PetConnections July 2014 Digital Edition

Pittsburgh

Free!

PetConnections Magazine Mending Broken Hearts

July 2014 • Vol. 2, Issue 9

Page 14

Chewing the Reins page 32

WAHS Colony Cat Project Page 10

20 13 July 2014 • Vol. 2, Issue 9

ate of E xc tific r e

ence ell

C

Dr. Katti Stoller and Sam Stoller of BelaCoop Animal Hospital Page 22

Washington Area Humane Society Celebrating our Senior Animals!

Say hi to Kira. She was surrendered because her owners felt she was too old. Kira is a 10 year old lab mix who loves people and seems to get along well with the other dogs here at the shelter. We are not sure how she feels about cats however.

Hi, my name is Smudge. I can be a little shy at first, but I love to be petted and spending quiet time with you. I get along with other quiet kitties. Please come and get to know me!

From decks, fencing to bathroom remodeling, J&D has done it all!

Say hi to Macy. She is a very sweet and lovable chow mix looking for a forever home. Macy is around 6 years old and loves people. She gets along well with other dogs, kids, and cats. Stop out today and take her for a walk.

All animals have been spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.

The Washington Area Humane Society (WAHS) is a 501(c) (3) no-kill shelter funded solely by private contributions.

Our shelter takes in thousands of animals & investigates an average of 1000 abuse complaints each year.

1527 Rte 136, Eighty Four, PA 15330 (724) 222-7387, WashingtonPAShelter.org

WAHS ad generously sponsored by J&D Home Improvements From decks and fencing to bathroom remodeling, J&D has done it all!

Offer expires 8/31/14

J & D Home Improvements www.jdwaterproofing.com

MANNING CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER Dr Astrid Manning, DC, CVCP

412•341•2505 www.drastridmanning.com

Boarding • Grooming Day care • “Healing Touch” Therapy 1191 Pittsburgh Road Valencia, PA 16059 www.PawPrintsPetRetreat.com 724-903-0063

YOUR PET'S OTHER DOCTOR

Treating diseases such as: • Hip dysplasia-like symptoms • Urinary and digestive disorders • Wobblers and lameness disease • Endocrine disease 250 Mt Lebanon Blvd Suite 307 • Pittsburgh PA 15234

In This Issue: The Human-Animal Bond.............................8 Heart to Heart Communication with Pets

Featured Business....................................22-23

Event Calendar..............................................9

Holistic Care...........................................24-25

BelaCoop Animal Hospital of North Park

Upcoming Pet Events

Six Myths About Conventional Pet Food

Community Feature.....................................10 Featured Rescue.......................................26-27 Washington Area Humane Society Introduces Their New Colony Cat FosterCat, Inc: Savings Lives, One Cat at a Time

Project

Korner.................................................28 Animal Health & Wellness......................14-15 Kitty Cat Rescue Resource Guide Mending Broken Hearts: Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in Dogs

Animal Behavior......................................16-17 Grouchy Dogs

The Aquatic Hobbies....................................20

Equine Affairs..........................................32-33 Chewing the Reins Out of the Rider’s Hands to Develop a Soft Mouth in Your Horse

In Remembrance..........................................36 In Memory of Tessa

Our First Aquarium

Advertiser Locator Map...........................18-19

2

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

July 2014

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to our July Volume 2 Issue 9! July’s PetConnections featured business is BelaCoop Animal It is a month of festivities with the 4th of July holiday and vacation season in full swing! We had another great month of fabulous pet events! Some of the events included the 11th Annual Pet Adoption & Care Fair, Panera Pup Walk, Steel City Pet Expo and the Lucky’s Southside Dog Festival.

Hospital of North Park. Dr. Katti Stoller and her exceptional staff provide a very high level of care and service to their patients and clients.

Our featured rescue is FosterCat, Inc. and our community feature is the Washington Area Humane Society’s new Colony Cat Project.

Also, additional great articles such as “Pet Food Myths” by Dr. Doug, “Mending Broken Hearts” by Dr. Erin Anderson, VMD, MSc, DACVIM (cardiology) of Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, “Our First Aquarium” by Burton Patrick, “Chewing the Reins”

by Kristin Hermann, “Heart to Heart Communication with Pets” by Susan Wagner, and more!

This Issue:

Our print directories continue to be a big hit! We are expanding the PetConnections Directory every month!

We welcome new advertisers this issue:

Please also see our more extensive online directories on the home page of www.pghpetconnections.com.

Burton’s Total Pet Stores, Manning Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Mt. Lebanon!

Thank you for picking up PPC Magazine. Take care of yourself, as well as your animals, and be well!

Please support all our advertisers who help make PetConnections the community magazine it is and let them know you saw them in!

Visit the Map Spread and Advertiser Locator map on pages 18-19 to see all.

Warmly, Carla Mader CEO & Publisher Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC.

Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine Disclaimer: ”The views expressed in PPC Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policies of Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine. All viewpoints are welcome...”

(Photo courtesy of Burton Patrick) 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

Pittsburgh PetConnections Monthly

www.pghpetconnections.com

Published By: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC.

Subscribe, Submit, Upload!

Submit your business or rescue organization’s info for a FREE listing on our directory.

Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. was formed in 2012.

Our mission is to publish a high quality, informative and Human-Animal Bond focused publication.

We support local businesses and also assist local non-profit businesses for pets and people, to give back to our great Pittsburgh communities.

No website for your small home-based pet or wellness business?

Add a Featured Listing on the PPC online Directory for a small yearly fee and upload photos and detailed info about your business!

Magazine Publication Staff Managing Editor.........................................................Carla Mader Chief Editor...........................................Bernadette E. Kazmarski Sales....................................................................................Joe Hirsch Distribution...............................................................Martin Mader Graphic Designer.......................................Flatboy Productions Photographer......................................Kara Jones Photography Contributing Writers: Our contributing writers have many years of combined experience and expertise in the fields of veterinary medicine and the Human-Animal Bond.

ADVERTISING: joe@pghpetconnections.com 412-583-1295 Contact: info@pghpetconnections.com 724-503-8695 All Rights Reserved Copyright 2014 July 2014

Become a Media Partner with PPC Magazine!

A Media Partnership with PPC includes: • Ad in print or online (free design) • A Free Featured directory page on our website with your business info, photos and link to your website • Your logo in our monthly newsletter • PPC promotes your business at our events

www.pghpetconnections.com

3

PETCONNECTIONS RESOURCE DIRECTORIES Animal Educational Exhibits North:

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium pittsburghzoo.org The National Aviary nationalaviary.org

Animal Behavior

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Judith Levy, M,Ed., CEHP, RMT 412-521-5133 | judithlevywellness.com

Animal Communication Greater Pittsburgh Area: Renee Takacs, M.A. intuitguide.com

Animal Reiki East:

Janet Jackson animalangellady.com

East End:

Judith Levy, M,Ed., CEHP, RMT 412-521-5133 | judithlevywellness.com

Animal-Related Art, Photography & Retail North:

Nicole Begley Photography nicolebegleyphotography.com Vibrant Images vibrant-images.com WearWoof Shop 412-956-1788 | wearwoof.org

South:

Kara Jones Photography kjones.smugmug.com Paws ‘n Claws Eyewear PawsnClawsEyewear.com

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Portraits of Animals portraitsofanimals.net Pet and Home Portraits petandhomeportraits.blogspot.com Jenny Karlsson Photography jennykarlssonphotography.com

Animal Rescue Organizations North:

Animal Friends 412-847-7000 | thinkingoutsidethecage.org Beaver County Humane Society 724-775-5801 Pennsylvania Great Dane Rescue 724-869-9185 Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary 412-366-1187 | hopehavenfarm.org

4

Western Pa Humane Society 412-321-4625 | wpahumane.org

South:

Animal Care & Welfare 412-244-1372 | animalcareandwelfare.org Washington Area Humane Society 724-222-7387 | washingtonpashelter.org

East:

Animal Rescue League 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org ARL Wildlife Center 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org SW PA Pugs with Special Needs 724-763-2790 | swpapug.org

West:

CARMAA 412-780-4983 | carmaa-petadoption.com

Dog Training

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Molly’s Canine Academy 724-914-3214 | mollyscanineacademy.com Success Just Clicks successjustclicks.com

North Shore:

Western PA Humane Society 412-321-4265 | wpahumane.org

Dog Training Clubs South:

Golden Triangle Obedience Training Club 412-653-6880 | gtotc.com Keystone Canine Training 412-833-2211 | keystonecanine.com Xcel Canine Training Center 412-833-2504 | xcelcaninetraining.com

Equine Boarding, Lessons & Training Facilities North:

Rockin’ Horse Stables 724-601-4706 | rockinhorsestables.com

South:

Coventry Equestrian Center 724-206-9902

Equine Holistic Care

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com

Equine Hoof Care

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

All Natural Hoof Care Nancy Frishkorn 724-255-6465 | hooflady.org

Equine Tack Stores South:

The English Horn 724-941-8088 | theenglishhorn.com Lowry’s Western Store 724-228-1225 | lowryswesternshop.com

Equine Veterinarians East:

Dr. Brian Burks, DVM Fox Run Equine Center 724-727-3481 | foxrunequine.com

Holistic Practitioners Pet Chiropractor North:

Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

South:

Dr. Astrid Manning, DC, CVCP 412-341-2505 | drastridmanning.com

East:

Dr. Dina Livolsi, Doctor of Chiropractic 412-824-6276 | drdinalivolsi.com

Greater Pittsburgh:

Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com

Holistic Veterinarians

Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

Pet Burial, Memorial & Cremation Services South:

Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation 412-220-7800 | ccpc.ws Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home 412-655-4500 | jeffersonmemorial.biz

Pet Fencing

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Contain-A-Pet of Pittsburgh 724-914-3214 DogWatch 724-586-6555 | DogWatchPGH.com J & D Home Improvements, Inc. 800-837-9379 | jdwaterproofing.com Pet Stop Pet Fencing System of Western PA petstop.com

Pet Friendly Restaurants North:

Double Wide Grille - Mars 724-553-5212

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

July 2014

South:

PETCONNECTIONS RESOURCE DIRECTORIES

Double Wide Grille - Southside 412-390-1111

Pet Grooming North:

5th Avenue Fido 724-772-5511 | 5thavenuefido.com All About Dogs 724-925-1577 | allaboutdogsgrooming.info K-9 Kingdom 724-935-3647 | k9kingdom.com Larry’s Laundromutt 412-534-4052 | larryslaundromutt.com Paw Prints Pet Retreat 724-903-0063 | pawprintspetretreat.com

South:

Brush Run Styling 724-942-6352 | brushrunpetstyling.com Canine Club 412-220-8100 | thecanineclub.com Grand Slam Grooming 412-221-5081 | grandslamgrooming.com Grooming With Care 412-977-5961 Petsburgh Dog & Cat Grooming 412-885-4027 Pets At Home 412-655-7297 The Pet Salon 412-279-5331 | petsalonusa.com Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com Creative Canine Cuts 724-223-9020

West:

Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com

Pet Grooming Schools

Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy 412-297-9383 | goldenpawspittsburghpa.com

Pet Massage

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Your Critter Sitters – Raylene Hoover 724-448-7330 | yourcrittersitters.com

Pet Ministries South:

Christ United Methodist Church 412-277-1096 | christumc.net Westminster Presbyterian Church 412-835-6630 | westminster-church.org

Pet Resorts - Boarding, Daycare, Grooming & Training North:

5th Avenue Fido 724-772-5511 | 5thavenuefido.com

July 2014

Camp Bow Wow - Ross Township campbowwowpgh.com K-9 Kingdom 724-935-3647 | k9kingdom.com Paw Prints Pet Retreat 724-903-0063 | pawprintspetretreat.com

South:

Camp Bow Wow - Castle Shannon campbowwowpgh.com Grandma’s Dog Daycare 412-586-7094 | grandmasdogdaycare.com Canine Club 412-220-8100 | thecanineclub.com

East:

Camp Bow Wow - Highland Park campbowwowpgh.com Pittsburgh Pet Concierge 412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org

West:

Camp Bow Wow - Greentree campbowwowpgh.com Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com

Pet Retail/Supply North:

Burton’s Total Pet - Allison Park 724-444-8103 | totalpetstores.com Burton’s Total Pet - Cranberry 724-776-4822 | totalpetstores.com Burton’s Total Pet - North Hills 412-367-0962 | totalpetstores.com Healthy Pet Products 412-366-0700 | healthypetproducts.net

South:

Burton’s Total Pet - Bridgeville 412-257-0756 | totalpetstores.com Healthy Pet Products 412-831-3700 | healthypetproducts.net Oddball Pets & Aquariums 412-884-2333 | oddballpets.com Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com

East:

Burton’s Total Pet - Edgewood 412-342-0110 | totalpetstores.com Burton’s Total Pet - Greensburg 724-838-8198 | totalpetstores.com Burton’s Total Pet - Irwin 724-863-7800 | totalpetstores.com Burton’s Total Pet - Monroeville 412-374-1455 | totalpetstores.com

Pet Sitters North:

Little Piggies Pet Sitting littlepiggiespetsitting.com

Your Critter Sitters– Raylene Hoover 724-448-7330 | yourcrittersitters.com

West:

Seraphina Pet Sitters 412-389-9735 | seraphinasitters.vpweb.com

Veterinary Hospice

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Nancy A. Ruffing, DVM 412-801-1071 | gentlejourneyvet.com

Veterinary Hospitals North:

Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com BelaCoop Animal Hospital 724-939-7062 | belacoopanimalhospital.com Seven Fields Veterinary Clinic 724-742-4433 | sevenfieldsvet.com VCA Northview Animal Hospital 412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com

South:

All About Pets Veterinary Hospital 724-745-5503 | aapvet.com Allegheny South Veterinary Services 412-257-0909 | alleghenysouthvetsvcs.com Hickory Veterinary Service 724-356-1000 | hickoryvetsvcs.com VCA Castle Shannon 412-885-2500

East:

Pittsburgh East Animal Hospital Monroeville - 724-325-2500 Greensburg - 724-205-6960 peah.vetsuite.com The Big Easy 412-908-9301 | tbeah.com

West:

Avalon Veterinary Hospital 412-761-9149 | avalonvh.com VCA MetVet West Animal Hospital 412-788-6400 | vcahospitals.com/met-vet-west

Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Services Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, Inc. 412-366-3400 | pvs-ec.com VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center 412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com

East

Allegheny Veterinary Emergency Trauma & Specialty 412-373-4200 | avets.us

South:

Chris’s Canine Club 724-746-3864 | chrisscanineclub.com

www.pghpetconnections.com

5

Oddball Pets and Aquariums The Best Aquarium Store in Pittsburgh

˚Freshwater ˚Saltwater ˚Reefs

˚Planted www.oddballpets.com

, ance n e t n ai ing M D esign r e f f Now O ation and ll Insta es! c Servi

412-884-2333

262 Joseph Street Pittsburgh PA 15227

FREE

Fur-All Animal Rescue League, 6620 Hamilton Avenue

Saturday, August 16th 11 am - 4 pm FREE Adoptions* FREE Micro-chipping

S E Z I PR

Dog Baths

FOOD

DOg BAthS

And Much More!

*for qualified adopters

THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

Heart to Heart Communication with Pets

by Susan Wagner

O

ne of the most controversial topics surrounding our pets is animal communication. I remember when I first heard about the concept of talking to animals.

I was a practicing neurologist, and an internist friend told me about a client whose animal communicator told her that her cat had pancreatitis. Boy, did my righteous indignation have a field day with that one!

What nonsense, I thought.

Now that I comprehend the human-animal bond as an energetic force, and that we can translate that energy into a state of knowing, or even words, I understand it. Have I seen my share of communicators who are way off base? Sure. Have I witnessed what I believe is true communication? You bet.

Later that night, when I walked into the hospital and saw the look on my vet friend’s face, I knew I was right. She opened her mouth to speak, and I filled in the words – Bruce had passed, right? What time, I asked? She said she wasn’t sure exactly – sometime after 10.

My first experience with animal communication came years before I even understood what was happening. I had a patient named Bruce, who was a fabulous cat. Bruce had undergone surgery to remove a benign tumor from his brain. As do most cats with this procedure, he did very well. Unfortunately, complications occurred a few days later, and Bruce found himself fighting for his life.

Bruce’s entire medical team was giving it their best. I stayed with him most of the night and the following day, but I had tickets to a Santana concert that night. In my house, there are three spiritual holidays: Christmas, Easter and Santana. I knew Bruce was in the best hands in ICU, and a dear internist friend of mine was working ER that night and would look after him as well. I knew Bruce would be fine while I got some needed R&R, so I went to the concert.

8

During the entire concert, I kept worrying about Bruce, but knew that I would be checking on him after the show. After all, he was in great hands. All of a sudden, however, this intense, incredible feeling of peace came over me – a feeling that Bruce was fine and happy.

At first I thought my intuition was telling me he had turned the corner for the better. Then I realized it might be something else. I looked at my watch – it was 10:15.

Now that I am an energy practitioner, and know that science has shown the energetic basis for all life, Bruce’s story doesn’t surprise me a bit. And we also know from science that matter and energy are neither created nor destroyed, they merely change forms. That means that life of all kinds is neither created nor destroyed, it always is. We and our beloved animals always are.

A dear intuitive friend of mine says that when animals pass, they go home, change clothes, and come right back. I wonder what Bruce is wearing now.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

July 2014

Have a Pet Emergency?

open SUNDAYS

Community Choice Awar d

We’re here for you!

7 DAYS A WEEK

For voting us

BEST Veterinarian Dr. Stacie Grohmann Dr. Ann Cirillo Dr. Jamie Griffin

Extended hours for emergencies at regular prices. www.sevenfieldsvet.com

Mon, Tue, Thurs 9-9 Wed 12-9 • Fri 9-6 • Sat 9-5 • Sun 1-6

203 Highpointe Drive • Seven Fields

724.742.4433

July 2014 Pittsburgh Pet Event Calendar

Sunday

6

Monday

7

Tuesday

1

Wednesday Thursday 2 3

4

5

8

9

11

12

10

Friday

Pup Crawl

Saturday

Belacoop Open House see page 22

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Yappy Hour see page

20

Mars Dog Festival

27

July 2014

21

22

23

24

25

Mutts & Mingle

26

see page 31

28

29

30

31

www.pghpetconnections.com

9

COMMUNITY FEATURE Washington Area Humane Society Introduces their Colony Cat Project

By: Faith Bjalobok Ph.D. Fellow Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics Founder Fluffyjean Fund for Felines

I

n order to address the issue of homeless cats in Washington County, the Washington Area Humane Society launched its Colony Cat Project on May 28, 2014. The first targeted trapping occurred in Canonsburg.

The project is a collaborative effort between the Fluffyjean Fund which is administering the project and the Washington Area Humane Society. It reflects the WAHS board of directors’ desire to pursue humane and just solutions to animal issues and their passionate commitment to create a better life, not only for the animals of Washington County but for those who share their lives with them.

A secondary goal of the project is to test the hypotheses that TNR works as a humane way of controlling colony cat population through controlling the birth of new kittens and that the lives of cats living in managed colonies have quality and are of value to the cats. Lastly, in the collection of demographic data concerning the colony caretakers, it is hoped that the stereotypical concept of the crazy cat lady can be dispelled with the completion and publication of the study.

The goal of the WAHS Colony Cat Project is to provide free spay/neuter, flea treatment and vaccinations to qualified caregivers.

This project is being undertaken in order to control the feline population through large scale targeted trapping and the creation of managed colonies.

WAHS, in keeping with its commitment to address animal issues in the various communities comprising the Washington County area, feels that the creation of managed feline colonies is the most humane way to address the issue of feline overpopulation.

In order to achieve that goal WAHS will identify eligible colonies, provide free trapping, and will spay/neuter, vaccinate, ear tip and return the cats to their colony caregivers.

To learn more about the WAHS Colony Cat Project contact Faith at faith.b2@verizon.net or call 724 941-3991. Donations to the project should be sent to WAHS.

WAHS believes this project not only attests to their strong commitment to the animals of Washington County but also to those individuals who tirelessly care for the homeless feline population of the county.

10

ŠPittsburgh PetConnections

July 2014

ANIMAL CARE AND WELFARE, INC. - SPCA “On behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves but depend on honorable men and women for kindness, mercy and justice”

P.O. BOX 8257 ● PITTSBURGH, PA 15218-0257 ● 412-244-1372 www.animalcareandwelfare.org

Animal Care and Welfare Inc. will hold our next Spay and Neuter Clinic S ee o July 20th, 2014 ur w Our headquarters location 2806 Banksville Ave. Pgh. PA 15216 ( Formerly Sue’s Pet Parlor)

eb sit for fu e ture dates!

Dr. Becky Morrow of Frankie's Friends On site with her mobile unit.

This will be for domestic and feral cats only.

Cost is 75.00 for spays and 60 for neuters.

Will include a Rabies vaccine, ear mite medication if needed, frontline and ear tipping on feral cats.

Appointments must be set up in advance and prepaid by calling 412-344-2294 There will be a limit per person of up to 6 cats.

Kittens must weigh 2 lbs. or more.

Please be sure to set up your appointment ASAP We will also offer Vaccines at a discounted price for dogs and cats: Leukemia vaccine 15.00 – FCVRC vaccine 15.00 DHLPP vaccine 15.00 Bordetella vaccine 15.00 Worming 12.00 FIV/FeLV testing 24.00 Nail cuts10.00 Micro-Chip 30.00

A public service to people and pets without cost to taxpayers, operated by volunteers.

Chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania  A Non-Profit Society (SPCA) The official registration and financial information of Animal Care & Welfare, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Dept. of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

“Where Every Dog Feels at Home”

Dog Boarding – Day Care – Training – Grooming

Cranberry’s Most Luxurious Upscale Pet Resort!

Why Stay Here?

•Lots of hugs and cuddles • Large warm bedroom like cottages • Play all day in the indoor playground • Look your best with a bath or groom

Schedule an underground dog fence installation with us before August 31, 2014 and we will give you $100 off!

Make your Holiday vacation reservations early!!

724-772-5511

www.5thavenuefido.com | fido@5thavenuefido.com 20634 Rte 19 in Cranberry Township

The Rogan Rexford Animal Blood Bank

“Pets Giving Pets the Gift of Life”

Please volunteer your dog to be a “Blood Donor Hero” Dog Donor Eligibility • Between 1 and 7 years of age • Weight: 50 lbs. or more • Healthy with a gentle temperament • Current with vaccinations • Never had a blood transfusion

• Tested negative for blood-borne diseases (free testing by blood bank) • Must be on heartworm, flea and tick preventative • Not pregnant or currently nursing

Read more about The Rogan Rexford Blood Bank at: www.animalcarefund.org For questions, or to make an appointment call: 412-348-2588 or e-mail: AnimalBloodBank@pvs-ec.com July 2014

www.pghpetconnections.com

13

ANIMAL HEALTH&WELLNESS V

eterinarians auscult (listen to) dogs’ hearts with a stethoscope to determine the heart rate and rhythm and whether or not a heart murmur is present.

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound created by turbulent bloodflow and most commonly (though not always) indicates an underlying heart defect or disease.

When heart murmurs are identified in puppies, we become concerned about the possibility of a congenital heart defect. As in human infants, abnormal development of a puppy’s heart in utero can have substantial effects on their circulation and overall health after birth.

Mending Broken Hearts: Treatment of “Patent Ductus Arteriosus” (PDA) in Dogs

By Erin Anderson, VMD, MSc, DACVIM (cardiology)

remains open (patent) after birth. Although PDA can occur in any dog and even in some cats, it is most commonly reported in Poodles, Shetland Sheepdogs, English Springer Spaniels, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers.

A PDA allows blood to shunt abnormally from the aorta into the pulmonary artery. In order to maintain normal blood volume for the remaining circulation, the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of the heart) is forced to grow larger and accommodate more blood flow. When the left ventricle grows larger and pressures within the left side heart chambers rise, substantial risk exists for the development of left-sided congestive heart failure (fluid accumulation within the lungs causing respiratory distress). Other symptoms include coughing, exercise intolerance, and fainting.

Approximately 60% of puppies affected with PDA will develop congestive heart failure before their first birthday. While medications can abate symptoms, survival time after the onset of congestive heart failure is measured in months. For obvious reasons, PDA can be a devastating disease.

Luckily, this is also a condition that can be fairly easily One common congenital heart defect encountered in identified and even corrected. A left-to-right shunting dogs is patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Before birth, the PDA creates a characteristic heart murmur that can be ductus arteriosus exists as a vessel that shunts blood ausculted by a veterinarian at routine puppy visits, even between the pulmonary artery and the aorta (the major in animals who show no symptoms of heart disease. blood vessels leaving the heart). This is necessary to The diagnosis is definitively confirmed using divert blood in the pulmonary artery away from the echocardiography performed by a veterinary lungs, which are not yet inflated and therefore are not cardiologist. This allows us to visualize and measure used to supply the blood with oxygen (the mother’s the PDA and to determine the overall effect on heart blood does that). At the time of birth or very shortly structure and function. If medications are necessary to thereafter, the lungs inflate with air, and the resistance control symptoms of coughing, labored breathing, or in the nearby blood vessels drops. This exercise intolerance, they may be prescribed. effectively closes the ductus arteriosus so that bloodflow can proceed from the Definitive correction requires closing the PDA. pulmonary artery into the lungs where Historically, this has been accomplished by it receives oxygen. Oxygenated blood surgically opening the chest and carefully then travels through the left side of the dissecting then ligating (tying off ) the PDA. A heart and out the aorta to the rest of newer and less invasive method for correcting the body. Normal people, dogs, cats, PDA is via cardiac catheterization and and other animals have no vascular deployment of a small catheter-loaded device to communication between the “plug” the vessel “from the inside.” Rather than pulmonary artery and the aorta once opening the chest, the catheter-based approach the ductus arteriosus closes. is limited to a small skin incision in the groin.

Molly, a beautiful Shetland From here, a catheter in the femoral artery is used Sheepdog who underwent PDA In some dogs, the ductus arteriosus to access the PDA under flouoroscopic (real-time occlusion at 5 months of age. She is currently 2½ years x-ray) guidance (see Images A and B). Both lacks the necessary smooth muscle old and is doing great. to contract and close and, instead, it open-chest and catheter-based approaches have

14

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

July 2014

been shown to be effective for PDA occlusion, and both carry a respectably low risk of complications.

Which procedure is pursued is Image A (PDA pre): In this fluoroscopic image, contrast determined by the size (dark enhancement agent) and morphology of the was injected into the aorta. The PDA, the overall size of dark contrast is seen crossing through the PDA the patient, availability (yellow arrow) and into the of specialized pulmonary artery (PA). personnel and equipment, and cost.

Closing the PDA can drastically decrease or even eliminate a patient’s risk of congestive heart failure.

Many dogs with corrected PDAs will live entirely normal life spans without symptoms.

An uncommon variant of PDA that precludes treatment by one of the previously mentioned procedures is a Image B (PDA post): You can still see contrast in the aorta, but now reverse PDA. In these an Amplatz Canine Ductal cases, unoxygenated Occluder® (yellow arrow) sits firmly within place in the PDA. blood flows from the pulmonary artery This prevents blood from shunting into the pulmonary directly into the aorta artery, which is no longer and out into illuminated by contrast. circulation. As a response to low blood oxygen, the body produces excessive red blood cells.

This can create symptoms of lethargy, exercise intolerance, and sudden death.

Notably, reverse PDAs produce no audible heart murmur and can escape detection unless abnormal symptoms are observed or bloodwork reveals an elevated red blood cell count. PDA closure in this circumstance results in an acute and dramatic increase in pressure that overwhelms the right ventricle. As a result, the heart quickly fails to pump blood to the lungs, and patients are at risk for acute decompensation and death. To avoid this, reverse PDAs are not closed and are instead managed with medications to suppress excessive red blood cell July 2014

production and/or blood draws to relieve excessive blood.

PDAs represent one of the three most common congenital heart defects of dogs. Unlike other conditions, early treatment presents an opportunity to reverse the course of an otherwise life-threatening condition. It is vitally important, then, that we identify these affected puppies through careful auscultation. If you’re planning on buying a puppy from a breeder or rescuing one from a shelter or other organization, it is worthwhile to ask if the puppy has been examined— and ausculted—by a veterinarian.

Erin Anderson, VMD, MSc, DACVIM 807 Camp Horne Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 366-3400

(Photos courtesy of Erin Anderson)

Offering: • in store & mobile grooming • full & self service washing • healthy pet foods and supplies

www.pghpetconnections.com

Larry’s Laundromutt 201 Ohio River Blvd.

Sewickley, PA 15143 412-534-4052 www.larryslaundromutt.com

15

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR W

ho would have thought it could happen? Didn’t you read the books about the breed of dog you adopted and how gentle they are? Why then did your dog just growl or snap at you? What does this mean?

Does it mean that you have adopted Cujo and must return the dog, or worse? Does it mean you have a dominant dog on your hands that you must force to be submissive?

long forced down stays. Unfortunately, even though a wealth of information exists currently about the danger of these training techniques, many trainers continue to use them, including popular celebrity dog trainers who make it look effective by highly choreographed video editing. Trainers also are more willing these days to recommend even harsher methods for dealing with aggression such as shock collars. My advice is to stay

GROUCHY DOGS

The bad news is that growling and snapping are aggression. But, believe it or not, aggressive behavior is normal for dogs. Dogs can’t talk to us.

They can’t say “will you please not do X to me.” They Dogs who growl or snap can’t ask us to back off. They can’t ask a small child to quit pulling their ears or quit crawling on them.

What to do; what not to do A growl is a normal method of communicating to a

By: Lilian Akin, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA dog. But the problem is that it is generally unacceptable to humans. away from such trainers and advice you might see on From a dog’s perspective, there is always a reason for television. aggressive behavior. All aggression is provoked, from a dog’s perspective, unless there is truly something Any trainer/behaviorist who truly understands dog psychologically or neurologically wrong with the dog, behavior and the psychological process behind but that is rare. modifying behavior knows that punishment does not help aggression. In fact, punishment often makes Humans and dogs have different communication the problem worse. If the aggression is motivated by systems. Dogs are uncomfortable with direct fear, punishment will make your dog more fearful, and approaches, with hugs, with direct eye contact, etc. All therefore more aggressive. Attempting to punish or of these behaviors are behaviors humans value, though. dominate a pushy controlling dog (who we used to Thus, misunderstandings can and often do refer to as dominant aggressive) is likely to escalate his occur between the two species. A person may intend behavior. In both cases punishing aggressive behavior to be friendly, but a dog may perceive that person’s is likely to result in a bite or severe attack. Punishing behavior as threatening or intimidating. If you are territorial, possessive, or protective aggression is likely interested in learning more about this – I highly to elicit additional defensive aggression. recommend Patricia McConnell’s books, The Other End of the Leash or For the Love of a Dog. My own sweet collie-shepherd mix growled at me when I was wiping salt from his paws after he started There is no way around it: aggression is bad. limping. Thankfully, I was walking him with a trainer Aggression by dogs towards people is not acceptable in friend who said “don’t lean over him next time.” I had our society, and it can lead to bad outcomes for the dog been leaning over him trying to comfort him and get or the person who got bitten. The good news is that if that awful salt off of his feet. My first reaction was your dog has growled or snapped, it probably means “duh.” I had just ignored the growl because I knew he that he/she has not yet bitten. The other good news is wouldn’t bite me, but I hadn’t backed off. What he was that a growl/snap is a warning and your dog is warning telling me was that he wasn’t comfortable with what I you rather than hurting you. We do want dogs who was doing. So, from then on, I was aware of my body warn, right? posture when cleaning his feet and have had no further problems. Had I not respected his growl, he would In years past, dog trainers would look at growling and have learned that I don’t listen to him. And, if I had snapping as dominant behaviors. Many people were continued to act in a manner that made him instructed by dog trainers to respond to dominant uncomfortable, he could have escalated his growl behaviors by alpha rolls, stare-downs, scruff shakes, and towards me in the future. I did not punish him for

16

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

July 2014

growling at me because I respected the fact that I did something that made him uncomfortable. What he did in growling at me was not bad. He was trying to communicate with me the only way he knew how.

Punishment on the outside might look like it works against aggression. You might be able to intimidate your dog into not growling at you again. I probably could have let JJ have it and he might have never growled at me again. But, would that have solved the underlying problem: my behavior towards him made him uncomfortable? No, it would not have. Could I have caused JJ to escalate to a bite against me?

Possibly.

If you don’t address the underlying issue, be that fear or control or possessiveness, etc., you are not making your dog feel any differently about the incident that caused the growl in the first place.

The danger is that if you don’t make your dog feel any differently about the incident, you might be able to successfully suppress a growl, but your dog is still feeling the same way, and the punishment might intensify its feelings. Thus, the next time a similar incident happens, the dog still feels threatened and is more likely to bite. The dog has learned that its warnings don’t work: people don’t respect its warnings to stop, so the next step is a bite.

Also, punishment is often associated with whatever is causing the dog to be uncomfortable. So, if you punish your dog for growling at a crawling toddler, the message the dog was trying to tell the toddler was “leave me alone” and the message the dog might get from the punishment is “bad things happen to me when that child crawls towards me.” Thus, the punishment could cause an escalation of aggression towards the child.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

myself, “…and then get into your car and drive yourself to the Emergency Room.” That was the worst advise that could have been given to the caller.

The moral of this story is that we want our dogs to growl at us. We want them to warn. We want them to feel comfortable enough that they can warn us and that we will respect their feelings. If they growl and we respect the growl, they are less likely to resort to further aggression in the future. By ignoring the growl, though, I am not advising you to be permissive with your dog or to totally ignore the circumstances that caused the growl. If your dog is growling, there is something bothering him/ her and you must address what is bothering him/her.

I would highly recommend you consulting with a behaviorist/trainer who understands aggression and will not use punishment to address the issue.

I completely understand that what I have just written might be hard for many of you to understand. We live in a society that is punishment based, so that is what is being reinforced in us. But, I would highly urge you not to react to your dog when it growls, rather become that thinking person you were so created to be. Think about why your dog growled and what you can do to fix the problem proactively rather than punitively. Your dog will thank you. You will ultimately reap the reward of having a great relationship with your dog.

For more help, contact: Lilian Akin, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA Akin Family Dog Training (412) 732-8091

I was sitting in my vet’s office once waiting for an appointment and listened to a vet tech respond to a caller’s question about what to do because her newly adopted Dalmatian just growled at her. The vet tech said “you get into that dog’s face and tell it under no uncertain terms that was not appropriate!” I thought to July 2014

www.pghpetconnections.com

17

10 18

14

Advertiser Locator

13

1 Healthy Pet Products (see ad pg 29) 2 Woody’s Do-It-Yourself Dogwash (see pg 27) 3 Animal Rescue League (see ads pg 7, 30)

17

4 Oddball Pets & Aquariums (see ad pg 6) 5 Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation (see ad pg 36) 6 Beaver Animal Clinic (see ad inside back cover) 7 The Pet Salon (see ad pg 19) 8 Western PA Humane Society (see ad pg 35) 9 P ittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center (see ad back cover) 10 Rockin’ Horse Stables (see ad pg 34) 11 The English Horn Ltd (see ad pg 34) 12 Jefferson Memorial (see ad pg 36) 13 VCA Castle Shannon (see ad pg 21) 14 VCA Northview (see ad pg 21) 15 Seraphina Sitters (see ad pg 19) 16 Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital (see ad pg 9) 17 Grand Slam Grooming (see ad pg 19)

Advertisers All Natural Hoof Care (see ad pg 34) Animal Care & Welfare (see ads pg 12, 21) BelaCoop (see ad pg 23) Burton’s Total Pet (see ads inside cover, pg 19) The Canine Club (see pg 31) Chris’s Canine Club (see pg 19) Coventry Equestrian Center (see ad pg 33) 5th Avenue Fido 1 (see ad pg 13) Dog Watch (see ad pg 13) Gentle Journey (see ad pg 36) Holistic Care for Animals (see ad pg 25) Jenny Karlsson Photography (see ad pg 19)

18 Paw Prints Pet Retreat (see ad pg 2)

18

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

Judith Levy (see ad pg 25) J & D Home Improvements (see ad pg 1) Kara Jones Photography (see ad pg 34) Larry’s Laundromutt 24 (see ad pg 15) 14 Manning Chiropractic (see pg 2) Paws Here Awhile (see ad pg 21) 26 Pets at Home (see ad pg 19) Portraits of Animals (see ad pg 33) The Rogan Rexford Blood Bank (see ad pg 13) Seraphina Sitters (see pg 19) Success just Clicks (see pg 19) Vibrant Images (see pg 23) Washington Area Humane Society (see pg 1)

July 2014

Get 10% off by Texting MYPET To 63566

Grand Slam Grooming Grooming Service & Dog Training available at:

PROFESSIONAL PET SITTING IN OUR HOME

168 Vanadium Rd. #A Bridgeville, PA 15017 (412) 221-5081 www.grandslamgrooming.com

Please call for an appointment July 2014

Looking for an alternative to a kennel setting for your dog while you are away?

SERAPHINA SITTERS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEAR THE AIRPORT PROVIDING PEACE OF MIND - CERTIFIED IN PET CPR AND FIRST AID

DeAnne D. Orive

I.P.G. International Certified Master Groomer Certified Obedience Trainer

www.pghpetconnections.com

412-389-9735 MARCY & TOM, OWNERS

SERAPHINASITTERS.VPWEB.COM

19

THE AQUATIC HOBBIES Our First Aquarium quatics is one of the most instructional and educational hobbies on the planet. It teaches us about environmental issues through a basic understanding of water chemistry. There are thousands of animals that we can keep successfully in an aquarium and they all have different behaviors to observe and understand. We learn about disease and control environmental issues that affect all cold blooded animals. We learn about trophic levels that separate the predator and the prey.

watched the male build a bubble nest to ready the environment for hatching eggs and then accept the female into his 5 gallon tank (his whole world). I saw them embrace and lay eggs. What a treat it was to witness this happen right before my eyes. The male picked the eggs off the bottom and returned them into his nest. When they hatched I could just barely see the little tails sticking out of the nest. I even grew infusoria (food to feed the babies) from pond water I’d collected and put in my back yard in a plastic drum. I learned how to grow organisms for them to eat. I set up another container outside to grow mosquito larvae to feed the adults and baby Bettas as they grew. I sold the young to a local fish store owner for 10 cents. He helped both of my parents keep me on the right path to be successful.

As time went on I found other older aquarists that helped me expand my knowledge. Knowledge carries forward like that. Some knowledge begets the thirst for more knowledge. The process is contagious.

To begin the process, a parent should engage their child with an aquarium project. It can’t be about the child wanting to get a fish on a whim. The parental response all too often, “Only if you take care of it.”

Teaching responsibility is great, but we need to work with our children directly so that they can learn. We certainly can’t leave the entire job to our schools. All it takes is five to ten minutes per day.

The local aquarium shop was the meeting place for hobbyists both old and young. It was a neighborhood store. The older aquarists would talk shop and give me tips and some of their old equipment as well. That could never happen in a national pet store that only cares about selling stuff. A local pet store with experienced people can be a huge resource of knowledge.

As parents we have to be involved. We must set an example to show care and responsibility toward animals. Too often we shove our children in front of a TV. We need to offer them sensitivities toward this planet’s creatures and to learn from these animals by having them as guests in our homes. It doesn’t have to be a big project. A little time is all that is necessary to understand what is going on in that little microcosm called an aquarium.

What do we need to take care of a Betta properly?

By: Burton Patrick, Total Pet Stores

A

The first aquarium needs to be a simple project. Don’t buy kits – they’re a waste of money and rarely provide even the bare minimum amount of equipment to properly care for a fish. Talk to your experienced, professional pet store merchants about what makes up a first aquarium. As an example, a Betta is a great first fish, but retail stores have turned that poor fish into a disposable pet because they just want to sell stuff.

These big box stores will tell you it’s okay to shove the poor fish in a little bowl and call it a day. There is a right way and a wrong way to care for a Betta. It was my first fish in 1953 when I started this hobby and to this day I still relish the success I had with that first pair of Bettas. I

20

1. A 2 ½ gallon aquarium 2. A 10 watt heater. They are a tropical fish.

3. Small Sponge Filter 4. Optional: a small light attached to a timer.

Putting a Betta in a small bowl with no water turnover is not very hospitable. In summary: To start an aquarium, be patient and only get one fish. Feed the fish sparingly to allow the bacteria to colonize the aquarium and process the waste products so they do not become toxic to the fish (ammonia). Change water and keep track of the chemistry. That is easy with the test strips available today.

If you have questions call me at my office (412) 3670962 or talk to one of our people with aquarium experience. You can also ask for information by emailing us at info@totalpetstores.com.

I hope this little article gives people an idea about beginning aquatics.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

July 2014

Do you have difficulty getting your pets to the veterinarian?

Does your pet get car sick?

24 HOUR EMERGENCY CARE ■ ■ ■ ■

Complete Wellness Care Advanced Medical Care Dentistry & Surgery Experienced & Caring Staff

24/7

HOUSE CALLS EVERY WEDNESDAY We bring our services to you!

Examinations Vaccinations Other minor health issues Nails, ears, & anal glands Blood draws Humane, compassionate at home euthanasia.

REGULAR HOURS: Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sat: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EMERGENCY HOURS: Mon-FRI: 8:00 PM - 8:00 AM Sat & Sun: 4:00 PM (Sat.) - 8:00 AM (Mon.)

VCA Supports Animal Shelters Nationwide

Routine and Critical Care Doctors on premises 24 hours a day

VCA CASTLE SHANNON ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Mention this ad & receive 10% off the trip fee.

Call us today to find out more!

VCA NorthView ANimAl hospitAl speCiAlty referrAl CeNter

3610 Library Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15234

223 Siebert Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237

412-885-2500

412-536-7750

VCAcastleshannon.com

ADVANCED CARE FOR PETS

VCAnorthview.com

We financially help low-income families with low-cost spays, neuters and medical emergencies.

Help us help others by sending donations to:

PAWS HERE AWHILE

State-of-the-art facility • Themed vacation dog & cat rooms TV • Stereo • Patios • Air/Heated We offer your dog the most comprehensive enrichment program while boarding with us. Our knowledgeable staff will provide activities and exercise that matches your dog’s drive.

AC&W, Inc., P.O. Box 8257, Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit and have been in existence since 1970.

Look for our adoption animals at: www.animalcareandwelfare.org Spay and Neuter Clinic to be held on Sunday, July 20, 2014.

PROFESSIONAL PET GROOMING Day and Evening Appointments

Please call for an appointment: 412-344-2294

www.pawshereawhile.com

2806 Banksville Ave. Pittsburgh PA 15216

724-573-4665

July 2014

www.pghpetconnections.com

21

FEATURE BUSINESS

Where: “Your pet is our priority”.

Dr. Katti Stoller and her husband, Sam Stoller, created BelaCoop Animal Hospital of North Park to be a caring, warm and welcoming environment to a wide variety of animals. Their staff is experienced in the treatment of dogs and cats, as well as exotic animals such as birds, reptiles, ferrets, rabbits, and other small mammals. BelaCoop Animal Hospital of North Park takes pride in providing the utmost

routine examinations and vaccinations, chiropractic care, laboratory diagnostics, radiology, surgery and dental care. Dr. Stoller adds, “We also offer medical baths and grooming services for high-risk patients, as well as hospitalization for sick pets, or pets that require daily medications while the families are away.”

For the client’s convenience, BelaCoop has a comprehensive on-site pharmacy as well as an online pharmacy. In addition, they currently carry a variety of prescription diets including Hill’s Science Diet, Purina and Royal Canin.

For a pet that requires a special diet, or medication that is not a stock item, BelaCoop strives to go the extra mile to meet the pet’s needs. Clients are encouraged to visit the online pharmacy for additional products, or to request convenient home delivery. Some over-the-counter products which BelaCoop carries include: flea and tick control, shampoos, dental care products, collars, combs and brushes, Moochie and Company toys and treats, and much more.

BelaCoop Animal Hospital of North Park enjoys a connection with the community by frequently participating in local events, as well as hosting on-site fundraisers to benefit organizations such as “Two Angels” donation fund that helps pets in need of veterinary care. For more information about upcoming events and fundraisers please visit their website at www.belacoopanimalhospital. com or BelaCoop’s Facebook page.

Dr. Katti Stoller, Sam Stoller and Pepper

compassion and quality of care for each and every patient. “We are deeply committed to making your pet our priority,” said Dr. Stoller.

In order to deliver the highest standard of care, the hospital provides a full-service facility: offering

22

In addition please note our special offer: Stop in on Wednesdays from 5:00pm to 7:00pm for “Yappy Hour” and receive 25% off all over-thecounter products (excludes flea and tick control).

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

July 2014

BelaCoop Animal Hospital welcomes visitors to tour the facility and meet their caring staff. We hope to see you soon!

Open six days a week: Monday – Tuesday & Thursday 8:00am-6:00pm

Wednesday 10:00am-8:00pm

Friday 8:00am to 5:30pm

Saturday 8:00am-1:00pm

T

ake my picture and show me off. Let me express myself and make you smile. I am your forever friend, I am your pet. When you look at my picture, will you always remember that I love you. I am who I am because of you.

Sundays and holidays the hospital is CLOSED BelaCoop Animal Hospital of North Park 2232 West Hardies Road Gibsonia, PA 15044 Phone: 724-939-7062

Photography by Tabatha Knox, a devoted animal and nature photographer Studio 2nd floor of Vibrant Images downtown Beaver, Pennsylvania Travel to your location can be arranged. Please call to discuss available distance. www.vibrant-images.com 724-774-1731

d e t i m i L For a Only!

Time

BELACOOP SPECIAL! For Only $200.00 Physical Exam Pet Wellness Report (PWR) Bloodwork

Amazing DEAL!

(Chemistry, CBC, Thyroid, Urinalysis,Canine Heartworm Screen or Feline Leukemia Aids Screen)

Nail Trim Ear Cleaning

That is a savings of over $120.00!

724-939-7062 | www.belacoopanimalhospital.com 2232 West Hardies Road | Gibsonia, PA 15044 July 2014

www.pghpetconnections.com ©Pittsburgh PetConnections

23

HOLISTIC CARE

Six Myths About Conventional Pet Food

food is cooked at high temperatures and is often laden with starch.

N

utrition is the basis of health. To build and run a healthy body, both wholesome raw materials and appropriate fuel are needed. We have been led to believe that processed pet foods provide healthy nutrition. I would like to inject an ounce of reality into this notion. Here are six falsehoods regarding the benefits of processed pet foods.

3. Grain-free pet food is good for pets.

1. Pet food is 100% complete and balanced.

In my opinion, the starch in the food is what makes it unfit for pets.

By: Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH

The term “natural” when applied to processed pet food is an oxymoron.

Dogs and cats did not evolve to eat grain or any other form of starch. Their bodies are not built to handle it.

Grain-free diets are a step in the right direction.

However, every dry food contains starch. Kibble simply cannot be made without it.

Processed pet foods are heated to the point that most of the natural nutrients in the raw materials are destroyed. The pet food companies realize this and supplement the diets with synthetic vitamins.

4. Crunching on dry food cleans pets’ teeth.

It seems logical that the process of chewing kibble would clean a pet’s teeth. However, studies do not bear this out. In fact, the idea that crunching pet food cleans their teeth makes no more sense than to think that chewing up pretzels cleans ours.

Unfortunately, research indicates that synthetic vitamins do not provide the same health benefits as eating foods containing those same vitamins. Eating whole foods is a much better way to feed the body.

Also, pet food manufacturers can only balance the diets to their current understanding of nutrition. Since nobody knows everything, nutrition knowledge is incomplete, and therefore so are the diets.

Processed pet foods are not 100% complete and balanced.

Dry food is not good for pets’ teeth.

2. “Natural” processed pet food.

The word natural implies that something is closely mimicking what takes place in the wilds of nature. It is true that some pet foods start with natural ingredients.

However, when those ingredients are inappropriate and then processed, the end product is no longer natural.

The wild (natural) counterparts of dogs and cats eat diets that are very different than what we provide our pets from a bag or can. Wild carnivores eat raw food that contains little to no carbohydrates. Processed pet

24

When the tip of the pet’s tooth contacts the kibble, the nugget shatters and does not scrape the teeth. And, when you consider that kibble has to contain lots of starch we can see that the opposite of dental health results. Starch is easily converted to sugar which feeds the bacteria that cause plaque and leads to tooth root infections.

5. Pet foods are made with wholesome ingredients.

It is common knowledge that most pet foods are made from ingredients that are unfit for human consumption.

What many people don’t realize is that studies have shown that some pet foods contain traces of Pentobarbital. This is the drug used to put animals to sleep. Euthanized animals make it into pet foods due to the use of ingredients from rendering plants. If your

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

July 2014

pet’s food lists “meat and bone meal” as an ingredient, throw it away. It may contain dead cats and dogs.

Some pet foods are made with nasty ingredients

6. Processed pet foods promote health.

It is well known that cooking meats at high temperatures creates cancer-causing chemicals. Two recent studies found these carcinogens both in pet foods and in pets’ bodies. Both studies concluded that pet foods may promote cancer.

There are much healthier things to feed our pets rather than conventional pet foods.

Our pets rely on us for their food. Feeding is the most important thing we do for them on a daily basis.

Everything we put into our pets either promotes health or promotes disease. Our current, processed pet foods provide less than optimal nutrition. In my opinion, the best diet for pets is a balanced, raw food.

Could not walk for one week...

15 year old Ariel was lame in the rear, especially on the left leg. It just hung there, dead. Ari was not going to the bathroom. She missed a jump and fell backwards screaming, and from there on was in deep trouble.

X-rays were negative for fracture and hip disease; arthritic changes were minimal. This was most likely a disc problem creating nerve damage. Ariel was given muscle relaxers and a steroid shot. Mom was livin’ on a prayer, hoping for something good to happen, but nothing was...until someone was kind enough, and thought enough to refer her to DrChiroVet. We did an emergency visit at the Suburban Animal Clinic. Immediately after one visit she “stood up and was able to go to the bathroom!”

DC, CCSP, CVCP

Dr. Savko works with the following veterinary clinics: Meadowlands Veterinary Hospital, Washington, PA Suburban Animal Clinic, Butler, PA, Delmont Veterinary Hospital, Delmont, PA, Fox Run Equine Center, Apollo, PA

After visit 2 she was “walking and “going” on her own!”

For an entire week post injury and after going to the doctors her leg was limp and dead, she could not even go to the bathroom. A day after seeing Dr. Savko she was able to stand, and in a few more days she was walking and going to the bathroom!

What pray tell did we do? We stimulated the nerves in her lower back to allow them to function better, because they were being choked off. We relaxed and balanced the massive amount of muscle spasm she had in her neck, lower back, pelvis, and legs.

She got better.

ears Over 1r3ieYnce Expe

Seems silly not to call DrChiroVet, don’t ya think?

July 2014

www.pghpetconnections.com

25

FEATURED RESCUE

FosterCat, Inc. N

Saving Lives, One Cat at a Time

By: Bernadette Kazmarski

o animal likes to spend time in a cage. Any shelter will tell you that an animal who has spent time prior to adoption in a foster home is much more likely to be adopted and be relaxed about the transition to a forever home.

families who foster with medications, food and litter as needed plus any veterinary expenses associated with fostering the cat. How could anyone lose? The kitty gets a safe temporary home and a person who loves cats gets to love a kitty, and is supported in the cat’s care.

FosterCat, Inc. is exactly what it says it is—an organization that fosters cats until they can find a forever home. There is no shelter, but a system of homes and people who are glad to open their hearts to a cat in need. Everything in the organization is done by volunteers, and all fundraising goes either into direct care for the cats in foster or to promoting the organization to find new foster homes or to place cats.

The volunteers of FosterCat get cats out into the public as often as possible to increase chances of adoption, participating in local “Adopt-a-thon” events and utilizing the cat adoption programs at PetSmart and Petco. To a certain extent they have worked with rescue organizations to administer adoptions by securing space at offsite adoption places and interviewing prospective adoptive families. They also maintain their own website and Facebook page of adoptable cats, encouraging potential adopters to browse for their next cat. All cats have been spayed or neutered, tested for feline leukemia and vaccinated before they go to their adoptive home.

The organization was founded in 2000 by a group of individuals who volunteered at shelters and who saw adult cats spending weeks or months in cages, often becoming less adoptable all the time as they became less socialized and more stressed, and sometimes not transitioning well to a permanent home after living in a cage, returned to the shelter for behavior issues related to stress.

Fostering cats, most importantly, saves their lives because they are no longer in danger of euthanasia from overcrowding in shelters. Secondly, it keeps them in a good frame of mind while they wait for their dream home to come along, and if they have any health issues they can be more closely attended in a foster Wally home. Fostering families can vouch for their personality in a much more realistic way.

FosterCat and their fostering families and volunteers

Volunteers for the organization don’t have to foster cats in order to assist. The list of volunteer activities is long and varied, from driving cats to vet appointments to helping organize the annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser.

FosterCat needs more foster homes to save more lives.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster family for FosterCat, you can visit FosterCat’s website at www.fostercat.org and visit “Become a Foster Home” under “How You Can Help”.

The website also includes alumni stories from adopters who have reported back months or even years after the adoption, and a memorial page for any kitty, not just alumni. You can also make a donation online or by mail.

FosterCat’s Annual Spaghetti Dinner The annual spaghetti dinner is the organization’s main fundraiser each year. Join the board, volunteers, foster families and friends of FosterCat on Saturday, September 13, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1907 Broadway Avenue, Beechview, PA 15216.

FosterCat screens potential foster homes with an application and home visit, and is set up to support the

26

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

July 2014

The menu includes spaghetti with a choice of either meat or meatless sauce, salad, rolls, beverage and dessert. Takeout orders will be available.

Upcoming TNR and Low-cost Spay/neuter Clinics in the Pittsburgh Area

Helping to raise more funds in addition to the meal prices, Chinese auction items including restaurant and other gift certificates donated by local businesses will be on display, and you can also buy tickets for the 50/50 raffle. Cat toys and other items will be offered for sale at the event and Ebi Fountains has agreed to donate a ceramic water fountain for the auction.

If a business would like to donate a gift certificate or basket of goods to the Chinese auction table, FosterCat would welcome a donation —these items need not be feline-oriented. Restaurant gift certificates are always good, along with grooming salons, hair salons and spa certificates, and even tickets to events and performances.

HOMELESS CAT MANAGEMENT TEAM CLINICS

www.homelesscat.org

Fast Track Clinics for Strays, Ferals, Rescues and Pets ($30 PER FERAL): • 8/3 • 9/14 • 10/26 - all black ferals FREE for Halloween • 12/7

FREE CLINICS:

• 8/24 – Sponsored by “Snip-it” • 10/5 – Sponsored by Fund for Feral Cats • 11/16 - Open for sponsorship

Also, this venue has plenty of vendor space so if you sell merchandise that would be of interested to cats and their people, please visit the website or Facebook page or contact Dianne Gruendl at gruque@aol.com.

Dog Wash & Pet Boutique Conveniently located near South Bark!

5843 Brownsville Road

412 -714 - 4644

www.woodysdogbath.com • Do It Yourself Bathing!

• Grooming!

• Pet Supplies & Healthy Foods!

Featured We CarryOn KDKA With Dave Antlers & Musher’s Crawley!

Secret!

No mess to clean!

Fun & economical!

Specialty Foods, Healthy Treats, Toys, Collars, Leashes & More!

July 2014

$1 OFFBATHS

All Do-it-Yourself

NOT INCLUDING GROOMING BY CHRISSY

Coupon Expires August 31, 2014

COUPON EXPIRES AUGUST 31, 2011

www.pghpetconnections.com

011110093004

27

KITTY KORNER

Cat Rescue Resource Guide Low-cost Spay and Neuter Organizations and Programs

This is an ever-changing list of resources for cat owners in Pittsburgh and beyond though many of the listings, like the shelters, apply to dogs and other pets as well. It includes low-cost spay and neuter programs as well as TNR for community cats, pet-friendly rentals in Pittsburgh and across the US and links to shelters for adoption and other services. In the future we will also list clinic dates with the organizations below when they are available.

TNR And Low-Cost Spay/Neuter For The Pittsburgh Area Homeless Cat Management Team: www.homelesscat.org City of Pittsburgh Free Spay and Neuter for City Residents City of Pittsburgh free spay/neuter: www.pittsburghpa.gov/animalcontrol/spay_neuter.htm City of Pittsburgh residents can apply for free spay or neuter vouchers for up to five pets, including stray/feral cats.

Low-cost Spay/Neuter and TNR Programs at Allegheny and Surrounding County Shelters Animal Friends: www.thingkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Rescue League: www.animalrescue.org Beaver County Humane Society: www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Washington Area Humane Society: www.washingtonpashelter.org - Colony Cat Project: faith.b2@verizon.net Western Pennsylvania Humane Society: www.wpahumane.org Low-cost Spay/Neuter Organizations in Allegheny and surrounding counties Frankie’s Friends Cat Rescue, Allegheny & Westmoreland Counties: www.sites.google.com/site/frankiesfriendsnatronaheights Fluffyjean Fund for Felines, Allegheny and Washington Counties: www.fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com Fix Ur Cat, Washington County: www.fixurcat.org Catnip Acres, Greene County: www.catnip-acres.org Snip-it.org, Westmoreland/Indiana Counties, Alle-Kiski Valley (Leechburg): www.snip-it.org Low-cost Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Clinic Spay Neuter Clinic, Penn Hills, 412-244-1202: www.spayaz.com/pittsburgh-pa Find Local Low-cost Spay, Neuter and Veterinary Care on the Internet Low-cost Neuter and Spay (search by zip): http://neuterspay.org Love That Cat (online search): http://neuterspay.org Spay USA: http://neuterspay.org Pet-friendly Rentals In the Pittsburgh area, visit this list on the FosterCat website: www.fostercat.org/friendly.html Nationwide (United States only): www.rent.com/pet-friendly-apartments Shelters and Shelter Services ALLEGHENY COUNTY Animal Friends (AFI): www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Rescue League (ARL): www.animalrescue.org Western Pennsylvania Humane Society (WPHS): www.wpahumane.org SURROUNDING COUNTIES Beaver County Humane Society: www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Butler County Humane Society: www.butlercountyhs.org Humane Society of Westmoreland County: http://members.petfinder.com/~PA83/about.html Washington Area Humane Society: www.washingtonpashelter.org Non-shelter Feline Adoption FosterCat: www.fostercat.org Kopy Kat Sanctuary, Westmoreland County (Delmont): www.kopykatsanctuary.org

28

ŠPittsburgh PetConnections

July 2014

Specializing in Raw Feeding!

Both locations now feature expanded RAW and FREEZE DRIED departments!

WE ARE A RETAIL STORE THAT SELLS ONLY ALL-NATURAL AND ORGANIC DOG AND CAT FOOD. We have scrupulously chosen the brands that we carry. You don’t need to do your homework because we’ve already done the research to assure that every food, treat and toy that we carry is not only safe for your pet, but also the most healthful. All of our foods are free of by-products, wheat, corn, soy, chemical preservatives, food dyes or any artificial ingredient what-so-ever. We specialize in raw feeding and have a very knowledgeable staff to assist you in choosing the right food for your pet.

We offer a vast array of supplements, fish oil, aromatherapy and herbal remedies. Toys from West Paw Design, Planet Dog, Yeoww, along with grooming products, leashes and collars are also available. We strive to find as many local and USA made eco-friendly products as possible. And of course we have lots of good, healthy treats because we know that you love to spoil your pets as much as we do!

NORTH HILLS: 9805 McKnight Rd., McCandless, PA 15237

412.366.0700 Monday-Friday: 9am - 8pm; Saturday: 9am - 6pm; Sunday: 11am - 5pm

SOUTH HILLS: Crossgates Plaza, 1742 Washington Rd., Upper St. Clair, PA. 15241 (Next to Model Cleaners)

412.831.3700 Monday-Thursday: 9am - 8pm; Friday-Saturday: 9am - 6pm; Sunday: 10am - 4pm

NEED ASSISTANCE? WE ARE HERE TO HELP. To inquire about the products and services found on our Web site or in our stores, contact us by phone or e-mail. We will be happy to assist you.

You can contact Toni Shelaske by phone at 412.366.0700 or 412.831.3700 or by email at toni@healthypetproducts.net.

Find us on

1

www.healthypetproducts.net

September 2013

COMING THIS SUMMER TO A SHELTER NEAR YOU

Want to cuddle some kittens for a few weeks?

Summer means litters of kitties, and that means they need foster homes!

Call 412-345-0343 or e-mail cklingensmith@animalrescue.org.

www.animalrescue.org/volunteer/foster

A

T

MI

K

T T s U & MINGL M C A I N E MA STY

AR P PINES D O G

JULY 25TH, 6-9 PM BENEFITING ANIMAL FRIENDS & WASHINGTON AREA HUMANE SOCIETY 2523 WEXFORD BAYNE RD, SEWICKLEY, PA 15143 TICKETS $40 · TO PURCHASE VISIT MANIACMAGAZINE.COM/EVENTS

THE SOUTH HILLS NEWEST, LARGEST AND MOST UNIQUE FULL SERVICE CANINE FACILTY. • • •

• • In PIttsburgh July 25, 2014

Maurice hall, Mellon hall of science, Duquesne university Film • Workshop • Refreshments • 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Information and tickets: www.eventbrite.com/event/11439393345/efblike Or visit WWW.EVENTBRITE.COM and search “Redemption” in your area.

July 2014

Daycare, Boarding, Grooming and Training 13,000 S/F indoors, 6,000 s/f outdoors Intimate boarding with Private and SemiPrivate Suites (no warehouse boarding) Memberships and webcam access From your car Canine Curbside Service 548 Baldwin St. Bridgeville PA 15017 412-220-8100 – www.thecanineclub.com

Become a member today and start enjoying savings and benefits

www.pghpetconnections.com

31

EQUINE AFFAIRS

Chewing the Reins Out of the Rider’s Hands to Develop a Soft Mouth in Your Horse

By: Kristin Hermann

R

iding is basically straddling the horse and sending the horse forward from its hind end engine and pointing its head toward the direction you want to go.

The rider is to sit in balance as the legs ask the horse to move forward and sometimes turn. The rider’s hands, at the front end of the horse, then guide and direct the forward energy and steer. Because many riders steer the horse and control the speed with the bit, many horses’ mouths take a beating and develop what is called a “hard mouth.” A hard mouth is one that has become callused from riders pulling and directing the horse with the reins. Ouch!

When in motion, horses Training a horse to chew the reins out of the hands can generate requires the rider to stand at the halt. Feel equal a tremendous pressure on both sides of the bit till the horse flexes at the poll. It’s called passive resistance. Active amount of power resistance is when the rider vibrates the rein to get from the hind the horse to chew and then give at the poll. quarter. When a rider asks the horse to step forward from the hind quarter’s engine, she will certainly want to be able to control this forward motion with “brakes” in the front of the horse.

This whole process of riding a horse from back to front is called “training” and not something a rider or horse does easily in the beginning stages of their education.

Training a horse to go with finesse and light aids, or signals, is a time-consuming process and should be the foundation (or building blocks) for all rider/horse education.

There are many kinds of bits which help the rider facilitate rider/horse communication for different levels.

There are bits for horses with hard mouths, ones to get the horse to salivate, and bits that give the horse no option, but to stop with a little bit of rein pressure from the rider.

Riding with finesse and staying off the horse’s mouth is ideal, but ideal is few and far between! A single jointed

32

snaffle bit acts like a nutcracker and when the rider applies pressure to the reins, the bit breaks in half and pushes on the sides and roof of the horse’s mouth.

A double jointed snaffle, which is even milder and, therefore better, has no nutcracker effect. It stays softly on the horse’s tongue, encouraging the horse to chew on the bit. As the horse chews and salivates, this causes softening at the poll (atlas joint at the top of the head where the skull and first vertebra meet) and better acceptance of the rider’s contact/connection through a light rein pressure. A horse that is soft at the poll, salivating, and accepting and chewing the bit is in a much better position to receive gentle communication from the rider through the reins. The goal is to get the horse to gently, “chew the reins out of the rider’s hands”.

Teaching a horse to chew the reins out of the rider’s hands is the best way to train a horse to have a soft mouth or even to improve the horse’s acceptance of the bit. This is old school classical training and is done at the halt in a snaffle with a double jointed bit. The double jointed snaffle lays on the horse’s tongue (which is merely a muscle in itself ) that attaches to the muscles at the poll which connect to the muscles of the horse’s neck and top line or back and reverberate through the rider’s seat to the horse’s hindquarters. Riding the horse’s whole top line is called the ring of muscles.

Connecting the horse’s top line and riders aids to work in unison is called the “ring of aids.” (See the article in Pittsburgh PetConnections November 2013).

If the horse can accept and softly chew the bit at a halt without resisting a little rein pressure to soften the poll, then it will more likely accept the bit while in motion at the walk, and trot and then canter. Of course, asking for flexing or chewing the bit while the horse is moving is a completely different feeling and requires more skill than standing at a “whoa”.

If your horse has a soft mouth, as opposed to a hard mouth, the rider can then send the energy from the hind quarter forward and direct the energy as well as contain the strides with a softer bit. There is an old saying regarding the bit, “a bit is only as severe as the rider’s hands.” What this means is a rough rider can put a double-jointed soft snaffle in the horse’s mouth and be very rough with the bit, which is not good. Or, a rider

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

July 2014

could put a curb bit in the horse’s mouth, one with a port that works on the roof of the horse’s mouth with incredible stopping power, and be very light with the hands.

The horse’s mouth is a very soft and sensitive area.

Learning to teach our horse to chew the reins out of the hands is a great way to educate, or When the horse yields at the poll the rider then re-educate, opens the fingers and allows the horse to stretch its head and neck down. Like all riding, learning this the horse to requires finesse and feel. Too often riders ask strongly develop a and forget that the aids have to listen at the same soft mouth. time as they ask the horse.

When a horse has a soft mouth, it can be ridden more effectively from back to front with gentle brakes in the front end. This makes for a better educated horse that does not pull or fight the bit and makes the overall riding experience much more enjoyable for both horse and rider. Training a horse to chew the reins out of the hands, requires the rider to stand at the halt. Feel equal pressure on both sides of the bit till the horse flexes at the poll. It’s called passive resistance. Active resistance is when the rider vibrates the rein to get the horse to chew and then give at the poll. When the horse yields at the poll the rider then opens the fingers and allows the horse to stretch its head and neck down. Like all riding, learning this requires finesse and feel. Too often riders ask strongly and forget that the aids have to listen at the same time as they ask the horse.

For more information on “chewing the rein out of the hands” refer to the book, The Cavalry Manual of Horsemanship and Horsemastership (Gordon Wright, Doubleday, 1962). This book is currently out of print but can be found on Amazon. John Lyons, Buck Brannaman and I teach this method of softening your horse’s mouth. Chewing the reins out of the hands could be termed differently depending on the style of training. However, whether you ride English or Western, asking your horse to give at the poll and have a soft mouth is classical training at its best! And, makes for a happier horse!

July 2014

EQUINE AFFAIRS

A small variety of English riding bits in all shapes and sizes. The top two are double jointed snaffles. The one with a hump in the middle is called a port and puts leverage on the roof on the horse’s mouth and is used with a chain under the chin. The bottom bit is a single jointed snaffle, used to turn an inexperienced horse as it will not slip through the mouth because of the long shanks on the side. There are many kinds of bits, but the best bit is a soft bit that is used with a light rein aid.

Portraits of animals pets and wildlife

2014 CaLendars A yEAr Of CATs in fOur diffErEnT ThEmEs: 12 Sketches of Cats fine Art Wall Calendar Compositions in Black and Green features black cats In the Kitchen With Cookie photos and recipes Great Rescues Day Book features portraits and stories

Also feline-inspired artwork, photography, apparel, table linens, greeting cards and gift items.

Bernadette e. KazmarsKi, artist Etsy/PortraitsOfAnimals • www.TheCreativeCat.net www.bernadette-k.com

www.pghpetconnections.com

33

Rockin’ Horse Stables

Rockin’ Horse Stables is a full care Hunter & Jumper boarding and training facility offering beginner to advanced English riding lessons, summer camps and quality horse sales.

Located just minutes from the heart of Cranberry Twp.

724-601-4706

www.rockinhorsestables.com

The

English Horn Ltd. For People

English Riding Apparel, Helmets & Boots, Country Clothing, Jewelry & Gifts

For Horses

Tack, Blankets, Health Care, Leather & Grooming Products

For Dogs

Unique Leather Collars & Leashes, Coats, Gifts & Accessories

www.theenglishhorn.com englishhorn@verizon.net

724-941-8088 34

211 East McMurray Rd, McMurray, PA 15317 Sun, Mon: Closed • Tues, Thurs: 10-8 • Wed, Fri, Sat: 10-5

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

July 2014

IN REMEMBRANCE

Tessa Unknown -October, 2013

Tessa Tessa was a precious angel from the moment I adopted her. She was scheduled to be euthanized in Ohio but got to live out the rest of her days with her best friend Caesar. Tessa loved purring as loud as possible and laying on me. She was the most gentle soul and enjoyed being lazy. She will always be missed and loved. ~ Tarra Provident

Do you have a special pet that you would like to honor?

Send submissions to info@pghpetconnections.com.

36

ŠPittsburgh PetConnections

June 2014

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 certifed 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.

Beaver Animal Clinic We at Beaver Animal Clinic believe in the power of caring.

Caring for our patients as our own pets.

Caring for our clients as our friends.

Caring for each other as our family.

Holistic and Conventional Care:

• Full Service Animal Clinic • Preventive Health Care • General Surgery • Radiology • Dentistry • Holistic Care • Acupuncture • Vaccine & Vaccine Counseling • Nutrition Counseling & Natural Raw Diets • Chinese Herbal Medicine • Therapeutic Laser • Healing Touch & Massage Therapy

Sign up for Dr. Doug’s blog and get free weekly holistic pet health insights Check it out today at http://drdougknueven.com and see what you’ve been missing!

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9-8; Fri. 9-5; Sat. 9-3; Sun. Closed 357 State Avenue | Beaver, PA 15009

724-774-8047

beaveranimalclinic.com

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center

The Most Comprehensive Multispecialty Referral & Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Western Pennsylvania

EMERGENCY PET CARE

Open 24 Hours a Day, 365 Days a Year. Veterinarians On-Site At All Times. Dogs, Cats, Birds, Reptiles, Small Mammals

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Dianna Ovbey, DVM, MS, Practice Ltd. To Anesthesiology

CARDIOLOGY

Eva Sikorska, DVM, DACVIM Erin Anderson, VMD, MSc, DACVIM

DENTISTRY

Krista Mendoza, DVM, DAVDC

DERMATOLOGY

Sandra Sargent, DVM, DACVD

EMERGENCY & CRITICAL CARE

Kenton D, Rexford, VMD Christine Guenther, DVM, DACVECC Christine Rutter, DVM, DACVECC Sarah J. Deitschel, DVM, DACVECC Amy Dickinson, DVM, DACVECC Kara Osterbur, DVM, DACVECC Rebecca A Miller, DVM Joey Kallem, DVM Jennifer Wooderson, DVM Elissa Allen, VMD Robin M. Dutra, DVM Lindsey Rademacher, DVM Kristen Krisulevicz, DVM Richard Skalos, DVM Tricia Tovar, DVM, Resident in EM & Critical Care

MRI & CT IMAGING

PetsDx Veterinary Imaging www.petsdx.com Gerald Frye, VMD

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Sherwood Johnson, DVM, DACVIM Tracey Peterson, DVM, DACVIM Todd Carter, DVM, DACVIM Emily Klosterman, DVM, MS, DACVIM

NEUROLOGY

Edward MacKillop, DVM, DACVIM Kendra Mikoloski, DVM, DACVIM

ONCOLOGY

Rebecca Newman, DVM, MS, DACVIM Todd M. Erfourth, DVM, DACVIM Bridget Urie, DVM, MS, DACVIM

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Lawrence Bagley, DVM, DACVO Rachel Keller, DVM, DACVO Michael Finn, DVM, MS, DACVO

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Christine Anderson, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVR

RADIOLOGY

Christopher Warrington, DVM, DACVR

SURGERY

Anthony D. Pardo, MS, DVM, DACVS John T. Payne, DVM, MS, DACVS Julie L. Compton, DVM, MS, DACVS Jonathon Anderson, DVM, DACVS Michael Doornink, DVM, DACVS Jennifer Covey, DVM, DACVS Hope Chisnell, DVM, Resident in Surgery Kathryn Campbell, DVM, Resident in Surgery

807 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412.366.3400 www.pvs-ec.com