Pet Me!
FREE TO GOOD HOMES!
Is Always…
MARCH/APRIL 2011
ts “TheNPe ext Door!
”
Ear Problems
for Pets
training with
treats
To Adopt One Of These Perfect Pets,
Please Contact Castaic Animal Shelter at 661.257.3191
or Visit Our Website: www.PetMeMag.com
Charlie Do you want a furry lovebug who will brighten your day with a cute smile? Then look no further than Charlie.This adorable little Chihuahua mix is a sweet fun filled companion. He is only about a year old and has lots of energy for playing and entertaining you. Charlie loves everyone, especially if you have time to give him a pet and a cuddle! He gets on with other well socialised dogs and would be a great addition to any fun loving family. A4226462
Elvis Why has Elvis been at the shelter so long? He certainly should not still be in a kennel there, he should be curled up in someone’s lap! Elvis is a sweet and loving gentleman, maybe it’s because he’s 6 that he’s being overlooked and that would be a mistake because Elvis is well past all those anoying puppy behaviours, he won’t chew your new sandals! Elvis loves everyone and would dearly love his own human to cuddle on the sofa with. He gets on well with other dogs and loves to go for walks and other exciting outings. This adorable grey Llasa mix is the perfect dog for any family, he’s smart and has a mellow sweet personality. Come and meet a shelter favorite and maybe you’ll find that Elvis is the perfect fit for you! A422036
Charlie
Elvis
Mr. Whiskers
When you are 11 years old and have only ever known one home it is very hard to be at the shelter. Poor Mr Whiskers needs to find that very special person who will provide him with a loving home so that he does not have to spend any more time in a cage at the shelter. He may not be in the first flush of youth but make no mistake about it, Mr Whiskers is a great cat and would be so grateful for a safe loving home to live out his remaining years. A4240552
Palomino Gelding
Yes, we have horses at Castaic shelter, sometimes goats and pigs too! This is a very handsome palomino gelding who is around 5 years old. He needs an experienced home where he can continue his training. He is a kind horse who loads easily into a trailer. In order to adopt a horse you have to fill out an Equine application and have a property inspection, a vet check would be recommended to check if he is sound. A4174765
Mr.Whiskers
Palomino Gelding
JJ is a striking blond Terrier/Jindo mix who loves to play, he has plenty of energy to keep up with you and would make a great family pet. He gets on great with everyone and loves to play with other well socialised dogs. He loves getting lots of attention, usually he’s at the center of it! Come and meet JJ and see if your family can keep up with him! A4237729
Angel Angel is what we refer to as a “pocket “ Rottie, she looks like a big dog and yet is smaller. Angel was originally at Lancaster shelter but one of our Officers fell for her and transferred her to Castaic hoping she’d have a better chance of finding her forever home. Spend a little time with her and you’ll discover she’s all about love and affection! Angel loves to play with other well socialised dogs of all sizes and would do best in a family with older children(10+). If you have room for this adorable little gal you’ll be hard pressed not to treat her like the perfect little Angel she is!! A4232027
JJ
Angel
6 The Pets Next Door! 7 Smoking and Your Cat - A Cat Doctor’s Plea
8 What to Avoid Feeding Your Cat 10 Your Directory to All Things Pets 12 Ear Problems For Pets 13 Bunnies and Easter Don’t Mix... 14 10 Amazingly Smart & Productive Animals Humans Can Learn From
16 Training With Treats 17 Your Pet’s Dental Health 18 Keeping Green Iguana’s As Pets
Niko
This cute little poodle/Bichon mix has to be one of the sweetest and loving dogs at Castaic Shelter right now, I’m amazed that he is still there and not yet adopted. He is outgoing and fun loving and loves everyone.Niko gets on really well with all other dogs, in fact poor Niko has seen many of his kennel mates go to their forever homes, however Niko’s sunny disposition never changes, that is why the staff and volunteers love this little guy so much. Niko came in looking a bit the worse for wear and so unfortunately he had to have a special” Shelter Shave Down”, however in only a matter of weeks his hair will have grown back and a groomer can transform into the stunner we know is in there! A few more walks and a less treats will help in that department too! Come and meet Niko, you will fall in love too! A3861196
Niko
“
Cats know how to obtain food without labor, shelter without confinement, and love without penalties.
~W.L. George
”
Annual Subscription: $10 PUBLISHER AND EDITOR Bridget Alves
“
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
”
~Billings
PRODUCTION/GRAPHICS Bloomfield Designs PUBLISHED BY Pet Me! Publications Advertising Information Direct: 661.255.9979 Fax: 866.259.9201 email: petadv@petmemag.com Web: www.petmemag.com
Find Us On Facebook Search for Pet Me! Magazine
FROM THE
PUBLISHER Happy Spring!
Wow! It’s hard to believe this is our 8th issue of Pet Me Magazine. Time screams right by, doesn’t it? Santa Clarita has already dealt with some heavy downpours over the winter months and as we prepare for more, (April showers bring May flowers) cool weather pet care, potential allergies and all around wellness continue to be top of mind. We don’t skip a beat as we sink our teeth into Pet Dental Health Month (March). Remember to schedule your pet’s teeth cleaning! Healthy teeth and gums mean sweet smelling breath for those happy kisses we love.
Joey
The pet industry has gone through some hefty changes over the last several years. New products, supplements and higher quality foods are on the market. Pet parents are now as mindful of nutrition for furry family members as they are for their pint-sized humans. However, reading labels offers only part of the picture. Are you sure you know what to avoid feeding your cat? (See page 8) How harmful is cigarette smoke to your pet? Springtime is a popular time to add a bunnies and chicks to the family. Before you succumb to the temptation to place something soft and warm into your children’s arms, consider that these relationships are often short lived and as the novelty wears off, many bunnies end up calling a shelter home; that is until they’re euthanized … How about a cute stuffed animal to cuddle instead? Pet Me Magazine is a community based publication and we enjoy being interactive. We’ve added a new feature this month - The Pets Next Door will introduce canine and feline community members. (Contest details on page 6). Thank you for your wonderful emails and kind support. We appreciate the privilege of bringing you Pet Me! Magazine and look forward to your suggestions and fantastic ideas for future issues.
Bridget Alves Publisher,
Pet Me! Magazine
Boo Boo
Grayson
Lana
Smokey
FEATURES
MARCH/APRIL 2011 Pet Me! Magazine™
BIG { { AT THE CASTAIC SHELTER
SUNDAY
Come out and support us at Big Sunday. The event will be held May 14th and 15th at the Castaic Animal Shelter, and will be held from 9am till 5pm and will be a volunteer donation (501c) base. Anyone who loves animals and would like to help update, upgrade, fix and repair our community shelter to make the animals that come to visit our shelter more comfortable, this event would be great to come and help out at. We are going to be needing money donations, supplies and anyone who can take a day and give back. We are looking for people to paint, plant, organize, cut, dig an beautify our entire shelter for the cats, dogs, rabbits, reptiles, chickens and horses. Anyone interested please contact me at kimmkehl@aol. com or call me at 661-714-9939
DOGONE-IT!
When Your Family Pet Deserves The Best! Lisa A. Pope, D.V.M. Amber Wheelbarger, D.V.M. • Full Service Veterinary Hospital • All surgical patients provided with pain medication • Microchip identification WE SEE & implantation available EXOTICS
PET SITTING Marlee
661-251-3873
I love ‘em when you have to leave ‘em! Mobile Dog Training • Dog Walking
HOURS:
Mon.,Wed., Fri. 8am-6pm Tues., Thurs. 8am-8pm Sat.- 8am-2pm
(661)
799-0655 www.SRVC.com ATM CARDS ACCEPTED
25832 Hemingway Ave. • Stevenson Ranch (Corner of Stevenson Ranch Road)
Pet Me! Magazine™ 5
FEATURES
Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2011
“Dogs come when they’re called; cats take a message and get back to you later.” - Mary Bly quotes
“Too Cute for Words”
- Angel, 2 Months
“What’s for Dinner?”
- Belle, 3.5 Years
“The Pets Next Door!”
“I sees me a little something over there...and, it’s just a matter of time”
- Spike, 20 Years Young
Do you have an adorable pet that should be featured in Pet Me! Magazine? Please submit a photo of your pet, along with their name, age and a slogan that would most describe their personality.
6 Pet Me! Magazine™
FEATURES
MARCH/APRIL 2011 Pet Me! Magazine™
By The Cat Doctor & Friends Staff
W
hile I choose to write about cats, because I work with them every day at The Cat Doctor & Friends, the information in this article may also apply to dogs, birds, and “pocket pets”. Cigarette smoking harms animals as well as people, often in unexpected ways.
Almost everyday, I walk into one of my exam rooms and am immediately confronted with a strong smell of cigarettes, even though my cat hospital is a strictly non-smoking facility. I will sit down at my exam table, greet my client and my patient, and take a quick sniff of my patient’s fur, which reeks of cigarette smoke. When a smoker smokes inside the house, modern ventilation systems take the cigarette smoke and re-circulate it throughout the entire house very quickly, even if the smoker is only smoking in one closed room. The smoke physically seems to rise, but many smoke particles descend, landing on the furniture, drapes, floors, and yes, the cat, dog or bird. Cats and dogs groom and birds preen themselves, in order to remove any dirt or foreign materials from their hair coats or
feathers. In a smoker’s house, they end up swallowing many smoke particles, which has been implicated in the development of oral, gastrointestinal and bladder cancers in cats and dogs. This is in addition to the damage that exposure to cigarette smoke causes to animal lungs. Cats, dogs, and birds can develop respiratory and other diseases due to exposure to cigarette smoke, ranging from sneezing and watery eyes, to chronic ear infections and skin allergies, to coughing due to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cats may even vomit as a symptom of asthma and both cats and dogs can develop emphysema if their exposure to cigarette smoke goes on long enough. While cigarette smoke isn’t the only cause of asthma in cats, it is a common cause. Some of the most severe cases of asthma I’ve seen were cigarette smoke-induced, and sadly, a few cases were fatal, despite my best efforts. I have seen too many cases of lung cancer in pets living with smokers. If you or a family member must smoke, please smoke outdoors, downwind from the house and well away from open doors or windows. Wearing a plastic or vinyl raincoat will prevent you from bringing smoke particles in on your clothes and washing your hands will also help protect your pet. Better yet, consider enlisting your family doctor’s help in quitting smoking for the sake of you and your pets.
Caring for cats and the people who love them. Dr. Tracy M
Dr. Rebecca
cFarland
Palmer
The Cat Doctor & Friends
Have we seen ALL of your cats this year? Call today to schedule your annual check-up (661) 259-5288
26055 Bouquet Canyon Rd. • Santa Clarita, CA 91350
c a t d o c t o r. c o m Pet Me! Magazine™ 7
FEATURES
What to Avoid Feeding Your Cat
By Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff s a responsible cat owner, you care about your kitty’s health and well-being. But did you know there are a variety of common household items that are poisonous to your feline friend? Familiarize yourself with the following list of substances and keep each away from your cat to help protect her health.
A
Acetaminophen (Pain Killers) Can cause liver toxicity Alcoholic beverages Can cause intoxication, coma, and death. Baby food Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to cats. (Please see onion below.) Can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts. Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system. Canned tuna (for human consumption) Large amounts can cause malnutrition, since it lacks proper levels of vitamins and minerals. Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system. Citrus oil extracts Can cause vomiting. Dog food If accidental ingestion, will not cause a problem; if fed
Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2011 repeatedly, may result in malnutrition and diseases affecting the heart. Fat trimmings Can cause pancreatitis. Grapes and raisins Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. Human vitamin supplements containing iron Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys. Large amounts of liver Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones. Macadamia nuts Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles. Marijuana Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate. Milk and other dairy products Some adult cats and dogs do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for cats. Moldy or spoiled food, garbage Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs. Mushrooms Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death. Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions. The amount found in pet food is well below any toxic level.
PET SUPPLY SANTA CLARITA
Look for our March Dental Cleaning Specials!
Canidae $3 OFF Any Dog or Cat
Check Out Our Prices On 44 Canidae
VPI Pet Insurance, Credit Care, Senior Discount
222-PETS(7387)
26831 Bouquet Cyn. Rd. Santa Clarita, CA 91350 At Bouquet and Seco
www.VIPpethospital.com
26111 Bouquet Cyn. Rd. • Suite D-5 • Saugus (Just South of Cinema Dr. by IHOP)
8 Pet Me! Magazine™
$3999
PH: 661-296-2654 FAX: 661-296-5414 Owned and Operated by: Kathi and Chris
MARCH/APRIL 2011 Pet Me! Magazine™
FEATURES
Persimmons Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis. Raw eggs Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella. Raw fish Can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly. Salt If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. String Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a “string foreign body.” Sugary foods Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus. Table scraps (in large amounts) Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed. Tobacco Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death. Tuna, exclusively An all-fish diet is not good for cats. It can cause malnutrition. An all-fish diet contains a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids and not enough Vitamin E. This imbalance can lead to a sometimes-fatal condition called pansteatitis. Yeast dough Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines. @2009 Drs. Foster and Smith, Inc. Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from DrsFosterSmith.com (http:// wwDrsFosterSmith.com) Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208 (See pg. 14 of the April/May Issue for an example)
Now Offering Bathing & Brushing
20341 Blue Cloud Rd., Saugus • Open Mon-Fri 8-6 • Sun 10-5 Pet Me! Magazine™ 9
Your Directory to all things Pets Ongoing Adoptions Castaic Animal Shelter Hours: Monday – Thursday: 12 PM – 7 PM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM Closed Holidays Precious Pets Adoptions 5 days a week • 10-5pm No adoptions Sat & Tues.
Petco Bunny Adoptions 7 days a week Contact Wendy 661-478-7360 Department of Care & Animal Control http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/locationbycity.asp For questions regarding Foster and Adoption
Debbie Rosato 661-803-1842 Cats & Kittens Wendy the Bunny Lady 661-478-7360 Bunnies for foster and adoption
Remarkable Rescues and Animal Shelters
and n i s t e V d e t Trus CV around the S
Clinic Canyon Animal co ch Se an R n so Steven on Road 27935 Seco Cany pital 296-8848 Veterinary Hos 1Santa Clarita • 66 ay Ave. gw in em ic.info H 2 83 m 25 anyonani alclin oc 55 ec 06 .s w 9w 79 w 1Santa Clarita • 66 t.org r ve The Cat Docto www.srvc.aaha nyon Road nter 055 Bouquet Ca Ce 26 y ar n ri te Ve 9-5288 Valencia a Clarita • 661-25 ne nt La Sa ll hi er m m .com 23928 Su www.catdoctor 3-9000 Valencia • 661-26 .com terinary ciavet Happy Pets Ve www.bestvalen Ranch Road 27550 Newhall ospital H y ar n ri te Ve 5-9972 VIP Valencia • 661-29 ry.com n Road Cy t ue uq Bo 1 2611 veterina TS (7387) www.happypets PE 222 166 • Saugus pital.com www.vippethos t Hospital Palm Plaza Pe le Blvd. 2501 E. Palmda 272-4551 Palmdale • 661apet.com www.palmplaz
10 Pet Me! Magazine™
Bunnyluv 16742 Stagg Street, Suite #104 Van Nuys • 818-988-4488 www.bunnyluv.com Brittany Foundation Agua Dulce • 661-713-5240 www.brittanyfoundation.com Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue Acton • 661-273-9822 www.forgottenangelsrescue.org Second Chance Rescue Acton • 661-269-1041 Villalobos Rescue Center (Agua Dulce) • 310-842-8164 adoption@vrcpittbull.com
Castaic Animal Shelter 31044 N Charlie Canyon Road Castaic • 661-257-3191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Lancaster Shelter 5210 W Avenue “I” Lancaster • 661-940-4191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Kern County Animal Control 201 S. Mt. Vernon Bakersfield • 661-868-7100 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov
Shelter Volunteering Castaic Animal Shelter Bunny Rescue/Volunteer Call Debbie Rosato 661-257-3191 Contact Wendy 661-478-7360 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov
Find more adoptables at petconnectus.com or contact your local shelter or rescue. Visit our website for additional rescue and shelter information.
Great Groomers Express Dog Wash 661-300-0128 expressdogwash@socal.rr.com
Dynamic Dog Trainers
Doggone Happy Tami Cox (Certified) 661-310-4133
Best Boarding Facilities Canine Country Club 20341 Blue Cloud Road Santa Clarita • 661-296-0566 www.cccofscv.com
Castaic Canine Camp North Ridge Route Road Castaic • 661-257-0957 www.castaiccaninecamp.com
Animal Crematory
Guardian Animal Aftercare 818-768-6465 www.guardianaftercare.com
Adoptions & Events Every 2nd Sunday
Castaic Shelter - Petco
(Seco & Bouquet) 11 AM - 3 PM 26501 Bouquet Canyon Road Santa Clarita March 20th
Brittany Foundation Adoption
Kriser’s Pet Store 11 AM - 2 PM 24276 Valencia Blvd. Valencia March 26th
Castaic Shelter
HUGE YARD SALE! 9 AM - 2 PM The shelter invites you to participate and purchase or sell items. 100% of all earning from purchased or sold items will be donated to the shelter for Big Sunday. Don’t forget to get your raffle tickets…you don’t want to miss out on a fabulous prize! 31044 N Charlie Canyon Road
Heirloom Pet Portraits Santa Clarita Photographic Studio Fern 661-775-0898
Pampering Pet Sitters Dogone-it Marlee 661-251-3873
Kyle’s Custom Critter Care 661-305-4981 kylescustomcrittercare.com
Pawpular Pet Supplier Pet Supply Santa Clarita 26831 Bouquet Canyon Road Santa Clarita • 661-296-2654 www.petsupplysantaclarita.com
May 6th
Comedy for Canines at Marie Calendars
Tickets will be available at Castaic Shelter and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Big Sunday Valencia May 14th Pet Expo
Central Park – Next to Bark Park Saugus May 14-15th
Castaic Shelter
BIG Sunday! 9 AM - 5 PM 31044 N Charlie Canyon Road
Pet Expo USA Returns To Santa Clarita “And that’s not all they have up their sleeve this year!”
When Pet Expo USA arrived on the scene in 2009, they offered something unique and different for pet lovers in the greater LA area. This year, they’ll host 3 amazing events, and one will be held right here in Santa Clarita. The Pet and Family Expo returns this spring in a new location. On Saturday, May 14th Central Park (next to Bark Park) will host the single day event, offering more space to accommodate the growing number of vendors and attendees. Entertainment, education and services will highlight the expo, along with rescues and plenty of food and fun. Pets are welcome! Pit Boss Shorty Rossi and celebrity entertainer Megan Blake will return this year, accompanied by a number of other entertainers – both human and canine! Please visit www.petexpousa.net to keep up with new information. Humans have shared their lives with animals for 1,000s of years. In the beginning they were used to help make life easier. They’ve hunted, guarded and provided physical labor. Things have changed, however, over the years. In 2006, nearly half of pet owners, or 49.7%, considered their pets to be family members. Pet Expo USA celebrates our furry friends in a special way in 2011.
Go Green This Spring
Along with the Pet and Family Expo in Santa Clarita, PEU will host another event this spring. Those interested in a face to face opportunity introducing green business to conscious pet owners will be happy to know that this April 15th-17th, Santa Clarita residents Michelle Bucks and Connie Troncale, owners and producers of Pet Expo USA, are promoting at the Go Green Expo pet pavilion. “We’re proud to offer conscious business owners an opportunity to participate in LA’s Go Green Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center this spring,” said Pet Expo USA president Michelle Bucks. “There’s no better place to gain visibility in front of many thousands of people interested in options for an Ecofriendly lifestyle.” Over 200 million Americans buy green products. According to Mintel Global New Products Database, in 2007, the number of those green products on the marketplace grew 200 percent from the year before. Those who are passionate about having a positive impact on our environment will have the opportunity to join like-minded business people in educating consumers and particularly pet owners, on green alternatives to Ecofriendly products. Sponsorships are available. To exhibit, or for information on all PEU events, please contact Michelle Bucks 661-210-6995, Email mbucks@petexpousa.net or visit www.petexpousa.net
FEATURES
Ear s m e l b o Pr
Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2011
for Pets By Dr. B Grewal
S
ymptoms of ear disease are shaking the head, scratching at the ears, odor from the ear, or redness of the ear flap and/ or entrance to the ear canal. Your pet may be tilting their head to one side although it’s important to point out that there are causes for this other than ear disease. The color and consistency of discharge may vary from yellow liquid to black wax, but the color does not indicate one particular cause. The causes of ear disorders are due to infection, allergy, and foreign bodies. Your veterinarian will examine the ear canal with an otoscope. The exam will also help your veterinarian determine if the eardrum is intact. This may require sedation or anesthesia if the ear is very painful or if the pet is not cooperative.
The causes of ear disorders, are due to “infection, allergy, and foreign bodies. ”
Infections of the ear can be due to yeast, bacteria, or ear mites. Yeast infections are by far the most common, accounting for an estimated 75% of cases in dogs. Bacterial infections cause about 20% of ear infections, and ear mites cause about 5% (or less) of cases in dogs. Bacteria resistant to antibiotics are an increasing cause of ear infections. This is diagnosed with a culture and sensitivity by a laboratory. Allergies are a very common cause of ear problems, in fact, many of the yeast infections are secondary to an underlying allergy. If there are recurring ear symptoms, allergy is almost certainly the cause. Environmental allergens such as pollen, molds, and house dust mites are frequent causes of allergy. Food allergy is also a common cause of ear problems. A pet is not allergic to a brand of food, but is allergic to one or more food ingredients. A food trial is the only method to determine if a food allergy is an etiology.
12 Pet Me! Magazine™
Occasionally a foreign body will make its way into the ear canal and cause irritation or even perforate the eardrum. Pieces of plants, especially seedpods called foxtails, are a common foreign body that can cause ear problems. Anesthesia may be needed to remove the object. Treatment of ear problems will depend on the cause of the disease, for example, a bacterial infection is treated differently than a yeast infection. A foreign body needs removal while ear mites need a parasite treatment. In general, treatment often involves oral medicine, topical medicine, and ear cleansers. It is also important to know whether the eardrum is intact, as many topical medications can’t be used if there is a ruptured eardrum. Ear problems are a malady your veterinarian sees on a regular basis. Most are healed with routine treatment but some cases can be more challenging. It is important to have a thorough exam, appropriate treatment and a follow-up plan to check on progress and ensure complete recovery. Many “repeat” infections are cases that never truly healed completely. Valencia Veterinary Center is located at 23928 Summerhill Lane in Valencia. For more information please call 661-2639000 and visit www.bestvalenciavet.com
MARCH/APRIL 2011 Pet Me! Magazine™
FEATURES FEATURES
Bunnies and Easter Don’t Mix...
mean they want to be cuddled. Being constantly handled is very frightening and stressful, as are sudden movements. In fact, stress can actually cause death in rabbits.
E
Myths People often have the misconception that there is little work associated with rabbits. This couldn’t be further from the truth! A rabbit habitat should have plenty of room for play. Happy rabbits like to toss their toys and run around.
Many of these rabbits (the lucky ones), are dumped at a shelter. Others are turned loose at a local park or in the woods, unprepared to face the dangers of predators. What lesson has the child really learned when the family subsequently tires of the rabbit and gets rid of it?
Many people feed their rabbit only pellets and this is not a healthy rabbit diet. A rabbit’s diet should be 80% hay (which can get a little messy), pellets and at least 2 cups a day of fresh veggies (romaine, cilantro, parsley, endive, and radicchio to name a few). Spinach, kale and collards should be given in small quantities. Treats include carrots (no more than 2” a day), banana (1/2 oz at a time), and apple (about 1/8 of an apple). The apple is perhaps the best treat because there is fiber in the skin. Be careful to take out any seeds. Apple seeds are poisonous to rabbits.
Unless of Course they’re chocolate very Easter holiday I hear people talk about how they would love to surprise their child with a real bunny. “A pet would be such a good way for her/him to learn responsibility”, they say. There is often no regard for the frightened bunny, which (after the novelty wears off) will often live out his short life in a cage. Cared for only by a resentful parent, these little animals often enjoy very little interaction.
Physical Contact There are many reasons well-intentioned people lose interest and abandon their pet rabbits. Rabbits are prey animals, which often makes them frightened and skittish. It often takes them more than a year to trust and become comfortable with being held. Because many people don’t take the time to educate themselves, rabbits become viewed as a pet that really “does nothing and has no purpose”. Loving patience is required as a bunny is acclimating to his new surroundings. Although bunnies look soft and cuddly, it doesn’t
Education Before choosing to bring a bunny home, educate yourself first. There are scores of books written about owning a rabbit and the care and responsibility involved. Should you decide a bunny is a good pet for your family, ALWAYS visit your local shelter or rescue. Never buy a bunny from a pet store or a peddler selling outside of a store. If after reading this article it sounds like a bunny may be a little more than you bargained for, steer clear of temptation! Opt for a stuffed fuzzy or chocolate rabbit instead. .
Pet Me! Magazine™ 13
FEATURES
Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2011
10 Amazingly Smart
CASTAIC H CANINE
& Productive Animals Humans Can Learn From
CAMP
Castaic Canine Camp is literally a home away from home for dogs Let’s face it, when it comes to your canine children, you want the best for them. A place where the love and attention they need and want is guaranteed. Castaic Canine Camp sits on 17 pristine acres of land adjacent Castaic Lake. Castaic Canine Camp offers boarding, daycare, training facilities, and services for all ages, breeds and sizes of canines. Castaic Canine Camp accepts furry guests for a day visit or extended stay, and offers inter-action with other dogs or separate accommodations according to your pet’s special needs...and your needs for them.
Castaic Canine Camp Offers: Boarding Daycare Pet Sittitng Dog Walking
Pet Taxi Training Pet Parties & Much More
Pet taxi is for those of you who know your pet is well to stay at home while you're gone for the day. But you know you can't make it on time to take your pet out where they need to go. We provide transportation to vet's office, groomer's, friend or relative's house, and even the airport. Wherever your pet may need to go or be picked up we can transport him. This service is not only for dogs, we also provide transportation for livestock. Also we can pick-up and deliver any supply you may need for your livestock and house pets. Rates depend on mileage, please call for more details.
umans have proven themselves to be the planet’s most dominant species, due to our highly developed communication, critical thinking and predatory skills. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have any competition. There are plenty of animals that we can learn from by watching the ways in which they communicate and learn from each other. Try taking a cue from these 10 amazingly smart and productive animals. 1. Octupi and squids: Cephalopods — octopi, squids and cuttlefish — may be some of the smartest animals in the ocean. After studying them, scientists have deduced that cephalopods are always trying to stay busy, as they hate being bored. They use tools, are efficient eaters, and can learn new skills. 2. Dolphins: Dolphins may love humans just as much as humans love dolphins. The highly collaborative marine mammal is also incredibly intelligent and communicative and may actually be the second-smartest animal in the world, just after humans. Their brains are 4-5 times larger than other animals’ brains who have similar sized bodies. They also have a well developed neocortex which helps them process emotion, recognize themselves in a mirror, demonstrate an ability for cultural learning, and understand abstract concepts. 3. Pigeons: Although they’re often associated with dirty, crowded urban environments, pigeons are productive animals with high intelligence. They have highly developed memories, recognize themselves in a mirror, and can identify even subtle differences between different objects.
Pet Taxi
4. Pigs: Pigs are known to compensate for their mud-slinging, trough-eating ways by demonstrating high intelligence, but did you know just how smart pigs are? They’re very social and even emotional animals that can “play” computer and video games at least as well as chimpanzees. They have an excellent sense of direction and learn from each other, when they’re not trying to trick each other. 5. Rats: Rats may be one of the most abhorred creatures on Earth, but they’re still pretty smart and very resourceful. Rats are extremely adaptable and can almost always find an escape route, which is why they’re so resilient.
(661) 257-0957 • (661) 257-1870 36975 Ridge Route Rd. Castaic, Ca 91384
www.castaiccaninecamp.com email: ossaonyx@aol.com
14 Pet Me! Magazine™
6. Squirrels: A slightly cuter version of the rat is the squirrel, another cunning rodent. Squirrels sometimes trick spying animals by pretending to hide their food in one spot, and then really finding a safer place for it when no one’s watching. After months have passed, squirrels can remember the exact place they stored their food, sometimes using clues to help themselves. 7. Crows: Crows may have annoying calls and scare away other, more attractive birds, but they’re so smart that even humans could learn something from them. Crows are very resourceful animals that turn all kinds of objects into usable tools for getting
MARCH/APRIL 2011 Pet Me! Magazine™
FEATURES
food from hard-to-reach places. They also have great respect for their elders, and watch older birds when they want to learn a new skill. 8. Bees: Bees have shown scientists that they are very in tune with the natural world, not just including pollinating flowers. They use the sun for direction, are punctual, and also have the ability to learn colors, sounds and even exact places. And if you’ve ever noticed a bee’s seemingly erratic flying pattern, you’ve actually watched it communicate to other bees the specifics of the food they’re finding. 9. Dogs: Scientists are still discovering just how smart dogs are. They’ve already proven to be loyal, good communicators and may have decent memory, and now scientists believe that dogs may have the ability to understand someone else’s point of view. Through tests, dogs have also proven to understand concepts and form real perceptions of things. 10. Elephants: Elephants are widely regarded as smart, efficient animals that use tools, groom themselves, and have even inspired robotics. A new robotic arm was modeled after an elephant’s trunk, which can pick up nearly any type of object and seamlessly move it and use it as needed. Elephants also have large brains — weighing around 5 kilos — and use objects to protect themselves, either as weapons or to intimidate their attackers. Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.
Pet Me! Magazine™ 15
FEATURES
training with
Pet Me! Magazine™™ MARCH/APRIL MARCH/APRIL 2011 2011
treats By Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff
I
s a food reward always necessary? To answer that question you must first decide if your dog is food-motivated. If he is, and you want him to have some obedience training (sit, stay, and come), then get yourself a bag of dog treats and start learning the best ways to train. Positive reinforcement is a way to increase or maintain a behavior by giving the dog some type of stimulus. This could be a treat, a toy, or a pat on the head as a reward for good behavior. Positive reinforcement can be used to maintain existing good behavior as well as in initial training. Furthermore, positive reinforcement (e.g., a treat) has been shown to increase correct behavior when given intermittently once a dog has associated the reward with the behavior. When you are beginning to train a dog to come, rewards should be consistent, so that the dog associates the treat with correct behavior.
With this ad.
16 Pet Me! Magazine™
Once you have trained the dog to come to you, if you vary the delivery of the reward either by giving a treat for instance every third time, or randomly, it will actually increase the probability that your dog will come to you consistently. This is termed partial reinforcement and dramatically decreases the likelihood that your dog will forget the correct behavior when you really need him to respond, even if he doesn’t smell a treat in your hand. As with many behavioral patterns, it is not known precisely why this works - just that it does - consistently. When you use treats to help in training your dog, choose a small treat. Whether it’s crunchy, meaty, or sweet is completely up to you and your dog. Just be sure that your dog likes the treat and can quickly consume it. If he has to work at eating the treat, he may be distracted from the task you want him to perform. @2009 Drs. Foster and Smith, Inc. Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from DrsFosterSmith.com (http:// wwDrsFosterSmith.com) Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208 (See pg. 14 of the April/May Issue for an example)
, Your Pet s MARCH/APRIL MARCH/APRIL 2011 2011 Pet Pet Me! Me! Magazine Magazine™™
FEATURES
Dental Health
By Dr. Evelyn Vega, Happy Pets Veterinary Center
P
et dental health is as important as caring for our own teeth. Human dentist recommend brushing after every meal, a professional cleaning every 6 months, and about every 2-3 years a professional deep cleaning under local sedation to scrape away tartar underneath the gum line. Our pets oral health should not be treated different, their tooth and gum structure as well as the plaque and tartar they develop are not any different than our own. Yet, owners often never brush their pet’s teeth and are hesitant to put them under anesthesia for a thorough deep cleaning. Some owners do take their pets to local “non- anesthetic” teeth cleaning facilities believing that by doing this, their pet will no longer need a professional deep cleaning done under anesthesia. This is a misguided belief that pet owners must be made aware of the serious deficiencies and risks associated with any dental service performed without anesthesia. Dental Scaling without anesthesia will not allow sufficient access to the tooth surfaces for complete cleaning or evaluation. The American Veterinary Dental College discourages anesthesia free dental cleaning. It can cause trauma or injury to oral tissues especially if the pet moves. Even though no anesthesia is involved, it can cause death associated with fear and! or the stress related to the holding and manipulation that is required to keep the pet still. But most importantly, owners are mislead into believing that these services are equivalent to those performed by a veterinary provider under anesthesia. Thus they’ are surpnsed when severe periodontal disease develops and progresses to the point where costly dental extractions are needed on teeth that could have been saved had they done regular dental care with their veterinarian. Periodontal disease is advanced disease of the oral cavity. It is classified from level one (mild) to level four (severe). Each level is defined by the amount of tartar on the teeth, redness or inflammation of the gums, the presence of bad breath, and the amount of loosening of gum tissue around a tooth which can vary from slight softening of the gums to shrinking bone mass and loss of ligament support around the tooth. Studies show that periodontal disease, if left untreated, can shorten your pet’s lifespan by 2 YEARS! Periodontal disease can have deleterious effects on the rest of the body. Studies in human medicine show that periodontal disease is directly associated with heart disease. So when your veterinarian recommends for your pet to have a dental under anesthesia, it should not be considered as a cosmetic procedure for pretty teeth, but as an overall benefit to the health of the pet.
Pet Me! Magazine™ 17
FEATURES
Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2011
Keeping Green By Terry Dayton, Ph.D, C.A.S.
Iguana’s as pets I
guana’s are one of the most popular reptiles found in your local pet store. They are usually an easy pet to take care of compared to other reptiles. It is best to do your research on any pet you get prior to purchasing it. Make sure that you are aware that an Iguana can grow to a considerably large size and if you are not equipped to handle them when they grow up, please refrain from purchasing one. One of the most common diseases that iguanas suffer from is malnutrition. Unfortunately many owners feed their pets on lettuce. Although this contains enough moisture, there is not enough nutrition to meet their needs. Spinach and other leafy greens which contain B vitamins and iron can be added to the lettuce. Also, fruits and vegetables can be cut up small and introduced alongside the lettuce. Some Iguanas have become so used to eating lettuce that they will not eat anything else. Their legs become stiff and swollen and they become listless and inactive. Most people do not notice that there is even a problem until the pet is in serious condition. Serious burn injuries can be caused by exposed light sources which are too bright or which are too close to the iguana. This can happen if your iguana has out-grown his enclosure and has no choice but to be near the light source. If there is an exposed light bulb in the light source, then this can reach blistering temperatures itself while it is heating up the surrounding cage. To eliminate this problem, it is best to fit a protective device to ensure that no direct heat reaches your pet. These are easily
18 Pet Me! Magazine™
available from many pet stores and so this horrible problem is easily avoided. Other conditions can also occur such as mouth rot and abscesses in other areas of the body. These need to be spotted and treated as soon as they occur. The only remedy is to take the iguana to a vet who will clean out the infected areas and prescribe medication. Iguanas can be wonderful and rewarding pets and will provide lots of happiness to their owner but it is important to keep an eye of them and treat anything which may be wrong. Providing the proper iguana health care for your pet is important.
FEATURES
MARCH/APRIL 2011 Pet Me! Magazine™
We Come To You!
MOBILE GROOMING SALON
Laurie Barbarino • 661-300-0128 expressdogwash@socal.rr.com
$5.00 OFF • With This Ad
We treat each pet as if they were our own! Trained in the Veterinary Care of Dogs, Cats, Birds, Reptiles and Exotics.
Rattlesnake Vaccination
$25 Dental Special
Medium Cats & Dogs Small Dogs
Large Dogs
$250 $275 $300
Price includes: Exam, Surgical Fluids, Pre-anesthetic Profile, Anesthesia, Flouride Treatment, Ultrasonic Cleaning & Polishing Extractions and Medication Additional Not good with any other offers • Expires 3/31/11
Up To
$256
Savings
Seco Canyon Animal Clinic Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10am to 6pm Sat. 9am to 1pm (closed Sundays) se habla espanol • Accepting Care Credit
27935 Seco Cyn. Rd. Saugus, CA 91350
661-296-8848
www.secocanyonanimalclinic.biz Pet Me! Magazine™ 19
Valencia Veterinary Center “Pet’s Are People,Too!” A Full Service Pet Hospital Emergency & Critical Care Facility
• Full Service, In-House Diagnostic Laboratory • State-of-the-art Facility • Latest Anesthetic Monitoring Equipment • Video Endoscopy • Flea & Tick Classes • Coagulation Analysis • Blood Plasma Transfusions • Dog Obedience Classes • Digital Radiography • Ultrasound • Intensive Care Unit • Radiosurgery • Dermatology • Dentistry • Prescription Pet Foods • All Surgeries provided with Pain Medication & Vital Sign Monitoring AND MUCH MORE...
Dr. B. Grewal & Associates 23928 Summerhill Lane (on the corner of McBean Pkwy. & Decoro Dr.)
661-263-9000
FREE FIRST OFFICE VIS IT New clients on with emerge ly. Not valid ncy services.
www.bestvalenciavet.com