Archives for June, 2009
Recently, I read about a study in JAVMA (June 1) on the incidence of pathogens prevalent in the health-care field (nursing homes, staff, patients, etc.) and their possible effects on therapy dogs. Although we owners have taken many precautions to ensure that our therapy dog companions do not endanger any of the people we visit, I don’t think we have taken seriously the dangers our dogs’ immune systems face from pathogens in these environments–and they are serious! Among those encountered and recounted in this study, for example, was the well-known MRSA or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium difficile. The authors noted that such activities as accepting treats, licking resident hands, and getting into beds could be risk factors and dangerous. A veterinarian told me that testing for these diseases is not routine and a Geisinger doctor added that these diseases were “nasty”. Yet, the authors point out that not only the dogs themselves were at risk from these pathogens, but their families were, too, since the dogs could be considered a source. Since this is a healthcare-oriented area it would seem that these diseases must be considered if therapy dogs exhibit symptoms of diarrhea and/or gastrointestinal upset become a concern. And, perhaps it is time to re-think the age and general health of your best friend therapy dog. For example, should I take my 12-year-old Springer into a nursing home or limit her therapy activities to an educational program that does not have small children. How do you explain to a dog who loves to do therapy that she is too old— after all, her love and desire are still very much part of her joy and life.
POSITIVE PUNISHMENT. Admittedly I know very little about dog training. I have to confess that I have not taken any of the Internet courses that entitle me to a dog profession degree (the Humane Society of the U.S. is now offering degrees, too.) When asked, I have helped dog trainers by signing in dog owners, holding leashes and being a distraction. And, how I miss not going to class with a dog and watching! I have learned a lot by auditing dog training classes. This year many of the articles on training stress using “play” as part of the exercises. I approve. I like to see dog owners smile at their dogs and if it is Heppy–she smiles back! But, I approve of positive punishment (my term). Sometimes raising or lowering your voice or jerking the leash can focus a dog’s attention–it isn’t necessarily dominance. I am easily distracted so I can understand it if my dog gets distracted too. Re-focusing and being attentive is a good thing. “Texting” and “twittering” and training at the same time–No!
NEW HELP IN ANTICIPATORY GRIEF –FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG. The Argus Institute, Colorado State University, has a new publication entitled “What Now”? Contents include: supportive strategies for when a pet faces a serious injury or illness; for making end of life decisions and for coping with loss. Individual copies are $3. Call 970-297-4143 or argus@colostate.edu. This is probably the only book on pet loss I have read that discusses the problem of guilt.
ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM HELPS PUPPY MILL VICTIMS. Fifty members of Animal Response Teams from Cumberland, Perry and Dauphin Counties walked, fed and worked with 216 dogs rescued from the Almost Heaven Kennels. The seized victims were temporarily sheltered in the PA Farm Show complex. The CART response earned the gratitude of state Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff and others. Do think about volunteering with your local CART. Disasters come in all sizes and shapes.
HOW SAFE IS SAFE? Interesting to note that the 24 Polo ponies that died had been given a non-FDA compound of vitamins so they could perform better. A mistake was made in the mixing of the compound at the pharmacy. Another similar mistake–this time involving an FDA-approved drug that caused the death of two cats in Vermont.
Jun 29, 2009 | | Uncategorized
FROM THE AVMA
MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTER A BAD IDEA
“The AVMA policy on Dog and Cat population control has been revised to express the Association’s nonsupport for regulations or laws mandating spay/neuter of privately owned nonshelter dogs and cats” (JAVMA, Vol. 234, May15). The Animal Welfare Committee stated that although these surgical procedures helped population control, they also contributed to pet owners avoiding licensing, rabies vaccination and veterinary care for pets. The members took into account benefits such as the prevention of unexpected litters, and reduced incidences of some cancers and behaviors, and noted the potential health problems associated with spay/neuter. They identified the latter as increased risk of prostatic cancer in males, increased risk of bone cancer and hip dysplasia in large-breed dogs, and increased incidences of obesity, diabetes, urinary tract infections, incontinence and hypothyroidism. The AVMA policy can be read at www.avma.org.
FROM THE AKC
Rally regulations have been amended EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY to allow clubs to put the date of the trial and name of the club on the face, back tab or on a label attached to the ribbon. Is this important? After all–how important is a scrap of ribbon? Very important– especially when it is earned in an event that not only requires a well-trained dog but a group of caring dog owners as sponsors. And, what about the ripple effect? Will the ribbon winner cherish the event a bit more, return to compete another day and most importantly join the group and become a volunteer, helping others become more responsible pet owners? By the way, APDT rally events allow the use of food rewards; Bud Kramer, the author of Rally, has a grandson with a disability. Supposedly, the AKC Rally license funds his health care.
FROM CANINE GOOD CITIZEN MEMORY
The dogs, all Yorkshire Terriers, live on only in the the award-winning Canine Good Citizen videotape by the Latham Foundation and in a book of poetry by Arlene Klein titled “I Never Wanted To Say Goodbye”. Arlene is busy today as a Morris Animal Foundation board member and her husband Ron has his own radio show each Monday at 10 AM titled THE GRANDFATHER OF POSSIBILITIES. Ron invented magnetic strips for credit cards, among other items. The radio program press release reads “Inventor, entrepreneur, athlete and innovator”. It should also read Yorkshire Terrier fancier.
We all have first dogs !! Our dogs really tell the story of our lives and our values.
The Kleins began with an adopted “Yorkie” –he and Ron had matching trench coats! And, this family member so won their hearts that a saga is being written which is enriching us all with a pioneer contribution not just to the wonderful CGC but to the Morris Animal Foundation–benefiting all animals.
FROM ME
DOGS IN CHURCH? A doctor is shot and killed in church. A 6-year-old toddler is fondled at a Sunday service. Perhaps we need to be allowed to have the company of our Canine Good Citizen and TDI certified dogs in church? After all we have dogs working in protection in our public schools as well as helping children learn to read in libraries. A reminder from GOD spelled backward might return the sanctity of churches to its proper status.
STORMY WEATHER–Tornados, hail storms, never ending rain–all of this affects our animals too. A great time to consider joining your local animal rescue team! When you think Global Warning just don’t think about using less energy–also think about helping pets and other animals. It affects us all.
Jun 23, 2009 | | Uncategorized
Susquehanna Service Dogs, Harrisburg, has received its THIRD grant from the Planet Dog Foundation. Pfizer has had a new drug approved–PALLADIA–to treat canine mast cell tumors. A recent survey reveals that while in 1973 20% of pets were euthanized in shelters, the number today is less than 5%! Is the spay/neuter thrust working? Are “no-kill shelters” the answer? Are we becoming more educated, more responsible owners? And, surprise–only 6-8% of puppies are sold in pet stores.
Cornell veterinarian Richard Goldstein delivered this month’s AKC pod cast on vaccinations. Goldstein says that vaccines and vaccinations are so complicated today that only a veterinarian should give them–breeders take note–this is not the place to economize! Most core vaccines are good for three years–not one year, as was the case in the past. Non-core vaccines are another type. They need to be given annually due to the limited duration of effectiveness. Leptospirosis is the most important of these non-core vaccines and this widely underdiagnosed disease is prevalent in the northeast. Other non-core vaccines include Lyme and kennel cough. Kennel cough–given both under the skin and nasally–needs to be given a week before a dog is kenneled or is going to an area where there are many dogs. (There is an effort now to change the PA rabies law so that a high rabies titer will be sufficient and our senior canines will not have to have further vaccinations–which could prove fatal. See Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust. Also, some believe that measuring the titers of canine parvovirus and distemper provide a good view of a pet’s immune competency. Talk to your veterinarian.)
To continue canine food dish thoughts–”Claims about human-grade pet food should be viewed with skepticism until you’ve checked with the manufacturer about how and where it was produced. A natural diet, whether commercial, homemade or raw, can’t ensure a dog’s health. Factors beyond nutrition influence good health, including genetics and regular veterinary care. Although natural products have advantages they aren’t free from contamination by bacteria or other toxins” (Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University). When evaluating any OTC product there are questions you should ask yourself. Is the manufacturer a name you recognize? Are all the ingredients clearly listed on the label? LABEL CLAIMS THAT SOUND TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE PROBABLY ARE. Label claims should be based on CLINICAL TRIALS and not testimonials. There should be an identification number or tracking system. Manufacturer information should be available concerning whom to contact for customer support.
Cesar Millan’s rehabilitation techniques have recently been the object of letters to the editor in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA). Authors of the letters are behaviorists and the subject is exercises and techniques used by Cesar to rehabilitate dogs and (train people). They are concerned with the question of humane training. They seem to forget that it is the person who is being educated. In my opinion Cesar is much more polite and diplomatic than I could ever be when dealing with some of these pet owners. Also, I have to wonder how many of these behaviorists could skateboard with a bulldog or run 3 miles with a pack of dogs?
Interesting that Cesar stresses the importance of exercise. Not a behaviorist solution but the famous Louis Muir who bred the best Russian Wolfhounds or Borzois in the country stressed exercise back in 1976. Muir, an antique dealer, used a bicycle rather than a skateboard and wore a suit and tie, not speedos. Cesar does not claim that his methods are training methods but rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is not a term used by behaviorists. It appears to be the process of harmonizing the lifestyle between a dog and a person. By the way, Off Lead magazine wants to hear from dog trainers–their funniest episodes.
Jun 15, 2009 | | Uncategorized
I recently revisited the bewildering and bedazzling Sunlight Feed Store in Bloomsburg (Route 11) to check out the owner’s ever-changing stock of pet foods and gadgets. While Whiskers, the Miniature Schnauzer, is still the official greeter, a sign on the door says “no dogs allowed” Owner Brad Crawford, who has been in the pet food business for almost a decade, has seen an increase in the number of stocked food brands from five to over 52, and has enjoyed a 17% increase in sales this year alone! The classics like 150-year-old Blue Seal are still available but natural and organic foods are increasing in popularity. In addition, there are literally fifty feet of toys. Customers come from as far as State College to purchase meals, treats and supplements for their four-legged, two-legged and finned pets. Crawford says the anchor store for him was “Sunshine”, which was located in a 100-year-old family-owned Sunbury mill. Once he purchased the Bloomsburg store, he named it the Sunlight Super Store.
One of the newest brands is called Canine Caviar and the distinguishing ingredient in the dry form is fish oil. Fish oil can be purchased in capsules OTC and goes a long way toward keeping coats shiny and soft. Cheaper by the capsule, I add them to my Spaniels’ meals twice a day. However, fish oil is perhaps best known among pet nutritionists for EPA and DHA content. Some foods with fish oil skip right into DHA on their label and claim it makes dogs smarter–especially puppies. Although clinical studies do not substantiate the wishful thinking DHA and EPA are important in a food for older dogs by prescription–b/d. This is a powerful food and needs both owner and veterinarian monitoring. The cost is awesome but so are the results.
The purpose of this visit was to check out Eukanuba’s new breed-targeted foods–some call them “DNA foods.” I had had someone ask me to look into one made for Spaniels. I was and am skeptical. First of all, even though English Springer Spaniels are one breed, within the breed there are really two separate breeds–those bred to hunt and those bred for all other performance sports. They don’t even look alike–even their temperaments can vary widely–so a low protein food would be the first choice for an overactive dog. Also, behavior testing in these studies is sometimes performed by a sub-contractor. My advice is not to try to save money on food. If the food is working for your dog–stay with it. However, very worth noting is that Eukanuba maintains a wonderful website–Challenger Newsletter–which allows pet owners to ask individual questions. Unfortunately my request for a copy of the clinical trials behind “Spaniel” has thus far gone unanswered.
If I were to change dog foods I would try EVO–called an “ancestral diet”. It is probably the least processed of all foods on the market. And, believe it or not the processing does make a major difference–not just in usable nutrients but taste. I saw this recently when I switched from packaged baby carrots to the long, natural farmers market carrots. Before the switch the carrots were just a part my dogs’ dinner and suddenly they became the most exciting part of the meal! It was amazing. So, if you want to save money, just add fresh vegetables to your dog’s regular diet with a dollop of yogurt with probiotics and a hard boiled shelled egg. Never add anything, however, without discussing the addition with your veterinarian. And, 70% of pet owners do add goodies to the basic diet. One of my doctors steams fresh asparagus and adds it to his Shepherd’s meal!!
Most weight reducing pet foods have L-Carnitine prominently mentioned on the package. This can also be purchased OTC in most pharmacies–I do because I doubt there is really enough L-Carnitine in pet food to make a real difference. Cost is always a factor, especially today. The L-Carnitine helps with weight loss and a lighter pet is much more fun–more food bang for your bucks.
Jun 08, 2009 | | Uncategorized
I make promises to my pets. The promises always include promises I was not able to keep to a former pet. I tell a new dog THIS TIME I WON’T FAIL. This time I will fulfill the promise I made to you. We will have MORE TOGETHER-TIME and we will LAUGH more and go out to classes and other events. These unfulfilled promises haunt me. They are part of the guilt that is a large part of my grief. Two years ago a dog of mine died because of a reaction to a flea-tick pesticide. Her death was harder than it should be–needed to be. It was so unnecessary. Owning a pet today is filled with danger. This should not be. Promise your pet you will not take protection for granted. Trust can be deadly.
Topical flea and tick products have been under EPA scrutiny since April and in that time the EPA has investigated more than 44,000 potential incidents from these spot-on products. Symptoms range from skin irritations to seizures and sometimes death. The pesticides OTC can be out of date, stored improperly, mis-labeled and re-labeled. The EPA’s advice is to purchase these products from veterinary hospitals and follow directions. Every EPA-registered pesticide has a number on the packaging which is essential in any health challenge. Veterinarians receive updates on pesticides and can act quickly to save lives. The number for the National Pesticide Information Center is 1-800-858-7378. In human medications there are warnings of side-effects and possible interactions with other environmental poisons. This isn’t the case for pets–YET! If you have more than one dog or cat and they tend to groom each other take the precaution of keeping them isolated for at least 24 hours after application. Also, if your dog is a therapy dog or a dog in a family with small children avoid contact–petting, hugging, etc.
Many of you probably read the front page Sunday story about the recovery of a lost Siberian Husky by Yvonne Roadarmel. This story illustrates the JAVMA finding that more lost dogs are recovered through use of the newspaper than through licenses, micro-chips and tattoos. Especially now due to the proliferation of rescues of all sizes the newspaper lost notice is the most effective in locating a missing companion.
There is a new Pennsylvania SPCA CEO, and for the first time–a woman. Her name is Susan Cosby and she hails from Voorhees, N.J. According to the press release I received, she has experience in “both high volume animal control shelters and private, independent shelters and includes a committment to lifesaving tactics, community collaboration and consensus building.” Let us hope she plays well with veterinary school shelter medicine education and area shelters. Most important, does she have pets? Has she fostered a litter of kittens in her bedroom, walked a shelter dog? Does she realize that SHELTER BOARDING can be hard on the spirit and soul? Although her welfare credentials are strong, the animal side of her experience is missing from her resume.
There’s a great opportunity to learn more about show handling and grooming from some of the best in the world of dogs. Even if you don’t show dogs, it’s always helpful to attend these types of events to learn the fine points of body language with its many mental as well as physical aspects. Presenters Frank Sabella and Peter Green are world-renowned handlers and groomers and Shirlee Kalstone is a grooming legend in coat and health care–inventing many of the products we have come to take for granted. The event will take place on Sept. 20th but you should make reservations early. Phone 717-691-3388 Ext. 202 or info@barkleigh.com
Jun 01, 2009 | | Uncategorized