OFFICIAL PET ALLEY SHOW PROGRAM 2017
September 8th-10th, 2017
Stop by Pet Valu today and talk to one of our Pet Experts about our great selection of premium, holistic, and organic food, treats, and supplies.
Visit one of these nearby Pet Valu locations: MILL RUN
EAST BROAD
CANAL WINCHESTER
6334 Gender Road • 614-548-0090
6992 East Broad Street • 614-322-9018
DUBLIN
3718 Fishinger Boulevard • 614-527-8571
GRACELAND
7705 Sawmill Road • 614-553-7072
SHORT NORTH
147 Graceland Boulevard • 614-888-6768
EASTON
1004 North High St • 614-549-6183
LEWIS CENTER
3868 Morse Road • 614-476-5233
WESTERVILLE
9015 Columbus Pike • 740-548-6600
71 Westerville Plaza • 614-392-2720
WEST BROAD
3558 Soldano Boulevard • 614-278-2255
for more locations visit us.petvalu.com |
FREE self-service dog wash
Valid at all US Pet Valu Dog Wash locations. Limit one per customer. Gift card purchases excluded. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer expires October 30th, 2017.
5 OFF
$
any purchase of $30 or more
Valid all Pet Valu US locations. Limit one per customer. Gift card purchases excluded. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer expires October 30th, 2017.
2017 PET ALLEY FLOOR PLAN ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
1009
Best Breed Pet Foods
1015
Capital Area Humane Society
1003, 1005
Closure at Home
1011
Cozy Cat Cottage Adoptions
908
Creative Foundations Louisville Weimaraner Rescue
902, 906 1002
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
924
Melaleuca
1025
Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue Group
1028
Moochie and Co
1023
Mutts & Co
1017
Nash Academy
1103
Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages Nature’s Logic OSU Veterinary Medical Center
914, 916 1105 1001, 1003
Pawsitive Kneads, LLC
1027
Pet Promise
928
Pet Valu
908
PetConnections
900
Schoedinger Pet Services
1026
Sky Dogs
1124
Speak! for the unspoken
1021
The Snotty Pooch Stylish Pet Boutique
1004
The Wiggly Tail Groom N’ Play
1007
Willow Wood Pet Resort & Training Center
926
PETCONNECTIONS PET ALLEY PROGRAM September 8th - 10th, 2017 Thank you for joining us for The Columbus Dispatch FALL HOME SHOW with PetConnections Pet Alley inside the same venue, for three days of fun this year! The Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center, is our Veterinary sponsor! The PetConnections Pet Alley programming is focuses, like the magazine, on the HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND, EDUCATION and COMMUNITY.
PETCONNECTION & PET ALLEY STAFF: Carla Mader, Pet Alley Show Producer | Publisher
We have a variety of pet exhibitors including Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center, Mutts & Co., Pet Valu, MedVet Medical & Cancer Center for Pets, Schoedinger Pet Services, and many more!
Kara Jones, Show Assistant Photography | Graphic Design
Find your new best friend! Featuring adoptable pets from local shelter and rescue organizations like the Capital Area Humane Society, Cozy Cat Cottage. Sit in on Symposiums with local veterinarians and pet experts, dog agility demos from Sky Dogs, Karrie Noterman with OHPA Bird Fairs will be exhibiting and speaking about a colorful variety of species. Emi Pet Salon & Boutique is sponsoring our Nash Academy demonstrations and pet care presentations. Nash is a specialist in education for pet lovers and professionals. Nash’s extensive online and onsite diploma programs help aspiring pet groomers to build the foundation for a career in pet grooming.
Robin Jablonsky, Show Assistant
Visit the Creative Foundations booth for spectacular artwork. Shop for the latest and greatest in home and pet services and products for our furry friends!
Ken Holton, Distribution Central Ohio
The Columbus Dispatch Home Stage will also be featuring animals from The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and The Wilds will have an interactive presentation on Monarch Butterflies. Guy Fieri is the show celebrity guest on Saturday, September 9th!
Susan Wagner, DVM, Symposium Coordinator & EMCEE | Content Editor
April & Richard Minech, Show Assistants Kelli Koladish, Art Director Jean Cassan, Sales Director Central OH Robin Reinfeld, Sales Central OH & Pittsburgh
Questions can be emailed to info@pghpetconnections.com And will be forwarded to the correct staff member to assist you.
We will also have a silent auction table open for bidding all weekend with donated items, to benefit participating organizations! PetConnections PET STAGE SYMPOSIUM: Veterinarians, Pet Experts and Local Area Organizations will present on various topics including, pet health & behavior, pet loss, veterinary medicine, behavior, training, animal communication, animal welfare and more. PetConnections Pet Arena Program Sky Dogs Training & Agility Club will be demonstrating various disciplines of dog training and will have performances Daily. Sky Dogs is a new training club dedicated to enriching your bond with your dog. They are currently offering agility, rally, obedience basics, deaf dog basics, barn hunt, flyball, disc dog, reactive dog, and lots of other classes as well! Sky Dogs strive to be a source for dogs and their people to come and strengthen the human/canine bond, and learn to get the most out of our time with our canine companions. Located at 693 Harrisburg Pike, Columbus, OH 43223 | skydogstraining@gmail.com | 614-648-3449 | www.skydogs.org Emi Pet Salon & Boutique Sponsored–Nash Academy Grooming Demo Area Emi Pet Salon & Boutique is sponsoring our Nash Academy demonstrations and pet care presentations. Nash is a specialist in education for pet lovers and professionals. Nash’s extensive online and onsite diploma programs help aspiring pet groomers to build the foundation for a career in pet grooming. Nash Academy of Animal Arts, the leader in pet care education for over 38 years is bringing our school to you. Nash will demonstrate that learning can be fun and will offer something for everyone.
Warmly, Carla Mader Publisher Pittsburgh & Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.petconnections.pet Follow PghPetMag on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved
2017
From The Producer
SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS
Susan Wagner DVM, MS is a veterinary neurologist and a pioneer in the area of the human– animal bond. She is co-author of Through A Dog’s Ear: Using Sound to Improve the Health and Behavior of Your Canine Companion. founded the Integrative Medicine Department MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets, and is a Healing Touch for Animals practitioner. She is also an active public speaker and adjunct faculty at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Wagner has been seen on CBS Early Morning and The Today Show on NBC. Marcy Wright – certified canine massage practitioner and instructor Pawsitive Kneads, LLC A canine therapeutic and sports massage business owned by Marcy Wright. She is certified in small animal massage as well as several forms of body energy balancing. Beyond the basic small animal massage certifications Marcy has been trained in advanced massage techniques such as lymph drainage and myofascial release. For info please contact: Pawsitive Kneads, LLC 614-764-1488 www.Pawsitivekneads.net. In 1986 Kristin Hermann published her first article about stretching horses it was prior to the Stretchy Circle being added to the USDF tests and was published in Dressage & CT. Sheryl Blumenthal brings the Human-Animal Bond to an entirely new level her gift of communicating with animals. Our animals love being “truly heard and understood”. Sheryl has studied in England, Japan and the US for many years. She serves on a number of panels, including the board of directors for the non profit Global Healing Foundation, the Global Council of Spiritual Teachers, an associate of the International Association for Spiritual Coaches (IASC), the Taskforce for Humanity, the Self-Worth CoalitionGlobal Initiative, and others. Dr. Vincent Wavreille (pronounced Wahvray), DVM, MS, MRCVS, Assistant Professor – Surgical Oncology - The Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center Dr. Edward Cooper, VMD, MS, Diplomate ACVECC, Associate Professor, Head of Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Service - The Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center Dr. Susan Barrett, DVM, Assistant Professor, Community Practice Service Head - The Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center
PETCONNECTIONS
Jill Hayes, DVM - Saying goodbye is never easy -- especially when it’s a loved one of the furry variety. The idea for Closure at Home began to take shape when Dr. Hayes euthanized her parents’ beloved dog, Ollie, in the spring of 2009. She was grateful to be able to help them through that rough time by making it possible for them to say their goodbyes to Ollie at home. Dr. Hayes realized that most people who love their pets, but didn’t have a veterinarian in the family, were not able to have the same gentle experience when the time came. It became her goal to help anyone who was able to find the courage to plan the most dignified and gentle passing for their pets to have the same opportunity her parents did. Karrie Noterman is the owner of Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages and OHPA Bird Fairs. Karrie has traveled, working in Florida, volunteering in Peru and Australia. and the National Aviary in Pittsburgh for four years. For this dedication and service, she was awarded the Carnegie Centennial Award in 1998 which hangs in the Carnegie Science center in Pittsburgh, P.A. The OHPA Bird Fairs are a complete aviculture show- everything from wild parrot documentaries to professional bird trainer webinars. The fairs are a great place to meet other bird lovers where all food proceeds go directly to support our featured local parrot rescue organization. The next fair is October 22nd, 2017 in Pittsburgh, PA. Michael Hite - “Uncle” Mike! Being the oldest employee at Creative Foundations here is a brief Bio of my past experience. Mike served in the United States Army for 2 years and had a 1 year tour in Vietnam, was promoted to a Sargent and received the Bronze Star Award for outstanding duties performed in Vietnam. Uncle Mike Has an Associate Degree from Columbus State in Business Management. When he decided to move back again to Columbus to help out with family, an opportunity became available at Creative Foundations for a driver in transportation in which this is where he started at CF. After doing this for 10 months a position opened in the Marketing Division. Mike really enjoys working with the individuals and looking forward on expanding their exposure in the community and getting their art work sold. Mike oversees the marketing and events. Shari Yinger offers animal based mindfulness training that teaches you how to interpret all the unconditional love the natural world has to offer. With a degree in business from Miami University. The Stille Program - She has developed a program using animals and nature to teach mindfulness and to help you heal at an emotional level by learning to love your authentic self. As a facilitator, she focuses on breath, awareness, intention and empowerment.
PET ALLEY STAGE SCHEDULE FRIDAY, SEPT. 8 11 A.M.
MINDFULNESS CONNECTION THROUGH ANIMALS
Shari Yinger offers animal-based mindfulness training, teaching about the unconditional love the natural world can offer.
12 P.M.
PET PORTRAITS WITH CREATIVE FOUNDATIONS
Interested in getting a portrait of your pet and supporting a great cause? Creative Foundations supports individuals with developmental disabilities.
1 P.M.
PARROTS 101 WITH KARRIE NOTERMAN
3 P.M. LOUISVILLE WEIMARANER RESCUE
The Louisville Weimaraner Rescue is run entirely by volunteers to rescue stray, abandoned and relinquished Weimaraners.
4 P.M.
OVERCOMING YOUR PET’S FEAR OF VET VISITS
Dr. Susan Barrett from OSUs Veterinary Medical Center will discuss how to make your pet more comfortable for vet visits.
7 P.M.
WHAT PETS TEACH US ABOUT OURSELVES WITH SUSAN WAGNER, DVM
2 P.M.
STRETCHING FOR HORSES WITH KRISTIN HERMANN
3 P.M.
CANINE THERAPEUTIC & SPORTS MASSAGE WITH MARCY J. WRIGHT
4 P.M.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ANIMALS
Learn about what the benefits of essential oils for your pets with Susan Wagner, DVM.
5 P.M.
COPING WITH PET LOSS WITH JILL HAYES, DVM
SUNDAY, SEPT. 10 11 A.M.
ANIMAL COMMUNICATION WITH SHERLY BLUMENTHAL
1 P.M.
COMMON HOUSEHOLD TOXINS FOR PETS — OSU VETERINARY MEDICAL CENTER
Is your home safe for your pet? Hear Dr. Edward Cooper discuss the common products in your home that could harm pets.
2 P.M.
CANINE THERAPEUTIC & SPORTS MASSAGE WITH MARCY J. WRIGHT
3 P.M.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 9
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE: BLENDING HOLISTIC & CONVENTIONAL THERAPIES WITH SUSAN WAGNER, DVM
11 A.M.
4 P.M.
TURN COMPASSION INTO ACTION WITH COREY ROSCOE Animal protection expert Corey Roscoe will discuss how to get involved in making political change to better animal treatment.
12 P.M.
PETS AND CANCER — OSU VET MEDICAL CENTER
Dr. Vincent Wavreille will shed light on what cancer means for you and your pet.
ANIMAL COMMUNICATION WITH SHERLY BLUMENTHAL
PETCONNECTIONS | SKY DOGS
PET ARENA SCHEDULE FRIDAY, SEPT. 8
saturday, SEPT. 9
SUNDAY, SEPT. 10
11 A.M.
11 A.M.
11 A.M.
AGILITY 101 Introduction to the obstacles of agility, including the tunnel, chute, A-Frame, tire jump, dog walk, teeter, and table.
SKY DOGS: AGILITY 101 Demonstration and introduction to some of the obstacles of agility.
SKY DOGS: AGILITY 101 Demonstration and introduction to some of the obstacles of agility.
1 P.M.
1 P.M.
SKY DOG SERIES
1 P.M. TEACHING DEAF AND BLIND DOGS We will show you how to get and keep your deaf dog’s attention, teach basic manners and obedience.
2 P.M. DISC DOGS Create and increase drive and teach your dog the proper basic disc throws.
4 P.M. AGILITY 101 Demonstration and introduction to some of the obstacles of agility.
7 P.M. LOOSE LEASH TRAINING
PARROTS 101 WITH KARRIE NOTERMAN
2 P.M.
SKY DOGS: FLY BALL Flyball is a relay race for dogs. Teams send dogs over a series of hurdles to a box that releases a tennis ball, and the dog brings it back over the hurdles to the handler.
4 P.M.
SKY DOGS: DISC DOGS Create and increase drive and teach your dog the proper basic disc throws.
TEACHING DEAF AND BLIND DOGS We will show you how to get and keep your deaf dog’s attention, teach basic manners and obedience.
2 P.M.
PARROTS 101 WITH KARRIE NOTERMAN
3 P.M.
SKY DOGS: FLY BALL Flyball is a relay race for dogs. Teams send dogs over a series of hurdles to a box that releases a tennis ball, and the dog brings it back over the hurdles to the handler.
EMI-PET | NASH ACADEMY
GROOMING SCHEDULE FRIDAY, SEPT. 8 PET CARE EDUCATION
10 A.M.
saturday, SEPT. 9
SUNDAY, SEPT. 10
PET CARE EDUCATION
PET FIRST AID & GROOMING WITH INGRID NORMAN
10 A.M.
10 A.M.
PET CARE SAFETY: COLLARS & HARNESS
DOG SAFETY: TIPS TO PROOF YOUR HOME
11 A.M.
11 A.M.
PET CARE SAFETY: SAFETY LEADS
12 P.M. PET CARE SAFETY: GENTLE LEADER
1 & 2 P.M. GROOMING YOUR PET AT HOME
DOG SAFETY: LIFTING YOUR DOG
12 P.M.
DOG SAFETY: STAIRS
1 P.M.
DOG SAFETY: COUNTERTOPS
2 P.M.
PET GROOMING CAREER
PROPER PUPPY PEDICURES Michelle worthy will demonstrate the proper and safe way to trim your pooch’s nails and discuss the right tools for your dog.
4 P.M.
3 P.M.
3 P.M.
MODEL DOGS ART OF SCISSORING
5 P.M. CREATIVE STYLING DEMO
6 P.M. GROOMING: JAPANESE & WESTERN STYLES
7 P.M. GROOMING WITH TEMPORARY COLOR
BATHROOM BREAK CLEAN UP FOR THE PUP WITH MICHELLE WORTHY
4 P.M.
MODEL DOG GROOMING DEMO
5 P.M.
SO FETCH FASHION SHOWCASE WITH MICHELLE WORTHY Take grooming to the next level with feathers, pearls and glitter and see decorative coat designs.
INTRO TO PET CPR
11 A.M.
STINGS & ALLERGIC REACTIONS
12 P.M.
CUTS & INJURIES TIPS GROOMING WITH INGRID NORMAN
1 P.M.
EYES & EARS
2 P.M.
NO MORE TEARS
3 P.M.
EAR MAINTENANCE
4 P.M.
CLEAN FEET & FACE
5 P.M.
DRESSING UP YOUR DOG’S GROOMING
Still Leading The Way In Pet Care Education. Nash Academy is a specialist in education for pet lovers and professionals. Our extensive online and onsite diploma programs helps aspiring pet groomers to build the foundation for a career in pet grooming. Nash Academy places the safety of the pet and professional first. To be an effective pet groomer it is imperative to be educated and experienced. We know after 38 years in the business Nash Academy can provide the foundation in pet grooming skills and techniques required to become a pet groomer. Our diploma programs teaches more than just how to bathe, groom and style a dog. We teach our students to be pet care professionals. Attending a state approved school or training facility to teach and supervise you during the CRITICAL STAGES OF YOUR TRAINING will prevent you establishing bad or unsafe habits that can cause harm to you and your pet. “We have and will always set the standards in the industry” says Vivian Nash, owner of the Nash Academy with over 38 years of experience. “Our industry is growing tremendously and it is critical that we set standards today for a safer tomorrow for our pets and our professionals”. From Expert to New, We Have a Class For You! Our programs are designed for all levels of expertise. For beginners, nobody does it better than our online instructor driven courses to help you along the way to learn the why and when and how to bathe, groom and style dogs with safe and gentle handling. Our advanced online and onsite courses offer continued education in all aspects of the pet care industry. Our system of education and commitment to setting standards in the industry allows us to offer dog grooming diploma programs options designed for: Experienced pet professionals – Nash Express Fast Track Diploma Programs • Bathers • Groomers • Stylists Non-experienced pet lovers and aspiring pet groomers • Traditional Dog Grooming Program • Combination Dog Grooming Program Nash Academy also offers 2 teaching options; designed for students based on their experience levels. The only thing that is not optional is our online and onsite combination system of education requirements. To earn your diploma in pet grooming at Nash Academy, all students must complete a series of 9 online theory courses and complete the onsite practical skills training at Nash Academy or a Nash Approved training site. Vivian Nash, owner of the Nash Academy, believes it is critical to complete the first stages of learning technical skills and techniques, as well as salon procedures, under the supervision of a certified practical skills instructor.
NEW at NASH in 2017: Nash Brings Back Scissoring Skills to the USA Using Model Dogs Nash Academy is the first school to add the model dog to the student tool kit. Students can achieve excellent scissoring skills and techniques within a few weeks of training using the model dog. Long known for innovation in grooming education, Nash continues to lead the way in creating the newest generation of bathers, groomers and stylists.
Nash Prepares Students for Licensing The Nash Diploma program now partners with the Universal Canine Certification System to include three additional Certifications in Canine Safety, Salon Safety and Technical Skills Safety, adding more credibility to your education and preparing you for state licensing. You receive the UCCS Certifications with your Nash Diploma at no additional cost! Students are trained and tested on first aid and CPR, as well as safety for the pet and the pet professionals in the salon, and how to achieve excellent sanitation, organization and maintenance. Students who enroll in our dog grooming diploma programs at Nash Academy will receive: • A Nash Academy of Animal Arts Diploma • Universal Canine Certification System - Canine Safety Specialist Certification • Universal Canine Certification System - Technical Skills Safety Certification • Universal Canine Certification System -Salon Safety Specialist Certification These three additional onsite certification programs will add credibility to all you do working with man’s best friend, and heighten your reputation as an educated and knowledgeable pet care professional.
Nash Added Creative Styling to Diploma Program Offering the latest trends in the pet care industry. Learn how to create beautiful and intricate coat designs, apply a multitude of color to the canine coat and accessorize with buttons, bows, pearls, rhinestones and who knows…Yes, it is time to let your creativity flow at the Nash Academy. We train you to be the best and prepare you for the rest of your career. • Many Nash Academy graduates open their own businesses after graduation and experience great success. • The Nash Approved System of Education is available to all salons and schools; you can help us train the industry leaders of tomorrow, today.www.nashapproved.com • Nash Academy Graduates Are Always In Demand! Salons, clinics, boarding kennels, veterinarians and spas contact us regularly looking to hire a Nash Grad. • Our education is always being updated to bring you more and continue to lead the industry in pet care education.
Contact us today at 1-888-491-2064 and find the program that is right for you. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/nashacademy | Website: www.nashacademy.com
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT
PROFESSIONAL GROOMING
as pet parents By Emma Jin | Co-founder of Emi Pet Salon & Boutique
Every pet owner knows that grooming is something their pets will experience during their life time, but when it comes to how big of a role it plays in their pets’ life, people have a wide variety of ideas. To be specific, what will come to your mind when you think about your dog getting groomed? A quick bath? All different haircuts? A big pile of shedding hair? Your dog’s scared shaking before you have to leave him or her with the groomer for a full day? Struggling for nail trimming? Your dog got shaved bald when you expect long and fluffy? People have totally different perspectives due to their previous experience with grooming. I would like to reveal the fundamental of pet grooming and how to enhance your pet’s grooming experience. First of all, as pet parents, you need to understand how professional grooming can benefit our beloved pets’ overall wellness. According to the breed of the pets, grooming needs may vary, but professional grooming is essential for most of the household dogs and cats. For example, curly coated and silky coated breeds such as Poodle, Maltese, Havanese and Shih Tzu need their hair trimmed to proper length in order to prevent matting and maintain overall hygiene; harsh coated terriers needs their coat to be hand stripped to keep their special coat texture and skin health; long, medium and short double coated breeds such as Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Husky and Collie need their undercoat removed with high pressure bathing, blow drying, brushing and de-shedding with proper tools. For those recently most popular mixed breeds like “doodles” and “Cockapoos”, frequent grooming is even more critical because their hair texture is a combination of two different type of coats which make them easier to get matted and harder to brush out. Secondly, having your pets professionally groomed on a regular basis plays such a significant role in how they become used to the process and how much stress it can reduce for each groom. Every four weeks is usually a good frequency to start with, and it can be adjusted after several trials according to the pet’s desired hair length, coat texture and behavior. I always describe the matting issue as a “ticking time bomb” that will explode every so often if the timer is not reset in time. By grooming them properly before their hair shafts all tangled up, we are basically resetting the timer of the bomb to prevent excessive brushing or shaving down completely. Grooming is a very complicated practice involving quite amount of knowledge about different aspects of animals such as behavior, skin care, coat type, anatomy, breed standards, nutrition, etc. Equipped with all these knowledge, a professional groomer also needs to master bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, scissoring and handling skills in order to provide high quality grooming services to customers. At this point, pet grooming industry is not regulated yet, so the standard of service and the condition of the business can vary a ton.
I would love to share some tips when looking for good grooming business to ensure a stressless and comfortable experience for both you and your pets: 1. Cleanness of the Facility. Check if the facility is cleaned and disinfected thoroughly every day. 2. Groomer’s Credibility. Check if the groomer obtained proper training with either a qualified experienced groomer or at a professional grooming academy. Continuing education, certification, or competition experience is always a plus. 3. Customer Service. The way a service provider treats you will most likely indicate the way he or she will treat your pet. Profession, caring and honesty is always what you should look for. Communication between pet owners and groomers is extremely important because the customer doesn’t speak our language. Miscommunication is always the top reason for unsatisfied service. 4. Reviews and Reputation. It’s always helpful to hear what other people say about a business or service provider. But at the same time, everyone’s situation is different so someone else’s experience may not even be a concern for you. So please use reviews as reference while making your own judgement.
for more pet info visit
www.emipet.com
Planning on adding a furry friend to the family? By: Denise Blough | Dispatch Media Group
When a family is expecting a new child, there are immediately myriad appointments to book, materials to gather and plans to make.
“Certainly use your veterinarian as a resource; look at universities for information from their behavior or wellness services,” she added.
So when the decision is made to bring home a four-legged friend — who, like young children, rely on their caretakers for physical, mental and social needs — there should also be some level of planning involved, said Dr. Meghan Herron, veterinary behaviorist at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center.
And to foster and maintain a rewarding bond with an animal, the owner must be able to provide exercise, enrichment and socialization in addition to basic needs, said Joelle Nielsen, social worker at Ohio State’s Veterinary Medical Center. Nielsen heads a program called Honoring the Bond, which assists pet owners in difficult situations such as end-of-life decisions.
“The human-animal bond can be a delicate thing in the early stages of pet ownership, and the time and financial commitments are often larger than most people expect,” Herron said. So how does one make sure they’re prepared? Herron recommends the following: • What type of animal will fit into your lifestyle • Who your veterinarian will be • Where you’ll take the animal in the event of a medical emergency • What you are willing and able to pay in an emergency • Who your pet sitters will be, and • What instructions you will provide to them.
“There are lots of special things about owning a pet, and many people consider their pets a family member,” she said. So whether it’s through a separate savings account or a monthly payment toward pet insurance, there should be some level of financial preparedness. In the case of chronic disease, acute disease or emergencies such as injury or accidental poisoning, bills can add up fast. “In the last five years you’ve seen a lot more companies offer pet insurance, so it’s pretty competitive and rates are reasonable,” said Herron, adding that there are plans that cost only $6 to $10 a month, “just to get that catastrophe coverage.”
And a lot of the times, problems can be prevented if a pet is brought in for annual checkups. “The benefit of a physical exam once per year is really underappreciated, because there are a lot of things that can be detected very early to prevent potential harm,” Herron said. There will almost always come a time when an animal faces some type of medical condition. But in the end, being prepared for all situations can really improve our relationship with a pet, Nielsen said. “It’s all about the human-animal bond.” “One of the biggest draws to having a pet is the companionship, and in most cases it’s unconditional,” Herron said. “They’re happy to be with us, play with us and see us come home regardless of our day, our mood or our schedule ... it’s hard to find that in a human companion.”
Animals need medical specialists, too. Presentations by our board-certified specialists on the Pet Alley Stage: Friday, 9/8 at 4 p.m. “Overcoming your pet’s fear of veterinary visits” Saturday, 9/9 at 12 p.m. “Pets and cancer: So many questions…” Sunday, 9/10 at 1 p.m. “Common household toxins to pets”
From heart disease to cancer, joint replacements to skin conditions, eyes and ears to behavioral problems, the board-certified specialists at the Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center can help. We partner with your family veterinarian when next-level care is needed.
Find us across from the Pet Alley Stage. • Learn about our 14 specialty veterinary care and 24/7 emergency services • Make the Pet Parent Promise and receive a free gift! • Catch presentations by our board-certified specialists on the Pet Alley Stage
24/7 Emergency and Critical Care Columbus
614-292-3551 (dogs & cats) 614-292-6661 (farm & equine) 601 Vernon Tharp Street Columbus, OH 43210
vet.osu.edu/vmc
Dublin
614-889-8070 (dogs & cats) 5020 Bradenton Avenue Dublin, OH 43017
vet.osu.edu/vmc/dublin
Proud to be title sponsor of the 2017 Pet Alley!
2016
Made With Whole Foods. No Synthetics.
natureslogic.com
24-Hour Emergency Pet Care Anesthesia & Analgesia Avian & Exotics Cardiology Critical Care Dermatology Integrative Medicine Internal Medicine Interventional Radiology Medical Oncology Neurology & Neurosurgery Ophthalmology Radiation Oncology Radiology Rehabilitation Surgery MedVet Columbus 300 E. Wilson Bridge Road Worthington, OH 43085 (614) 846-5800 MedVet Hilliard 5230 Renner Road Columbus, OH 43228 (614) 870-0480
Ask your family veterinarian about MedVet’s Emergency & Specialty Services! www.medvetforpets.com
Pet Health & Wellness
Dog Walking Tips for Fall By Dr. Mary Beth Leininger and Gina Fortunato
A
h, that crisp, fresh air! And the beautiful colors of the leaves as they change from green to glorious reds, yellows, and browns! Fall is a fabulous time to enjoy leisurely walks, trail hikes, and visits to the pumpkin patch with your dog. But if your pooch isn’t behaving on a leash, going out together can become a drag—quite literally! These tips can help you address three common dog walking problems, so you can enjoy autumn adventures with your best friend. 1. Pulling on the Leash Dogs often pull on the lead when something interesting grabs their attention. out the door because they’re just too excited to contain themselves. You can try these techniques to help stop your dog from pulling: • Walk faster. By picking up the pace, your dog will have less chance to notice things, like scampering squirrels or interesting scents, that can prompt pulling. • Try a different route. Take your dog to places where there are fewer temptations. For instance, if your dog tends to pull when in the presence of other dogs, choose a quieter time of day or a path that isn’t too busy for your walks. While • most dogs are enthusiastic about going outside, a dog who is bouncing around the room before you even get the leash on may be more likely to pull. Teach your dog to stay calm before a walk by holding the leash quietly until all four paws are on the ground. Be patient and shower your dog with praise when they get it right. • Talk to your dog. Keep your dog’s attention on you and away from distractions by talking as you go along.
You can chat about the scenery, the weather, your plans for the day, or (hopefully!) how nicely your dog is behaving. It can also be helpful to put a few treats in your pocket to reward your dog for good walking manners. 2. Chewing on the Leash Like pulling, chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. It’s also a healthy one since it helps keep their teeth clean and jaws strong. But chewing on the leash before and during walks can become problematic, not to mention wear out your leash. You can try switching to a chain leash, which isn’t as fun to chew on as the synthetic or leather kinds. You can also try distracting your dog with some of the tips mentioned to avoid pulling, like picking up the pace and offering treats when your dog walks without noshing on the leash. 3. Barking or Lunging It can be embarrassing when your typically friendly dog starts barking or lunging at other dogs or people while you’re out walking. If these kinds of behaviors come up suddenly, you might want to take your dog to the veterinarian. An illness or health condition, like arthritis or ligament damage, can make a dog irritable and more easily upset. These behaviors can also start after an incident with another dog. If this is the
case, you might need to gradually get your dog comfortable being around other fourlegged friends. You can set up a supervised play date with a familiar dog or visit the dog park when it’s not too busy. If you’re not sure how to help your dog, talk to a other professional for advice. Dog Walking Safety As you go out and enjoy fall activities, remember to keep your dog’s safety in mind. All sorts of injuries can happen unexpectedly. Your dog can get scratched or bit by another dog or small animal, get tangled in the leash, or eat something toxic before you realize it. Of course, you can’t always protect your dog, but you can help your best friend get the best medical care possible with coverage from an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan. You can cover your dog for accidents, illnesses, preventive care, and even behavioral issues that can prevent you from enjoying walks with your dog. Visit www. IsYourPetCovered.com to learn more today! Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Waiting periand exclusions may apply. For all terms and conditions visit www.aspcapetinsurance. com/terms. Plans are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company and administered by Fairmont Specialty Insurance Agency (FSIA Insurance Agency in CA), a Crum & Forster company. The ASPCA does not offer insurance. Through a strategic licensing agreement, in exchange for the use of ASPCA trademarks, the ASPCA is paid a royalty fee of up to 10% of the purchase price, with a minimum of $335,000 per year. PC