u Bucket list ideas for your dog
10 Ways to Enjoy Summer with Fido
July/August 2016
We Asked...
What's the Craziest Thing Your Dog Has Eaten?
Local Rescue Dog Named Hero
Don’t Give Up Your Dog!
Helpful tips to keep you and Fido happy and harmonious.
GENTLE CARE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
17200 N May Suite 900 Edmond, OK 73012 405.285.WOOF
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LETTER FROM THE
PUBLISHER:
PUBLISHER: Jennifer Pape jennifer@thedogdishok.com EDITOR: Jena Barber ART DIRECTOR: Shane Kroutil The Art House thearthouse@coxinet.net
Photo by Imagine If Photography
PHOTOGRAPHER: Pam Meyers
The Oklahoma heat and humidity has finally descended upon us, and we are all searching for ways to cool off. When spending time outdoors, make sure your dog stays hydrated and has plenty of shade to cool off when he needs to. For a few summer fun ideas, head over to page 16. We’ve got a great issue for you, packed with educational and fun things to do with your best friend. Our newest writer, Amanda, wrote a heart touching story about the misrepresentation of the Pit Bull breed, and even had the pleasure of interviewing Bosworth, a Pit Bull therapy dog. You won’t want to miss this story on page 24. Thanks Bosworth and Amanda! Speaking of amazing dogs, we also featured a little local hero dog, Milo, in this issue. You can read more about his story on page 12. Also included in this issue are some fun “bucket list” ideas for your dog. Who says bucket lists are only for humans? If you haven’t already, make sure you check out the new Dog Dish Blog! There you will find weekly posts on area events and fun things to do with your favorite four-legged companion. This blog will help bridge the gap between our bi-monthly publication and further keep you “in the know” about where to go and what to do with your best friend in the OKC metro. Check it out at blog. thedogdishok.com and don’t forget to subscribe to receive updates! We have some exciting news. Our family of six will be expanding to a family of seven as my husband and I are expecting our first baby (girl!) in late July. We’ll be sharing some tips and tricks we are using to prepare our dogs for her arrival on the blog, so be sure to check it out soon! In other news, we’ve also joined Keep it Local OK! Being a locally-owned business and supporting the local OKC metro is very important to us, so we are excited to offer new benefits to our readers and advertising partners. Check out the Keep it Local website to see a list of other Keep it Local businesses, and don’t forget to pick up a Keep it Local card to reap all the benefits! Have fun reading this issue and stay cool out there! Jennifer Pape
Check out the new Dog Dish Blog at blog.thedogdishok.com! 4 • The Dog Dish Magazine
OPERATIONS MANAGER: Josh Pape josh@thedogdishok.com ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Leah Rose leah@thedogdishok.com Jessica Jenkins jessica@thedogdishok.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Kelsey Warren-Bryant Amanda St. John The Deep Deuce Dog Walker Brian Jones, DVM, Woodlake Animal Hospital Danel Grimmett, DVM, Sunset Veterinary Clinic Shelley Erdman Full Circle Obedience School Abby Wolfe Central Oklahoma Humane Society ADVERTISING SALES: (405) 323-4574 advertise@thedogdishok.com P.O. Box 31671 Edmond, OK 73003 info@thedogdishok.com www.thedogdishok.com The Dog Dish Magazine Copyright 2016 Cover to Cover blog.thedogdishok.com facebook.com/thedogdishmagazine @thedogdishmagazine @thedogdishmag thedogdish The Dog Dish Magazine info@thedogdishok.com
l Comprehensive medical care lAnnual vaccine packages with heartworm checks lGeneral surgery and dental care l Senior pet care lOn-site pharmacy lNutrition counseling l Indoor dog and cat boarding facility lProfessional grooming Dr. Tomlinson Dr. Krenek Dr. Farr
405-359-6301 Conveniently located just off I-35 in Edmond.
July/August 2016 • 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS 8 We Asked…What’s the craziest thing your dog has ever eaten?
Check out these hilarious and real responses from our readers.
20
28
Fun bucket list ideas to fulfill for your dog.
24 Dr. Bosworth
When the Bobo family adopted Milo, they never knew he’d end up a hero.
14 Chew on This
A review of Fat Dog, one of Oklahoma City’s newest dog-friendly restaurant patios.
The dog days of summer are here, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some fun summer activities with your best friend.
Wag & Brag Local Resource Guide
How to train your dog to use a ramp to get in your car. How one pit bull therapy dog is breaking misconceptions and bringing joy to everyone he meets.
26 Brachycephalic Dogs: Our Beautiful Genetic Messes
A guide to living with brachycephalic breeds and common challenges.
28 Local Resource Guide
16 Summer Fun with Fido
Publisher’s Letter
22 Ramping Up for Travel
12 Local Rescue Dog Named Hero
4
18 The Bark-et List
10 Thinking of returning your adopted animal? Think again! Common problems and helpful tips to keep Fido in his home and you both happy.
REGULAR FEATURES
Looking for a great doggie daycare, groomer, veterinarian? Find what you need with this handy guide.
30 Signs of Flea Infestation
Know the signs so your dog can get treatment fast!
About our Cover Poppy is our beautiful cover star and is the baby of proud parents, Kristen and Alex Marney of Edmond. Photo taken at Lake Hefner by Imagine If Photography.
Earthborn Holistic® Natural Pet Food is proudly made in Chickasha, Oklahoma.
SOLD BY LOCAL INDEPENDENT RETAILERS! Visit earthbornholisticpetfood.com to search for retailers near you.
6 • The Dog Dish Magazine
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We Asked… What’s the craziest thing your dog has ever eaten?
Chewie has eaten many things in his life. Once chewed off and swallowed the wings of a red dragon stuffed animal. I found little red wings in his poop a few days later – Lori
s
8 • The Dog Dish Magazine
“Brandon once ate a whole package of chocolate chip cookies, then a short time later he ate a bag of dried pasta and a package of flour tortillas.” – Jennifer
“Tried eating an LED light bulb left on the counter. After crushing it I took the pieces left, and her to the vet. He had her eat a whole loaf of wheat bread and said that would surround any glass and also make her poo it all out.” – Colleen
“An entire pair of jeans! Buttons and zipper included!” – April
s
s
“Fitz Gerald has had his stomach pumped twice in his short two years. Once for eating FIVE pairs of panties in one sitting and again for eating an entire bag of Reese’s.” – Carley
“Kuma ate a garden glove when he was 10 months old. We had no idea; we called the vet because his tummy was making crazy noises. We had an appointment set up for later that day. Right before the appointment, he pooped out my pink garden glove.” – Elise
“Skittles, at 9 months old, ate a razor blade my daughter dropped! ER surgery and one healthy mastiff and guilt trip for big sis!” – Shonda
s
“My toddler’s car seat straps!” – Stephenie
s
s
“Sophie and Cooper decided they didn’t like the carpet…so they ate it.” – Jaden
“The back part of my Ugg boot. Pooped gray.” – Belinda
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“A sheet…and it was hanging out of his butt!” – Shawn
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“Dixie ate my kitchen wall.” – Geina
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facebook.com/diamonddogokc July/August 2016 • 9
Written by Abby Wolfe, Central Oklahoma Humane Society
Thinking of returning your adopted animal?
Think again!
Before you take that step, it might be useful to understand the causes of some of the most common issues, useful ways to address those causes, and fixes for those behaviors. They may be driving you crazy now, but with patience and attention, the vast majority of adopted dogs can be happy and well-adjusted in their new home. Many bad behaviors stem from underlying issues like stress or unchecked behaviors picked up from past experiences. Problem: “My dog is possessive of toys and food and growls at my other dogs or me.”
Bringing an animal home is such an exciting and rewarding experience, but now and then we see dogs who face some difficulty adjusting to their new lives at home. Sometimes, it can be hard to welcome a new family member with her own set of experiences. It may even be so difficult that you consider returning her. But, wait. 10 • The Dog Dish Magazine
This is a classic sign of what is called resource guarding. If your new dog has gone without something for a long time, he’ll become possessive of those objects he determines most important to him. Removing items of “value” around other dogs is good step in the right direction. Providing those items like rawhides and other high-value treats during quiet, alone time for your dog can help him feel more at home.
Problem: “My dog or cat is chewing up everything I own and potties on the floor when I’m gone.” Aside from general training on indoor manners, consistent behavior like this can be connected to separation anxiety. Loss of former loved ones, changes in schedule or environment often contribute to separation anxiety. Adopted dogs and cats are more likely to experience all of these situations than their one-household counterparts. Problem: “My dog is jumping fences, opening the gate, or digging to get out of the yard” Escaping is also a common symptom of separation anxiety, but also can be attributed to curiosity of your new dog and his need for stimuli. If your yard is short on toys or playmates, this can lead the dog to want to find those things elsewhere. There are many remedies to these emotional issues, but some that we have found tried and true. OK Humane recommends crate training for your adopted dog. Crates channel your dog’s instincts as a den animal, and when used correctly will provide her with a safe, consistent, and reliable shelter. Additionally, the training of your dog to use the crate will provide her with a sense of structure and schedule that can lessen anxiety and stress. For your scratch-happy cat, OK Humane recommends having a scratching post that will deter him from clawing on furniture or other things that could be damaged. Specialty spray bottles and silicone claw caps can also curb your cat’s behavior. Adopting a dog or cat can be a wonderfully life-changing experience for all involved, but not without its challenges. Animals take time to learn their surroundings much like people do, so some attention, patience, and love can make all the difference. If you need additional assistance with your newly adopted dog, don’t give up, get help! Enlist the help of a positive-based trainer who can assist you and your dog in adjusting to your new life together. Professional training can make the world of difference in both of your lives!
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Written by Jennifer Pape
Milo to the Rescue: One Local Dog’s Award Winning Hero Story
12 • The Dog Dish Magazine
When Mary and Jim Bobo of Edmond adopted Milo, they didn’t expect him to one day be someone’s hero. One snowy day in 2015, Mary was at home with Milo doing chores around the house. It isn’t unusual for Milo to bark at people he can see through the window. But on this particular day, his bark seemed a little different. “Milo would go to the front door and bark, then stop, like he was listening for something. Then he would come over to me, then go back to the front door and bark again. This cycle went on for a while until I finally went over and opened the door,” says Mary. “I opened the door and could faintly hear someone calling for help. It was our neighbor who is an older gentleman who lives a few houses down. He had fallen, maybe on the snow as he was shoveling his driveway, and had hurt his leg so he couldn’t get up. His wife was inside but couldn’t hear him, maybe over the TV. His wife and I were able to get him up and a neighbor drove him to the Emergency Room.” Thankfully, there were no major injuries, and thanks to Milo, the man got help in a timely manner.
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Mary posted the story to Facebook because she thought it was something sweet her dog had done, and Dr. Richard Blankenship, a retired veterinarian, saw the post and asked if he could submit the story to the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association for the Hero Award. The association contacted the Bobos and informed them they would like to honor Milo as a hero. Milo was inducted into the Oklahoma Animal Hall of Fame in January. Milo, with his parents in tow, went to a luncheon in Tulsa where he was awarded with a medal and a plaque. When asked if Milo has ever displayed any other acts of heroism, Mary explains that this was his first actual act of heroism, but it’s no surprise as he is very sensitive to people. “He’s very much a people dog and always has been. He’s very sensitive; if any of us are sick or upset he comes and lies down beside the bed or on the bed and wants to be right there with us.” Milo, the two-year-old mixed breed rescue dog, was adopted from The Bella Foundation SPCA when he was only a couple months old. He was originally taken in as a foster puppy with The Bella Foundation at three days old because his mother had been hit by a car. Mary explains that the lady who fostered him was very attentive to him, so he’s always had an attachment to people. The Bobos have considered training Milo to be a service or therapy dog, but haven’t had the time yet to go through the training. Until then, Milo will keep his eyes and ears out for any friends and neighbors who might be in need of a helping paw.
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CHEW ON THIS: A Review of the Best DogFriendly Patios in the Metro Reviewed by Christa Abbott, Jennifer Pape, Lilly Pape
FAT DOG KITCHEN & BAR
Fat Dog Kitchen & Bar is Oklahoma City’s newest dog-friendly outdoor patio. Named after the owner’s late dog, Bud, Fat Dog was developed with the dog and dog lover in mind. From the dog bone door handles to the cocktail drink names, dog lovers will smile at the clever and deliberate uses of dog references. The huge dog-friendly patio is the best in the city. It is covered, so weather isn’t an issue, and it’s open enough for a nice breeze. The patio is also enclosed by fencing, so your pooch can’t escape, but he should still be kept on a leash. Bowls of water are at every table, ready to quench the thirst of your doggie companion on these hot summer nights. 14 • The Dog Dish Magazine
GROUP CLASSES I PRIVATE TRAINING I BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
A Well-Behaved Dog is a Happy Dog (with a Happy Parent too!)
Behavior Buddies® is our reward-based dog training program where our help you and your pup on the path to success. •
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Fat Dog’s menu features a good selection of appetizers, salads, burgers, hot dogs, tacos, and sandwiches. You can request it “doggie style” and they’ll add sour cream, bacon, jalapenos, green onions and guacamole. Fat Dog is all about providing a comfortable, casual and fun environment. Best of all, Fat Dog promises your best friend with a tail is always welcome. A few other fun reasons to visit include Fat Dog’s Taco Tuesdays, karaoke on Thursdays and live music every Friday night. If you haven’t yet visited Fat Dog, load up your own dog and head out to this eclectic watering hole. The food was tasty, the atmosphere was super welcoming of dogs, and the employees were attentive so we will definitely be back. Fat Dog Kitchen & Bar is located in the West End District in Oklahoma City at 1234 N. Western Avenue. They are open 11 am to 11 pm, Monday through Sunday.
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July/August 2016 • 15
Summer Fun with Fido
Written by Jennifer Pape
1. STAND UP PADDLEBOARD (SUP) One of the fastest growing sports in the country, stand up paddle boarding, also known as SUP, is a fun, full-body workout that can be as challenging or leisurely as you’d like. There are two locations in the metro that welcome you and your dog with open arms. Flat Tide is a local stand up paddleboard shop that also offers lessons and classes. Dogs are always welcome to paddleboard with you. Flat Tide is located on Lake Overholser. For more information visit www.flattide.com. Riversport Adventures is located in the Boathouse District of Oklahoma City. Dogs are allowed to paddleboard with you as long as they are well behaved. You can get an All Access and Adventure pass, or just rent a board by the hour. 2. KAYAK In addition to SUP, Riversport Adventures in Oklahoma City also rents out dog-friendly kayaks. Explore some of the best water in the metro with your dog by your side, including downtown at the Oklahoma River, Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser. Dogs are always welcome at Riversport Adventures as long as they are well-behaved and on a leash. All aboard!
The dog days of summer are here, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some fun summer activities with your best friend. Here are 10 ideas of fun things to do around the Oklahoma City metro. 16 • The Dog Dish Magazine
3. PICNIC Summer is all about picnics! Pack a basket full of your favorite treats and some for Fido. This can include frozen peanut butter and bananas, grilled chicken and veggies. Don’t forget the water and water bowl! Our favorite spots in the Oklahoma City metro for a picnic are Lake Hefner, Hafer Park, and Lake Arcadia. All three locations have lush grassy knolls and picnic tables available for your use, and after the picnic you can take your dog for a leisurely stroll to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Most importantly, it is vital for both you and your pooch to stay hydrated! 5. BOATING If you own a boat or are interested in renting one for the day, there are plenty of beautiful Oklahoma lakes to enjoy this summer. Grand Lake of the Cherokees, Lake Tenkiller, Lake Eufaula, Lake Murray and Lake Texoma are all great lakes that offer fun activities for both you and your dog. For more information about these lakes, visit our blog at blog.thedogdishok.com. 6. SWIMMING 4. WALK Speaking of walking your dog, the heat and humidity can make it hard to want to take your dog for her daily walk, but it’s still important for her health to get regular exercise. If you do walk your dog, beware of asphalt temperatures, which can be scorching even when the weather seems relatively mild out. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, when the air temperature is only 77 degrees, asphalt temperatures can reach upwards of 125 degrees! At air temperatures of 87 degrees, asphalt temperatures have been measured at 143 degrees. Obviously at these temperatures, your dog’s paws would be severely burned and she would suffer great pain.
The Oklahoma City metro has a variety of dog parks for your dog to socialize and play, and two of the parks have ponds for swimming. Paw Park by Lake Hefner has a fenced pond that is specifically for dogs with plenty of seating, shade, and water stations. Edmond Dog Park also has a pond next to the park, but parents need to be cautious because the pond is not fenced.
What better way to keep your pooch cool than with a cold treat on a hot day? Luckily, there are several local places throughout the metro where you can get healthy doggie ice cream. Head out to one of these locations for a special treat! Katiebug’s Shaved Ice In addition to their delicious shaved ice treats for humans, Katiebug’s now offers pup cones. This special treat is just for your pup and includes shaved ice with organic peanut butter topped with a milk bone. Their new location in Edmond at 103 N Broadway also offers weekly story time, yoga classes, walk up movie nights, free monthly dance lessons, and more, so bring everyone and make it a family affair. One Lucky Mutt
To still enjoy walks, but keep it safe, consider the following. Time of Day Keep your walks to early in the morning or late at night. Before you start, place your hand or bare foot on the asphalt for five seconds to verify it will be comfortable for your dog. It’s also a good idea to test the asphalt with your hand a couple times throughout the walk as well. If it starts to feel too warm, stay off and use the grass instead. Protect the Paws To protect your dog from heat-related injuries, we recommend investing in a paw paste called Musher’s Secret or even some dog booties. Musher’s Secret is a dense barrier wax that forms a breathable bond with your dog’s paws and is safe and all natural. This is something that can actually be used in extreme hot or cold conditions and is available online at www. musherssecret.net. Dog booties can be purchased online or at some local retail or sporting goods stores.
10. GRAB A SCOOP
7. HIKING Much like lakes, Oklahoma offers some very beautiful hiking trails. For a few on our must-see list, visit www. thedogdishok.com/oklahoma-hiking-trails. html. 8. MINI VACATION In the May/June issue of The Dog Dish Magazine, we shared some awesome dog-friendly vacation spots right here in Oklahoma. So what are you waiting for? Head out for a mini-road trip with your closest companion in tow. 9. WINERIES Grab your pooch and spend the day at a beautiful Oklahoma winery enjoying delicious local wines and other treats! The Oklahoma City metro is full of wineries, many of which are dog friendly. See the Local Resource Guide on page 28 for a list of dog-friendly wineries around town.
One Lucky Mutt in Edmond offers frozen yogurt that your dog is guaranteed to love. The frozen yogurt is a real fermented yogurt treat providing the enzyme lactase and made with pure 100% natural ingredients. It has vitamins, antioxidants, and no preservatives or added sugar. There are a variety of flavors on hand, including peanut butter and bacon, pumpkin, and peanut butter and banana. Barking Dog Bakery You can choose from a variety of ice cream flavors, including banana with peanut butter and pumpkin with peanut butter. A-1 Pet Emporium A-1 Pet Emporium has locations in Oklahoma City and Edmond, and both carry all-natural frozen treats for dogs in a variety of flavors. Icy Licks Icy Licks is made right here in Oklahoma City by Paws and Tails Supply. This refreshing treat is made with lactose-free organic yogurt and comes in three flavors: mint carob chip, orange clucksickle, and sweet potato peanut butter swirl. You can place an order online at www.icylicks.com and have it delivered directly to you or find a list of local events and farmer’s markets to pick it up this summer. July/August 2016 • 17
The Bark-et List Fun Bucket List Ideas to Fulfill for your Dog
Written by Kelsey Warren-Bryant
Dog-food Tour What dog doesn’t love food -- or what human, for that matter? Take a day to give your best friend the ultimate food experience. Take him to a pet food store to sample all the different treats, or create a food tour experience within your own home. If you stay at home, be sure to research what foods are dog friendly before feeding them to your dog. You can even join in yourself by ordering from your favorite restaurant or snacking on your favorite foods. Fun treat ideas for your pup can include banana slices topped with all-natural peanut butter, chicken jerky, strawberries, sliced non-processed turkey, roasted carrots, or peas. Remember, your dog should not have this stuff every day, so be sure to make this a onetime splurge. Off-Leash Experience
You may have your own bucket list of things that you dream of doing before you die, but have you thought about what would be on your dog’s list? Though they may not dream of skydiving or visiting Europe, dogs like new experiences just as we do. Creating a bucket list that you can do together can be good bonding for you and your dog. Especially if your dog is older, now may be the time to fulfill dreams that you think your dog would have. Here are some ideas of what could be on that list. 18 • The Dog Dish Magazine
There’s something really wonderful about seeing your canine companion run around without the restraints of a leash. If your yard is small or you don’t have one at all, plan a day to take her to an off-leash dog-park. Research the one nearest to you, then let your dog roam free in the large fence. She may even make some doggie friends while she’s there. Relax in Style Have you ever thought of your dog as a little spoiled? Well, you can spoil him even more by booking a night at a dog-friendly hotel. You and your dog can spend an evening in luxury. Some hotels may also have dog-friendly restaurants, or even dog pampering services. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the room service with your best pal by your side. Experience Nature Your dog may look like a goofball when she’s chasing her tail or begging for a belly rub, but deep down, every dog has a wild side. Let her explore her roots by taking her into the heart of nature. Trek along a hiking trail in a park with your leashed dog at your side. It may just be woods to you, but to your dog, it’s fresh and exciting. Every new sight and smell is an adventure to her. Research parks in your area or travel a few hours away. You may even take her camping, or see if there are any dog-friendly cabin rentals on site. Please note that most parks require your dog to be leashed at all times.
Host a Doggie Birthday
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Being born was one of the best gifts to your life. So why not thank him? Throw him his very own birthday party! Make sure to decorate with paw-print décor, invite doggie friends, buy presents, and serve cake. Presents can be anything that you know your dog would love. If your dog loves fetch, get him a bag of tennis balls. If he’s a couch potato, consider a new dog bed. Get creative based on what you know your dog likes. As for the cake, there are many recipes online, or you can go to a dog food/treat store near you. You can get a regular cake for the humans at the party, too; just make sure to keep that one separate from the dog cake. Have as much fun with the idea as you want, and most importantly, make it a birthday your dog will love. Go on a Road Trip Many dogs love riding in the car. Take advantage of this and take her on a road trip! You can drive as short as an hour away, or to another state. Wherever you want to go, take your dog on the open road and let her explore a new part of the world. She’ll thank you for it. Check out previous issues of The Dog Dish for ideas of dogfriendly vacation spots in the state. See the Sea Most dogs in landlocked states like Oklahoma will probably never see the ocean. They’ll never know what it’s like to stroll along a sandy beach, or play in the warm waves. If you have the means, take your dog, at least once, to see the ocean. Nearby places like Galveston and Corpus Christie may be good options, each being a short seven to eight hour drive from Oklahoma City. Seeing the ocean is an experience that all humans and dogs should have, if possible. If you can’t get to the beach, going to a lake is a good alternative. Oklahoma is packed with lakes. You just have to pick the closest one to you. It’s not the ocean, but it can still be a new, fun experience for your best friend.
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July/August 2016 • 19
Bentley
Benjamin
Jackson Mason
Duke, Hank, Nala
Miss Gabby
Charlie Patchie Jigsaw & Bella Sue Twisted 20 • The Dog Dish Magazine
Lucy LuLu
Rocky
Ryker Joe
Scooby Snickers
Sadie JJ
Tripp
Scout
Think you have the cutest dog?
Brag about it! Email us a high-resolution photo of your pooch and his/ her name to photos@thedogdishok.com.
Rowdy
Sebastian
Your photo may appear in the next issue of the magazine! July/August 2016 • 21
Ramping Up for Travel
How to Train Your Dog To Use a Ramp Written by Shelley Erdman, Full Circle Obedience School
“Load up!” are words our dogs long to hear. Those words ring with the excitement and joy of a trip with their people. While parents of smaller breed dogs can easily lift their travel companions into and out of the car or carry them in a fashionable tote, larger breeds pose a bit of a challenge for some parents. It is true that dogs can be taught to jump into cars, trucks, and SUVs, but a little training and a ramp can save wear and tear on your car and your dog’s joints. As dogs age, they still love those trips to the park, lake, and store, but become less able to jump into the car. As parents age, it becomes increasingly important to have an easy way to get our large breed dogs in and out of our vehicles for fun trips and those necessary trips to the vet. Thanks to the Utley Family for offering Honeybee as a helper. When you’re ready to ramp up for travel, you’ll need a clicker, small soft treats, and a ramp, which can be purchased at any pet supply store or online. Training this behavior may take you a few days or weeks, depending on your dog’s confidence and your patience. Dogs, like people, learn at different rates, so work at your dog’s pace so they enjoy the experience. We hope you find the visual training tips useful.
Allow your dog to explore the ramp with his eyes, nose, and paws. Do not push, pull, or drag your dog onto or near the ramp. If he is hesitant, you can toss treats onto the ramp or lure him close to it. We clicked and treated Honeybee when she put her paws on the ramp. If your dog is worried, click and treat a couple of times when he gets close, then require him to get closer, then at least one paw to touch the ramp, then one paw on the ramp, etc., before clicking and treating. You can reward your dog by clicking and treating as he gets closer to the goal of having all paws on the ramp. This is called shaping. Dogs are smart and will figure it out if you are patient.
Let your dog get comfortable on the ramp. We clicked and treated Honeybee for sitting, standing, and lying down. Don’t rush through this step. You might take a few days to ensure that your dog sees the ramp as part of the environment.
Once your dog is comfortable with the ramp, you can begin walking him across the ramp. You may need to click and treat a few steps at a time until he will walk the length of the ramp for a single click and treat.
22 • The Dog Dish Magazine
When your dog is comfortable walking on the ramp, you will begin gradually increasing the slope of the ramp by raising one end. We used a garden paver and clicked and treated Honeybee as she successfully navigated up and down the sloping ramp.
We used some books to gradually increase the slope while clicking and treating Honeybee as she continued to make progress. Be absolutely sure that whatever you use to increase the slope is secure and will not slip or fall and undo your training. You can continue to increase the slope of the ramp until you achieve success at an angle similar to the slope your dog will navigate when entering and exiting your vehicle. We finally increased the angle by using a small crate, which we secured with concrete pavers on the inside so it wouldn’t tip. Remember, click and treat success. Finally, you are ready to teach your dog to enter and exit your vehicle by using a ramp. Secure the ramp to the lock at the back of your vehicle using the clip that comes with your ramp, or use the seatbelt latch and clip for your ramp if your dog will enter through one of your vehicle’s side doors. Click and treat your dog’s success both entering and exiting using the ramp. The keys to training any behavior are patience, training each step thoroughly (shaping), and rewarding success. Happy training!
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Dr. Bosworth:
How One Pit Bull Therapy Dog is Breaking Misconceptions and Bringing Joy to Everyone He Meets Written by Amanda St. John
It wasn’t the warmest welcome Bosworth could have received. Despite the bright red vest with the words “Therapy Dog” embroidered on each side, he and his handler, Katie Munda, were greeted with a gasp as they reached the receptionist’s desk. Katie smiled warmly, fully prepared for a reaction she’d sadly grown so accustomed to receiving. “Is that a pit bull?!” “Yes he is, and he’s very friendly!” Katie reassured. Thinking back to a routine trip to their favorite coffee shop while Bosworth was still in training, Katie remembered one of the familiar faces there describing her father’s experience while he was going through chemotherapy, choking up as she sharedhow much the therapy dogs brightened his day and took his mind off the treatments. The proven benefits that therapy dogs have are quantifiable, yet the reach of those benefits is immeasurable. It was then Katie thought, “Wow, what a privilege it is that Bosworth is going to have the opportunity to impact people’s lives in such a positive way!” A therapy dog differs from a service dog in what he’s trained to do. Service dogs are trained to execute complex tasks, such as helping someone up from a fall, opening doors, retrieving a phone or picking up a dropped item. A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort and affection, aiding in the process of mental or physical healing and recovery in a vast arena of potential opportunities. Beginning with only anecdotal evidence to spark a national movement in the late seventies, dozens of studies have now been published with supporting evidence showing that therapy dogs provide benefits to people in a way that we can’t yet synthesize in a lab. Depending upon the source of information regarding the various bully breeds associated with the term “pit bull,” it may come as a surprise to discover that they can be just as qualified as any other breed to do the work of a therapy dog. Pit bulls have stolen local and national headlines in the past with tragic incidents linking the entire bully group to words like aggressive, unpredictable, dangerous, and deadly. The cultural 24 • The Dog Dish Magazine
acceptance of discrimination against the bully population as a whole is based on a broad generalization that has taken a toll on the breeds and the people who love them. “He’s won almost everyone over,” Katie says of her family’s initial reaction to its newest member, “but there’s a few that won’t even come to our house anymore.” Lynne Bennett, Bosworth’s trainer, carries quite an impressive resume in her 20 plus years of being a professional allbreed dog handler. She trains between 75 and 100 therapy dogs annually through the national organization Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Inc. She describes what qualities she looks for in a potential trainee. “A good candidate is a dog that is a people pleaser, one that can relax around people and comfort them.” Although the dog’s demeanor is important, Lynne adds
that the handler plays an equal role in the team. “They both must work together.” Entering the common area of the nursing home, Bosworth and Katie headed over in the direction of two women sitting side by side. They doted over Bosworth’s sweet nature and gentle nuzzles. “He’s so nice!” they exclaimed, one of the women adding, “You know, I’ve always been kind of afraid of these dogs because I see some bad things on the news-” Then the second woman chimed in, “Oh! No, honey! There’s nothing wrong with these dogs. If you love him, he will love you!” Katie lives for these moments. “I was so glad that, despite her reservations, she gave him a chance and got to see how wonderful he is! And that her friend stood up for the breed!” Near the end of their visit at the nursing home Bosworth and Katie made a stop by the room of a gentleman who was unable to leave his bed and join the others in the common area. His face lit up as Bosworth walked in, saying, “Oh! Hey! Let me see this Pit Bull Terrier!” The man repeated how glad he was to see this breed
in particular. “It made my day!” Katie describes a followup visit with a woman in the nursing home where Bosworth was starting to build quite a fan club. “The first time we visited her room, she really enjoyed him and complimented him for being so sweet and so well mannered.” It wasn’t until after Bosworth and Katie left that the woman discovered her friendly therapy dog visitor was a pit bull. “Her initial thought was, ‘mean dog,’ but admitted that Bosworth isn’t mean or scary at all. She realized her automatic assumption that ‘pit bulls are mean dogs’ just wasn’t so.” Lynne thinks back on her years of training therapy dogs. “I haven’t kept count of the bully breeds and pit mixes I’ve trained as it would be in the hundreds. Many times there are three or four in a class. We see all breeds.” She added, “There really isn’t any one breed that dominates [in therapy work].” When Katie reflects on the journey she and Bosworth have shared, she states, “I wanted Bosworth to become a therapy dog for two reasons; I wanted others to be able to experience the love that he so freely gives,” she says, ”and I wanted to show the world how allaround awesome this misunderstood breed is.” Bosworth and Katie are spreading love and healing everywhere they go, making an impact not only on the people they visit, but also on the entire community. Katie knows that actions speak louder than words, “but what I love most is that Bosworth usually does all the talking for me, just by being the awesome, sweet, gentle dog that he was born to be.”
July/August 2016 • 25
Brachycephalic Dogs: Our Beautiful Genetic Messes
Brachycephalic means short head. If you live with a boxer, bulldog, pug, Pekinese, Shih Tzu, French bulldog, or Boston terrier, then you have a brachycephalic dog. By and large, bulldogs are the epitome of brachycephalic breeds. In the days of old, bulldogs were bred for a “sport” called bull baiting. The dogs were bred with overly powerful jaws in order to take down bulls. Some thought that the shorter nose of the dog would help them breathe better while holding onto the bull. As the so-called sport fell out of favor, the demand for bulldogs changed to that of companions. The dogs were bred now for conformity and personality, but no longer for function.
Written by Brian Jones, DVM, Woodlake Animal Hospital
Brachycephalic Syndrome
The biggest hurdle bulldog parents face is brachycephalic syndrome. Though very common, not all brachycephalic dogs have it. This syndrome is made up of four parts.
Stenotic nares
The dog’s nostrils are too small and almost pinched in. Sometimes the openings are so small that surgical correction is required to allow the flow of more air through the nostrils.
Elongated Soft Palate
The soft palate is a floppy loose piece of skin that exists in all dogs. Bulldog faces have been smashed backward and the soft palate has now moved down the throat, essentially covering the opening to their windpipe and in some cases is actually sucked down the trachea, further occluding their airway. There is a surgery to shorten the soft palate.
Everted Laryngeal Saccules
These little fleshy sacks live just inside the opening of the trachea. Normally they pose no problem, but in dogs that are working extra hard to breathe, sometimes these pop out and further occlude the airway. This is a good indication that the first two surgeries might also need to be done to help open up the airway. This condition can also be fixed surgically.
Hypoplastic Trachea
Some dogs have an abnormally small trachea, or windpipe. Try sucking a really thick milkshake through a coffee stir stick and you’ll have an idea of what it’s like to breathe with a hypoplastic trachea. There is no surgical fix for this one. 26 • The Dog Dish Magazine
There is nothing cuter than a squishy little bulldog face barking and growling at you. Still yet, sharing your home with one of the beautiful genetic messes can be challenging and is not for the beginner dog parent. So to sum it all up, bulldogs attempt to breathe through teeny tiny openings for noses, then have some huge piece of tissue in the way of their windpipe with more fleshy tissue in the way just inside the windpipe, and all of this going on with air moving in and out through a smaller airway. Brachycephalic syndrome can be progressive if not corrected early. Severely affected dogs can experience laryngeal collapse and have to have a permanent tracheostomy (a hole in the throat for breathing).
Temperature Regulation
Understanding the airway challenges of the brachycephalic dog is important in regard to how dogs remove heat from their bodies. They do not sweat all over their bodies like people; the only parts of dogs’ bodies that sweat are their foot pads. Instead, they pant. They move hot air out of their mouths quickly. Saliva evaporates from the tongue as air passes across it and the blood circulating through the tongue is efficiently cooled and circulated back to the rest of the body. Bulldogs have to work so hard to breathe that the harder they work to breathe, the more heat their bodies generate. The hotter they get, the more they pant, and then the hotter they become. Bulldogs can overheat very quickly. Sometimes an emergency visit is a must and, sometimes despite veterinarians’ best efforts, too much damage from the heat has been done. If you think that your dog has overheated, then get him inside ASAP. Use a fan and water soaked towels covering him to try to cool him on the way to the emergency veterinarian.
Eye Problems
In brachycephalic dogs, most of the nasal bones are compacted, and they tend to have trouble with the way the eyes sit in their head. Facial wrinkles, caused by a shortened nose, can
sometimes rub against the surface of the eyes, resulting in scarring on the surface of the eyes. The eyes also “bulge” from the skull and sometimes a hard blow to the back of the head, or pulling really hard against a leash, or being squeezed too tight, can cause the eyeball to pop out of the socket, requiring surgery to fix. If not fixed immediately, sometimes the eye cannot be saved and has to be removed. Bulging eyes also can prevent the eyelids from closing. This causes the eyes to become too dry and are now irritated as the dog blinks, causing further problems. Medication is available to help this. Sometimes facial wrinkles can cause the eyelids to roll toward the eyeball, a condition called entropion. This makes the eyelashes and hairs on the face rub the surface of the eyes. This can cause infections, ulcers and scarring. There is a surgical correction for this.
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Teeth Brachycephalic dogs have 42 teeth just like all other dogs, but inside a skull half the size. This can cause crowding of the teeth and sometimes tooth removal is indicated. Dental checkup/cleanings are needed to prevent tartar accumulation from the teeth crowding.
Skin Skin folds are cute but they also like to trap in moisture. This can lead to an overgrowth of the normal bacteria and yeast that live on the skin. It is necessary to keep them clean and dry. It’s good to use a medicated drying wipe to clean out the folds of their skin folds, toes and tail.
Breeding bulldogs Bulldogs have big heads and little back ends, making birthing puppies very difficult if not impossible, necessitating a C-section. Bulldog personalities are wonderful, and their intelligence is without question; but the years of human involvement in their breeding traits that we love has left them with some serious health concerns. These concerns are manageable with some knowledge and care. Dr. Brian Jones is a proud parent and huge fan of the Bulldog breed and would be happy to answer any questions you may have about Brachycephalic breeds. He can be reached at Woodlake Animal Hospital in Oklahoma City at 405-721-6604 or via email at info@woodlakeanimalhospital.com.
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March/April 2016 • 27
LOCAL RESOURCE GUIDE Your guide to the best dog groomers, veterinarians, doggie daycares, boarding facilities, and more in the Oklahoma City metro area.
DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT PATIOS
BRICKTOWN Jazmo’z Bourbon Street Café Bolero Spanish Grill & Tapas Bar In the Raw Sushi Earl’s Rib Palace Fuzzy’s Taco Shop MIDTOWN Iguana Mexican Grill Bleu Garten Café Do Brasil S&B’s Burger Joint Viceroy Grille at Ambassador Hotel Louie’s Bar & Grill Peloton Wine Bar & Cafe Fassler Hall Kaiser’s Diner (temporarily closed) Hillbilly Po’ Boy Fat Dog Kitchen & Bar Waffle Champion Gigglez Bar & Grill UPTOWN Pizza23 Sushi Neko The Pump Bar DEEP DEUCE Urban Johnnie Deep Deuce Grill Anchor Down The Wedge Pizzeria PLAZA DISTRICT District House Empire Slice House The Mule PASEO Sauced Picasso Café The Other Room LAKE HEFNER Louie’s Bar & Grill NORTHWEST OKC Rock & Brews Top Golf
EDMOND Upper Crust Othello’s The Patriarch Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Flat Tire Burgers NICHOLS HILLS West Republic Gastropub Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattori Urban Tea House DOG-FRIENDLY WINERIES Tres Suenos Winery & Vineyard
Luther www.tressuenos.com Clauren Ridge Vineyard & Winery
Edmond www.claurenridge.com Native Spirits Winery
Norman www.nativespiritswinery.com Redbud Ridge Winery
Norman www.redbudridgewinery.com Strebel Creek Vineyard
Oklahoma City www.strebelcreek.com StableRidge Vineyards
Stroud
Midtown Mutts Dog Park
Between N Walker and N Hudson Avenue, just north of NW 10th Street, Midtown Edmond Dog Park
E 33rd Street and S Boulevard, Edmond BOARDING/DOGGIE DAYCARES Carey Pet & Home Care
405-605-3355 www.careypet.com The Dog House
5815 Melton Dr Oklahoma City 405-778-5544 www.thedoghouseokc.com Liberty Run
9168 Liberty Run Guthrie 405-282-3883 Mrs. Doolittle’s Pet Stay N Play
8613 SW 2nd St Oklahoma City 405-789-7297 www.mrsdoolittle.com The Pawparazzi Lounge
3724 E 2nd St Edmond 405-341-0057 www.pawparazzilounge.com
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VETERINARIANS
DOG-FRIENDLY HOTELS
Animal Medical Center I-35
Aloft Hotel Sheraton Hotel Ambassador Hotel La Quinta Inn & Suites Skirvin Hilton Springhill Suites Colcord Hotel DOG PARKS Myriad Gardens
301 W Reno, Oklahoma City Paw Park
NW Grand Blvd and Highway 74, Lake Hefner Deep Deuce Dog Park
NE Second Street and Oklahoma Avenue, Downtown Oklahoma City
3800 E 2nd St Edmond 405-359-6301 Gentle Care Animal Hospital
17200 N May Ave #900 Edmond 405-285-9663 www.gentlecareah.net Midtown Vets
231 NW 10th St Oklahoma City 405-606-4477 www.midtownvets.com Woodlake Animal Hospital
6600 NW 63rd St Oklahoma City 405-721-6604
RETAIL
Earthborn Holistic Food
Full Circle Obedience
A-1 Pet Emporium
(Made in Oklahoma)
7823 NW 94th St Oklahoma City 405-721-7829
Locations in Edmond and Oklahoma City 405-749-1738
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www.a1petemporium.com
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Pleasant Pooch
One Lucky Mutt
Metro Mark Realtors
6976 Highwater Cir Edmond 405-513-7297
15220 N Western Ave Edmond 405-348-6888
405-740-2149 Susie 405-659-2265 Nita www.metromarkrealtors.com
www.pleasantpooch.com
www.oneluckymutt.com
Valir Hospets
GROOMING
SPECIALTY CARE
405-609-3636
Central Park Dog Daycare
Holland’s Veterinary Referral Hospital
5420 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City 405-858-2275
9421 N Robinson Ave Oklahoma City 405-842-2275
www.dogdaycareokc.com
www.hvrhokc.com
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Deep Deuce Dog Walker
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Mobile Grooming Salon 405-985-6046, 405-985-6047
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PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS
405-470-3600
www.valir.com OKC Pet Waste
405-822-3772 www.okcpetwaste.com www.facebook.com/okcpetwaste DentalWorks
4200 Hemingway Dr., Oklahoma City 405-557-1245 www.evjdentalworks.com
405-757-9497 Deborah A. Fortune, Attorney
CREMATION/MEMORIAL SERVICES
8106 N May Ave Oklahoma City 405-810-8448
Precious Pets Cemetery
www.bajajplasticsurgery.com
www.barknbubblesok.com
www.earthbornholisticpetfood.com
Ratheal, Maggard & Fortune Law Firm 4045 NW 64th Street, Suite 210 Oklahoma City 405-525-1011 www.fortunelawcenter.com
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Written by Danel Grimmett, DVM, Sunset Veterinary Clinic
Signs of Flea Infestation
Prior to walking into an exam room, many times a veterinarian can place flea infestation on the list of suspects simply by listening to the history and symptoms a dog parent provides. 30 • The Dog Dish Magazine
One common presenting complaint is hair loss, matted hair, or red skin at the base of the dog’s tail. Fleas like to take blood meals in this area, and skin reactions secondary to flea bites often present themselves in this region. Another common finding is coffee-like dirt on the dog. The dog parent will say that their pet is dirty or will complain of black skin flakes. This black debris is actually dry, digested blood excreted by fleas. Another common complaint lodged by parents is that their dog is restless, cranky, crying out for no reason, hiding, or acting odd. Imagine having small bugs crawling all over you, biting you, making you terribly itchy day and night, and not having any way to communicate your misery? Wouldn’t you be tired and cranky? One more example of possible flea infestation is the presence of small “rice-sized” worms on fur on the dog’s bottom or in his bed. These worms are often tapeworms, and one common way of contracting tapeworms is by chewing and eating a flea. The offspring of tapeworms are located inside flea’s bodies. A dog’s ingestion of the flea allows a tapeworm to be released and continue its lifecycle. Therefore, if your dog has tapeworms, it has most likely either eaten a flea on its body or another creature (a mouse, for example) that had fleas. Fleas are sneaky. So often, when the subject of fleas is brought up, dog parents physically bristle and insist they haven’t seen any. By the time most people see a flea (if they every do) their dog will most likely be covered in dozens, if not hundreds, of the creatures. In the exam room, veterinarians often need to use a flea comb to find any trace of the nasty little bugs. Though many dog parents might feel ashamed or embarrassed about a flea infestation, they’re much more common than you might think. They’re found in all 50 states and on every continent, even Antarctica. If you have a flea infestation, be sure to seek the advice of your veterinarian to remove the infestation, and then move on to prevention. Making sure you are diligent about applying a monthly topical, as recommended by your veterinarian, should keep your dog flea-free and happy this summer. Sunset Veterinary Clinic is a full-service clinic located in Edmond. For more information, contact them at 405-844-2888 or visit www.sunsetvetclinic.com.