Urban Paws Magazine by Urban Paws Magazine

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Publisher Jennifer Kitchens-Street (281) 384.5431

jennifer@urbanpawsmagazine.com

Advertising (281) 384.5431

sales@urbanpawsmagazine.com

Contributing Writers Paul Mann American Veterinary Medical Association

Staff Photographer Jamie Fincher www.pawprintsbyjamie.com Urban Paws Magazine PO Box 1556 Spring, TX 77383

www.urbanpawsmagazine.com ÂŠ Copyright 2015. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

contents Issue 4: Volume 9

EVENT CALENDAR 6 May 2015

THE SCOOP 7

Canine News and Happenings

PET SAFETY 9

Dog Bite Prevention

BODY & SOUL 12

Safety Tips for Active Outdoor Dogs

PET HEALTH 16

How to Prepare A First Aid Kit for Pets

LIFESTYLE 20

Identifying A Lost Pet With A Microchip

ADOPTION 24

Texas Sled Dog Rescue

ON THE COVER

Find us online! Website: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/UrbanPaws-Magazine/121834510351?ref=ts Printed in the U.S.A.

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CANINE CALENDAR

MAY 9

Friends of Texas Wine & Beer Tasting

Proceeds benefit the injured, displaced, &

may $5 donation is appreciated and will benefit Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Rescue.

orphaned wildlife of Montgomery & North

MAY 17

Fuzzel Rd. in Spring. Tickets are advanced

for a Solution partners. This free event will

Harris Counties. Big Stone Lodge, 709 Riley sale only. $75 per couple / $40 single and includes: Five 1-oz. wine or beer tastes of

your choice; live music; light hors d’oeuvres; live auction; and silent auction. For more information, visit www.ftwl.org. MAY 9

2nd Annual Derby Dog Dash at Sam Houston Race Park. This event will be an extension of

4th Annual Party for Pups benefiting Unity feature Pixel Party Photobooths and Mishka will be spinning mellow house tunes at

Southern Goods, 632 W. 19th Street in the

Heights. There will be a silent auction featuring donations from local, independent businesses. V.I.P. tickets can be purchased for

$50, and include a gift bag, private seating

area and food/drink specials. 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

the original Wiener Dog Races and First

MAY 28

take part in the races including our favorite

THLN'S Executive Director and Legislative

Derby Dog Dash, allowing all small dogs to

Wiener dogs. Registration is $25 per dog and forms are available at www.shrp.com. MAY 16

Puppies for Breakfast 2015

The event takes place from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Market Square Park in Downtown Houston. Activities include some of

Houston’s dog industry vendors, businesses, and creatives, food trucks and local music.

THLN Southeast Annual Public Meeting

Director will discuss the changes to animal

related legislation resulting from the current Legislative Session as well as THLN's mission and goals for the upcoming year. This is an

opportunity to network with chapter leader-

ship and find out how you can become more involved. You must R.S.V.P. by May 21st by emailing vallejodanielle@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.thln.org.

The event is free to the public. A minimum

THE SCOOP

Fetch For Pets Launches BioSilk For Dogs Grooming Products

For more information, visit fetch4pets.com.

Houston Pet Store Chain Donates 100,000 Pounds of Food to Local Shelters

Fetch … For Pets! in New York has partnered

with Houston-based professional hair care products manufacturer Farouk Systems Inc. to

In celebration of National Pet Day on April 11,

The BioSilk For Dogs line is made up of 10

food to Houston-area pet shelters and rescue

create BioSilk For Dogs.

salon-quality grooming products including shampoos, conditioners, sprays, a leave-in treat-

ment and cleansing wipes. The line features the same classic ingredients and innovative technol-

ogy as the original BioSilk Silk Therapy line for

Natural Pawz donated 100,000 pounds of dog organizations. The total pet food donation, val-

ued at $250,000, is said to be able to feed some 5,000 shelter dogs for up to six to eight weeks.

The food was donated by Merrick, Nature’s

Variety and Petcurean. Natural Pawz ran an in-

humans. Products are formulated with silk and

store promotion in March encouraging cus-

restore the moisture balance to the coat.

every pound purchased, Nature’s Variety donat-

enriching vitamins that work together to help "We couldn’t be more excited about BioSilk

For Dogs and our partnership with Farouk Systems,” said Steven Shweky, president and

CEO of Fetch … For Pets! "Farouk Systems is

a mainstay in the fashion and beauty industry,

tomers to purchase Nature’s Variety and for

ed a pound, with a total donation of 10,000 pounds, all of which went to the Rescue Bank

National Pet Food Distribution Program in Houston.

In addition, Natural Pawz warehoused and

and BioSilk For Dogs allows us to tap into those

inventoried all 100,000 pounds of food, and

treatment with a brand they already know and

Houston BARC Animal Shelter, brought about

consumers looking to give their pet the star love.”

delivered 30,000 to 40,000 pounds to the City of

35,000 pounds to The Houston Humane

Urban Paws Magazine 7

THE SCOOP

Society and dropped off 10,000 pounds to the

States. All proceeds benefit Save-A-Vet, a non-

Some 20 other local rescue groups collected

enforcement service animals who cannot be

Rescue Bank.

700 pounds of food each; the 20 groups ended

up splitting between 15,000 to 17,000 pounds of food.

Manny the Frenchie’s Houston Hoedown Held at Meadowlake Pet Resort

profit organization that rescues military and law placed elsewhere, as well as provides housing

and relief for the disabled veterans who help

care for them. In addition, the campaign supports local charities at each city stop, such as

Austin Dog Rescue, Duck Team 6 in Dallas, and Pup Squad in Houston.

Abandoned Animal Rescue Hosts ‘Dream Big’ Adoption Event in May In partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, AAR is offering $75 adoption fees on all

large breed dogs (35+ pounds) through the month of May.

Visit the shelter’s Web site to view available

dogs at www.aartomball.org, or visit the shelter

Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to Manny, the world’s most followed bulldog

2:00 p.m.

for Save-A-Vet and Pup Squad.

Celebrate the 99th Anniversary of Be Kind to Animals Week®

that delivers high quality pet products for dogs

since 1915– American Humane Association's Be

recently made a trip to Houston to raise money

Teaming up with PetBox, an online retailer

and cats, and DogVacay, the online community of pet sitters across the US and Canada, social media star Manny the Frenchie, a French

Bulldog with nearly 800,000 Facebook fans, over 600,000 Instagram followers, and 20,000

Twitter followers, visited Meadowlake Pet

Resort on April 18th.

“Manny the Frenchie on Tour” will benefit

national and local charities across the United 8 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Join the event that’s been celebrated every year

Kind to Animals Week®. In this annual tradition, we commemorate the role animals play in

our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same.

During the week of May 4-10, people are

encouraged to adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue. To learn more, visit www.behumane.org.

PET SAFETY

ational Dog Bite Prevention Week,

Pediatrics (AAP) report that small children, the

campaign that offers safety tips and

order â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are the most frequent victims of dog

May 17-23, 2015, is a public service

emphasizes the need for increased pet owner responsibility in the prevention of dog bites.

The American Veterinary Medical Association

(AMVA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Academy of

elderly, and Postal Service carriers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in that

bites. It is also stated that the number of dog bites exceeds the reported instances of measles,

whooping cough and mumps, combined. Dog bite victims account for up to five percent of emergency room visits.

Urban Paws Magazine 9

PET SAFETY

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PET SAFETY

Urban Paws Magazine 11

BODY & SOUL

SAFETY TIPS FOR ACTIVE OUTDOOR DOGS 12 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

PAUL MANN

ith the long days of spring and sum-

great outdoors with your canine companion, be

time for your dog to enjoy the great outdoors.

the different species of plants in the area.

mer ahead of us, now is the perfect

Taking some precautionary steps will help ensure you make the best of your dog’s outings:

1) Sun: Believe it or not, dogs can get sunburned. Dogs with short or predominantly

white fur are especially at risk of becoming sun-

mindful of your surroundings, taking note of

Discourage your dog from “grazing” along the trail’s edge, as many plants are toxic and can cause a wide range of problems from gastrointestinal disturbances to depression of the central nervous system.

burned and can become at risk for solar der-

4) Fleas and Ticks - Fleas and ticks are not only

apply a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher which

ical problems ranging from flea-allergy dermati-

matitis or even skin cancer. As a preventative, doesn’t contain PABA to the tips of the ears, bridge of the nose, groin area, underbelly, and other places with thinner fur or exposed skin.

2) Heat - Just as you can protect your pets from sunburn, you can also keep them safe from heat

stroke and other heat related problems by bring-

ing them indoors or at least providing a shaded area in the yard. Also, offer plenty of clean water. The rule of thumb is one ounce of water

daily for each pound of body weight. But this number increases when your dog is especially

an uncomfortable nuisance, they can cause med-

tis to Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever; all of which can be

contracted by humans as well. For the comfort of all involved, talk to your vet about an appro-

priate flea and tick prevention program and be sure to examine your pet often, especially after

hiking in wooded areas where ticks are common.

5) Critters - Dogs will be dogs and will do what

dogs do! This often includes running gleefully after small, fast-moving critters such as squirrels,

active or spends time in increased temperatures.

raccoons, gophers, skunks and other such crit-

fun they forget to take a break and can become

themselves out of range of worried owners, and

Also, when walking, dogs often have so much overly hot and thirsty, so remember to carry a

portable water bowl for summer outings and offer it your pet frequently.

3) Plants - Dogs are susceptible to plant-based

irritants just as people are. When enjoying the

ters. When off-leash, dogs can quickly find many dogs have become lost or even hit by cars

and killed this way. Keep in mind that many rodents and other small animals, while tiny, can

put up a big fight with sharp teeth, claws and toxic stink-bombing technology (skunks!), so it’s best to prevent actual close-encounters whenev-

Urban Paws Magazine 13

BODY & SOUL

er possible.

prevention of potential problems. Make sure

6) Nutrition - Just like active humans, active

reliable with the commands “Leave it”, “Drop

dogs will burn a lot of calories and energy when outdoors. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian to design the perfect diet for your active

pet to match the requirements of their daily exercise routine.

your dog has a good understanding of and is

it”, “Come”, and “Stay”. These commands can be particularly useful in keeping your dog away

from dead animals or feces, or avoiding a harsh interaction with another dog, human or another surprise animal.

7) Other Dogs and Unforeseen Situations-

All dogs can enjoy the outdoors, but stay safe by

gers, there are some basic commands that all

them.

While you may not be able to avoid all the dan-

dogs should know that will assist you with the

knowing the related risks and how to deal with Paul Mann is the Founder the CEO of Fetch! Pet Care—the nation’s largest and most trusted franchisor for professional pet sitting, dog walking, and pet fitness/exercise services— serving thousands of pets and pet parents throughout the United States from coast to coast. He may be reached online at: www.FetchPetCare.com.

COMING IN JUNE: Annual Training Issue

COMING IN JULY: Anniversary Issue

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PET HEALTH

How to Prepare A First Aid Kit for Pets

f you are like most pet owners, your pets are valued members of your family. It is a

documented fact that many have risked life and limb to save their precious pets during a disaster. Statistically, however, it is more often small cuts and scrapes that occur that need immediate

attention, and not major disasters such as an

earthquake or flood. For this reason, every pet owner should have easy access to a first aid kit specifically created for pets.

What would you immediately need if your puppy fell off the bed and started whimpering? You'd need a first aid kit for pets. Suppose your cat had an altercation with the neighbor's dog

and the vet was twenty minutes away. You'd need a first aid kit for pets.

A well-stocked first aid kit for pets is not a sub-

stitute for veterinary care, but it could save your pet's life, or at least make him more comfort-

2 - Paw Tip Bandage (Knuckle) 2 - Fingertip Bandage 1 - Tape Roll

1 - Trauma Pad (5 x9) 4 -Gauze Pad 4" x 4" 4 -Gauze Pad 2" x2" 1 -Gauze Roll 2"

2 -Examination Gloves 1 -Instant Cold Pack 1 - Tweezer

2- Antibiotic Ointment 10- Alcohol Pads

10 - Antiseptic Towelettes 1 - Bag

1 - Pet First Aid Guide

4 - Leg Splints/Tongue Depressors 10 - Cotton Tip Applicators

1 -Elastic Bandages 2" ("Ace" Type)

2 - Splinter Removers (Lancets) 3 -Sting Relief Pads

able, until you can get your pet to a veterinarian.

Assemble an emergency supply pack which

emergency depends largely on emergency plan-

medications, medical records, leashes, a well-fit-

The likelihood that your animals will survive an ning done today. Therefore, a first aid kit for pets is a necessity.

What should a first aid kit for pets include? To some degree, that will depend upon the type of pet. However, the basics include the following: 16 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

includes the first aid kit for pets, pet food, water,

ting muzzle, ID tags and other supplies. Put this kit in a central place in your home. Remember to take this pack with you when going on an outing, or else prepare a second pack for the car.

The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical

JENNIFER KITCHENS-STREET

Association) offers information about managing

pets, and then review the materials it contains. It

wounds, electrical shock, and eye, foot and ear

must know how they are used. Learn the neces-

urgent care situations such as car accidents,

injuries. Their website is www.avma.org/first

aid. Additionally, the Red Cross offers a Pet First

Aid booklet with suggestions on creating a first aid kit for pets.

What should you do to ensure your pet's sur-

isn't enough to simply have the supplies; you sary skills so your actions become instinctive, even when you are under stress.

Planning ahead is the key to keeping your pets safe when disaster strikes.

vival and to avoid those feelings of panic when

an accident or illness occurs? Plan, purchase, prepare and practice. Obtain a first aid kit for

Urban Paws Magazine 17

LIFESTYLE

Identifying a Lost Pet with a Microchip

espite your best efforts, your pet has

or dog with both tags and a microchip can help

peared. If he's wearing a collar and

pens and your companion gets lost.

snuck out of an open door and disap-

identification tag, chances are good that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll

ensure a happy reunion if the unthinkable hap-

find him. But what if the collar comes off ?

What are microchips?

To protect their pets in this scenario, many own-

of a grain of rice, that use radio frequency

ers turn to technology in the form of

microchips implanted in their pets. But don't rely on a microchip alone to protect your pet. In

the event of accidental separation, identification

Microchips are tiny transponders, about the size

waves to send information about your pet. They're implanted just under the skin,, usually right between the shoulder blades.

tags are your pet's first ticket home. Microchips

How do they work?

pet loses his collar and tags. Providing your cat

the phone number of the registry for the partic-

offer an extra level of protection for when your

20 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Each microchip has a registration number and

ular brand of chip. A handheld scanner reads the radio frequency of the chip and displays this

information. The animal shelter or vet clinic that finds your pet can contact the registry to get your name and phone number.

“This is very important—just getting a microchip isn't enough—you also need to register your pet with the microchip company.”

Can a microchip get lost inside my pet?

Your pet's subcutaneous tissue usually bonds to the chip within 24 hours, preventing it from

moving, although there's a small chance that the chip could migrate. But it can't actually get lost inside your pet.

Are there different types of chips?

Yes, and that used to be a problem. Competing microchip companies use different frequencies

to send signals to scanners, and until recently there was no universal scanner that could read all the different frequencies. That was a problem

How long do microchips last?

if a pet had a microchip that a scanner couldn't

Where can I get my pet microchipped?

Many microchip companies now produce uni-

Microchips were designed to work for 25 years. Many veterinarians and some animal shelters implant microchips for a small fee. This is per-

formed with a large-bore needle and doesn't require anesthesia. But—and this is very impor-

tant—just getting a microchip isn't enough— you also need to register your pet with the microchip company.

How do I register my pet?

Complete the paperwork that comes with the chip and send it to the registry, or do it online if

that option is available. Some companies charge a one-time registration fee while others charge

an annual fee. You’ll also receive a tag for your

pet’s collar with the chip number and registry phone number.

detect.

versal scanners and offer them to animal shelters and animal control agencies at no or very

low-cost. If your local shelters don’t have scan-

ners, they can contact some of the major manufacturers to ask about getting one. Are there different registries?

Yes, and that, too, used to be problematic. Different chip companies maintained separate

databases. Now, some chip companies will regis-

ter pets with any brand of chip Also, the

American Microchip Advisory Council is working to develop a network of the registry databases to streamline the return of pets to their families.

Urban Paws Magazine 21

LIFESTYLE

Can a microchip replace my pet's collar and tags?

Despite advances in universal scanners and registry rules, microchips aren't foolproof, and you shouldn't rely on them exclusively to protect your pet. Universal scanners can detect a competing company's chip, but they may not be able to read the data. And if

the shelter or vet clinic donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use the scanner properly, they may fail to detect a chip.

What if I move?

You need to contact the company that registers the chip to update your

information; otherwise, the chip will be useless. You may be charged a small fee to process the update.

What do I do if I adopt a pet who's already been microchipped?

If you know what brand of chip your pet has, contact the corresponding registry to update the information. If

you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what type of chip

your pet has, find a vet or animal shelter that can read it.

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MUTT MUGS

“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.” - Orhan Pamuk

ADOPTION Texas Sled Dog Rescue www.texassleddogrescue.org

Texas Sled Dog Rescue is a non-profit volunteer organization founded in January 2012 designed to assist Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes needing rescue. Our mission is to find loving, forever homes and educate potential owners about their personality traits which many times is overshadowed by their captivating looks. While in rescue, we will place them in foster homes, provide basic training as needed, and vetting which includes updated vaccinations, spay or neuter and micro-chip. Our volunteers are involved in all facets of rescue including but not limited to fundraising, transporting, evaluating dogs, representing the rescue at local dog events, fostering, etc.

We are Reno (red/black/tan about 1

year

old)

and

Tahoe

(black/tan/white about 2.5 years old) and we were found in the

median of a busy street in southwest Houston. We were lured over by this young, pretty siberian husky

girl to trust the humans who had treats and leashes. Since no one recognized

and

weren't

microchipped, we were taken to a

vet clinic for boarding. Since our

humans didn't find us, we will be available for adoption soon thru

Texas Sled Dog Rescue. We are both sweet boys with humans and other dogs and we really enjoy getting attention. We will even talk to Cover dogs, Reno & Tahoe! Photo by Paw Prints Pet Photography by Jamie Fincher.

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

24 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

you if you would like to hold a fun conversation! We are very attached

and would love to stay together but know that might not be possible,

but we are crossing our paws as

tight as we can. Would you like two happy boys to join your pack?

Kale & Asher

Are you looking for a sweet, loveable, lap dog as your companion? If so, look no further!! My name is Titan and I'm a young, two-year-old Alaskan Malamute that would love to be your furry companion. But, I would prefer not to have any doggie siblings! If I do have to have one, I will be picky on who I choose. I am a sweet boy who loves to run around the play yard, I ride well in the car and love my food. Strangely though, I'm not too interested in treats. I am currently in a board-n-train and would like a foster home or better yet, a fur-ever home!

Hazel

Hi! We're Kale and Asher and we'll be six months old in May. I (Kale) am about 40 lbs. but I am growing a little bigger every day. My brother Asher is a little bigger than me but that's because he really loves food and he's part pig or at least that's what the vet said! We don't look like husky mixes, but we are because our mom is a siberian husky. We've started going on walks with my foster family and I like to explore and smell the flowers whereas Asher likes to run and doesn't care about the flowers! We are good boys and looking for a fur-ever family just like our siblings got recently as well as our mom.

Titan I'm a beautiful, rambunctious girl that loves to play. My name is Hazel and I'm a one-year-old Alaskan Malamute who has a zest for life and I don't let my bad hips keep me from having fun. When I'm not playing with my foster siblings, you can usually find me lounging around enjoying Kong time or possibly a nap. It is possible I may need an FHO or hip replacement surgery in the distant future, but with proper diet, exercise, and supplements, I do just fine. I love any attention I can get - especially laying on the my bed and getting brushed. Will you take a chance on me? I will love you forever! 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.

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