Texas Dogs & Cats Sept 2013

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d gs cats Texas

HOUSTON

September 2013

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{contents}

COVER BY SONIA SELLERS

16 4

12

&Suffering In 06 Pain Companion Animals

8

08 Pet Snakes Parks 12 Dog Do’s And Don’ts 14 Puppy 101 Watch Me!

16 Centerstage Buck’s Bucket List

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PUBLISHER Shannan Parker Tel: 281.781.4727 info@texascatsanddogs.com

EDITOR Tiffany Robinson tiffanyrobinson99@gmail.com

DESIGNER Fran Sherman 314.275.2208 fran@shermanstudios.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

2 18 22 26

Tricia Fagan Monica Schmidt Texas A&M Nadine Joli-Coeur Amy Kelley Dr. Christie Cornelius Connie G.

PHOTOGRAPHER Sonia Sellers Photography

Best Friend Takes 18 Man’s Flight for Dock Dogs

20 Senior Pets To School Checklist 22 Back for Your Pets!

26 Cat Education 28 Rover Oaks Pet Resort 30 Spotted by the Pupperazzi

{September 2013}

ADVERTISE WITH US!

281.781.4727 • Houston@TexasDogsAndCats.com Next Issue: October 2013 Advertiser’s Deadline: September 15th 2013

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pain, suffering, &quality of life

BY CHRISTIE CORNELIUS, DVM, LAST WISHES IN-HOME PET HOSPICE, HOUSTON, TX

in companion animals

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ete’s beloved Irish Setter, Sasha, was first diagnosed with osteoarthritis of her hips and lower spine four years ago. Despite being on medications for her condition, Pete noticed a couple of months ago that Sasha started having trouble getting up and down on her own.

Now, Sasha can barely rise without assistance, she refuses to go up the stairs, and she no longer gets excited when Pete grabs the leash to take her for a walk. Pete adores Sasha and doesn’t want to lose her, but he also doesn’t want her to suffer. He is confused as to whether or not her suffering is significantly affecting her quality of life to the extent that he should consider ending her life to relieve the pain he perceives Sasha to

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be experiencing.

The words “pain” and “suffering” are often used synonymously, but they are actually two different experiences. Pain is the sensory experience, while suffering is the emotional experience that is often associated with the sensation of pain. We assume that those things that cause pain in humans probably also cause pain in animals. If a pet is in pain, it is generally considered that it should be given the benefit

of the doubt that it is also suffering.

Some of the consequences of pain include distress, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, increased blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, vomiting, changes in breathing pattern, and urinary retention. It is important to realize that in critically ill animals, the expression of pain may be limited.

Chronic pain in dogs causes changes in exercise tolerance, play, owner interaction (clingy or dis-

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tant), greeting the owner when they arrive home, attitude toward other dogs and people (including children), sensitivity to noises, appetite, sleeping position, general activity, and general demeanor. Behaviors that are strongly suggestive of pain include: panting or pacing for no apparent reason, excessive licking of or gnawing at an area of the body, and restlessness.

Assessing cats for pain can be difficult because the signs can be very subtle. Signs of pain in cats (from minimal to maximal pain) include: decreased interaction, avoidance of eye contact, unkempt appearance, hunched or retracted posture, withdrawal when approached, salivation, dilated pupils, incessant licking, vocalization, attacking when approached, and appearing rigid or non-responsive. Chronic pain in cats causes changes in climbing/ jumping on to high areas, grooming/hygiene, activity, play, interac-

tion with owners, demeanor and mood, and inappropriate urination or defecation. Jumping or attacking areas of the body is strongly suggestive of pain.

Chronic pain causes a reduction in sleep and sleep quality, which causes more chronic pain. It causes a reduction in posture, which puts strain on musculoskeletal structures, thereby causing more chronic pain.

It also alters mood and alters the mechanisms by which the individual copes with pain, again leading to more chronic pain and more suffering. Just as it is so in humans, chronic pain in animals causes the same changes in the body as chronic stress does.

A pet owner’s input is crucial in determining whether or not an abnormal behavior is linked to pain. Constant and effective communication between an owner and their veterinarian is the best way to minimize suffering. Veterinarians

are more frequently using a multimodal approach to control pain in their patients. Common pain remedies in veterinary medicine include narcotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, nutraceuticals, acupuncture, cold laser therapy, chiropractic care, and physical rehabilitation.

With that said, there often comes a point in a pet’s life where pain management for a chronic condition is no longer effectively keeping the pet from experiencing pain and suffering. As a result, the pet’s quality of life becomes noticeably and significantly compromised, and because it is legal to end an ailing animal’s life, euthanasia is considered the most humane way to cease the pet’s suffering. If you feel your pet is exhibiting a pain-related behavior, please call and schedule a consultation with your veterinarian. You are your pet’s advocate in the prevention and treatment of their pain.

DOG DAYCARE & BAKERY • Cage-Free Boarding • Open 7 Days Per Week

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pet

snakes: slithering their way into, or out of, your heart REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM TEXAS A&M

F

or some animal lovers, watching these exotic creatures slither across the Animal Planet screen isn’t enough; you want to bring the thrill of snake ownership into your own home. While they seem exciting and manageable through a television screen or from behind a glass wall, there are a few things that every aspiring snake owner must be aware of before bringing these exotic creatures into your home.

The most common snakes kept by enthusiasts are cornsnakes, kingsnakes, and ball pythons. Many of these snakes, like the corn and king, are well suited for older children and first time snake owners due to their simple feeding methods and docile temperament. However, some species reach very large sizes in captivity, and their considerable space requirements must be anticipated.

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“Other popular snakes like boa constrictors and carpet python are better for an owner comfortable with larger snakes, as they often get 7 or more feet long,” explained Dr. Jordan Gentry, Zoological Medicine Resident at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Green tree python, rainbow boas, and tree boas have slightly more specialized care and are less tolerant to

handling, but can make great pets for an owner that has researched the species.” Large constricting snakes, venomous snakes, and snakes with difficult care requirements do not make suitable pets and should only be kept by experienced herpetologists.

Doing research on the individual snake species you are interested in will provide you with husbandry recommendations, including envi-

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ronmental, sanitation, and dietary considerations. “The habitat for the snake depends entirely on the species of snake, as some are from an arid environment that does not require as much humidity as a snake from a tropical environment,” said Gentry.

“Most captive habitats attempt to mimic the natural environment of the animal with sand, rocks, and live plants; however, less natural paper substrate and plastic hide containers allow much easier cleaning and may actually be more beneficial to the animal’s health.” As for feeding requirements, almost all pet snakes should be on a whole prey diet of pre-killed rodents, such as mice or rats.

Health and sanitation are also considerations that shouldn’t be overlooked when choosing your pet.

“Hygiene is important,” said Gentry. “Salmonella is a bacteria that can be carried by pet reptiles and can be transmitted to humans; so washing hands is recommended after handling a pet snake.”

Though there are many snakes that make suitable pets for adults and children alike, the safety of owning a snake as a pet is sometimes called into question by events that are widely reported in the media. Just recently, two young boys were allegedly strangled to death while they were sleeping by an escaped pet python.

However, Gentry noted that isolated tragic incidents involving large constrictors or poisonous snakes shouldn’t discourage people from choosing an appropriate snake species as a pet.

“It is significantly less common for a snake to harm its owner in any way than for a dog; in fact it is almost unheard of outside of rare misguided media reports,” said Gentry. “Approximately 2% of the US population is bitten by a dog every year, leading to more than 30 10

deaths per year. Large constrictor snakes have killed fewer than 20 people in the United States since 1978.” Gentry explained that the most common causes of a pet snake to bite is a feeding error, where the snake missed the food item and bit the owner’s hand, or a handling mistake where the snake clearly demonstrated its intent to bite, but was handled anyway.

Whether you’re a dog lover, cat fanatic, or reptile enthusiast, there will always be risks to consider when brining a pet into your home.

It is your responsibility to thoroughly research them and be aware of the requirements and necessities that they entail. “The human animal bond with any pet should not be underestimated,” said Gentry. “The risks of owning a pet snake are no greater than owning a dog or cat and absolutely do not outweigh the benefits.

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dog park

do’s and don’ts

BY MONIC A SCHMIDT – HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY

I

f you are thinking about visiting a dog park for the first time, or maybe you haven’t been in a while because of the grueling hot summer, Houston Humane Society has a few do’s and don’ts to make your trip safe and fun for everyone.

• DO: Obey all posted park rules, even if you disagree with them. They are there for the safety of your dog as well as others.

• DO: Supervise your dog’s play. This is not the time to bury your nose in your favorite novel or play on your cell phone.

• DO: Be prepared to interrupt inappropriate play, whether your dog is the perpetrator or the victim.

• DO: Always clean up after your dog both inside and outside the park.

• DO: Limit the use of toys and treats to avoid doggie conflicts.

• DO: Always have fresh water on hand!

• DO: Be sure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations, and keep puppies under 4-6 months at home to decrease the risk of disease.

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• DON’T: Bring intact males or females in heat to a dog park.

• DON’T: Leave home without supplies! Essentials include doggie scoop bags (bring extra), a towel, and water for you and your pup.

• DON’T: Overdress! Expect to get dirty. This is the time to break out the grubby clothes. Dogs will jump, say hi, run out of the pool and shake, etc.

• DON’T: Use the dog park as your pet’s first foray into a social setting. If your dog has never been around other dogs, start out slowly with a play date with a friend’s dog, move up to a supervised doggy daycare or group training class, and so on. Work your way up to a dog park setting.

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{puppy101}

BY TRICIA FAGAN

watchme!

F

ido not listening to you? Won’t come when called? Drags you on leash? Basic obedience starts with a dog that will pay attention. While we can never know exactly what a dog is thinking, you can be sure a dog is thinking of you when he is looking you in the eye.

To teach your dog to look you in the eye, you will need a dog, leash, treats and a clicker. Put your dog on leash. Start your lessons in a boring location. It will be hard to get your dog’s attention in the middle of a party.

You want your dog to look you in the eye, not look at a treat held near your eye. Have your treats down by your side, or even behind your back.

It is easier for most dogs to look at you if you are sitting. Wait. Sit up straight, some dogs will find it a bit intimidating if you lean over and stare. Be patient. It will take most dogs a few minutes to tear their eyes away from the luscious treats and focus on you. If you just cannot wait, you can make a little noise to get your dog’s attention. Stop using the noise as soon as possible.

When your dog, ever so briefly, looks in your eyes, press the clicker. Make sure you are still, not moving, when you punch the clicker button. Remain still for a short moment afterwards. Then give your dog a treat.

Yeah! You did it! Remember, you click when the dog looks in your eyes. The click marks the behavior, and promises a treat. Repeat TRAINER’S TIP: If your dog tends twenty five to jump up on you to get a treat, times. Afdeliver the treat toward the ter you have ground. The dog will stay on the practiced for ground, where the treats arrive. several days, go to a dif-

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ferent area of the house. Practice eye contact in every room in your house.

Make it a little harder for your dog to look at you.

Hold a treat in your hand, with your arm stretched out to the side. Wait for your dog to look at you, not at the treat. Click when the dog looks you in the eye, pause and be still ever so briefly, then deliver the promised treat. Try holding the treat in each hand, clicking and then treating when your dog looks at your eyes.

Move your training to the backyard. Make sure your treats can compete with the sights and smells of the great outdoors. Use boneless, skinless chicken or turkey, or beef or cheese. Just like lifting a weight increases the strength of a muscle, performing a behavior and then getting a treat increases the strength of the behavior. Practice!

After your dog can look you in the eye fairly easily in the back yard, move to the front porch, and eventually around the neighborhood. Continue to Tricia Fagan practice this behavior Certified Professional several times a week.

Dog Trainer – Congratulations!

Knowledge Assessed You and your attentive DogS Gone Good dog are well on your www.dogSgonegood.com way to a cooperative trainer@dogSgonegood.com life together.

(713) 557-1949

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{centerstage}

Buck’s

bucketlist: STOP ANIMAL CRUELTY.

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n January 5, 2013, Buck was found tied to a fence post sealed inside a garbage bag. He had been shot in his face and body with a shotgun loaded with birdshot. We later learned that 6 shots were heard, a reload, and another 6 shots.

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Buck spent 10 hours sealed inside the garbage bag on a cold, stormy night.

After Buck was found, he was rushed to an emergency clinic and arrived hypothermic, anemic, dehydrated and almost comatose. He needed to be stabilized ASAP to save his life. Five days later, Buck had cornea surgery to repair the holes in his eyes from the birdshot.

Unfortunately, the veterinarian was not able to save Buck’s eyesight and he is now blind. Buck has hundreds of pellets that will remain in his body for the rest of his life. Buck recently had the first of several surgeries to repair damage to his teeth caused by the pellets that entered his mouth. In spite of the horrific incident, Buck has adjusted remarkably well to his lack of vision. His sense of hearing and smell is now magnified and he has become so skilled at maneuvering, that sometimes I would think he could see something – and then BUMP – I realize he truly is blind. However, I used to watch Buck in the early part of this journey and refer to him as fearless. Currently, Buck and I are enjoying swim sessions at Rummy’s Beach Club.

Swimming with Buck has made me realize how much he trusts me and how much faith he has in me, and it has only made our bond even closer. Buck now has 3 other friends that he hangs out with; Buster (who looks almost identical to Buck), Thelma and Louise. Buster was adopted from a shelter, but Thelma and Louise were found abandoned as puppies in the woods by a creek, shot with red paintball, which I initially thought was blood. Thelma and Louise are truly responsible for bringing Buster out of his shell and teaching Buck how to play with other dogs now that he is blind. I could waste an entire morning drinking coffee and watching “The Brown Dog Gang” play outside.

A foundation has been created in Buck’s honor called The Buck Foundation. The mission is to raise awareness about animal cruelty and abuse via social networking, media, public education and

{September 2013}

literature. Buck has become an ambassador and has started visiting schools, juvenile detention centers, scout troops, youth groups, and community organizations to share his story, raise awareness about animal abuse, and teach empathy and compassion to children, as well as educate them on animal welfare issues.

If you would like Buck to come to your school or other organization, please contact: thebuckfoundation@outlook.com .

One of the ways I have been able to connect Buck’s story to something many children are doing is to show a picture of Buck’s x-rays that show hundreds of pellets still in his body and 91 countable pellets still in his head. This generally gets a noticeable reaction, and then I ask the children, “who owns a BB gun?” One third of the children will enthusiastically raise their hands. Then I ask the children, “who has shot an animal with a BB gun?”, and just about the same hands go up with the same amount of enthusiasm.

Then I ask, “what would be some reasons to shoot an animal with a BB gun?”

Well, the truth of the matter is that there are NO reasons. Most frequently, a child may say they shoot squirrels and birds with a BB gun. Well, there is an open and closed hunting season for squirrels, and with children, the season in only 2 days!! (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/regulations/ outdoor-annual/2013-2014/counties/ harris ). It is also illegal to hunt squirrels or birds with a BB gun. Because we live in a coastal area, many of our birds are migratory birds which means they are protected by Federal laws. There are over 1,000 species of migratory birds in North America. Only 58 of these have been designated as game species for which hunting seasons are established. The remainder have no hunting seasons and are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is against the law to kill any of these at any time during the year. What is astonishing to me is how many children own BB guns and are not being properly guided by their parents as to the proper and legal use of it. Just because one’s

father or grandfather shot animals with a BB gun does not make it legal. I am hoping I can reach some of these children and prevent the needless and senseless injury and death of many animals.

What happened to Buck is considered a felony and could have been punishable by up to two years in State Prison with no parole and up to a $10,000 fine.

In addition, I was originally told the District Attorney would have pursued an ‘enhanced sentence’ if the person was arrested. A police report was filed and a supplemental reward was raised for information leading to the arrest of the person who shot Buck. Through the Crimestoppers campaign, we were able to find Buck’s previous family and learned it was their neighbor who shot Buck, but unfortunately there is no evidence or witness to make the arrest. The reason Buck was shot is speculative, but could be because he was roaming loose at night barking and howling, or because he was not neutered and the person who shot Buck has a purebred dog that he breeds for profit and may not have wanted “mutt puppies”. There are many lessons in Buck’s story that can be used to educate people about responsible pet ownership.

In addition, there appears to be a misguided interpretation of the penal code where folks in the rural areas believe they can shoot a dog for just trespassing on their property without just cause.

The Buck Foundation hopes to change this mentality by educating people about the penal code.

Buck has touched the hearts of tens of thousands of people around the world.

Buck’s story teaches about faith, hope, love, forgiveness, courage, perseverance, and overcoming – but the greatest of these is love – and Buck literally just loves people and wants to share his joy and happiness with them!

You can follow Buck at: www.facebook.com/buckneedsbucks You can follow The Buck Foundation at: www.facebook.com/ thebuckfoundation.

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Man’s Best Friend Takes Flight for

dockdogs

BY ELIZABETH HURT

W

hat’s furry, friendly and can fly across water? The answer can be found at DockDogs®, a high-flying canine aquatics competition making a splash as it returns to Houston’s urban park, Discovery Green, September 27-29.

A three-day, dog and family-friendly expo, DockDogs® showcases four-legged athletes from Texas and beyond as they compete in highjump, long-jump and speed retrieve events. Think Olympics, but for dogs, as they leap as high as 24 feet in length.

Be prepared as you would at Sea World; there is definitely a splash zone as pups plunge into a 40-foot pool of water!

DockDogs® WorldWide 18

travels the globe bringing this high-energy competition to dog lovers of all types.

Anyone with a dog and fetch toy can participate in the festivities and some lucky dogs and their masters go home as champions. If you got a pooch that loves to jump, bring your four-legged friend to participate in the high-flying events as public announcers broadcast the games to the thousands of spectators who

come out for the free and fun festival. Both dogs and owners can watch the sport from bleacher seats, peruse the pet-friendly vendors on-site and have a laugh at thedog costume contest. Enjoy dog training demonstrations, appearances by Clifford, Biscuit and Poky the puppy, and animal adoptions covering the 12-acre, always pet-friendly park nestled in the heart of downtown Houston. A

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family friendly event, DockDogs® is just one of the over 400 events Discovery Green produces for Houstonians each year!

The Set-Up A 20-foot dock and 40-foot pool is set up across the Jones Lawn at Discovery Green for the main competitions.

“Handlers” can register your pup in one of five competitions: Big Air, Extreme Vertical, Speed Retrieve and the Haute Dog Costume Contest. Big Air, the original and most popular DockDogs® event, judges the distance a dog can jump from the dock into the water. Extreme Vertical is the “high jump” for dogs, with markers placed above the water’s surface, contestants are given chances to reach this highest points. The newest event, Speed Retrieve, puts dogs against the clock to swim the span of the pool, retrieve an object and make their way back to the dock. Or if your pup {September 2013}

is looking for more flare and less sweat, the Haute Dog Costume Contest taking place on Saturday, September 28 at 3 p.m. has a number of categories that require a well-stocked doggy wardrobe.

How to Enter Anyone can enter but you’ll want to reserve your spot early through online pre-registration. There is no age limit for handlers and any size, age, and breed of dog may enter. Registration fees apply to compete in the DockDogs® high-jump, long-jump and speed retrieve events. Pre-registration fees are $25.00/team per Big Air, Speed Retrieve Wave, or Extreme Vertical Competition. Limited onsite registration is available at the start of each day and fees apply. Discovery Green is located at 1500 McKinney Street in Houston, Texas. Please call 713-4007336 for more information. For information on how to enter, visit http://www.discoverygreen.com/ dockdogs/.

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{pawz-itivelynatural}

BY GUEST AUTHOR SUSAN WEISS, OWNER OF ARK NATURALS

consider the joys of sharing your life with your

adultpet

OK

– there is no getting away from it – the time line only moves in one direction.....whether you’re a two legged mammal or a 4 legged mammal...... getting older ...moving from youth to adulthood and from adulthood to older adulthood...is the way it is..... How you make the most of this next chapter is completely in your hands....

The same is true for your pets.

How you embrace their older adult years is in your hands as well.

As long as I’ve agreed to write about senior pets......Let me begin with words that bug me. For example: mature, senior, old, up there – They all sound like it’s over. The good times are done. Pack it in. Hit your favorite spot in the house and let the world pass you by.

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You can either accept the philosophy that it’s the end of the line or you can change the paradigm. I’m about changing the paradigm. Let’s start with better descriptive words such as: “adult pets”, or older pets, or long lived pets, or boomer pets.

The more I researched the senior pet category, the more I was struck by how similar humans and pets are. 2 Legged mammals are living

longer and we are certainly more active. We believe that 50 is the new 35. And 12 years (for a pet) is the new 8.

Give yourselves a high-five.

You’ve done a great job taking care of yourselves as well as your family pets. You’re better label readers.

You’re choosing better diets. You exercise. You keep your minds active.

Perfect logic for not only 2 legged

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mammals but for your 4 legged guys as well.

Ark Naturals has been in business since 1996. Today, pet guardians and vets are thinking long term. When we started our business it was acceptable for a vet to say “I think it’s time to put your pet down”. Today that concept is politically incorrect. The conversation has turned to – “what can I do to help my pet enjoy this next stage of their life”. “What should I be thinking about? What’s in the marketplace to help me – help my pet.

Preparing for your boomer dog or cat is in your hands.

Per the AHVMA the most typical issues affecting older adult pets are: sore joints, dental issues, memory issues and heart issues. To that end Ark Naturals along with Dr. Nancy Scanlan , Executive Director of the AHVMA developed a new line of products bearing the Gray Muzzle Label. Our goal is to make it easier for you to transition to your pet’s next chapter.

Typically one of the 1st questions the human will ask their vet is, are these typical issues terminal? Hopefully - to be blunt – Life is terminal. But you aren’t dying today and neither is your pet.

It’s easier than ever to share your life with a boomer pet. Pet food companies have seriously re-thought their recommended food diets. Toy companies and bed companies have geared products specifically to meet the needs of boomer pets. Ark Naturals has launched a line of health remedy products specifically geared to older adult issues.

Education is your most powerful weapon. Mostly everything you want to know is on the internet. Talk to {September 2013}

the most knowledgeable pet retailer or vet you know.

Organizations dedicated specifically to ‘boomer’ pets have emerged. Blogs and discussion groups specialize in boomer pets. The information is out there. We hope you will pass forward everything you’ve learned .....and be involved in not only educating but in helping find homes for longer lived pets There are a multitude of benefits to sharing your life with an older adult pet. Older adult pets are easier to live with. Older adult pets don’t need to be entertained 24/7.

Older adult pets are happy for a short walk. It’s so easy to hang out with them. It’s easy to travel with them. Most of the time your adult pets are happy to hang out and will not get cabin fever as you vacation in your RV. Remember the most important thing – animals’ save human lives and humans’ save animal lives. We all in t his together.

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BY CONNIE GOEDECKE, CLIENT SERVICE AND COMMUNICATIONS, KINGSLAND BLVD. ANIMAL CLINIC

backtoschool for your checklist pets!

T

he last weeks of summer are filled with preparations for sending our children back to school. It’s exciting, and busy, and provides a GREAT opportunity to go through a mental checklist to make sure we’re doing everything we need to, so that our children are ready and equipped for the year ahead of them.

A checklist for our pets is a good idea, too! While they won’t be going “back to school,” a lot of the same principles apply for taking the opportunity to make sure, as pet parents, we’re thinking and acting proactively for our pets. With this in mind, is your pet ready to go “Back

to School”?

• Are Fluffy’s vaccinations up to date? Vaccination protocols reflect the current best practices regarding keeping your pet safe from communicable diseases. Vaccinating your pet has long been considered one of the easiest ways to help him life a long

and healthy life. If it’s been more than a year since your pet has been vaccinated, talk to your veterinarian about a vaccination regimen that’s right for your pet. Factors that should be examined include age, medical history, environment, travel habits and lifestyle.

PHOTOS COURTESY KATYA HORNER

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complimentary doctor’s exam

free night of boarding

New Hospital Clients Only. Please present coupon upon visit. Limit one per family.

Not valid with any other offer. Does not include products and food. Not redeemable for cash. #DC0813 Expires Nov. 1, 2013

New Boarding Clients Only. Please present coupon upon visit. Limit one per family.

Not valid with any other offer. Does not include products and food. Not redeemable for cash. #DC0813 Expires Nov. 1, 2013

• Does Fluffy have all the school supplies he needs? Of course Fluffy doesn’t need pens, paper, or a laptop, but there are things a pet parent can use this time to make sure they have a sufficient stock of: Heartworm prevention Mosquitoes, and therefore heartworms, are a year-round concern in our area, and just because cool weather is coming is no reason to even think about stopping this critical component of our pets’ preventive care. And yes, this is true of cats, too! While cats may not contract heartworms in the same numbers dogs do, there is no treatment for feline heartworm disease, and so prevention is the only protection our furry friends have. Check your pets’ medicine drawer, and make sure you’re stocked up so you don’t miss any doses.

Flea prevention Let’s face it, Houston rarely gets cold enough to kill off these pesky little critters.

They make our pets miserable, and once in the environment, can be difficult to get rid of. Make sure you have enough flea prevention to get your pet through the rest 24

of the year.

Leash and collar Check your pet’s collar: Does it fit correctly?

If Fluffy has put on a pound or two, it may have grown too tight.

An ill fitting collar is not only uncomfortable, but can create skin irritations where it rubs. Is it worn?

The last thing you want is for your dog’s collar to snap when he pulls as he sees that squirrel while you’re out walking.

• Is everything marked with Fluffy’s name? With the change in routine, the early weeks of the school year are notorious for pets getting out of the house or yard. If your pet was to get lost, does he have ID, either a tag with his name and owner’s contact information, or even better, a microchip? So many pet owners take their pet’s collar off in the house, when all it takes is a single moment to dart out the door and be gone. Make sure your pet is protected at all times!

• Does Fluffy have a schedule?

The change in schedule when school starts back affects more than a family’s children. Often, a household goes from bustling,

with lots of activity and company for the family pets, to a quiet, sometimes empty, household for many hours of the day. Not only do some pets show signs of some level of separation anxiety, a bored pet can also be a destructive pet. Make sure Fluffy has enough to occupy his mind and body while everyone is gone. For dogs, a Kong or treat puzzle ball can provide hours of distraction. Some owners leave a television on just to have voices in the house. For cats, a bird feeder outside the window, or a fish tank (with a lid!) is perfect entertainment. Also, don’t forget cats hunt their food in the wild; rather than leaving a bowl of food for kitty to snack on all day, scatter the bits of kibble throughout the house for him to forage for, giving him both mental and physical stimulation.

With a little thought and planning, we can use this time of year to make sure our children AND our pets are ready to thrive in the months ahead!

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Sunday: 9am - 9 pm

{pethealth}

BY AMY KELLEY, CVPM, SUNSET BLVD ANIMAL CLINIC

CAT education E

ver wondered if there was a truth behind your favorite pet myth?? Time to learn about our pets!

Q: Are calico cats always female?

A: Yes, calico cats are almost always female due to the “color gene” associated with the X chromosome.

Let’s dig in a bit deeper: each kitten receives an x chromosome from its mother, and either a Y (male) or an X (female) chromosome from its father. So, female kittens have 2 X chromosomes and males have 1 X and 1 Y chromosome.

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A cat must have 2 X chromosomes, each carrying a gene that codes for a different color, for it to be calico. These chromosomes divide as the embryo of the kitten is formed, resulting in the patches of orange and black that you see on a calico. Another chromosome is required for the white patches.

In rare cases, a male cat could have 2 X chromosomes and 1 Y

chromosome, which COULD make him calico if the X chromosomes act as described above.

Q. Do cats really always land on their feet?

A: No, they do not ALWAYS land on their feet!

Cats are made with a natural, automatic twisting reaction that allows them to “plan accordingly” and twist

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themselves around to try and land on their feet. BUT, falling from a very short or long distance will not always allow this reaction to occur.

Q: Is milk really good for cats?

A: If we are talking about cow’s milk, then NO, milk is not good for cats.

Most cats are lactose intolerant, meaning, they are unable to digest lactose, found in milk and many dairy products.

Giving them a big bowl of milk is VERY likely to cause diarrhea. YES, they love it! But, we love things that aren’t good for us either, don’t we?!

The best thing to give a cat is a large bowl of fresh water, not a bowl of milk.

Q: Does getting my cat neutered make him gain weight?

A: Not exactly true. Although many cats DO gain weight after they are neutered, it is only because neutered cats require far less calories than unaltered cats. If you feed your cat the same amount of food as you were before his neuter, he will likely pack on the pounds! {September 2013}

Doggie Daycare, Boarding, Grooming and Obedience Training 6434 Washington Avenue Houston, TX 77007 713-868-7555 deogi@deogidogspa.com

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BY BRYNNE GALLMAN, MARKETING AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER, ROVER OAKS PET RESORT

roveroaks pet resort LEFT TO RIGHT: HAYLEY, KRISTIN, AND HEN MELANIE.

R

meet the trainers

over Oaks Pet Resort understands the importance of a great relationship with your dog. Training is all about improving that relationship and helping you and your dog communicate effectively. Rover Oaks is uniquely suited to help you learn those important skills through all stages of your pet’s development..

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Whether they are helping you and your puppy get though potty training, helping your older dog learn good manners, or teaching both of you a new sport, the goal is for you and your companion to enjoy a rich, full life together.

Whether they are helping you and your puppy get though potty training, helping your older dog learn good manners, or teaching both of you a new sport, the goals is for you and your companion to enjoy a rich, full life together. Whether it’s a group class, a Lodge and Learn program, or even a private in- home lesson, they customize their training methods to meet the unique needs of you and your dog.

The Rover Oaks Trainers have experience with all AKC breed groups, rescue dogs, and dogs with challenging behavior problems. Their rewards-based methods have helped thousands of pets and pet owners since 2001.

Between their Houston and Katy locations, Rover Oaks employs five fill time and three part time professional trainers to serve their client’s training needs. In next month’s issue, you will meet the trainers from Rover Oaks Katy. Let’s get to know the trainers at Rover Oaks Houston a little better...

Melanie Lynn Melanie was chosen to be a part of the Rover Oaks team based on her knowledge of training, great communication skills, and diverse work background. She has excellent customer service skills and always strives to make sure clients understand the {September 2013}

training methods and how to achieve long-term results with their dogs. Whether it’s an on-site training program or in-home lessons, Melanie’s goal is improving the quality of life for both dogs and their owners.

Melanie brings a unique background and history of working with diverse animals to Rover Oaks. Throughout her career, she has worked with a wide variety of animals including: farm animals, parrots, sea lions, otters, meerkats, binterongs, giraffes, bears, and cheetah.

Based on her extensive knowledge in training various animals, as well as her previous management and customer service experience, Melanie transitioned easily over to the dog-training world and has found great success with the many dogs she has trained in her tenure with Rover Oaks.

Kristin Wettermann Kristin joined the Rover Oaks team after acquiring a formal education in dog training at the Karen Pryor Academy. Prior to coming to Rover Oaks, she taught classes and private lessons for over two years. She also has over 14 years experience caring for and training exotic species, including mammals, birds, fish and reptiles.

She has a wonderful way of getting clients to understand how dogs learn through

analogies and stories of her own personal dog training experiences. Her own dogs have acquired AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificates, participate in pet therapy, practice agility, and perform obedience skills masterfully.

After attending the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior’s Dog Trainer Program, Kristin became a Certified Training Partner. Kristin’s philosophy focuses training with positive reinforcement, without intimidation or force.

Hayley Kenner Rover Oaks was fortunate to find Hayley after she had been training dogs in group classes and one-onone training. She worked extensively in training her own personal dogs by attending various agility, obedience, puppy, and aggressive dog workshops.

Hayley has a calm and quiet personality both with clients and the dogs. This quality has proven to be especially successful in her communications with the dogs and their owners. She has a certification from Penn Foster Career School of Dog Obedience Training and is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. As with all of the Rover Oaks Trainers, Hayley only uses dog-friendly, positive-reinforcement methods of training.

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{spotted by the pupperazzi} 30

F

urr-tastic or flea infested! The Pupperazzi is on the scene and has your tail covered!

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{September 2013}

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Celebrating our

Senior Pet

customers

Top 3 ways to keep your senior pet young: THEM MOVING 1 KEEP Games and activities are a great way to keep them agile and have fun A NUTRITIOUS DIET 2 FEED As we age our bodies need good nutrition and less processed foods and treats

CAN HELP 3 SUPPLEMENTS We can all use a little help. We have products that can help maximize brain, liver, kidney, heart and joint health.

Learn more on how to improve the heatlh of your senior pets. We will also have in store promotions for your special 4 legged senior family member.

NATURAL PAWZ | The Heights | West University | Galleria | Katy | River Oaks | Sugar Land | Vintage Park | Cypress | Woodway Kingwood | The Woodlands - 2 locations | MINI PAWZ | Rover Oaks Pet Resort | Meadowlake Pet Resort & Training Center