Texas Dogs & Cats April 2013 by Texas Cats & Dogs Magazine

d gs cats Texas

Houston

April 2013

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{contents}

cover photo: sonya Sellers

14 4

6 Heat Stress 8 Canine Dental Health Heart Health & 10 Pet Heartworms 12 Pets On Patios 14 Timing is Everything 16 Centerstage

d gs cats Texas

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

2022 28

Tricia Fagan Monica Schmidt William Given Texas A&M Lucy Postins Susan Randlett

photographer Sonya Sellers

18 The Honest Kitchen 20 Shape Up for Summer! Deogi, 24 Dougie Rescue Reporter By 26 Spotted The Pupperazzi

28 Marketplace {April 2013}

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

stress

heat

d gs cats

Texas

By William Given

{pethealth}

he summer months are now upon us. It gets hot in Texas, our summer time temperatures range from the low to mid 90s. We have to remember that our dogs are much more vulnerable to heat stress than we are. Dogs do not have well developed sweat glands; they sweat through the vaporization of moisture when they pant. If your dog gets too hot and his body temperature continues to rise, his circulatory and respiratory systems can fail, resulting in either permanent damage or quite possibly, death.

Some dogs are more susceptible to heat stress. These include young puppies and seniors. Adult dogs that have recently been moved from cool to warmer climates or those with a history of heat stress. Overweight dogs and dogs with cardiovascular or respiratory disorders are also more vulnerable to heat stress. There are three kinds of heat stress: heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heatstroke. • Heat exhaustion occurs following prolonged exposure to intense heat or heavy exertion. It is characterized by fatigue, muscle weakness and circulatory collapse. • Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms generally induced by severe exertion in hot weather and they {April 2013}

are caused by insufficient amounts of sodium chloride (salt) in the dog’s body. • Heatstroke develops rapidly in dogs that have exposed to high temperatures, humidity and poor ventilation (such as in a parked car) and it can be fatal. Heatstroke symptoms include panting, vacant or anxious expressions; failure to respond to commands; warm, dry skin; an extremely high body temperature; dehydration; rapid heartbeat; profuse salivation; and vomiting. What to do in an emergency. If your dog shows symptoms of heat stress, immerse him in cool water, spray him down with a garden hose or apply ice packs and move the dog to a cool place. Consult

your veterinarian immediately. Precautions to prevent your dog from suffering heat stress. • During warm weather, never leave your dog confined in a car or any other enclosure that is poorly ventilated. • Avoid excessively exercising your dog during the hottest part of the day. Exercise only early in the morning or late at night. • Provide small portions of fresh, cool drinking water throughout those long, hot days to help ensure your dog maintains a lower body temperature. • Outdoor dogs should have access to plenty of shade during the hot summer months..

{pethealth} By William Given

canine dental health our dog’s mouth is the perfect environment for bacteria to breed and multiply. The bacteria in his mouth can be the catalyst for the development of gum disease. Gum disease can run the range from gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums to severe peritonitis, an infection of the entire gum tissue and the supporting bone below.

Poor dental health can eventually result in an overall decrease in performance. The bacteria in your dog’s mouth can travel to other parts of his body. It can inhibit his immune system’s ability to fight off infection. It can also damage his heart and kidneys. In extreme cases it can significantly and permanently affect his speed and endurance. Additionally, his olfactory receptors may suffer damager. In a mild case, the bacteria in your dog’s mouth releases a really foul-smelling 8

necrotic waste that can mask smells, such as bird scent. In severe cases the olfactory sensors can be so extensively damaged that they can no longer function at their fullest capacity and results in a dog’s inability to follow a scent. Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald is a 1983 graduate of Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine and the star of Animal Planet’s smash hit television series Emergency Vets. A leader in his field with three decades of experience in

the demanding and ever changing field of animal care, Dr. Fitzgerald informed me that more than 80 percent of dogs over the age of three years exhibit gum disease to some degree. Dr. Fitzgerald emphasizes that preventive measures taken early in a dog’s life will go a long way in keeping his teeth and gums healthy, and he recommends that an examination of your dog’s mouth should be an integral part of every exam. So when your dog visits the vet for booster shots, heartworm tests, etc.,

d gs cats Texas

you should have his mouth checked also. In addition to seeking your veterinarian’s guidance, you should incorporate oral maintenance in your dog’s home health care program. You should exam your dog’s mouth once a month. The best defense in guarding against gum disease is to brush your dog’s teeth regularly. All big box pet supply stores sell canine toothpaste and tooth brushes. For some dogs, brushing their teeth is not a big deal, but not all dogs take to having their teeth brushed. Any tartar that has built up on your dog’s teeth can be gently scraped away with a tooth scalar. Tooth scalars can be purchased from most vet supply warehouses or from your veterinarian. You may also opt to use an oral care water additive. There are several on the market from which to choose. You simply add it to your dog’s drinking water. These additives, in addition to making your dog’s breath smell good, work to reduce the bacteria and plaque buildup in his mouth. Chew toys can also help maintain healthy gums, teeth and the supporting bone structure. Beware of rawhide bones or strips. Should your dog swallow a large chunk of rawhide, he may fatally choke. Also, do not give him

hard objects to chew on as your dog’s teeth may fracture. Dogs should not be given bones of any kind. Sharp pieces of bone can punch holes in your dog’s stomach or intestines. The best case scenario is your dog will require surgery. I have seen many different kinds of chew toys come and go with the times. I have two favorites. The first is the Dental Kong Stick and the second is Nylabone Dental Chew. The Nylabone has a multi-textured design and really helps to satisfy a dog’s natural desire to chew. The raised bristles serve to clean the teeth, reduce tartar and control plaque build-up. Dental Kongs have grooves that massage the gums and perform a squeegee action on his teeth. A hole allows you to insert a bit of peanut butter. Your dog will love it. All of your dog’s teeth serve a purpose. If he breaks a tooth, your dog will experience a significant amount of pain and a root canal or extraction will be necessary. An unhealthy mouth will also make it very uncomfortable to retrieve downed birds. Take care of your dog’s mouth, he will be healthier and a more valuable companion in the field.

dog daycare & bakery • Cage-Free Boarding • Open 7 Days Per Week

www.houstondogdaycare.com • Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jacksons.place

{pethealth}

pet

heart health

Reprinted with permission from Texas A&M

heartworms

he heart is a complex organ and it is important for pet owners to be aware of the diseases it can develop.

Pet owners should be aware of the signs and symptoms of heart disease so that they can provide their pet with the best possible care. “Humid spring and summer days may cause dogs and cats to suffer more from mosquito bites that can lead to heartworm disease,” said Dr. Sonya Gordon, associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Dogs have a high risk of heartworm infection, but cats are also susceptible to the disease.” Pets become infected when a heartworm-infested mosquito bites the animal, transmitting the heartworm larvae into the tissue of the pet. As the larvae develop they travel through the tissue and ultimately settle in the blood vessels of the lungs, which leads to the development of heartworm disease. “Heartworms should really be called lungworms because the adult worm typically lives in the blood vessels of the lungs, not 10

the heart,” said Gordon. “If left untreated, heartworms can lead to difficulty with breathing and even result in a clog of the right heart causing Caval Syndrome, which is when blood is prevented from traveling through the right side of the heart and causes the pet’s abdomen to fill with fluid among other problems.” Signs of heartworm disease can include coughing, difficulty breathing, fainting, weight loss, and an overall decreased activity level. A blood test from your local veterinarian can determine if your pets have the disease. While treatment for heartworm disease is possible, it is frequently much more expensive and hazardous than preventative medication. Treatment for heartworm disease can cost up to $6,000, contingent on the disease severity, and is generally considered a dangerous procedure since a lethal substance must be used to exterminate the worms in the blood vessels and the pet’s

body must clean up the deceased worms itself. Treatment can last up to four months, depending on the severity of the case. During this time the pet must have their exercise severely restricted. “The best overall treatment for heartworms is preventative medicine,” said Gordon. “Pet owners have a variety of treatment options to choose from including once-monthly tablets, tasty chewable tablets, topical medicines and even injections that can be given by your veterinarian twice per year. It is important to use the treatment that works best for you and your pet.” Preventative medicine costs approximately $30-$100 per year, and is typically administered once a month to prevent heartworm larvae from developing into adults. Even pets that receive monthly preventative medicine should have a yearly blood test to ensure that they do not accidently become infected.

d gs cats Texas

{petsafety} by Monica Schmidt – Houston Humane Society

pets on patios F

lowers are blooming, there is a breeze in the air, and Houstonians are flocking to restaurants with patios to enjoy as much time as they can before the sweltering heat drives them back indoors to the much needed a/c! And this year your dog might just be welcome to join you. Wondering how to transition your four-legged BFF from dog park diva to fresh al fresco diner? Houston Humane Society has put together 10 tips to help you and your pooch have your cake, and it in public too! • Be sure to check with the restaurant to see if their patio is “dog friendly.” • Take your dog for a walk before going to a restaurant so he doesn’t have a need for bathroom breaks while dining. As a bonus, a tired dog will be less likely to have nervous energy or become restless. • Leash your pet and keep him or her from socializing with other diners or employees unless welcomed. • It is highly recommended that you use a standard leash, not a retractable one. • Keep your dog close to your

table or chair so he or she is not in the waiter’s path. • Remember to tie your dog’s leash to your chair rather than the table (where dishes or drinks could be toppled or spilt). Much less likely to cause a catastrophe if he or she jumps, bolts, or simply gets excited! • Bring your own doggie bowl and treats (just in case) • Clean up! If your pooch makes a mess be sure to pick up after them. This doesn’t just apply to bathroom issues; it could be as simple as mopping up their spilled water bowl.

• If your dog becomes stressed or causes a disturbance, be prepared to pay your check and leave immediately. This may mean getting a doggy bag to go rather than dining out. • Leave a nice tip for your server for taking care of both you and your four legged friend! It’s important to remember nothing beats spending the day with your dog, but not every pet is destined to dine on restaurant patios. Find something you and your pet love to do together and spend the day bonding!

d gs cats Texas

{puppy101} by Tricia Fagan

timing is

everything

thology is the scientific study of animal behavior Konrad Lorenz is widely recognized at the founder of ethology. Lorenz had many famous research projects, but perhaps his most famous project was his work on “imprinting”. Lorenz discovered that newly hatched graylag geese would follow ANY moving object, provided the moving object was presented to the birds 13 to 16 hours after hatching. Lorenz had the birds follow him (Lorenz) and odd objects like balls. Of course, this behavior is designed to have the newly hatched birds follow their mother. Lorenz’s experiments highlighted, however, that the “imprinting” behavior can be diverted to give some peculiar results. A movie, “Fly Away Home” was made about one of these experiments.

d gs cats Texas

When socializing your puppy, please keep in mind that your puppy must enjoy these interactions. Forcing the puppy to have repeated, unpleasant interactions will not socialize the puppy. The important point is the timing. Showing the chicks the moving object too early or too late produced no result. In some biological instances, timing is everything. Similar to Lorenz, Scott and Fuller conducted a twenty-year study on the genetics and social behavior of dogs. Scott and Fuller’s work provided much of the knowledge we have about developmental timing in dogs. As a result of this study, we know that dogs have a critical period of development. This critical period is the time that puppies learn who their friends are, or, more importantly, what their friends look like. If you raise your puppy with chickens, rabbits and adult male humans, when the puppy matures it will play with chickens, rabbits and adult male humans. But the puppy will NOT play with adult female humans, preadult humans of either gender, other dogs, or cats. People often say to me, “My puppy is socialized, I have another dog”. Imagine the mother of a human child bringing her six year old to the first day of school. The woman’s six year old human child has only been out of the house to see the doctor. The child has only known his or her mother, father and siblings. The woman says, “My child is socialized, I have another child”. Everyone {April 2013}

would be horrified if this was done to a human child, but this happens to dogs all the time. Puppies will like, be friendly toward, and enjoy the company of those with whom they have been successfully socialized. On the other hand, puppies will avoid, move away from, be frightened of and possibly be aggressive toward those that do NOT match the profile of those with whom they have been successfully socialized. The most difficult obstacle to socialization is the need for puppy vaccinations. Parvovirus and distemper are very dangerous, often fatal, canine diseases. Due to the complicated nature of canine immunity, vaccinations must be given repeatedly over a period of months. Unfortunately, just about the time your puppy is fully vaccinated is the same time that socialization window closes. As soon as you get your puppy, schedule a visit with your vet. Make sure you schedule (and show up for!) appointments for all of the vaccinations your vet recommends. Ask your vet how often they see cases of parvovirus or distemper. Some areas see more of these awful diseases than others. Take your puppy to locations that have only vaccinated dogs. Do not take your puppy to free-for-all areas like large

pet stores or public dog parks. Chose friendly, healthy, vaccinated dogs and puppies for your canine baby to socialize with. It is often said that a puppy must meet one hundred people of different types to be socialized to people. The puppy should also meet a hundred different dogs. When socializing your puppy, please keep in mind that your puppy must enjoy these interactions. Forcing the puppy to have repeated, unpleasant interactions will not socialize the puppy. So, make sure that your puppy enjoys meeting healthy, vaccinated, friendly dogs and you will be the proud owner of a wellsocialized dog. Happy Socializing (and training)!

Tricia Fagan Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed DogS Gone Good www.dogSgonegood.com trainer@dogSgonegood.com (713) 557-1949   15

{centerstage} 16

d gs cats Texas

shortmugs rescuesquad H

ello World ! Meet Seymour. We all have our war stories and mine is probably no different. I was found tied to a tractor by Short Mugs Rescue Squad. My life completely changed from that moment. I have been loved everyday since, and I am finally getting a chance to accomplish all the things in life that I always wanted to do. I have gotten my very own tempurpedic bed, a day splashing at the beach, tons of rides in cars, and an amazing amount of hugs and kisses from my fellow humans!! But there is still so much to do. I have recently been diagnosed with cancer (go figure, three different types!), and there are still a bundle of things I would like to accomplish. Texas Dogs & Cats has placed my bucket list on the website for review. Although I can not be adopted, hugs and kisses from everybody is still accepted. I will forever been thankful for the wonderful people at Short Mugs Rescue Squad for giving me a chance to really enjoy the better things in life and feel the love and warmth from the loving and caring people here in Houston. For more information about Short Mugs Rescue Squad and the amazing work they do, visit their website at www.shortmugsrescuesquad.org!

{April 2013}

By Lucy Postins- Honest Kitchen

{pawz-itivelynatural}

A 10 lb box makes up to 40 lbs of complete & balanced fresh food!

the

honest

kitchen

*Calculations based on dehydrated ratios for fresh ingredients in Force, and eq

his month’s article is from Lucy Postins, Owner of The Honest Kitchen Company. She founded The Honest Kitchen in 2002 and has been a pioneer and driving force in the natural pet food market. The Honest Kitchen is a dehydrated pet food. The 10are stores process of dehydration removes only the moisture. Because With the foods never throug cooked, canned or extruded, much more of the natural nutrition is ready left in theto food. Just help you cho add water and $8 your pet will have a bowl packed full of yummy nutritious food. Add waoff all 10 and 7 lb boxes The Heights | West Univers ter. Nadine, Owner of Natural Pawz.

Save on Honest Kitchen today! $4 off all 4 and 3 lb boxes

It’s not just the ingredients $2 on many pet food label that are cause for concern, but also the processing it takes to transform what Mother Nature (or sometimes, Big Agriculture) provides, into those homogenous brown pellets. 18

Mammals need to consume

moisture offa certain all 2amount lb boofxe s

in order to digest their food properly. If it isn’t consumed with the food itself, the body compensates by robbing moisture from the tissues, and sending it to the digestive tract to help facilitate the

Vintage Park | The digestion of each dryMini meal. Pawz Locations - Ro ( Just imagine eating a bowl of oyster crackers without the soup- day after day.) Both the liver and kidneys can become stressed, and constipation and other health problems may result from insufficient moisture in the food.

www.naturalpawz.c

d gs cats Texas

worth of fresh meat & produce (if bought at a market) for $79.99 MSRP.

Many pets don’t drink

qualed 40 lbs of fresh food. enough to properly com-

pensate for their dry food diets, and holistic vets link this to chronic, low-grade dehydration, which can cause fluid retention in the body’s tissues as it tries to hold onto as much fluid as possible. In humans, studies have shown that chronic low-grade dehydration can result in problems with digestion, elimination, urination, kidneys, respiration, skin, blood pressure, cholesjoints and PH balance. sity | Galleria | Riverterol, Oaks | Sugar Land There’s nothing worse than e Woodlands | Katydry| Cypress food, for a dog that’s prone to urinary tract infecover Oaks & Meadowlake Pet Resort tions, crystals or stones. Many holistic vets link dry kibble to urinary and kidney disorders in dogs (and especially cats). Dry food can place more strain on the kidneys and cause the urine to be more concentrated, which can

ghout the Houston area, we are oose the very best for your pets!

increase the risk of infections compared with a dog whose urinary system is sufficiently hydrated. Moisture-rich food helps prevent chronic dehydration, so it’s also better for pets that are prone to urinary or kidney problems, because it helps keep the urinary system flushed out. Many dogs gulp down large amounts of water following after consuming kibble, in an attempt to moisten it after consumption, and facilitate digestion. However, this can place undue stress on the organs, which may already be struggling with a rendered diet of difficult-toassimilate proteins and manufactured nutrients. When kibble comes into contact with moisture, it swells to several times its original size. When this happens in the GI tract or stomach, it can increase the risk of bloat or gastric torsion and cause a potentially fatal medical emergency, especially for larger, barrel-chested breeds. Foods that contain sufficient moisture don’t swell up in the stomach. Many kibble manufacturers claim that dry food helps to keep the teeth clean, by scraping off tartar and plaque during chewing. However, kibble usually isn’t abrasive enough to clean the teeth, and in fact it isn’t actually crunched, either. If you’ve ever seen a dog throw up his dry food, you’ll notice it comes out just the same way it went in, as complete round pellets – just a little swollen from all the moisture it absorbed from

*comof human-grade | info@naturalpawz.com od in every 10 lb box! {April 2013}

the intestinal tract. To really clean the teeth, a raw beef marrow bone is perfect for the job. A great advantage of canned, dehydrated and raw food diets, is their high moisture content. A natural ‘ancestral’ or wild diet is about 70% moisture. Kibble is usually 10% moisture or less. Home-made diets are another alternative, but can be time consuming to prepare and it can take a lot of prep work to grind up the various components as well as to ensure all the necessary nutrients are provided over time. Incorporating at least some fresher, less processed, wet foods like those above, or even healthy table scraps or home cooked meals served in place of just one kibble meal each day, can help provide the essential food-based fluids that pets so badly need.

Check out the back cover for some awesome savings on Honest Kitchen diets for the month of April.

That’s up to $170 worth of fresh

{meetthevet} By Susan Randlett, Kingsland Blvd Animal Clinic

shapeup L

for summer!

ike their human companions, our pets tend to put on weight during the winter. We don’t exercise as much; they don’t exercise as much. We stay out of the cold at home and eat heavy meals and more snacks, and so do they. With the coming of spring, our thoughts turn to the coming bikini season and losing some of the winter weight and adopting a healthier lifestyle. While our pets aren’t trying to fit in last season’s swimsuit, spring is the ideal time to eat healthier, exercise more, and work toward becoming more fit and healthy. A fit pet will lead a longer, healthier, happier life!

haley

d gs cats Texas

So, What Should My Pet Weigh? Like humans, dogs and cats have different bone structures. Some are short and built like bulls, others are tall and delicate. There is no easy way to say, “A pet who is this tall should weigh this much.” Even so, there are simple ways to tell if your pet is at a good weight for his size and structure. Take your hands and place them on either side of your pet, starting around his shoulders. Run your hands over his sides from the front of his body along the ribs, pressing until you can feel the ribs through the layer of skin and fat. You should only need to apply light pressure to feel the ribs of a dog or cat who is at a healthy weight. If you can feel his ribs easily by just skimming the surface of the skin, your pet may actually need to gain a little weight. If you need to apply significant pressure to feel the ribs through the fat layer, or if you can’t feel them at all, it’s a good bet Fido or Kitty could stand to lose a few!

{April 2013}

Many owners simply do not realize how few treats it takes to represent a significant percentage of the recommended daily calorie intake. But, Mom, You’re Starving Me! (Not Really!) So, how do we help our pets lose the extra weight? Like us, absent a medical condition, an overweight dog or cat is simply taking in more calories than he is expending on a given day. To lose weight, they need to decrease their intake or increase their activity (and, in almost all cases, a combination of both). To start with, most veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists recommend feeding measured meals, twice daily, rather than once-daily feeding or free feeding, especially for dogs. Studies have shown that some cats, and most dogs, do not show the kind of restraint that is needed to stop eating when they are full - they will eat what is put in front of them, and it is up

to us, as owners, to feed them only an appropriate amount for their size and lifestyle. Moreover, twice-daily feedings seem to result in more effective use of calories than once-daily feedings, and also avoid the kind of nutritional deficit and hunger that can result from once daily feedings. Start with the amounts shown on the bag, and then make adjustments if necessary. It is important to use a real measuring cup - your red solo cup, your plastic tumbler from the cupboard, and your pet’s bowl are all far larger than a measuring cup, yet we all use them, eyeballing what we’re scooping up, and usually, we often overestimate what we’re supposed to be feeding by far! If your pet is significantly overweight, he may benefit from a reduced calorie/weight loss food. Your veterinarian should have a variety of choices to recommend that are nutritionally balanced. These foods typically have a higher fiber content to help your pet feel full, so he won’t feel deprived. Treats are often a huge cause of weight gain in pets. Many owners simply do not realize how few treats it takes to represent a significant percentage of the recommended daily calorie intake. If you’re feeding your pet treats, these calories need to be subtracted from meals. Some owners do this by actually withholding a 21

Low Fat Carrot Dog Treats few kibbles from the premeasured meal, and giving them as treats throughout the day. Others feed low calorie treats to minimize the impact on daily calorie intake. Remember, some of the same lowcalorie foods that are healthy for us are terrific treats for our pets, too! Apples, carrots and green beans (try the frozen kind, straight from the freezer!) are favorites with many dogs. Don’t forget, though - never grapes or raisins for dogs, they are highly toxic to them! See the sidebar for some low-calorie treat recipes. Get Up and MOVE! Dogs and cats in the wild were far more active than their domesticated cousins are today. They hunted or foraged for food, often traveling long distances and even chasing in short bursts. This activity not only exercised the body, it stimulated the mind. Our pets tend to have their meals delivered to them, and for many, the only exercise they get is getting up from sleeping to go to their food bowl to eat. While we don’t need to make them hunt for their food, we can certainly offer a more active lifestyle for their benefit. Your dog would LOVE to join you on your morning walk! If he’s not a particularly active dog now, you may have to adjust the distance you travel to accommodate his abilities, but it’s a sure bet that a few mornings of joint brisk walks will have BOTH of you feeling better and happier! 22

You can build up over time, spend quality time together, and start each day brighter and more alert! Your dog doesn’t have to be a performance dog to enjoy chasing and catching a frisbee or playing fetch. And for owners, it’s a terrific way to unwind after a hard day at work; come home, change clothes, and go throw those frustrations away - literally! If you come home and go for a quick swim, encourage your dog to join you - many dogs LOVE the water! But be careful: pools aren’t “natural” bodies of water for dogs to swim in. They may not realize that, unlike lakes and streams, not every edge is a way out of the pool, and they may forget where the steps are in their confusion. Take the same precautions with your pet that you would with your child: never, ever let him swim alone! For cats, laser lights are terrific sources of stimulation and exercise, and you don’t even have to leave your recliner! A cat will chase the light, jump on and off furniture, try to climb walls, all to try to catch the light. They also love feathered cat teasers, and watching them play and have fun is infectious - sure to make you smile! So, take advantage of the change of season to consider whether a change in eating habits or exercise patterns is the right choice for your pet, and spring into a healthier lifestyle!

Ingredients: 1 med. banana (ripe) 1 c. shredded carrots 1/4 c. unsweetened apple juice 1/8 c. water (maybe more, as needed) 1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour (keep some handy for rolling) 1 c. rolled oats

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, mash the banana and mix in the shredded carrots. To the carrot and banana, add the water and apple juice. Stir. Next, add the oats and flour. Stir all of the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. Using your hands, knead the mixture until a dough forms. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Roll out until it’s about a half inch thick. Using a cookie cutter or the rim of a small glass, cut into 3” pieces. Place the pieces onto lightly sprayed baking sheet. Bake the dog treats for 25 minutes.

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats Ingredients: 2 1/2 c whole wheat flour 2 eggs 1/2 c canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) 2 T peanut butter 1/2 t salt 1/2 t cinnamon

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together flour, eggs, pumpkim, peanut butter, salt and cinnamon in bowl. Add water as needed to make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll the dough into a 1/2” thick roll. Cut into 1/2 inch pieces. Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 min. Let cool.

d gs cats Texas

{dougiedeogi}

Dougie Deogi Rescue Reporter

‘sup peeps?

It’s me, Dougie Deogi, rescue reporter. Good grief, listen to this one….

There’s a S.C.A.M. out there peeps! Yes, indeedy! A SCAM. There are people hunting craigslist for “Found dog” listings and trying to claim cute, adorable, EASILY SALEABLE, little fluffy dogs as their own. BEWARE. Most of you good Samaritans that find a lost dog, make the naïve assumption that the person that just called crying 24

that you’ve found THEIR dog, is really the dog’s owner. Not so, grasshopper. Not always. Never mind that the person that called doesn’t have a single photo of the dog and doesn’t have a single piece of paper showing that they even own a dog, much less this dog. Never mind that the person calling can only identify the

dog with information on YOUR flyer. Never mind that they get nasty and curse when you ask them to identify one unique thing about the dog. Never mind that the dog they are claiming that escaped from their yard just two days ago, was matted to the skin and the mats so tight, they were pulling hair off the dog’s skin. Or that the dog that es-

d gs cats Texas

caped JUST THIS AFTERNOON, has a badly broken jaw – and it’s an old break. Or that the dog that escaped just yesterday has an eye that has ruptured and is draining pus all over his face. Or that the dog that just ran out the gate this morning is so emaciated, he looks like a balloon stretched over a skeleton. Never mind that this all doesn’t make any sense, most of you good Samaritans will just turn the dog over to the first person that calls claiming the dog. Why? Because most of you true dog lovers cannot fathom the underhandness that people employ just to scam someone out of a buck or two hundred. But then what happens? What happens next week,

when the REAL owner sees your flyer, and wants to claim their beloved dog that’s been missing for six months – then what do you do? Real owners with three years of vet records and ten photos of their dog enjoying family life proving without a doubt that they are the dog’s owner. THEN what do you do? Yep, it happens. Be very careful when you find a dog. The shelters ALL ask for information clearly identifying the dog and information proving that the dog is owned by the person claiming the dog. The minimum is at least one photo showing the dog clearly and a vet record showing a description of the dog and the name of the person owning the dog. This is standard information on any vet invoice. NO, a piece of paper with two puppy shot vaccine stickers DOES NOT PROVE OWNERSHIP. NO, a stock photo of a black and white shih tzu puppy taken off the internet does NOT prove ownership of a cream colored shih tzu. Be cautious and do your due diligence. If you find a stray and are not comfortable assessing the people that are claiming to “own” that dog, contact a rescue organization or shelter to help. Don’t just hand the dog over to the first person that claims to “own” a dog, especially if it’s a cute, fluffy, seemingly-expensive dog or a power breed. You could be sentencing that dog to a long, hard life in a puppy mill or short, painful life as a bait dog. Dougie Deogi, over and

Dougie is a Houston-based media personality and the official spokesdog for Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Rescue (www. facebook.com/LSSTLAR). You can email Dougie at Dougie@ shihtzu-rescue.com! {April 2013}

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

{spotted by the pupperazzi} 26

funrun 32nd annual Houston Humane Society

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

Your Bark, Get Set, GO! People and their pets came from all over to join the fun at the 32nd annual Houston Humane Society Fun Run!

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{April 2013}

{marketplace}

amazin This perfect little lamb are sure to please your pup. Made of organic cotton and has 4 squeakers for hours of fun! Available at Natural Pawz!

If anythingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gonna get your dog off the couch... these bacon bubbles are gonna do it! Get your video camera ready and watch your dog go crazy as a storm of bacon bubbles heads his way! Available at Pawty Palace!

These egg-shaped, stuffing-less critters may look soft, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hard-boiled enough to stand up to the roughest players! Several to choose from at Natural Pawz! Get out and play with this buoyant frog! Available at WOOF Pet Bakery!

Fido will appreciate giving this flea a taste of its own medicine! Pick him up at Natural Pawz!

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ngapril Tug it, swing it, shake it! Salsa is soft and furry yet durable enough to stand up to hours of energetic fun! Comes in 3 neon colors at Natural Pawz!

Help promote awareness for the importance of spay/neuter programs nationwide in this hip grey tank.

A slobber free way to play fetch! Scoop up the ball and use the racket like a sling shot to send it to your eagerly awaiting friend!

16 speakers throughout this adorable ducks body make this a fun toy for 1 or 4 dogs to play with! Available at Natural Pawz!

These bubbles are made from real catnip oil for maximum kitty craziness! Our crew approved! Ask your local pet store about them!

{April 2013}

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