Texas Dogs & Cats March 2012 by Texas Cats & Dogs Magazine

d gs cats Texas

Houston

March 2012

top 5 most HAZARDOUS HANDBAG contents

HEALTHY HEART natural solutions

corridor of

cruelty dogs of CHARACTER

WALK WITH ME part one

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{contents}

cover photo: Sonya Sellers Photography

6 Digestive Health For The Modern Pet

10 Puppy 101

Walk With Me, Part One

12 Wag Wear 14 CenterStage Corridor of Cruelty

18 Fantastic Fidos 4

d gs cats Texas

publisheR

Shannan Parker Tel: 281.781.4727 info@texascatsanddogs.com

editor

Tiffany Robinson tiffanyrobinson99@gmail.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jeff Parker Tel: 281.781.4727

DESIGNER

Fran Sherman 314.275.2208 fran@shermanstudios.com

1219 22 19 Dogs of Character Solutions 22 Natural To A Healthier Heart Deogi, 24 Dougie Rescue Reporter 5 Most Hazardous 26 Top Handbag Contents

28 Marketplace {March 2012}

Contributing Writers

Shannon Venegas Tricia Fagan Monica Schmidt Nadine Joli-Coeur Dougie Deogi Dr. Justine Lee & Dr. Ahna Brutla

photographer Sonya Sellers

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281.781.4727 • Houston@TexasDogsAndCats.com Next Issue: April 2012 Advertiser’s Deadline: March 15th 2012

{herbsmith}

digestive health

by Shannon Venegas

for the modern pet

et lovers occasionally find themselves wishing their pets could talk. It would make our lives much easier (and much more interesting). But since humans are still unable to figure out what the common bark stands for, we have to do our best in preventative care to ensure the comfort of our pets, starting with their tummy health..

There are options available for pet owners to maintain their animal’s digestive health. According to Dr. Chris Bessent, Wisconsin veterinarian and founder of Herbsmith, an herbal supplement company for animals, a daily digestive supplement is important for even your average every day dog. “We live in such a toxic world,” Bessent said. They pick up toxins in their food, from the grass, from the ground, in their water source.” These toxins, along with a dog’s diet and stress level, have a strong impact on its digestive system. Dogs are naturally scavenger carnivorous animals. Since they have been domesticated and brought into the house to eat dry food, their diets have changed. 6

Susie Bower, owner of End of the Leash, a dog supply store in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, said a daily digestive supplement is good for any dog to break down allergens and maintain good tummy flora (gut flora refers to the microorganisms that live in the digestive tract). According to Bessent, a daily digestive supplement with a probiotic helps to keep gut health at its fullest and minimize the amount of challenge on the immune system from bad bacteria. “We always want to keep good bacteria in their gut,” Bessent said. “Bad bacteria changes the bowel flora in the gut and can produce a lot of gas.” Dogs are stressed in general from toxicity load, environ-

mental stress or being fed high grain or high carbohydrate diets. Those sorts of things change the good to bad ratio of bacteria in the gut, Bessent said. In addition to just the everyday need for a supplement, some dogs require a special need for a digestive boost. For example, a dog who is recovering from surgery or who is on an antibiotic or a daily non-steroidal antiinflammatory will need a good probiotic and prebiotic to help keep the balance of bacteria in the gut healthy. Dr. Gretchen Jaeger, owner of Prairie Animal Hospital in North Prairie, Wisconsin, said pets that have been on medication for a while especially need a probiotic in their diet because the antibiotics kill off

d gs cats Texas

Mar. 31, 2012

the normal bacteria level. Jaeger said a dog in need of a digestive supplement will exhibit signs such as soft stool, mild diarrhea, vomiting, chronic infection, and longterm antibiotic use. According to Bessent, the best digestive supplement is one that is all-encompassing and includes probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes and herbs. The key ingredient to a beneficial digestive supplement is a good probiotic. Probiotics are live microorganisms that project a health benefit on the host. In other words, probiotics are bacteria that are beneficial for the digestive system. One example of a probiotic is lactobacillus acidophilus, which is able to create lactic acid from fermenting milk sugars. This aids in digestion and helps encourage the absorption of minerals and calcium. Lactobacillus also has immunity boosting attributes. Prebiotics are also good for the digestive system. According to Bessent, a prebiotic is a long chain sugar that feeds good bacteria, encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. In addition to probiotics and prebiotics, key enzymes are a must in boosting your pet’s digestive system. Digestive enzymes break down the nutrients your pet eats. “A dog that has any GI upset at all, by adding a digestive enzyme, it helps them to maximally utilize the food they take in,” Bessent said. “Doing that helps to maintain 8

quality of life and support good health.” According to Bower, most of the basic dog food brands are depleted of all their beneficial enzymes. “When the food is baked at anything over 120 degrees, the enzyme activity is no longer present in the dog food,” Bower said. Examples of enzymes include protease which breaks down protein and amylase which breaks down carbohydrates. Protease digests proteins so amino acids can be absorbed by the intestinal wall. Lipase is another important enzyme that breaks down fats to be absorbed by the intestines. It also helps in reducing gas and bloating. In addition, there are certain herbs that can be beneficial for the digestive system. According to Bessent, cinnamon, ginger, and licorice balance sugar metabolism and balance the gut while promoting bowel health. Cinnamon is known to relieve nausea and vomiting. It also has been known to warm and stimulate the digestive system. Ginger is also helpful for discomfort after eating and has been used to treat gastrointestinal issues. Licorice is especially helpful in increasing the flow of bile. It can be used for heartburn and irritation in the digestive tract. Overall, these safe herbs are helpful to maintain G.I. health. Another important factor to remember when choosing the right digestive supplement is the number of colony forming units (CFUs) per

serving in the product. CFUs are determined by taking a sample of the powder and observing how many colonies of live bacteria are formed per gram in one day. Ideally, one serving of a supplement should contain at least ten billion CFUs. The other thing to consider when shopping for a digestive supplement is the way it is stored. Moisture activates the growth of these good bacteria. According to Bessent, digestive supplements packaged in powder form in a container hold live bacteria when they are opened, but lose their affect by the time they are half gone. Digestive supplements containing microorganisms that are blister-packed in a capsule keep the formula safe and alive until it enters the pet’s system. Even though our animals cannot tell us when their tummies are upset, pet owners can do their best to prevent discomfort. A dog’s stomachs can be upset just as often as a human’s, and it is important to pay attention to the warning signs to prevent a problem before it occurs. A good probiotic and prebiotic along with beneficial herbs and enzymes are essential to promoting digestive health.

Resources University of Maryland Medical Center, www.umm.edu Herbwisdom.com Enzymeessentials.com

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{puppy101} by Tricia Fagan

walk

with me part one

wo of the most important tasks a dog owner has are 1) to keep his or her dog safe from others and 2) to keep others safe from his or her dog. In order to achieve these 2 tasks, we must walk our dog on a leash. The leash keeps the dog from running into the street, from greeting our neighbors with too much enthusiasm, or from getting lost. When considering the type of equipment to use to walk the dog, we must consider both our ability to control the dog, and the dog’s safety.

In a perfect world, we would all walk our dogs on a six foot leash attached to a plain buckle collar. For some dogs the six foot leash with a plain buckle collar will work, for others, more specialized equipment is needed. One of the least known, but most useful, types of collars is a limited slip, or martingale collar. This kind of collar is also called a greyhound collar. A Greyhound’s neck is actually wider than its head. A normal collar would slip off right away. A limited slip or martingale collar tightens just enough to stay on the dog’s neck. If your dog has a history of slipping out of his collar, or if you have a dog with a large neck and a not so big head, try a martingale collar. Many martingale collars do not have a buckle and are designed to slip on and off the dog, 10

however I prefer a martingale collar with a buckle. With or without a buckle, a martingale collar with tighten just a bit when the leash pulls, keeping your dog safely with you and on leash. For very small dogs, or very young puppies, I strongly encourage you to use a harness with a strap between the front legs. Most collars put pressure on a dog’s throat. Unfortunately, there is a lot of important soft tissue in a dog’s neck. Young dogs and small dogs can easily have their throat permanently damaged from the use of a collar. Using a harness with a strap between the front legs places the pressure on the dog’s breast bone. The breast bone is more able to withstand the forces applied during training and walking. Consequent-

ly, the dog is much safer when using a harness. I walk my cats on leash, and always use a harness for their safety. If they become frightened, or I accidentally pull on the leash, the harness should prevent any neck damage. If you have a brachycephalic (short nosed) dog like a Chinese pug, Boston terrier, or French bulldog, be aware that tight collars, pulling on a loose collar, or choke chains can cause eye damage. Excessive pressure on the neck can cause an eye to pop out of its socket. Harnesses are strongly recommended for brachycephalic dogs. For those with large or strong dogs, we must be sure of our ability to control the dog. Sometimes a plain collar does not offer enough leverage to the dog owner. A

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wonderful solution to this predicament – the Gentle Leader - was developed by a veterinarian R. K. Anderson. A Gentle Leader fits on a dog’s head much like a halter fits on a horse. Having control over the head gives the person at the other end of the leash much greater control over the dog’s movements. A number of inventors have developed variations of the head halter. If you have a large dog that you cannot control, try a head halter. Each variant has its own idiosyncrasies, be sure to read the directions carefully. No matter what version of a head halter you try, you should NOT jerk on the leash. Also available to the pet owner is an old fashioned choke chain, sometimes called a training collar. A choke chain is well named: made out of chain, it is designed to choke the dog. As you might imagine, this type of collar can easily damage a dog’s neck. While this collar is often called a training collar, it provides very little training. This old fashioned collar is really designed to use physical punishment. Now that we know more about animal learning, we know that physical punishment is not necessary for a well-trained dog. Another old fashioned collar is a pinch collar. The pinch collar looks a bit like a torture device. It has lots of prongs that poke into the dog’s neck. While many people use pinch collars without harm to the dog, {March 2012}

this collar can cause serious damage. If you are having difficulties controlling your dog, a head halter will provide much more control than a pinch collar. Now that you have chosen a safe and effective collar, head collar or harness for your dog, think about the leash. While the retractable leashes are very popular, your dog must pull to make them work. Not the best plan for teaching your dog not to pull on leash. The retractable leashes are often unsafe. With so much length between you and the dog, and the very thin strap, injuries to the human and the dog are easy to come by. For young dogs, who often bite and grab the leash with their sharp teeth, I usually recommend the fattest, thickest leash you can find. The sturdier leash is harder to chew into multiple pieces, an important consideration with an active, chewing puppy. For dog owners who find their hands scratched by nylon leashes, I recommend a leather leash. Leather is gentle on hands, making the walk a more enjoyable process. Next month we will begin to teach your dog to walk nicely on a leash. Tricia Fagan Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed DogS Gone Good www.dogSgonegood.com trainer@dogSgonegood.com (713) 557-1949

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wag wear

f you’re an owner of “big dogs”, you know it’s difficult to find cute, decorative collars big enough to fit them comfortably, even the XL size. One dog owner, Cristina Wall decided to make her own for her Alaskan Malamutes, Kenya and Mika. These were quite a hit with fellow big dog owners at a few dog events last year that there were several requests for them. This led to a large custom order for a rescue parade where 20+ Alaskan Malamutes dressed in festive red, white and blue collars! After this event, Wag Wear was officially created! The collars debuted for public sale at the 2011 Reliant Dog Show where almost two-thirds of the collars were sold and raised about $300 for rescue.

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Below is an excerpt of an interview with the creator, Cristina: TXD&C: Are they handmade? CW: Yes they are. My mom taught me how to sew and using those skills I made a pattern. I made the first 100 or so myself with assistance from my fabulous hubby. Now a couple of rescue friends help me with the process and we divide up the work.

TXD&C: What is Wag Wear? CW: They are fun, festive, “pawty” collars for your dogs to wear out to events or social gatherings. They are not meant to replace traditional collars with ID tags. They are an accessory to your dog’s existing collar. While we cater to big dogs, we do have a variety of sizes and designs available including holiday (Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day), Texas Universities (A&M and UT) as well as generic dog prints. TXD&C: How did you come up with the name? CW: When I put the collars on my dogs they get really happy and it makes their tails wag. {March 2012}

TXD&C: Who benefits from the sales? CW: Since re-launching this year, all proceeds go directly to Texas Sled Dog Rescue (http://www.texassleddogrescue.org/) to help rescued Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. The materials are either purchased as a donation by myself or someone else involved with rescue. TXD&C: What other holidays or designs are you planning? CW: We just made a custom one with Aeros colors for hockey fans. We plan to make some for all the major holidays, and we’ve had requests for several universities and other teams.

TXD&C: How many collars do your dogs have? CW: Kenya and Mika have quite an extensive collection and Brynn, our recently adopted male Siberian Husky is slowly catching up to them. Their doggie friends have quite a bit as well. TXD&C: How do we order them? CW: We have a Facebook page (https://www. facebook.com/pages/WagWear/302223616495827) that shows the current availability as well as some of our older styles. We currently offer three sizes and prices range from $10 - $15 plus shipping/ handling. Send us your order via email at wag_wear@yahoo.com and we’ll send you a Paypal invoice and mail them within a week. And yes, we will ship internationally.

TXD&C: How many do you make of each style? CW: It varies depending on how popular we think they will be. At minimum we usually make two of each size.

{centerstage}

t began with one simple email to friends and family. An email of shear frustration, sadness, and anger because every day, it was the same thing. Dead dogs littering the ditch, starving and mange ridden dogs foraging in the trash, broken and abused dogs cowering in the shadow.

cruelty corridor of

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The C.O.R.E. team observes the activity and condition of stray animals in the Corridor and alerts the CRI board so that CRI will intake animals when space is available and/or network with other rescue groups to facilitate their rescue.

She had plucked seven dogs from the hell called the Corridor of Cruelty and she knew that there were more who needed saving.That is why Deborah Hoffman sent the pleading email to everyone she knew that day in August 2008. That single email, a call to action to do something about the horrid suffering of these animals was the catalyst for a rescue organization that has grown to a group of passionate volunteers who give countless hours and tears to these helpless, sick, and lonely animals. Having received its nonprofit status in February 2010, Corridor Rescue Inc.(CRI) has developed and expanded services beyond saving the lives of dogs and cats in the corridor. Corridor Rescue understands that in order to change the unfortunate fate of so many dogs and cat we needed to do more than just save the animals on the street. It is a matter of changing the mind set of some animal owners, and educating young people about pet safety, pet care, and anti dogfighting. This educational commitment begins in the very trenches where we find the dogs. Every day, holidays included, the C.O.R.E. Team (Corridor Observation and Rescue Effort) or Feeders, go through this area leaving food and fresh water at the many feeding stations. The area is considered one of the more dangerous parts of Houston, yet volunteer Feeders canvas the streets looking for dogs who need help. When they see pet owners with chained dogs, sick dogs, or any dog in distress they befriend the owner and offer assistance and information. If food or medical assistance is needed, Corridor Rescue finds the resources to get the help needed. Feeder volunteers have

more than once chipped in their personal money to buy a dog house or other material needs for a low income pet owner. The C.O.R.E. team observes the activity and condition of stray animals in the Corridor and alerts the CRI board so that CRI will intake animals when space is available and/or network with other rescue groups to facilitate their rescue. All dogs and cats are spayed and neutered, and micro chipped before they can be adopted. This â&#x20AC;&#x153;feet on the groundâ&#x20AC;? education is the springboard for the C.A.R.E.S.(Community Animal Relief Efforts & Services) program. These volunteer team members work with low income residents in the Corridor to educate on proper pet care, assist (at no cost to the residents) with pet medical needs and supplies, collars, ID tags, food and proper pet shelter. Unfortunately, the mistreatment of animals and misunderstanding about pet care is a behavior and attitude passed down from parent to chid. To address this problem, Corridor Rescue implemented the Teach and Reach Our Children program. A well received Anti-Dog fighting curriculum serves the elementary and middle schools. Informative messages about spaying and neutering, proper animal care, and animal cruelty helps to positively shape the attitudes of future generations toward more responsible pet ownership. The dogs that accompany the volunteer speakers are usually the hit of the presentation. Finally, one of the programs that we are most proud of is our partnership with the

On average, CRI has about 75 to 80 dogs and cats under its’ care. Animals are placed either in foster homes or in kennels which places a huge financial burden on the organization. Harris County Juvenile Probation Department. Project HEEL (Helping Empower Everyone’s Lives) is an an animal-assisted therapeutic program to help make life transformations and inspire the youthful offenders residing at the Harris County Leadership Academy (HCLA). Selected CRI dogs are housed at HCLA and teams of residents assume responsibility for feeding, caring for and training the dogs. Project HEELís first session was recently completed and was by all accounts extremely successful. At the graduation ceremony the youths spoke of how they learned about goal setting, responsibility, teamwork and putting anothers needs above their own. Each took the responsibility of caring for his dog very seriously and each developed a bond with his dog. The program was so successful that youths throughout the facility improved their behavior so that they could become candidates for the program. CRI and HCLA have almost completed the second session of Project HEEL. A dedicated veterinarian and a professional dog trainer are now also volunteering their time each week to help the youth and the dogs in the program. Like many of the other animal rescue organizations throughout the city, Corridor Rescue frequently finds itself at full capacity with dogs and cats that need mending and then loving adoptive homes. On average, CRI

has about 75 to 80 dogs and cats under its’ care. Animals are placed either in foster homes or in kennels which places a huge financial burden on the organization. One of the ways that Corridor Rescue has attempted to quickly find homes for our dogs and cats is by partnering with Five Acres Animal Shelter in St. Charles Missouri. As of this date six dogs have been transported to Missouri to be adopted there. The last three dogs were flown in a private plane by Five Acres board member and St. Louis Blues caption David Backes and his wife, Kelly. The work of the Corridor Rescue volunteers is never ending and it will remain that way until better laws are enacted and enforced to hold accountable those who abuse or abandon their pets or fail to spay or neuter these pets. Each dog or cat that is taken into the care of Corridor Rescue claims another piece of our hearts. Our hearts break when we lose one to disease or massive injuries. We find great joy when one of our babies find their forever homes. Their stories are followed by our Facebook fans from capture to adoption and updates are always appreciated. Just one simple email has positively changed the lives of over 400 animals found in the Corridor of Cruelty. We can only image how much it has positively affected the lives of so many people because of these special animals.

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poster for cat show

fantasticfidos

by Monica Schmidt – Houston Humane Society

t’s time for Houston Humane Society’s 31st Annual K-9 Fun Run & Walk: Fantastic Fidos. The theme this year was picked because we think EVERY dog’s a super hero! The event includes a 1 mile competitive run or the relaxed 1 mile non-competitive jog & walk. Be sure to join us at Sam Houston Park, Downtown Houston, 1100 Bagby St., Sunday, March 25th, 2012. Late registration begins at 8am, the race begins at 10am, and the post race party follows. At the fun filled post-race party, dress to impress and compete in our doggie costume contest, join the Alumni Parade if your dog was adopted from HHS, or simply enjoy refreshments, a multitude of pet friendly vendors and activities for the whole family. And be sure to stop by the Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine booth to say “Hi”. Your support and participation raises money and awareness for the many animals saved and cared for daily at the HHS shelter. Dog participation is encouraged, but not required. $25 entry fee includes a limited edition Jim Tweedy designed race shirt, dog-danna, and race goodie bag. For more info or to sign up, go to www.houstonhumane.org. Safety tips to keep in mind when you take your dog to events: Prepare before you go! Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations, including Bordatella if you plan to attend pet related events this season. It’s also a good idea to update ID tags and invest in a microchip if you don’t already have one. Always use a standard leash. Retractable leashes can pose a threat not only to your dog, but to those around them! It is easy for your pet to get too far away from you; many retractable leashes have leads up to 20 feet! Also, the thin black cord can easily become tangled around other pets and even trip people. Be alert! Your dog may be well behaved, but remember that 18

other animals add an unknown variable. Be sure to keep an eye on your dog at all times, and err on the side of caution when it comes to your pet’s safety. Give your dog a break! Even the most well adjusted pet may need a short break or respite from the festivities. Pay attention to your dog’s body language. If you notice stress or anxiety, walk them away from the crowd and noise to give them a chance to calm down. Sometimes a small break is all it takes to set things right. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. Although most events include water stations for dogs, you may want to think about bringing along your own travel bowl or water dispenser. With all of the walking around, excitement, and playing your pet is sure to do you will want to make sure they have access to fresh water at all times.

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dogsof character

photo by Mark Graham

By Joy Southard-Executive Director Healing Species of Texas

photo by Laura Lopez

{March 2012}

hey have been told at Glen Loch Elementary, in The Woodlands, that 5 very special dogs will visit them today. Quincy will touch a child who needs to hear that he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t deserve to be abused and how to get help. Jackie O will reach children who have been bullying a child who is different from them and they will learn empathy. And Suki will be able to connect with a child who has needed to feel loved. A cast of 5 dogs, each rescued from situations that children can often relate and identify with and a couple with visible scars or disabilities will appear to 300 children in schools across Texas in the Dogs of Character Assembly. The entire cast is composed of about 25 dogs in Houston, Dallas and Austin. A very patient and great natured group includes a Great Dane, Husky mix, Sheepdog mix, Pug, Australian Shepherd; each temperament tested to withstand the adoration of hundreds of children. 19

dogs of character

(continued)

photo by Mark Graham

Created in 2010 by Joy Southard, Executive Director of Healing Species Texas, this assembly has provided Lululopez Photography lululopez Photography Lululopez Photography children an opportunity Can rescued dogs teach empathy? to learn self-empowerment, courage, Children are staying home out of fear perseverance and empathy from some and parents are struggling to give their Southard, who has led the award winning character education program in unlikely leaders; rescued dogs. She children the tools to protect themdeveloped the assembly to bring atten- selves. Houston has not been immune Texas has witnessed the results first hand. “After each assembly, a counselor tion to the strength and resilience of to the tragedy of a child taking his or teacher will write describing the these animals and how powerful their life because of bullying. Epps Island change in the child who has been the stories can be to children. Counselor at Klein ISD says the Dogs bully” she says. The program asks chilIn recent years the issue of bullying of Character program sends “a powerhas come to be recognized as a serious ful message for students who often feel dren to see the dogs with their hearts; in turn they may see the child they helpless to deal with abuse, bullying, problem and schools are looking for have been hurting with their heart. and neglect”. effective ways to address the situation. 20

d gs cats Texas

Lululopez Photography

photo by Mark Graham

Lululopez Photography

{March 2012}

That is the foundation of the Healing Species program; a nationally recognized evidenced based curriculum that began in South Carolina and has been in Texas for almost 4 years. In Texas, the 11-week curriculum has been taught in Klein, Conroe, Austin and La Porte ISD’s. Each year, Southard speaks at the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission’s conference because the program has been taught in Harris County, Walker County, Montgomery County and Travis County juvenile probation facilities. Currently, there is a waiting list of schools and facilities hoping funding will come through. Recently, HISD put their name on the list and funding is anticipated for a project for the first “safe house” in Texas for girls who are victims of human trafficking and the sex trade. Healing Species, organized by Cheri Brown Thompson of Orangeburg, SC in 1999 as a means of ending “violence for violence”. Thompson, a lawyer, discovered that about 99% of the violent criminals she interviewed had been abused or neglected as children. In turn, they took their pain and frustration on helpless animals as children before turning to crime as they grew older. Southard, was with CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County before leading the Texas Chapter learned of many children who had been in-

jured themselves and had tortured an animal. Judge Mike Schneider of Harris County, interviewed for a webinar for Healing Species presentation to Texas Juvenile Probation officials referenced the strong link between animal cruelty and violence against people and stated “if you don’t have empathy, you’re dangerous”. Though Healing Species and The Dogs of Character look much like “pet therapy” or humane education; Southard stresses it is different. “Years of research, data collection, evaluation and scrutiny from educators has given this program national attention and accolades”, Southard states. USA Today highlighted Healing Species along with Cesar Milan’s Muttigrees and they are awaiting status with the National Registry of Evidenced Based Programs and Practices. Baylor’s Community Program’s is now licensed to teach Healing Species and training begins in March for regional directors for Dogs of Character. In the most recent Dogs of Character Assembly in Austin, the principal introduced the program by saying “Boys and girls, you are going to learn about dogs who will change your life”. That is the hope of all involved with the program; that lives will be changed and all beings will be valued and treated with compassion. That each child will grow up seeing everyone and everything with their heart.

{pawz-itivelynatural} By Nadine Joli-Coeur

natural solutions to a

I 22

healthier heart t may be surprising to know that cats and dogs also suffer from heart disease, just like their human pet parents. As with any illness, you cannot help your pet if you do not notice the signs.

d gs cats Texas

In heart disease, the first thing a pet parent might notice is a cough. A cough by itself could mean a multitude of things (most of which we should try to determine the cause). When the heart is enlarged, fluid backs up into the lungs and causes your pet to cough. As the heart enlarges, it can also press on the wind pipe which results in more coughing. Other signs of heart disease include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, weight loss, loss of appetite and just plain tiredness.

HEART DISEASE

Two types of heart disease are Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Hypertrophic Cardiomyoopathy. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is when the heart muscle is weakened which results in poor pumping and contractions of blood flow. It is common in dogs and one of the most common reasons for heart failure. Some breeds are more predisposed such as large and giant breeds and smaller breeds such as cocker spaniels. It is uncommon in cats. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is more common in cats but does affect dogs as well. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a thickening of the walls of heart muscle. As the walls become thicker, less blood can flow, which leads to an inefficient pumping of blood. Blood pressure becomes elevated which eventually results in the heart enlarging. {March 2012}

Other Heart Disease like conditions Heart worm disease – this is a serious condition caused by worms that live in the arteries of the lungs. As the worms grow, pets become more lethargic and sick. Heart worm larvae is often spread by a mosquito bite and typically is undetectable until 6-7months after they have contradicted it. Many pets suffer and die from heart worms every year. Prevention is your key defense. Every pet owner should consult with their vet to find the right monthly treatment for them.

PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia is more commonly found in young and old pets, those with weaker immune systems. It can be from an illness, heart disease or the result of a pet eating a foreign object that they shouldn’t have (plastic toys, something hard, socks…). Pneumonia is a very serious condition that needs to be treated right away.

TIPS TO A HEALTHIER HEART: DIET AND EXERCISE.

DIET Eating a healthy diet low in processed ingredients is important to maintaining a healthy body and heart. Many vets will also agree that a low sodium diet is important for any pet that may have heart disease. Sodium can elevate blood pressure and increase retained fluid.

SUPPLEMENTS The way to a healthy heart is through fatty acids and amino acids such as Omega-3 Fatty Acids, L-carnitine and Taurine. Omega-3 fatty acids help the flow of blood and many studies have show them to be beneficial for pets and humans. L-Carnitine is an amino acid found in meat and dairy products. Taurine is also important and is found primarily in the lower intestine. Foods rich in taurine include eggs, fish, meat, milk and seafood. Most of us have heard that taurine is important for cats but there have been studies that show it is important for dogs as well. Many of the natural pet foods include these supplements in their diets. You can also add supplements, especially omega-3 to your pet’s diet

Other Things You Can Do:

WEIGHT AND EXERCISE Overweight pets put an increased strain on the heart. By keeping your pet at an optimal weight, the heart benefits as well as their joints. The heart is a muscle and even pets with heart disease should continue to do some exercise without overexertion. It is also really important to avoid high heat and heat exhaustion . The treatment or prevention of heart disease is the responsibility of the pet parent. As with any health issue, noticing early warning signs is important. 23

{dougiedeogi}

Dougie Deogi Rescue Reporter

owdy, pardners! Dougie Deogi here, your favorite rescue reporter coming to you LIVE from the sticks in Houston. Hope all of you had fun at the Houston Rodeo this year! I certainly did – didn’t have one bit of fun posing for this ridiculous picture (thank you Crazy Lady Owner), though.

Sorry, but I have to vent today. MORE charity auctions are showing up in our area – particularly in Ft. Bend County, auctioning puppies to raise funds? Really? Do we need a LAW to 24

force these people who profess to be all goody-two-shoes and all to DO THE RIGHT THING? Dallas has a law – it’s illegal to auction off a puppy in the metroplex. Are they just more

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metropolitan than Ft Bend County? Huh? Are we just a bunch of rednecks who cannot show any respect for the lives of animals? Those charities are pretty well coached on what to tell you when someone raises a concern about how good of a home a puppy will have. (Did you know that there are many charity auction COMPANIES out there that run these auctions and seriously coach the participants on the sound bytes to throw out?) Take a look at these photos here. Each of these dogs is about a year old – still almost

a puppy. Don’t they look like they are well cared for? HUH? And, these are “expensive” purebreds – lhasa, shih tzu, maltese. So someone spent a pretty penny on them. I’m just CERTAIN the buyer specifically pointed out to the breeder selling them that they DID NOT intend to take care of these dogs. They just wanted a pedigreed dog cuz “it’s the thing to do!” Yeah, right. So, lesson here – just because someone spends hundreds or thousands of dollars on a puppy does not make them good owners. Perhaps it is because these “good owners” grew up in a household that didn’t consider pets worthy of respect! The only way to correct this “defect” in human nature is to teach children respect. And the ONLY way to teach children respect is by showing respect ourselves. Please DO NOT support charities that do not teach our children to respect life of any kind – human or animal. Puppies are not a vase, or a rug or a gift basket. Advocate for respect. So, do we need a law, or can you charity folks grow up and do the right thing? Dougie Deogi, off the soapbox now, over and out..

Dougie Deogi is the official spokes-dog for Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Rescue (www.facebook.com/lsstlar) headquartered in Houston. He has his own facebook page, www.facebook.com/accordingtodougie, where you can follow his many adventures with his crazy lady owner. Contact Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Rescue at www.facebook.com/lsstlar

{March 2012}

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By Dr. Justine Lee and Dr. Ahna Brutla, Pet Poison Helpline

top 5 most

hazardous handbag contents T

Handbags: Reservoirs for Items Toxic to Pets

o a dog or cat, a handbag or backpack can be like an amusement park. In one compact place, she can find many flavorful treasures to nuzzle, sniff and chew. This wouldn’t be so much of a problem if all the contents in handbags and backpacks were safe for pets, but unfortunately that isn’t the case; they are reservoirs for things toxic to dogs and cats.

To a dog or cat, a handbag or backpack can be like an amusement park. In one compact place, she can find many flavorful treasures to nuzzle, sniff and chew. This wouldn’t be so much of a problem if all the contents in handbags and backpacks were safe for pets, but unfortunately that isn’t the case; they are reservoirs for things toxic to dogs and cats. “We often talk to panicked pet owners who are dealing with the aftermath of handbag invasions by unsuspecting pets,” said

Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, and assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline. “As we head into the cold months when pets are more often indoors, it’s important for pet owners to be cognizant of some typical handbag contents and how the contents can poison their dog or cat.” The five most common purse items that are toxic to pets are

sugarless chewing gum, medications, asthma inhalers, cigarettes and hand sanitizers.

Sugarless chewing gum and breath mints

Many women carry chewing gum in their purses and don’t realize that, if ingested by a dog, it can be fatal. Most sugarless gums, including some Trident™, Orbit™, and Ice Breaker™ brands, contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Some sugarless mints and flavored

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multi-vitamins may also be made with xylitol. When ingested, even small amounts of xylitol can result in a life-threatening and rapid drop in blood sugar, and if large amounts are ingested, dogs can suffer from severe liver failure. Signs of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking, collapse, tremors and seizures.

Human medications

Many purses contain pill bottles and dispensers. They are irresistible to some dogs, as they resemble toys that rattle. Each year, nearly half of the calls to Pet Poison Helpline concern ingestions of potentially toxic human medications. Common drugs including NSAIDs (e.g. Advil®, Aleve® and Motrin®), acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) and antidepressants (e.g. Effexor®, Cymbalta®, Prozac®) can cause serious harm to dogs and cats when ingested. NSAIDs such as Advil can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as kidney failure, especially in cats. A single Tylenol tablet containing acetaminophen can be fatal to a cat, and in dogs, a larger ingestion can lead to severe liver failure. Of all medications, antidepressants account for the highest number of calls to Pet Poison Helpline, and can cause neurological

problems like sedation, incoordination, agitation, tremors and seizures.

Asthma inhalers (albuterol)

While asthma inhalers are often used in veterinary medicine for cats and dogs, when accidentally chewed and punctured by dogs, they can cause severe, life-threatening, acute poisoning. Because inhalers often contain concentrated doses (often 200 doses in one small vial) of beta-agonist drugs (e.g., albuterol) or steroids (e.g., fluticasone), dogs that chew into them are exposed to massive amounts of the drugs all at once. This can lead to severe poisoning, resulting in life-threatening heart arrhythmias, agitation, vomiting, collapse and death.

Cigarettes

germs, and this is possible because they contain high amounts of alcohol (ethanol) – sometimes up to 95 percent. Therefore, when a dog ingests a small bottle of hand sanitizer, it can have the same effect as a shot of hard liquor. This can cause a severe drop in blood sugar, incoordination, a drop in body temperature, neurological depression, coma and death. The bottom line? When there’s a dog or cat in the house, store handbags and backpacks out of reach. With the holiday season in full swing, many pet-loving households are hosting parties with friends and family. Whether you are the host or a guest, be sure that purses are placed in a safe location and out of the reach of pets. When in doubt, hang it up.

As few as three cigarettes can be fatal to a small dog, depending on the “strength” or “lightness” of the cigarettes. After ingestion, clinical signs of distress can become apparent in as little as 15 minutes. Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and even gum (Nicorette®) contain nicotine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Exposure causes high heart and respiratory rates, neurological overstimulation, uncontrolled urination/defecation, tremors, seizures, paralysis and death.

Hand Sanitizer

In recent years, hand sanitizer has become a common item in millions of handbags. Many hand sanitizers claim to kill almost 100 percent of

{March 2012}

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