Holiday 2019/20
Vol. 7 Issue 3
PetConnections PITTSBURGH
WEL LNESS THROUGH THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND FREE!
ANIMAL FRIENDS Home for the Holidays
STEEL CITY KITTIES CFA Cat Show The Willows Event Center (Beaver) February 8 & 9th, 2020
FEEDING THE OLDER HORSE Cargill Feed
PITTSBURGH’S #1
resource for everything pets!
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* Free initial health exam for new clients only. Offer good for up to two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not to be combined with any other offer. Not good toward any services other than those set forth above including: any emergency and/or specialty veterinary services; boarding; grooming; or any vaccines, medications, or retail items. Redeemable only at VCA Castle Shannon Animal Hospital. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No Cash Value. Expires 12/31/18. Cashier Code: 700.500 © 2018 VCA Inc. VCA Logo is a registered trademark of VCA Inc. or its affiliated companies.
February is P R E S E N T T H I S A D F O R A F R E E D AY O F D AYC A R E *
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Fun for
FROM THE PUBLISHER
URGH!
From The Pu
ONS
WELCOME to Pittsburgh PetConnections Holiday 2019/2020 Volume 7 Issue 3to Pittsburgh PetConnections Mag Welcome
p District Wexford
Winter 2019, Volume 7 Issue 1
News & Events
We welcome Hounds Town USA to our PetConnections family! They recently opened their new location in the News Strip District. See the article inside.
m
Welcome to our Winter 2019 issue!
Events this winter include Animal Friends Alley Up on January 26th. Steel City Kitties February 8 & 9th and this welcome Massage, BuzzyinPhotography, andStay O2 informed Derm Petabout Topical year it is at The WillowsWe Event CenterEase 1830Animal Midland Beaver Road Beaver County. local Gel to our supporting advertisers! pet events also on our PetConnections Facebook page!
e coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19.
CORRESPONDENCE
Introducing our new sister publications coming out in March, Integrative Healing
This Issue magazine for people (and, of course, a pet section!) pghpetconnections@gmail.com Training Retail 724.292.7387 WeHoliday are alsoseason! pleasedOur to announce some features fun new athings have Friends in the works We hope you enjoyed the incredible cover scenethat fromwe Animal (photo CORRESPONDENCE All Rights Reserved | ©2020 for the PetConnections! credit Angela Pulice). See article inside by Cody Hoellerman, “Home for the Holidays”. info@pghpetconnections.com 724 -292-7387 We will be publishing of your petItfrom of our new weekly social Our Featured pet care business this month is pictures Hounds Town USA. is anwinners outstanding facility, so please see more PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTION QUARTERLY All Rights Reserved |about © 2019 media photo contests! them inside and certainly go visit them! Also new, our membership sign-up button on our Facebook Published by: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. Pittsburgh page, where you can receive news about events and contests, special discounts PetConnections LLC. was formed in 2012. Our mission is to This issue’s articles alsofrom include, the ongoingdiscount debate regarding the link nutrition and Birthday Dilated Club our advertisers, event tickets, joinbetween our PetConnections PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS QUARTERLY publish a high quality, informative publication focused on for Pets, submit your story to be published in our Human-Animal Bond section Cardiomyopathy in dogs by Dr. Doug Knueven. Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center hasoran Published by: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. Remembrance, andin more! the Human-Animal Bond. We support local businesses and Renal Failure Pets” Also, Edward Moats continues his avian nutrition series with, Pittsburgh PetConnections LLC. was informative formed article on “Acute also assist local non-profit businessesinfor2012. pets Our and people, Foraging Plate“. Bernadette Kazmarski has updated the Homeless Cat Management Team schedule on the mission is to publish“The a high to give back to our greatquality, Pittsburgh communities.publication focused informative on Cat Resource page, andEvents wrote “Helping Community Cats Survive Winter”. Our Equine Affairs section features the Human-Animal Bond. We support local about FeedingChartiers an article the Senior Horse.Pet Our Remembrance section features a memorial on theAnimal recentFriends’ loss of and CA Custom Cremation’s Healing Hearts Pet Loss Grief Seminar, businesses and also assist local non-profit MAGAZINE PUBLICATION STAFF our own cat, “Cleo”. Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory also features an article. highlighted in ourCemetery, event section. businesses for pets and people, to give back Carla Mader, Managing Editor to our great Pittsburgh communities. Buzzy Photography, Photography This Issue Daria K Design, Graphic Designer M AEditor G A Z I N E P U B L I C AT I O N S TA F F Edward R. Moats, Content Our cover features Manon Farm’s Princess Showcase riding show! See the Equine Affairs section art Mader, Managing Editor Carla Mader, Sales & Distribution Carla Manager April Minech! Also, a reader, Ruth Maloy-Carter submitted her heart-warming story, “Great to be G Kara Jones Photography, Photography PetConnections is published as follows: February, May, August, and Holiday Ourwith printmore copygreat tips, in Animalquarterly Bond section! Edward Moats continues his avian nutritionissue! articles, Edward R. Moats, Media Account Manager Kelli Koladish, Graphic Designer distribution sites will beAlso, replenished every 6 weeks. OurHealing online presence has Dr. always been much in we are revisiting Integrative for Pets with Doug, in our Petgreater Holisticthan section. Edward R. Moats, Contentprint Editor with now over 350,000 impressions this year. To subscribe to your own personal copy of PetConnections, ADVERTISING Carla Mader, SALES Sales & Distribution Manager Our rescue section features Nate’s reptile Rescue. PVSEC/BluePearl’s article about winter safety for please contact us below. CarlaEdward Mader, Director of Sales Korner has Homeless Cat Management Team has spay and neuter info, by Bernadette Kazmarski. E R. Moats, Media Account Manager Did you know? PetConnections evolved a full-service specialized pet media company, providing Hermannhas writes aboutinto Learning from Source. 724.292.7387 A D V E RT I S I N Gservices S A L E Sfor advertising in print and digital marketing platforms to help our sponsors grow their businesses. Contact us below for information on advertising or sponsoring! Robin Reinfeld, Director of Sales, Pittsburgh CONTRIBUTING WRITERS PetConnections is published quarterly as follows: Early February, May, August, and Novemb 412-780-2254 | rrcd@aol.com Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH will be replenished every weeks. Ourand online presence always been m Thank you for picking distribution up this copysites of PetConnections. Be well and6 have a safe happy holidayhas season print with now over 350,000 impressions this year. To subscribe to your own personal copy Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & with your pets! please contact us below. Emergency CenterC O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH Kristin Hermann Did you know? PetConnections has evolved into a full-service specialized pet media compa Pittsburgh April Minech Veterinary Specialty & services for advertising in print and digital marketing platforms to help our sponsors grow Emergency Center Bernadette Kazmarski Contact us below for information on advertising or sponsoring! Kristin Hermann Edward R. Moats Thank you for picking up this copy of PetConnections. April Minech Bernadette Kazmarski Edward R. Moats Warmly, Warmly, www.petconnections.pet 11
Cover photo by: Angela Pulice
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Cover Photo: Hayden and Harper Stewart Photo By: Erica Stewart
Pittsburgh PetConnections | Holiday 2019/2020 2 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | WINTER 2019
Carla Mader Publisher Carla Mader Publisher Please submit |any correspondence to: pghpetconnections@gmail.com Pittsburgh Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.petconnections.pet PetCon Expos Follow PghPetMag on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook! Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine
Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.petconnections.p Follow PghPetMag on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ASE Animal Massage promotes physical and emotional wellness. Every session is unique and customized to meet the needs of your pet. EASE Animal Massage can assist in rehabilitation and reconditioning muscles for movement, mobility and longevity. We are a mobile unit that will travel to your home or office, we are committed to the heath and well-being for
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Our Massage Specialties
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We are mobile, promoting physical and emotional wellness. Every session is unique and customized.
Health & Wellness Therapeutic 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS “Therapeutic EASE Animal Massage Palliative was a powerful experience”
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We are mobile, promoting physical and emotional “My dog had an amazing experience” • East End • South • Strip District wellness. Every session is unique and Hills customized. • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford EaseAnimalMassage.com “I could see a 412-447.8490 “Therapeutic EASE Animal • Upper St. Clair NEW Acute Renal Failure in transformation in his Massage was a powerful demeanor, I was amazed” experience” www.TheDogStop.com
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PET HEALTH & WELLNESS
Dogs & Cats
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Day Care
Boarding
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HOLISTIC PET CARE
The Grain-free Debate
Retail
EQUINE AFFAIRS Feeding the Older Horse
FEATHERED FRIENDS
The Foraging Plate
6 EVENTS for the 8 RESCUE & SHELTER Home Holidays 14 ADVERTISOR LOCATOR MAP 20 KITTY CORNER 27 Jefferson REMEMBRANCE Helping Community Cats Memorial Survive Winter Weather
21 CAT RESOURCE GUIDE 22 DIRECTORIES
28 REMEMBRANCE In Loving Memory
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HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND Noel’s Story By April Minech
Noel was found on a cold winter night just before Christmas in 2018. A good Samaritan spotted her frail body trying to cross the road and she looked disoriented. When the stranger picked her up, he saw why; she was elderly and appeared blind and deaf. He took her to a local shelter where she received immediate care, some food and a warm bed. She weighed in at 8.5 pounds; the vet estimated her age to be 14-16 years old. Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue was contacted and answered the call. A local volunteer was contacted and within a short time she was in a foster home. For the first few weeks, she slept cuddled up on laps and would burrow herself under blankets. When she had recovered enough, she started down the path towards addressing her bigger medical issues. Little Noel needed 18 teeth pulled, several mammary tumors removed and her spay. Over the course of several months, she grew stronger and started coming out of her shell. She loved going on adventures in her fenced in yard. She played with toys, even if only for a minute; she would shake them up ferociously then walk a few steps and lay down. She found her tiny bark and would let it be known when she was hungry or ready to be carried up to bed. She started giving kisses. Noel has gained enough weight to be considered normal size now tipping the scales at 12.5. Her hair has grown back from most of her bald spots, and she is quite spunky for an old lady. Like most senior
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Pittsburgh PetConnections | Holiday 2019/2020
dogs, Noel has ongoing issues that come naturally with age. Her cataracts continue to progress, and one eye is growing larger with pressure that will soon need surgery. And her fat pug like tongue peeks out of her mouth permanently. But there’s no shortage of kisses and feisty little dances that show she’s still got life in her. Senior dogs have a quiet dignity and ask for so little and make the best companions. A lot of shelters and rescues have senior animals that people overlook because of age. Like my mom used to say, “You can’t discuss butterfly magic with caterpillar people.” So if you believe in magic, and are looking to share the best part of your heart with a dog, don’t forget to check out the seniors. There are lots of Noel’s just waiting to be found.
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EVENTS Animal Friends
CARMAA
Alley Up Saturday, January 25th, 2020 www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org The Pittsburgh Marathon Sunday, May 3rd.
Suzanne Clothier Foundations in Pet Therapy March 7 & 8th, 2020 www.carmaa-petadoption.org
Steel City Kitties CFA Cat Show
OHIO PA BIRD FAIRS
February 8 & 9th Enter your Household Pet by Monday, February 3, 2020 Visit steelcitykitties.com for more information on how to enter.
www.ohpabirdfair.com
Humane Animal Rescue The Pittsburgh Marathon May 3rd www.animalrescue.org
CFA CAT SHOW
Sponsored By Steel City Kitties, Inc. WHEN
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 9 AM TO 4 PM
Sunday, Feb 9, 2020 9 AM TO 4 PM
WHERE
The Willows Event Center 1830 Midland Beaver Road (Beaver County) Industry, Pa 15052 724.643.4500
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, TICKETS AT THE DOOR (CASH ONLY) $8.00 ADULTS, $7.00 SENIORS, $6.00 CHILDREN, 5 years old and under are FREE, Ample FREE parking
Enter your Household Pet by Monday, February 3, 2020 Visit steelcitycitties.com for more information on how to enter.
STEEL CITY KITTIES, INC CAT CLUB, a NON-PROFIT CFA REGISTERED CAT CLUB. Our club was established in June of 2011. Our club members encourage the breeding of pedigreed cats to the CFA standard while also encouraging the adoption of shelter cats. Steel City Kitties welcomes household pets to enter our shows which are always the second weekend in February in the Pittsburgh area. It is the practice of Steel City Kitties to allow for a vendor space for a shelter at each of our cat shows.
V I SI T U S AT S T E E L C I T Y K I T T I E S . C OM
CFA CAT SHOW
Sponsored By Steel City Kitties, Inc. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, 9 AM TO 4 PM Sunday, Feb 9, 2020, 9 AM TO 4 PM
$1.00 OFF Admission (one coupon per person) The Willows Event Center 1830 Midland Beaver Rd. Industry, PA 15052
Accepting Vendors - For more information please call Marilyn at 412.734.9419
RESCUE & SHELTER Home for the Holidays By Cody Hoellerman, Animal Friends Director of Communications
Home for the holidays. It brings to mind such wonderful memories of being surrounded by family and friends. And, for animal lovers, what truly makes a house a home is the companionship of a beloved pet (or two!). At Animal Friends, our wish for each of the animals in our care is to have a home for the holidays. Our kennels are always at capacity with homeless dogs, cats and rabbits. But, in desperate times, we can often make room for one or two more – with the help of some creativity, of course! But, this past September when we rescued 117 Australian Shepherd mixes from a single residence during our historic Ross Township Rescue, we truly had to think outside the cage. “Our Humane Police Officers were alerted to an odor coming from the property,” Krista Sobecki, Humane Investigations Coordinator, says of the call that led them to the house. “When officers investigated, the dogs were discovered on the property. Through the tireless efforts of not only our Humane Police Officers, but numerous Animal Friends staff and local first responders, we were able to safely remove all 117 dogs from the property.” But, rescuing the dogs from the horrid conditions inside the house was just the beginning. “When I first went into the house, I was surrounded by wagging tails and lots of kisses – they were starving for attention,” recalls Kristy Pszenny, Animal Friends’ Admissions & Foster Care Coordinator. “Seeing them in their ‘home’ and the conditions they lived in … it was extremely hard to not be angry. At the end of the night, though, going back to see everyone in their clean kennels with a clean bed, food and water – they were finally safe and getting the care and support they deserved.” Although it seemed like an insurmountable task, our dedicated team came together and worked tirelessly into the early morning hours until each and every one of the dogs knew they were safe. A large-scale rescue has the potential to put a strain on any organization. A rescue of this size, however, could truly be devastating. “Bringing in such a large group of shy and scared
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Pittsburgh PetConnections | Holiday 2019/2020
dogs always requires a group effort,” says Liesl Wiesen, Behavior Coordinator. “This means experienced volunteers to sit with the dogs, hand feed them, slowly acclimate them to touch. We got to know each dog so that they could be matched with an appropriate home. Once adopted, our Behavior Department staff will continue to be available for adopters and dogs.” Here at Animal Friends, we never back down from a challenge. We just dig a little deeper. Simply put, the support we receive from the community enables us to be there when the pets and people of our region need us the most. “The outpouring of support from the community has been absolutely incredible. This ranged from donated food and supplies to goodie bags to be sent home with the dogs, and – of course – fantastic adopters,” says Katie Vecchi, Adoption Coordinator. “We are elated about the positive follow-up emails and phone calls we have received about the dogs in their new homes. They are adjusting well and enjoying their new lives.” Our resources may have been stretched particularly thin this year at Animal Friends, but our goal remains the same for the animals who come through our doors – a home for the holidays. And, for animals like the 117 dogs from Ross Township, we will continue to fight for them even after they have found loving homes. “Humane Officers are now working with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office to file numerous animal cruelty and neglect charges,” says Krista Sobecki as she and her team continue to work toward justice being served. Please, help Animal Friends give a lifesaving second chance to abused, neglected and abandoned animals this holiday season and in the new year. Together we can help them find a home for the holidays. Join us at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/Home.
ai157420600744_PetConnections Ad-Holiday.pdf
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Looking to save a few dollars (and a few lives) with your holiday shopping this year? Look no further than the Retail Stores at Animal Friends! Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for the pet lover on your list or something special for your four-legged friend, you’re sure to find something they’ll love at a great price. And, since 100% of the proceeds benefit Animal Friends’ residents and lifesaving programs, there is no better way to enjoy some guilt-free shopping.
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As we welcome the new year, our animal residents would love to get to know you! Make your New Year’s Resolution to get involved with our life-changing work by becoming a volunteer. Whether you have seven days a week or a couple hours a month to give, sharing your time with our homeless residents is the best gift of all!
You can always brighten the lives of our homeless residents with a monetary donation or by purchasing an item from our residents’ holiday wish list. Learn about the many ways you can make a difference at Animal Friends at Thinking
OutsideThe Cage.org/Give.
New Ad Animal Friends
e Horm e th fo Holidays
This holiday, give a unique gift that will have a meaningful impact in the lives of countless animals. We are pleased to offer a variety of options that will leave a mark on Animal Friends’ campus for years to come. • Buy a Brick that will be engraved with your personal message and placed on the patio of either our Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center or Howard Ash Animal Wellness Center. • Pay tribute to a special pet with an engraved tag, wind chime, bench or other item that will be placed in our Memorial Garden, tucked away along the forested walking paths of our campus. • Sponsor a Kennel of one of our dog, cat or rabbit residents. Your gift will be recognized with a personalized plaque on the kennel of your choice.
AnimalFriends | 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 | ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org | 412.847.7000
FEATURED BUSINESS Hounds Town USA By April Minech
Hounds Town is a 9,000 square foot doggy day care facility located in the strip. With 22 kennels, they can provide overnight boarding and several separate play areas for daycare, as well as a full service doggie spa. For Daycare, dogs are grouped in natural packs based on similar size and temperament, so bullies get to play with bullies and so forth. “Dogs have no more than an average 5lb weight difference when playing, so you’ll never see a Great Dane playing with a toy breed,” says owner Joe Allbaugh. “We have our own toy dog area so they can be segregated from the others, and dogs can be matched by playstyle as well as weight.” Each group is supervised by a staff member for safety, and they have cameras on 24/7. Joe explained how all dogs, whether they are using boarding or daycare services, go through a basic temperament testing for safety. As long as dogs pass the basic evaluation, they are invited to participate in many of the canine services available. Joe explains that the evaluation is important to see where the dog would fit best and confirm that it won’t be aggressive towards staff or any other dogs there. The folks at Hounds Town also have a special way to handle fearful and shy dogs by providing one on one sessions. “We have taken in several shy dogs and turned them into not so shy dogs” explains Joe. “We’ll get on the floor with the dog, make sure the dog feels comfortable.” As the dog progresses, they bring in one more dog at a time,
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Pittsburgh PetConnections | Holiday 2019/2020
or try the dog in small groups based on what the dog’s social needs are. Sometimes they stop at just one on one care if that’s where the dog is at, with no pushing to get the dog further along. Shy and fearful dog owners take note: no matter how much individual work they put in with a dog, the pricing is standard and there’s no extra charge! Of course, sometimes people miss their dogs, so Hounds Town offers several options for lonely owners. They set up a private fb page where staff can add videos of dogs playing and post pictures. And if people need a more individualized check-in, “we’ve been known, from time to time, to text or email individual pictures and videos for a personal touch” says Joe. Hounds Town offers everything from quick “exit baths” (a quick wash down) to Hydrosurge spa baths which include nail clipping or grinding and ear cleaning. How about a blueberry face scrub to treat your baby? And every dog can benefit from de-shedding, furminating and blow outs. They even offer a pet-taxi service. If you are interested in learning more about Hounds Town, you can visit their fb page https:// www.facebook.com/houndstownpittsburgh/ or web site https://www.houndstownusa.com. The fb page offers a friendly interactive appoint scheduler, along with videos and reviews. Or call Joe directly to schedule an appointment for a temperament test to see if your best friend wants to go on an adventure. Hounds Town – where the happiest dogs on earth go! Bonus: Hounds Town offers Cat boarding! Purrington Villas is their full-service cat boarding section of the facility. Cats can relax in their specially designed, spacious and multileveled cat condos. Cats are centrally located in their own temperature-controlled space. Hounds Town 3228 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 412-232 -5085
PET HEALTH & WELLNESS Acute Renal Failure in Dogs & Cats By Jessica Romine, DVM, DACVIM, Board-Certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine, BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in Southfield, Michigan The kidneys perform critical functions for dogs and cats, including filtering blood, eliminating waste in urine, and maintaining proper hydration, electrolyte balance, bone strength, blood pressure and red blood cell production. All of these functions are vital for dogs and cats to live optimally, and because of this, the kidneys have a high need for blood flow (20% of blood flow despite only making up 0.5% of the body weight) and high metabolic demand, making them particularly prone to toxic or low-oxygen injury. Despite advances in the treatment of acute renal failure, it remains a serious and often fatal disease. Acute kidney injury develops in 15-22% of hospitalized dogs and cats, and even minor renal injury increases mortality in people and animals. About 60% of dogs and cats with this disease either die or are humanely euthanized because of failure to respond to supportive care. CAUSES When kidneys suddenly fail, various toxins in the body can no longer be excreted. Rapid onset of kidney dysfunction can be caused from accidental ingestion of poisonous foods, plants, and medications such as antifreeze (radiator fluid, ethylene glycol), lily plants (only cats), raisins and grapes, and pain pills like aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®). While kidney infections can happen spontaneously, there is often a preexisting illness or condition that decreases a dog or cat’s ability to fight infection. Examples of such are kidney stones, partial urine blockage or chronic kidney disease, which usually stems from congenital defects, immune system diseases or buildup of toxins. One bacterial infection that can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, but rarely in cats, is Leptospirosis (Leptospira spp.). Dogs can contract leptospirosis from urine or water contaminated by infected animals, such as deer, cattle, rats, raccoons, mice or other dogs. Dehydration, heatstroke or other disorders causing massive damage to body tissues, such as bee stings or snakebites, can also lead to kidney failure. In addition, prolonged low blood pressure will damage kidney function. SIGNS Symptoms of kidney failure include excessive thirst, lethargy, poor or absent appetite, or vomiting. In severe kidney failure, the amount of urine may decrease or the pet may stop making urine altogether. Stomach or intestinal ulcers may also develop, which can result in either a black or tarry stool or vomiting of digested blood. Most often, gastrointestinal signs are the most obvious and are what prompt a visit to the vet. DIAGNOSIS AKI is officially defined as a creatinine increasing above the normal range (without the presence of chronic kidney disease). Since creatinine doesn’t rise until kidney blood flow has been significantly affected, even rising creatinine while still within the reference range is indicative of renal damage, particularly if occurring in the face of supportive care therapies such as IV fluids. The diagnosis of acute kidney injury requires bloodwork, oftentimes repeatedly to trend changes in BUN (urea), creatinine, electrolytes, acidbase status, and other markers of kidney function. X-rays, ultrasound, and urine testing and culture are often used as well. Sometimes a biopsy of the kidney is recommended, and the actual cause is not always apparent, if there is not a known toxin exposure, low blood pressure event, or infection present.
kidneys remove from the bloodstream. Since a decrease in urine can indicate the need for other therapies, urine production is monitored throughout the IV fluid therapy. A urinary catheter may also be used to measure urine volume. If urine production is less than IV fluid input, this could indicate fluid retention. Fluid retention in dogs and cats manifests itself as increased body weight, belly bloating, swollen legs, or shortness of breath (if fluid builds up in the lungs). If the cause of the kidney failure is suspected to be infection, antibiotics will also be given. Additionally, pets with kidney failure often refuse to eat, so anti-nausea and acid-suppressant therapies may be used, as well as appetite stimulants. If the dog or cat continues to be reluctant to eat, a temporary feeding tube may be placed to ensure that proper nutrition is being met. With acute kidney failure, potassium levels—an electrolyte normally found in the blood in controlled levels—may also increase to dangerous levels. High potassium levels can slow the heartbeat and even cause the heart to stop, so this needs to be trended closely. Conversely, very high blood pressure could also develop, so blood pressure medication may be needed. ADVANCED THERAPIES If the pet does not respond to IV fluids, advanced therapies such as peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis are recommended. Signs that indicate these therapies should be considered include: • • • •
Dangerously high potassium level Fluid in the lungs Decreasing urine output Lack of improvement in blood values while a patient receives IV fluids
PERITONEAL DIALYSIS Peritoneal dialysis involves placing a tube directly into the abdominal cavity, infusing fluid in to absorb toxins like BUN, creatinine, and potassium, and then draining the fluid back out to prevent them from being taken back up into the bloodstream. This flushes out toxins that the kidneys fail to remove. The procedure requires strict doctor or nurse supervision to keep the fluid moving in and out. HEMODIALYSIS With Hemodialysis, doctors place a specialized IV catheter in the pet’s vein. This catheter will remove a specific amount of blood, which is then sent through a machine (centrifuge) that cleanses the blood. Hemodialysis is effective, but only a handful of veterinary hospitals are equipped with the tools and technologies to perform the procedure, and it requires very intensive monitoring. It is important to note that both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis are expensive treatment options. These therapies are usually reserved for patients in whom medical treatment has failed, and for whom the odds of survival without dialysis are close to 0%. Even in patients that recover from acute kidney failure, the recovery may be incomplete, leaving the patient with chronic kidney disease that will require life-long ongoing care. However, many animals do recover fully and lead normal lives! For more information on acute kidney failure or chronic kidney disease, speak with your veterinarian.
TREATMENT Initial treatment for acute kidney failure is intravenous (IV) fluids. These fluids restore hydration and flush out substances that normal functioning
The most comprehensive multispecialty referral and emergency veterinary center in western Pennsylvania
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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: animalcarefund.org For questions, or to make an appointment call: 412.348.2588 or email: animalbloodbank@pvs-ec.com PA Blood Bank Ad 2018 04 06.indd 1
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Page 7 - A All About Pets VeterinaryAnimal Hospitals Healing Now, page 19 Page 9 - M Animal Friends M - Animal Friends, page 9 Page 21 - D Beaver Animal Clinic D - Beaver Animal Clinic, page 17 Page 15 - Best Breed Pet Food Best Breed Pet Food, page 15 Inside Front Cover S VCA Castle Shannon Buzzy Photography, page 3 Page 28 - F Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation Camp Bow Wow, page 17 Page 14 - Q Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center CARMAA, page 6 Page 24- Costa Real Estate F - Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation, page 28 Page 27 - G Coventry Stables Q - Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center, page 15 Page 11 - Dog Stop Dog Stop, page 17 Page 15 - H Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa EASE Animal Massage, page 3 Page 15 - Gentle Journey Veterinary Hospice Page 1 - I Healthy Pet Products H - Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa, page 15 Gentle Journey Veterinary Hospice, page 15 Page 29 - J Jefferson Memorial Page 13 - P Larry’s Laundromutt I - Healthy Pet Products, page 1 Hounds Town USA, page 10 Page 6 - Paws Here Awhile Page 15 - Pampered Paw Resort J - Jefferson Memorial, page 27 P - Larry’s Laundromutt, page 13 Page 5 - Petagogy Washington Page 13 - Rogan Rexford Animal Blood Bank O2 Derm Pet, page 5 Back Cover - N Pittsburgh Veterinary Paws Here Awhile, page 14 Specialty and Emergency Center Pampered Paw Resort, page 15 Page 27 - O Rockin Horse Stables Petagogy, page 5 Page 17 - Dr. Michael Savko Pittsburgh Pet Concierge, page 14 Page 15 - V Woody’s Dog Wash & Boutique Washington N - Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center, back cover Page 11 - Camp Bow Wow Portraits of Animals, page 13 Page 6 - CARMAA G Page 3 - EASE Animal MassageO - Rockin Horse Stables, page 25 Page 14 - Pittsburgh Pet Concierge Rogan Rexford Animal Blood Bank, page 13 Page 5 - o2 Derm PetThree Rivers Equestrian Association, page 25 Page 15 - Trixie’s Dog Fashions S - VCA Castle Shannon, inside front cover A Page 13 - Portraits of Animals VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center, page 29 Page 3 - Buzzy Photography
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Biscuits Bingo Saturday March 23 | Doors open at 10 a.m. Bingo starts at Noon | IBEW Hall 5 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Pittsburgh Marathon Run for Their•Lives For Dogs, Cats, Birds, & Any Pet! & Long Term Boarding Sunday, May•5Short | 7 a.m. • Daily Doggy Daycare Program Downtown Pittsburgh • Full Grooming Salon & Pet Taxi
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Trixie’s Dog Fashions Suzanne & Dean Owners & Designers
• For Dogs, Cats, Birds, & Any Pet! • Short & Long Term Boarding • Daily Doggy Daycare Program • Full Grooming Salon & Pet Taxi • Kennel & Stress Free in our Home
10% OFF 7 day of any boarding* 412-856-8505 • PetConcierge.org 227 Loretta Dr., Monroeville, PA 15146
New Clients Only - One time use. Licensed by the PA Dept. of Agriculture FULLY INSURED
Our Home Is Your Pet’s Vacation Spot! 14 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | WINTER 2019
“All Our Items Are Handmade” Contact Us At trixiesdogfashions@gmail.com Visit Our Website www.trixiesdogfashions.com
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www.aapvet.com 724-745-5503 155 East Pike Street Canonsburg, PA 15317
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• Upper St. Clair NEW www.TheDogStop.com www.TheDogStop.com *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/20. *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19.
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HOLISTIC PET CARE The Grain-free Debate – Skip it and Go Raw! By Doug Knueven, DVM, CVC, CVCH In July of 2018, the FDA released a warning to veterinarians and pet owners regarding a possible link between grain-free dog food and the development of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). The warning was based on reports from veterinary cardiologists who were seeing a spike in cases of DCM in breeds that are not prone to the disease. The cardiologists further noticed that many of these dogs were being fed grain-free diets – specifically those containing high levels of peas, lentils, legumes or potatoes. Soon the rumor-mill and media took off with the story and the controversy continues to this day. Before we get into the grain-free issue, let’s back up and look at the disease we’re talking about. DCM is an ailment of the heart muscle brought on by a weakening in the muscle tissue. It is the most common cause of heart disease in certain large-breed dogs such as the Great Dane, Boxer, and Doberman Pinscher. This disease is also linked to a deficiency of the amino acid taurine in a dog’s blood. The concern with grain-free diets is that they might lead to taurine deficiency. Most caregivers choose grain-free foods because they realize that grains are an unnatural ingredient in a dog’s diet. What they don’t appreciate is that grain-free diets simply replace the grain with ingredients such as peas, lentils, legumes, or potatoes, which are equally inappropriate foods for dogs. In addition, these grain replacers contain anti-nutrients which are natural plant compounds that interfere with the digestion and/or absorption of nutrients such as taurine. So, grain-free dog food manufacturers may formulate their diets to contain adequate taurine, but not account for the amount lost to the anti-nutrients in the diets’ novel components. The grain-free link to DCM has brought conventional veterinary nutritionists down from their ivory towers and into the media. They are using the concern over grain-free diets to extol the value of grain in dog foods. The mantra of the nutritionists is that, when it comes to pet foods, it’s not the ingredients that are important, but the nutrients. I suppose that they themselves eat “People Chow” rather than freshly prepared meats, vegetables, and fruits. Pet caregivers are understandably confused. They seem to be forced to choose between foods with crummy ingredients, including gains, with adequate taurine, and dog food with nice looking ingredients that might cause heart disease. Some people have become convinced that corn is good for dogs (which is obviously not true unless you’re talking about corndogs). For me, this whole grain-free debate is moot. The truth is that no matter how “natural” the ingredients, there is no processed dog food (grain-free or otherwise) that is appropriate for dogs. Dogs have evolved over millions of years to eat a balanced, raw diet such as that of wolves. That’s why their dental structures are nearly identical. A truly natural diet for a dog is free of grains, peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes and other starchy ingredients. It has all the needed taurine and no anti-nutrients. The importance of a diet’s macronutrient balance (percentages of protein, fat, and carbohydrate) cannot be overstated. Studies show that the macronutrient balance in an animal’s diet affects their grow rate and size, level of obesity, longevity, and disease resistance. If we want healthy pets, we need to feed then their ideal levels of these nutrients. But how can we figure out what’s best? One way is to look at the diet dogs evolved eating over hundreds of thousands of years. In his book Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet, Steve Brown estimates the macronutrient content of the diets of our dogs’ ancestors. From his work I calculated that in the ancestral diet of dogs, approximately
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50% of the calories come from protein, 44% comes from fat, and 6% from carbohydrate. This is the kind of diet dogs have adapted to eat. Multiple research studies show that predators select food based on the macronutrient balance that enhances their survival. From this work it was determined that another way to determine the right balance of macronutrients for dogs is to let them decide. Recent research looked at the macronutrient profile selection of present-day, adult dogs. They studied 5 diverse breeds including the papillon, miniature schnauzer, cocker spaniel, Labrador retriever and St. Bernard. They found that all these very different dogs consistently chose a diet consisting of 30% protein, 63% fat, and 7% carbohydrate (based on percentage of calories). Now we can quibble over the percentage of fat and protein, but look how close these levels of carbohydrates are to those of Steve Brown’s estimates. According to two, independent studies, the ideal level of carbohydrates for dogs is between 6% and 7%. Furthermore, the study about dog nutrient profile selection concluded that “…the recent rapid divergence among dog breeds is not substantially reflected in their macronutrient priorities compared with other phenotypic features such as size, color, and temperament.” In other words, our genetic manipulation through breed formation of dogs has not changed their macronutrient selection from that of their ancestors. So, now we have a good idea of the ideal level of starch in dog food (6-7%). What about processed, dry dog food. The American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is responsible for creating the standards for pet foods. According to their recommendations, dog food is acceptable if, as a percentage of calories, there is 19% protein, 12% fat, and 69% carbohydrates. You read that correctly, processed dog food may contain as much as 69% carbs! AAFCO, and the pet food industrial complex, are way out of range. How they can, with a straight face, insist that grains and other sources of carbohydrates are good for pets is beyond me. Actually, the reason for the excess carbs is clear. It has nothing to do with the healthiness of the food. It is all about keeping the pet food cheap and convenient (you can’t make kibble without starch to glue it together). Cost and convenience are important, but not more important than the health of our pets. Another problem with processed dog food is that, although the label says it’s “100% complete and balanced,” the experts do not even know the proper levels of all the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) for dogs and cats. Also, the high heat used to process pet foods create carcinogens. The best diet for most dogs and cats is a balanced raw diet. The brand I like best is called Answers. So, skip the grain-free debate and go raw!
Integrative Holistic Medicine Integrative: combining the best of conventional and alternative medicine Holistic: providing more options for therapy • Acupuncture • Herbal Medicine • Spinal Manipulation • Supplements
• Natural Nutrition • Vaccine Counseling • Massage Therapy • Healing Touch
Dr. Doug has been practicing integrative veterinary medicine since 1993. He is certified in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and chiropractic. With over 30 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Doug has treated thousands of challenging cases.
For complete care for your animal companion, see Dr. Doug. Call Beaver Animal Clinic today to set up a holistic exam for your pet.
Dr. Doug | The Holistic Vet
357 State Avenue | Beaver, PA 15009 | 724.774.8047
beaveranimalclinic.com
NoNo MaMatter tter WhWhere ere YoYou u LivLive, e, ThisThis Dr. Dr. Is WIsorWorth th WorEvery th Every Second To Get Your Pet Better. Second To Get Your Pet Better! since been seeing him for about 8 weeks Young, vibrant Golden Retriever named now and after just 2 visits, Bauer was Bauer is diagnosed with torn knee "Dr. Savko dog as her life back! acting as nothing ever happened and ligaments, afterhas just 2given visits hemy is “acting playing with his puppy brother. Dr. Savko if nothing had ever happened”, read what After being hit by a car, she practically couldn't use saw the progress himself and could’ve Bauer’s dad had to say about working with her leftHealing leg for NOW: about a year until I found Dr. Savko in easily taken advantage of Animal a desperate attempt. me and told me to come 7 Since thatisfirst visit myI 90 pound lab-shepherd mix's days a week, but he spread Dr. Savko awesome! quality life has improved drastically. She has full out the visits and even cut a took myof Golden Retriever use ofwhen her left few out because Bauer was to him theleg, vetsand gets to enjoy an active lifestyle ontore thehis farm and on hiking trips. I couldn't be doing so well. NO MATTER thought he ACL. more grateful!! " not WHERE YOU LIVE, THIS He was limping and DR. IS WORTH EVERY playing a whole lot. Initially SECOND TO GET YOUR the veterinarians had me PET BETTER. THANKS thinking that expensive DR. SAVKO! surgery after expensive "Finally a straight shooter Doctor diagnostic testing were You have not tried my ONLY options for my for once!! everything until you have pal to have a normal life tried Animal NOW, again. If that was the way My dog was diagnosed withHealing both back wouldn’t it had to be then so be it, legs having torn besides CCL’s. why I had bracesyou go the non invasive route but I thought maybe there made and did water therapy and then, first? Unless itwith is a life death emergency might be a better way so I got a second after consulting myorveterinarian, we natural non invasive opinion. I am so glad I got another opinion added Dr and Savko. My dog options is now should running always considered firstand or atcan least in up from a veterinarian that referred me to Dr. a little withbeno pain meds walk to anything Savko. Right away I messaged Dr. Savko theaddition steps on his own.else! He is doing so frantic about my baby and he responded great and I couldn’t be happier. Not Healing, needs not justsurgery treating.and my dog is immediately and was very calming. I’ve everything
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KITTY KORNER Helping Community Cats Survive Winter Weather By Bernadette Kazmarski If it feels cold to you, it feels cold to animals too. Don’t be fooled into thinking that because they are animals with fur, and many wild animals live outdoors all the time and survive, the cold is not only tolerable but comfortable for them. Many wild animals die in weather like this, and unfortunately so do community cats. Here are a few ways you can help them survive cold winter weather and severe winter storms. Don’t take for granted that cats can survive outdoors in severe weather Community cats are not wild animals despite the fact they are living outdoors—they are domestic animals and aren’t hardwired to build a den or nest for winter protection in the way wild animals do. We need to help them by providing shelter, food and water. Cats may tolerate cold for a while, but their small bodies lose heat quickly and extremities like tails and ears can easily be lost to frostbite. Kittens and young cats are less tolerant of cold than adults, likewise older animals are less tolerant. Always make sure they have shelter and food and water that is not frozen or covered with snow or ice. Sturdy insulated shelter If you’re caring for cats who live outdoors, they should have shelters of some sort at all times, but especially at this time of the year. Many shelters are made from Rubbermaid containers with smaller containers inside and styrofoam or straw between the two containers for insulation, others from styrofoam coolers wrapped with heavy plastic garbage bags, others are wood and other building materials. No matter what sort of shelter: They should be insulated by a solid material like styrofoam that is sealed with tape and/or caulking to form a complete barrier to wind, cold and moisture. They should be filled with dry straw that the cats can nestle into, not hay which is animal feed and has a certain amount of moisture, and not blankets which hold moisture and can develop mold and mildew. Entrances should face away from the wind and even have a flap over the doorway to help keep cold out. They should be placed in a safe area away from traffic or dangers where cats can enter and leave to access food and water without impediment. They can be raised off the ground and insulated underneath to keep from absorbing cold from soil or pavement. If snow falls, clear snow away from the area around their shelters so they can easily access any part of the area, and so that when the snow melts it doesn’t leave water, mud or ice behind for the cats to walk on and track into their shelter, or to present a danger to you when you feed and care for them. If shelters are placed in a covered area, such as under a deck or porch, with electricity available, you can also consider a warming light such as ones used for poultry or livestock. Food Cats living outdoors need to build up a layer of fat to help insulate themselves in cold weather.
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Dry food is convenient, but wet food is more nourishing for them, so try to provide wet food at least once a day when the weather gets cold. Place food bowls in a protected area so food won’t be covered with snow or wet with rain or sleet, and also so that they can eat in comfort out of the wind and weather. Many times there is no chance for electricity to keep wet food from freezing, so either a few extra trips to refill dishes or a non-electric warming pad helps to keep food edible. To help it stay edible longer, add a little hot water when you serve it— this will also make the scent of the food stronger and encourage the cats to come and eat right away. If electricity is available, use a heated food bowl or a food warmer that’s appropriate for your feeding area. Water Animals can survive days, even weeks, on existing body fat, but a few days without water causes severe dehydration and organ damage or failure, often irreversible. Just like food, if there is no chance for electricity to keep water from freezing, a few extra trips to refill dishes with hot water to keep it liquid longer or a non-electric warming pad helps to keep water liquid. Make sure dishes are non-breakable and are stable so they can’t be tipped to spill out the water. If electricity is available, use a heated water bowl. Give community cats indoor shelter if possible Often community cats are accustomed to their caretaker and may be amenable to simply coming into a sheltered area for the duration of a storm, then returning back outside when the worst is over. Cats who are very young or older, or with any obvious injuries or illnesses, need the most protection. If you could make arrangements for them and any cats who seem amenable to come inside during the most intense cold, even in separate areas or large cages, you could save lives. Bringing them into your home is risky because most people who would do this often have other cats and you need to keep everyone separated for health and social reasons and could result in health and behavior issues, so you would always keep the populations separate. A garage will work if the floor is clear of vehicle fluids and residue. Even a shed or outdoor area where cats would be completely out of the elements for the duration of a storm would keep them until the worst of it is over. Depending on how socialized they are you might just open the
Pittsburgh PetConnections | Holiday 2019/2020
door and invite them in, or you might need to lure them in with food, adding beds, food, water and litterboxes. Resources Alley Cat Allies: Winter Weather Tips (www. alleycat.org/community-cat-care/winterweather-tips/) Top Ten Tips on Caring for Ferals in Winter (www. aspcapro.org/resource/spay-neuter-feral-catsstarting-program/top-ten-tips-caring-feralswinter) from the ASPCA
CAT RESOURCE GUIDE P R E S E N T T H I S A D F O R A F R E E D AY O F D AYC A R E *
2020 Clinic Schedule Our clinic is located at 207 Allegheny Street, Tarentum, PA 15084. At this time, we treat only cats at our clinics. You must call to register prior to any clinic. CLINIC REGISTRATION BY PHONE: call 412-321-4060 and leave a message. Please include your name and phone number in your message. Someone will return your call and complete your pre-registration. HCMT is all volunteer and this may take some time. Clinics fill up quickly and it’s best to call at least two weeks in advance of the clinic you want to attend. BY EMAIL: Email cathomeless@gmail.com with your name, number of spots you need and which date you are registering for. You will receive a confirmation email ONLY if you are registered. NOTE: dates may be added and are subject to change.
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January 4 – in memory of Lance Bubash February 1 – in memory of Milton Lendl February 29 – sponsored by Moondogs Fundraiser March 28 – in memory of James McDonald Jr.
May 9– sponsored by Samantha Ginsburg May 23 – sponsored by Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser June 20 – open for sponsorship
FAST TRACK CLINICS January 18 February 15 March 14
April 11 April 25 June 6
7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
Low-cost spay/neuter and animal services in and around Allegheny County
• South • including Striplow-cost District This is an ever-changing• list East of resourcesEnd for pet owners in PittsburghHills and beyond spay and neuter programs for pets as well as TNR for community cats, after-hours emergency care, help with veterinary bills, pet-friendly rentals in Pittsburgh and across the US and links to shelters for adoption and other services. This information is provided for reference only and subject to change without • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford notice. Please contact the organization or agency before using their services. • Upper St. Clair NEW
clinics but organize, host, sponsor or otherwise provide TNR and Low-cost Spay and Neuter access to spay and neuter services. Organizations and Programs www.TheDogStop.com CatnipLimit Acresone (Greene County) Homeless*Offer Cat Management Team only valid for new clients at participating locations. coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. http://www.catnip-acres.org/clinics.html http://www.homelesscat.org Fluffy Jean Fund (Washington County) City of Pittsburgh Free Spay and Neuter for City http://fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com/ Residents, city of Pittsburgh offers five free spays/neuters to all city residents Fund for Feral Cats of Pittsburgh Day Care Boarding Training Grooming www.pittsburghpa.gov/animalcontrol/spay_neuter.htm Reimburses partial funds to help spay/neuter feralRetail cats (funds not always available), 412-521-5352 Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs at Shelters in Allegheny and surrounding counties Shelter Lawrence County Animal Relief Fund (LCARF) Programs http://www.lcarf.com/ PENNSYLVANIA Operation Spay/Neuter Animal Friends Butler, PA (for Butler County residents only) www.thingkingoutsidethecage.org http://operationspayneuter.com/ Humane Animal Rescue Pet Search Please call each branch while the two shelters continue their http://www.petsearchpa.org/ merger. SNIPP: Spay and Neuter Indiana PA Pets East Liberty Shelter (formerly Animal Rescue League) Westmoreland/Indiana Counties, Alle-Kiski Valley (Leechburg), http://www.snippindianapa.org/ http://www.animalrescue.org/ North Shore Shelter (formerly Western Pennsylvania Humane Society) www.wpahumane.org Clarion Paws Serves Clarion, Forest and Jefferson County Low Cost Spay / Neuter Clinic: spayneuterclinic@clarionpaws.org Trap-Neuter-Return: tnr@clarionpaws.org http://www.clarionpaws.org/ PET & OUTDOOR OR FERAL CATS Beaver County Humane Society http://www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Butler County Humane Society http://www.butlercountyhs.org/FelineSpayNeuter.asp Washington Area Humane Society http://washingtonpashelter.org/services/ EASTERN OHIO Angels for Animals http://www.angelsforanimals.org/snWhy.asp
Low-cost Spay/Neuter Organizations in Allegheny and surrounding counties
These are organizations which are not day-to-day
Low-cost Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Clinics These are independent clinics that offer services on site during regular business hours. Fix ‘Ur Pet http://fixurpet.org/ Frankie’s Friends http://www.FrankiesFriendsCatRescue.org/ Penn Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic http://www.spayaz.com/Pittsburgh.html Wexford Spay/Neuter Clinic http://www.spayaz.com/wexford-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://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html Spay USA http://www.spayusa.org/search.php Spay and Neuter Early, a Humane Alliance Campaign http://www.whentospay.org/get-your-pet-fixed
Get Your Fix.org http://getyourfix.org/ ASPCA searchable map of low-cost clinics in US & Canada https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/ low-cost-spayneuter-programs
Emergency and After-hours Care
Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (PVSEC) http://www.pvs-ec.com/ VCA Castle Shannon Animal Hospital http://www.vcahospitals.com/castle-shannon VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center http://www.vcahospitals.com/northview A-VETS, http://www.avets.us/
Pet-friendly Rentals
In the Pittsburgh area, visit this list on the FosterCat website: http://www.fostercat.org/friendly.html Nationwide (United States only) http://www.rent.com/pet-friendly-apartments
Shelters and Shelter Services
Adoption, surrender, low-cost clinics, pet food pantries, referrals, etc. Humane Animal Rescue, North Shore (Western PA Humane Society) www.wpahumane.org Humane Animal Rescue, East Liberty (Animal Rescue League), www.animalrescue.org Animal Friends (AFI), www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Advocates, animaladvocates.net Washington Area Humane Society www.washingtonpashelter.org Butler County Humane Society, www.butlercountyhs.org Beaver County Humane Society www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org
Animal Cruelty Laws by State (United States)
Animal Legal & Historical Center www.animallaw.info/articles/armpstatecruelty.htm
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DIRECTORIES 22
ANIMAL EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS North: The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium pittsburghzoo.org The National Aviary nationalaviary.org ANIMAL COMMUNICATION Greater Pittsburgh Area: Renee Takacs, M.A., intuitguide.com ANIMAL-RELATED ART, PHOTOGRAPHY & RETAIL April Minech Custom Portraits | Pet Inspired Art www.ladybugdelightz.etsy.com North: Kim Lenz, Behind the Lenz Photography 412-983-0981, https://www.facebook.com/ Behind-the-Lenz-127787624032093/ Buzzy Photography 412-371-5212 | anita@buzzyphoto.com South: Kara Jones Photography, kjones.smugmug.com Paws ‘n Claws Eyewear, PawsnClawsEyewear.com ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS North: Animal Friends 412-847-7000 | thinkingoutsidethecage.org Beaver County Humane Society 724-775-5801 | www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Pennsylvania Great Dane Rescue, 724-869-9185 Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary 412-366-1187 | hopehavenfarm.org Western Pa Humane Society 412-321-4625 | wpahumane.org South: Animal Care & Welfare 412-244-1372 | animalcareandwelfare.org Droopy’s Basset Rescue 888-9 GET DROOL | www.droopysbassetrescue.com Washington Area Humane Society 724-222-7387 | washingtonpashelter.org Animals Against the Odds Rescue/Rehab www.aato.rescueme.org East: Humane Animal Rescue 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org HAR 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 Greater Pittsburgh Area: SPAAR, www.seniorpetandanimalrescue.org Guardian Angels Pug Rescue, 724-537-3466 www.facebook.com/guardianangelspugrescue Humane Society of Greene County 724-627-9988 | greenepet.org PEARL Parrot Rescue, www.pearlparrots.com BIRD & SUPPLIES Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages www.naturalinspirationsparrotcages.com Pittsburgh PetConnections | Summer 2019
DOG TRAINING North: AKIN Family Dog Training (Lilian Akin) 412-732-8091 | akinfdt.net Greater Pittsburgh Area: Happy Pets Training/Christine Flint 412-373-9583 | www.happypetstraining.com Success Just Clicks, successjustclicks.com North Shore: Western PA Humane Society 412-321-4265 | wpahumane.org South: Paula’s Professional Dog Services, 412-818-2482 DOG TRAINING CLUBS South: Dogworks Training Center at The Canine Club 412-220-8100 | www.thecanineclub.com 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 Manon’s Farm, 724-705-7912 | 724-621-0260 SydMor Equestrian Center 724-969-0510 | www.sydmorstables.com EQUINE FEED & SUPPLY AGWAY - SOUTHERN STATES North: Mount Nebo Agway, Sewickley, PA | 412-364-4430 Beaver Agway, Beaver, PA | 724-775-0535 Mars Agway, Mars PA | 724-625-2340 South: Eighty Four Agway, Eighty Four, PA | 724-222-0600 East: Ligonier Agway, Ligonier, PA | 724-238-6207 West: Imperial Agway, Imperial, PA | 724-695-7388 EQUINE HOLISTIC CARE Greater Pittsburgh Area: Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com EQUINE TACK STORES North: Shady Acres Saddlery 412-963-9454 | www.shadyacressaddlery.biz South: Lowry’s Western Store 724-228-1225 | lowryswesternshop.com EQUINE VETERINARIANS Dr. Brian Burks, DVM - Fox Run Equine Center 724-727-3481 | foxrunequine.com
HOLISTIC PET PRACTITIONERS Pet Chiropractor North: Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com Greater Pittsburgh: Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com EASE Animal Massage 412-447-8490 | www.easeanimalmassage.com HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS FOR GUARDIANS East End: Judith Levy Wellness, Coaching/Energy Modalities 412-726-2659 | www.judithlevywellness.com South: Manning Chiropractic & Wellness Center 412-341-2505 | drastridmanning.com HOLISTIC VETERINARIANS Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com Dr. Qiang Li VCA Castle Shannon 412-885-2500 PET BURIAL, MEMORIAL & CREMATION SERVICES South: Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation 412-220-7800 | ccpc.ws Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home 412-655-4500 | jeffersonmemorial.biz Greater Pittsburgh: Thousand Hills Pet Crematory 724-355-8296 | www.thousandhillspetcrematory.com PET GROOMING North: All About Dogs 724-925-1577 | allaboutdogsgrooming.info Happy Tailz Pet Spa 412-759-7620 | Happytailzpetspa.com Healthy Pet Grooming 724-759-7567 Larry’s Laundromutt 412-534-4052 | Larryslaundromutt.com South: Candelore’s Barking Beauties, 412-872-5550 Creative Canine Cuts, 724-223-9020 Grand Slam Grooming 412-221-5081 | grandslamgrooming.com Petsburgh Dog & Cat Grooming 412-885-4027 The Pet Salon 412-279-5331 | petsalonusa.com Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com East: Animal Elegance 412-361-1177 | www.animal-elegance.com Cat Around Town Cat Grooming 412-466-7877 (PURR) | cataroundtown.com West: Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com
DIRECTORIES
Trixie’s Dog Fashions Camp Bow Wow Pgh East Greater Pittsburgh Area: www.trixiesdogfashions.com 724-733 CAMP (2267) Zoom N Groom (Sonya Patterson), 724-225-4827 PRESENT THIS A D F O R A F R E E D AO2YDermO F D AYC A R E * Pet Topical Gel, www.O2Dermpet.com North: PET FRIENDLY BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS PET SITTERS Dog stop - North Bactronix, 412-375-7886 | www.bactronix.com 724-935-DOGS (3647) | www.thedogstop.net North Good Nature Organic Lawn Care The Dog Stop - Sewickley Furry Family Pet Sitting 888-LAWNSAFER | whygoodnature.com 412-766-DOGS (3647) | www.thedogstop.net 412-999-9524 | www.furryfamilypetsitting.com Simple Sugars Scrub, Simplesugarsscrub.com Lucky Paws Pet Resort Western PA No Boarders Pet and Animal Care Village Shoppes Scenery Hill 724-728-1484 | www.luckypawsresort.com Home & Farm Sitting Elves Lair Christmas & Gifts, Jan’s Tea Shoppe - 2nd 724-219-7801 | Noboarders-petcare.com South: Street Coffee Roasters, Velvet Envelope, Westerwald South: Grandma’s Dog Daycare Pottery, Two Old Crows, www.sceneryhillpa.com 412-586-7094 | grandmasdogdaycare.com Pets at Home Greater Pittsburgh Area: 412-655-7297 (PAWS) Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa Fragasso Financial Advisors 724-746-3899 | fuzzy-paws.com Your Critter Sitters (Raylene Hoover) 412-227-3200 | www.fragassoadvisors.com 724-448-7330 | yourcrittersitters.com The Dog Stop - Banksville Rd. Fundvelopes, 412-595-8641 | fundvelopes.com 412-343-1171 | www.thedogstop.net East: Matt Arch Foundation, www.connectarian.com 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Pampered Paw Resort Pittsburgh Pet Concierge One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning 724-413-3135 | pamperedpawresort.com 412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org 724-225-1644 | www.onehourair.com East: VETERINARY HOSPICE & MOBILE SERVICES OxyMagic, 412-781-4110 | www.oxypgh.com Pittsburgh Pet Concierge • East End • South Hills • Strip District Greater Pittsburgh Area: Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh 412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford Nancy A. Ruffing, DVM 412-342-0500 | www.komenpittsburgh.org The Dog Stop - Monroeville 412-801-1071 | gentlejourneyvet.com East • Upper St. Clair NEW 412-373-3355 | www.thedogstop.net VETERINARY PHARMACIES Pittsburgh East Nissan The Dog Stop - East End www.TheDogStop.com Greater Pittsburgh Area: 412-824-9020 | www.pittsburgheastnissan.com 412-361-0911 | www.thedogstop.net Murray Avenue Apothecary Unique Home Solutions *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. The DogLimit Stop -one East:coupon Strip District 412-421-4996 | MAApgh.com www.uniquehomesolutions.com 412-315-7050 | www.thedogstop.net VETERINARY HOSPITALS South: Country Lane Pet Hotel North: Southpointe Chamber, www.southpointe.net 412-824-7991 | www.countrylanepethotel.com Beaver Animal Clinic PET-FRIENDLY LIVING West: Day Care Boarding Training Retail 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com Grooming Greater Pittsburgh Area: Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com Pinch Property Services & Surgical Center 412-445-8550 | PinchPropertyServices.com Greater Pittsburgh Area: 412-884-3162 | www.cheyennevet1.com East: Hounds Town USA VCA Northview Animal Hospital 412-232 -5085 | www.houndstownusa.com The Getaway at Glen Highland Farm 412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com www.glenhighlandgetaway.com PET RETAIL/SUPPLY South: South: North: All About Pets Veterinary Hospital American Destiny Real Estate Services Healthy Pet Products 724-745-5503 | aapvet.com 412-983-2220 | www.adr-usa.com 412-366-0700 | healthypetproducts.net All About Pets Veterinary Hospital Amore South: – Washington location 877-716-6840 | amoreapartments.com 724-503-4887 | www.aapvet.com Healthy Pet Products PET GROOMING SCHOOLS 412-831-3700 | healthypetproducts.net VCA Castle Shannon North: 412-885-2500 Oddball Pets & Aquariums 412-884-2333 | oddballpets.com Pa Academy of Pet Grooming, 412-759-7620 East: Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique PET MINISTRIES The Big Easy Animal Hospital 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com 412-908-9301 | tbeah.com South: East: Monroeville Pet Hospital Christ United Methodist Church 412-372-1100 | www.monroevillepethospital.com Petagogy, petagogy.com | 412-362-7387 412-277-1096 | christumc.net VETERINARY SPECIALTY & EMERGENCY SERVICES Petland East Side Village Westminster Presbyterian Church 412-363-PETS | www.petlandvillageofeastside.com 412-835-6630 | westminster-church.org North/South: Greater Pittsburgh Area: PET RESORTS - BOARDING, DAYCARE, Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, Inc. GROOMING & TRAINING 412-366-3400 | 724-809-2000 pvs-ec.com Baskets of Nature 724-831-9437 | www.basketsofnature.com Camp Bow Wow South North: 971 Killarney Dr Pittsburgh, PA 15234 Dig It Collars, dig-it-store.com VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center Camp Bow Wow Southwest 412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com 412-276-WAGS (9247) Camp Bow Wow North 412-931-WAGS (9247) Camp Bow Wow Highland Park 412-362-PLAY
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DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH!
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EQUINE AFFAIRS Feeding the Older Horse Dr. Marty Adams, PhD, PAS – Equine Nutritionist for Cargill/Southern States With advances in nutrition and preventive health care, today’s horses can expect to have longer and more productive lives than ever before. Many horses are living well into their late twenties and thirties, with a good quality of life. Special feeds have been developed for older horses, which meet their unique nutritional needs and extend their productive lives. A senior horse feed should be highly palatable, dust-free, easy to chew and digest, based on digestible fiber instead of grain, low in sugar and starch content, provide quality protein and with guaranteed levels of essential amino acids, and have added B-complex vitamins, added vitamin C, and a high fat content. ProElite Senior is a textured, low sugar/starch, beet pulp/pelleted feed with 10% fat that is very palatable and contains more digestive aids than any senior horse feed. Following are some tips on feeding the older horse, to help you make the most of your horse’s senior years. • Schedule regular dental examinations for your older horse. Many horses have sharp points that develop on the edges of their molars that need to be filed down or floated. If hay and feed are not properly chewed, the horse may not be able to digest them well enough to obtain sufficient nutrients. If you notice your horse having trouble chewing, if he commonly drops his feed during mealtime, or he spits out balls of hay or grass, it is time to schedule a visit from the dentist. • Wet the feed, making a mash or soup for the senior horse. Some older horses have lost enough teeth or their teeth are worn down enough that they are unable to properly chew even senior-type feeds very well. Adding some warm water to the feed and allowing it to set for 15 to 30 minutes before feeding will allow the dentally-challenged horse to chew or swallow its feed better, and reduce the risk of choke and impaction colic. • Feed your older horse apart from aggressive eaters. If you have several horses grouped together and don’t have stalls to feed them individually, separate your older horse from the group so it can be fed alone. Unless your older horse is the most dominant horse in the group, it is not likely they would be able to consume all of their feed without a more dominant horse moving in and claiming the rest of the feed. • Select a senior horse feed containing highly digestible fiber sources. Highly digestible sources of fiber include beet pulp, soybean hulls and alfalfa hay. These feed ingredients are easily broken down in the horse’s digestive system, providing more calories and a lower risk of impaction colic than less digestible fiber sources. Feeds for older horses contain more fiber than most conventional horse feeds. Senior feeds can be consumed at higher rates than conventional horse feeds and are designed to replace most of the hay or pasture that the horse would normally consume. Choose a senior horse feed with a high fat level. The older horse easily digests fat in the form of vegetable oil, which is the preferred form of fat for the horse compared to animal fats. Fat is a concentrated source of calories, containing more than twice the calories per unit than carbohydrates,
which make up the majority of calories found in grain and hay. ProElite Senior contains 10% fat from soy oil and flaxseed, which are both good sources of omega-3 fatty acids which help to lower inflammation. • Choose a senior horse feed with low levels of starch and sugar. ProElite Senior contains large amounts of digestible fiber and is less than 12% sugar and starch according to average laboratory analysis, which is also defined as nonstructural carbohydrates or NSC. Many older horses may be affected by Equine Cushing’s Disease (ECD) and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), which alters normal cortisol, glucose and insulin metabolism and increases the incidence of founder or laminitis in affected horses. A low NSC feed is recommended for horses afflicted with ECD and EMS, making ProElite Senior a great choice for the older horse with these health challenges. • Provide some long-stemmed fiber in your older horse’s daily diet. Although some senior feeds are labeled as complete feeds and recommended to be fed with no added fiber or hay, these feeds may lack what is called the “chew” factor and the “scratch” factor that will provide increased chewing and salivation, more gastric and intestinal buffering capacity, greater bulk and increased intestinal motility, and lower incidence of cribbing, colic and wood chewing. Even if your horse has few or no teeth, hay cubes or chopped forage can be soaked until soft and mixed into feed or fed separately to your older horse. For the dentally-challenged older horse who can only eat a limited amount of hay, use these guidelines: provide 0.5% of the older horse’s body weight daily in chopped forage or hay cubes (five pounds daily for a 1,000-pound horse) and provide up to 1% of the older horse’s body weight in senior feed (ten pounds daily for a 1,000 pound horse). Soak the hay cubes or chopped forage and senior feed before feeding, and divide the forage and senior feed into two to four daily meals. This feeding program will provide enough calories to maintain body weight for the older horse. ProElite Senior contains shredded beet pulp to increase chewing, salivation and better digestive function and health. • Provide high quality processed forage for your older horse. Poor quality hay is more difficult for the older horse to chew and swallow, and is more likely to cause an impaction colic. High quality hay is harvested at an earlier stage, is less fibrous and easier to chew, and breaks down quickly in the horse’s digestive system, reducing the risk of impaction colic. Once the older horse starts “quidding” baled hay, meaning that it drops out of his mouth due to the inability to chew enough to swallow it, you need to select a processed forage that is easier for the horse to chew and swallow. A chopped hay or hay cubes is the best choice at this point. Be sure to wet hay cubes before feeding to prevent the risk of choke and you may also wet the chopped forage to increase the ability of your older horse to chew and swallow. As the older horse ages and has decreased dental ability, change the forage in his diet from chopped hay to cubed hay to pelleted hay to insure that the forage fed can be consumed and body condition maintained.
Where will you lead
P R E S E N T T H I S A D F O R A F R E E D AY O F D AYC A R E * WHEN THEY BEGIN TO FOLLOW?
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DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
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• East End • South Hills • Strip District • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Upper St. Clair NEW
Available at: Your local Agway store
www.TheDogStop.com *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19.
Grooming
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Training
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Boarding / Lessons / Horse Sales Three Rivers Equestrian Association, a new equestrian group in the Tri State Area promoting ‘dressage’ for all disciplines of riding.
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. We strive to offer a clean, safe, family friendly environment for our riders and guests.
Minutes from Rt. 19 Cranberry Twp. • Stalls & Lessons Available
Visit TREA’s www.myvirtualequestrian.net and ride a dressage test from home and be judged. Year end awards available and rated judges. FMI visit ThreeRiversEquestrianAssoc.org or find us on Facebook
724-601-4706 • rockinhorsestables.com
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FEATHERED FRIENDS The Foraging Plate: Introducing New Foods in Your Bird’s Diet By Edward R. Moats
Quite often when I am consulting with pet parents regarding their bird’s nutrition, there always seems to be a series of questions that are on their minds. “How do I get my bird to try these new foods?” “Do I remove their normal diet and offer the new food?” “Do I mix new food with their current food?” Personally, I like to use their instinctive behaviors to introduce new foods. And I call this method “The Foraging Plate.” Essentially, you are encouraging a bird’s instinctive behavior for foraging to tempt them to try new foods.
layers of food “foraging” to get to their favorite tidbits. While they are moving these new foods with their beaks, they will essentially be tasting the new foods. By encouraging the innate behavior to forage, you are manipulating your bird to try new foods. The Foraging Plate is also a good source for enrichment. Providing enrichment keeps a bird busy and they are less likely to exhibit behaviors such as screaming and feather plucking.
Setting Up the Foraging Plate Setting up a Foraging Plate is quite simple. I recommend using a small to large plate. (Depending on the size of your bird.) Basically, you will be layering foods on the plate. The first layer will be the food your bird normally enjoys. Often, this is seed. Scatter the food on the bottom of the plate. Next, place a new food over the first layer. And then another food on top of that layer. And so on. After you have finished layering, place the plate on the bottom of the cage. The concept of the Foraging Plate is that your bird will be encouraged to move the
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And as I have mentioned in past articles, always be cognizant that fresh fruits and vegetables can grow bacteria in a short amount of time. Fresh foods should only be offered for a few hours and then removed. This includes any uneaten morsels scattered over the bottom of the cage. Patience is the Key There is one last question I always seem to be asked. “How long will it take for my bird to accept the new food?” There is no particular time frame. Each bird is an individual. Some birds will immediately find their new favorite foods. While others may take time in determining
As a rule, birds tend to be curious. They spend their days investigating with their beaks. From chewing toys and shredding materials, to sifting through foods offered in bowls. This is called foraging. And it is this curiosity that can be utilized to introduce new foods to your bird. Normally, a baby bird would be taught by their parents what is safe and good to eat. This is part of fledging. However; many times, companion birds are not raised by their parents. They were hand fed by a person. The problem with hand feeding is that a baby bird is not taught by their parent’s innate behaviors that can aid in dietary choices that affect our bird’s health. Therefore, we must use their curiosity to teach and introduce new foods into the diet.
to use the Foraging Plate in the morning. And then place other foods in branches throughout the day to continue enrichment and foraging.
Other Techniques for Foraging and Enrichment Other ways to introduce new foods and provide enrichment can be stuffing foods into a sterilized pinecone or an artichoke. Another technique used by pet parents is stuffing food into a small box. Even stuffing foods between branches encourages foraging behavior that can assist in introducing new foods to your bird’s diet. Take note of these ideas and be creative. By encouraging a bird to forage for food, you are not only transitioning them to a healthy diet naturally, you are keeping their minds busy and redirecting energy in a positive manner that will curtail behaviors. Different foraging methods can be practiced throughout the day. Foraging is so much more stimulating to our birds than just throwing food in a bowl. I tend
Pittsburgh PetConnections | Holiday 2019/2020
what they find satisfying. The goal is to encourage your bird to sample healthy choices. The fact that you are offering these choices is half the battle. Be patient. And in time, you and your bird will be rewarded with many years of health and happiness.
REMEMBRANCE P R E S E N T T H I S A D F O R A F R E E D AY O F D AYC A R E *
Garden of Faithful Friends By Dagny Neel Fitzpatrick Anyone who has ever owned a pet knows they have the capacity for unconditional love.
to a full-service funeral home, Jefferson Memorial offers visitation opportunities to all pet families.
The gentle nudge of a wet nose or a lick on the hand comes when we’re upset or feeling down. The bounding dash to the door to greet us is also a demonstrable sign of the strength of the human–canine bond.
in a lasting and final resting place, just as you would your human counterpart, for they too are a part of the family.
at Jefferson believe that a pet who gave love and loyalty through All-Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun We for life deserves the respect and dignity of having their remains placed
DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH!
Pets give people so much in terms of love and emotional support. Did you know simply stroking a dog, cat, rabbit or even horse can lead 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS to lower blood pressure and can combat stress? The feelings are reciprocated, as our touch can have therapeutic effects for our pets, particularly if they are feeling out of sorts.
We have developed a distinctive pet room that consists of an arrangement room, a display room for caskets, urns and memorials, as well as a visitation room. Our before needs representatives and Family Service team aim to serve our pet families in every way we can.
We all love our pets and want to know they are in a safe and respectful place. Our Garden of Faithful Friends allows your pet to stay at your However sometimes life can make•an unexpected turn in a blink • East End South Hills • and Strip District side forever. of an eye your furry•friend is gone. Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford For situations like those, Jefferson Memorial a placeNEW that’s open, • Upper St.hasClair cozy and, tranquil where you can say fare well to your friend in kind in a respectful way while never really saying good bye – The Garden of www.TheDogStop.com For more information on how we can help Faithful Friends. Within the garden is the Faithful Friends Mausoleum, you in your pets time of need, please reach out *Offer only validspaces for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon which houses crypt for your pet, or you and your pet. In per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. to our trained professional representatives that same building are niche spaces for pet and human cremated at www.jeffersonmemorial.biz remains. The mausoleum is an elegant visual feature that expresses or call us directly at 412.655.4500 meaningful sayings and showcases people with their pets. Similar Grooming
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F a f i t o h f n ul Fri e d r a G at e
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Designed exclusively for pets and their parents. Complete funeral and burial services for you and your faithful friend. Including advance planning for cremation, urns, graves, caskets and memorials.
They’re more than just pets, they’re family.
Call today to find out about your PetConnections savings! | 412.655.4500 | Jeffersonmemorial.biz
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REMEMBRANCE In Loving Memory Cleo Mader, April 2006 – November 2019 By Carla Mader We found Cleo along with 8 littermates and her injured Mother in the backwoods of Maine. I was working as a veterinary technician at the time, so I took her and her family into work for care. We stitched up her mother and all the kittens received testing and a check-up. Cleo stood out as the only purring kitten with a totally black mask. I instantly fell in love with her and claimed her as my own, along with her brother- a tuxedo cat, Elmo! We moved back to Pittsburgh shortly afterward and poor Elmo got out of the house and, unfortunately, lost. Cleo thrived and we were never able to keep her completely indoor. She had a wonderful temperament as a Calico, and an outgoing personality, and a real lap cat. She was known as our “healer kitty”, as she always knew when someone wasn’t feeling well and would curl up on top wherever you were ailing and go to work making you feel better! Through the years her antics and amazing presence made her very special to us. She had many close calls throughout the years. She was lost in the storm of 2010 for 5 days and came home smelling like a cherry cigar! Several years later she disappeared in the summer of 2017, and after posting flyers, we found her after 17 days, about a mile away. Luckily, she wasn’t injured and was back to her old self in no time. Cleo finally succumbed to a bladder tumor this past November, at age 13. We decided to make a real grave for her on our farm to honor her. Cleo will be missed and never forgotten as the most special kitty that we have ever had.
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Pittsburgh PetConnections | Holiday 2019/2020
THE VERY BEST FOR YOUR PET IN ONE CONVENIENT LOCATION! PRIMARY CARE: • Preventive and routine medicine (vaccines, spay/neuter, dentistry, routine diagnostic lab tests such as heartworm, fecal, CBC/chemistry, microchipping)
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• VCA CareClub® – A wellness plan to help your pet live a happy, healthy life – is available for every stage of life!
SPECIALTY CARE: • Surgery - Orthopedic, advanced soft tissue, laparoscopy/arthroscopy • Internal Medicine - Diagnosis and medical management of complicated cases • Integrative Medicine and Acupuncture - A mix of conventional western medicine and alternative eastern medicine • Avian and Exotic / ZooMed - Fur, scales, feathers, fins, and slime! Avian & exotic / zoological companion animals are unique and delicate. Their anatomy and physiology is vastly different from dogs and cats, yet require the same amount of expertise and care, special dedicated equipment, housing, and staff • Advanced Diagnostics - Digital radiography, ultrasound, CT, endoscopy
Mention that you saw our ad in PetConnections when you book your appointment to receive a special offer upon check-in.
VCA NORTHVIEW ANIMAL HOSPITAL SPECIALTY REFERRAL CENTER 223 Siebert Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-348-8895 VCAnorthview.com AT VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALS, WE CARE © 2019 VCA Animal Hospitals Inc. VCA Logo is a registered trademark of VCA Inc. or its affiliated companies.
The most comprehensive multispecialty referral and emergency veterinary center in western Pennsylvania NORTH HILLS 807 Camp Horne Rd Pittsburgh PA 15237 412.366.3400
SOUTH HILLS 1535 Washington Rd Washington PA 15301 724.809.2000
Emergency and critical care 24 hours a day/365 days a year Anesthesia & Pain Management Cardiology Critical Care Dentistry & Oral Surgery Dermatology
Diagnostic Imaging Emergency Medicine Internal Medicine Neurology & Neurosurgery Oncology
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