HOLIDAY Issue Volume 1 • Issue 3
CENTRAL OHIO
PetConnections wellness through the human-animal bond
WINTER TIPS FOR YOUR HORSE HOLIDAY TOXINS BACK YARD BIRDS
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Central Ohio’s #1 Resource for Everything Pets
Events
December & January
Events
DECEMBER 11 Ohio Wildlife Center www.ohiowildlifecenter.org Scout Workshop DECEMBER 12 CHA Animal Shelter Chaanimalshelter.org Santa Photos 5:30 - 7:30 p.m
DECEMBER 12 CHA Animal Shelter Chaanimalshelter.org Supply Drive 12 p.m. - 4 p.m DECEMBER 19 CHA Animal Shelter Chaanimalshelter.org Cookie Walk 11 a.m. - 2 p.m
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DECEMBER 22 Ohio Wildlife Center www.ohiowildlifecenter.org Wild in Winter Day Camp DECEMBER 30 Ohio Wildlife Center www.ohiowildlifecenter.org Christmas with the Critters JANUARY 2 & 16 Columbus Dog Connection Vaccine Clinic 1 p.m. Ph: 614-471-9000
Directories Adoption, Rescues & Shelters
Avian & Exotics
PetButler of Central Ohio 1-800-PET-BUTLER www.petbutler.com Synthetic Turf Innovations 614-260-4404 www.syntheticturfinnovations.com
Pet Burial, Cremation & Memorial Services Crystal Remembrance for Pets 888-930-7363 Crystalremembranceforpets.com Day Manofsky Funeral Service 614-532-5012 Daymanofskyfuneralservice.com Rutherford Funeral Homes 614-885-4006 Rutherfordfuneralhomes.com Schoedinger Pet Services 614-224-2691 schoedingerpetservices.com
Pet Fencing
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets (Hilliard) 614-870-0480 medvetforpets.com
Invisible Fence 614-888-3647 www.columbuseast.invisiblefence.com
Dog Parks
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance 1-888-716-1203 aspcapetinsurance.com
Alum Creek Dog Park www.alumcreekdogpark.com Companion Club Dog Park 740-881-2000 www.columbusdogpark.com Godown Road Dog Park www. worthingtondogpark.com Heritage Trail Dog Park www.hilliardohio.gov/play/heritage-trail-dog-park Pizzurro Park and “Dog Park� www.gahanna.gov/departments/parks/ communityParks.aspx
Equestrian Central Ohio Riding Club 614-873-6644 centralohioridingclub.com Equus Now! 740-549-4959 Equusnow.com OSU Veterinary Medical Center 614-292-6661 vet.osu.edu/vmc/
Landscaping & Lawncare Finlandscape 740-927-1994 www.finlandscape.com Good Nature Organic Lawn Care 888-529-6723 www.whygoodnature.com
Pet Insurance
Pet Resorts- Boarding, Daycare, Grooming, Agility & Training ARF! Agility and Rally for Fun! www.arfagility.com Advanced Boarding & Grooming 740-549-9999 advancedboardingandgrooming.com Camp Bow Wow 614-527-2267 campbowwow.com K9 Connection 614-778-0431 www.k9connectiononline.com Lucky Bones Pet Resort 614-367-7297 www.luckybonesdaycare.com Park Your Paws Doggie Daycare 614-262-PAWS www.parkyourpaws.org Pet Palace Pet Boarding Resort petpalaceresort.com The Dog Spaw Pet Grooming 614-245-4169 thedogspawsalon.com/
List your business today! info@pghpetconnections.com
Willow Wood Pet Resort & Training Center 614-304-1921 petresortwillowwood.com
Pet Retail, Supply and Accessories Canine Health Supplements www.mylifevantage.com/peggymills Collar Doos collardoos.com Moochie & Co. moochieandco.com Pet People petpeoplestores.com Titan Bones www.titanbones.com
Pharmacies Central Ohio Compounding Pharmacy 614-847-0109 www.compoundingpharmacycolumbus.com SBH Medical- Compounding Pharmacy 614-847-6007 www.sbhmed.com
Veterinary Medicine Elemental Veterinary Center & Pet Spa 614-824-4036 elementalvetcenter.com Lifetime Pet Wellness Center 614-888-2100 lifetimepetwellness.com Health & Harmony Animal Hospital 614-360-3941 healthandharmonyanimalhospital.com The Animal Care Center at Granville 740-587-2229 www.animalcarecentergranville.com
Veterinary Specialty and Emergency MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets 614-846-5800 medvetforpets.com OSU Veterinary Medical Center 614-292-3551 vet.osu.edu/vmc/
Wellness for Guardians:
Visit our online directory at pghpetconnections.com/Dog-Cat-Directory
Almost Home Dog Rescue of OH 614-766-1001 www.almosthomeohio.org Capital Area Humane Society 614-777-7387 cahs-pets.org CHA Animal Shelter 614-891-5280 chaanimalshelter.org Colony Cats Adoption Center 614-593-0055 Colonycats.org Columbus Dog Connection 614-471-9000 Columbusdogconnection.com Cozy Cat Cottage Adoption Center 614-336-8510 cozycatcottage.org Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center 614-525-3647 franklincountydogs.com Pets without Parents 614-267-7297 petswithoutparents.net/
The All Life Center for Integrative Well Being 740-201-8242 www.alllifecenter.org
Wildlife Columbus Zoo and Aquarium www.columbuszoo.org Ohio Wildlife Center 614-793-WILD ohiowildlifecenter.org SCRAM! Wildlife Control ohiowildlifecenter.org The Wilds www.thewilds.columbuszoo.org
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1
Table of Contents
| HOLIDAY ISSUE VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 3
16
04
Human-Animal Bond
18
Wildlife
5
Christmas With Sebastian
Tips for Feeding Backyard Birds in Winter
Advertiser Locator Map
8 Pet Health & Wellness Veterinary Anesthesia
10 Feathered Friends The Lost and Found Conure Parrot Story
12 Canine Companion Choosing a Dog Trainer
13 Wildlife SCRAM! 2 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | Holiday Edition 2015
06
Featured Organization
19
Equine Affairs
ASPCA
Winter Tips for Your Horse
14 Holistic Pet Care Adopt a Holistic Lifestyle for Your Pet
16 Kitty Korner Cat Grooming Myths
17 Wellness For Guardians All Life Center
20 Remembrance Sassy
From the Publisher Welcome to our Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine! HOLIDAY Issue Volume 1 • Issue 3 News and Events We are excited very pleased to announce our recent partnership with The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and BENN Advertising Solutions to offer more targeted and effective marketing and advertising campaigns to our sponsors for Central Ohio. Creating awareness and raising preference for our sponsors, our print and digital editions of PetConnections magazine has become a trusted resource. Our media partnership packages now offer a unique and powerful combination of print and digital issues with a demand side platform for digital advertising with BENN, which can lead to more targeted, measurable and responsive campaigns. BENN is very competitive with DSP, offering 4 platforms and in-house campaign managers to optimize, track and report campaign progress!
PLEASE SUBMIT ANY CORRESPONDENCE TO: info@pghpetconnections.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Nina Russo 614-402-5550 nina.petconnections@gmail.com Jaime Chesney Digital Advertising Specialist BENN Advertising Solutions 412-969-9412 jchesney@post-gazette.com Michael James Sales Support Pittsburgh & Central Ohio mj.1@outlook.com CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS BI-MONTHLY Published by: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. Pittsburgh PetConnections LLC. was formed in 2012. Our mission is to publish a high quality, informative publication focused on the Human-Animal Bond. We support local businesses and also assist local nonprofit businesses for pets and people, to give back to our great Central Ohio communities. MAGAZINE PUBLICATION STAFF Carla Mader, Managing Editor Susan Wagner, DVM, Content Editor Jaimee D. Greenawalt, Graphic Design Carla Mader, Sales & Distribution Manager CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Our contributing writers have many years of combined experience and expertise in the fields of veterinary medicine and the Human-Animal Bond. All Rights Reserved | Copyright 2015 PHOTOGRAPHY Cover photo: Doug Rogers and Kelly Russo from Galena Ohio enjoying the holiday season with their animal companions Deo the Andalusian stallion and Chance (arctic wolf). Photo Credit : Nina Russo
We also welcome Nina Russo to our sales team as the Multi-Media Advertising Director of Central Ohio, shown here with her Jack Russel Terrier, Rocket, and Andalusian gelding Pensador! Events Please see our event page for this holiday and winter’s upcoming events here in Central OH! This Issue Our holiday cover for this issue features Doug Rogers and Kelly Russo from Galena Ohio enjoying the holiday season with their animal companions Deo the Andalusian stallion and Chance (Arctic wolf). Read about our featured organization, CHA Animal Shelter. Also, Holiday Toxins by Dr. Halpin from MedVet, Choosing a Dog Trainer, Cat grooming Myths, Winter Tips for your Horse, Dr. Burks, Tips for Feeding Backyard Birds in Winter by Linda Forte-Spearing from the Ohio Wildlife Center and much more! We thank our advertisers & sponsors, the All Life Center for sponsoring our Wellness for Guardian section, MedVet, ASPCA Pet Insurance, Crystal Remembrance, Beaver Animal Clinic, Judith Levy, Good Nature Organic Lawn Care and Canine Health. PetConnections supports local organizations and small business and we have established a community network of readers, writers, advertising sponsors and distribution points. Please support our advertising sponsors! See their locations on the map page. Check out our PetConnections Resource Directories for categorized listings. The award-winning Pittsburgh PetConnections edition started monthly in September of 2012. PetConnections has grown to be the #1 free resource for news, information and everything pets, as well as wellness for people with the PetConnections directories, event calendars both online and in print. Our awardwinning content on pets and horses was recognized by the Dog Writers Association of America in 2013. Pittsburgh PetConnections is now bimonthly and publishing concurrently bi-monthly with the Central Ohio Edition. For Central Ohio PetConnections Advertising inquiries contact Nina Russo at: 614-402-5550 nina.petconnections@gmail.com Our sales team is growing, and also includes Nina Russo and Michael James. PetConnections is also looking to grow our team with additional sales account manager professionals. We encourage you to subscribe to PetConnections Magazine, as our readership is growing! Even though PetConnections is free at select locations, reserve your personal copy to be mailed every issue! Visit www.pghpetconnections.com to subscribe today! Submit your photos and stories, as well as remembrances to be featured online and in future issues to: info@pghpetconnections.com.
Thank you for picking up PetConnections. We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! Take care of yourself and your animals and be well!
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.pghpetconnections.com Follow PghPetMag on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine www.pghpetconnections.com
3
Human-Animal Bond
Christmas With Sebastian
Three French hens, two turtledoves, and my cat in our Christmas tree… By Susan Wagner, DVM, MS, ACVIM
I
remember that Christmas well. Coming home exhausted from a long day at the clinic, I called out for our kitten, Sebastian. Sebastian was also known as Bud, Buddy, Lil Guy, and don’t think for a second that he won’t do it guy. He was the quintessential kitten – into everything. And I mean everything!
peripheral vision I noticed the green carpet in our living room. Then I realized we didn’t have green carpet. I turned and found our tree on its side – ornaments everywhere. Just like most cat brothers, Sebastian and Vinny enjoyed wrestling. They must have had a standoff turned pounce-fest in Christmas village. We had to buy a new tree topper that year.
So when Sebastian didn’t show up right away, I knew he was up to something. I looked everywhere – under the beds, on top of shelves, in the manager. Yes, I said manger. My brother-in-law had made a beautiful ceramic manger for my husband and I. Of course Sebastian thought it was his, and proceeded to knock over camels, sheep, Mary and Joseph so that he could curl up in the straw next to baby Jesus. I think he felt slighted that no barn cats showed up in traditional nativity scenes. Point taken. But there was the nativity, with no additional characters. I couldn’t imagine where he was. Then I had the feeling that someone, or something, was watching me. As I slowly turned, I saw two golden eyes staring at me from the middle of the Christmas tree. There sat Sebastian, happy as could be, perched on a branch deep in the tree. I’m sure he thought we had brought it home just for him. As Sebastian got older, he chose to sleep under the tree with his new cat brother, Vinny. They spent so much time amongst the Christmas village that I had to remove
Then I had the feeling that someone, or something, was watching me. As I slowly turned, I saw two golden eyes staring at me from the middle of the Christmas tree. sap from their fur. My husband and I later came to realize that cutting down a tree just didn’t seem appropriate anymore, so we switched to artificial ones. Sebastian and Vinny loved those trees, too. But I was always tempted to put a little maple syrup on each of the heads for old times sake. I also clearly remember the morning I walked into the kitchen, half asleep, heading straight for the coffee pot. Out of my
4 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | Holiday Edition 2015
Thank goodness Sebastian never knocked over my mother-in-law’s tree. He loved riding in the car, so we took him home for the holidays. He took full advantage of Italian Christmas at Nana’s house, and came back a little heavier every year. As soon as we would arrive, he would stalk the tree, pick one stuffed ornament off the bottom limbs, and hang on to it for the entire visit. I guess he figured it was his Christmas present. Each Christmas, as my husband and I hang ornaments on our tree, we remember all of the friends and family who gave them to us. After 35 holidays, we have acquired quite a few. And one of us will always bring up the story of the day Sebastian discovered the joy of Christmas. I hope that you and your human and animal companions will have a wonderful, cat-like Holiday Season. I’ll do just that, and thank my lucky stars that I’m not writing about the day Sebastian knocked over the burning Menorah. PC
Advertiser Locator Inside Front Cover Puppy Paws Jewelry & ZenCat Gallery Page 7 ASPCA Page 11 E MedVet Page 15 B Canine Health
Page 15 Judith Levy Wellness Page 15 D Good Nature Organic Lawn Care Page 17 F All Life Center Page 17 Judith Levy Coaching Page 21 C Crystal Remembrance for Pets Back Cover A Beaver Animal Clinic
Delaware Sunbur y
Mar ysville
Beaver, PA 376
F
68
A
Johnstown io Oh
Westerville
E
Dublin
Riv
er
B
Gahanna Plumwood
E
C Upper Arlington
D
London
Columbus
Reynoldsburg
Grove City
Lithopolis Commercial Point Lancaster
Contact NinaElaina Russoatatwestfall.80@gmail.com ninapetconnections@gmail.com or 614-402-5550 Contact or 614-342-0735 for Advertising, Directory Listings, and subcriptions for your home or business! Advertise & Become a Media Partner with Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine! Subscribe, Submit, Upload! Partnership Includes: Submit your business or rescue organization’s info for a listing on our directory. No website for your small home-based pet or wellness business? Add a Featured Listing on the Central Ohio PetConnections Online Directory for a small yearly fee & upload photos & detailed info about your business!
Contact us for our LOW RATES!
•Advertisement in print or online •Free Featured Directory Page on our website with your business info, photos & a link to your website •Your logo in our monthly newsletter •Promotion by Central Ohio PetConnections at our events
w w w. p g h p e t c o n n e c t i o n s . c o m www.pghpetconnections.com
5
Featured Organization
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year…to Insure Your Pet! By: Dr. Mary Beth Leininger and Christopher R. Sachs to help insure your entire family of pets, ten percent discounts are offered on the base plan premium for multiple pets so that everyone can be covered!
Y
ou buy your pets the best care, housing and food you can, but what are you doing to help with those unexpected life events? You just never know when your pet might get hurt or sick, and even small accidents or common dog or cat illnesses can end up costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Something as seemingly simple as a bladder infection can be a major issue for your pet and your pocketbook. One-third of pet parents who didn’t visit the veterinarian at all said they could not afford to do so, according to the US Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook from 2012. At first glance, one might think pet health insurance is another expense. But, in reality, pet health insurance creates a more positive experience when veterinary care is needed. Pet parents who have pet insurance can make the best decision about the care of their animal without basing those decisions solely on money. Pet Insurance isn’t only for the canine in your life. Felines can be covered for a variety of illnesses or emergencies including diabetes, urinary tract infection, getting hit by a car or foreign object ingestion. Additionally, wellness plans for your dog and cat are another popular and important option, as the plans help ensure routine preventative care is part of keeping your pet healthy. And
We know what you are thinking…are pets your dependents? Absolutely! A Harris Poll of more than 2,600 U.S. adults, surveyed online in May 2012 stated that more than nine in ten pet owners (91%) say they consider their pet to be a member of their family, a sentiment that remains constant among both dog (94%) and cat (91%) owners. According to the American Pet Products Association’s annual report on pet-industry spending, Americans spent $58 billion in 2014 on pets. Of that number, $15 billion was spent on veterinary care.
Protect your dog or cat… furry, furless, big or small Pet insurance is coverage that helps you manage your veterinary expenses. It can cover accidents, illnesses and even wellness visits, like annual exams and vaccines. Some plans also offer coverage for congenital and hereditary conditions, behavioral issues and alternative therapies. Pet insurance can work differently depending on the provider. With an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan, you can visit any licensed veterinarian of your choice in the U.S. or Canada, including specialists and emergency hospitals. You pay the practice directly and submit a simple claim form via email, fax or mail, with receipts to get reimbursed up to 90 percent of covered costs.
6 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | Holiday Edition 2015
Plans that are loyal to your best friend. Your cost will depend on factors like the coverage you pick as well as the age and breed of your pet and where you live. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance has 4 plan levels to choose from. In addition, different deductibles and coinsurance options can adjust your premium to best fit your budget. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans start with level 1 base plans, covering injuries and accidents. Wellness coverage can be added at a low additional cost to help pay for vaccines and other routine veterinary visits. All dogs and cats are eligible for the level 1 injury plan regardless of age or health. This plan covers injuries such as broken bones, swallowed objects, bite wounds, car accidents and more. The second level of the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans cover illnesses such as cancer, ear infection, skin problems, dental illnesses and more. Dogs up to age 13 and cats up to age 15 at initial enrollment are eligible for this plan. Injury and accident coverage is also included in this plan. Advanced care level 3 plans cover injuries and illnesses, and add coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions as well as alternative therapy, which includes acupuncture, physical therapy, chiropractic care, rehabilitative therapy, hydrotherapy and low level laser therapy. Wellness plans are offered as an add-on to any of the plans at a cost of $10 to $25 per
month to assist in paying for annual exams, core vaccines and more.
Not convinced? Think again… common household items can be harmful to your pet Nearly 60 percent of accidents result in vet bills of $200 or more!+ Objects that are harmful include batteries, hair pins, dental floss and jewelry to name a few. We all know chocolate is dangerous to animals…but did you know that avoca-
dos and salt are also harmful foods? Of the more than 180,000 poisoning cases handled by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in 2013, the main culprit was human medications.++ People often drop their medication when preparing to take it, and before they know it, Fido had gobbled the pill right off the floor. Pets can even be injured by fireworks, balloons and confetti, so be cautious as you celebrate!
the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®). 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.. To learn more or to get a quote, visit www.isyourpetcovered.com or call 1-866-230-4749.
ASPCA Pet Insurance plans have been around for nine years. In fact, in 2006 Hartville Pet Insurance Group, providers of the ASPCA Pet Insurance plans, became the strategic partner for pet insurance of
Do you have a success story from using pet health insurance you want to share? Visit the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Facebook page and share with us in honor of National Pet Heath Insurance Month! PC
+Internal claims data: 2012-2013. ++Source: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/top-pet-toxins-2013. The information herein is summarized. All plans have limitations and exclusions. Specific products, features, rates, and discounts may vary by state, eligibility, and are subject to change. Reimbursements are based on a percentage of usual and customary eligible costs. Wellness coverage provides reimbursement up to a listed amount. Rates depend on the zip code, breed, age and coverage selected. For more information, go to www.aspcapetinsurance. com/state. Products are underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company and administered by Fairmont Specialty Insurance Agency (FSIA Insurance Agency in CA), members of the Crum & Forster Enterprise. Hartville Pet Insurance GroupSM is a trademark of United States Fire Insurance Company. The United States Fire Insurance Company and Fairmont Specialty Insurance Agency may be individually or collectively referred to as Hartville Pet Insurance GroupSM or Hartville. C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of the United States Fire Insurance Company. Crum & Forster Enterprise is a part of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited. © 2015 United States Fire Insurance Company. ASPCA Logo, Copyright 2015, ASPCA. All Rights Reserved.
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7
Pet Health & Wellness
Veterinary Anesthesia Hi my name is Dr. Dianna Ovbey; I am a veterinary anesthesiologist at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center. Right now I am sure you are either asking yourself, “What in the world is a veterinary anesthesiologist? I had no idea that specialty existed.” or “Doesn’t every veterinary hospital have a veterinary anesthesiologist?” Before I entered the veterinary field, I didn’t think much about the process of surgery my beloved pets experienced at our local veterinary clinic in the small city of Dalton, Georgia. I knew that people had a doctor that performed the surgery and,
I assumed, was also in charge of making sure the patient made it through anesthesia and surgery; that is generally how all the current and previously existing medical dramas portray surgery on television. In most veterinary clinics and hospitals around the country that is a true depiction of how surgery is performed, but did you ever wonder how those veterinarians learned to perform anesthesia? Every veterinary school in the United States has at least one and in most cases multiple veterinary anesthesiologists that teach veterinary students how to perform the safest and most ideal veterinary anesthesia in a variety of animal species. You may ask, “So does that mean my veterinarian is a surgeon and an anesthesiolo-
gist?” The answer is that in general veterinary practice your veterinarian wears many hats and must have a general knowledge of all facets of medicine including surgery, anesthesia, dermatology, internal medicine, and practically any other division of medicine you can imagine. The difference between any specialist, including veterinary anesthesia, and general practitioners of veterinary medicine are the additional 4 years of training required for the opportunity to take an exam for board certification in any of the multiple veterinary specialties available. Veterinary anesthesiologists, like other veterinary specialists, have a veterinary degree along with one year internship and three years of residency. A one year internship allows the veterinarian an opportunity to train with a variety of specialists in each department and a residency allows a veterinarian to train with one particular specialty for three years so that they may become an expert in their field of choice. At the completion of a three year anesthesia residency the veterinarian qualifies to take a board certification exam. Once the board certification exam has been passed that veterinarian becomes a member/diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA). Anesthesiologists can practice veterinary anesthesia while waiting to take a board certification. The American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia is still a relatively new entity as it was established in 1975. Since inception of the ACVAA the role of the anesthesiologist has continued to evolve due to an increased demand for more specialized veterinary services for pets by the general public. Historically veterinary anesthesiologists were employed strictly by veterinary teaching hospitals for the purposes of training veterinary students, veterinary interns, and veterinary residents. As more and more private veterinary referral centers (hospitals in which multiple veterinary specialists such as surgeons, internists, ophthalmologists, etc. work together) open, the interest in adding veterinary anesthesiology to the list of services offered has and
8 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | Holiday Edition 2015
will continue to grow. A veterinary anesthesiologist’s role as a member of the referral center’s team includes but is not limited to: anesthetic planning for and management of all cases anesthetized, support and education for veterinary technicians performing anesthesia throughout the hospital, client education, training of visiting veterinary students, veterinary interns, and veterinary residents, continuing education for local veterinary general practitioners, and pain management consultation. I am sure now you are wondering what happens to your pet when he/she comes to the hospital for surgery. The morning of surgery when you drop your pet off you will be given a short history form to be filled out. I review your pet’s history starting with the history form, I will then review any bloodwork performed, and then do a physical exam on your pet. After reviewing the patient’s history, previous anesthetic episodes, blood work and physical exam, I sit down with the veterinary technician assigned to your pet’s case and we go over the drugs to be used and discuss any complications we expect to see during surgery. The patient is given a medication to calm any anxiety and relieve any pain prior to surgery. A few minutes after the medication is given a veterinary technician will place an intravenous catheter; we will use this catheter to administer fluids and any medications needed for surgery. When your pet is ready for surgery we will give a drug to induce unconsciousness with a short acting intravenous anesthetic and place a breathing (endotracheal) tube into his/her
Continued on page 15
sumption of pollinated water from a vase. Toxic lilies are those belonging to the Lillium and Hemerocallis, including tiger, day, Easter, and Asiatic lilies. Other yuletide plants such as holly berries and mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or heart problems
Rachel Halpin, DVM DACVECC is a Veterinary Specialist in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care at MedVet
The holiday season is here
bringing with them delectable foods and festive decorations, and family gatherings. This is a wonderful time of year for all, but what is festive and fun for us may present a hidden danger to your pets. The winter holidays can be hectic enough without having to worry about making an emergency trip to the veterinarian. As you prepare for the upcoming holidays with your family, make sure to consider the wellbeing of your four-legged family members by avoiding the most common dangers during the holiday season. CHOCOLATE: Chocolate is one of the most widely known toxic substances to dogs and cats. While it is very safe in for humans, certain ingredients in chocolate can cause illness in pets, including vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, fast heart rates, and seizures. While milk chocolate can be toxic in large quantities, baking chocolate, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate contain the greatest concentration of toxic ingredients. For example, a 20 pound dog would have to ingest 3 ounces of milk chocolate (approximately two chocolate bars) to become ill, but it would only take 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to have the same effect. If your dog ingests chocolate, contact a veterinarian who will help determine if the dose of chocolate ingested is cause for concern. PLANTS: Many decorative holiday plants contain compounds which can be very dangerous if ingested by pets. Most concerning are holiday bouquets including lilies, holly, and mistletoe. Lillies present the greatest risk to cats as only a very small amount of the plant can cause kidney failure. Symptoms can occur after ingestion of a single leaf, petal, or con-
if ingested. While widely recognized as being toxic, Pointsettias’ effects are relatively benign, generally only causing local irritation of the mouth which may result in excessive drooling and agitation. If your pet is seen ingesting a holiday plant, please consult with a veterinary professional for advice. XYLITOL: Xylitol is a calorie-free sugar alcohol that is increasingly common in sugar-free gums, food, and dental products. Also many new “natural” peanut butters contain xylitol. Within hours of ingestion, xylitol can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels. Some dogs develop delayed liver damage days after ingestion. Veterinary attention should be sought immediately if xylitol-containing products have been ingested to correct low blood sugar. GRAPES/RAISINS: Grapes, raisins, and currants, commonly found in holiday fruitcakes, have the potential to cause kidney failure. Not all dogs will react to grapes in the same way, but all should be evaluated by a veterinarian following ingestion to be safe. LIQUID POTPOURRI: While the scent of fresh pine may be an inviting fragrance, heated scented oils can be harmful to cats. Even a few licks can cause chemical burns in the mouth, fever, and difficulty breathing. If you have a cat, avoid using heated oils and instead opt for a non-toxic candle out of kitty’s reach. HOLIDAY FOODS: While “human food” is not directly toxic to dogs and cats, ingestion of high-fat foods can lead to inflammation of the pancreas. Avoid feeding table scraps and fattening foods especially in large quantities. If your pet develops vomiting, diarrhea, or inappetance, seek veterinary attention. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Christmas lights appeal to pets’ curious nature, particularly puppies and kittens. Inquisitive pets are likely to chew on
the cord as they play, which can lead to burns, or in more severe instances, electrocution. Use caution when hanging decorations to keep them out of paw’s reach. TINSEL: If there is a cat in your household, skip the tinsel. Tinsel appears as a shiny, enticing toy but it can be deadly if ingested. Tinsel can cause severe damage to a cat’s intestines which can potentially be fatal. If your cat develops inappetance or vomiting and had access to tinsel, seek veterinary attention immediately. PINE NEEDLES: Curious pets may also be inclined to ingest the needles from pine trees. The needles can cause irritation of the mouth and throat and can potentially become lodged in the roof of the mouth or in the throat. Imitation Christmas trees are a safer alternative to real trees for homes with pets. STRESS: Cats can be very sensitive to changes in their environment and may become stressed if there are guests staying in your home or if you travel during the holidays. Many young male cats are predisposed to urinary tract inflammation which can be exacerbated by stressful environments. If the inflammation becomes severe, it can prevent normal urination which can progress to a life threatening situation. Symptoms include straining to urinate, urinating outside of the litter box, or going in and out of the litter box repeatedly. If your cat has a history of urinary tract illness, consult with your veterinarian before the holidays for advice. To prevent any problems, make sure your cat has a safe, secluded area with a clean litter box where it can seek shelter if there are visiting guests. The best approach to keeping your pets safe and healthy is awareness and prevention. Keeping toxic and dangerous substances out of reach is the surest method, however if ingestion of a toxin occurs, rapid reaction can be lifesaving. Treatment should be initiated as soon as toxin ingestion has been identified; do not wait for symptoms to begin. With early treatment, many toxins can be removed from the system before causing problems. Your veterinarian is the best resource in the event of intoxications. If your veterinarian is unavailable, contact your local emergency veterinary service or utilize online resources. Be cautious when using the internet to ensure the source is reliable, such as those provided by ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control and Pet Poison Helpline. Hopefully these tips will help ensure a safe and merry holiday season. Happy holidays! PC
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9
Feathered Friends
The Lost and Found Conure Parrot Story By Ruth Carte
r
“the Conure sounded exactly like a young, distressed robin in my front yard - that was the thing that attracted my attention on the late springtime Saturday morning”. Joe said that his 2 cats, Hank & Perth, were very, very interested when he came in from his front porch with the “beauty” on his shoulder! Joe also stated “He did stay on my shoulder for the whole trip to your house.”
T
his story began with a phone call from my exhusband, Joe, requesting bird seed from me. I was very puzzled by this request since I knew he did not have a pet bird and that you do not give parakeet food to wild birds. When I questioned him, he told me he would be right over to get some.
Since I had parakeets and I happened to have an extra bird cage, he asked that I “house” the bird whilst he decide what to do about finding the owner.
Not long afterwards, I hear a knock on my back door. As I opened the door, I see Joe with this beautiful bird sitting on his shoulder. I was truly amazed. Joe explained to me that he found the bird perched on a tree in his front yard. It was so tame and friendly that he was able to coax it onto his finger. He said
The two days we spent with the conure parrot were great! He was so sweet and apparently “hand trained” since you could rest him in the palm of your hand lying flat on his back. From my phone call to Pet Smart, I found out that these birds cost around $400 - $600
10 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | Holiday Edition 2015
or more. His favorite “hang out” while staying with us was our ceiling fans. Our wonderful neighbors delighted in holding the bird. Joe put an ad on Craig’s List in search of the bird’s owner. Unbelievably, he got a response! The owner had explained how he and his wife were taking the conure bird to the Vet when the cage came apart & the bird got loose. The owner also shared with us that his colorful conure parrot’s name is “Winger”. We were quite happy to return the bird to its’ rightful owner, but sorry to see him go. PC
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Anesthesiology • Avian and Exotics • Cardiology • Critical Care • Dermatology • Emergency Medicine • Internal Medicine • Inte Oncology • Radiology • Rehabilitation • Surgery • Anesthesiology • Avian and Exotics • Cardiology • Critical Care • Dermatolo ical Oncology • Neurology • Ophthalmology • Radiation Oncology • Radiology • Rehabilitation • Surgery • Anesthesiology • e • Integrative Medicine • Interventional Radiology • Medical Oncology • Neurology • Ophthalmology • Radiation Oncology • tical Care • Dermatology • Emergency Medicine • Internal Medicine • Integrative Medicine • Interventional Radiology • Medical Anesthesiology • Avian and Exotics • Cardiology • Critical Care • Dermatology • Emergency Medicine • Internal Medicine • Inte Oncology • Radiology • Rehabilitation • Surgery • Anesthesiology • Avian and Exotics • Cardiology • Critical Care • Dermatolo ical Oncology • Neurology • Ophthalmology • Radiation Oncology • Radiology • Rehabilitation • Surgery • Anesthesiology • e • 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Canine Companion
Choosing a Dog Trainer
C
hoosing a dog trainer can be confusing. The dog training industry is not regulated. Anyone can put up a shingle and call themselves a dog trainer. Having dogs and having trained dogs for many years is not necessarily a qualification that makes someone qualified to go into people’s homes and provide training or behavioral consulting. Teaching classes for years is also not necessarily a sufficient qualification. How, then, do you find a dog trainer that you can trust? Dog training is a rapidly evolving field. My own training and behavior work has changed dramatically through the years. Dog trainers who truly care about providing the best advice to clients keep up with changes in the industry by becoming certified by an independent certificate agency and/or by attending conferences and continuing education on a regular basis. An important question to ask is, what methodologies do you use? Ask this in an open-ended manner. Even the harshest and most traditional punishment-based trainers use positive reinforcement. Don’t get fooled by a trainer saying they use positive reinforcement. Delve further into this question. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior as well as the Humane Society of the United States recommend trainers who encourage dog to work for things that motivate and reward good behavior such as food, attention, toys, etc. rather than techniques that focus on punishing undesirable behaviors. Be aware of any trainer who uses the words “dominance” and “alpha” and “pack leader” when they describe their training methodology. This shows the trainer is still basing their training techniques on outdated concepts of dog behavior. Trainers who have kept up with the changing trends and the science behind the way
12 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | Holiday Edition 2015
dogs learn know that dogs do what works and what is reinforcing, they do not try to assert dominance or try to become alpha over people. And, trainers who call themselves “balanced” trainers are ones who use the entire realm of positive and negative reinforcement and punishment, with more of an emphasis on “correction” and punishment of bad behavior than a reward based trainer would use. Another important question to ask is, what equipment do you use? Dog training became popular with the general public in the 1950’s when service members who had trained dogs for the armed forces
came back to the states and started using their methods on dogs from the public. I would submit that any dog trainer still using those methods, i.e. mandating the use of choke chains and not using treats and making a dog obey because it needs to respect you, has not stayed up to date with the changes in the industry and science based best training practices. I recommend you look for trainers who use dog friendly tools such as treats, toys, front clip harnesses, head halters, and/or clickers. Mandating the use of one of these is a clue that the trainer uses physical punishment in their toolbox, because their primary use it to cause discomfort to the dog. There are also trainers out there that use shock collars as their primary tool. If a trainer says they use electric collars that only “stimulate” or use “static,” do not be
fooled; that is shock. While the purpose of this article is not to evaluate the use of shock collars in dog training, I would suggest that there is no reason to ever use electric shock to teach a dog basic obedience and/or manners, nor is there ever a reason to use one to change a dog’s behavior. Be very skeptical of any training company whose primary tool is a shock collar. A lot of damage can be done by the misuse of shock collars. I think that certifications are important. It shows a trainer’s commitment to the industry and to providing the most up to date and scientifically valid approaches to dog behavior and training. That being said, there are very gifted trainers out there who are not certified. But, those trainers are conscientious and demonstrate a commitment to continuing their education. They attend seminars and conferences and read books. Be sure to ask about a trainer’s efforts to stay educated. No dog trainer can make any guarantee about a dog’s progress. If one does, then be skeptical. There are many variables that go into whether or not a dog will make progress, some of which the trainer has control over and some that they do not. Beware of any trainer who guarantees an outcome, especially within a short period of time. In sum, ask questions and do your research. Make knowing decisions about what tools and methods you are comfortable employing with your dog, and most importantly have fun with your dog. Training your dog should be fun for you and for your dog. There is no reason for it to be otherwise. By Lilian Akin, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA Akin Family Dog Training (412) 732-8091 PC
Wildlife
UNINVITED WILDLIFE GUESTS? Just Say
SCRAM! By Linda Forte-Spearing, Volunteer For Ohio Wildlife Center
Bird feeders and suet cages, according to Turpen, are the number one attraction when it comes to opossums, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, woodchucks and the like. To keep the “unwanteds” from invading your house, it’s best to move and keep feeders away from the building. Cleaning any shells and debris that accumulate beneath the feeders is helpful, as is hanging them on flimsy branches so persistent climbers can’t reach them. Chipmunks, mice and rats will inevitably find the seed and suet you keep in the garage. And in fact, will gnaw the rubber stripping along the bottom of the door until they gain access. Storing food items in metal containers or garbage cans is a guaranteed deterrent.
N
ow is the perfect time to critter-proof your home. With the impending cold weather, Ohio’s wildlife is actively seeking the three things they need for survival: food, water and shelter. And much like us, they’ll take the path of least resistance to get their paws on the essentials. If you knowingly (or likely unknowingly) provide these necessities, chances are good somebody’s moving in. Remove these items from the equation, however, and uninvited guests will typically vacate on their own. Better yet, they might never take up residence to begin with. “Animals are opportunistic,” explains Adam Turpen, Director, SCRAM! Wildlife Control. “If they find a way into an attic, they’re not going to continue to look for a tree hollow. Likewise, if they have easy access to a reliable food source, they’re not going to scavenge for something to eat.”
animal evidence (prints, droppings, nesting material, hair snags, etc.); identify structural compromises and safety concerns (chewed wires, latrines, etc.) and recommend a permanent solution. SCRAM! can then mitigate the issue for an additional cost. If you’re handy, they are happy to provide the guidance you need to fix the problem. As Turpen points out, it’s important to verify ALL animals have left the premise before sealing a hole or covering a vent. Squirrels, in particular, have a second round of babies in the fall. As well, many species of birds and all bats are federally protected. You are prohibited from making physical repairs until they are ready to leave.
Finding the entry point into your home may not be so simple. A mouse, for example, can squeeze through a hole the size of a pencil. Squirrels will often enter through an existing attic or roof vent and raccoons will take advantage of a chimney flue. “You have to think like a critter to spot the structural weaknesses,” says Turpen. “And this is where the experts at SCRAM! Wildlife Control can assist.” SCRAM! (Suburban Commercial and Residential Animal Management) Wildlife Control is a 100% non-lethal service of Ohio Wildlife Center in Powell. An alternative to traditional animal control companies that trap and euthanize, SCRAM! provides natural, humane and permanent solutions to prevent and resolve conflicts between people and Ohio’s wildlife. Says Angela Latham, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Center, “Our technicians are trained wildlife biologists, experienced in wildlife management, identification and handling. They know what to look for based on specific animal behavior, and they know where to look.” For an $89 fee, SCRAM! will conduct a thorough property inspection, document
All proceeds from SCRAM! services support Ohio Wildlife Center’s non-profit rehabilitation and conservation education efforts. For additional information about SCRAM! or Ohio Wildlife Center, visit www.ohiowildlifecenter.org. Please call the Center’s monitored information line at 614-793WILD for help with common wildlife situations. You can reach SCRAM! Wildlife Control at (614) 763-0696. PC
Wildlife section continues on page 18 www.pghpetconnections.com
13
Holistic Pet Care
Adopt a Holistic Lifestyle for Your Pet
eye. There is a vital energy that animates the flesh. The Chinese call it “Qi,” the Japanese call it “Ki,” the doctors of India call it “Prana,” homeopaths call it the “Vital Force,” and chiropractors call it the “Innate.” It is this life force energy that is the difference between life and death, and it must be nourished to maintain true health.
By Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH
H
olistic veterinary care is in great demand these days. The term “holistic” implies that the entire being; body, mind, and spirit, is being addressed. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This concept stands in direct opposition to the Western reductionistic view of life. Modern medicine tends to break systems down into smaller and smaller pieces, reducing them to their basic building blocks to gain an understanding. Often, the modern doctor loses sight of the forest for the trees.
Dis-ease begins as an imbalance, which may go undetected by conventional means. If left untreated at this early stage, detectable disease and possibly death will eventually result. Often, holistic approaches to health can detect problems at the dis-ease state and correct the imbalance before disease sets in. Holistic therapies embrace the vitalist concept that has been abandoned by conventional medicine. The vitalists believe that there is more to the body than meets the
Think about it, if we put more resources into preventing diseases like cancer then there would be no reason to” run for a cure.” The problem is that many of the diseases that plague our society and its pets are brought about by lifestyle. Processed convenience foods, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, lack of exercise, and a general disregard for body condition are all risk factors for chronic disease (and not-so-chronic cancer). The holistic focus on a healthy lifestyle gives this philosophy and advantage over conventional medicine. Of course, you can’t just take your pet to the vet to make it healthy. Holistic health takes commitment. The goal is to lessen the risk factors of disease. There are disease risk factors that we cannot avoid but there are many that we can evade. A holistic life style – eating a species-appropriate, whole-foods diet, avoiding unneeded
PERFECT HEALTH Holistic medicine takes many forms, but there are common beliefs among these various techniques. First of all, perfect health is considered to be more than simply the absence of disease. It is a state of well-being expressed as a vitality that resists disease. Health is a dynamic balance of internal and external forces. From this point of view, there is a broad spectrum of physical conditions ranging from perfect health to death.
learning how to detect and treat diseases is an important lesson for any health care practitioner. But what if instead of focusing on disease, veterinary professionals focused on health?
DIS-EASE DISEASE While conventional medicine fights disease, holistic therapies generally strengthen the body. The body is viewed as containing its own pharmacy. Research bears this fact out. You may have heard of the “placebo effect.” This medical anomaly predicts that 30% of subjects treated with a sugar pill will improve; no matter what the disease is. High blood pressure, low blood pressure, allergies - all can be alleviated by the patients’ own bodies. It is considered a case of mind over matter but it proves that our bodies can heal themselves if conditions are right. The idea of holistic therapies is to produce the right conditions for the body to produce true health. The conventional veterinary medicine emphasis on fighting disease can be extreme. In fact, in veterinary school we do not learn much about health care. Rather, we are taught about disease care. Certainly,
14 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | Holiday Edition 2015
DEATH vaccines, getting plenty of exercise, and using natural healing methods – increases the odds for your pet to live a long, healthy life. Unfortunately, a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy, but in the end it is well worth it. Katy is a 12-year-old Maltese. She has eaten raw pet food since she was 10 weeks old. Instead of getting yearly vaccines she has gotten titer tests which show that the vaccine for Distemper and Parvo that she got at 12 weeks of age is still protecting her. Keeping her healthy has been a balancing act. She has benefited from various Chinese herbal formulas to balance her energy, chiropractic to keep her spine in shape, and even therapeutic laser for a knee injury. Katy is a bright senior who is not as spry as she once was, but is as spry once as she ever was. PC
Veterinary Anesthesia continued....
throat so that we can administer oxygen and an inhalant anesthetic. During the period that your pet is anesthetized a veterinary technician is continuously monitoring his/her: heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, oxygenation, temperature, and depth of breathing. The veterinary technician assigned to the case records the vitals (the above described values) every 5 minutes on an anesthetic record. Much like other referral centers, several of these surgeries are occurring at one time and the anesthesiologist moves throughout the various surgeries checking the recorded vitals of each patient as surgery proceeds. If a problem such as low blood pressure (hypotension) occurs during surgery the veterinary technician assigned to the case will alert the anesthesiologist to the problem so that we may intervene to correct any issues. When surgery is finished the inhalant anesthetic is stopped and the patient is allowed to recover with oxygen through the breathing tube for several minutes until they are awake. When the patient is awake, the breathing tube is removed and the patient is moved to a recovery ward for postoperative monitoring and pain management.
Skype sessions available
Thank you for taking an interest in veterinary anesthesiology. Should your pet ever need surgery at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center I will be happy to speak with you about his/her anesthesia. I am here to keep your pet safe and comfortable. PC
Happy Holidays from
Happy Holidays from PetConnections!
PetConnections Call: 614-937-8309 www.lifevantage.com/peggymills#canine
Pet Friendly www.pghpetconnections.com
15
Kitty Korner Cat Grooming
MYTHS
Dirty cat fur.
I
’m always met with raised eyebrows when I explain what I do for a living. It seems there are many “myths” being perpetuated about cat grooming that aren’t entirely true. I’d like to help dispel some of these myths for you. * CATS GROOM THEMSELVES - Cats lick themselves. If you licked yourself all over, would you consider yourself clean? When cats “groom” themselves, they are performing multiple functions: removing dead hair, dandruff, sebum (naturally occurring oils produced by sebaceous glands in a cats skin), and sometimes even feces. And we wonder why they throw up hairballs? *CATS HATE WATER - I’ve heard countless stories of owners being scratched and bitten while trying to put their feisty felines in the tub. I’ve even seen videos of it on Youtube. Most of them make me cringe. If introduced properly, either at an early age or in the right environment with the right techniques, most cats can adjust very well. I have groomed well over 400 cats in the last 3 years, and only one or two didn’t handle it well. Many of my clients’ phone calls start out with “my cat has never been bathed before,” to which I reply, “There is a first time for everything.” In my experience, I find that if the cat isn’t going to like part of the process, it’s going to be the drying. There are 2 options when it comes to drying a cat: cage drying or using a high velocity dryer. Think of this as a small leaf blower that uses pinpoint air pressure to force the dead hair from a cat’s skin. While this is the best option, it can be a little bit frightening because of the noise it can make. If this happens, I recommend a combination of the 2 types of drying techniques. Unless the cat is a single-coated, Oriental-type breed, it must be dried properly and fully. The dead cat fur can actually form a type of tight bond when mixed with water—resulting in matting—if the cat has an excessive amount of dead hair, dandruff, or sebum. Matting is not only unsightly; it can also be quite painful. The hair is tightly bonded and 16 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | Holiday Edition 2015
Clean cat fur.
Wet cat.
Sometimes, this is just a small area; sometimes it’s the entire cat. Many think that the cat will be embarrassed by shaving, but I can’t tell you how many of my clients have called back to say “my cat has been acting 10 years younger since its haircut.” *ALL CATS NEED TO BE SEDATED FOR GROOMING –Every time an animal goes under sedation, there is a risk. In the right environment and in the hands of an experienced groomer, most cats can be groomed quite easily. Although some cats, and even some dogs, may have severe episodes of aggression or anxiety that require sedation for grooming, this should be reserved for only the most severe cases and should only be administered under veterinary guidance. There are all sorts of reasons for cats to be professionally groomed. For cat lovers who also crave a meticulous house, grooming reduces shedding, dandruff, and hairballs. For older cats suffering from inflammation of the gums or arthritis, grooming substitutes for elderly cats’ decreasing ability to care for themselves. Obese cats may not be able to reach certain areas of their bodies to lick them. Some cats are just poor groomers and will not allow their owners to groom them. In my experience, a clean cat is a happy cat. Sometimes, cats just need a little help. Unless you have an extensive knowledge of cats, a multitude of costly cat grooming tools including specialized dryers, and a pair of chainmail gloves, you and your cat will both benefit from the services of a professional groomer.
slowly pulls live hairs out of the skin along with dead hairs. If the area of matting is too large or tight, trying to de-matt the cat can also pull live hairs out by the roots, thus inhibiting hair re-growth. If a cat is matted, the most humane treatment is to shave the matted area and just to start fresh.
So, how do you find a cat groomer? The internet is a great place to start. Then, call and ask the groomer questions about their services and facilities. Some grooming shops will not groom cats. Others will groom cats right alongside dogs. Some grooming shops have “cat only” hours or days, while a few exclusively groom cats. You need to decide what environment would be the most comfortable for your cat and what services will benefit you and your cat the most. By Justine Cosley, Cat Around Town Grooming (412) 461-3700 • cataroundtown.com PC
Wellness For Guardians
Compassion or Commiseration? When a friend is feeling down, do you offer compassion or commiseration? While textbook definitions of these two words don’t shed much light on their true impact in our lives, here is one way we can look at what happens when each is practiced. In commiseration, we express or feel sympathy or pity for another person, and in some way join them in the place where they are living. We begin to agree with them, to help them feel justified in their mood, and then usually make a futile attempt to ‘cheer them up’. The familiar comfort of commiseration is pulling. After all, when we get people to listen to and agree with us, we receive some of their energy, which feels especially good when we are down. In actuality, this
temporary boost in energy is not helpful to anyone. When we allow ourselves to be drawn into someone’s suffering, we unwittingly amplify it and bring ourselves down in the process. Commiserating with a friend and marinating in their low mood, we soon find ourselves feeling just as bad as they do, and two depressed people is seldom better than one. In her recent Tedx talk, social psychologist Alison Ledgerwood, PhD, shares research that shows the human mind is specifically programmed to dwell on and remember negative things more than positive as a survival mechanism. However, while commiseration may feel natural and even instinctual, compassion creates more favorable results. In practicing compassion, we express or feel heartfelt understanding and empathy for another without losing our centeredness within ourselves. We are not drawn
into resonating with and amplifying the bad, but rather stand strong in ourselves and observe without judgment to glean an understanding. When we can be truly present and hear someone without being pulled into their misery, we become a lighthouse that can guide them back into balance. Remember that lighthouses don’t go out in the ocean to find distressed boats and complain together about how bad the storm is, or how awfully unfair it is that they are being tossed around so much. They simply stand and shine. Carisa Holmes is a published author, singer/songwriter, artist and content creator at the All Life Center for Integrative Well Being in Delaware, Ohio Carisa Holmes, HHA All Life Center Content Manager Creative Power Coach Author & Artist www.CarisaHolmes.com PC
Judith Levy M.ED.,CEHP, ACC www.judithlevycoaching.com | judith@judithlevycoaching.com 412-726-2659
Skype sessions available
www.pghpetconnections.com
17
Wildlife
Tips for Feeding Backyard Birds in Winter By Linda Forte-Spearing Volunteer, Ohio Wildlife Center
No food list is complete without mentioning the importance of water. In fact, birds often suffer more from lack of water than food. When temperatures plunge below freezing, providing a consistent source of water guarantees a steady stream of backyard visitors. Heated birdbaths are reasonably priced and available at specialty bird stores.
W
inter in Central Ohio is for the birds—bird watchers, that is. With little vegetation to provide camoflauge, bird activity is more visible. And with fewer food sources available, birds will flock to reliable feeders. Not all birdseed is created equally, however. To make the most out of your feeding experience, it’s important to choose the right food. Black-oil sunflower seeds will attract just about any bird including blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, finches, nuthatches and titmice. It’s a better choice than the white or gray-striped variety, as it is higher in oil content and easier to crack. The seed inside the shell is also bigger than its counterpart. Those birds that can’t crack the shell will pick up the bits that fall to the ground. De-shelled, dry-roasted and unsalted peanuts are also a crowd favorite. Red-bellied, downy and hairy woodpeckers love this high-protein, high-energy food, as do songbirds. While high quality birdseed mixes usually do include peanut pieces, you can purchase a tube-shaped feeder specifically for this purpose. Suet is a formulation of animal fats and other ingredients. And while it can be used year round, it is a quick source of heat and energy for birds in the wintertime. Offering suet cakes in a wire cage will surely lure woodpeckers to your feeding operation. You can even make a suet holder from an onion bag. Blackbirds, doves and sparrows are a few amongst the many species attracted to
cracked corn. The advantage of “cracked” corn is its manageable size (and therefore its digestibility) versus whole kernels that are still on the cob. Mallard ducks, rabbits, squirrels and wild turkeys also love this winter treat and are a reliable clean up crew beneath the feeder. Niger seed, otherwise known as thistle, is an oily seed adored by goldfinches, house finches and the like. But buyers beware! Niger is not only expensive, but it has a tendency to get moldy in wet weather which means birds will turn up their beaks and not eat it. As mentioned previously, mixed birdseed can be a mixed bag. While it is usually the least expensive option, don’t be fooled by the price tag. Mixed seed from grocery stores, etc. is comprised mostly of filler— junk seeds the birds will toss aside while looking for all of the good stuff. Instead, look for mixed varieties comprised of black-oil sunflower, peanuts, cracked corn and suet pieces.
18 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | Holiday Edition 2015
Watching our feathered friends brave the winter elements can certainly pull at our heartstrings, but it’s important to recognize that human intervention can also make things worse. This is especially true for waterfowl. According to Angela Latham, Community Engagement Coordinator, Ohio Wildlife Center, providing inappropriate foods, such as bread, can be lethal to ducks, geese and swans. Not only does it cause digestive issues, it can lead to malnutrition and eventual wing deformities. “Regularly feeding ducks and geese things like bread, popcorn and similar foods can be especially harmful,” she explains, “as bread can expand in the bird’s throat and can cause choking, impaction and infections.” Additional problems that come from people feeding waterfowl an unsuitable diet include: dependence on people for food, bird/human conflicts, spread of wildlife disease and altering of natural migratory behavior. For additional information about Ohio Wildlife Center, including a listing of the licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area, visit www.ohiowildlifecenter.org. Please call the Center’s monitored information line at 614-793-WILD for help with common wildlife situations. PC
Equine Affairs
Winter Tips For Your Horse By Brian S. Burks, D.V.M., Certified Equine Specialist There are several factors to consider for winterizing your horses. Food, blanketing, shelter, turn out, and exercise should be evaluated to ensure that your horse can thrive during the winter, as well as the warmer months. Food is the most important factor. The process of roughage digestion creates heat. So keeping hay in front of them not only helps to prevent gastric ulceration, but generates heat to keep them warm in cold temperatures. Increasing caloric intake through roughage provides longer lasting heat from fermentation in the colon. Forage also does not increase the carbohydrate load that can lead to intestinal upsets or laminitis. Horses do handle lower temperatures better than humans since their body mass is much greater, but their skin is only 2.5 times that of ours- so they have less surface area to lose heat. Well-fed horses often have a good layer of fatthis layer is more important than their coat. Fat is three times better at insulating compared to other tissues- i.e. skin and hair. So make sure that your horse is not underweight going into winter. A few words about clipping your horse are essential. If you intend to work your horse hard, you will probably need some sort of clipmostly a trace clip, leaving hair on the limbs and neck. They will get too hot when worked. This means that your horse will need to be blanketed. Unclipped horses can tolerate temperatures down to 14F if unclipped. Blankets, however, present some problems. First, remember to take the blanket off to check for any problems underneath, such as sores and mud. Second, be sure that the straps are used properly to help mitigate any danger of getting a limb stuck on the wrong side of the strap.
Horses raise their winter coat to stay warm, and blankets limit this response. So does being wet. By raising their hair, the trapped air provides extra insulation. If your horse is shivering, you can be he is pretty cold. On the contrary, if the hair coat is flat, your horse is not cold. When it is raining, snowing, and blowing, it is harder for a horse to stay warm; a blanket is advisable. Being wet and cold is obviously not a good thing. Your horse cannot take in enough roughage to generate enough heat to stay warm. You might think to feed extra grain, but remember that extra grain will predispose your horse to digestive disorders. If you are going to increase the grain ration, adding more times per day, i.e. 4 feedings instead of two, is advisable. Shelter is something everyone wants for their horses. But is shelter bad? Closing horses into a barn warms the air, but also creates humidity. Ammonia levels may increase due to urine. This can damage the fragile epithelial lining of the respiratory tract. If you can smell ammonia, the levels are too high. Getting horses out of direct drafts is helpful, but there needs to be enough air exchange- several times per hour- to keep down odors. Dry, cold, fresh air is comfortable for horses. Hay should be stored separately, if possible, to minimize exposure to dust, and also to reduce fire hazards. Air exchange also decreases the number of pathogens, molds, and endotoxins; vaccination against influenza and rhinopneumonitis and strangles are advised. This, along with a well-ventilated barn can help reduce disorders of the respiratory tract. While horses handle the out-of-doors very well, outdoor shelter should be provided as a wind break, and a way to get out of the rain and snow. The solid side of the building should be toward the prevailing wind, with walls eight feet in height. Check to make sure your buildings are in good repair for the winter with a roof in good repair and no nails sticking out anywhere. What about working your horse during the cold winter months? Due to the length of the
upper airway, from the nostrils to the lungs, air gets warmed before it reaches the lungs. This means that very cold temperatures, below zero, can be tolerated much more readily than in humans where the cold temperature will damage the lung tissue. Exercise during the winter keeps them in shape for the coming spring and summer months, and aids intestinal motility. You may want to consider using shoes with studs or borium when riding in the snow, as these will give more traction when ice is encountered. Snow pads to prevent ice-balls while turned out or being ridden can help. If you are not planning to ride, it may be best to remove the shoes to prevent ice/snow build up on the sole. Metal bits may also be cold in your horse’s mouth. When you are done riding, do not put your horse away wet. In the cold, sweat will make your horse colder; cover him up and walk until dry. Exercise also encourages water intake. Tepid water should be provided. Riding in deep snow can be exhilarating, but it is hard work for the horse and can be rough on the tendon and ligamentous structures. Protect those structures by going easy through the snow; you do not want to cause a bowed tendon. Proper warm up and cool down are essential. Walking 10-15 minutes is an effective warm up. Sweating horses, however, get their core heat pulled out due to evaporation, making them colder. Using a blanket or cooler until dry is recommended. Walking your horse until dry will allow a gradual cool down that
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In Remembrance
Sassy Butterfly Ears by Sue Rosati
puppy into the crate that was bought the night Sassy was adopted. “Wouldn’t it be neat to have a dog like Sassy?” Dave asked, smiling at the mention of her name. We did nothing but talk about that little ball of fur while driving home that night. After the holidays were over, Dave and I made it a priority to do some doggie shopping. We stopped at the Humane Society. There were so many adorable puppies. I even held a few shaggy little critters that were so affectionate. One of them actually fell asleep in my arms. We were both impressed, however, we both knew in our hearts, that there was something missing, something we saw in no other dog, except Sassy.
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e first met Sassy one Christmas Eve, when we gathered with the family to celebrate the holiday. She was owned by my brother’s sister-in-law, Mary, who had recently become widowed with two small children. Mary adopted the two month old beagle mix in an attempt to fill a void for her seven year old son and four year old daughter. My husband Dave had noticed the bouncy, little ball of fur as she climbed on the sofa, trying to get everyone’s attention. “Isn’t she adorable?” Dave remarked as he tried with no success to hold her. “Look at those ears.”
Sassy was Beagle and Papillion. We were told that Papillion was French for butterfly. Her mother was Beagle and the father a pure white Papillion named Gizmo. Dave and I saw both breeds in this friendly little canine; her color was white with some brown. Sassy was soft and cuddly, and her furry tail wagged back and forth with excitement in the event of meeting new people. However, it was the beagle’s long, brown, and floppy, yet butterfly ears that was her biggest attraction. We played with Sassy for most of the evening, until it was time for Mary to put the 20 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | Holiday Edition 2015
We tried to find out if there were any puppies left from Sassy’s litter, and to add to our disappointment, there were none. “Maybe we’re trying too hard,” Dave said to me one evening. “Maybe we should just take a break. Who knows, maybe there’s a dog out there that will come to us.” We knew that Sassy belonged to someone else, and thinking she would become ours was just wishful thinking. I hated to admit it, but I realized that Dave might be right. It was mid May that same year when we received the phone call that proved that some wishes do come true. Mary’s father had become ill, and it was difficult for her to keep up with her job, taking care of her children and a little puppy. She asked us if we would consider adopting Sassy. Two weeks later we drove to Mary’s house to pick up the new member of our family. She was a bit shy at first, but in a few days she became adjusted to her new home. We took her for walks, and soon the whole neighborhood became acquainted with Sassy. She became the social butterfly on our street.. I was off work for a few weeks and was trying to start a routine with Sassy. At 7 a.m., I would let Sassy out of her crate, feed her and walk her around the street. It was on a beau-
tiful sunny morning that I put food into her bowl and while she ate, I put on my tennis shoes and threw a light jacket in preparation for a long walk. To this day, I still wonder how this happened, but before I put the leash on Sassy, not thinking, I opened the sliding glass door to the patio, and before I could blink an eye there was Sassy making a dash to the outside. I tried to grab her by the tail, but my hands weren’t quick enough. My puppy was already out of our not fenced in yard. I chased her down our street, screaming her name. Our street is relatively quiet, the cars usually climb up our hill at a slow pace, but my concern was to stop Sassy before she left our street and ran onto the next road, a busy road with cars going anywhere between 35 and 45 mph. I tried to chase her, but the closer I was to Sassy, the closer she moved to the busy and car congested road. I stopped and there she was, playing, with a few more steps taking her to instant death. I froze at the sight of the cars racing up and down the highway. If I moved toward her, she would run away from me into the highway, but I couldn’t just stand there. I began to cry out, “Dear God, please help me. Get her away from there.” I sobbed until I noticed Sassy looking up the hill, behind me. Quickly the little white ball of fur scampered up the hill, away from the highway. I saw two teenagers walking to the bus stop and cried out to them, “please stop her.” The one teenager snapped her fingers, calling Sassy, and Sassy responded, running right to the girl. I quickly ran over, scooped my puppy into my arms, hugging her while she licked my face. Dave and I began to relax more and enjoy our beautiful pet. So many who met her would just love her butterfly ears. The people who would see us knew her name before they knew ours. We always felt that someone was watching over Sassy, and knew that there was some-
Equine Affairs continued....
thing so special about this beagle mix. In the fourteen years that she was ours, we watched our precious puppy come through some rough times. She survived a vicious attack with a pit bull. There were health issues, but as our veterinarian would put it, she beat the odds, as if she had nine lives. I was the one who worried the most about our pet, but Dave would always assure me that she would be fine. “When Sassy stops eating, then we worry.” he would say, referring to the way our beloved pet could eat from her bowl at least twelve hours a day. Even as a senior dog, Sassy could inhale anything we gave her. It was a sunny April day, that my fears became a reality. I took Sassy for our mid afternoon walk to the park. She loved the park; she loved the people, especially the people who gave her treats and hugs. This particular walk wasn’t much different from any of the other walks, except that she began to take deeper breaths than usual. “It’s unseasonably hot for this time of the year,” Dave tried relieve my mind once again. “She’ll drink some water and she’ll be fine.”
at her face that horrible feeling grew worse. She sat down with me and sadly told me the news that I had feared for some time. The next day we had to put our Sassy to sleep. They had wrapped her in a pink blanket. Tearfully, Dave and I stroked her head and said goodbye to our precious little friend. She was at peace and with her butterfly ears pulled back, we saw a smile on her face, as if she was telling us she was o.k. We were saddened by losing our pride and joy, yet we knew that fourteen years with Sassy gave us more joy than we ever imagined. We will adopt another pet again; we have a lot of love to give another dog, but we will never forget the beauty, the love, and the laughs we had with that sweet little dog with the butterfly ears. PC
Remember to monitor water consumption. Lack of access to water, through frozen buckets is the number one cause of colic in the winter. Some horses will not drink ice-cold water, so you may need to offer lukewarm water. Putting hot water into buckets seems to make the water freeze faster, so this is probably not a good idea. Lack of water consumption can lead to impaction colic. Heated buckets and tubs can present a fire risk, and are probably best confined to outside use. Be sure that any water heating system is grounded; use of a ground fault interrupter is essential. Horses can detect low voltages and may refuse to drink. Loose wires should be covered with PVC pipe, or kept out of the stall to prevent your horse from chewing them. Additionally, good dental care ensures that your horse can maximize nutrition gained from the hay and grain. Teeth should be checked at least annually; more if your horse is older or has dental issues. Deworming is also important. Cyathostomes (small strongyles) imbed themselves in the intestinal wall during very cold or very hot weather. Massive entrance or exit of these worms can cause severe colitis, or intestinal inflammation, and diarrhea. Consult with your veterinarian regarding a proper deworming program. In general, horses do well when they can move about and have lots of fresh air. Moving keeps muscles limber and helps to keep the digestive tract moving. It also promotes respiratory health. Taking a few simple precautions can help your horse healthy during the cold winter months.
I wanted to believe that. I kept thinking and hoping he was right. After all, Sassy still continued to eat whatever we put in her bowl. The worrying came back to me a few days later when after taking her for a walk, I noticed she hardly touched her food. There was a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. Our veterinarian had ordered some tests and blood work, and after taking one look
prevents skin and muscle cramping. Once your horse is dry, the blanket can be removed, unless the horse has been clipped.
Distinctive, Rare, Extraordinary Priceless one-of-a-kind work of art Crafted by degreed glass artists in the USA Engrave as desired A small amount of your pet’s cremated remains are included in each memorial 1.888.930.7363
Dr. Brian Burks is the owner of Fox Run Equine Center, a 24-hour medical-surgical center near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Center has been in western PA since 1984, and remains the premier equine hospital serving the tri-state area. Dr. Burks was an intern and then a resident in equine internal medicine. He is a Board Certified Equine Specialist, by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. For additional information, please visit www.foxrunequine.com or find us on facebook. PC
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Dr. Doug
The Holistic Vet Dr. Doug Knueven
practices an integrative approach to pet care. He is well versed in conventional veterinary medicine and has been licensed since 1987. He is also certified in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and chiropractic. He is a member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and has advanced training in natural nutrition, massage therapy, homeopathy and a host of other alternative therapies.
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