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September 2016
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Pets In The City Magazine
Pets In The City Magazine |
September 2016
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Calendar of EVENTS
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR September. As a kid, I loved back to school shopping. It didn’t matter if it was clothes or school supplies, I loved them both. Since I absolutely hate shopping, I can only believe it was because back to school gave me both the opportunity to reinvent myself (anyone else want to forget middle school ever happened?), and also gave me a new chance to learn. September isn’t just the time for our kids to go back to school, although most of us are happy to see them out of the house again. It can also be time to teach our pets new tricks. A friend was recently complaining about a dog she’d saved a few years ago. It was supposed to be a temporary situation. Her beloved dog had just passed, and this was a chance for her to do a good deed until she could find the homeless dog a family. Two years later, I think it’s safe to say the dog believes he’s found his home. As she watches him destroy yet another part of her house or pair of shoes, she isn’t so sure.
Sure, if you were working the dog in the evenings, you might be able to make this work. But taking a working dog and giving them a life without “work” of some sort is a recipe for disaster. As she’s found out. While she obviously needs to find a home for this guy where he can run, herd and generally do his job, maybe the rest of us should take a look at ways to work with our dogs as well. This school season, why not sign up for some obedience training with your dog? If you don’t have time to commit to a full class schedule, take the time to teach your pet a new trick on your own. Whether it’s a parrot or a Pekingese, every pet needs a challenge to keep her mind busy. It’s good for you, for them, and for your shoes!
What When Where Info
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Last Month’s Issue
Photo By: Mara Marini
WEDDING OF THE ALPACAS FUNDRAISER Monday, Labor Day, September 5 at 12:00 p.m. The Farm at Gardner Village 1100 West 7800 South, West Jordan Marriage of Prudence Alpaca & Gary Alpaca.
September 10 What When Where Info
WAGS & KISSES FUNDRAISER Saturday, September 10 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wheeler Farm, 6351 900 E., SLC TherapyAnimalsUtah.org
September 17 What When Where Info
9TH AND 9TH STREET FESTIVAL Saturday, September 17 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Posh Paws Small Pet Boutique, 1005 E. 900 S., SLC 50% off most items! One day only!
September 24 What When Where Info
THE NUZZLES BALL Saturday, September 24 The Montage Deer Valley, 9100 Marsac Ave., SLC Purchase tickets at NuzzlesandCo.org
September 30 & October 1 What When Where Info
NKUT SUPER ADOPTION Friday, September 30 from noon – 7p.m. / Saturday, October 1 from 10 a.m. - 6p.m. Utah State Fair Park, 155 1000 W., SLC NKUT.org/events
PUBLISHER PICM Publishing, LLC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Genevieve Campbell EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kim Justen MANAGING EDITOR Deborah Myers STAFF WRITERS Tonya Landon | Jennafer Martin Mona Mistric | April A. Northstrom Sarah Tyler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Taylor Howard, DVM Neil Moss, DVM | Ginny Naylor April A. Northstrom Emily Strong, CPBC, CPBT-KA COVER PHOTO CREDIT Elaina Stanley CIRCULATION Deb Myers, Circulation Manager City Weekly Distribution Smith’s Grocery Store Racks GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michelle Bellinger
October 1 What When Where Info
DODO DASH Saturday, October 1 Sugarhouse Park, 1330 2100 S., SLC RunReg.com 5th Annual DoDo Dash 5K Charity Run
TABLE of CONTENTS 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 26 28
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September 2016
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Pets In The City Magazine
I innocently asked what kind of dog it was. Obviously, she can’t be positive, but it’s clear the dog is a working dog, with some sort of Border Collie or Shepard mixed in with who knows what. I stopped her right there. “You’ve got a working dog locked up in your house all day? Well, there’s your problem.”
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THE REAL COST OF A FREE PET – Ginny Naylor Expert Advice: XYLITOL TOXICITY – Taylor Howard, DVM RAW FOOD FOR DOGS: IS IT SAFE? – April A. Northstrom ANIMALS IN THE NEWS – Mona Mistric RESCUE ME TOYS ARE US – Deborah Myers SERVICE ANIMALS: NOT JUST A WAGGING TAIL – Sarah Tyler DO VETERINARIANS STILL MAKE HOUSE CALLS? – Mona Mistric Expert Advice: BASIC CARE OF REPTILES – Neil Moss, DVM TALKING WITH PARROTS – Emily Strong, CPBC, CPBT-KA ASK STETSON Q & A – Tonya Landon MADAME TABU’S PET HOROSCOPE Family Fun: - BEFORE SCHOOL CHECKLIST - DOT-TO-DOT PUZZLES - BOOK REVIEW: TEST YOUR CAT’S IQ (GENIUS EDITION) BY: SIMON HOLLAND YOUR PETS IN THE CITY PHOTOS
SALES & ADVERTISING Sharon Stephenson Deborah Myers 801.702.1171 info@petsinthecitymagazine.com
www.petsinthecitymagazine.com PICM Disclaimer: All reader submissions and photos are voluntarily submitted without expectation of compensation. All opinions of the authors in this Magazine are those of the writer or contributor and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. The publisher has not confirmed the accuracy of information contained in the articles. PICM reserves the right to edit, alter, or modify the submitted article to the extent in which we deem necessary. A RESCUE PLEA: Pets In The City Magazine is dedicated to and encourages rescuing companion animals of all types. There are thousands of animals in Utah and across our nation needing a forever home. If you are interested in rescuing a companion animal, there are over 100 animal rescues in Utah. A good resource is petfinder.com, a nationwide database for companion animals of all types. A rescued animal can be rewarding and lead to a forever grateful love. Pets In The City Magazine © 2015 is an independent, free monthly magazine published by PICM Publishing. For information regarding Pets in the City Magazine, visit www.petsinthecitymagazine.com Any and all articles in Pets in the City Magazine are submitted for reading enjoyment only. Please consult a professional and make wise personal decisions regarding health and safety issues of pets and family.
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September 2016
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REAL cost of a FREE PET
The
Ginny Naylor
If you’re an animal lover like me, we may have had a similar experience as a child. You saw someone giving away “free” puppies or kittens, so of course, you begged your parents for one. “It’s free!” you exclaimed. “PLEEAAASE!” If your parents responded the same way mine did, you most likely heard something along the lines of…. “There is no such thing as a free (insert pet of choice here).” As awful as that can sound to the ears of a child longing for a cat or dog to take home, it’s a pretty accurate statement.
Pets In The City Magazine
Now, I’m not discussing the expense or cost of a pet in order to discourage anyone from getting one. On the contrary, I’m discussing it to bring awareness to the low cost options of “responsible” pet ownership. Because of generous donations and the hard work of rescue workers and volunteers within Utah, it is now less expensive than ever to adopt a fully vetted pet, saving you not only money but time as well.
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This summer alone, shelters and rescues throughout the state have been inundated with urgent pleas for help with abandoned and homeless dogs, cats, kittens, puppies and rabbits. This pet overpopulation as some people call it, is caused when we, as humans who are obligated to care for these domestic animals, fail to spay or neuter our pets.
September 2016
Often, it is that free puppy or kitten who ends up not being fixed (whether due to financial inability or because the new owner puts it off) and potentially creates generations of more “free” pets which eventually end up on the street, abused, neglected, sick or injured. Or even dumped, scared and helpless in a shelter.
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When adopting a pet from a shelter or a rescue, most of them come spayed or neutered,
microchipped, having been checked by a vet, dewormed and vaccinated. All of this is included in a small adoption fee, which is typically much less expensive than having all these services done for your pet independently. In order to breakdown the initial cost of having these services done on your pet, I’ve included some information gathered by Jeff and Sara Morman, which represent an average range of veterinary prices.
CAT/DOG
“FREE”
SPAY
$50-100
NEUTER
$40-70
DEWORMED/CORE VACCINES (RABIES, FVRCP)
$40-80
INITIAL VET VISIT
$45-80
MICROCHIP
$25-50
GRAND TOTAL
$150 - $310
Additionally, if we add in the time it takes to schedule a vet appointment and shuttle your pet back and forth, the cost goes up even more. If you’re a fan of convenience and a good deal, why not support your local shelter or rescue when looking to add another pet to your family? Think of the small adoption fee as a valuable donation.
One that allows the organization to continue to help animals in need within our communities. Year round, shelters and rescues advertise adoption promotions where many of the adoption fees have been either deeply discounted or completely waived for certain pets making the idea of a free pet more of a reality. Now that is something a parent might have a harder time saying no to. Ginny Naylor currently volunteers with the Utah Animal Adoption Center, who each year helps save over one thousand cats and dogs from unnecessary euthanasia in shelters throughout the state. UAAC relies heavily on the generous support of donors and volunteers. To donate or volunteer, please call 800-355-PETS or visit www.utahanimals.org.
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September 2016
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Xylitol Toxicity Taylor Howard, DVM
While pet poisonings or toxicities are avoidable and accidental, they are unfortunately commonplace in veterinary practice. The effects in many toxicity cases may cause prolonged, complicated, and frustrating results. Xylitol is a sugar substitute sweetener used in many products. The incidence of xylitol cases in dogs reported to the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in 2007 was 1,764 and rose to 3,184 in 2012. There is a direct correlation between the rising number of cases and an increase in the number of products containing xylitol. This data alone suggests a need for better education of the pet-owning public.
Pets In The City Magazine
Xylitol’s slow absorption in humans aids in maintaining and stabilizing sugar and insulin levels in diabetics patients. In contrast, dogs absorb xylitol within 30 minutes, releasing high levels of insulin into the bloodstream, which then causes low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This is similar to the effect of an insulin overdose in diabetic people and pets and can be a significant concern for dogs that have no discretion when it comes to consuming sweet things. At this point, it is not clear if Xylitol has any effect in cats. Since the concentration of xylitol in a single piece of gum varies widely across labels from flavor to flavor and from brand to brand, all xylitol exposures should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.
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There are two ways dogs can be affected by xylitol consumption: dangerously low blood sugar or delayed onset liver failure, which usually occurs without hypoglycemia. Signs of hypoglycemia such as weakness, staggering, or seizures can be observed within one hour, but may not develop until the twelfth hour. When treatment is started soon after exposure, the prognosis for uncomplicated hypoglycemia is good. Liver disease and seizures carry a poorer prognosis.
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If you suspect your pet has consumed xylitol the
first course of action is to take her to your veterinarian immediately. Treatment will vary depending upon the amount ingested. Inducing emesis (causing her to vomit) is usually the first treatment option to help rid the body of the xylitol. Depending upon when the xylitol was ingested prior to emesis will determine whether or not supportive therapy will be needed. IV fluids containing glucose and electrolytes are important for maintaining and restoring normal blood sugar levels and hydration after ingestion. Close laboratory monitoring of liver and glucose levels, as well as anti-nausea, antibiotics, and liver support medications may be indicated. Xylitol ingestion is preventable. Pet-owning households should consider not consuming xylitol-containing foods or gums. Please check your labels, especially sugar-free goods. Items containing Xylitol include, but are not limited to, the following: chewing gum, breath mints, mouthwash, candies, toothpaste, tooth whiteners, chewable vitamins, and some peanut butters. Please do not attempt to make your pet vomit unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian. Instead, if you suspect that your dog has consumed xylitol, contact your veterinarian or a 24-hour veterinary emergency facility.
Dr. Howard practices veterinary medicine at University Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostic Center in Salt Lake City. He recently returned to his hometown after practicing throughout the Willamette Valley in Oregon. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University. He has a wife, three dogs, a cat and a hamster. He prides himself on compassion toward all species, all breeds and all clients.
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RAW FOOD FOR DOGS: IS IT SAFE? April A. Northstrom
Raw,
whole food diets for dogs tend to raise some eyebrows among caregivers and professionals alike. The concept of raw feeding is based upon a dog’s instinctive carnivorous bias — a built-in desire to capture (or find) and eat another animal. Dogs are not genetically designed to consume the carbohydrate content of today’s commercial kibbles. Keeping dogs away from overprocessed, feed-quality grains can improve their overall health. While the idea of a holistic diet for canines is growing in popularity, is it safe?
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Raw food meal preparation is not as easy as pouring a dry mix into a bowl or dishing out food from a can. It requires dog owners to do
some research about what diet might be best for their furry friend. According to research done by WebMD, the cost of a raw dog food diet varies with the ingredients used and how it is prepared. For a 30-pound dog, a one-day supply of one variety of a frozen, commercially available raw chicken diet costs about $2.50; others may range up to $5 a day. A super-premium, commercial dry dog food costs about $1. Your local butcher is a great resource for meat recommendations. Raw food diets for dogs put a particular focus on meats, bones, and vegetables as a way to meet the animal’s nutritional needs. Many pet owners want to avoid big commercial brands because of the uncertainty of their actual ingredients. Enzymes found in fresh, raw foods play an important role in digestion and support your pet’s overall wellbeing. The financial cost of a raw food diet can be similar to well-known brands — it just takes a little more planning to prepare a meal. There are several hybrid versions of raw food for dogs that make it easy to create a delicious and nutritious meal multiple times a day. Dehydrated, fresh-frozen, or raw fresh are all meal options incorporating holistic diet concepts for dogs.
What is in Raw Food Meals? • Muscle meat, often still on the bone • Bones, either whole or ground • Organ meats, such as livers and kidneys • Raw eggs • Vegetables like carrots, spinach, and squash • Apples or other fruit • Some dairy, such as Greek yogurt on occasion
Benefits of Raw Food Diets • Shinier coats • Healthier skin • Reduced allergy symptoms • Cleaner teeth • Higher energy levels • Smaller stools
There are potential risks to a raw meal plan, including the threat of bacteria from the meat and raw eggs. If dogs are given whole, cooked bones, they may also break teeth or cause internal injuries. Finally, there is the concern that an unbalanced diet may damage the health of dogs if given for an extended period.
Foods Dogs Should Never Eat • Avocado • Grapes • Alcohol • Onions & garlic • Chocolate, coffee and caffeine • Citrus • Nuts • Salt and salty snack foods • NEVER feed cooked bones of any type Be mindful when choosing a new raw food diet for your dog. Consult your veterinarian, especially if your dog has ongoing health issues or dietary restrictions. It’s also important to do your research about what type of meal plan will work for you and your family. Hybrid or dehydrated meals may work well for busy families and more traditional raw meals are ideal for active or aging dogs who need special care given to their nutritional intake. Pay attention when serving raw meat to older or sick dogs, as their systems may not be able to handle it. Always take special care to use quality products and meats in your meals. Bacteria, including salmonella and E.coli are a concern when using raw meats and eggs — especially for humans who prepare the food. The majority of dogs who consume a raw meal diet benefit greatly. If your dog has been struggling with dry kibble or has health issues, this type of diet is worth exploring. To find a holistic veterinarian in your area call the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association at (410) 569-0795.
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September 2016
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Animals In The News Mona Mistric HUNDREDS OF ANIMALS RESCUED DURING LOUISIANA FLOODING In a 24-hour period, southern Louisiana was inundated with 10 to 26 inches of rain, followed by two more days of rain. This caused the rivers to overflow and back-up all the tributaries that feed into the rivers. Residents and their pets scrambled to get to safety as rivers and creeks burst their banks, flooding their roads, homes, and vehicles.
Pets In The City Magazine
Some lessons were learned after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, as one of the biggest hurdles in getting people to evacuate their homes was – they didn’t want to leave their pets. Congress passed H.R. 3858 (109th): Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006, which amended the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act “to ensure that state and local emergency preparedness operational plans addressed the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency.” Also, many people now make sure they have pet carriers so their animals can be easily transported. First responders were able to rescue over 20,000 people and 600 pets. Unfortunately, hundreds of pets and farm animals still needed to be rescued.
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The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Humane Society of the United States, American Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty to Animals, Livingston Parish ASCPA, Tangi Humane Society, Zeus’ Place, Louisiana Bobcat Refuge, Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter, Companion Animal Shelter, Petco Foundation, neighboring animal shelters, friends, and neighbors heroically rescued pets and farm animals. The shelters that were still able to take in more animals did so with open hearts and hands.
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The Lamar Dixon Expo Center created a temporary shelter for farm animals, as well as pets. Most of the shelters sustained severe damage. And the Denham Springs Animal shelter lost everything. After much struggling against the rushing water, the staff was finally able to let the animals out of the kennels, but unable to gather them to safety. They were all later rescued off the rooftops.
Animal shelters and temporary animal shelters rapidly filled-up. The needs – to accommodate so many pets and farm animals – are great. To help these organizations you can go to their websites to donate. Several of them have set up GoFundMe accounts. If you prefer to mail gifts, its best to send new packaged items purchased online at stores like Amazon, Petco, or Walmart. If you are packaging your own items, check the United States Postal Services restriction guidelines. Companion Animal Alliance https://www. facebook.com/companionanimalalliance/ photos/?tab=album&album_id=1080245215385309 has an album of evacuation pets with no known owner, brought into CAA during the flooding and an album of found pets being cared for in homes. ANIMAL ABUSE REGISTRY While high-profile animal cruelty cases often make the news, an overwhelming number of animal abuse cases go unpublicized. The first statewide online registry of people who have been convicted of certain animal-cruelty offenses, including animal fighting, was published January 1, 2016 in Tennessee. This website is available to the public whether you are a breeder, shelter, store, or an individual. Now everyone can check the website before sending an animal home with someone who has abused an animal in the past. The listings include the offender’s name, photograph, date of birth, and address. The person’s first conviction of animal abuse will stay on the registry for two years. A second offense will stay on the registry for five years. A number of other states including Connecticut, California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania are also considering having their own statewide registries. Several local governments have started their own animal abuse registries in their areas. There is an online petition urging congress to create a national animal abuse registry. http://www. thepetitionsite.com. The format would be similar to the one in TN; however, if a merchant sells or gives an animal to someone on the list, they would be liable.
The Humane Society has been talking with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for years about including animal related crimes in the Uniform Crime Reporting Program. The FBI system would be a more inclusive system and the proper cataloging of animal cruelty offenses would help guide lawmakers on policy decisions. The idea is to stop animal abusers from having another pet and warning others, so they do not give or sell animals to abusers. It is unknown whether or not this will be successful in preventing crimes against animals. Some believe offenders would be better served with mental-health services rather than public exposure. WHERE THE AMERICAN BUFFALO ROAM The American buffalo, or simply buffalo, is a North American species of bison that once roamed the grasslands of North America from northwest Canada, south into Mexico, and east to the Atlantic Ocean and as far south as Florida in the United States. They nearly became extinct through a combination of hunting, slaughtering, and bovine diseases from domestic cattle. The buffalo have made a recent resurgence largely because of the dedicated public and private conservation efforts. Today hundreds of thousands of buffalo roam a few national parks and reserves within spacious river valleys, grassy prairies and plains, lightly wooded areas, and hilly or mountainous areas where the slopes are not steep. Wildlife officials believe genetically pure herds can be found roaming in Yellowstone National Park, the Henry Mountains to the Book Cliffs in Utah, Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana, Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary in the Northwest Territories, Elk Island National Park and Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta, and Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan. Another 550 – 700 buffalo are semifree roaming, as they are confined to the Antelope Island in Utah – one of the largest and oldest public herds in the United States. There are 1,500 buffalo roaming at Custer State Park in South Dakota, one of the largest publicly held herds in the world.
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September 2016
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~RESCUE ME~ Lavender Brown
Female / 1 Year Old / Schnauzer/Terrier Mix I am energetic and would do best with an active family. I get along well with dogs of all sizes and I just want to play…a lot! I tend to pester cats, so a catfree home would be best. I do really well with people, including children. Please apply at rescuerovers.org.
Alfredo
Male / 2 Years Old / Boxer/Bull Mix I love car rides, playing with my rope toy and walks. I like other dogs, but can become very bossy. I’m not good with birds and I have no idea about cats. I would do best in a no children home. If you think you’re the family for me, please fill out an application at rescuerovers.org.
Haven
Female / 4 Years Old / Boxer I just love people, even the little ones! I am very affectionate and love to spend time with my family. I’m mellow for a boxer and I like to chill on the couch, but I also love going on walks and riding in the car! And giving kisses! I would love to be the only pet in your home. Apply today at rescuerovers.org.
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Pets In The City Magazine
Suki
Female / 2 Years Old / Australian Shepherd Terrier I am a very playful and energetic pup, and would love an active family. I would do best as the only pet and with older children. To meet me, contact Paws for Life at pflu.org if you think I might be the girl for you!
Bear Male / 2 Years Old / Chi Weenie
I came to Paws for Life from the Ute Reservation and am very playful and love to snuggle. I’m as cute as can be and also very lovable. I love kids and other small dogs. You can meet me by contacting Paws for Life at pflu.org.
Guinness
Male / 7 Years Old / Black Domestic Longhair I’m a big guy and a big sweetheart! I was returned after several years when my owners got a new pet that I didn’t get along with. I need a forever home where I’ll never have to worry about being abandoned again! Call Nuzzles & Co (435-649-5441) for information!
Loretta Female / 2 Years Old / Dilute Tortoiseshell
Domestic Shorthair I’m a shy and quiet cat who is looking for a peaceful home to call my own. They think I would make a wonderful lap cat for someone who is looking for a companion to read or watch movies with. Call Nuzzles & Co (435-608-1424) for more information!
Venus
Female / 2 Years Old / Calico Domestic Shorthair I’m a gorgeous Calico with a penchant for purring. I am friendly, outgoing, and love people. I’d prefer to be the only pet in my home, but I promise to lavish love and affection on my forever family! Call Nuzzles & Co (435-649-5441) for more information!
Flash Male / 2 Years Old / Brown Tabby and White Domestic Longhair I’m a gentle boy who loves chin scratches and snuggling. I have an adorable meow that I will use to get your attention or tell you about my day. I would be a wonderful addition to a loving forever family! Call Nuzzles & Co (435-649-5441) for more information!
Jane
Female / 2 Years Old / Tan and Black Hound Mix I’m a gentle and sweet girl. I was a stray who was rescued off the streets, and now that I know love and affection, I love to be near people! I can be a bit shy at first but warm up quickly. Call Nuzzles & Co (435649-5441) for information!
Tuffy Male / 7 Years Old / Red Heeler
I’m super smart, very loyal, and eager to please. I love playing outdoors, playing catch, and going for long hikes. I need to be an only pet – I want (and deserve!) all the attention for myself! Call Nuzzles & Co (435608-1424) for more information!
Bro Male / 14 Years Old / Pointer Mix
I’m a happy and friendly senior guy who is looking for a warm bed and a family to love. I would be happiest in a relaxed environment. I enjoy the company of other dogs but get a bit too excited around cats. Call Nuzzles & Co (435-608-1424) for information!
Diesel Male / 4 Years Old / Bearded Collie Mix
I’m a scruffy dog with a quick wit and playful attitude who’d love a home with someone who’s going to challenge my mind. I’m looking for an owner who has previous dog experience and doesn’t mind doing some training with me. Call Nuzzles & Co (435-6495441) for more information!
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TOYS Are Us Why should you consider a small dog?
COCONUT, SHADOW AND PEANUT (CHIHUAHUAS) We are the world’s smallest dog breed with a larger than life personality. We have the largest dog brain on the planet relative to our size. We prefer homes with adults or older children.
What can you do with small dogs? You can take them to the mall, or carry them in your purse, take the on a hike in your back pack (with adequate air). Take them to dine out. Take them to the farmers market or the drive in theatre. Small dogs are great for apartment living. You can dress them up or give them cute haircuts. They are easier to travel with; most hotels welcome small dogs. Small dogs live longer than large dog breeds. We love to be with our humans, on laps or as feet warmers.
Pets In The City Magazine
CHLOE (MALTESE) I have silky white hair instead of fur so I’m great for people with severe pet allergies. I have a cute black button nose. I prefer a small yard so I am the perfect apartment dog. Teach me to be independent at a young age and start my training early because I am very intelligent.
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One of the first things people do when looking to purchase a Toy breed dog is go online to shop. Caution! You will see the usual pop ups like 50% off, or we ship anywhere. This should be a red flag. The internet is the market for most puppy mills to do their shameful business. The professional con artists pull on your heart strings, with darling photos of seemingly healthy puppies. They will provide you with a virtual tour of happy canine parents, and a darling litter of puppies.
September 2016
The truth is… the litter mama and her puppies are living in horrific conditions too ugly to describe. Veterinarians see human parents on a daily basis suffering the consequences of unhealthy puppies purchased over the internet.
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If you decide to use a breeder, it is always best to go to their home in person to spend time with the puppy. Ask the breeder about the health of the litter parents. Get the contact information for the veterinarian they use. Follow up with a call to the veterinarian to see if this dog breeder is reliable.
If you decide to rescue, select reliable adoption websites that provide education and information about the pros and cons of adopting certain dog breeds. Visit your local shelters, animal rescues, or your local Humane Society in person. Deanne Sheppard, (from the Human Society Utah) says, “I recommend not getting stuck on a specific breed. Many people lose a companion dog and want to stick with the same breed. But each dog should be treated as an individual. If you search for your new dog in person you may discover that you are completely taken by a breed that you never envisioned for yourself.”
PENny (SHIH TZU) I look cute in a puppy cut, or keep my hair show dog long. I need to be groomed every 4 to 6 weeks. I’m happy anywhere, with any family of all ages.
MICKEY, TUCKER, and chuy (YORKSHIRE TERRIERS) I’m hypo allergenic, I have humanlike hair without dander. I’m the second most popular breed in the world. I have a napoleon complex so I’ve been known to take on big dogs. I can live anywhere and do best with older families.
SOPHIE (PU G) Pets In The City Magazine
When I’m a puppy, I feel cuddly like a real baby. I’m humorous and easy to hang with. Keep me cool because my smashed face often has breathing problems in warmer weather.
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25 million pets have been addopted! petfinder is a reliable reso urce that can help you find your new furry best friend.
September 2016
Happy 20t h Anni versary to pet finder.COM where
Service Animals NOT JUST A WAGGING TAIL
The service animal and handler relationship is a pretty misunderstood part of American culture today. The initial inclination of most is that the service animal is like a helpful pet; it keeps the owner comfortable or maybe leads the way at most. What many fail to understand is that the service animal is, in fact, the handler’s lifeline. With the importance of their role, it’s our responsibility as a community to empower the handlers and to ensure safe usage of their animal without interference.
Service animals go through extensive training to detect seizures, guide the blind, or sense low insulin levels. There isn’t a card their handlers need to carry to prove their animal’s validity. An easy way to understand a service animal’s role is as a piece of medical equipment. You wouldn’t start pushing buttons on someone’s life support or start pushing on someone’s wheelchair. Similarly, we need to leave service animals their space and make every effort not to distract the animal from the task at hand, which is focusing on the handler. Some important etiquette to maintain with service animals includes:
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Pets In The City Magazine
• Avoiding being a distraction, • No feeding the animals, and • No petting! Distractions can be as small as making eye contact with the animal, but any whistling, speaking to the animal, clicking or calling to get her attention will break them out of the correct mindset. Feeding the animals is a sure-fire way to distract them as well, aside from being highly inappropriate. Petting breaks their focus as well. Always ask the service animal handler before approaching the animal or petting it. This gives the handler the opportunity to “release” the pet and allow them to engage with the person. However, this should still be avoided. Imagine if everywhere you went, you had to have an assistant just to function in regular life, and people kept wanting to stop you, ask you questions about your assistant, tell you how they wish they had an assistant, or grab your assistant’s arm and pull them away from the task you had them working on. It compounds the time a short errand should take and adds unneeded stress and inconvenience. Consequently, almost any interaction with a service animal deters her from her job and should be avoided.
Any breed of dog can be a service animal. My sister, Cheryl Mazza, has a Scottish terrier service dog named Jager. Suffering from MS, her struggles vary from day to day. But Jager’s extensive training has prepared him to help with mundane tasks from fetching dropped items to life saving tasks like knowing that when she’s choking he needs to go get help, delivering a note card with instructions to people who can save her. It’s hard when your disability isn’t always easily understood and many people with service animals have experienced prejudice from onlookers at various public venues. Cheryl even had one person accuse her of having a fake service animal and being drunk because of her affected gait (caused by the MS). Other times she has been berated for preventing people from petting or calling Jager. As a community, we need to better understand the roles of service animals and hold the public accountable for their treatment of service animal teams. Be the difference in a service animal team’s day and don’t be a distraction to the service animal. The handler’s safety depends on it, and if their animal partner is distracted, then they are at risk for injury or accident.
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Do Veterinarians Still Make House Calls? Mona Mistric
M
ost people are familiar with the veterinarian traveling around and taking care of large farm animals, but what about cats, dogs, and other small pets? Most pets don’t like going to the vet. Some panic when they see the carrier come out. Many don’t like riding in the car and most find it very stressful sitting in the vet’s office with a bunch of other animals. At times like this, it might be better to have the vet come to your home. House-call or mobile vets are available in many areas and some provide services for small pets too. What is a mobile vet and can they perform the same services as a regular vet? Not all mobile vets are the same. Some pull up to your house in a van equipped to take X-rays, perform minor surgeries, and provide the same general practice in their van that you would receive at an office. Other mobile vets arrive with just a little black bag and provide their services in your home. As long as you don’t need a sterile area or equipment that can’t be carried around, most mobile vets can accomplish just about everything that can be done in a stationary practice, including the following:
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• Physical examinations • Weight management • Vaccinations • Deworming • Nail trimming • Fecal testing • Blood work • Urinalysis • Needle biopsies • Monitor chronic medical conditions • Diagnose and treat behavioral concerns • Health certificates • Implant microchips • Hospice care • Euthanasia
There are many benefits of using a mobile vet. 1. You don’t have to transport your pet to the appointment. This is especially helpful if you or your pet is elderly, handicapped, sick, injured, or just difficult to transport. 2. There will be less stress, as your pet will be calmer and more comfortable being in her own home. 3. If you have more than one pet, the mobile vet can see all of them in one visit. 4. The mobile vet can see the pet’s habits, family life, and environment; which sometimes helps with a diagnosis. 5. Since mobile vets travel, they are often willing to come to your home on weekends and holidays, too. 6. Having your vet visit your home can develop into a personal relationship between the vet, you, and your pet. There are a few disadvantages of using a mobile vet. 1. Many mobile vets can only offer bare bones exams and can’t look at ear smears, skin scrapes, blood work, or fecal samples under the microscope, causing a delay in realizing the results. 2. Some procedures may require the help of two technicians. 3. It may not be safe to tranquilize your pet at home, since the vet will not be able to monitor your pet’s vitals overnight. 4. Because some mobile vets travel large distances, your vet might not be able to get your house in a timely manner, meaning you might have to go to an unfamiliar vet. 5. Make sure your mobile vet works closely with a referral center or a veterinary hospital where he can continue to be your vet if there is an emergency situation. 6. Because much of their time is spent traveling, mobile vets might be a bit more expensive.
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Basic Care of Reptiles Neil Moss, DVM
As a veterinarian, I see many ailing reptiles who are sick because
people don’t know how to take care of them properly. They are becoming increasingly popular as pets here in Utah, so I want to take a few minutes to cover the basics of reptile care.
Pets In The City Magazine
About 80% of the reptile problems I deal with are caused by the owner not understanding the basic needs of their chosen species. I strongly recommend you take the time to study where in the world your herp (reptile or amphibian) comes from, and strive to mimic that environment as closely as possible. Specifically, the following four elements are vital:
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TEMPERATURE: Reptiles are cold blooded (poikilotherms), which means their internal body temperature will match the temperature of their environment. Unlike warm blooded animals, they cannot maintain an even body temperature, so if the cage is too cold their core temperature will be cold. Ask yourself, what is the natural day and night time temperature of the part of the world where my reptile comes from? A Corn Snake comes from the southeastern and central United States and is comfortable in the mid 70°s (Fahrenheit); whereas a Bearded Dragon comes from the deserts and shrublands of Australia and prefers a basking temperature of 100°F. If you keep a Beardie at 75°F it will be too cold and its heart rate and digestion will slow down, leading to ill health. Alternately keeping that Corn Snake at 100°F will cause its whole metabolism to increase and it will “burn up.” Remember, it is hard to maintain a vivarium temperature of 100°F in the Utah winter! I always ask my clients what temperature the cage is at and when they answer I ask, “How do you know it’s at that temperature?” The answer I am waiting for is
that they have cage thermometers. You need cage thermometers so that you can accurately assess this environmental variable. HUMIDITY: Once again, this is common sense, but for the novice herpetologist may not be that obvious. A Chinese water dragon that comes from the lowland tropical forests of China, Thailand and Cambodia will need 80% humidity, while a Leopard Gecko that lives in the arid deserts of Afghanistan will need a much drier environment. Again, too much or too little will lead to disease. UV LIGHT: For many reptiles this is an essential. There is an important relationship between ultra violet light, vitamin D3 and calcium. Without ultra violet light your reptile cannot activate the vitamin D3 within its body; and without vitamin D3 it cannot absorb calcium from the bowel. So without the UV light, it doesn’t matter how much calcium powder you put on your herp’s food, it can’t make use of it. Specifically, you will need a UVB light, which is available from any reputable pet store. Also, it is very important to understand that these bulbs should be replaced every six months. Even if they are giving off plenty of natural light, the UV emissions burn out in about six months. FOOD AND WATER: Strive to match your reptile’s natural food as much as possible: Leopard Geckos do not eat vegetables and plants; Tortoises are 98%
vegetarian but will benefit from the odd earthworm; Beardies start out being 90% carnivorous but should end up being 80% vegetarian. When providing water, remember that a desert species might only drink a little bit each day (they are very good at conserving their body water supply); tree dwelling species such as Chameleons and Anoles may only drink the dew drops from the leaves. In this case, they need to have their leaves misted twice daily. I have had cases where a Chameleon was given a bowl full of water in the bottom of its cage and still came in dehydrated! In order to have a healthy reptile the take home message is – do your homework!
Dr. Neil Moss graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London, and has worked in England; Newfoundland, Canada and Utah. Owner of the Kaysville Veterinary Hospital, he works with dogs, cats, exotic mammals, reptiles and birds. He is a former President of the Utah Veterinary Medical Association; Utah Veterinarian of the Year for 2012; serves on the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates and currently serves as the Utah delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
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Talking with parrots Emily Strong, CPBC, CPBT-KA I walked into my bird room the morning after adopting a new parrot – a Congo African Grey whose name, I had been told, was Austin. As I approached his cage I said, “Good morning, Austin.” He cocked his head to one side, gazed thoughtfully at me, then replied, “Birdasaurus.” I laughed: “Did you just say ‘Birdasaurus?’” Austin vigorously nodded his head as he shouted, “Birdasaurus! Birdasaurus! Birdasaurus Rex!” Later that day
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I called his previous owner and told
her the story, asking if I was indeed hearing him correctly. “Oh yeah,” she replied, “One day after he bit my husband, my husband called him a Birdasaurus Rex. That’s what he’s been calling himself ever since.” Anecdotes like this abound in the avicultural community, but up until recently the notion that parrots were capable of anything other than mimicry was thought to be anthropomorphism. This belief is so
discovered that wild parrots name their young, and then as the young grow up, they will sometimes rename themselves. This research
indicates that parrots have an awareness of self and a preference for self-identity. More recently and perhaps more astonishingly, researchers from Kyoto University and Leiden University have discovered that parrots are also capable of understanding and using basic grammatical structure.
you haven’t lived with parrots and had full conversations with them before, it would be easy to believe that. They are, after all, master mimickers. Many of them do tend to chatter meaninglessly pervasive that another word for imitation for hours a day, arbitrarily throwing words and phrases into a steady stream is “parroting.” In fact, we were so sure The implications of this cumulative of whistles and other noises. Most of research are huge: parrots are highly of this that I remember my linguistics intelligent, sensitive, social professors in college emphatically stating them reserve their overt attempts at beings who sometimes choose that one of the things separating humans communication for trusted friends rather to use human language to more than strangers or casual acquaintances. from non-humans is our ability to use effectively communicate with humans. They are not the tie-dyed and understand language. Certainly, if Science, however, has recently robots humankind once thought them begun to side with those of us to be. Whether or not they choose to use who have lived and worked human language or their own, they are with parrots our whole lives, capable of understanding a great deal and have always been certain beyond more than we thought possible. doubt that parrots are capable of so much more than just mimicry. Even though certain species or even Ornithologists have known for some whole genera – such as African Greys, time that bird vocalizations served at Amazons, Eclectus, and Macaws – are least a rudimentary purpose: alerting known to be “good talkers,” most species to danger, attracting mates, and – in of parrots can use human language to the case of the over 360 parrot species some extent. Whether or not they choose around the world – communicating to is a different story. Throughout my their comings and goings to the rest of career, I have worked with many their flock via “contact calls.” When Dr. parrots who eschew English in Irene Pepperberg started her famous favor of their own language, and research with Alex the African Grey, yet are fully capable of getting their meaning across with a though, she set out to discover whether series of whistles and warbles. parrot communication was more than just rudimentary. What she found was remarkable: Alex had the conversational And then there are birds like Birdasaurus. That’s his name now, by the capabilities of a two year old human way. I figured he should be allowed child, the problem-solving skills of a to name himself. five year old, and was capable of basic arithmetic and creating novel phrases. This means he could take words he knew and rearrange them into a new phrase in Emily Strong, CPBC, CPBT-KA, is a certified behavior consultant and animal order to convey a concept. trainer with 26 years of experience in the field of animal welfare. Through Dr. Pepperberg’s research her company, From Beaks To Barks, was understandably met with she offers behavior consults, group some skepticism, but several classes, service/therapy/ESA training, years later Dr. Karl Berg and and continuing education classes and several of his associates studied workshops. contact calls in more detail and
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n o s t e t S
Madame Tabu’s Horoscope * *
Tonya Landon
Q. My dog has been sprayed by a skunk! – Wayne A. Many dogs love to chase that little stinky black and white cat-looking creature! You can have a dog groomer de-skunk your dog or you can do it yourself. You can buy a deskunking shampoo at the store or make your own (listed below).
First thing. Put on some old clothes and gloves before handling or bathing your dog. Skunk spray is very difficult to remove from clothing and absorbent items. Next, try to identify what part of your dog’s body was sprayed by the skunk; check the head and neck area first as these areas are most commonly sprayed. Be careful not to spread the skunk smell around by petting or rubbing the dog. Bath time. It is important that you put the skunk shampoo/mixture on the affected area first before you wet your dog down with water. The skunk’s spray is oil-based and oil and water don’t mix. Let the shampoo sit for a few minutes before rinsing your dog with water. You will most likely have to wash your dog multiple times in order to get the skunk smell out. Focus on washing the area that has been affected first as you don’t want to spread the skunk smell throughout the rest of the body.
Ingredients 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide (use a fresh and unopened bottle for best results) ¼ cup baking soda 1 teaspoon of strong liquid dish soap Mix the above ingredients in an open container. The mixture will fizz (this is the best time to apply it to the affected area.) Apply the solution liberally on the dog’s coat and massage it in towards the skin. Be sure to keep the mixture out of the dog’s eyes, nose and mouth. Use a washcloth if you need to apply the solution to the dogs face. After applying the mixture, allow it to soak in for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse the dog thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.
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Hydrogen peroxide solution. This solution was invented by the chemist, Paul Krebaum for de-skunking a pet. It works very well and is inexpensive to make.
Note. Do not keep the hydrogen peroxide solution in a sealed container as it can be explosive. Discard any leftover solution after use. The hydrogen peroxide in the solution can dry out some dog’s coats, so use a conditioner after the bath. Tonya Landon is a professional dog trainer with Diamonds in the Ruff. She rescued and trained Stetson, a small terrier with aggression issues, to be cast in the title role of the 2012 Stetson, Street Dog of Park City, a short film adapted from the children’s book written by Jeanine Heil. If you have questions for Stetson, please send them to askstetson@gmail.com.
FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS
SEPTEMBER 2016
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
Break out of your pattern of being reserved this month by taking your pet out to a new store or park to meet new people and animals.
ARIES (March 21 – April 19)
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 22)
You get an itch to clean out closets this month, so consider donating gently used pet items to your local shelter or rescue.
You’re called on to be the voice of reason between people and animals this month, but things will ease up after the full moon on the 16th.
TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20)
SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
With Saturn in Sagittarius, you may re-examine some of your beliefs about raising kids, both furry and human, this month.
You get bit by the crafty bug this month, so use your creativity to spiff up your look and your pet’s.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Use some of your extra energy this month (National Disaster Preparedness Month) to make sure you and your pet are prepped for emergencies.
GEMINI (May 21 – Jun 21)
This month brings an excellent opportunity for a quick road trip, so pack your pet and your luggage and hit the open road.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
On Patriot Day (September 11), share some time or money to help your local K9 unit to honor first responders’ animal helpers. AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Stay patient with people and pets amid travel and communication glitches brought on by Mercury retrograde at the beginning of this month.
CANCER (Jun 22 – July 22)
Your urge to cook for others will be strong this month, so invite people and their pets over for a Labor Day barbecue.
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
You’ll be asked to plan a family gathering this month, so keep it casual enough to bring pets and encourage play.
Connect to the earth by planting a tree or bush in honor of a pet that’s passed away for National Pet Memorial Day on September 11.
Madam Tabu’s horoscopes are translated through the human pet psychic Jennafer Martin, www.PetInsightsbyJennafer.com.
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Family Fun: BACK TO SCHOOL Color this page and put it on the fridge! BEFORE SCHOOL CHECKLIST Use this as your back to school check list to
DOT TO DOT PUZZLES Connect the dots in numerical order to complete
help Mom with the Pets.
the drawings below.
FILL THE WATER BOWLS FEED ALL PETS PROVIDE A TOY TURN ON THE RADIO OR TV (Not too loud) KEEP THE TEMPERATURE IN THE HOUSE COMFORTABLE
Color me!
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Color me!
BOOK REVIEW: Test Your Cat’s IQ (Genius Edition) By: Simon Holland Illustrations By: Erica Salcedo Saiz Recommended Reading for All Ages This book provides a series of activities and fun tests to confirm if your cat is an undiscovered genius. The brightly colored hands-on guide, is easy to read and filled to the brim with quizzes and a scoring system to determine whether your cat could tackle the world on her own. After the scores, present your cat with a very special GCFE AWARD (General Certificate of Feline Excellence), provided at the end of the book. We recommend this book as the perfect gift for cat lovers. Four Paws!
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YOUR PETS IN THE CITY Do you want to share a photo of your pet?
PHOTOS Missy
Email your highresolution photo & your pet’s name to info@petsinthecitymagazine.com.
Hendrix
Mochi Molly
Buddy Love
Daisey
Dalton Runkle Shaytoon & Pippa
Chewy Molly
Vicious
Ollie
Bandit
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Vivi
Italy
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