Urban Paws Magazine by Urban Paws Magazine

Happy Holidays from our pack to yours!

Publisher Jennifer Kitchens-Street (281) 384.5431

jennifer@urbanpawsmagazine.com

Advertising (281) 384.5431

sales@urbanpawsmagazine.com

Contributing Writers Kristen Stewart Bob Williams ASPCA Staff Photographer Jamie Fincher

Urban Paws Magazine PO Box 1556 Spring, TX 77383

www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

© Copyright 2015. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Urban Paws magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, feature and idea submissions, or photographs, and such material will not be returned. Urban Paws magazine assumes no liability for the contents herein and has the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Urban Paws magazine does not endorse any specific product or service contained herein; we do encourage you to support our advertisers whenever possible. Find us online! Website: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com Printed in the U.S.A.

4 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

contents Issue 11: Volume 9

December 2015 THE SCOOP 7

Canine News and Happenings

PET HEALTH 10

The Truth About Dog Years

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 16

Holiday Items for Pets and Pet Lovers

PET SAFETY 20

How Pet Owners Include Their Furry Friends in the Festivities

TRAINING & BEHAVIOR 22

Don’t Let Winter’s Chill Take a Bite Out of Your Dog’s Health

ADOPTION 24 ADAPT Rescue

on the cover

december

CANINE CALENDAR

DECEMBER 6

DECEMBER 11-13

Spring’s first ever cat cafe at The Spirit Quest

Held near the Train Depot Plaza in Old Town

The Great Catsby Feline Cafe

Center, 303 Main Street in Old Town Spring. Shop, relax and play with adoptable cats

from Operation Pets Alive every Sunday until Christmas. 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/thegreat-

Tomball German Christmas Market

Tomball, 201 S Elm. This outdoor, pet-friendly event is fun for everyone. For hours and

more information, visit www.tomballgermanfest.org

catsbytx.

DECEMBER 12

DECEMBER 6

Come Jingle for a Cure and bring your furry

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

Third Annual Holiday Open House & Silent Auction benefiting Cypress Lucky Mutt

Rescue. Gifts & Stuff, 12320 Barker Cypress. 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Enjoy dessert and shopping with a silent auction benefiting the mutts.

For details, visit www.cypressluckymuttrescue.org.

friends along! The Arthritis Foundation’s

annual run/walk is a festive race that helps

champion arthritis research and brings people from all walks of life together, to say

“Yes” to furthering a great cause. Dogs get

arthritis, too! This year’s Dog Honoree is an adorable rescue boxer named Jiggs who is

well-known in her community as the face of

DECEMBER 9

Mr. Rooter’s bi-annual pet food drive. There

Art Bark 2015

Combine two loves–art and animals–in one special night at the 2015 CAP Calendar

Premiere and Art Bark Party from 7:00 -10:00 p.m. at 423 East 4th St. Peruse the calendar

will be a pet zone and doggy costume contest. Northshore Park in The Woodlands,

2505 Lake Woodlands Dr. To register, visit www.jbr.org/thewoodlands.

and enjoy the silent auction, drinks and dinner while helping Houston's homeless pets. For more information, visit www.cap4pets.org.

THE SCOOP

Rover Oaks Pet Resort’s “Doggie Pictures with Santa” Event Raises $2,000 for Shaggy Dog Rescue

Santa in a winter wonderland setting. Rover Oaks produced Santa portraits for over 100

dogs, raising over $2,000 for Shaggy Dog Rescue. These funds will help provide much needed medical care, food, and other supplies that the rescue group desperately needs for the dogs in their care.

"We look forward to bringing our dogs, Gilby,

Trudie and Candy every year to get their pictures taken with Santa in the beautiful setting Rover Oaks creates," said Cheryl Yetz, client of Christmas came early this year for the dogs at Rover Oaks Pet Resort! The animal-loving staff

at Rover Oaks hosted their 5th annual "Doggie Pictures with Santa" event on Saturday,

November 14th. All of Rover Oaks' clients, friends and pet owners in the community were

Rover Oaks Pet Resort. "Knowing that the pro-

ceeds from this event go to Shaggy Dog Rescue warms my heart. Not only are the pictures awe-

some but Rover Oaks is raising awareness for and donating all the funds to a local rescue group. You can't beat that."

“We have a blast putting on this event, and our

invited to bring their dogs to pose for a picture

clients love taking home the adorable and often

setup! All proceeds from the event were donat-

Steve Smith, co-owner of Rover Oaks Pet

with Santa Claus in a winter wonderland photo ed to local rescue group Shaggy Dog Rescue.

The event started on Saturday morning, and

by the afternoon, Rover Oaks' lobby was packed with excited pet owners and adorable pups who were ready to meet Santa and have their portrait

hilarious photos of their pet with Santa,” said

Resort. “It is so rewarding to be able to provide

our clients with this special gift, while using the proceeds to brighten the holidays for our friends at Shaggy Dog Rescue.”

"We're so grateful that Rover Oaks donates all

made. Attendees were encouraged to dress up

of the proceeds from this event to our rescue,"

antlers and feather boas, and some even used

Rescue. "Every dollar counts and every dona-

their pet with holiday-themed props such as the opportunity to get a complete family portrait

made. It was a sight to see, and a jolly time was had by all!

For just a $20 donation, pet-owners received a

photo session and portrait of their pet with

said Kathy Wetmore, founder of Shaggy Dog tion brings us closer to saving a dog from a high-kill Houston shelter. These donations really can mean the difference between life and death for these dogs."

Urban Paws Magazine 7

THE SCOOP

Raising Cane’s Raising Awareness for Animals in Need

experts™, are dedicated to the care and welfare

Fingers is showcasing Texas Animal Society

point A to point B, work directly with the air-

This holiday season, Raising Cane’s Chicken (TAS), who supports the community in quality care of dogs and cats in need.

Through December 31st, when you visit

Raising Cane’s in Conroe, Spring or Shenandoah

and purchase a Buddy the Elf Dog, a donation is made to TAS.

For hours and location information, visit

www.raisingcanes.com.

Public Urged to Use Professionals When Shipping Pets Internationally

of pets and animals during transport. Pet shippers are the people who move your pet from lines and who apply their knowledge of flight regulations, flight container requirements, quar-

antine, boarding, import and export arrange-

ments, health documentation and proper identification. These requirements frequently change, so it is important to work with a professional who is up-to-date with the changes.

"There are a lot of moving parts when it

comes to shipping a pet and a professional shipper can take the stress off a pet owner and more importantly,

the

animal,"

says

Derek

Huntington, IPATA President. "IPATA members focus on the pet's health and welfare and

manage all details including crate suitability and Delta Cargo recently announced it will only

accept international pet shipments from

International Pet and Animal Transportation

Association (IPATA) members. They also

training the animal for its crate; health prepara-

tion and documentation; and coordinating all logistics with the airlines. With an IPATA member, your pet is in good hands."

"Using a pet shipper, especially for interna-

announced that as of March 1, 2016, Delta will

tional travel, can be invaluable to ensuring doc-

The changes with Delta Airlines will increase

being met for the destination country," contin-

no longer accept pets as checked baggage.

consistency with the regulations for exporting pets, from proper compliant crate acceptance to

umentation is correct and all requirements are ues Huntington.

IPATA supports air travel for pets through

proper and consistent veterinary documentation

commercial airlines cargo systems as being the

certificates. Animals shipped via cargo will be

moving animals throughout the United States

accompanying the shipment including health

placed in the same area as they would have been under checked baggage.

Members of IPATA, the pet shipping

8 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

safest, most expedient and humane means of

and around the world. To find a member of

IPATA, visit www.ipata.org and click on "Find a

Pet Shipper."

PET HEALTH

The Truth About Dog Years

Have you heard that one dog year equals seven human years? Well, that's not exactly accurate. Here's how to really determine your pet's stage of life.

or many pet owners, their animals are

the size and breed. “Large breed dogs, such as

members of the family. It’s therefore no surprise

11 years while small or toy breeds, such as

more than companions — they are true

so many people are interested in trying to under-

stand how to translate dog years to people years,

improve pet health, and increase the dog lifespan.

Translating dog years to people years is far from

an exact science, especially given the fact that their life expectancy varies greatly depending on

10 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Mastiffs and Newfoundlands, live typically 9 to

Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles, can live 18 to 21 years,” says Kenneth Porte, DVM, owner of Tri City Veterinary Clinic in Vista, Ca. “Typically

most dogs are mature adults by 2 years. The

usual guess is 12 years for the first year, 10 years

for the second, with following years equaling seven and later years five to three.”

KRISTEN STEWART

Timnah Lee, DVM, an associate veterinarian at

owner.

City, likes to compare a dog’s lifespan to stages

of people’s lives. For example, a 6-month old

How to Encourage Good Pet Health

puppy is similar to a toddler, testing to see what he can get away with, putting everything in his

While genetics do contribute to how long a pet

mouth, and playing (and sleeping) hard.

will live (if possible, check out an animal’s parents and grandparents for a good indication of

Tribeca Soho Animal Hospital in New York

what to expect), there are many things owners

What About Cat Years?

can do to promote good pet health. Good nutri-

Cats typically live 14 to 18 years, though some

ferent life stages is crucial, as is proper veteri-

can survive into their early twenties. The type of

breed can play a role, with some experiencing

shorter lives and others, such as the Siamese cat, tending to live longer. Equating cat years to people years is a little more challenging than with

dogs, but a general rule of thumb is that early years equal seven people years, while later years

tion with high quality food that changes at difnary care and immunizations. Finally, don’t for-

get exercise. “Many problems that we deal with

are due to [pets] being overweight,” says Duffy Jones, DVM, founder of Peachtree Hills Animal

Hospital in Atlanta. Walking is great for dogs, and playtime is crucial for both dogs and cats.

translate to about five. Keep in mind that indoor

Keeping a pet healthy for the long term ulti-

as being hit by a car, getting hurt by another ani-

that keep us healthy: a good diet and plenty of

cats have fewer risks that shorten lifespan, such mal, or getting an infectious disease or parasite.

mately revolves around the same lifestyle habits

exercise. Your pet, and maybe even your own waistline, will thank you for it.

Other Pets With Long Lifespans A variety of animals have lengthy lifespans. Horses can often live to 30 or older, as can cer-

tain birds. Large reptiles like snakes and lizards can also be long-lived. Tortoises, too, can sur-

vive amazingly long. Dr. Porte’s wife, also a veterinarian, recently treated a California desert tor-

toise that had been with its current owner for 64

years — and that’s after it had outlived its first Urban Paws Magazine 11

PET SAFETY

Animal Poison Control Alert:

Keep Laundry Detergent Pods Away from Pets

he ASPCA Animal Poison Control

result of animals eating laundry detergent pods.

information for pet parents: Laundry

Since 2012, poison control centers have on

ingested. These small, often brightly colored

laundry pods pose a danger to our furry friends

Center (APCC) has important safety

detergent pods pose serious dangers to pets if

pods are branded as a convenient alternative to

traditional liquid or powder detergents.

Unfortunately, they may be tempting to our

furry friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;each year, APCC receives multiple reports of serious pet illness and death as a 12 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

young children. But what about our pets? Do as well? Yes, they can. In 2013, detergent pods were on the ASPCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top ten toxin list.

Laundry pod products contain chemicals called ionic and anionic surfactants. What makes pods

more dangerous than liquid or powder is that the detergent is more concentrated and pressur-

ized. Because they are handy pre-measured packs, it’s easy to toss one on top of a load of

laundry waiting to be placed in the washer. Their small size also makes it harder to keep track of

if one falls off the pile of laundry and slides under something. Going about your chores, you grab another pod and toss it in the washer, never

seeing the one on the floor. But a curious dog or cat will likely pull it out if they find it.

These pods contain detergents that can cause

significant stomach upset and irritation to an

animal’s upper airway if ingested. If an animal vomits after eating a detergent pod, she may inhale the detergent into her lungs, causing

severe pneumonia. If your pet eats laundry detergent, please contact your veterinarian or

APCC immediately, even if he or she is not exhibiting any symptoms.

APCC is your best resource for any animal poi-

son-related emergency—24 hours a day, 365

days a year. If you think that your pet may have

ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

COMING IN JANUARY:

Wellness Issue & Veterinary Profiles

COMING IN MARCH: Puppy Issue

MUTT MUGS

“In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog.” - unknown

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Ho!Ho!Holidays! 1

3 5

1. Scottish Tartan Red Plaid Dog Collar with Matching Bow - www.ripleywear.com 2. Christmas Edition Leash www.lassopr.com 3. Hoxton Harris Tweed and Suede Collar - www.scotchandhound.com 4. Arlo Water-Resistant Reversible Coat - www.scotchandhound.com 5. Naughty and Nice Dog Collar - www.upcountryinc.com

16 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

HOLIDAY GUIDE

1 3

1. Stocking Stuffer Biscuit- www.boccesbakery.com 2. Merry Woofmas Assorted Dog Treats - www.frontgate.com 3. Cloudstar Holiday Buddy Biscuits - www.cloudstar.com 4. Holiday Biscuit Canister - www.polkadog.com Urban Paws Magazine 17

HOLIDAY GUIDE

2 4

5 1. Leopard Slipper Toy - www.harrybarker.com 2. Dog Tails Shampoo - www.dogtailsshop.com 3. Chuckit Tennis Ball Launcher - www.petco.com 4. Blue Heart Hand Blocked Dog Bed - www.fillydog.com 5. Wild Wild Woof Buckhorn Plush Toy - www.scotchandhound.com

18 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

HOLIDAY GUIDE

5 1. Hair of the Dog Flask - www.pressedcotton.com 2. Custom Pet Portrait Christmas Card www.cwdrawings.com 3. Dogs Glass - www.fishseddy.com 4. Dog Bingo Game - www.crateandbarrel.com 5. Dog Breed Socks - www.absolutesocks.com Urban Paws Magazine 19

20 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

TRAINING

Don’t Let Winter’s Chill Take a Bite Out of Your Dog’s Health

BEWARE OF ICE, SNOW AND COLD TEMPERATURES. While many dogs with proper shelter can be safe in outside temperatures down

for toileting. If the year has snow or ice, use a leash since he can easily slip and hurt himself.

to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, puppies, smaller dogs,

WATCH FOR SIGNS OF FROSTBITE AND

outdoors when temperatures fall below 40

ly susceptible to frostbite. Initially, frostbitten

older or short-haired dogs should not be left

degrees. Don’t leave your pet in a vehicle during cold weather. A car in winter is like a refrigera-

tor, holding in the cold and possibly causing the dog to freeze to death.

KEEP OLDER, ARTHRITIC DOGS INSIDE. These dogs should not be left outdoors under any circumstances. Escort the older dog outside

22 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

INJURY. Dog’s ears, paws and tails are especialtissue may appear pale or gray, and the area will be cold and hard to the touch. As the area thaws,

it may become red. In severe frostbite, within

several days the tissue will start to appear black.

If you suspect frostbite, bring your dog into a warm place and soak the affected area in luke-

warm water for about 20 minutes. Contact your veterinarian.

BOB WILLIAMS

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR HYPOTHERMIA. Watch for signs that your dog may be getting overly cold when he is outdoors. If he begins to

it from freezing. Consider using a heated water bowl.

whine or you notice extreme shivering, lethargy,

PROVIDE AN APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF

warm place, cover him with a light blanket and

more calories in the cold, and thus needs about

or low heart rate, immediately take him into a call your veterinarian.

ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF POISONING. Unfortunately, dogs like the sweet taste of antifreeze, which can cause sickness or death if

FOOD. A Dog that is active in winter will burn

10 percent more food to compensate. If he is less active in winter, avoid allowing him to gain extra weight–decrease his food and be sure to take him out for walks and playtime.

ingested. Be sure all antifreeze containers are

CONTINUE TO TRAIN YOUR DOG DURING

any spills immediately. If you think your pet has

time outside during the winter may become

well out of reach of dogs, and thoroughly clean swallowed antifreeze, contact your vet or animal hospital right away.

PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE SHELTER. If your dog says outside in the winter, check that his doghouse meets minimum safety criteria. Face

the house away from the weather and put a flap on the door. Be sure the house is raised several inches off the frozen ground or concrete. Place

THE WINTER MONTHS. Dogs that spend less lethargic–or, sometimes, hyperactive. The best way to keep your dog active or encourage him to

spend excess energy is to make him think. Provide 10-15 minutes of training daily on

basics such as sit, stay, come and walking on a leash to energize the lethargic dog and tire out the hyper dog. Doing this twice a day is even better.

straw or cedar shavings on the floor, and change the bedding often to keep it dry. The doghouse

should be large enough for your dog to sit and stand, but small enough so his body heat will be retained in the house.

SUPPLY FRESH WATER. Hydration is impor-

tant year-round. Use a plastic water bowl to

make sure the dog’s tongue does not get stuck to cold metal, and change the water often to keep

Urban Paws Magazine 23

ADOPTION

Join us in helping our four-legged friends find loving homes. Adopt a dog today!

ADAPT Rescue www.adaptrescue.org

ADAPT (A Doberman Adoption Placement Team) is an all-volunteer organization with a (501(c)3) status. ADAPT's focus is the humane rescue and safe re-homing of abused, abandoned or otherwise in need Dobermans. As a group dedicated to vaccinations, spayed/neutered and currently on heartworm prevention. ADAPT provides education to the local community on the benefits of spay/neuter, vetting and heartworm preventative as well as breed basics and introduction.

Jayne

24 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Jayne was found crumpled in the street, obviously hit by a car, that damaged both rear legs, leaving her unable to walk. There were no tags on her collar, no microchip giving us a clue as to who she was or where she came from. She was held at the shelter until her stray hold was up, thinking that no one would step up for a time-intensive, money-heavy need and she was held for euthanasia. ADAPT was contacted to see if we could find space for her, and yes we did. I scooped her up minutes after her hold was up and wheeled her out to the car. Despite the discomfort from her injuries, she never offered a growl or snap, just grateful for any help that she was receiving. She's undergone two surgeries, one to repair her tibia that was badly broken with a plate place to hold the repair, and then an FHO on her other side where the femoral head had long since departed from the socket. We don't know who she was or who loved her before, but we know her future is bright once her recovery is complete. Life will be so much better for this baby girl.

A shelter favorite, Tucker was doing great, hauling in interest until he contracted an upper respiratory infection. He was then in danger of losing his life and we lucked into getting this boy with a little help. He is about two years old, loves to run and play, has a sunny disposition, neutered and heartworm negative. Tucker is affectionate and easy going, playful and his ears stand straight up on occasion, which is especially cute when he's running. He rides quietly in the car and is kennel trained. He likes everyone, although he may be a tad too curious and rough with cats. He responds very well with work and is a sweet and loving guy. Tucker is still available because we're really selective of who will be blessed by this boy's presence in their home.

Tucker

Sheldon

Sheldon is a wonderful boy with a lot of joy and personality. Rescued from an inevitable bad ending, he is red and rust in color, cropped and docked, about 3-4 years of age and loves everyone. He plays with both males and females, large or small, and is gentle enough for children. He has a solid temperament, is neutered and looking for a home. Sheldon was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which means that he'll have to take medication twice a day, every day for the rest of his life, but it's not expensive and it's not life threatening. He is also heartworm positive and on the slow treatment. His coat is making a come back since the diagnosis of hypothyroidism and the addition of medication.

Urban Paws Magazine 25

VET DIRECTORY Veterinarians Clara Scott, DVM My Family Vet 20120 Kuykendahl Road Spring, Texas 77379 (p): 281.288.0500 (w): www.myfamilyvet.com Sunset Blvd Animal Clinic 2525 Sunset Blvd. Houston, Texas 77005 (p): 713.526.5881 (w): www.sunsetblvdanimalclinic.com Four Seasons Veterinary Hospital 3730 FM 2920, Suite 110 Spring, Texas 77388 (p): 281.825.4994 (w): www.fourseasonsvet.com

Veterinary Specialists Laurie Nocake, DVM, DACVIM VERGI 8921 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77024 (p): 713.932.9589 (w): www.vergi247.com Nicholas J. Millichamp, BVetMed, PhD, DVOphthal, DipECVO, MRCVS Eye Care for Animals 17395 Tomball Parkway #3-H Houston, Texas 77064 (p): 281.890.3937 (w): www.eyecareforanimals.com North Houston Vet Specialists 1646 Spring Cypress Road #100 Spring, Texas 77388 (p): 832.616.5000 (w): www.nhvetspecialists.com

If you are interested in having your veterinary practice featured in our Vet Directory, please contact us at 281.384.5431 or email sales@urbanpawsmagazine.com.

26 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com