It used to be that the majority of champions and title holders were male. There was a title for the females –”foundation bitch”. Today the bitch has been emancipated from whelping box to spotlight, strutting her femininity with a swagger equal to any dog! And though she does eventually end up in a kennel whelping box as a foundation of further great dogs, it is because she has titles that increase her value. It is exciting to note that many of our recent Westminster winners have been ladies! Sadie, the Scottie, has had two litters since we saw her last playing in the BIS ring ,and the Wolfhound was nursing a big litter when the Peke, Malachi, took home the trophy with equal slow dignity. The Best of Opposite Sex title is reserved for the second best of the breed; of late it is the boys who have had to be content with this title. Our girls have come a very long way!
We have to wonder if this trend will affect the number of males neutered? It has always been the female who was spayed, with the male left intact.
Prices reflect this trend. Most bitches command a much higher price than their male litter mates. Even the Humane Society of the United States acknowledges this trend. In honor of Mother’s Day they are offering a reward for closing a puppy mill! Further, the Pennsylvania SPCA is asking for donations targeted to dogs in protective custody. These dogs are involved in court cases due to cruelty and neglect. Many times these dogs must endure long confinement until legal issues are settled. Their need is one not endured by the general population. By the way, PetSmart has a health fund to neuter pets.
MOTHER’S DAY DINNER. Many of you are struggling with what to feed your dogs with so many recalls of tainted food. After the last big recall I turned to my veterinary hospital for my dogs’ ration and have never looked on a shelf since. I don’t buy over the counter. Although not holistic the prescription diets appear to maintain their quality and are not subject to the whims of supply and demand. In today’s market it is wise also to keep an eye on the formulas of both food and pesticides. And, if you want natural, generously supplement with your own table food. It makes switching from brand to brand easier. Yogurt is a good probiotic friend for all stomachs. (Over and Out brand recently changed its pesticide, causing some emergency visits.)
YARD SALES. There should be a pet corner in every yard sale. This could be filled with books for both children and adults, fiction and non-fiction as well as dog magazines. My daughters are always in search of some wonderful books which are hard to find today. Rachel Page Elliot’s Dog Steps, Lad by Albert Payson Terhune, all of the James Herriot series, old copies of Front and Finish and Popular Dogs, etc. I like the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The covers are always worth framing. With AKC Gazette now online one has to wonder if paper copies will increase in value. Figurines are always good–of every breed. Some breeds are especially hard to find and I have a few I wish no one had found–like a Springer playing golf. Then there is art both popular and valuable. Norman Rockwell usually had a dog in his illustrations and if you find an original you might just sell it back to Coca Cola for thousands. Andrew Wyeth’s dogs left their pawprints on the back of some of his most famous paintings. His most famous art with dogs showed the plight of what we would call today “tethered dogs” with no shelter but a porch. It is not for sale. And, of course, Jamie Wyeth, his son, painted all the Bush dogs and the portraits of many other famous people’s pets. I have a color photograph of the first Buddy with owner President Clinton. My favorite is a mixed breed named Jeff who was the first Alzheimer’s dog. Ben chewed on a corner–adding his puppy signature. And, how many dogs have had their pictures taken with the Paterno statue at Beaver Stadium?
May 17, 2012 | | Uncategorized
Some blame the stray pet problem, the need to be either a one-man or part of a small-group vigilante rescue group, on an apathetic legislature. They cite pigeon shoots and tethering legislation as examples of laws that could be signed and enforced. But, do we need “Joe the Plumber dog lover” rescuing our pets while his wife collects them in a small outbuilding? I believe we need trained officers and more of them. We need managed enforcement. And, we once had a great team of enforcers led by attorney Jesse Smith– once upon a time before 2012.
But, let us begin with the age-old live bird shoot legislation. Pigeon and/or live bird shoots have been in existence as long as dogs have been trained to work in the field in efforts to gather and conserve game. Many state legislatures have outlawed these shoots. The Westminster Kennel Club, which began as a group of sportsmen (and remains so still today) left New York state because of a law outlawing this necessary training. Among sportsmen it is not considered barbaric and is not Hegins-like, but a necessary part of training dogs. With our strong force of hunters it seems that neither passage nor enforcement will be possible.
And now take identification. Another law. It is no longer enough to name our hamburg while it is grazing in a Pennsylvania meadow. Bossy needs to be identified with a number. Since 2005 beef producers have refused to have their cattle given an ID. If we had IDs on beef we might easily track the mad cow discovered in California. But, meat producers have fought identifying the livestock bred and cared for on their small and large farms. Why? It might endanger farm life! I don’t know about you, but the so-called reassurance that the California cow was not destined for the human food chain is not a comfort. What chain was it destined for? Pet food came to my mind and I vowed to boycott all products and by-products with beef as an ingredient. And, that means rawhide–already a source of salmonella.
And, just to make matters worse, veterinarians who are overseeing the disposal of dead animals are complaining that disposal rules are being ignored due to the economy. Isn’t that how this all started? This supposedly is under the control of the FDA and THIS IS dangerous apathy. As for tethering legislation did you know drug dealers are pro-tethering? And, of course, so are seniors who can no longer walk Rover! A dog tied outside of a drug operation is the best warning of danger–in this case, a drug law enforcement raid. Dogs are so effective at warning and protecting meth labs that anti-tethering laws are now springing up across the Commonwealth–once again, is this wise legislation? Will it deter drug dealers from using dogs as a warning? Again, probably these laws will not see the Governor’s pen stroke and why should they? Man’s best friend, of course, is, was, and always will be an effective watchdog. And, perhaps that is one reason he has earned that title. Dogs are hard-wired to warn and we celebrate this trait–just as we celebrate his ability to track and point game and retrieve birds. Is it more cruel not to be able to stop Mad Cow disease (BSE)? And isn’t it cruel to have laws on the books that will give dogs a humane life by outlawing puppy mills and not enforce these laws? Perhaps a bank teller is capable of leading a dog law enforcement department but it takes more than a love of dogs to be effective–it needs someone with a legal background working with and within the system of humane organizations. Animal welfare is not a simple matter that can be legislated. It needs heart and most of all it needs brains.
Speaking about celebrating!! MAY 6TH THROUGH MAY 12TH is NATIONAL PET WEEK.Also, MAY 20 THROUGH MAY 26TH is NATIONAL DOG BITE PREVENTION WEEK. (I think there should be an asterisk after this week stating that cat bites are more dangerous than dog bites!) And MAY 6TH through 12TH is CANINE CANCER AWARENESS WEEK.
FRACKING AND FIDO. Fracking is a controversial subject which leads to discussions of polluted, unsafe water. We know it is vitally important that our pets stay hydrated for their health and our companionship. This means access to clean, fresh water 24/7. This is a concern during disasters, also. During the most recent flood our dogs were allowed to drink water from contaminated sources, swim and walk in contaminated flood water. If there is a next time we should be ready with water for our pets. Do we know how much water an older dog needs, a big dog vs. a small dog? During disaster work our search and rescue dogs are hydrated to keep them safe. And, they are bathed to keep contaminants off their coats. Veterinarians and groomers should be up-to-date on the water and bathing needed to keep our pets safe companions. We need water charts for pets.
Apr 30, 2012 | | Uncategorized
Next weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Blue and Gray cluster shows will be held in the Farm Show Building in Harrisburg. One of the most exciting events is titled, “My Dog Can Do That”–it’s an agility event open to both mixed breeds and purebreds. Dogs must be at least 6 months of age, have an up-to-date rabies shot, and be on leash. There is no entry fee and participants will receive a T-shirt, bandana, and subscription to the AKC publication, THE FAMILY DOG. The agility event begins at 9 AM Saturday and Sunday. Trainers will be on hand to guide participants through the tunnels and other equipment. Admission to the show, which also includes AKC breed judging in conformation, obedience and rally as well as “Meet The Breeds” education, is $6 and there is an $8 parking fee. (I don’t mind saying that if agility participation is a goal, tell your vet before entering. Young bodies can be strained very easily and although they heal easily, too, in later years may be a source of arthritis.)
PET MED QUESTIONED BY VETERINARIANS. Veterinarians have challenged Pet Med Express Inc. to make its advertising less antagonistic to the veterinary profession. When asked where the company obtains its drugs the company says that that information is confidential but acknowledged that it has made mistakes in the past. Look for a new advertising campaign.
VETS GO TO SCHOOL TOO. Each year your veterinarian attends continuing education courses either offered at the state level or at the AVMA convention. Examples of such courses include: a basic-level disaster response course which includes fundamentals of biosecurity, a course in puppy behavior, and a course in working with the trauma patient titled, “ How To Keep Them Alive When They are Trying to Die”.
Long ago, once upon a time, a president of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medicine Association opened space in his hospital for a puppy kindergarten taught by a trainer. He came to Bloomsburg to discuss this experiment; soon thereafter, the first puppy kindergarten was held in the Danville Middle School. I know of no veterinarian who has hosted training classes in our area. In those days first aid classes did not have CPR manikins nor did they follow a Red Cross manual. The veterinarian teaching trauma courses spoke about his own experience–burned toast was used to induce vomiting when poison was suspected and men’s ties or women’s panty hose were fashioned into tourniquets and muzzles. Each owner was a first responder. The first rule was always “take care of yourself before helping your pet–we don’t need two victims!”
Apr 08, 2012 | | Uncategorized
A Millville cat suddenly faints and then dies in an upstairs hallway. A nursing home mascot in Orangeville dies of cardiomyopathy. A Bloomsburg Spaniel suddenly develops pneumonia. All of these episodes might be the result of the silent deadly disease which involves a parasitic round worm! Heartworm lives in the body and is carried by an infected mosquito; the bite can occur outside during a walk or in the livingroom, while the unwitting victim is taking a nap.
Heartworm has been counted in a positive number of cases of parasite activity in Columbia County–part of a county cluster which includes Union and Northumberland counties. In fact, .34% of all positive cases of heartworm in Pennsylvania occur in each of these counties. (Parasite Prevalence Maps). It could be even higher. The killer parasite can live seven or more years without detection in the heart and/or lungs, and/or in other blood vessels.
In a recent meeting of the American Heartworm Society monthly medications designed to prevent heartworms were questioned as being ineffective. Some believe mosquitoes have become immune to preventative drugs while others blame owners for not following dosing directions. “Every month means every 30 days,” stresses Dr. Betsy Sigmon in an AKC Canine Health Foundation podcast.
But beware–the consequences of giving preventative medication when the dog or cat has heartworm can be deadly, too. Thus, American Heartworm Society president Dr. Wallace Graham suggests a heartworm test be part of the annual checkup. Unfortunately, veterinarians also note that there are false positives in testing. And more extensive testing is expensive–as high as $1,000. Owners are urged to compare and to weigh the risks and costs of all further testing and be aware that testing costs can vary from hospital to hospital.
The human side of choices and decisions is made more agonizing since the drug used to treat heartworm is now in short supply if found at all and there is no treatment for cats. And so if a pet coughs, loses weight, and/or becomes lethargic, the possibility of it being a symptom of heartworm adds to health worries. Could a diagnosis be death? Unfortunately, here there are only grey areas since heartworm mimics other health problems which can involve not just the heart, but the liver and kidneys and of course–blood clots in the lungs–each symptom adding to owner stress. Now is not the time to turn to the internet or to friends. It is time to schedule an appointment with the veterinary hospital.
And, it must also be remembered that this silent disease is a growing problem for shelters and rescues as well as those wanting to adopt and/or purchase a new pet. Who knows if the new pet has heartworm? Conclusion: Sadly, there is a human side to heartworm disease that involves not just cost but agonizing choices, the stress of an unknown future with a beloved companion and sometimes guilt. Pet owners must have a heartworm conversation with their pet’s veterinarian.
Mar 25, 2012 | | Uncategorized
According to two authors writing in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association who cite a rabies vaccine report in Pennsylvania–the oral rabies bait spread into the habitat of wildlife can pose a danger to humans if touched. The bait has an oblong shape about the size of three quarters placed side by side. Those who find and touch the bait should wash the affected site and report exposure to the state health department. “Immediate health care should be obtained to confirm a diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment if illness or lesions compatible with vaccinia develop”, the authors write. They also suggest that veterinarians educate clients about these baits.
Two kinds of bait are used in the oral vaccination of carnivores like raccoons, skunks, and feral cats and dogs. One is a coated sachet and the other a fishmeal polymer bait. The bait was developed for wildlife rabies prevention and control.
No serious adverse events have been reported after bait consumption but people should not try to remove a piece of the bait from a pet’s mouth, since doing so may result in a dog bite and the possibility of inoculation with vaccinia rabies -glycoprotein in the bait.
FELINE FRIENDLY. The AVMA is launching a new health prevention program for dog and cat owners in order to heighten clients’ awareness of the benefits of preventing illness. It has been dubbed “Opportunity” by healthcare providers. Opportunity guidelines give pet owners a heads-up in the prevention of illness, which can be expensive to treat and painful for the pet. Since there are more cats than dogs and cats receive significantly less veterinary care, the emphasis is on making practices feline-friendly. One suggestion involves the use of cat carriers with a removable top so that examinations can be conducted with a minimum of stress.
ON THE HEALTH CARE HORIZON? Veterinarians are discussing changes to the practice act. Under consideration is allowing veterinarians and technicians working in one state to practice in another state when invited in response to emergencies; allowing those working under a veterinarian to provide some care in shelters; and allowing some disclosure of information to third parties. A waiver from mandatory rabies vaccination, if recommended by a veterinarian and accepted by the public health department, is also being considered. And under Animal Abuse and Animal Neglect prompt reporting is being urged as the rule. (This echos the Freed recommendation in the Sandusky case.)
CONTRIBUTE. In the current economy it is often difficult to continue to financially support animal organizations. At the top of any list should be those groups that help local pets and the unseen organizations that help local pet owners, like food banks, and those in women’s shelters who may need pet foster homes, as well as pet owners who are temporarily homeless. Some pet owners set up an anonymous fund to help hospital clients with bills, with the veterinarians as custodians (local veterinarians fund out of pocket when they can). At the national level my choice is the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Its CEO not only has lived and worked in shelters all over the country but has a network that cares for such programs as the Canine Good Citizen, dog bite and puppy kindergarten programs as well as child and elder abuse. He is not just a “suit”. ASPCA, 424 E 92nd St., New York, N.Y. 10128, tel. 212-876-7700; www.ASPCA.ORG
TOPPINGS. A recent issue of BARK contains an article on the sprinkling of toppings on the top of the usual ration for added interest. Once at a dog show I watched a handler take a spoonful of Purina Mighty Dog and place it on top of the food. She didn’t mix it into the rest of the contents. Mighty Dog is formulated for small breeds and so is intense in smell and energy. In many instances I have found it quite useful to jump-start an appetite using a similar “savory”, especially the varieties geared for older dogs and the pulled-style dinners. A can tops 6 meals for my Springers.
Mar 21, 2012 | | Uncategorized
Cancer research benefits both pets and people, whether the research is done by a veterinarian or a physician. Cancers such as osteosarcoma, melanoma and lymphoma are among those with common benefits. Dr. Max Lang, a Hershey Animal Research notable, used to call this “a two-way-street”; thus, it is not unusual to learn that drugs which help dog owners can also help their best friends.
Recently I read an article about a diet for dogs with cancer. The author is Jeff Grognet, DVM, who suggests adding a Centrum as a daily vitamin-mineral supplement and a Tums tablet to meet calcium requirements in daily diets.
The ideal canine cancer diet should be low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and high in fat (and specifically omega-3 fatty acids). Grognet writes that commercial diets with these attributes are available but, alternatively, caregivers can prepare a home-cooked diet that meets these criteria. Centrum and Tums are the supplements in the home-cooked diets. (One Centrum tablet for every 20 pounds of weight with half a tablet for dogs under 20 pounds. A Tums tablet should be dosed at one for every 20 pounds body weight.)
Grognet recommends Hills Prescription Diet Canine n/d (moist) and Iams Eukanuba Maximum-Calorie/Canine (dry) as commercial diets for dogs with cancer. The home-cooked diet consists of 50 percent fish or poultry, 50 percent mixed frozen or fresh vegetables, olive oil for calories–one teaspoon per 20 pounds–Centrum and Tums. The ingredients should be mixed together and cooked in a crock-pot. Additional ingredients can be added for anti-tumor activity such as one capsule omega-3 fatty acid (300 milligrams)–inhibits tumor growth–for each l5 pounds of body weight as well as the spices garlic and tumeric. Also, antioxidants are considered to be essential supplements for cancer patients. These include vitamin C, vitamin E and the mineral selenium.
There is a rule that you should be able to determine the breed of a dog by viewing his head alone. If you can’t determine the breed from the head alone, then the dog is not a recognizable breed. Some breeders also believe you should be able to determine the sex of the dog from the head. I have never found this to be reliable–either in people or pooches!
LESS STRESS AND ANXIETY. It has been determined that anxiety, as measured by a standard rating scale, dropped 24 percent for those visited by a dog in a nursing home compared to only 10 percent among patients visited only by a volunteer. Levels of epinephrine, a hormone the body makes when under stress, dropped about 17 percent in patients visited by a person and a dog and 2 percent in those visited by just a person. Heart pressure dropped 10 percent after the visit by the volunteer and dog and increased 3 percent when visited by a volunteer alone. Lung pressure declined 5 percent for those visited by a dog and a volunteer and rose when the dog was not present.
It has been predicted that there will be a significant increase in death and illness after the meltdown of the nuclear reactors in Japan–not due to radiation, but to anxiety and stress. More therapy dogs need to be trained and ready after a disaster to relieve anxiety and fear. Therapy dogs today are undervalued compared to service dogs and they fill a vital and important function if we are to recover, to survive, and to progress. And, the difference between the service dog–who seems to be a headline maker–and the quieter but very effective working therapy dog needs to be drawn and appreciated.
Mar 14, 2012 | | Uncategorized
Sales of a new premium postage stamp are helping support international wildlife conservation projects for tigers, great apes and other species. The U.S. postal service began offering Save Vanishing Species stamps last September. An illustration of an Amur tiger cub is featured on the first stamp and costs 55 cents. A commitment to the stamp will demonstrate that Americans really care about wildlife conservation. KEEPING DOGS SAFE JUST GOT HARDER. Due to problems with Novartis–which one veterinarian calls possible “sloppiness”–some of our most effective medications will be on back order. These include Interceptor, Sentinel, Program, MitebMite and Deramaxx. My veterinarian informed me that the company did not believe they would be back on the shelves until June. He will dispense Heartguard instead. But, remember Heartguard contains Ivermectin which is fatal for some breeds. Do discuss this situation with your veterinarian. Some veterinarians are holding supplies back for in-need patients. This year’s weather makes it imperative to protect against heartworm–and since there is a shortage of immiticide, the drug used in heartworm treatment, prevention must be seriously considered. Also Clomicalm–another Novartis product–may have a packaging issue that could be dangerous. Again, this is something to discuss with your veterinarian since Clomicalm is commonly prescribed in cases of separation anxiety. All these precautions have given us a new word–PHARMACOVIGELANCE. And do be cautious with spot-on flea and tick prevention products. Use as directed. The label has been changed to include the information that a product may be used only on dogs or only on cats or may be used on both. A spot-on product could be an undetected killer accidentally or on purpose.
I sometimes wonder if we care for pet medications as efficiently and safely as possible. Unused medications may be discarded in the trash where they may become a danger to both humans and animals. Pharmaceutical drugs also have been turning up in the environment–even in drinking water. Pet medicines should be part of community collection programs. So many of us own pets and we have these medications in our homes. And, in fact–some of the same medications such as Lasix are used to treat both owner and pet.
Why not communicate your questions and concerns with e-mail. Many veterinarians give clients the option of e-mailing them with questions. Perhaps this would be a good time to urge your veterinarian to make this service available. But, remember–there have to be ground rules when e-mail is an option. No instant messaging, but a one- to two-day turn-around should be expected. No urgent matters and no “what is your diagnosis questions”. And, definitely, no photos, jokes and cutesy messages.
SHOULD WE BRING BACK THE DRAIZE TEST? There was a time when animal testing of drugs and other products was the rule. This was exemplified by white rabbits confined while suffering eye problems caused by various cosmetics and other products. This disappeared and many products now contain a disclaimer that no live animal testing was used. (I suspect some products are still tested on animals in countries that do not have such a ban.) But, perhaps live animal testing should be permitted until we can fund the FDA to make sure our products are safe for all living things and not just computers.
Mar 02, 2012 | | Uncategorized
Those of you who watched the Best in Show judging saw the Pennsylvania Pekingese, Malachy, win with dignity and poise, showing his deliberate “I do it my way” attitude! So where were you? You could have seen Malachy up front and personal give the same winning performance last November on the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds in the Bald Eagle (Williamsport-based) kennel club show. Parking and admission free!
And, of course, it didn’t take away from the moment to know that judge Cindy Vogel has a considerable Chinese judging experience. She has seen many many Pekingese and would know a great one when she saw one!
The other moment of delight for me personally was Emily, the Irish Setter that won the Sporting Group to earn a place in the final competition. I met Emily at another Bloomsburg show. Her handlers had allowed Emily to curl up on a bed perched high on a stack of crates. She loved looking down on all the other dogs! “This working mother”, as David Frei dubbed her, had taken time out of the show world to have 9 puppies since I saw her.
And, of course, Adan’s win of a Merit honor was a most exciting plus for this three-year-old. It was a first–that is, the first show dog for Carol Dunn, the Bloomsburg resident and Geisinger nurse who spends her spare time rescuing Goldens. Adan competed in a class of 32 other Goldens. Now that he has tucked this Westminster in his repertoire he will no doubt return next year for a win and who knows perhaps be the very first Golden Retriever to go Best in Show there.
WESTMINSTER JUDGING ARENA TO CHANGE IN 2013
Next year the Westminster Show will make a historic move and allow dogs with major points, not necessarily champions, to compete. Long ago dogs with “majors” were allowed the Westminster privilege and my first homebred English Springer, Hovals Christmas Knight, a grandson of the first Springer to win BIS there did show in this different format. At that time in Westminster history it was a smaller world. One could see and speak to judges on their way to the rings. I will never ever forget joking with the iconic Percy Roberts as we scurried up the stairs.
The breed judging will move out of the hallowed Madison Square Garden to Piers 92/94 during the day to be brought together in the evenings for network televised group and BIS competition. And, the number of dogs allowed to compete will increase to 3,200. This and emphasis on the breeder/owner will make the Bloomsburg cluster and other smaller shows much more exciting as the place to be able to view the great in each breed. Cheers to the Westminster Board of Directors. The new plans should help guarantee that man’s best friend will remain true to its purpose and never become an endangered species!
Feb 19, 2012 | | Uncategorized
According to an AP article in the New York Times, the Westminster Kennel Club has changed its sponsor from Pedigree to Purina because Pedigree insisted on using advertisements showing shelter dogs in cages. “This is not the message we want sent in this Show,” David Frei is quoted as saying. Now, wagging tails and happy, beautiful dogs will be the advertised theme. Unfortunately, we in Pennsylvania know the puppy mill battle is not over and there is an epidemic of stray dogs needing homes. It makes you wonder how much influence dog food producers and the Westminster Board believe that they have in governing our behavior with our best friends? I am not going to suggest a protest by tuning out this event, but concerned dog owners should “message” Purina and Westminster.
A former American Veterinary Medical Association president suggested increasing dog food prices by one cent to fund spay/neuter surgery. That would make a significant difference. Note: The AVMA posts pet food recalls at www.avma.org/petfood/recalls.
WHEN A ROAD KILL DIET IS NEEDED? When pets stop eating we believe that this is a sign that death is near. We ply them with all kinds of wonderfully non-typical dog and cat foods. And, we fuss and even force. I wonder if negative thoughts accompanying the food refusal do not play a significant role–give negative energy to our intentions.
A friend who worked in dog food production told me that when testing new foods they usually lean toward the ones that look and smell the best. If it looks like road kill and smells like road kill it is discarded–bacon is never road kill! Unfortunately, he said this usually was the food the dogs liked best. I am not advocating road kill although I know a lady who fed her cats a diet gathered on the road. Instead, I offer thoughts from three veterinarians who have helped me with eating problems when they have occurred. The first denounces the regular over processed food we buy for our pets. She would have us add human food to the diet (table scraps are not only fashionable but good for them). Another veterinarian from Cornell told me that a hard-boiled egg was the perfect food. My dogs have since enjoyed an egg a day either in their meal or perched on top the dish. A third veterinarian told me to feed the organ that was not functioning. If it is the liver–give your pet liver, if kidneys, etc., try chicken gizzards. And, try moistening the dog food with the broth from cooking and/or yogurt. Other things you can do is switch from the regular dry food to canned or vice versa. Try warming the food in a microwave. If you own a small- or medium-size dog try adding a small breed canned diet to the regular food. It is balanced, but has more energy than all-breed diets. And, finally not eating probably is a sign. Discuss the problem with your veterinarian. There are special prescription diets for ill and end-of-life situations and they don’t look like road kill.
Feb 13, 2012 | | Uncategorized
WESTMINSTER UPDATES. Westminster issued a media alert this week. Once again the Westminster host will be David Frei, assisted by Mary Carillo. This year’s show will benefit the AKC Canine Health Foundation which funds research on everything from cancer to cataracts. The 2011 BIS winner, a Scottish Deerhound named Hickory, has given birth to 9 puppies and the BIS Scottish Terrier, Sadie, is also back in the litter box. Hickory will not make an appearance this year, according to Frei, because it is hard to fit her into a taxi–and with 9 puppies! And Purina has taken over the sponsorship from Pedigree.
Interestingly, a sporting club for the very rich with Long Island estates is searching Long Island to locate the burial place of the logo dog, Sensation. Many of these now famous dogs of the field were born in barns, sharing stalls with horses. The kennel staff would pick through the straw to choose the most promising puppies. One such litter was given Russian names. Every dog in the litter became a champion. Tolstoy was the most famous.
MR YUK AT 2012 FARM SHOW. At the recent farm show in Harrisburg Master Gardners instructed about pesticide safety using the MR YUK symbol. Of course, MR YUK first appeared in the Danville area in a garden of poisonous plants planted outside the Geisinger emergency entrance. It signaled a series of programs about poison safety aimed at children and the green face sticker was placed on containers. Dr. Tom Royer led the effort, assisted by the late Lillian Edson, Benton. Later, YUK had a dog named UGH DOG who was the symbol of the biting dog for children and people who can’t read English. YUK was colored the green of the PennDOT vests while UGH dog was the orange of convicts–both colors chosen by the iconic Crayola. Both have ties to Geisinger education.
NEW AKC BREEDS. Five new breeds will make their appearance this year at Westminster: the Norwegian Lundehund, the American English Coonhound, the Finish Lapphund, the Cesky Terrier, and the Xololtzeuintil. I think the most recent and interesting newcomer is the Boykin Spaniel. Of late they have distinguished themselves by becoming turtle hunters. In this pursuit (?) they have become avid helpers in the conservation of these endangered reptiles.
TRAINING TIPS AND SENIOR CITIZENS. Recently Karen Sabo, trainer, wrote about teaching dogs the “come” and “stay” commands in the home. It makes sense, especially in homes of senior citizens. Dog training clubs might consider this practice to aid senior owners keep their pets safe when they are in a recovery mode. Club members could visit homes where this need would make life less stressful for all. Valli Rovenolt once taught her dogs to close open interior doors by pulling on a strap attached to a door knob. The goal was to keep heat in the rooms. It was something to see!
Jan 30, 2012 | | Uncategorized