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Houston
May 2013
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{contents}
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cover by Steven Moore Photography
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6 Pets & Therapy Stroke In 10 Heat Companion Animals 12 Puppy 101
Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs
Paws Across 14 Healing America Tips 18 Summertime For Your Pet
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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
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Tricia Fagan Christie Cornelius Monica Schmidt William Given Texas A&M Nadine Joli-Coeur Susan Randlett
photographer Steve Moore Photography
Cat’s Missing the 20 “The LItter Box!”
and 22 Understanding Overcoming Your Pet’s Fears
24 Adopton Fees
There Simply Is Just No Better Deal
26 Spotted By The Pupperazzi 27 Find Your Furever Friend 28 Marketplace {May 2013}
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ADVERTISE WITH US!
281.781.4727 • Houston@TexasDogsAndCats.com Next Issue: May 2013 Advertiser’s Deadline: April 15th 2013
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by Monica Schmidt, Houston Humane Society
pets therapy O
ne of the most rewarding activities a person can do with their dog is therapy work. Did you know that many groups are not breed specific? If you plan to adopt soon, and you think therapy work might be an activity you would like to explore with your new pet, Houston Humane Society has a few things for you to keep in mind.
1. Contact a therapy group now. Many will let you shadow a volunteer for a few visits to see if it is the right fit for you. If you find that you enjoy visiting, are completely comfortable in the role of listener 6
rather than talker and have the time to give then it is time to adopt a dog or start training your current dog. 2. If you don’t currently have a dog suited to therapy work, please consider
adoption first. There are hundreds of dogs waiting for a home right now that would make wonderful companions. 3. Keep personality in mind when picking out a new dog. Therapy dogs don’t
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It’s common sense that a laid back dog will be a good fit, but some key things to look for include shyness level, do they easily become fixated, are they easily distracted and are they overly defensive.
have to be perfect. It’s common sense that a laid back dog will be a good fit, but some key things to look for include shyness level, do they easily become fixated, are they easily distracted and are they overly defensive. Many dogs are shy in new environments, but if the dog is scared of new people and surroundings it may take them a little longer to adapt to therapy work. Don’t mistake shy for calm. Many shy dogs show a complete change in personality once they are comfortable. A dog that easily fixates on toys or food may seem to get distracted, but they often learn very quickly as well. Food or toy motivation goes a long way to helping you train your pet. A defensive dog may quickly calm down in a comfortable setting, but the important thing to take note of is how they show their 8
defensive nature. Any one trait can often be trained or worked around, but it is the combination of traits that will determine if your new dog will be right for therapy work. For example, a dog that fixates easily may learn all of the necessary steps to pass evaluations, but if they startle easily and then become fixated on the noise it might not work out in a hospital setting where distractions are everywhere. 4. Training is important. If you plan to train your new dog yourself, it is a good idea to attend group classes and various events. Your dog will need to not only respond to you in a home setting, but also around other dogs, noises, sounds and circumstances. 5. Become established with a therapy group and work towards your goal of getting certified as a therapy dog. There are evaluations you and your pet will need
to pass and procedures you will need follow. 6. Think outside the box. After time and training you may find your new shelter pet is the best therapy dog in Texas. Or you may find it isn’t the right fit. There are still a myriad of activities you can enjoy with your new furry friend. Agility and flyball are fun, competitive ways to play with your pooch. Explore ways you might be able to volunteer with a children’s group and enjoy Saturday afternoons on pet friendly restaurant patios. The sky’s the limit when you’re spending time with your favorite, four-legged pal. Houston Humane Society has indoor and outdoor meet and greet areas that are ideal for you to get to know individual dogs before making the decision on a new companion. To find out more information, please visit us online at www. houstonhumane.org.
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{pethealth}
heat stroke in companion
By Christie Cornelius, DVM, Last Wishes In-Home Pet Hospice, Houston, TX
animals:
Houston, we have a problem!
H
ouston has an average of 99 days per year above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat and humidity levels we see here are very similar to those seen in tropical climates. Airconditioning is a way of life for most of us much of the year. It is actually vital for the survival of the people and pets of Houston.
Heatstroke in pets is a rapidly progressive life-threatening emergency. It is a state of extreme hyperthermia (106-109 degrees F), resulting in thermal injury to the body’s tissues. Although uncommon in cats, it occurs frequently in dogs. This is especially true for dogs who are overweight, have upper airway obstruction (i.e. brachycephalic breeds,
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laryngeal paralysis), or those that are exercised in hot, humid weather. Heatstroke can also occur in pets deprived of water or shade outdoors, confined in areas without proper ventilation, and during the blowdrying process after a bath. With an outside temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside of a car becomes 109 degrees within
10 minutes, and after 20 minutes, the internal temperature rises to 119 degrees. 30 minutes brings us to 124 degrees, and after 60 minutes, the inside of your car reaches 133 degrees. Tissue damage occurs when core body temperatures are above 107 degrees F for a significant amount of time. Body temperatures above 110 degrees can result in death
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within minutes. Kidney failure, bloody diarrhea/vomiting, systemic inflammation, sepsis, brain swelling, low blood sugar, seizures, blood clots, bleeding disorders, and liver and heart necrosis can occur with heatstroke. The overall mortality rate of heatstroke in pets is 50%. Some animals that do survive end up with permanent neurological problems. Breeds predisposed to heat stress include: Anatolian Shepherds, Brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed), Bulldogs, Saint Bernards, and Weimaraners. Older dogs are more susceptible than younger dogs. If an emergency facility is more than a few minutes away, it is advised that owners start cooling efforts in the event of a heatstroke. This would include immersing the pet in cool water using either a tub or spraying with a garden hose. DO NOT USE ICE WATER - this can cool the pet too quickly and cause further complications. A fan can be used to increase cooling after wetting. Rapid cooling should cease when the body temperature reaches 103 degrees. Have cool water available, but do not force water into your pet’s mouth. Transport your pet to the nearest emergency facility as soon as possible. A majority of heatstroke patients end up in ICU on IV fluids. Some require oxygen, blood plasma transfusions, or treatment for brain swelling, kidney and or liver failure, gastrointestinal damage, and other conditions that occur
as a result of thermal injury. Preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the incidence of heatstroke include: 1. Do not cage animals outdoors without adequate shade or water 2. Keep pets indoors at very high temperatures 3. Do not leave pets in closed compartments (including cars) exposed to the oven effect of the sun. HEATSTROKE CAN OCCUR IN PETS LEFT IN CARS ON RELATIVELY COOL DAYS (70 degrees Fahrenheit) 4. Take special precautions with old, overweight, ill or immobile pets. Please keep this information in mind as summer in Houston approaches. Remember that heatstroke can occur even on milder days, and on hot, humid days, it can result in death within minutes. If your pet is experiencing heat stress, transport him/her to a veterinary emergency clinic immediately. If the trip will take longer than a few minutes, consider cool water therapy and a fan prior to transport. Draping your pet with a cool water-soaked towel in an air-conditioned car on the way to the clinic may help prevent further thermal injury.
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
{puppy101} by Tricia Fagan
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therapydogs servicedogs
ith the incident at the Boston Marathon and the explosion in west Texas, therapy dogs are getting lots of attention. Therapy dogs assist people in crisis, like those who were present or injured at the Boston marathon, the explosion in west Texas, or the disaster at the world trade center. Therapy dogs also visit the elderly in nursing homes, children and adults in hospitals or long term care facilities, and sit with children learning to read. Service dogs are in a different category. Service dogs assist people with tasks the owners are unable to perform for themselves. Service dogs are seeing-eye dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf, epilepsy or diabetic alert dogs. Some service dogs perform tasks for the less abled, opening doors, fetching specific items or dropped things, even pulling off socks!
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Therapy dogs operate under the umbrella of an organization. The two largest are Pet Partners (formerly and better known as the Delta Society) and Therapy Dogs International. These organizations, and many others like them, provide certification for dogs to become therapy dogs and liability insurance for dogs and owners who participate in therapy programs. Hospitals,
nursing homes and schools invite therapy dog organizations to visit their facilities. Just like your pet, therapy dogs can only go where they are welcomed and invited. Service dogs fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Service dogs can go anywhere their disabled owner can go – the grocery store, a restaurant, a school or hospital. Service dogs can
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Service dogs are seeing-eye dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf, epilepsy or diabetic alert dogs.
only be denied access to public places if the dog is misbehaving, for example barking or eliminating inside. It is against federal law to deny access to a service dog team. Therapy dogs are almost always trained by their owners. Therapy dog organizations often require the owner and handler to be the same person. After the dog and person team pass an organizations’ test, the team may begin visits to approved therapy dog locations. Therapy dogs are household pets whose owners have chosen to share their time and their pet with persons in need. Service dogs can be trained by anyone, but most are trained by charitable organizations like Service Dogs Inc. (formerly known as Texas Hearing and Service Dogs). These organizations acquire, train the dog and train the dog and person teams at no cost to the disabled person. Their expenses for this work are paid for by charitable contributions. It can cost up to $20,000 dollars to train a service dog. Many dogs that begin training do not succeed. The high failure rate of service dogs in training is one of the reasons service dog training is often left to professional organizations. Therapy dogs should have a strong interest in other people, essentially strangers to the dog. A person who is ill or has experienced a trauma is not interested in seeing how much your dog loves you. A person who has ill or experienced a trauma needs a dog to love them. People who are interested in turning their pet into a therapy dog should consider how the dog feels about strangers. You should also consider how your dog handles strange environments. If your dog is frightened or worried, he might not be his usual lovable self. Service dogs perform important tasks for their people. Service dogs should not be very interested in other people. Please do not touch or talk to a service dog without the express permission of the dog’s handler. Remember, if you have a therapy dog, your dog is only
{May 2013}
allowed to go places he has been invited to visit. An owner of a service dog must be disabled in some way, and the dog must assist with tasks the person is unable to perform him or herself. If you would like to have your pet become a therapy dog, contact a therapy dog group to ask about their requirements. You should also begin basic obedience training with your dog. Disobedient dogs cannot be therapy dogs. Sharing your dog’s love for people can be Tricia Fagan a wonderful experiCertified Professional ence if your dog has the Dog Trainer – right temperament for Knowledge Assessed therapy dog work. Train DogS Gone Good your dog carefully to be www.dogSgonegood.com an obedient and polite trainer@dogSgonegood.com companion for yourself (713) 557-1949 and others.
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h e a l i n g
the Be(a)st of Boston M
by Monica Schmidt – Houston Humane Society
onday, April 15, 2013, started out like any other day for Bubba. He wasn’t stressed about filing taxes or making plans for how to spend his Patriots’ Day, a holiday in his home state of Massachusetts.
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photos by Steven Moore Photography
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ac r o ss
The laid back dog was relaxing at home until he saw Mom get his uniform out, a red polo and hospital badge he wears on his weekly visits to his mom’s work. With tail wagging and big jumps, Bubba could barely contain his excitement. Today was a work day, meaning he had kids to greet and sloppy kisses to give in the pediatric department. Sue and Bubba made their way to Tufts Medical Center Floating Hospital for Children in Boston and spent the morning visiting with friends and patients. Before they could head home for the day, the hospital was on lockdown. As victims of the Boston Marathon bombings were dispatched to various hospitals around the city, more threats were being made, one of them against the very hospital Bubba was at. For several hours Bubba napped under his mom’s desk while Sue answered the phone and pitched in where needed on her day off work, just one floor up from an ER full of traumatized racers and official personnel. When the lockdown was lifted, Sue and Bubba made their way downstairs. To exit, the pair had to walk through the ER. Sue remem-
{May 2013}
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bers the chaotic room filled with victims, racers, family members, FBI and ATF agents, state and local police, the National Guard and hospital employees. The frenetic hum of activity was a lot to take in, but as Bubba calmly made his way through the crowd people couldn’t help but pause and take note of the gentle giant. For just a moment they collectively stopped, caught their breath and maybe just a little bit of their world was righted by seeing Bubba’s friendly face. An ER nurse approached Sue to ask if Bubba had it in him to stop and visit a few of the race attendees suffering from trauma. Always up for a hug, Bubba made his way over to a family that had been at mile 25 when the first bomb went off. Just like any other hero, Bubba was ready to help. When Sue reflects back on the day of the Boston bombings, she remembers it as very emotional for everyone involved. A thought she’ll take with her the rest of her life was how could something so terrible happen to all of these nice, innocent people. In an instant their lives were changed forever. And she hopes that Bubba’s visits gave them back a piece of that lost innocence, if only for a moment. Maybe it was a coincidence he was on duty the morning of the bombings, but maybe he was right where he was needed most. Since the bombings that rocked not just Boston but the entire country, Bubba has been back multiple times to spend time with hospital residents. Because this is Bubba’s town. Bubba IS Boston Strong!
Monica Schmidt is the Public Relations Coordinator for the Houston Humane Society. Her family includes a 6 year old maltipoo named Maximus and a 13 year old cat named Socrates. Find her on twitter: @soschmidtsays
Bubba is a 3 year old Dogue de Bordeaux weighing in at 155 pounds. The big dog has an even bigger heart, and he has been through an extensive training and evaluation process to become a therapy dog in Boston. His mom, Sue Struzik, said therapy work with Bubba is so rewarding for the duo. Bubba makes weekly visits to Tufts Medical Center Floating Hospital for Children in Boston, the hospital where Sue works as an NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurse, has visited nursing homes, attended special events like a Christmas party for 4,000 homeless children and families and he even makes time for visits upon request. During his weekly visits to the hospital, Bubba spends most of his time in the pediatric wing. He often sees the same patients and families from week to week, and he’s made some pretty special friends. One little boy undergoing regular dialysis treatments actually looked forward to his hospital visits when he knew Bubba would be on duty, even using his allowance money to buy Bubba his favorite treats each week. Sue was happy to share the little boy recently received a kidney transplant, and she feels like Bubba played a big part in helping him on his journey.]
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{centerstage}
h e a l i n g
by Monica Schmidt – Houston Humane Society
K-9comfort I t has been an incredible journey in April for the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs. With bomb blasts in Boston, Massachusetts, and a fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas, these wonderful dogs were able to touch so many lives in such a short period of time. Tim Hetzner took the time to chat with me about the awesome work his group is doing all around the country. Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog program is a unique program that started in August, 2008. The dogs in the program are Golden Retrievers that begin therapy dog training as early as 5-8 weeks of age. The training lasts about a year, and the program currently has about 60 dogs. Unlike most therapy dog groups, each dog in the program is owned by a church or school. This means the dog is trained to be handled by multiple handlers. In addition, the dogs must be able to work with all ages. It’s not just the dogs that go through special training with this group. Each handler goes through extensive training to work with the dogs and to handle any situation. Skills sought after for handlers include the ability to 16
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photos courtesy lutheran church charities
ac r o ss
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a m e r i ca
listen and knowing when to blend in to the background and let the dog do the work. Within 12 hours of the Boston bombings, LCC was invited in to Boston by a local church. This is a group that knows how to mobilize. In less than a day the group arrived in Boston to help people begin the healing process. The dogs made special visits to hospitals, family visits upon request, walked the streets and were at the memorial site of the bombing throughout the days immediately after the bombings. With the help of 8 dogs and 13 handlers, LCC was able to help heal the emotional scars left behind by the horrific events on April 15th. Members from LCC began their journey from Illinois to Waco, TX at 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning after the explosion. At the request of a church in Waco, the group was on the ground later that day and available to work with first responders and survivors. Throughout the week the dogs visited elementary school children, students at Baylor University, family members of firefighters that were lost and brought comfort and hope to the close knit community of West. LCC currently has dogs stationed in 7 states, and pending requests for additional dogs in several others, including 5 pending requests in Texas. It’s not unusual for the group to place a dog in the town of a disaster after visiting like they did in Joplin, Missouri. The need far outweighs availability at this point, but LCC is working hard to expand the program. The group only goes where they are invited, and they serve through the local church. They never charge for their services, and they are simply there to serve the community. The LCC website explains their mission best: to open opportunities to touch people with Mercy and Compassion of Christ. Our dogs are trained service animals prepared to interact with people in ways that provide a bridge for compassionate ministry to take place.
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{pawz-itivelynatural} By Nadine Joli-Coeur
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summer tips for your pet ur pet’s have been having a tough year. The mild winter will likely bring a large crop of mosquitos, fleas and ticks. In addition, there are many other hazards that many of us would not even think of.
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The mild winter will likely bring a large crop of mosquitos, fleas and ticks. In addition, there are many other hazards that many of us would not even think of.
chances of being exposed. Flea / Tick Spray – Natural solutions include Natural Chemistry flea and Tick, Ark Naturals Flea flicker and a great essential oil solution from Aromadog called Flea Flicker. Yard / Home – Natural solutions include Diatomaceous Earth (food grade) and a Natural Yard/ Home spray.
OTHER SUMMER DANGERS
Fleas and Ticks are everywhere. The number one way to minimize fleas attacking your your pet is nutrition. A sick pet is more likely to be the target of fleas, mosquitos and other insects. Even if your pet is not sick eating a good diet is the cornerstone to making them less appealing. It does not mean your pet will not get fleas/ticks but they will not be as severe as with a pet with a weakened immune systems. How do your know if your pet’s food is healthy for them? That is a great question. I believe that less processed is better. Do you think a diet of by-products and corn would be healthy for us? A couple of good independent websites you can look up to see how nutritious your pet’s food is are www.dogfoodanalysis. com or www.dogfoodadvisor.com. At Natural Pawz we specialize in foods / treats and supplies that focus on natural and nutrition. Often after feeding the first bag of food, many people notice a difference. In addition to diet, you should have a plan. A good defense is a monthly flea preventative. In addition there are many natural ways to reduce your pet’s {May 2013}
Be careful of what you use in your yard. Many fertilizers, mulch, chemicals and plants can be toxic to your pet. It is always best to use an organic solution for fertilizer and make sure you do not let your pet outside for 3-4 hours after application. Many everyday plants are also toxic. A detailed list can be found at http://www.aspca.org/petcare/poison-control/plants/. When you walk your pet, DO NOT let them drink the water run off in the street. Not only may it contain fertilizer or chemicals from your neighbors yard, it will likely contain antifreeze run off from cars as the temperature starts to heat up. Do not leave your pet unsupervised around a pool, even if they know how to swim. Every year pets fall into swimming pools. Pets cannot see depth so even if they are accustomed to swimming with you, when panicked they often swim around in circles until exhaustion. Lastly beware of the heat. Panting is the primary way that your pet cools down. In hot weather, it is typically not sufficient to reduce their body temperature (especially be careful with pets pushed in faces like boxers, pugs and bulldogs). Never leave the in the sun and please do not leave them outside on a hot day. When pets are outside make sure you have fresh clean water and a shady place for them to get out of the sun. Be prepared this summer so that you can enjoy your pet and keep them safe. 19
“Mom, the Cat’s Missing the Litter Box!”
By Susan Randlett, Kingsland Blvd Animal Clinic
{meetthevet}
t r o u b l e w i t h t u ck e r
Tucker:“Mom, Bruiser’s not using his litter box again, and it STINKS! Tell him to knock it off!” Mom:“Tucker, if Bruiser isn’t using his litter box, there’s something wrong. Let’s find out what it is.” Litter box issues are the #1 reason cats are seen at the vet. For most owners, the ability and willingness to consistently use the litter box is the difference between a cat being able to live indoors as a loved companion, and being put out because the owner doesn’t 20
want to deal with accidents in the house. What many owners don’t realize is that most cats are readily trained to use a litter box, and for cats who have been reliable in the past, breaking that habit generally means there’s something
going on. When an owner brings in a cat who is suddenly urinating outside the litter box, we will typically look at a number of issues, both behavioral and medical. First, has anything changed in the house? Has the owner moved, have there been visi-
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tors, is there a new baby, or a new pet? Cats are creatures of habit, and changes in the routine can cause litter box avoidance. In this case, a cat may need adjustments in the environment to allow him to be successful in getting back to consistent litter box use. Has there been a change in the litter box itself - is the owner using a new brand of litter? Is the box being changed frequently enough? Cats are fastidious animals, and if the litter isn’t being cleaned regularly, he may find somewhere else to go. Tucker: “But Mom, nothing’s changed around here. It’s just us - I mean, Augie-Doggie’s a pest, but he’s always been a pest. And you always clean the boxes! What else could it be?” Mom: “There are many medical conditions that can cause a kitty to urinate outside his box. Let’s look at some of the ways we find out what it might be.” Keeping our cats inside certainly reduces their risk of exposure to infectious disease, and it eliminates the risk of injury from cars, other animals, and neighbors who don’t like cats roaming in their yards. Unfortunately, as we brought our cats indoors for their safety, we also reduced or eliminated some of their natural behaviors that kept them lean and fit, and saw an increase in the rate of FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease). Our indoor cats no longer hunt prey, and because they are relatively solitary animals, may not drink as much or use the litter box as frequently as they try to avoid social contact. Any response to FLUTD should involve addressing not only the physical issue, but also the environment in order to avoid further problems. Symptoms of FLUTD include frequent or painful urination (often outside the box), bloody urine {May 2013}
and frequent licking of the urinary opening. One key to treating FLUTD is to determine the root cause, which may include bladder stones, urinary tract blockage, infection or cancer. If the cause of these symptoms cannot be determined, the cat is considered to have bladder inflammation (cystitis). Cats may also demonstrate these symptoms as a results of endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes mellitus. Typically, a workup for urinary issues will start with a urinalysis, which is a series of physical and chemical tests performed on urine. A sample is taken & is examined for its physical properties: specific gravity, colour & clarity, biochemically for pH, protein, glucose, bilirubin & ketones, and microscopically for blood cells, crystals, casts (solid, tubular deposits) & bacteria. A urinalysis can detect diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease & infections of the urinary tract. Depending on the results of the urinalysis, a veterinarian may prescribe medication and/or a special diet based on the results of the urinalysis alone, or he/she may also wish to do a culture of the urine, blood work, radiographs, or ultrasound before a definitive diagnosis can be made and a treatment plan developed. Depending on your cat’s prognosis, one of the following may be recommended: • Antibiotics or other medications • Dietary changes • Increase in water intake • Urinary acidifiers • Expelling of small stones through urethra • Surgery to either remove bladder stones or tumor, or to correct congenital abnormality • Urinary catheter or surgery to remove urethral blockage in male cats • Fluid therapy
Also, consider the first premise, that some of these medical issues arise from how our current indoor lifestyle departs from a cat’s natural environment. Environmental enrichment should be included in any therapy recommended for a FLUTD cat to reduce the chances of recurrence. Environmental enrichment can include: • changing feeding patterns, to make sure the cat has a quiet location where he won’t be startled or threatened by other pets or sudden noises • supporting natural cat feeding behavior by hiding small amounts of food around the house or using a treat toy to encourage a cat to work for his food • making sure water is always fresh. Consider a water fountain, as many cats prefer moving water. Some cats do not like their whiskers touching the side of the bowl, so a large bowl is a good idea.. • increasing the number of litter boxes, making sure they are in quiet, convenient areas, and that they are kept clean • providing space opportunities for climbing, scratching, hiding and resting • encouraging play, with toys and laser lights • using pheromones to reduce stress Tucker: That sounds like a lot of work, Mom. Do we really have to do all that, just because Bruiser has messy bathroom habits? Mom: Yes, Tucker, we do. It’s about a lot more than messy bathroom habits; it’s a matter of his health. Things won’t get better on their own. We don’t want Bruiser developing a blockage, going into kidney failure, or rupturing his bladder. We always want to do what’s best for all of our 4-legged kids.
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fears yourpet’s
Understanding and Overcoming
Reprinted with permission from Texas A&M
W
hile many of us would like to believe our little puppy is fearless, the truth is that there are many things a pet will experience that may frighten it at first as it attempts to understand more.
“Pets can be fearful of all types of things,” says Dr. Mark Stickney, Clinical Associate Professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). “Thunderstorms, fireworks, cars, and even children can all potentially be sources of fear for a pet.” Pets become scared because they, like all animals, have evolved to recognize threats. Animal’s fear physiology is similar to that of humans with the heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature rising when frightened. Dogs, bred as pack animals, need to be with their owners when afraid. Cats, being more solitary, hide when scared and may be less destructive. The critical socialization period—8
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to 12 weeks of age—is an important factor in shaping the behavior of both puppies and kittens. During this time, the pet should have its first vaccinations and then exposed to all sources of stimuli including people, things, and sounds. “If you plan to have the animal accompany you while horseback riding, take it to a place where it can see and smell horses. If you plan to take the animal along during hunting, take it to the field where it can see and hear gunshots,” said Stickney. Crate training is also imperative from the first day the pet comes home. This gives the pet a place to feel safe when you leave the house. “The crate should always be a safe and happy place. The pet should never be put in these crates to be punished or for any negative experience,” said Stickney. One way to overcome fear is to expose the pet to the source of its fear and reward them for when they are brave. “Some dogs experience anxiety and become distressed when they hear keys being picked up. One way to desensitize them is to frequently
pick up keys and then sit back at home or leave the house for a minute and then come back. The pet will slowly recognize to ignore these cues,” said Stickney. A current market trend is tightfitting pet jackets to aid in behavior. While these may help, they are shown to mostly aid in modifying mild behavior problems. “The idea is that animals feel safe and secure when they are compressed, just like babies when they are swaddled,” said Stickney. To aid in more severe fears, specialized veterinary behaviorists prescribe a combination of behavioral medication and pharmacological treatments. “Pharmacologic therapy only serves to help the behavior modification, there is no such thing as a single solution to fix the problem,” said Stickney. “The sooner you address these issues, the better it is because these fears do not go away on their own,” said Stickney. “Nothing is easy about rearing a puppy. It’s a big responsibility, but there are incredible benefits if you put in the time and effort early on.”
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adoptionfees There Simply Is Just No Better Deal
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A
By William Given
dopting a dog from your municipal animal shelter or from a dedicated rescue group will always be less expensive than purchasing a dog from a breeder in almost every situation. The cost of purchasing a purebred dog from a breeder can range from $500.00 to $5,000.00. The average cost to adopt a rescued dog runs from $100.00 to $250.00.
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The adoption fees will vary depending on the group, its location, their expenses, and the number of dogs they adopt out. The primary factors affecting the adoption fee include the dog’s age, breed, and general health. The more desirable dogs, such as young puppies, popular breeds, and dogs that are in good health, are likely to be adopted despite the amount of the fee. Therefore, many groups charge a larger adoption fee for those breeds and puppies as an incentive to adopt out the “less desirable” dogs. Those dogs generally being older dogs or dogs with health concerns. In addition, the adoption fee usually covers a variety of care the dogs receive while they are in the shelter or with the rescue group: • Basic veterinary care, which includes an exam and treatment for any illnesses. • Vaccinations, such as Bordetella, DHPPC, and Rabies. • Necessary dental care. • Testing and treatment for heartworms. • Spay or neuter surgery. • Flee and tick control. Some shelters or rescues might even offer extras like a collar, leash, crate, and sample bags of dog food. Other benefits might be microchip insertion, pet license and/or ID tag, and 30 days free pet health insurance from ShelterCare. The adoption fee also partially covers the costs of operation such as facility maintenance and utilities, staff wages, advertising for homes and transporting dogs. And please remember, you are not just getting a dog. You also benefit from the care, socialization and training the dog received. When you look at all you get with your lovable new adopted dog, it’s more than a great deal. {May 2013}
Doggie Daycare, Boarding, Grooming and Obedience Training 6434 Washington Avenue Houston, TX 77007 713-868-7555 deogi@deogidogspa.com
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{spotted by the pupperazzi} 26
healthfair Walgreen’s
F
urr-tastic or flea infested! The Pupperazzi is on the scene and has your tail covered!
W
algreens on Franz Road in Old Katy hosted its first Health Pet Fair on Saturday April 6th. There were tons of laughs as local Katy businesses came together to meet with area residents.
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find your
furever friend All Texas Dachshund Rescue - www.atdr.org American Brittany Rescue - www.americanbrittany rescue.org Austin German Shepherd Dog Rescue-www.austingerman shepherdrescue.org Best Friends FurEver - www.furever.org Boston Terrier Rescue of Greater Houston- www. houstonbostonrescue.org Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Greater Houston, Inc.www.cavalierrescuetrust.org Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief & Rescue- www.cbrrescue.org Chihuahua Rescue and Transport www.chihuahua-rescue.com Corridor Rescue, Incwww.corridorrescue.org Dakota Rescue - www.dakotarescue.org
English Bulldog Rescue Network- www.bulldog rescuenetworktexas.blogspot. com English Springer Rescue America - www.springer rescue.org Friends of Rescued Mastiffswww.mastiffrescue.org Greyhound Pets of America Houston - www.gpahouston. org Great Dane Rescue of Southeast Texas - saveadane.org Great Pyrenees Rescue Society - www.greatpyreneesrescue society.org Gulf Coast Cocker Rescue - www.gulfcoastcocker spanielrescue.com Houston Beagle Rescue www.houstonbeaglerescue.org Houston Cocker Spaniel Rescue - houstoncockerspanielrescue. com Houston Collie Rescue - www.houstoncollierescue.org
Dachshund Rescue of Houston - www.dachshundrescue ofhouston.org
Houston Lab Rescue - www.houstonlabrescue.com
Doberman Rescue Group - www.dobermanrescue group.org
Houston Sheltie Sanctuary www.houstonsheltiesanctuary. com
East Texas Cocker Spaniel Rescue- www.cockerkids.org
Husky Haven Inc www.huskyhaven.org
{May 2013}
Lonestar Boxer Rescue www.lsbr.org
Southeast Texas Labrador Retriever Rescue - www.txlabrescue.org
Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of Houston - www.msrh.org Lone Star Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso Rescue- www.shihtzu rescue.com Noah’s Ark - www.noahsarksanctuary.org PugHearts, the Houston Pug Rescue - www.pughearts.com S.A.F.E. House Rescue & Adoption www.safehouserescue.org
Texas Alaskan Malamute Rescue - www.texalmal.org Texas Collie Rescue - www.texascollierescue.org Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue Group, Inc. - www.txpyrs.org Tiny Paws Chi Rescuehttp://tinypawsrescue.com/ Weimeranier Rescue of North Texas - www.weimrescuetexas. org
Save Our Strays - www.saveourstraysfortbend. org
Yorkie and Small Dog Rescue - www.yasdr.org
Second Chance Poms www.secondchancepoms.org
Yorkshire Terrier Club of Houston - www.ytcgh.com
South Texas Aussie Rescue - www.southtexasaussierescue. org
Zeke Fund Animal Rescue - www.zfar.org
{marketplace}
amayzement The ideal leash for pulling dogs! The Bungee Pupee leash is made of bungee cords and is designed to reduce the shock on your arms when Fido takes off! Made locally and available in several colors at Natural Pawz!
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• Woodrow Wilson bought a flock of sheep to graze on the White House lawn? Not only did it save the expense of mowing but he also sold the wool from the sheep to raise funds for the Red Cross during World War 1. • Abraham Lincoln’s sons had 2 goats named Nanny and Nanko that they would race around the White House, sometimes interrupting formal receptions. • Thomas Jefferson had an array of pets including 2 grizzly bear cubs who roamed the White House lawn. His favorite pet however was a Mocking bird named Dick. • President Calvin Coolidge was given a raccoon as a gift to be served as part of Thanksgiving dinner however he grew fond of her and named her Rebecca. She roamed up and down the White House hallways and he even took her for walks on a leash. • President Ford once took his Golden Retriever, Liberty for a late night walk without informing Secret Service of his plans. While out the Secret Service began securing the sleeping quarters of the White House and Ford and Liberty found themselves locked out.
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2. Bill Clinton’s cat 5. A Portuguese Water Dog living in the White House currently 7. John Quincy Adams was given this pet by the Marquis de Lafayette 9. Ulysses S. Grant had a Newfoundland named _____. 11. John F. Kennedy had a rabbit named _____.
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1. President John Adams Favorite horses name. 2. George W. Bush’s English Springer Spaniel that was born in the White House 3. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s faithful and famous companion 4. The name of the last cow at the White House 6. Theodore Roosevelt had a Bull Terrier named _____. 8. Ronald Reagan’s King Charles Cavalier was named _____. 10. The name of George Washington’s parrot
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