Pet Tales Winter Issue 2013

8/13/2019 Pet Tales Winter Issue 2013

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MESSENGERPOSTMEDIA

PetTalesWINTER EDITION Advertising supplement for December 26, 2013


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2 PET TALES WINTER EDITION 2013

Driving with dogs:

tips to keep everyone safe

Its only natural for mans best friend to stay close by h is masters side, butfor dog owners who drive frequently, bringing Fido along for the ride can berisky. The problem is particularly worrisome for older drivers; a recent studyconducted by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birminghamshowed that for people 70 years and older, crash rates were higher amongthose who frequently drove with pets in the car. But for many drivers,leaving precious pets behind isnt an option. The best compromise is to findsolutions that will get you from point A to point B without compromisingthe safety of human or animal passengers.

Distracted driving is a growing concern and a loose pet in the car certainlynumbers among the potential hazards that can take your eyesand mindoff the road and lead to accidents. While older drivers might not be aslikely to be distracted by texting or smartphone surfing, even those whohave spent many years navigating the roads need to honestly assess how

having a pet in the car can divert their attention away from the road. To staysafe on the road when Fido is with you, remember these tips:

Dont allow pets in the front seats. Having a pet sit on your lap isobviously distracting, but if hes in the front passenger seat, the problemcan be just as bad. In the front seats, your pet is more likely to be withinyour line of sight and obstruct your view of the road. An unrestrained dog inthe front seats could also be easily injured if you h ave to slam on the brakesor swerve, or are hit from behind. The force with which airbags deploy alsoposes a safety hazard for dogs in the front seatif youre in an accidentand they inflate and hit your dog, he could easily sustain an injury.

Create separation. There are a variety of pet barriers on the market thatcan keep your pet from moving between the front and back seats of yourcar. Installing a barrier will help keep your pet out of your way and diminishconcerns about him being propelled forward in case you have to make asudden stop.

Restrain your pet. There are a number of options for pet restraints inyour vehicle. Pet seatbelts and car seats will help keep a dog safely in place.Keeping a crate in the car is also a good option. Make sure its secured andlarge enough so that he can stand up, turn around and comfortably sitor lay down. Add a soft pad in the bottom of the crate and it might justbecome your pets favorite new way to travel.

Brush up on your driving skills.Todays driving environment is probablyvery different than it was when you first got your license. A refresher course,like those offered by AARP Driver Safety, is an ideal way to ens ure that your

skills are up to date. Brushing up on defensive driving techniques and theessential rules of the road will help keep everyone in your car safeandyou may even qualify for a multi-year automobile insurance discount fromyour insurance company (check with your agent for details). AARP DriverSafety courses are available in a classroom or online setting, in both Englishand Spanish.

Pets are important members of the family, so its only right that driversconsider their safety, just as they would for any other passenger. For moresafe driving tips and information about AARP Driver Safety, visit www.aarp.org/drive. [BPT]


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PET TALES WINTER EDITION 2013 3

Five things you must know TO KEEP YOUR PET BIRD HEALTHY

Diet

Providing proper nutrition is vital foryour bird to live a long and healthy life.There is no specific diet that can be fed toall pet birds. Depending on the breed ofbird, age and lifestyle (i.e breeding birdor couch potato) diet recommendationsvary greatly. It is crucial to research thebest diet for your birds needs.

Psittacine birds such as Cockatiels,Cockatoos and African greys requiregreat variety in their diet. Commercialseed mixes lack the variety of nutrientsthat would be obtained in the wild.Many commercial foods are deficientin necessary vitamins such as VitaminA. Vitamin A deficiency leads to poor-feather quality and a weakened immunesystem. Many commercial seed mixesare also extremely high in fat which canlead to obesity in pet birds and even fatalconditions, such as liver failure.

A high quality formulated (pelleted) foodspecific for your type of bird, along witha wide variety of healthy people foodsshould be offered to your pet bird everyday. Birds can and should eat a variety offruits and vegetables, whole grains andeven small amounts of protein such ashard boiled eggs or well-cooked meats.

Birds with increased energy needs, likeegg-laying birds, will need additionalsupplementation and specific dietaryadjustments. Consult your avian veterinarian for help formulating aperfect nutrition plan for feathered friend.

Exercise and play

Providing physical and emotional stimulation is vital to ensure your birdwill live a long and healthy life. Birds are smart and curious creatures. Theylove to climb and explore within their environment. Birds can becomequite lazy, and even obese and ill, if they are not provided with enoughroom and encouragement to exercise. In the wild, birds exercise for hoursduring the day. Whether they are soaring through the sky or foraging forfood, they are always moving. When a bird is confined and not allowed toexercise, serious emotional and physical problems can arise.

For smaller birds, large aviaries or flight cages make it possible for birds to

spread their wings and keep active even while being confined to a home.Larger parrots often will be provided with play gyms, in which they canclimb, play and even show off for their owners. It is important for you to provide thelargest area possible for your pet bird to move freely within and still remain safe frompotential hazards of the home.

When you are unable to provide your pet bird with 100 percent of your attention, it isimportant to offer a variety of toys and items to keep him mentally s timulated. Toys shouldbe designed for particular pet birds size and ability. Toys should be rotated frequently toprevent boredom. An excellent option to offer parrots is a foraging-type toy. Foraging toyscan simply be paper towel rolls stuffed with special hidden treats or a tissue box full of

shredded newspaper and a yummy prize.Foraging is a natural and very importantbehavior for birds. Providing your petbird with ample opportunity to foragemay prevent behavioral problems suchas feather picking.

Environment

A large percentage of pet birds ownedtoday were originally designed to live inwarm and humid climates with amplesunshine. Although your pet bird mayhave been born locally, he likely didnot come equipped with the abilityto tolerate extreme cold or extremedryness. Specific temperature andhumidity requirements vary dependingon the breed of your bird. It is importantto research where your specific type ofbird is native to and keep this in mind asour seasons change. As a general rule fora pet parrot, temperatures in the homeshould not drop below 65 degrees andthe humidity should remain constant.Many birds, especially during the winter,are affected by respiratory disease dueto the extreme dryness of the home.Your avian veterinarian may recommendthat you provide a humidifier duringthe winter months and possiblysupplemental heat for your bird.

Natural lighting, i.e. sunshine, issomething your bird would likely see agreat deal of in the wild and potentially

not so much in your home. Birds, similar to many other animals, requireexposure to natural sunlight or artificial full spectrum ultraviolet lightingevery day. Without proper light exposure, serious behavioral and physicalproblems may result. If you feel your bird does not have adequateexposure to natural light it may be best to purchase a UV bulb designedfor use with birds.

Toxins and hazards

Many common household items can potentially harm your bird. Cigarettesmoke can be deadly to your bird, as can fumes from cookware andaerosol products. It is best that all strong cleaners, air freshener andcandles be avoided completely in areas where birds are kept. Birds shouldbe removed from the home when painting or applying pesticides.

Other animals, like dogs and cats, can also pose great risks to your petbird. Unfortunately injuries, some severe, to pet birds from curious dogs

or cats are quite common. Never allow your pet bird to be unattended with your otherpets. It is very important to take time to bird proof your home in order to prevent seriousinjuries.

Diseases

Birds are masters at hiding symptoms of illness. If you ever suspect your pet bird may notbe feeling well, it is ex tremely important to seek veterinary care immediately. Often by

Continued on Page 12...

Bird Health Awareness Week is coming up, which makes now a great timeto evaluate your feathered family members health and well being!

Heidi Aguiar Licata, DVMEast River Animal Hospital

Monroe Veterinary Associates


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Few things are as exciting asbringing home a new puppy.Whether Chihuahua or Great Dane,a pups playful antics delight peopleof all ages. Having a dog can bringmany years of companionship andprecious memories, but before youask, How much is that doggie inthe window? consider a few experttips for positive housetraining.

Responsible pet parentsstart planning long before

bringing a puppy home.Research your lifestylewhatyour living accommodations are. Dobreed research into what you wantthe pet for. Its so important to havethe right environmentenoughroom indoors and out, and enoughattention.

Talk with different people whocan share insight about the breedsyou are considering. Veterinarians,trainers, groomers and breederscan provide valuable informationabout what dogs are best for yourlifestyle, and what to expect for

each in regard to training.Here are some important tips forhousetraining your puppy andkeeping your home intact in theprocess.

Know potty triggers

Start by understanding your puppys potty triggers. What exactly stimulates a pups bladderand digestive system? While it varies from dog to dog, triggers are typically feelings ofexcitement, like when visitors arrive, and particular times of day, like after he wakes upor right before bed. Keep in mind, puppies will need to go after eating and/or drinkingusually within 15 minutes.

Establish a routine

Find a designated potty patch outdoors so your dog can associate that space with doinghis business. Start by leash walking the pup to that spot so he can focus before spendingany time playing.

If your dog doesnt go, consider keeping him on a leash inside too. Rotate 15 minutes insideand 15 minutes outside. Stay close to your new furry family member. If he starts to circle andsniff, in that familiar way, take him outside. If he starts to squat to urinate, clap or make asharp sound that will stop him in the act. You can transfer him outside to finish and praisehim there.

Young puppies learn throughpositive reinforcementnotnegative. Give them a treat whenthey go potty outsidethatreinforces the good behavior rightthen and there. Praise them with ahappy tone of voice.

Avoid indoor accidents

Accept that a puppy will need togo outside every one or two hours.Its the owners responsibility toprovide plenty of time outdoors,

otherwise if left unattended forextended periods, a puppy will finda place to piddle.

Close the doors out of the roomwhere the puppy isget babygates to seal off other areas. Apuppy will seek out areas of thehouse that are not part of thefamily den.

Clean messesimmediately

Accidents will happen. Expect itand work with it when it happens.You must deodorize it, so he cantuse it as a scent-marking area.Use a product that does more than

just mask the odorit needs toenzymatically destroy the chemicalin the urine.

Start by blotting to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then treat the mess with a pet stainand odor remover that has the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval. Each certifiedproduct that features the national trade associations seal goes through rigorous testingin an independent laboratory, so you can be confident youre treating the stain, removingthe odors, and protecting the integrity of your carpet.

If your carpet becomes deeply soiled from multiple accidents and dirty little puppypaws, you may want to consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner. For those withallergies, frequent vacuuming and regularly-scheduled cleaning will remove virtually allembedded allergens and pet dander. Certified CRI Seal of Approval service providers havethe experience needed to treat stains, remove odors and leave carpet looking like new.Visit www.carpet-rug.org to find a provider near you.

Spay or neuterFinally, spay or neuter your dog at the appropriate age according to your vetsrecommendations. Unneutered dogs typically urinate more in the house as an action ofmarking their territory, so its something every caring pet parent should consider. [BPT]

Are cats lazy? Well, more power to them if they are. Which one of us has not entertained the dreamof doing just as he likes, when and how he likes, and as much as he likes? Fernand Mery

Housetraining your puppy:ips for keeping your dog behaved

and your home clean


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HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE should be used every month

I gaze out the window and view awinter wonderland as I give my cat andtwo dogs their monthly heartworm

prevention. The nearest mosquito, thesole vector for transmitting heartwormfrom pet to pet, is hundreds of milesto the south of New York, so, why is itthat as a veterinarian I recommendpets receive heartworm preventionthroughout the winter? The answerto that question is simple. Modernheartworm preventative is not onlyeffective at controlling the heartwormparasite, but also helps control someother intestinal parasites such asroundworm and hookworm. Theseworms can cause serious problems inhumans as well as your pet. Calling themedicine heartworm preventative

understates the protection it providesto both you and your pet.

The main parasites of the intestinal tractthat heartworm prevention control areroundworms and hookworms. Theseworms can cause severe harm topeople as well as animals. While theinflammatory tracts in the skin causedfrom the hook worms larvae burrowingthrough it are nasty, roundworms causea much more serious problem in people.When humans ingest roundworm eggsthey can migrate to our livers, lungs,eyes and the brain. In severe cases, aperson can have permanent blindnessor paralysis from the migrating form of

roundworm.

Roundworm eggs cannot be eliminated from the environment. They areendemic in wildlife as well as in pets. Each roundworm can produce upto eighty-five thousand eggs daily. These eggs are eliminated with thefeces and last for years in the environment. Roundworm eggs have aprotective layer that can survive the coldest of winters. The larvae can betransmitted from a pregnant dog or cat to their young even before theyare born. Puppies and kittens can also obtain these worms along withthe milk as they nurse. Some of the roundworms hide in the internaltissues of the animals and come out months to years later. Therefore,indoor cats must also be given medication to eliminate these parasites.Deworming with heartworm prevention products all year decreases theparasite load for your pet and greatly reduces your families chances ofacquiring dangerous parasites. It is very important to give heartwormpreventative every month, even in the winter, because it will effectivelycontrol these parasites by eliminating them from your pets digestivetract.

Unless your pet is parasitized by a large number of worms, it is difficult to tell by simpleobservation whether your cat or dog has internal parasites. Be sure to have a veterinariangive your pet a thorough physical exam at least once yearly. Part of a complete wellnesscheck is to run a fecal sample in both dogs and cats to check for intestinal parasites. Tryto bring a stool sample that was recently eliminated by your pet with you to your petsexam. There will be occasions when you forgot to bring the stool sample with you, and

the veterinarian is unable to obtainone during the physical exam. Ifyou do not have a sample for the

veterinarian, you can drop one off tobe run within a few days of the exam.A veterinarians lab uses a specialsolution and centrifuge to isolatethe eggs before examining for eggsunder a microscope. Do not worry ifyou have included a small amount ofsnow or litter with the stool sample.Centrifugation of the stool samplewill eliminate the litter and snowfrom what the lab has to examine.

Some people put out food in thewinter to attract wild mammals.It is fun to watch them, and manyfeel sorry for them because it is coldout and food is scarce. This is to bediscouraged. The roundworms ofraccoons are especially dangerous tohumans. You do not want raccoons tobe eliminating around your property.Remember that raccoons prefer toeliminate on the bark of a downedtree, so be sure that children do notplace bark from firewood into theirmouths. Just because it appears cleandoes not assure that there are notthousands of microscopic roundwormeggs sitting in the bark from yearsearlier.

Ideally, your dog should be trained togo in one corner of the yard; it makes

keeping the yard free from contamination easier. If not, your job isslightly harder, but the yard should be cleared of stool frequently tominimize contamination from roundworm eggs. You may not be ableto clean up daily in the winter, but be sure to clean up the fecal materialthat is hiding under the snow at the earliest opportunity after the snowmelts. Whether you have a dog or c at, be sure to wash your hands aftertouching your animals or cleaning up after them. Train your children todevelop this good habit; it could literally save their sight, their abilityto control their bodies, as well as their lives. Pregnant women shouldnever clean or change a cats litter box.

There are many important preventative measures that pet ownerscan do to prevent the harmful spread of hookworms and roundwormsthis winter. As the snow continues to fall in the Greater Rochesterarea, continue to give your pet their monthly heartworm preventionmedication. Giving your pet monthly prevention all twelve months ofthe year helps to keep you and your pet healthy.

Dr. Murphy earned his veterinary degree from the University of TennesseeCollege of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. Dr. Murphy has previously worked

for both the Bayview Animal Hospital and the Palmyra Animal Hospital and currently is thedirector of the Veterinary Housecall Service of Rochester. As a traveling veterinarian, Dr. Murphysees appointments at clients homes, providing a great service for those who are unable toleave their homes, or those whose pets prefer not to leave home. For more information aboutthe Housecall service, please visit their website at www.rochesterhousecallsvet.com.

William Murphy, DVMVeterinary Housecall Service

of RochesterMonroe Veterinary Associates

Cats are smarter than dogs. You cant get eight cats to pull a sled through snow. Jeff Valdez


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Tis the Season...

Be on the lookout for holiday hazards

In case of emergency, contact your veterinarian immediatelyor call Animal Emergency Service at (585) 424-1277.

HUMANPHARMACEUTICALS

Store all medicationout of paws reach to

avoid the most commonpet-related holiday hazard.

XYLITOL SUGARSUBSTITUTE

This sugar substitutecauses blood sugar to dropquickly and can cause liver

failure if not treated properly.

FROSTBITE ANDHYPOTHERMIA

Pets are affected by thecold, snow and ice more

quickly than humans. Limitthe time pets spend outside.

TINSEL AND RIBBON

While not toxic, ingestion

of these items causeintestinal blockages that canbe fatal if not treated in time.

HOUSE GUESTS

Ask visitors to watch the

doors, entering and exitingquickly to prevent Fido and

Fluffy from escaping.

HOLIDAY PLANTS

Keep mistletoe,holly and poinsettias

out of paws reach, as theyare all poisonous to pets.

CHOCOLATE

Keep all chocolate out ofpets reach. Chocolate toxicity

can cause stomach upset,seizures and even death.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Electrical shock can causeburns, loss of consciousness

and death. Supervise your petsclosely around lights.

BREAD DOUGH

When bread dough

is ingested it continuesto rise, causing

an intestinal blockage.


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The 2013 holiday season is quickly coming to a close. Did you get everything onyour wish list? What about your furry, four-legged family members?

According to a PetFinder.com poll, 63 percent of dog owners and 58 percent of catowners give their pets holiday presents. Americans spend an estimated $5 billionon pets during the holidays, and having four cats and one dog myself, I make sureSanta leaves a few presents under th e tree for them as well.

One thing I did differently this year was consider how and where I shopped formy pets. After learning that Americans throw away 25 percent more trash duringthe Thanksgiving to New Years holiday period than any other time of year (whichamounts to 25 million tons of garbage), I decided to be festive and earth-friendly.

I found great, eco-friendly pet products that are made in the U.S. at West Paw

design (www.westpawdesign.com). They use recyclable and organic material intheir bedding and toys.

At Olive Green Dog (www.olivegreendog.com) you can find an array ofenvironmentally friendly, ethically made toys and supplies for dogs and cats. Oneexample is their chevron crate mat, which is made from a unique fabric thatsmilled in the US and comprised of 61 percent IntelliLoft fibers, a post-consumerrecycled material derived from soda bottles.

Cycle Dog, based in Portland, OR, they create dog products like leashes, collars, toysand more from recycled bicycle inner tubes!

Its not too late to show some holiday love to your pets! Websites like Pinterest.com and Craftgawker.com have tons of great ideas. Use old newspapers forgiftwrapping or paper bags that you can decorate with a special personal messagefor the recipient.

Looking for a gift that keeps on giving? Consider making a donation to RochesterHope for Pets, a not-for-profit organization established in 200 8 to assist Rochester

area pets whose owners are facing financial hardships. Find out more by visitingtheir website at ww w.rochesterhopeforpets.org.

Hopefully you will consider one of these eco-friendly ideas. I hope you, your familyand pets have a safe and happy holiday season!

Katie Morrison has been the Animal Care Assistant Team Leader at IrondequoitAnimal Hospital for more than five years. Katie shares her home with her fianceRyan; a seven-year-old West Highland White Terrier named Ava; four cats namedMarm, Miles, Jilly and Wobbler; a rabbit named Humphrey; a potbelly pig named Mr.Porkers; as well as ducks, chickens and geese.

Pets at the White House: 50 Yearsof Presidents and Their Pets

By Jennifer B. Pickens

Pets at the White House provides a spectacular view into oneof the most historic homes in the world and all of its four-legged, beaked and pawed inhabitants from ponies, puppies,

and cats to parakeets, sheep and even an alligator. Interestin presidential pets has risen with the importance, powerand prestige of the American presidency. The Americanpublic has quite an appetite for stories of everyday life inthe White House. This book brings it all to life. With charm,wit, and compelling photographs, author Jennifer Pickensreveals how pets have played an important role in theWhite House throughout the decades, not only by providingcompanionship to the presidents and their families, but alsoby humanizing and softening their political images. About$34 at amazon.com

Teres still time to enjoyan eco-friendly holiday season with your pets

BY KATIE MORRISON

West Paw designsHo Ho Hairball

cat toy, handcraftedin the US with USDA

certified organic catnip.Cycle Dogs

High Roller Dog toy

Olive GreenDogs chevron

crate mat


8/16


Pride and groom

How to find a good pet groomerBY RANDALL STOKES | AMERICAN PROFILE

Teres just something about dogs that makes you feel good. You come home,theyre thrilled to see you. Teyre good for the ego. Janet Schnellman

Grooming your pet is not just an exercise invanity. Making sure that your dog is well-groomed every day will make him look his bestand is good for his health and hygiene.

It is always important to go to an expert, so ifyou need help finding a pet groomer, followthese helpful hints.

Look for personal recommendations.The strongest recommendation nearly alwayscomes via word of mouth. Pet owners talk toother pet owners, so if you hear good thingsabout a pet groomer, you should heed the

advice. Dont be afraid to approach pet ownersyou may not know that well. Chances are theywill be flattered you spoke to them.

Search online.Use search engines to find details on pet groomers in your area.Websites will commonly feature photos of pets and recommendations fromhappy pet owners. Check out what services and skills the groomer has to offer.

Dont just go to the first pet groomer you findonline, though. Take time to research and findthe groomer thats right for you and your pet.

Ask your vet. Your vet is a professional youalready know and trust, so it is always worthasking his or her opinion. Some veterinariansoffer grooming facilities on-site, so you mayeven be able to do everything under oneroof.

Certification. Many states require that petgroomers obtain licenses. Check this out withyour state authority, and ask for accident

reports or customer complaints.Visit the facilities. Never take up servicefrom a pet groomer without checking his

facilities first. Always take your pet with you, and observe how the groomerand other staff members interact and treat your animal. Check that the facilitiesare clean and hygienic and that any equipment is in good condition.

Always take your petwith you, and observe howthe groomer and other staff

members interactand treat your animal.Check that the facilities

are clean and hygienic andthat any equipment is

in good condition.


9/16


THE CASE of the SNORING BULLDOG an overview of short-muzzled breeds

Affectionately known as smushy-faced dogs, breeds such as Pugs,Bulldogs, Boxers and Frenchies have been bred for their uniquelyadorable faces. The smaller members of this exclusive club are dogs

that were bred to be lap dogs for French and British ladies who wanteda loyal companion; they are not heavy exercisers. The English bulldogwas initially bred for bull or bear baitingtheir smushed nosestheoretically allowing them to breathe even when clamped to anopponent! Somehow, in breeding for that upturned nose, a gentle andloving dog was created, with more trouble breathing than practicallyany other type of dog.

The medical term for having a short muzzle is Brachycephalic (break-y-sef-AH-lik). Brachy means short and cephalic refers to the head,hence the name means short-headed dog.

These breeds of dogs may have short little skulls, but their soft tissues(skin, gums, tongue and other tissues) are as abundant as a dog witha normal length muzzle! This mismatch of the skeleton to the softtissue means that there are folds of redundant skin and tissue both onthe outside and on the inside. Many owners find their snoring noises

and breathy grunting endearing; few realize that those noises cansometimes lead to serious trouble breathing.

What are the components of Brachycephalic Upper AirwaySyndrome?Going from the outside in, h ere is a description of what isgoing on inside these dogs airways.

From the nose itself, these dogs encounter diffi culties gettingair into their lungs.Their nostrils are extremely narrow compared toother dogs. Their wet noses have extra tissue th at curls in on itself likea spiral, blocking most of the nostril with tissuethis is the sourceof their snorting noises.

The next obstacle air encounters when being inhaled by abrachycephalic dog is their soft palate.This hangs above thebase of their tongue, and can be excessively long. In some cases it isso long that it may actually block th e windpipe (trachea) when theybreathe heavily. Imagine trying to breathe with marshmallows in

your mouth. When these dogs inhale too f ast, their extra tissue getssucked back into their airway and flutters, creating that adorablesnoring noise.

To make matters worse, some of these dogs also have anunusually small windpipe for their size. The medical termfor this smaller windpipe is hypoplastic trachea. (Hypo-meaninglow or small and plastic-meaning form; therefore small-formedwindpipe). Theyve got marshmallows in their mouths and aretrying to breathe through a trachea the size of a straw.

The final abnormality that some of these dogs can displayis a swelling of their voice box (larynx) due to the excessivepressures exerted on their airway when they inhale.Because they must work harderto breathe, they use more force when sucking air into their lungs through that straw of awindpipe. That extra force causes the intricate folds of the lar ynx to also be pulled into theairway. Your veterinarian calls this everted laryngeal saccules. This is not present in all dogswith short muzzles, but often contributes to their symptoms.

In extreme cases, your veterinarian can counsel you about a surgery to remove the extratissue of the soft palate, the everted tissue in the larynx and reshape the nostrils to allowgreater flow of air. This surgery, actually a series of procedures, is usually done at the sametime and is not without risklike all procedures requiring general anesthesia. Some dogsthat have this surgery have to have a temporary tracheostomy tube that allows them tobreathe by bypassing the entire larynx, soft palate and nostrils. They breathe through atube in their throat until the swelling associated with the procedure goes down enough forthem to use their newly widened airways. Despite that risk, it can be the best option forsome dogs with severe signs.

What do all these changes mean for your brachycephalic dog?

They cannot be exercised like a German Shepherd or a Labrador. Manymust be in air-conditioned environments during the summer to preventdiffi culty breathing. Especially when they are out in hot weather forextended periods of time, or during intense exercise in any weather, thediffi culty of getting enough air can lead to a crisis called respiratory

distress. Signs of respiratory distress are:

increased respiratory noise

a blue or purple tongue or gums(instead of the usual pink color)

working harder than usual to inhale

standing with the head and neck extendedto help pull air into the lungs

appearing anxious

If you notice these signs in any breed of dog, they should be seen by aveterinarian immediately. Though their unusual airways are not the only cause ofrespiratory distress in these breeds of dogit is a consideration that veterinarians willtake into account when examining them.

In short, remember to treat your short-muzzled dog like the lap dog he is, especially inhot weather. Your pug has more diffi culty breath ing on the average day, let alone durin g agame of fetch or the rare 90-degree summer day in Rochester. They were bred as lapdogs,and while many are energetic and fun loving, monitoring their breathing during exercise,and watching for signs of distress, is an important part of owning a brachycephalic breed.

Dr. Salama is from Pittsburgh, PA and attended the University of Rochester where shemajored in Evolution and Ecology. She then went on to Cornell University College of VeterinaryMedicine, graduating in 2013.

Her professional interests are surgery, internal medicine, dentistry, shelter medicine and smallruminants. She shares her home with Adzuki Bean, an orange tabby and Crook, a Blue TickHound mix.

Naomi SalamaVeterinary Specialists

and Emergency ServiceMonroe Veterinary Associates


10/16


In June of 2012, Sassy, who shares a home with her two owners, their son

and six other cats was diagnosed with kidney disease. Her kidney values weredangerously high and her owners thought that they were going to lose her.

Sassys owners spent a week dropping her off at the animal hospital daily toreceive IV fluids. Sassy soon showed a marked improvement so medication anddaily subcutaneous fluids were continued at home. Sassy, being the fightershe was, bounced back and did beautifully for a year, when her kidney valuesstarted to climb and she became sick again. Her owners once again preparedthemselves to say goodbye; but Sassy was a fighter with a very strong will.

After talking with their veterinarian it was decided that the IV fluid treatmentwas a possibility, but it was going to be needed more often and in conjunctionwith several other medications and treatments.

Sassys owners were determined to give her the best chance they could and as

time went on Sassys health improved. The treatments continued to work butbecame expensive and it was becoming financially difficult for her owners.Thanks to a grant from Rochester Hope for Pets, they were able to continueSassys treatments. Over time her kidney values reduced to normal and she onceagain became the spirited little girl her family loved.

Sassysaleof Hope

PROVIDED BYROCHESTER HOPE FOR PETS

Established in 2008, Rochester Hope for Pets is a not-for-profit organization funded by the generosityof private donors. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for p ets living in the Greater Rochesterarea, with our key objective being to provide cost-sharing awards to owners who have financiallimitations but whose pets are in need of veterinary care. The organization also assists with continuingeducation for veterinary health teams and works to reduce Rochesters feral cat population. For moreinformation, visit www.RochesterHopeforPets.org or call (585) 271-2733 x89.

Rochester Hope for Pets 2816 Monroe Avenue Rochester, NY 14618 585-271-2733 x89 [email protected]

products for your

Even the most finicky feline will appreciate this cat bowl. It ismade out of durable thermoplastic resin, and was designedby Miriam Mirri. Its 8.75 oz. 18/10 stainless bowl has a a lip

for easy moving and a rounded lid with yowling kitty handlethat keeps food fresh and prevents overeating. The bowl isdishwasher safe with gentle detergent, hand drying isrecommended. 6.25 tall x 7 diameter.

Alessi, known as the Italian design factory,has manufactured household products since1921. The stylish and fun items are offered arethe result of todays partnerships with someof the worlds finest designers of modern,unique home accessories.

$52 at amazon.com

Alessi Mio Cat Bowl


11/16


You really shouldadvertisein the next issue of Pet Tales...

Its easy!Call

394.0770

today!

Dinners on!Choosing healthy pet food

BY RANDALL STOKES | AMERICAN PROFILE

A healthy pet is a happy pet, and the key is good nutrition. Choose the best pet foods andbe sure your pet is getting the quality diet needed for a long and happy life.

Every animal is different.Depending upon the species and breed, nutrition needs mayvary. Research your pet and find out as much as you can before selecting a pet food. Yourveterinarian is a great source of information about your pet and what it takes to maintaingood health.

Most pets require a high level of good-quality protein in their foods. Cats should be feda good amount of water, particularly if theyre eating mainly dry food. Cats should befed wet food often, as dry food contains too little protein and too many carbohydrates.Similarly, dogs need protein and should limit the overloading of carbohydrates.

Decode the food label.There is quite a lot of controversy about pet food these days.Pets have become ill or have even died because of poor quality or contaminated pet food.When making your food selection, read the label thoroughly. You are looking for a food

with high-quality ingredients and not too many ingredients. The Association of AmericanFeed Control Officials has guidelines that regulate pet food:

All beef:If a food states it is all beef or another ingredient, it must be at least 95 percentthe ingredient named.

Dinner:A pet food that has the word dinner, entre or platter in the title need onlybe 25 percent of the named ingredient.

With:Any pet food that uses the term with means that the food may only be 3 percentof the ingredient named.

Flavor: If the term flavor is used, the ingredient need only be a detectable amount.

After weighing all the considerations,sample a small container of new foods beforeinvesting in a larger or bulk size. If your pet is not a fan of the food you chose, then you arenot out a lot of money. Better yet, save your receipt and return the pet food for anotherselection.

Its true for humans and its true for pets: You are what you eat.


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products for your

Got pets? SpotGone!, is an organic productthat turns those yellow, burned-lookingpatches where your dog does hisbusiness into lush, green grass again.The all-natural, easy-to-sprinkle pelletstake out the excess salt and nitrogen

from the soil, allowing grass to growback and stay naturally green andhealthy. Its free from chemicalsso its safe to use around kids andpets. It complements any lawncare system and has no foreigngrass seed, so your lawn growsback uniformly and not patchy.Just shake what you need on pet urinespots, high-traffi c areas or lawn damage from de -icers.Look for SpotGone! at ww w.natraturf.com.

SpotGone!

Continued from Page 3...

the time a pet bird has shown outward signs of illness, a disease processes has been goingon for a long time. Warning signs that may indicate your bird is sick include:

changes in appetite

changes in behavior

change in vocalization

heavy breathing

exhibiting a fluffed up appearance

tail bobbing

remaining at the bottom of the cage

Many diseases of pet birds, unfortunately, can be linked to a poor diet or improperhousing. Other diseases are infectious and may even be dangerous for people, such aspsittacosis. Birds can also be affected by cancer, kidney disease, reproductive problemsand countless other conditions. If you feel your bird is sick, contact your veterinarianand he/she will provide you with the best recommendations for testing and treatmentoptions for your feathered friend.

Dr. Heidi Aguiar Licata is the director of East River Veterinary Hospital, since August 2011. Shejoined the Monroe Veterinary Associates family in December 2007. A native of Fall River, MA,Dr. Licata attended the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and received her Bachelors

Degree in Biology in 1999. She continued her veterinary education at Ross University Schoolof Veterinary Medicine and was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2003.Acupuncture and exotic animal medicine are just a few of Dr. Licatas many professionalinterests. She completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society course in 2006and is a certified veterinary acupuncturist. In her spare time, Dr. Licata enjoys running,riding her horses, traveling and camping. She lives with her family and many pets.

While there are a multitude of dog biscuits on the market to choos e from, why not bake ahomemade treat for your dog? Sure, a store-bought cookies taste great, but there is justsomething about a homemade cookie that can turn a bad day into a good one.

Not sure where to start? Check out this tried and true recipe from the Monroe VeterinaryAssociates staff! Trust us; your dog will thank you!

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats

1/3 cup margarine

1 cup boiling water

3/4 cup cornmeal

2 teaspoons white sugar

1/2 cup milk

1 cup peanut butter

1 egg, beaten

3 cups whole wheat flour

Directions:Preheat oven to 325. In a large bowl combine the rolled oats, margarine and boilingwater. Let stand 10 minutes. Grease cookie sheets.

Thoroughly stir in cornmeal, sugar, peanut butter, milk and egg. Mix in flour, 1 cup at atime, until a stiff dough has formed.

Knead dough on a lightly floured surface, mixing in additional flour as necessary untildough is smooth and no longer sticky. Roll or pat out dough to 1/2 thickness. Cut withcookie cutter and place one-inch apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Cool before serving.Store in a loosely-covered container.

Bone Appetit!FEBRUARY 23

International Dog BiscuitAppreciation Day.

Be sure to treat your pup to a biscuit or two!


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Ask a Vet...I have tried fishing rods, feathers, mice, stuffed catniptoys, laser, wiggle-ball, ball with beans inside, ball with

bell inside...you name it; Ive tried it. The only time mycat will play, and it only lasts two minutes, is after Ivegiven him a pinch of catnip. I suppose its fortunate thathes a fussy eater, because his lack of exercise has notresulted in weight gain. His weight is perfect accordingto my MVA veterinarian, but I do worry that his non-playand his sleeping 18-20 hours per day will impact his lifeexpectancy.

I adopted him from Lollypop at age three and he justturned 10. Hes a male, domestic short hair, tiger.Overall good health except for bladder stones a yearafter he adopted me. He gets a physical every year andhas had his teeth cleaned. Hes a wonderful lap-cat and

sleeping buddy tucked tightly into my neck at night. Isthe lack of play/exercise common among cat pets? Is hislife expectancy affected? Is there anything left to try?Don

Dear Don,

Cats in the wild have regular and frequent sleep/wake cyclesthroughout the day and night. Tey are accustomed to small,frequent meals that they need to hunt for daily. Our domestic catssimilarly develop their own schedules of sleep, playing/hunting andeating. Cats generally sleep 16-18 hours per day. During those hoursthat they are awake, as owners, it is important to provide regularenrichment through their environments and through our activeplaytime with them. Cats may seek only brief interactions with us,but may come back multiple times for that social playful moment.

We need to be accepting of their behaviors and not force them intoroutines we think might be more normal.

In their environments cats will seek out areas where they can perchand climb to observe the world around them. It is important toprovide areas on cat trees or window perches so that they can watchthe activities of other animals and birds outdoors. In addition, somecats enjoy playing more when they are up on their perches andcan attack the toy hiding underneath the platform. Depending onyour home location, some owners place bird feeders outside theirwindows to attract birds and other small mammals for an indoorcats entertainment.

A cats preferences for toys can vary. Tey may seek and enjoy toysthat roll, ones to pounce on and sink their teeth into, or ones thatthey can capture, chase and carry. Te importance is to continue

to rotate and mix up the toys that are provided. Do not leave thesame toys out every day or every week. By rotating the toys you canstimulate their interest again. Cats are natural hunters and they mayhave different prey preferences which can also lead to differencesin toy preferences. Some cats enjoy bird-like toys that they chasethrough the air. Others may prefer mice or other small creaturesthat run/skitter across the floor and can be pounced upon. Cats alsoenjoy chasing bugs that have lots of quick unpredictable movements.For those cats that seem to be rapidly bored by the options provided,consider trying toys containing catnip, trying a reward system with

food or trying a specific training routine with a clicker. When usingfood as part of playtime, be sure to account for this in their daily food

intake amounts and limit weight gain through extra food/treats.Te average life expectancy for indoor cats is 12-15 years with somecats living up to 21 years or more. A cats life span can be affectedby multiple factors and depends on providing them with propernutrition, care throughout their lives and maintaining regularveterinary visits. As cats become seniors (seven to nine years andabove) we need to continue to be observant of changes that mayprovide a hint of underlying problems. Cats are known to try andhide any signs of problems, but the sooner you and your veterinarianaddress these concerns, there is a better chance of treating andresolving these problems. Signs to specifically watch for include:changes in activities and social interactions; changes in litterboxusage (are they suddenly starting to pass urine or stool outside thelitterbox); changes in food and water consumption (increase ordecrease); unexplained weight loss or gain; changes in grooming;and bad breath.

It is recommended that senior cats receive examinations every sixmonths to monitor weight and behavior changes. It is recommendedthat senior cats regularly have bloodwork and urinalysis to provide acomplete evaluation of internal organ function.

Don, if your kitty is in good physical shape based on your veterinariansmost recent evaluation then I would not be as concerned about hisgeneral activity level affecting his longevity. It sounds as though youare careful to keep up with regular veterinary care and dental healthfor your cat. If he was in poor body condition and gaining weight,then as a veterinarian, I would be concerned about your cat beingmore prone to developing diabetes, lameness and arthritis, andincreased anesthetic and surgical risks. Otherwise I would continueto explore some of the options described above or consider lookinginto a training routine (clicker or food based) for cats.

Joanne Hach, DVMCats & Critters


Pooch have you puzzled?Cat

haveyoucurious?

Want answers to your questions?

Email your questions [email protected]!


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PortraitsLoveofEach week, Lollypop Farm receives letters and emails filled with

happy endings for animals who have been adopted from our shelter.

Pictures help to tell these wonderful stories.

TROOPER was adopted

by Steven in 2013

Trooper

Miss MillieMISS MILLIE was adopted

by Leo & Dawn in 2013

MarthaMARTHA was adopted

by June & Chris in 2013


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We welcome our readers letters.

Please write to:Pet Tales c/o Darlyn Reddy

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Please include your name, address,daytime telephone, and e-mail address.

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Thank you to Pet Talesmajor sponsor!

Monroe Veterinary Associates was foundedin 1969 as a single hospital and has grown to

include 14 full-service veterinary hospitals,a 24-hour emergency and specialty practice,a house call service, a full-service referencelaboratory and a rehabilitation center, all ofwhich are located in or around Rochester.

Monroe Veterinary Associates contributesactively to the community in a variety ofways. MVA provides financial support to theHumane Society at Lollypop Farm, RochesterAnimal Services and the Seneca Park Zoo.MVA veterinarians and staff membersvolunteer countless hours toward helpinganimals in the community. For example,veterinarians donate their time to Friendsof Ferals, which works to help decrease theferal cat population in the Rochester area.

Also, MVAs personnel are active in localeducational initiatives, including classroompresentations, student shadow programs andstudent externships.

Find out more about the many services thatMonroe Veterinary Associates offers or to finda location near you, visit monroevets.com. Youcan also follow us on Twitter @MonroeVets orlike us on Facebook.

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when you need it the most.

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Pet Tales Winter Issue 2013