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Publisher Letter As a family man, I am always concerned about the health of everyone in the picture to the right. I certainly receive feedback and advice from my family and friends on caring for my children, my wife and myself (thank you, always appreciated!) But what do I really know about taking care of them? As the publisher of a pet specific magazine, I can certainly get advice from my fellow industry professionals should I need it for my sweet little dog Jax (he’s the fluffy looking Brown Nose Havanese) but similarly to the caring of my family, do I really know how to take care of him? As I was assembling our Annual Health Focused Issue I began to realize how much I, myself, needed to learn from the experiences that others have had. By all accounts, Jax is right on the doorstep of being called a senior pet. I would never consider him that. But reading these stories and advice has given me insight into what the future might hold. Our kids say “My tummy hurts” or “I have a sore throat” and we rush them to the pediatrician. Jax, however, doesn’t talk. I mean, I know that everyday I give him a treat when I get home, so if he won’t eat the treat something is up. Since our office allows pets and I spend so much time with Jax, I am very much attuned to his every action. Now, having read some of the articles in this issue, I can now pick up on much more subtle signs, and feel more prepared to notice anything amiss. There are few voices out there giving you access to important pet related information while supporting a deeper relationship with your four-legged family members. We hope this Issue better prepares you for the aging of your pet. If you are newly responsible for a puppy, kitten or any young pet we hope this Issue helps you better to understand the full responsibility of pet ownership. Just as with our kids, there is no all-inclusive manual. Each bit of advice helps in asking the right questions of your pet professional. 2 • The Pet Gazette
Inside this Issue... Pg. 2 Pg. 4-8 Pg. 9-10 Pg. 12-13 Pg. 14 Pg. 15-16 Pg. 17-18 Pg. 19-20 Pg. 21-22 Pg. 22-23
Publisher Letter Size isn’t Everything, and it’s Nothing to Fear How a Dog Could Stop the Global Spread of Malaria Pet Safety: Staying Warm Vitamin D Deficiency and Health Problems in Dogs and Cats 8 Common Health Conditions and How to Treat Them Senior Cats are Special....and have Special Environmental Needs Help! My Pet Eats Too FAAAAST!!! DGP Helped My Pets Stay Active About the Cover, Tracks, In Memoriam, Out & About, World Pet News
Catering to US pet owners and pet businesses. New features now available daily online at ThePetGazette.com and via The Pet Gazette App.
Editors: Jason Klatsky, Jeremy Sage, Korell Constable Writers: Eric Albert, Michaeleen Doucleff, Paula Garber, Joseph P. Griffith, Dana Humphrey, Dr. Selmer, Nadia Ruiz Graphic Design: InMotion Media Digital Publication Founder: Jim Dempsey Publisher: Jason Klatsky PO Box 432, Somers, NY. 10589 info@thepetgazette.com, 914-273-9721 If you would like your business to be a part of our distribution, send a request to: Jason Klatsky, jason@thepetgazette.com We accept photos, opinions, short articles, stories, poems and drawings from the general public. We assume no responsibility for failure to publish a submission or for typographic errors published, or incorrect placement. The content of the magazine consists of copyrightable material and cannot be reproduced without the expressed permission of the publishers.
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@thepetgazettemagazine • 3
Size isn’t Everything, and it’s Nothing to Fear
by Joseph P. Griffith
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y big dog was considered a giant to many. Well, compliment him while driving. Strangers walking he was a Giant Schnauzer, to be exact. His name by stopped to meet him, and their children asked to was Blackjack, and although most pet him, for which he always stood Giant Schnauzers have jet black fur, patiently, soaking up the attention. his color was salt-and-pepper. That He loved people and wanted to made Blackjack very unique since meet all of them and their dogs too. a lot of people that fur color is more common to People compared Blackjack to a big mini Schnauzers. Close to being stuffed animal, and in all modesty, tried to make 100 pounds he’s as tall as I, (almost one look at his handsome face and funny jokes about 6 feet) on his hind legs. Because of soulful eyes could have melted the Blackjack his massive size, when we were out hardest of hearts. in public we would get a variety of saying that, With every positive interaction reactions. Many people wondered if that came our way, there were also “He’s a horse” and he’s an Irish wolfhound and I would the not so good ones. Some people “you should put a tell them not really since were not very fond of him, or, wolfhounds are a bit larger and saddle probably, any large dog for that more leaner. Besides being in awe, matter. When we walked down the on him” a lot of people tried to make funny street, it was similar to the parting jokes about Blackjack saying that, of the waves, as people tried to “He’s a horse, you should put a distance themselves from him. saddle on him” While this annoyed When dogs with something to prove barked me frequently aggressively at him, he would turn and trot away Blackjack never saying, “Talk to the paw, ain’t nobody got time for seemed to mind. For this!” The truth is that for all his size and tremendous the most part people’s pulling power, Blackjack was a gentle soul. He would faces lit up in delight never purposely hurt any living thing (except, whenever they saw us possibly, a squirrel, which he is always intent on together. I think chasing, though he has never caught one). To see him both Blackjack and I sit and allow a tiny child to stand face-to-face and pet felt flattered when we his nose was heartwarming, and he was genuinely would hear protective of smaller beings. A friend of ours has a comments like, tiny teacup Yorkie (13 years old) toothless and all of “Beautiful dog” … 3 pounds, who sometimes came to visit. Blackjack “what a handsome would hover over him like a big brother, despite being beast” … “oh, he’s 10 years younger. An old artist friend who is rather adorable.” People frail from his cancer treatments was occasionally even went as far as to brought over for a visit. Although Blackjack could roll down the easily bowled him over, he sat by him and guarded windows to him the entire time.
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I’m not a dog expert to say the least and honestly Blackjack was the first dog I’ve ever owned. Through our various interactions with people I’ve learned quickly about the importance of socialization. Unlike dogs that have been cooped up and become aggressive or territorial due to lack of freedom, Blackjack is friendly and outgoing. Practically the only time he barked was when he didn’t get a chance to meet a dog across the street. Blackjack had a loud, booming bark that could be heard a couple of blocks away, which probably contributed to other owners’ fear. My vet and other dog owners have told me that we did the right thing and he benefited from being allowed to be around other dogs. So, while I repeat that I’m no expert, I think I can safely say that you should always allow your dog to be around others. In the course of a few weeks Blackjack suddenly became ill. He was crying, whimpering and vomiting. My wife and I became concerned that he had perhaps
swallowed something in our backyard. When he kept vomiting, I called his veterinarian who advised us to administer an over-the-counter antacid and watch him closely. He said that if the vomiting continued, we should take him to a 24-hour emergency care facility. Blackjack soon settled down and went to sleep. At about 4 am, he awoke and began vomiting again, this time continuously. I hurriedly drove him to the ER where he was examined and X-rayed. A doctor soon gave us devastating news: He suffered from gastric dilatation-volvulus, in which the stomach dilates with fluid and air, twists and rotates and begins to choke other organs. The prognosis was bleak: Blackjack needed immediate emergency surgery. We were stunned to hear the doctor say that without the surgery, he would soon die an agonizing death. The only other available option was to euthanize him right there and then. We’d had Blackjack less than four years, since he was about 6 weeks old, and he’d become a beloved member of our family. We faced a grave, and frankly unaffordable financial burden. But there was never any hesitation in my mind: We had to do whatever we could to save him. We turned him over to the doctors and hoped for the best.
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In the surgery, called a gastropexy, the stomach is sutured to the abdominal wall. Surviving it is the main challenge, a 50-50 chance; anesthesia is always closely monitored. The Doctor said he did “pretty well” under anesthesia despite some periods of low blood pressure. After the surgery he developed cardiac arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat) which was stabilized with drugs, and 6 • The Pet Gazette
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he required a plasma transfusion because he lost a significant amount of blood and protein. He had part of his stomach removed and also his spleen, which was no longer viable. Since he made it through the surgery and the critical 48 hours afterward, we were told that “we expect him to do very well and he could have a normal life.” Unfortunately this was not the case. I would like to think my sons and I are a family of tough but soft hearted guys, and Blackjack was the perfect fit for us. Looking at him in the intensive care unit hours after his surgery, plugged into machines, his pleading eyes asking, “What happened to me?,” was more than I could bear. I had to make the painful decision to let him go. He was in a lot of pain and there wasn’t much else to do. He died the day before his fourth birthday. When we saw him in the ER for the last time, he was lying there looking at us sadly, then he bravely struggled to sit up and say goodbye. My entire family is heartbroken. People who have lost someone always say, “I’d give anything to have them back even just for a day.” Well, we gave everything we had, and that rewarded us with another three weeks with him. Even though it cost us a lot, I don’t regret it for a minute. I could really see the gratitude in his eyes. TPG Note from the Publisher: If you would like to help Blackjack’s family with the devastating costs they incurred in trying to save Blackjack, we know they would be eternally grateful. To support by making a donation, email us at inmemoriam@thepetgazette.com
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8 • The Pet Gazette
How a Dog Could Stop the Global Spread of Malaria S everal years ago, British entomologist Steve Lindsay landed at an American airport and was immediately struck by all the furry creatures walking around the baggage claim area. “I was astounded to see sniffer dogs, looking for fruits and vegetables,” says Lindsay, who studies malaria at Durham University in the U.K. Recent studies have found that people carrying malaria release a signature scent. “So I thought, ‘Well, if a dog can smell fruits and vegetables in luggage, could they smell malaria in a person?’ ” Lindsay says. So he set out to create the ultimate disease watchdogs — canines that can smell parasites living inside people. Then, as people hop off international flights, these watchdogs could take a few sniffs at each person’s skin and paw at the people who might be carrying a parasite. “The person can be taken aside and possibly tested for the disease with a blood test,” Lindsay explains. Sound far-fetched? Well, it might not be as far from reality as you would think. At a scientific conference, Lindsay presented preliminary evidence that dogs can detect whether a person is carrying the malaria parasite in their blood by just sniffing their odor — or more specifically, sniffing a small piece of their sock. The researchers trained the dogs by rewarding the dogs are them with a snack when they doing something correctly identified and sat next to a malaria-tainted sock. Lindsay remarkable and his colleagues trained two dogs — Sally, a Labrador retriever, and Lexi, a golden retriever-Labradormix. facebook.com/ThePetGazette
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Although the study was small, the results were encouraging. Overall, Sally and Lexi had a success rate of about 70 percent for picking out the socks worn by people with malaria; each dog correctly identified at least 21 of the 30 samples. @thepetgazettemagazine • 9
The dogs did better with the socks worn by people not infected. Each dog correctly identified at least 131 of the 145 negative samples, for a success rate of about 90 percent. Clearly, larger studies are needed, Lindsay says. But the dogs’ performance isn’t too shabby when you look at how well some commercial tests perform. For example, one study found rapid diagnostic tests correctly detected malaria 60 percent to 90 percent of the time, depending on the particular conditions. And the tests correctly identified the negative samples about 90 percent of the time — which is similar to the dogs’ performance. And Sally and Lexi have room to improve, Lindsay says. “We made it hard for the dogs,” he says. “We didn’t have many samples to train them with — just 30 socks worn by people with malaria.” Lindsay hopes that trained dogs could, one day, work at ports of entry to help countries keep malaria from entering, especially in places that are trying to eliminate the parasite or have just gotten rid of it. “At the moment, malaria detection relies on taking a person’s blood with a pinprick, but you can’t do that to everyone coming across a border,” Lindsay says. “The malarial dogs would be a noninvasive method of picking up the parasite.” But there’s still quite a bit a work to do before you’ll find Sally and Lexi sniffing your legs at customs areas and baggage claims. For starters, the researchers don’t know whether the dogs can actually pick up the scent on a person’s skin in addition to their socks — and whether the dogs are able to differentiate between a malaria infection and an infection caused by another pathogen. Finally, Lindsay and his team haven’t tested whether the dogs can detect different species or strains of malaria found in various parts of the world. Still though, if you think about it, the dogs are doing something remarkable, Lindsay says: They’re etecting the presence of a microscopic organism living inside a person’s blood — or liver — by simply taking a sniff of a sock. TPG ©2018 National Public Radio, Inc. NPR news report titled “How A Dog Could Stop The Global Spread Of Malaria” by Michaeleen Doucleff was originally published on npr.org on November 2, 2018 and is used with the permission of NPR. Any unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited. 10 • The Pet Gazette
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PET SAFETY: STAYING WARM The addition of supplements like DGP (See the full article on Pg. 21) to your pet’s diet may also help to avoid the discomfort that comes with the cold.
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t is important to remember that our four-legged friends may experience the same difficulties as their human counterparts. when faced with cold weather. Unlike us, however, our furry friends cannot express their discomfort as well as we can. When its cold, it is our job as pet parents to keep our fur babies safe, warm, healthy, and happy. To help you do so, keep these cold weather health tips in mind.
Keep moving. Even during the coldest months, a short outdoor activity or brief walk will help keep your furry friend’s joints stay nimble. Stiffness in joints may be caused when they aren’t active enough, as it’s important to keep your dog moving. A daily walk around the block is enough to get their body moving and their brain stimulated.
A daily walk around the block is enough to get
moving and their brain stimulated.
their body
Find the proper diet for your dog. Just like us, dogs’ joints may be more stiff in cold weather. When you are looking to combat stiffness in your dog’s day to day life, start with their diet. Add foods with a higher glucosamine and chondroitin content to your canine companion’s meal routine. These additional elements may help to lubricate their joints and ultimately offer much needed relief. 12 • The Pet Gazette
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Use the proper footwear. Your barking buddy may have a harder time keeping their balance on slippery surfaces, especially as they become wet from the ice and snow. If that is the case, make sure to find your pet the perfect pair of dog boots with rubber soles. Those types of boots should help your canine walk the streets with more confidence and less accidents, while protecting their paws from salt found on icy walkways. Make a warm bed available. The best part of any day is slipping into a warm bed at the end of it. The same holds true for our canine companions. when it’s cold outside, the floors around the house may be colder and harder to walk on than normal. It is best to have at least one pet bed for your pup around the house. Find the ideal location for this bed by moving it around to see where your dog has a preference. This may mean being closer to a heater one night and under a window the next. As the temperature fluctuates, so will your dog’s preference.
days. If you find yourself and your dog spending time outdoors, it may be best to find the proper outerwear for your pup. Find a coat or sweater that is both warm and comfortable for your canine companion.
A coat goes a long way. As our dogs age, they cannot regulate their body temperature as well as they could in their younger
Keeping warm can be difficult for humans and dogs alike. Find methods of movement that work best for you and your barking buddy to stay warm. TPG
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Did you know
Vitamin D Deficiency is associated with a variety of health problems in dogs and cats? by Dr. Selmer, Long Island Veterinary Specialists
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tudies have shown that if Vitamin D levels fall below a certain threshold it could can lead to the following: Chronic Kidney Disease n Parathyroid Disease n Dental Disease n Itching related to allergies n Pancreatic Disease n Heart Disease n Inflammatory Bowel Disease n The risk of cancer increases to almost 4x n The risk of cardiovascular events are increased 2.6x
n
14 • The Pet Gazette
The good news is that we can test and treat for Vitamin D Deficiency with a simple blood test. To help lower your pets’ risk to these problems or to improve the outcome for your pet if he/or she is suffering from one of these chronic conditions, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for your pets Vitamin D testing. All you need to do is call and book your appointment today! Let them know you heard about it thanks to The Pet Gazette. TPG
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8
Senior Dog Health
Common Conditions
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and How to Treat Them
by Eric Albert, MISAP - Training Director at Best In Show Dog Training, LLC
o you love a senior citizen canine? Join the crowd! Fifty percent of owners share their hearts with pets age 7 or older. Modern veterinary care helps many dogs stay healthy a decade or more, and small dogs sometimes double that and age gracefully well into their twenties. A longer life increases the odds dogs develop “old fogy” problems, though. Medical help is important, but you can keep your old-timer happy and healthy with simple and/or inexpensive tips for dealing with these eight common aging dog issues.
1. Arthritis:
This can affect all dogs, but large breeds are most prone. Extra weight puts greater stress on the joints. Achy joints cause limping, difficulty climbing stairs or getting up after naps. A heating pad placed under the dog’s bed soothes creaky joints. Gentle massage as well as OTC supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine-type products also help. Low-impact exercise — walks or swimming — and slimming down pudgy pooches delays problems. Provide steps — even a cardboard box — to help old dogs navigate stairs or hop onto the sofa.
2. Cataracts:
Dogs suffer from cataracts more than any other species, but blindness rarely slows them down. They compensate by relying more on sense of smell and hearing. Owners may not notice vision loss unless the dog visits unfamiliar surroundings. Avoid rearranging furniture so blind dogs can rely on their memory of familiar landmarks. Baby gates placed near stairs facebook.com/ThePetGazette
protect blind dogs from falling. Avoid startling blind dogs by announcing your presence before walking near or petting. Blind dogs enjoy games with noisy toys they can hear or hide-and-seek with strong- scented objects.
3. Constipation:
When dogs stop moving around as much, inside movement slows down, too. A treat of 1/2 cup of milk or 1 to 3 teaspoons of nonflavored Metamucil twice a day (depending on the size of the dog) or high-fiber foods like raw carrot or canned pumpkin help keep things moving. Most dogs like the taste of pumpkin or squash.
4. Deafness:
Hearing naturally fades with age, but you can compensate by using vibration and hand signals instead of verbal commands. Try stomping your foot to get your dog’s attention. Switch a flashlight on and off to call him inside or use the porch light to signal dinner is served. Vibrating collars also work well to communicate with deaf dogs. @thepetgazettemagazine • 15
5. Dental Issues:
Eighty percent of dogs have dental problems by age 3, and the risk increases 20 percent for each year of a dog’s life. Enzymes in special “dental diets” and meat- flavored pet tooth paste helps break down plaque. Offer dental chews, rawhides, a chew-rope covered with dog toothpaste or even apples and carrots for healthy tooth- cleaning chews.
6. Incontinence:
Does your dog leave a wet spot where she sleeps? Incontinence refers to loss of bladder tone, and it mostly affects old lady spayed dogs. Prescription drugs may help, but management is equally important. Increase her potty breaks and pick up water bowls two hours before bedtime. Toddler “pull-up” pants work for some dogs or choose doggy diapers to help contain the urine.
worse. Feed smaller meals inside puzzle toys so that the dog takes longer to eat and feels moresatisfied as she works to earn her kibble.
8. Senility:
Thirty percent of dogs ages 11 to 12 show one or more signs of senility — canine Alzheimer’s. Affected dogs act confused, forget to ask to go outside, cry and may not recognize you. This heartbreaking condition often causes owners to put dogs to sleep when symptoms develop. A prescription of Anipryl from the vet temporarily reverses signs in 30-60 percent of dogs, but the supplement Cholodin also works pretty well. Two commercial foods (Hill’s Prescription b/d and Purina Pro Plan Senior 7+ Original) also reverse signs for a while in some dogs. The saying “use it or lose it” also applies to dogs, so delay the onset of senility by exercising doggie brains with obedience drills, interactive play and puzzles. TPG
7. Obesity:
Forty to 50 percent of dogs ages 5 to 12 are overweight. Obesity often affects aging dogs because they exercise less but eat the same amount. Extra weight makes arthritis 16 • The Pet Gazette
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Senior Cats Are Special.... and
have Special Environmental Needs
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by Paula Garber, MA Ed, CATEP, CFTBS LIFELINE Cat Behavior Solutions
/ parinyabinsuk
/ trybex
Photo credit: © Can Stock Photo
enior cats hold a special place in our hearts. Their soulful eyes and self-assured presence, tinged with a hint of vulnerability, often ignite a sense of wonder and gentleness in us. We seem to inherently know that they require special handling and care.
Cats are individuals, and each cat ages differently, so there is no specific age at which cats become “seniors.” However, most cats reach senior status between the ages of 11 and 14, which is roughly equivalent to 60-72 years of age in humans. Like senior humans, senior cats are susceptible to age-related changes that affect their senses, mobility, and ability to cope with stress.
a result of age-related changes to the brain. This condition often develops so gradually that many owners don’t realize their cat is suffering from it. Signs include wandering, increased vocalization, house soiling, disorientation, and increased activity at night or sleeplessness. Your vet should rule out other causes for these behaviors, as many of them are also seen with other disease processes.
Studies show that more than 90% of cats may suffer from degenerative joint disease, or arthritis. Signs can be subtle and include being hesitant to jump up or down from a height, difficulty going up or down stairs, stiffness, lameness or limping, difficulty getting into or out of the litter box, house soiling, unkempt coat due to decreased grooming, overgrooming a specific area, being less interested in play or interacting with the owner, vocalizing when handled, sleeping or hiding more, and being more fearful or aggressive.
As a survival mechanism designed to protect them from predators, cats are masters at hiding signs of pain and illness. Therefore, regular veterinary checkups are a must for senior cats— every 6 months or more frequently, per your veterinarian. It can be very helpful to you and your veterinarian to keep a journal of your senior cat’s daily habits, activity, and behaviors. Note any changes in appetite and water consumption, litter box behaviors, quality and quantity of stools, volume of urine, weight gain or loss, vomiting, general behavior and mood, interactions with you, mobility, overall activity level, and grooming behaviors. @thepetgazettemagazine • 17
Another condition seen in many older cats is cognitive dysfunction— facebook.com/ThePetGazette
Like human seniors, senior cats often require modifications to their environment to accommodate their unique needs and keep them content and happy. A few simple changes can make a big difference in their quality of life. Here are some helpful tips: zz Locate important resources (food, water, litter boxes, favorite bed, etc.) on one level of the home where the cat spends the most time zz Offer multiple litter boxes, and make sure they are large and open (not covered) so the cat can easily dig, eliminate, and turn around without having to contort his or her body. Use boxes with a low entry and high sides. One example is the Kitty Go Here litter box (large size; www.kitty gohere.com). You can also make a litter box from a plastic storage bin by cutting a large, low hole in one side. If your cat prefers low-sided trays, place the litter tray inside another larger tray with a lower lip so that the larger tray catches the overspill of litter for easier cleanup. Use clumping, unscented litter with a soft, sand-like texture, and keep the litter depth at about 1-1/2 to 2 inches for easier maneuvering in the box. It is also helpful to place litter boxes in locations that are well lit and where you can easily observe your cat’s behavior in and around the boxes zz Place food and water bowls on the floor—not in elevated spots that require the cat to jump. Water intake is important for senior cats, as they are more likely to suffer from conditions that cause dehydration or constipation. Provide multiple water bowls separately from food bowls, and use wide bowls to prevent whisker stress—some cats will not eat or drink from bowls if their whiskers touch the edges. Also consider providing a cat water fountain to encourage drinking zz Provide easy access to quiet rest areas and safe retreats. Add ramps or steps to these areas, if necessary zz Senior cats often prefer soft beds with plenty of cushioning. Heated cat beds can soothe achy, arthritic joints all year round zz Add nightlights in food, water, and litter box areas and along pathways leading them to help guide cats with low vision or disorientation zz Install baby gates, stacked on top of each other if necessary, to block access to stairs if your cat is unsteady or disoriented to prevent falls 18 • The Pet Gazette
zz Carpeted floors and area rugs provide more secure footing than hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring, which can be slippery for cats who may be a little unsteady on their paws. Keep claws trimmed to prevent catching on carpet and bedding zz Cats are sensitive to change, so predictable routines and a stable environment helps reduce stress for older cats. Avoid moving furniture around, if possible. If having visitors or workers in the home upsets your cat, set him or her up in a quiet “safe room” with food, water, litter boxes, a bed, and a radio playing classical music to promote feelings of safety and calm With quality care and a supportive environment at home, as well as proper veterinary care, senior cats can live long, healthy lives in comfort and happiness. For more information, download the free brochure, “Friends for Life: Caring for Your Older Cat,” published by the American Association of Feline Practitioners at www.tpg.pet/seniorcat TPG
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Help! My Pet Eats Too FAAAAST!!!
by Dana Humphrey
M
any animals have a tendency to devour their food during mealtimes. Pets that eat rapidly are more likely to face various health issues like choking, vomiting, gastrointestinal discomfort or food bloat, to name a few. Designed by a veterinarian, Pipolino’s mobile and adjustable dry food dispenser allows pets to find food as they would in nature, which promotes both physical and mental balance. Animals have the ability to roll Pipolino on the ground or in a trough in order to dispense kibble slowly and chase or “hunt” for their food. Pipolino provides countless benefits and helps to avoid many common problems today’s pets face such as boredom, over eating, obesity, bad digestion, physical inactivity, aggression, and the ingesting of foreign bodies.
pet owners are weak when it comes to those adorable begging eyes! With 80 million U.S dogs and cats at risk from obesity, it’s important that pet parents stay mindful of their pet’s meal intake and avoid overfeeding. For over ten years, Pupolino has been the only way of feeding pets that combines all individual advantages, without thedisadvantages of bowls, anti-glutton bowls, fixed and mobile food distributors. Pupolino is the only anti-glutton bowl that provides physical activity and slow enough ingestion that avoids overconsumption, satisfies appetite and improves digestion. In fact, Pipolino is taught in French Veterinary Schools for the prevention and treatment of excess weight and digestive disorders, as well as behavioral diseases such as bulimia, obesity, dirtiness, aggressiveness, depression, inactivity.
Eating quickly is a fairly common behavior for pets. Depending on the animal, there are many reasons as to why. Take the canine for example; a dog may eat rapidly due to the competitive instinct that is often seen in the wild when wolves bring down prey. The animal that eats faster is in a better position to survive and pass along its genes. This scenario is especially seen in multi-dog households, where speed eating tendencies are increased due to competing with their fellow pack members. Whether a dog is eating too quickly because he’s in competition mode or simply indulges too fast because he loves the taste of his food; not taking the time to chew larger pieces of kibble can cause them to ingest a significant amount of air. When this occurs, the food will most likely come back up by regurgitation or vomiting. After this happens a pet owner may feel uncertain if their dog or cat has received the adequate amount of nutrition during their meal time. Vomiting will also leave the animal hungry more frequently throughout the day, which can lead to a desire for more food and increased begging. Let’s face it, most facebook.com/ThePetGazette
Additional Features of Pipolino Include: Fits all brands (Royal Canin, Hills, Friskies, Frolic, Proplan, etc.), sizes and shapes of croquettes, pellets, or any other dry food Contains a quantity of pellets allowing to feed one or many animals (depending on the choice of the model) during a meal, for one day, or for a weekend @thepetgazettemagazine • 19
Enables to modify, by simple adjustment, the ease of distribution of food, which trains the animal gradually and gently to eat slowly Designed so that all the croquettes coming out are immediately eaten, don’t scatter on the floor, don’t get crushed and don’t collect dust on the ground It has been designed in order to not roll under the furniture where the animal would not be able to recover it Made of shocks-resistant, recyclable, food-grade quality materials, which ensure a very good conservation of the inner food Retailing for $24.90, Pipolino is affordable to all budgets. Pet families utilizing Pipolino daily will have great peace of mind knowing that they are investing in their pet’s mental and physical health, as well as save money spent on pet food thanks to its decreased food consumption features. Pipolino offers a two year (parts and labor) guarantee for any defect or component breakage under normal conditions of use. For more info visit www.tpg.pet/pipolino TPG
20 • The Pet Gazette
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DOG* GONE PAIN (DGP)
HELPED MY PETS
Stay Active *DGP is appropriate for dogs and cats
by Nadia Ruiz
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unning and dogs are probably the two most beautiful gifts in my life that bring me so much happiness and peace. If I can combine both, it is my ultimate moment of joy. I have been active and competitive in a variety of endurance sports for the past 20 years, so naturally everyone in my family unit is active, including my pups.
I wanted to do everything I could to help increase his quality of life as he entered his senior years
I
have a 9-year-old yellow male Labrador, Max, who has been my little shadow and loyal companion always eager to be near me and give me puppy kisses. I also have a 7-year-old fawn male boxer, Bruno, who brings so much laughter into my life with his snorting, farting, and snoring—boxer owners, you facebook.com/ThePetGazette
know. I have raised them with the greatest amount of love and care that I can offer since they were six weeks old. Needless to say, these two are my world and my furry children. Being a person who loves the outdoors, my pups and I are perfect adventure companions as we climb mountains and run many miles together. In his younger years, my Labrador could run over 20 miles at my pace on the trails. Sometimes as fast as 6:30 min/mi for our shorter, road runs. He was a perfect, happy running partner. Naturally, as we humans age, he too began to slow down and experience a longer recovery time. It was a difficult adjustment, but I wanted to do everything I could to help increase his quality of life as he entered his senior years. I found DGP supplements for dogs a year ago and did the research on their quality of ingredients and contents. I was very impressed with their reputation and reviews so I decided to give them a try. @thepetgazettemagazine • 21
as they age means the world to me. My goal is to give them the best life I can and that includes the supplements they take. DGP for pets has been a huge asset to their lives and I am eternally grateful. I love my running companions until the end of time.
TPG
One tablet per 30lb. dog meant three tablets each for Max and Bruno daily. After a couple months, I noticed a significant improvement in their eagerness to run again and their recovery rate. As senior dogs, they naturally want to sleep throughout the day; however, when it comes to running, they turn into puppies again with an eagerness to run anywhere from 5-10 miles comfortably, a few times a week. To have my running buddies happy and healthy again
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Out & About To share your photos (or videos, which we now accept for PGTV), please email info@thepetgazette.com
Minnie and Cooper
Augie, Age: 9 years
Waylon, Age: 4 years
Benito Luigi, Age: 8 years
Tracks
Puffy
Dante, Age: 13 years
Morris, Age: 10 years
Priscilla, Age: 10 years
Parrot used Amazon Alexa to order items while his owner was away
For local events please visit www.tpg.pet/local or Scan the QR code using your iPhone camera or by downloading and using The Pet Gazette App.
World Pet News Sinatra, a blue-eyed Husky turns up after 18 months missing A parrot has fallen in love with his owner’s Amazon Alexa and keeps using it to go shopping. So far Rocco the African Grey, from Didcot, Oxfordshire, U.K., has demanded treats such as strawberries, watermelon, raisins, broccoli and ice cream. He has also ordered a kite, light bulbs and even a kettle. Rose Verrill, 13, plays with Sinatra, a Husky she found wandering near her home. The dog somehow made his way 1,200 miles from his home where he disappeared 18 months earlier. facebook.com/ThePetGazette
In Memoriam To read stories of beloved pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge, please visit www.tpg.pet/inmemoriam @thepetgazettemagazine • 23