a higher degree of punishment. The anti-cruelty laws are an uneven patchwork of local and state laws which vary dramatically from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. To determine your own state’s regulations, each state’s anti-cruelty laws are summarized in the following website. http://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/advocacy-center/stateanimal-cruelty-laws

Anti-cruelty laws in the U.S. were enacted during the 19th century along with laws outlawing slavery, child cruelty, and child labor. They were all part of the same movement. The important thing to understand about the anti-cruelty laws is that they exempt from their coverage most forms of institutionalized cruelty. Thus laboratory experiments for research pur18 Pet Me! Magazine™

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- deprivation and death for the animals. None of us would like to be out in the snow, rain or hundred degree temperature without shelter. Neglect cases often result from a lack of education or awareness rather than an actual intention to harm. For this reason, neglect cases usually call for a sentence such as education and a ban from owning animals for the period of probation rather than jail time. But the need to change this behavior - and its results - is just as strong in neglect as in cruelty cases. There are also federal protections for animals. These are not criminal anti-cruelty laws - those are left to the states - but they provide some protections to animals that are on land managed by branches of the United States Government, transported in interstate commerce, or are otherwise within the jurisdiction of the federal government. One of the most imortant federal laws is the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), passed in 1966. This Act was intended to protect the welfare of laboratory animals but excludes from its protection birds, rats and mice which together constitute over 90% of the animals used in experimentation. Thus with the federal government, as with the states, there are many gaps in the protection afforded to animals. We need to fill these gaps. We need to support candidates who talk about animal issues and take them seriously. Elected officials should be urged to pass strong anti-cruelty laws, enforce them conscientiously, and hand out strong sentences to those who are convicted of animal abuse. So please support legislation at the city, state and federal levels that strengthen our anti-cruelty and neglect laws.The animals need us. For further information on this subject, please see the following websites: http://aldf.org/resources/advocating-for-animals/animal-protection-laws-of-the-united-states-of-america-and-canada/ https://www.animallaw.info/intro/state-anti-cruelty-laws http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-experimentation/ http://www.downtoearth.org/innocent-animals/animal-testing/ cruelty-lab-animal-testing

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Over-Loving Your Pet

e all love our pets both great and small.These furry friends are always grateful for the food and treats they receive. However, how much is too much? What treats are most suitable for your dog or cat? Pets express behaviors and act upon the way we engage with them and what we feed them. These questions often go unanswered among pet parents. Below we will discuss the problems with overfeeding your pet, how to avoid overweight pets and a solution to this common discrepancy. Overweight dogs and cats are predisposed to developing medical conditions such as arthritis, respiratory issues, diabetes, and hepatic lipidosis to name a few. Obese dogs and cats have more strain in their joints, which can lead to arthritis or

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Pet Me! Magazineâ&#x201E;˘ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

inflammation of the joints. We also see respiratory issues that affect obese animals more so than skinny dogs such as tracheal collapse and brachycephalic syndrome. Diabetes is also an issue seen with obese cats as fat has been shown to increase insulin resistance, much like in humans. Fat cats who stop eating can develop a condition called hepatic lipidosis which causes fat to build up in the liver and can make them very sick. Obese patients also have an increased risk of complications under anesthesia as well as increased risk of post-op complications during surgery. These factors all are all caused by overweight pets. By avoiding overfeeding your pet can lead a healthier happier life. There are several ways to show your love and affection towards your pet without giving food. Pet approved chew toys are a great option for rewards. Also, for pets that are overweight there are several weight loss options that can be discussed with your veterinarian. You furry friends can be placed on customizable meal plan along with exercise options. At AV Veterinary Center, All Creatures Veterinary Center, and Canyon Country Veterinary Center we offer weight management programs including: specialized meals and monthly updates to keep track of weight loss. For more information about weight loss plans or maintaining your furry friends weight, please contact: AV Veterinary Center @ 661-729-1500, All Creatures Veterinary Center @ 661-291-1121 of Canyon Country Veterinary Hospital @ 661424-9900.

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Cal Pet Crematory (310) 278-0633 (818) 983-2313 (323) 875-0633 www.calpet.com Guardian Animal Aftercare (818) 768-6465 www.guardianaftercare.com Pawpular Pet Suppliers Fox Feed 17028 Sierra Highway Canyon Country, 91387 (661) 252-9790 www.foxfeed.com Open House Nov. 8 Dermatology for Pets Amy Shumaker, DVM, DACVD Valencia Veterinary Center 23928 Summerhill Lane Valencia, CA 91354 (661) 855-4870 www.dermatologyforanimals.com 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 Rescue Organizations Visit our website for a complete list of rescue organizations

Best Friends Pet Adoption Center 15321 Brand Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91354 (818) 643-3989 Bestfriends.org Brittany Foundation Agua Dulce (661) 713-5240 www.brittanyfoundationonline.org

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Pets

for all things Citizens for Sheltered Animals, Inc. 21150 Alaminos Dr, Saugus, CA 91350 (661) 513-9288 www.citizensforshelteredanimals.com Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue (661) 273-9822 www.forgottenangelsrescue.org Furever Purr Rescue (818) 635-6473 castaiccats@aol.com New Leash On Life Animal Rescue adopt@nlol.org (661) 255-0097 Ratz Nest Rat Rescue (661) 303-7872 www.ratznest.weebly.com Saffyre Sanctuary (Horse Rescue) Sylmar, CA www.saffyresanctuary.org Save A Kitty, Inc. (818) 825-3096 www.SaveaKittyCA.org PetSave Foundation Bunny Rescue (661) 478-7360 www.petsave.org St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary/ Lange Foundation 27567 Oak Spring Canyon Rd. Canyon Country, CA 91387 (661) 251.5590 http://langefoundation.com Great Groomers Dogs Etc. 24886 Apple Street Newhall, CA (661)254-1601 Precious Pets 27737 Bouquet Cyn. Rd. Suite 124 Saugus, CA 91350 (661) 296-2020

Trusted Vets In and Around SCV

All Creatures Veterinary Center 22722 Lyons Ave # 5 Newhall, 91321-2876 (661) 291-1121 www.wecarevets.com Animal Medical Center 25848 McBean Parkway Valencia, 91355 (661) 255-5555 www.amcvalencia.com Canyon Country Veterinary Hospital 18840 Soledad Canyon Road Canyon Country, 91351-3772 (661) 424-9900 www.wecarevets.com Cinema Veterinary Centre 23460 Cinema Drive, Unit L Valencia, 91355 (661) 253-9300 www.cinemavet.com Copperhill Animal Clinic 27935 Seco Canyon Rd. Santa Clarita, CA 91350 (661) 296-8848 Happy Pets Veterinary Center 27550 Newhall Ranch Road Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 295-9972 www.happypetsveterinary.com Peaceful Pets In-Home Euthanasia Services (661) 621-3750 peacefulpetsinhome@gmail.com www.peacefulpetsservices.com Valencia Veterinary Center 24036 Summerhill Ln. Santa Clarita, 91354 (661) 263-9000 www.bestvalenciavet.com VIP Veterinary Services 26111 Bouquet Cyn. Rd. Suite D-5, Saugus, CA 91350 (661) 222-PETS www.VIPVeterinaryServices.com

Animal Aftercare

Best Boarding Facilities Canine Country Club 20341 Blue Cloud Road Santa Clarita, 91390-1259 (661) 296-0566 www.cccofscv.com

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