August-September 2013 - Pet Project Magazine

Transcription

August/September 2013
Pet-Friendly
Calendar
of Events
I’M
FREE
TAKE
M
E!
Give Pets a Raw Deal!
DOCK DOGS
how to remove
a tick
from your pet
Making a Big Splash
Preventing
Heat Injury
DOGS
JUST WANNA
HAVE FUN!
at South Paw Acres
DogofDaze
Summer
Pet Project Magazine
1
Please visit www.pawsintheparkmo.com for more information and details
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Getting to know
Pet Fair
Introducing
The Pet Fair
Mobile Spa
1706 I-70 Drive SW
Columbia, MO 65201
573-445-7783
573-953-3717
[email protected]
[email protected]
2
Visit us on Facebook!
Mobile Pet Spa
Dog DazeofSummer
Table of Contents
5
8
12
5 Ask the Vet: Hot Spots
8 Dock Dogs Making a Big Splash
9 Pet-Friendly Spotlight: Wenwood Farm Winery
10 Give Pets a Raw Deal!
12 Dogs Just Wanna Have Fun! South Paw Acres day care
14 Biking Across America with Jasmine Reese
16 Tails from the Scratching Post: Spice Up the Summer
18 Animal Law 101
20 Oily Pets, PanAway to the Rescue
21 Chinchillas, Bundles of Fun
26 Calendar of Events
27 How to Remove a Tick From Your Pet
28 Preventing Heat Injury in Dogs
30 Advertising Directory / Pet Recipe
3
Tidbits
from the Publisher
S
“We are proud to have such a
talented group of writers sharing
their knowledge, wisdom and
experiences for all to read and
learn from.”
ummer is in full swing
in mid-Missouri! These
sweltering months can
pose many problems for
our pets. Pesky fleas, flies,
ticks, allergies, itchy skin and ears
are just a few of the irritating issues
that pets deal with during the high
heat, humidity and pollen-filled air
the warm-weather months bring.
Contributors for Pet Project Magazine’s Dog Daze of Summer issue have compiled articles full of
information and tips on keeping
your pets comfortable and safe this
time of year. We are proud to have
such a talented group of writers
sharing their knowledge, wisdom
and experiences for all to read and
learn from.
Melody
Columbia has also been bustling
Whitworth
with pet-friendly happenings, host& Honeybunny
ing a record number of educational, entertaining and informative and comfortable and enjoy the Dog
events, creating awareness and Daze of Summer while reading this
raising funds for many wonder- issue of Pet Project Magazine.
ful animal welfare organizations
in the area. Pet Project Magazine Kisses, hugs and belly rubs to all
has ventured out to many of these the wonderful animal companions
events and offers a photo gallery of Columbia and the mid-Missouri
for you to see how enthusiastic this area.
community is about animal welfare
and advocacy.
Melody Whitworth
Find a cool spot in the shade, take it Pet Project Magazine, LLC
slow and easy, keep your pets safe Publisher
Staff & Contacts
Publisher
Melody Whitworth
[email protected]
Editor-in-Chief
Joan Page McKenna
[email protected]
Magazine Layout
& Printing
Lake Printing Company, Inc.
573-346-0600
www.lakeprinting.com
4
Contact Us
Contributing Writers
Webmaster
Photographers
P.O. Box 7018
Columbia, MO 65205
573-397-2100
www.petprojectmag.com
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Ronnye Randall
sbsproactive.com
Dr. Beth Hussey
Dr. Maren Bell Jones
Michael Whitworth
Andrea Gayer
Jessica Schlosser
Pamela Heyen
Emily Stubbs
Elise Schmelzer
LG Patterson
Melissa Kron
Bob McAdams
© 2013 Pet Project Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved.
Ask the Vet
HOT
SPOTS
(...and we’re not talkin’ Wi-Fi!)
by Beth Hussey, DVM
“Fortunately, although they look terrible and can certainly be very irritating and
uncomfortable, hot spots are not a life-threatening problem. The first and most
important goal of treatment is to stop the dog from itching.”
A
h, the dog days of summer…sunny afternoons by the pool, barbecues, baseball games. All of the
earth’s critters seem to be enjoying themselves more, now that keeping warm and keeping fed are
not the biggest problems they’re faced with.
But along with the joys of summer come a few things that are definitely not as much fun. Biting bugs, ticks,
fleas and a perfect environment for yeast and bacterial infections can mean summer is just one continuous
itch for your long-suffering pet.
Probably all of you who own dogs (and more than a few who own outside-roaming cats) have had this
experience: You notice some wetness on an area of your pet, and when you examine further, the skin
underneath the hair looks “shiny.” You look closer and the skin looks red, or yellowish, and in some cases
the hair is gone altogether. You may have difficulty looking very closely, because chances are the dog or
cat being examined has by now decided you are getting too close to a very sensitive area and is beginning
to wiggle away from you.
continued on page 6...
5
continued from page 5...
What’s going on here?
Well, remember when you got an insect bite as a
kid, and your mom told you not to scratch it till it
gets raw or it will get infected? Mom was right. And
what is usually going on with your dog or cat is that
something—bug bite, fleas, ear infection, cut or
scrape—has caused enough irritation that the pet has
started licking or scratching at the area, and now it is
really inflamed. And often infected!
Those hot spots can develop with just a few hours of
concentrated licking.
Fortunately, although they look terrible and can
certainly be very irritating and uncomfortable, hot
spots are not a life-threatening problem. The first and
most important goal of treatment is to stop the dog from
itching, whether by using a medication that can break
the “itch/scratch” cycle, or some form of mechanical
barrier that won’t allow the pet to reach the traumatized
area. But close behind that first goal
“For immediate relief of is the second goal; namely, trying to
what caused the problem in
a very itchy condition, identify
the first place. There is always an
there really is no
underlying cause, and if it can’t be
substitute for steroids. identified, then chances are other hot
spots will develop despite treatment
These are potent,
for the first one.
These areas of inflammation, and
often concurrent infection, are
referred to as “hot spots.” If you
want to sound scientific, they are
self-traumatized dermatitis lesions.
Although the initial cause may vary,
what happens next does not change
much: The irritated area begins to effective medications
Sometimes the cause is obvious.
bother the dog enough that he starts
Fleas and ticks are relatively easy
to lick, chew or dig, and before you that act very quickly
and
help
your
pet
feel
to see, and we have great products
can realize what’s going on, you’ve
now to take care of those pests. It
got a hot spot. They can happen better fast.”
may take some time before the
overnight! Most of the time when
infestation
is
under
control, but it is a fixable problem.
I’m presented with a problem that has clearly been
going on for days, if not weeks, and the owner says, Often, hot spots just under the ears or high on the neck
“He was fine just yesterday,” I am a little skeptical and are caused by ear mites or ear infections, which are
may roll my eyes a bit, but in this situation it is true: also easy to identify (although sometimes challenging
to clear up). Chewing at a laceration or surgery site is
also pretty easy to figure out.
There are some more subtle causes as well. Food
allergies, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous lymphoma, or
hypersensitivity to insect bites or Staphylococcus sp.
bacteria are all things that can be considered if no
immediate cause is identified. Some of these problems
can be serious and difficult to treat.
Practical, Professional,
Compassionate Care
Located at 1700-I-70 Drive SW in Columbia
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F,
Saturdays 7:30 a.m. until noon
Full-service canine and feline hospital
Please call for appointment 573-445-4466
www.hortoncentral.com
Dr. Beth Hussey • Dr. Steve Brush
Dr. Beth Luebbering
6
For immediate relief of a very itchy condition, there
really is no substitute for steroids. These are potent,
effective medications that act very quickly and help
your pet feel better fast. Steroids are not without
problems, though, which is why we have to thoughtfully
consider what the underlying problem may be. If there
is an immunosuppressive disorder causing increased
colonization of the skin by bacteria, using steroids is a
recipe for making that a much worse situation. Even if
the underlying condition will not itself be made worse
by steroids, there are significant side effects to almost
all of the steroids commonly used in practice, including
increased panting, water drinking, urination and
appetite. There is also a practical limit to the number of
times that steroids may be given, and the amount given,
before even more serious problems (like Cushing’s
disease, or steroid hepatopathy) will develop.
Antihistamines, especially as an injection, can provide Does shaving your dog help? It can—by making the
short-term relief, but not usually as great as that lesions more obvious, and by making them more
achieved with steroids, and sedation
accessible for treatment. But don’t
can be a problem. Topical drying
shave your dog to prevent hot spots.
agents and steroid or antihistamine Finding the underlying
If they have never had a problem,
creams can sometimes help, but cause for a dog with a
make sure that these are used only on chronic hot spot problem occasionally shaving can actually
invite hot spots, since the pet is now
hot spots that cannot be reached by
the pet’s mouth. In my experience, can be challenging. Since less protected against sun irritation
and insect bites.
anything you put on an itchy area our pets can’t tell us
that the pet is already licking just
We should mention one other
acts like sauce. They lick even more. what seems to bother
condition that occasionally causes a
Bathing with an anti-itch shampoo them most, we have to
hot spot-like lesion, but is actually
can also offer some temporary relief,
but check with your veterinarian eliminate potential causes a separate pathologic entity. Acral
lick granulomas are areas of selfbefore you choose a product. Most one by one.”
trauma that appear, generally on
human shampoos are not in the right
pH range for dogs and can make irritation worse, the lower legs, where dogs have started licking and
although some oatmeal shampoos will do an adequate just kept on. The difference in these lesions is that
job. Remember when you are bathing an itchy dog to an underlying condition may or may not be found.
use tepid or even cool water, because hot water makes Often it is boredom or anxiety that triggers the licking,
itchiness worse.
which then becomes almost an obsessive-compulsive
Antibiotics are sometimes indicated for treatment, but disorder, and indeed we often treat these spots with
not always. Overuse of antibiotics is a challenging a combination of itch relief and anti-anxiety drugs.
problem for medical professionals in all fields these While hot spots occur in dogs of all breeds and sizes,
days, and in most cases the biggest problem is not the
usually the acral lick lesions are more prevalent in
infection but the inflammation. Infection develops as
a secondary issue, and if you have your pet treated in large, active breeds like Labradors or setters. This
a timely manner, there may be no need for antibiotics. particular condition is very difficult to resolve entirely,
Of course, if the underlying cause is an infection, then and will likely require ongoing treatment.
the proper medication in the proper amount will be The best treatment for hot spots is prevention. Keep
necessary to resolve the issue.
your pet on a regular year-round flea and tick control
Finding the underlying cause for a dog with a chronic regimen. Consider adding mosquito protection as well,
hot spot problem can be challenging (read: expensive!). and diligently watch for signs of licking or chewing.
Since our pets can’t tell us what seems to bother them Regular bathing can help reveal problems before they
most, we have to eliminate potential causes one by
one. Response to treatment can tell us a lot, which is get out of hand, and simply running your hands over
why we usually reach for the steroids unless there is an your pet daily can alert you to areas of concern. And
obvious infection present. Steroids will help in most hey…what better prescription for you and your best
conditions, so if there really isn’t much response, that friend than regular petting? Enjoy the summer, and
leave the hot spots to the wireless connections!
can rule out a lot of potential causes.
“
r
Dr. Beth Hussey is a longtime resident of Columbia and has been practicing at
Horton Animal Hospital–Central since her graduation from the University of
Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. She has recently become sole
owner of the practice, after the retirement of Dr. Jack Horton and Dr. John Williams.
Dr. Hussey is the voice of “The Pet Place” on 1400 AM KFRU on Saturday
mornings at 8:10 a.m. She serves on the Columbia Board of Health, the Vicious
Dog Advisory Board and the Missouri Review board. She is active in the Columbia
Dressage and Combined Training Association and was recently awarded the
Region Four Volunteer of the Year for the United States Dressage Federation. She shares her Rocheport home
with two cats, Vinnie and Leo; and four horses, including her active competition horse, Wolfsfalle. Contact her
at [email protected] or visit her practice website at www.hortoncentral.com.
7
a
g
n
i
k
Ma
Big Splash
Pets dive in with gusto at Second Chance’s fun-filled
DockDogs aquatics contest
“The sounds of splashes, oohs, ahhs and applause filled the air as the dogs
competed in Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical, Big Air and Iron Dog.”
crystal-clear water. The fun-filled
yet competitive Mid Mo Splash
Down combined strength, agility and
persistence; it was also an incredible
bonding experience for dogs and
their people.
“Anyone and any
dog can compete in
DockDogs events by
simply filling out a preregistration form on
the website.”
DockDogs Inc., known as the
“World’s Premier Canine Aquatics
Competition,” recently held a round
of heats on the grounds of Second
Chance, a not-for-profit animal rescue
group well known in Columbia and
mid-Missouri. Now located in Boonville, Second Chance is dedicated to
“seeking first-class homes for second-hand pets.”
can compete in DockDogs events by
simply filling out a pre-registration
form on the website. Second Chance
hopes to make the Mid Mo Splash
The large crowd in the bleachers Down an annual event.
rooted loudly for each dog to jump Visit DockDogs at www.dockdogs.
the farthest, the highest, the fastest, com to find a calendar of events,
and to be the strongest. The sounds the pre-registration form, and all
of splashes, oohs, ahhs and applause the information you need to get
filled the air as the dogs competed involved in these exciting canine
in Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical, competitions.
Big Air and Iron Dog, with standings
—Pet Project Magazine staff
calculated based on time, speed and
distance.
On a warm, sunny afternoon, without
a cloud in the sky, dogs and their
masters from several states gathered
around a large blue pool filled with
DockDogs’ family-friendly competitions create long-lasting relationships and camaraderie among
dog owners; anyone and any dog
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Wenwood Farm Winery is a pet-friendly boutique winery offering a haven of upscale sophistication and
down-home comfort. The family-owned business in the hills of Missouri recently celebrated wines and canines
with Woof Fest, a fundraiser to support local rescue groups. Friends and families (and their dogs) gathered to savor
delicious food and wine, all to raise money for our furry friends. Pet contests at Woof Fest included best trick, cutest
smile, best costume, best groomed, dog who looks most like their person and crowd favorite. Enjoy the beautiful
scenery on a leisurely ride to Wenwood Farm Winery, and then relish in its Midwest hospitality, incredible wine and
cheese, and the vintage gift store. Don’t forget man’s best friend, who will be welcomed with a biscuit and a fresh
bowl of water! Wenwood Farm Winery is at 1132 Brick Church Road, Bland, Mo
Contact the winery at 573-437-3443, by email at [email protected]
or online at www.wenwoodfarmwinery.com.
Therapeutic Essential Oils for Pets & People
Heyen Wellness Therapies
Educating * Encouraging * Supporting
Pamela A. Heyen, HHP #1082945
Office 573-234-4294/Cell 573-808-4289
www.hwt.vibrantscents.com
[email protected]
Every purchase supports Dogs Deserve Better, Inc. of Missouri and their mission statement (#1372441)
9
Give pets a raw deal!
Feeding an uncooked diet offers a host of health benefits
by Jessica Schlosser
W
ith the pet-owning population looking
to provide the best for their furry family,
it’s no surprise that one of the first places
people look to improve is their pet’s diet. After all, diet
has a huge impact on overall health (for humans and
pets alike).
“Benefits include improved
digestion, firmer stools, better
weight management, decreased
allergy symptoms, cleaner teeth, and
healthier skin and coat.”
The pet food industry is seeing a huge increase in the
growth of more “natural” pet foods, but one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry is raw diets. A raw
diet is made up of entirely raw (that’s right—uncooked) muscle meat, bones and organ meat, and best replicates
what our pets are designed to eat.
There are several reasons why it’s more beneficial than other forms of pet food, and why many pet owners
are choosing this route. Any cooking process that a food goes through starts to destroy some of the vitamins,
enzymes or other nutrients naturally present; raw, uncooked foods retain all of the natural goodness found in
them. Furthermore, because raw diets are processed very minimally, they are easy for your pet to break down
in their digestive systems. Traditional pet diets like dry kibble and canned foods are typically cooked at high
temperatures for long periods of time. This kills most of the nutrients in the foods, requiring the manufacturer to
add an artificial vitamin pack to the food to balance it, and it also makes the food much more difficult for your
pet to digest. Convenient? Absolutely. Natural? Not really.
Raw diets also provide a whole host of health benefits to pets, including improved digestion, firmer stools, better
weight management, decreased allergy symptoms, cleaner teeth, and healthier skin and coat. For pets who have
health complications like cancer or diabetes, a raw diet very well could be a wonderful option to help minimize
the impact those diseases have due to decreasing the amount of carbohydrates in the diet.
10
“While moving to a completely raw diet is great, one doesn’t have to provide their
pet exclusively raw to see some of its health benefits. Many commercially available
raw diets are available in pre-measured one-ounce portions; giving one or two of
these raw ‘nuggets’ a day can have a positive impact.”
It should be noted that properly feeding a raw diet to your pet goes far beyond tossing an uncooked chicken breast
in your pet’s bowl and calling it a meal. When preparing a raw diet, you want the makeup to be approximately
80 percent muscle meat, 10 percent bone and 10 percent organ to accurately replicate their natural diet and
making it appropriately balanced so they’re not deprived of any essential nutrients. Some pet owners prefer
to prepare a raw diet at home, but there are many commercially available, premade raw diets available in the
freezers of independent pet stores across the country. The first option can be a bit less expensive, but the second
is much more convenient, takes the guesswork out of balancing the diet yourself and is typically prepared with
safety as one of the top priorities, as these manufacturers know their product is going to be consumed raw.
While moving to a completely raw diet is great, one
doesn’t have to provide their pet exclusively raw to “Properly feeding a raw diet to your pet
see some of its health benefits. Many commercially goes far beyond tossing an uncooked
available raw diets are available in pre-measured one- chicken breast in your pet’s bowl and
ounce portions; giving one or two of these raw ‘nuggets’ calling it a meal.”
a day can have a positive impact on the skin, coat and
dental health of your dog or cat. Feeding a couple of raw, meaty bones or raw recreational chew bones a week can
also clean your pet’s teeth and keep your dog mentally stimulated at the same time. If you look at your pet’s teeth,
you’ll notice they’re sharp and pointy, and that’s for good reason—they’re designed to eat real, raw meat, and
providing them that does them a world of good! Raw, meaty bones help to scrape the plaque off their teeth, have
enzymes that help break down tarter and act almost as a flossing agent for in between their teeth.
One of the biggest concerns that consumers have about raw diets is the fear of bacteria, such as salmonella
and e. coli. These are legitimate concerns, but the safety concerns are more relevant for the pet owners rather
than the pets themselves. Dogs and cats have been safely eating raw meats for thousands of years. They have
short and highly acidic digestive systems that allow them to digest raw foods safely and quickly. Additionally,
commercial raw pet diets have high safety standards and strict procedures to ensure your pet is getting a food
that’s completely pathogen-free.
As long as the pet owner follows safe handling procedures when feeding their pet raw food—washing hands,
prep surfaces and bowls thoroughly with warm, soapy water when done—the bacterial risks of feeding a raw
diet are very low.
Now that you’ve read a little bit about raw, try it out! Your pets will appreciate getting the raw deal, and you will
appreciate how much healthier they are on this completely natural, biologically appropriate diet.
r
Jessica Schlosser is the owner
of Lizzi and Rocco’s Natural Pet
Market, 503 E. Nifong Blvd.,
Suite J, in Columbia. You can
also reach her at 573-875-2288
or at the store’s website,
www.lizziandroccos.com.
Ocean Life Aquaria brings the extraordinary and mystical
beauty of the world’s coral reefs to Columbia
Owner: Dustin Raterman
Location: The Broadway Shops,
2703 East Broadway Ste. 139,
Columbia, MO 65201
Contact:
573-228-9775
[email protected]
www.oceanlifeaquaria.com
11
South
offers mPaw Acres
conditio ultiple aircomple ned rooms
tely d
to resti edicated
ng
dogs.
South Paw Acres day care and boarding offers an abundance
of interactive play time and activities
Coming up the driveway into South Paw Acres is like
entering a wooded oasis retreat—right in the middle of
suburban Columbia. Trees arch over the drive, a pond
comes into view at the top of the hill and cheerful barking
dogs greet all who approach the dog day care center.
South Paw Acres, a dog day care
and boarding facility in southwest Columbia, specializes in
interactive boarding. Instead of
kenneling her guests individually, owner Faye Nowell allows
the dogs to socialize and play in
groups hand-picked for compatibility. Dogs have access to 1.5 Faye Nowell, Owner, South Paw Acres
acres of fenced grass yard, a pond, toys and the company of other canine companions, all in the backyard of
Nowell’s home.
“The best thing they get, in my opinion, is the chance
to simply be a dog among other dogs, and not have to
answer to a human for a while,” Nowell says. “Dogs are
pack animals. It is healthy for their psyche to interact
as a member of their own species, and to learn how to
12
by Elise Schmelzer
socialize among their own kind. A well-socialized dog
makes for a good canine citizen.”
The dogs certainly seem to enjoy their freedom: Larger
dogs leap into the pond in pursuit of sticks and smaller
dogs lounge in the sun and playfully tussle. The dogs
are separated by size so that both groups can play safely
without the fear of aggression or injuries.
“The dogs are allowed to do whatever they want to do,
together or alone, as long as they are being safe, friendly and
happy,” Nowell says. “If they want to spend time outside
playing in the pond, they can do that. If they’d rather hang
out in the doghouse and sleep, they can do that.”
All dogs at Nowell’s facility go through an interview
process with their owner. The interview ensures that the
potential new visitor will be a good fit at South Paw Acres
and will be able to enjoy the experience. The interview
questions cover whether the dog is sociable, in good
health and safe around new dogs and people. The process
also allows Nowell to assess each dog and to be aware of
any potential issues that may arise and become familiar
with the dog’s personality and preferences.
The dogs certainly seem to enjoy their
freedom: Larger dogs leap into the pond
in pursuit of sticks and smaller dogs
lounge in the sun and playfully tussle.
“This process allows everyone to see how their dog will
behave in an open play group setting,” she says. “Both
owners and their dogs are shown the entire facility and
can witness other dogs in action. They can see where they
will be boarded, and are given a complete description of
how things are run. Every dog is given the individual care
and attention he or she needs to be comfortable in their
temporary home. A shy dog might be kept in the office
area with staff nearby, while an active and playful dog
would be allowed to run free around the grounds with
other dogs who want to play.”
are alloweyd
s
g
o
d
e
h
T
“
ever the
to do whaot, together
want to d, as long as
or alone e being
they ar ndly
safe, frie
and
happy.”
Along with its facilities that promote activity among the
dogs, South Paw Acres also has many amenities available
when the tired dogs are ready to rest. The facility offers
multiple air-conditioned rooms completely dedicated to
resting dogs. The tuckered-out visitors can snooze on “I enjoy getting to know each of my clients individually,”
one of the large dog beds, the cool tile, in the outdoor she says. “I want them to feel like SPA is part of their
family, because I certainly feel they are part of mine!
doghouses or under the multitudinous shade trees.
Some clients have turned into close personal friends over
the years.”
Since 2001, Nowell has been running South Paw Acres
with the help of volunteers and part-time staff. Faye,
along with her volunteers and staff, spends much of her
time playing with and paying attention to the dogs. All
doggie visitors get attention and some tender loving care,
much to the enjoyment of the staff.
“I get to play with dogs all day. I don’t think there
is a better part to any job,” part-time worker Ashley
Tewilliager says.
lay!
p
Ready for
A quote on South Paw Acres’ website reads: “A tired dog
equals a happy owner.” Through its hands-on and active
atmosphere, the business certainly creates the tired,
satisfied dogs that happy owners love to take home.
South Paw Acres is at 5550 W. Gillespie Bridge Road,
Columbia. For more information, call 573-446-ARFF
The safe, friendly atmosphere brings many owners and (2733) or visit www.southpawacres.com.
their dogs back year after year.
“It makes me grin from ear to ear when one of my regular
clients comes bounding up to my door—way ahead of
his owner—ready to play for the day,” Nowell says.
She not only fosters happy relationships with her dog
clients, but the owners also get to experience the personal
care that Nowell offers.
r
Elise Schmelzer is a sophomore at
the University of Missouri studying
international journalism, Spanish and
Portuguese.
13
Dispatches
from the Road
Columbia’s Jasmine Reese shares her experiences as she bicycles across the
United States with her dog, Fiji, to encourage healthy, pet-friendly living
“It’s amazing the number of truly wonderful people out there. When you’re at home,
watching the news, you forget that there are still good people in the world willing to
lend a helping hand to others.”
Jasmine Reese is seeing America through new eyes as she pedals cross-country with her beloved canine sidekick, Fiji.
“So far, the greatest part of our journey has been the people we meet,” says Reese, a student at the University
of Missouri. “Through them, I’ve volunteered at food pantries, gone kayaking, eaten the best ice cream, choked
on moonshine, escaped the daily grind of pedaling at youth retreats and discovered the least hilly routes. It’s
amazing the number of truly wonderful people out there. When you’re at home, watching the news, you forget
that there are still good people in the world willing to lend a helping hand to others.”
Her traveling companion is reveling in the experience, too, Reese says. “Fiji has met and played with many
dogs. I’m happy to say she’s healthy and loves running. I love looking down and seeing her running by my side
and having the time of her life. Fiji’s highlights would be all the deer and rabbits she’s chased after.”
Reese and Fiji began their trip in New York City in May. Their adventure will take
them 4,000 miles across the East Coast Greenway and Trans-America Trail to end
in San Diego this fall. They’ve traveled through Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey
and Maryland, with stops in Indiana, Illinois and Missouri planned before making
their way to the West Coast. Reese is on a Kona Sutra 2013 bicycle; Fiji rides along
in a DoggyRide Novel10 Trailer or runs next to Reese on a Springer America bike
attachment wearing Ruffwear Bark’n Boots and a Swamp Cooler vest.
The purpose of the trip is to promote healthy living and responsible pet ownership,
and Reese is using the opportunity to raise funds for the Missouri Lions Eye Research
Foundation. Her goal is to raise $5 or more per mile. (People can pledge by calling
the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation at 800-753-2265 or online at www.mlerf.org/give and noting it’s
for “Fijabam.”)
“When I reach Columbia, Mo., I hope we can say we’ve raised more than $3,000 for them,” she says.
The ride so far, Reese says, has had it ups and downs—literally. “The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail and
14
“Fiji has been my protector and my friend in this journey and now she seems human.
She’s truly so sweet. I’ve gotten to know her better, her likes and dislikes. She’s a life, a
life who loves unconditionally.”
the Great Allegheny Passage are wonderful, gorgeous
trails to bike. However, if you’re taking a trailer,
the C&O will be super bumpy. Make sure your dog
is really secure, because there’s tons of wildlife.
Fiji loved running in these trails. It was unpaved, so
she could run forever. Also, protect your dog with
updated vaccines, Heartgard and flea/tick prevention.
Mosquitoes and ticks are very heavy on the C&O trail
because of the river.”
this journey and now she seems human. She’s truly
so sweet. I’ve gotten to know her better, her likes and
dislikes. She’s a life, a life who loves unconditionally.
She’ll put her life on the line to protect me. The least
I can do is give her all my love while she’s with me.”
Both Reese and Fiji are also transforming: “I am
stronger physically,” she says. “Nutrition is still
something I’m learning, so I am not losing as much
weight as I’d like to. The first thing people want to do
for Fiji and me is feed us!
since 2003!
Reese also wants to acknowledge several people and
organizations along the way who have been particularly
kind to her and Fiji; she will be posting more
information about this on her blog at www.fijabam.
But, she says, “for every good experience, there’s com (Fiji and Jasmine Bike Across America). Her web
always one bad. At first rain was our enemy, but page includes a link to donate to Columbia’s Second
when the summer heat set in, we realized rain was a Chance animal shelter, www.columbia2ndchance.org/
friend. Climbing up a hill in 90-degree heat, looking donate.php.
back and seeing Fiji panting, you start to wish for a
To donate and support the trip, visit http://gofundme.
thunderstorm. So far, Fiji’s had no issues with heat. I
com/FiJaBAM.
keep her hydrated. I, on the other hand, have had minor
Pet Project Magazine wishes continued safe travels
episodes of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
and best of luck to Reese and Fiji on their exciting
“About a week ago, I started to experience pain in
journey across America.
my right kneecap. I thought my trip was going to end
—Pet Project Magazine staff
early. I ended up getting a free massage and checkup.
Next issue: More highlights from Reese and Fiji’s
According to the massage therapist, my kneecap has
big adventure.
some degeneration going on, which is a common
occurrence for athletes. Weight loss, a knee brace and
a bike fitting should help to alleviate the energy my
kneecap exerts during rides. I also rested in Columbus,
your pet’s favorite stop for
Ohio, for several days. I now have no pain in my knee.
So, forward we go.”
food, treats, toys and more
Meet a few of our fans!
“Fiji can run forever,” Reese continues. “She runs about
20 miles per day (with breaks and cool-downs) in cool
weather, and five to six miles in warmer weather. And
she still has a ton of energy at the end of the day! Fiji
is so much more socialized now. She does an amazing
job around people, children and almost any situation
now—although elevators scare her to death. She also
listens so well.”
Their deep bond has only strengthened during the
trip. “When I first adopted Fiji [two years ago from
a shelter], I did not want to get too attached to her,”
Reese says. “We had recently lost our family dog,
and the pain from that was great. I didn’t want to feel
that pain again. Of course, Fiji infiltrated her way into
my heart. She’s been my protector and my friend in
1400 Forum Blvd, Columbia
Schnucks/Forum Plaza
573-234-2275
www.treats-unleashed.com
15
Tails from the Scratching Post!
Spice Up the
Summer
Keeping kitty mentally and
physically fit is easier—and more fun
—than you think! by Andrea L. Gayer
Cats love a little spice in their lives. You can imagine the
same mundane life many felines must feel they lead. Wake
up, use litter box, stare out window, eat, groom, sleep. Repeat.
Sure, we cat fanciers pet them, talk to them and interact with
them (hopefully) on a daily basis. But how can you put some
pizzazz back into Polly’s life? How can you awaken her
inner kitten, her inherent huntress, her savage spirit?
“You don’t have to spend an
entire paycheck on toys, but a
new goodie every now and then
for your cat can spark curiosity
and encourage play.”
1
1. Maximize her space. It’s easy enough to purchase a basic, carpeted cat tree from your local pet store,
but how else can you get your cat off the ground? Cat shelves, available from online stores like Amazon,
are aesthetically pleasing and can be hung in a myriad of patterns, allowing your cat to expand her
acrobatic skills. Her ancestors climbed trees, rocks and other outdoor obstacles to survive. Enticing
Fluffy to climb new spaces makes her feel in touch with her savvy self. Furthermore, many cats prefer
to dwell in high places. This vantage point allows them to watch for predators and prey—and feel like
the king or queen they obviously are.
2
2. Bring the outdoors in. Keeping your kitty inside your home is always the safest option to protect her
against diseases, cars, predators and other environmental hazards. But our recently domesticated friends
don’t necessarily understand this. Start by placing an array of bird feeders outside your windows—most
cats love nothing more than to sit and watch as their feathered prey feast on seeds (while safely outside
their reach). You can even purchase a lively DVD, made for ornithologists (those who study birds), filled
with fluttering, chirping, preening feathered fowl. Try playing this visual stimulus while you are away at
work, or even watch it together. Secondly, bring fresh grasses into your home that kitty can munch on.
Many pet stores sell potted grass plants specifically for your cat to eat. Lastly, if you have the time or
the resources, a screened-in porch is always an asset. Not only will it likely add value to your home, but
16
your kitty will revel in the as-close-as-it-gets-tobeing-outside-vibe it provides.
3. Revamp meal time. Pouring food into your cat’s
3
“Cat shelves are aesthetically
pleasing and can be hung in a
myriad of patterns, allowing your
cat to expand her acrobatic skills.”
bowl day after day is not a bad thing, but in the
wild, Boots would have to forage for her food. So
why not make feeding time a novelty? Try placing
her food bowl around your house in different areas,
enticing her to explore and pursue her next meal. (This technique is not recommended for older cats who
have relied on the same routine for years, or for cats with compromised health, such as diabetics or those
with hyperthyroidism or renal issues.)
4. Toys, toys, toys. You don’t have to spend an entire paycheck on toys, but a new goodie every now
4
and then for your cat can spark curiosity and encourage play. Playtime is essential for your cat’s
physical health (it may be the only exercise she gets) and emotional well-being. For years, scientists
have studied why mammals play, and the consensus is that animals play for the reasons people do.
We delight in activity that is worry-free and helps to reduce stress levels. Play in animals also helps
to keep their natural survival skills keen and sharp. A cat will stalk, pounce or chew on a toy because
that is what she would do to her prey in the wild. Providing your cat with a new or interesting toy and
playing with her will keep her ingenuity and inner prowess at a high level, and increase your bond.
“If you want to spice up your cat’s life, spend quality time with her, and
really engage.”
5
5. You. Cats by nature are more independent than our dog friends, and sometimes this can be to their
disadvantage. Unfortunately, there are too many stories of our feline pals being overlooked day to day.
We assume that they don’t need us because their independent spirit is strong, but nothing could be farther
from the truth. If you want to spice up your cat’s life, spend quality time with her, and really engage.
Brush her, if that is what she likes. Rub her belly. Scratch under her neck. Fawn over her. Speak her name
softly to her. (Scientists have discovered that cats actually enjoy hearing the sound of their own name.)
Teach her tricks (yes, it can be done). Tell her she is the most beautiful cat you’ve ever seen. Despite all
the things we can do to spice up a cat’s life, sometimes all your cat really wants is time with you!
Relax and Rejuvenate after a “Wuff” day
r
Andrea Gayer is the head veterinary technician at Rolling
Hills Veterinary Hospital in
Columbia. She has been a veterinary technician for nine
years. You can reach her at
[email protected].
The
The Strand
Strand Salon
Salon &
& Spa
Spa
1100
1100 Club
Club Village
Village Dr.
Dr.
Ste.
Ste. 105
105
Columbia,
Columbia, MO
MO 65203
65203
573-875-3008
573-875-3008
Find
us on Facebook
www.TheStrandSalonAndSpaColumbiaMo.com
17
1 ANIMAL LAW 101
1
City-dwellers may now legally keep chickens, with a few rules
by Michael Whitworth, Attorney at Law
Question: Why did the chicken cross the road? Answer: Because she
wanted to live in the city limits of Columbia, Mo., as an urban chicken.
“Six hens (female chickens) per tract of land are allowed. Roosters are not allowed.”
On Feb. 1, 2010, the Columbia City Council voted to allow
urban chickens to reside within the city limits. The ordinance
is as follows:
PART II—CODE OF ORDINANCES
Chapter 5—ANIMALS AND FOWL
ARTICLE V.—CHICKENS
Sec. 5-91.—Number and type of chickens allowed.
(a) The maximum number of chickens allowed is six (6) per
tract of land, regardless of how many dwelling units are on
the tract.
(b) Only female chickens are allowed. There is no restriction
on chicken species.
(Ord. No. 20549, § 1, 2-1-10)
Sec. 5-92.—Noncommercial use only.
It shall be unlawful to engage in chicken breeding or fertilizer
production for commercial purposes.
(Ord. No. 20549, § 1, 2-1-10)
Sec. 5-93.—Enclosures.
(a) Chickens must be kept in an enclosure or fenced area at
all times. Chickens shall be secured within a henhouse or
chicken tractor during non-daylight hours.
(b) Enclosures must be kept in a clean, dry, odor-free, neat
and sanitary condition at all times.
(c) Henhouses, chicken tractors and chicken pens must
provide adequate ventilation and adequate sun and shade and
must be impermeable to rodents, wild birds and predators,
including dogs and cats.
(d) Henhouses and chicken tractors.
(1) Henhouses and chicken tractors shall be designed to
provide safe and healthy living conditions for the chickens
while minimizing adverse impacts to other residents in the
neighborhood.
a. A henhouse or chicken tractor shall be enclosed on all sides
and shall have a roof and doors. Access doors must be able
to be shut and locked at night. Opening windows and vents
18
must be covered with predatorand bird-proof wire of less than
one-inch openings.
b. The materials used in making a
henhouse or chicken tractor shall
be uniform for each element of
the structure such that the walls
are made of the same material,
the roof has the same shingles or
other covering, and any windows
or openings are constructed using
the same materials. The use of
scrap, waste board, sheet metal,
or similar materials is prohibited. Henhouses and chicken
tractors shall be well maintained.
(2) Henhouses, chicken tractors and chicken pens shall only
be located to the rear of the dwelling or other main structure
and may be located in the rear yard required by Chapter 29.
(3) Henhouses, chicken tractors and chicken pens must be
located at least ten (10) feet from the property line and at least
twenty-five (25) feet from any adjacent residential dwelling,
church, school or place of business.
(e) Any enclosed chicken pen shall consist of sturdy wire or
wooden fencing. The pen must be covered with wire, aviary
netting or solid roofing.
(Ord. No. 20549, § 1, 2-1-10)
Sec. 5-94.—Odor and noise impacts.
(a) Odors from chickens, chicken manure or other chickenrelated substances shall not be perceptible at the property
boundaries.
(b) Perceptible noise from chickens shall not be loud enough
at the property boundaries to disturb persons of reasonable
sensitivity.
(Ord. No. 20549, § 1, 2-1-10)
“Chickens must be kept in an enclosure or fenced area
and secured within a henhouse or chicken tractor during
non-daylight hours. Enclosures must be kept clean, dry,
odor-free, neat and sanitary.”
Sec. 5-95.—Predators, rodents, insects and parasites.
The chicken owner shall take necessary action to reduce
the attraction of predators and rodents and the potential
infestation of insects and parasites. Chickens found to
be infested with insects and parasites that may result in
unhealthy conditions to human habitation may be removed
by an animal control officer.
(Ord. No. 20549, § 1, 2-1-10)
Sec. 5-96.—Feed and water.
Chickens shall be provided with access to feed and clean
water at all times. The feed and water shall be unavailable to
rodents, wild birds and predators.
(Ord. No. 20549, § 1, 2-1-10)
Sec. 5-97.—Waste storage and removal.
The chicken owner must provide for the storage and removal
of chicken manure. All stored manure shall be covered by
a fully enclosed structure with a roof or lid over the entire
structure. No more than three (3) cubic feet of manure shall
be stored. All other manure not used for composting or
CAR TEMPERATURE
PET SAFETY CHART
How long does
it take for a
car to get HOT?
Chickens and chicken house owned and maintained by Marcia Smith and Debbie
Finley of Columbia.
fertilizing shall be removed. The henhouse, chicken tractor,
chicken pen and surrounding area must be kept free from
trash and accumulated droppings. Uneaten feed shall be
removed in a timely manner.
(Ord. No. 20549, § 1, 2-1-10)
Sec. 5-98.—Chickens at large.
No dog or cat which kills a chicken will, for that reason alone,
be considered a dangerous or aggressive animal.
The ordinance is essentially self-explanatory. Six hens (female
chickens) per tract of land are allowed. Roosters are not
allowed. No ducks, turkeys, etc.—only chickens. Chickens
must be kept in a clean and sanitary enclosure at all times.
The enclosure must be at least 10 feet from any property line
and 25 feet from any adjacent residence. The structure must
be enclosed on all sides, with a roof and door(s).The structure
must be of uniform construction and well maintained. Any
chicken pen must be sturdily built, enclosed on all sides and
include overhead protection to keep the chickens in and other
animals out.
Chicken manure must be kept in an enclosure with a tightfitting lid. Chicken owners must provide proper storage and
removal of chicken manure in a timely manner.
Dogs or cats that kill chickens will not be considered
dangerous or aggressive animals.
OutsideInside Car
Temp (F) Temp (F)
10 min
If you have the desire to live your life with chickens, you
can now do so legally in Columbia. Urbanites can have their
urban chickens, as long as the statute is followed.
30 min
70º 89º104º
75º
94º109º
80º
99º114º
85º
104º119º
90º
109º124º
95º
114º129º
Dogs Die
Every Summer
In minutes, your
car temps are
deadly!
r
Michael Whitworth is a practicing
attorney and of counsel in the
Columbia law firm Ford, Parshall
and Baker, LLC, 573-441-5555.
He has been a licensed attorney in
Missouri since 1985.
19
Oily Pets
PanAway to the Rescue
by Pamela A. Heyen, Holistic Health Practitioner
Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy
physical activities with your pets, but it can also be a
time of sprains, bruising, muscle soreness, lacerations,
inflammation, joint pain, fractures and arthritis flareups. Due to these injury possibilities, we are going to
talk about PanAway in this issue.
“Never use on raw tissue or open wounds,
as it will sting.”
PanAway is an oil blend containing the essential oils of
helichrysum, wintergreen, clove and peppermint. This
blend helps reduce inflammation and pain and increase
circulation and accelerate healing. It is used topically;
when used on smaller animals, diluting it with a carrier
oil, such as the V-6 (vegetable oil complex) or organic
olive oil, is recommended. Never use on raw tissue or
open wounds, as it will sting...ouch!
The oil of helichrysum is a powerful anesthetic and
analgesic. According to studies, it will alleviate pain,
inflammation and reduce muscle spasms. Wintergreen
therapeutic essential oil has strong anti-inflammatory
and anti-spasmodic properties, and is also analgesic
for pain. The PanAway blend also has anti-coagulant
properties; therefore, caution must be used when animals have a bleeding injury, a tendency to bleed or
20
“PanAway is an oil blend containing the
essential oils of helichrysum, wintergreen,
clove and peppermint.This blend helps
reduce inflammation and pain and increase
circulation and accelerate healing.”
take anti-coagulant medication. Oral administration
for pain can be given under the guidance of a qualified
animal professional with therapeutic oil experience.
Clove therapeutic essential oil is one of the most anti-microbial and antiseptic of all the essential oils. (A
solution of .05 percent eugenol from clove oils is sufficient to kill the tuberculosis bacillus, according to one
1990 study by Gattefossé.)
Last, we have peppermint, with powerful pain-blocking,
anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. A 1994
double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized crossover
study at the University of Kiel in Germany found that
peppermint oil had a significant analgesic effect.
Be sure to have PanAway for your first aid kit for you
and your pet!
Next issue: See you in September with the
therapeutic essential oil blend Thieves!
r
Pamela A. Heyen is the owner of
Columbia-based Heyen Wellness
Therapies and an advocate for the
loving and humane treatment of
all animals.
Studies cited:
• Sala A. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of
Helichrysum italicum. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2002 ar;54(3):265-71
• Ichiyama RM, et al. Effects of topical analgesics on the pressor
response evoked by muscle afferents. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2002
Sep;34(9):1440-5
• Joss JD, LeBlond RF. Potentiation of warfarin anticoagulation
associated with topical methyl salicylate. Ann Pharmacother. 2000
June;34(6):729-33
• Gobel H, et al. “Effect of peppermint eucalyptus oil preparations
on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache
parameters.” Cephalalgia. 1994; 13(3):228-34
Disclaimer: The statements enclosed herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The products and information mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent
any disease. Any statements made are for education purposes and not intended to replace the advice of your
physician/veterinarian. Heyen Wellness Therapies does not dispense medical advice, diagnose or prescribe
for illness. We design and recommend individual nutrition and supplements that allow the body to rebuild and
heal itself. The views and nutritional recommendations by Heyen Wellness Therapies are not intended to be
a substitute for conventional medical services. If you or your pet have a medical condition, seek a physician/
veterinarian of your choice. You should always consult a medical healthcare professional before starting an
exercise, diet or supplementation program, especially if you or your animal are pregnant, nursing or taking
prescription medications.
Bundles of Fun
Chinchillas need high-quality care but offer
endless joy for well-informed owners
W
By Emily Stubbs
hen browsing the rodent section of a pet store or animal shelter, you may find hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats,
guinea pigs, ferrets—and occasionally a chinchilla.
Chinchillas are small rodents that originated in the Andes mountains of South America. They have many
wonderful qualities that make them great pets: soft fur, minimal odor, curious personality, human-like nails and an ability
to live in small places.
“Unlike other animals, chinchillas should not be bathed in water. Their dense fur, which
contains approximately 90 hairs per follicle, is extremely difficult to dry. In order to
control the oil in the fur, chinchillas take dust baths.”
They also have some needs that a new owner should be aware of before purchasing or adopting. For instance, a domestic
chinchilla with proper care can live anywhere from 15 and 20 years, a much longer commitment than for a hamster or
other small rodent. A potential owner should also know chinchillas are not the cuddliest of creatures. In fact, they are quite
skittish and may “slip” or shed fur when startled or handled roughly. To minimize this, a chinchilla should be handled
by holding the base of the tail and scooping up versus grabbing. It may take months, if not years, of patience and daily
handling to establish a bond with your chinchilla, but it can be done with the aid of raisins, a favorite treat of all chinchillas.
continued on page 22...
21
continued from page 21...
“Chinchillas are very inquisitive, which means chinproofing and close monitoring is a must during playtime.”
To offset their independent nature, chins are very inquisitive, which means
chin-proofing and close monitoring is a must during playtime. They are constantly getting into stuff and quite literally bouncing off walls. Their antics can be
entertaining, but chins have a tendency to chew on whatever is in reach, whether
it is homework, an electrical cord or furniture. Bathrooms are fairly easy to chinproof and make good play areas. Make sure to store any cleaners and chewable
objects, such as toilet bowl brushes. For exercise, adult chinchillas should be let
out of their cage for about 30 minutes a day. Baby chinchillas (known as kits), should have limited outside cage time due
to the potential for overheating and underdevelopment from excessive caloric expending.
One of the cutest and most entertaining things to watch is a chinchilla’s dust bath. Unlike other animals, chinchillas should
not be bathed in water. Their dense fur, which contains approximately 90 hairs per follicle, is extremely difficult to dry. In
order to control the oil in the fur, chinchillas take dust baths. In the wild, chinchillas bathe in the dust of volcanic rocks.
Dust can be purchased at any pet store along with a plastic dust house, but a glass fish bowl or cookie jar works just as well.
Place about ¼ cup of dust in a container and watch your chin roll. Baths should be offered a few times a week and changed
when soiled. Dust baths are also a good way to catch a loose chinchilla, as few chins can resist one. Their magnificently
dense fur has led people to believe chinchillas are hypoallergenic, which is not necessarily true. While chins may produce
little dander to stimulate an allergic responses in humans, their dust, bedding and hay might.
Where to find chinchillas
Chinchillas can be purchased at pet stores, but it is recommended to purchase them instead from a reputable breeder or to
adopt from a chinchilla rescue. Breeders typically provide healthier chins because they know their lineage, whereas the
background of a pet store chinchilla is unknown. There are breeders and rescues throughout the United States and are easily
found via the Internet. However, if you do make the decision to purchase from a pet store, remember to look for a chinchilla
that has clear, dry eyes and fur that appears evenly dispersed. An unhealthy chinchilla may present with clumps of hair
missing or matted, and have wet areas below their mouths. Another benefit of purchasing from a breeder is you can choose
from an array of colors. In the wild, chinchilla colors vary in shades of gray. Since domestication, chinchillas are now born
in beige, charcoal, ebony, gray, sapphire,
violet and white.
The next step in deciding on a chinchilla
is whether to choose a male or female.
Both sexes have their own merits. Males
require monthly “hair ring” checks.
Checking for hair rings entails extending the male’s genitalia to make sure
hair has not built up. Hair rings can be
dangerous because they can cut off circulation, causing pain and even death in
extreme cases. Female chinchillas, on
the other hand, have the ability to spray
urine when agitated.
Housing a chinchilla
One chinchilla can live comfortably in
a cage with dimensions of 24 inches by
14 inches by 24 inches with ample exercise time outside the cage. A chinchilla safe wheel also may be added to the
cage if you are unable to offer daily play
time. The bigger the cage, the happier
the chin. Chinchillas love to jump from
ledge to ledge, so a cage with multiple
levels is a must.
The most important aspect to look for
in a cage is safety. Since chinchillas are
22
chewers, cages with plastic should be avoided. Many of
these cages can be easily chin-proofed by removing the
plastic shelves and ramps and replacing with shelves made
from untreated pine wood. Pine shelves are great because
they offer a healthy outlet for chewing and can be easily
and cheaply replaced. Chinchillas should be offered ample
amounts of chewable objects because their teeth continuously grow. Chewing helps keep teeth trim and may prevent
serious health problems, such as malocclusion, the misalignment of teeth. This potentially fatal problem can be genetic or environmental and is another reason owners should
be wary when purchasing a chin with unknown lineage.
Where to keep your chinchilla’s cage is another thing to
consider. Since chinchillas are nocturnal, it is less optimal
to keep it in your bedroom. No matter how sturdy the cage,
a chin bouncing from shelf to shelf is noisy. Chinchillas
should also be housed in temperatures below 75 degrees
Fahrenheit and in a low-humidity environment. This is due
to their inability to sweat, which may lead to overheating.
(Chinchillas cool themselves by releasing heat through
their ears.)
Nutrition
There is much controversy over the best pellet. At the end
of the day, a high-quality pellet that is alfalfa-based without
treats is sufficient. Two popular brands used are Oxbow and
Mazuri pellets. Adult chinchillas should be offered about 2
tablespoons of pellets daily. Alfalfa pellets offer an array of
essential vitamins and minerals to ensure healthy diet.
When it’s time to say goodbye...
Gentle & Compassionate
At Home Euthanasia
Our House Call Veterinary Services Also Include:
• Health & Wellness Exams
• Behavior Consultations
• Holistic Medicine
573-639-9503
Dr. Maren Bell Jones
www.rightathomevetcare.com
Serving
Mid-Missouri
Timothy hay is another dietary necessity and helps keep
teeth trim. Feed about one medium handful of hay daily. Whatever hay is left over the next day should be removed and replaced. Alfalfa hay should be fed sparingly, because using both alfalfa hay and pellets may lead
to urinary stones. Fresh water in a bottle should also be
available at all times. Treats should be fed sparingly—
one or two treats per day. Try cutting a raisin up into
smaller pieces to make it last longer.
Due to their independent nature, nocturnal instincts,
extended life span, relatively expensive upkeep and
climate requirements, potential owners needs to do
their homework before adding a chinchilla to their
home. With that said, chins can be excellent pets for the
well-informed owner and can offer years of excitement
and entertainment.
r
Emily Stubbs, BSN, RN, is a
nurse at Boone Hospital Center. She is an avid animal lover
since childhood. Her household
includes her OCD cat, Beck;
a shih tzu mix named Max;
and her beloved chinchilla,
Hula. You may contact her at
[email protected].
23
Events! benefiting No Kill Columbia Spay Neuter Project
Pints for Paws
Sponsored by Lizzi & Rocco’s Natural Pet Market
Pet Expo Unleashed
Sponsored by Treats Unleashed: the Natural Place for Pets
Ruff Riders Rally Poker Run
24
Sponsored by Mid America Harley-Davidson
www.nokillcolumbiamo.org
Bella’s Carnival
CALL TO ARTISTS
The Spay Neuter Project is now accepting
original, pet inspired art submissions. Art
Unleashed is a celebration featuring an
art auction and gourmet chow from local
restaurants. Proceeds from the event will go
towards opening a low cost spay neuter clinic
to serve Mid-Missouri.
Art Unleashed – September 27th
Kemper Arena
For more info visit us on the web at www.nokillcolumbiamo.org
25
AUGUST
3
Treats Unleashed. Nail trim event to benefit Central Missouri Humane Society. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Petco, Jefferson City. Adoption event to benefit Rescued Racers. Noon-2 p.m.
Lizzi and Rocco’s. Old Time Photos to benefit No Kill Columbia Spay Neuter Project. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
4
YMCA Boonville. Bark for Life to benefit American Cancer Society. 5-7 p.m.
Treats Unleashed. Kitten adoption event to benefit Second Chance. Noon-4 p.m.
10 Orscheln’s, Boonville. Dog adoption event to benefit Second Chance. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Lizzi and Rocco’s. Adoption and nail trim event to benefit Dogs Deserve Better. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Treats Unleashed. Adoption event to benefit Rescued Racers. Noon-2 p.m.
August 10, 17, 24, 31
Bear Creek Trail. Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound. Benefits Central Missouri Humane Society.
Sessions start at 8 a.m. Details at www.rechai.missouri.edu.
17
Fulton Flea Market. Benefits the Callaway County Humane Society (address below). 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lizzi and Rocco’s. Nail trim event to benefit Central Missouri Humane Society 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Award Pet Supply. Dog wash to benefit Dogs Deserve Better 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
PetSmart. Adoption event to benefit Rescued Racers. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
18 Award Pet Supply. Kitten adoption event to benefit Central Missouri Humane Society Noon-4 p.m.
24 Lizzi & Rocco’s. Adoption and nail trim event to benefit Second Chance. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
25 Award Pet Supply. Moose’s Bark-day Bash benefits Dogs Deserve Better 1-3 p.m.
SEPTEMBER
7
Treats Unleashed. Nail trim event to benefit Central Missouri Humane Society. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Petco, Jefferson City. Adoption event to benefit Rescued Racers. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
September 7, 14, 21, 28
Bear Creek Trail. Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound. Benefits Central Missouri Humane Society.
Sessions start at 8 a.m. Details at www.rechai.missouri.edu.
8
Columbia Mall. Adoption event to benefit Second Chance. Noon-4 p.m.
14 Stephens Lake Park. Paws in the Park Pet Expo to benefit Second Chance. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
21 Lizzi and Rocco’s. Nail trim event to benefit Central Missouri Humane Society. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
PetSmart. Adoption event to benefit Rescued Racers. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
24 Award Pet Supply. Nail trim event to benefit Central Missouri Humane Society. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
27 Kemper Arena. Art Unleashed to benefit No Kill Columbia Spay Neuter Project. 7 p.m.
28 Award Pet Supply. Nail trims to benefit Central Missouri Humane Society. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Lizzi & Rocco’s. Adoption and nail trim event with Second Chance. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Award Pet Supply, 1610 I-70 Dr. S.W., Columbia 573-445-8249
Bear Creek Trail, Cosmo Park, 1615 Business Loop 70 W.,
Columbia
Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd.,
Columbia 573-443-7387
Columbia Mall, 2300 Bernadette Drive, Columbia
Columbia Second Chance Adoption Center, 24687 Hwy. 179,
Boonville 660-882-5050
Flea Market, 1401 N. Bluff Road., Fulton.
Kemper Arena, 1270 Boone Industrial Drive, Columbia,
573-875-0788
26
Lizzi & Rocco’s, 503 E. Nifong Blvd., Columbia 573-875-2288
Orscheln’s, 1920 Highway B, Boonville 660-882-6762
Petco, Jefferson City, 3535 Missouri Blvd., No. 111, Jefferson
City 573-634-4279
PetSmart, 229 N. Stadium Blvd., Columbia 573-447-0154
Stephens Lake Park, 2001 E. Broadway, Columbia
573-874-7460
Treats Unleashed, 1400 Forum Blvd., Columbia 573-234-2275
YMCA Boonville, 757 3rd St., Boonville
How to Remove a Tick
from Your Pet
by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
So, you’ve found a tick on your pet—how do you deal with it? While it’s
important to get these little suckers off quickly, ASPCA veterinarians advise
that you stay calm and don’t rush it. Moving too fast when removing a tick
could potentially create more problems, both for your pet and for you.
While the following instructions employ tweezers, be aware that there are some
very good products on the market designed specifically for safe tick removal.
If you live in a tick-heavy area or are taking your pets to a place where they are
likely to get ticks, it’s a good idea to buy one of these tools and have it on hand.
They generally work better than tweezers at getting out the whole tick, and are relatively inexpensive.
Step-by-step tick removal instructions
Step 1: Prepare its final resting place
Throwing a tick in the trash or flushing it down the toilet will not kill it, and it’s actually best to hold on to it for a while for
veterinary testing in case your pet falls ill from the bite. Be ready with somewhere to put the tick after you’ve removed
it—the best option is a screw-top jar containing some rubbing alcohol.
Step 2: Don’t bare-hand it
Put on latex or rubber gloves so you’ll never have direct contact with the tick or your pet’s bite area. Ticks can carry
infective agents that may enter your bloodstream through breaks in your skin or through mucous membranes (if you
touch your eyes, nostrils or mouth).
Step 3: Grab a partner
You don’t want your pet squirming away before you’re finished, so if possible, have a helper on hand to distract, soothe
or hold her still.
Step 4: The removal
Treat the bite area with rubbing alcohol and, using a pair of tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the animal’s skin as
possible. Pull straight upwards with steady, even pressure. Place the tick in your jar.
Do not twist or jerk the tick! This may leave the mouth-parts embedded in your pet, or cause the tick to regurgitate
infective fluids.
Do not squeeze or crush the body of the tick, because its fluids (saliva and gut contents) may contain infective organisms.
Step 5: All that remains
Sometimes, in spite of doing everything right, a tick’s mouth-parts will get left behind in your pet’s skin. If the area
doesn’t appear red or inflamed, the best thing to do is to disinfect it and not to try to take the mouth-parts out. A warm
compress to the area might help the body expel them, but do not go at it with tweezers.
Step 6: Clean up
Thoroughly disinfect the bite site and wash your hands with soap and water (even though you were wearing gloves).
Sterilize your tweezers with alcohol or by carefully running them over a flame.
Step 7: Keep watch
Over the next few weeks, closely monitor the bite area for any signs of localized infection. If the area is already red and
inflamed, or becomes so later, please bring your pet—and your jarred tick—to your veterinarian for evaluation.
Copyright © 2013. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). All Rights Reserved.
27
Preventing Heat Injury in Dogs
Play it safe by exercising when it’s cooler and watching
pets for signs of discomfort
by Dr. Maren Bell Jones, DVM
The dog days of summer are here and it is more important than ever to keep your dog safe in these hot months. Heat
injury is the term used to describe heatstroke or heat exhaustion in dogs. The average body temperature for most dogs
is around 99 to 102.5 degrees F. As mammals, our temperatures usually stay within just a few degrees of this, especially
while at rest. However, very warm temperatures can quickly spike a dog’s body temperature and lead to dangerous and
even deadly heat injury.
Unlike humans, dogs have very few sweat glands (mostly on the bottom of their feet) and they instead cool themselves
by panting. Brachycephalic dogs that have a flattened muzzle and skull, such as bulldogs, Boston terriers, pugs, lhasa
apsos and boxers, are more prone to overheating because they don’t cool themselves as efficiently by panting as dogs
like Labradors or German shepherds with longer muzzles. Brachycephalic breeds are often not allowed to fly in the
cargo portion of airplanes during the hot summer months due to these risks. While owning a dog with a shorter muzzle is
no excuse not to get exercise and enjoy the summer, avoid taking the more extreme brachycephalic breeds like English
bulldogs out much past 80 F. Taking walks early in the morning or after the sun has gone down is a good way to beat the
heat for both people and the dog.
Body condition is another variable. Lean dogs tend to do better in the heat than dogs carrying extra weight. A lean
military working dog in Afghanistan or Iraq may be able to tolerate outside temperatures of over 110 F when doing their
job, while an overweight pug might really struggle with temperatures over 75 F. Always ask your veterinarian about
what your dog’s ideal body condition and weight should be.
Acclimation to hot weather should be done slowly. If you are planning on a backpacking trip with your dog in the summer,
bring him outside with you in the spring months on shorter hikes locally. Even just having them outside with you while
you do yard work under supervision can help them get used to temperatures above your air-conditioned house. Also,
keep your dog well-groomed. I do not recommend shaving dogs in the summer, especially to their skin, but keeping the
undercoat brushed out will help a lot. In addition, never leave your dog in a car unattended in warmer months.
Whether your dog is a seasoned canine athlete or a weekend warrior playing ball in the backyard, warm-ups and cool
downs are very important. A potentially fatal condition called gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV or “bloat”) is a
serious emergency and results from the stomach rotating on itself and cutting off the blood supply to the stomach. To
prevent GDV, in addition to not feeding your dog for two hours before or after a workout, watch their water consumption
carefully and cool your dog down right after strenuous activity. For example, after a session playing water retrieve
games, avoid the temptation to place a large bowl of water in front of your dog and stick them back in their crate. You can
give your dog five to 10 laps of water, but after that, walk them on leash at a comfortable pace for at least five minutes to
cool down before offering more water. This prevents them from panting so heavily while drinking the water. We do not
want to restrict the amount of water they get, but just let them cool down slightly first.
While your dog is enjoying the outdoors with you, notice what your dog’s tongue looks like. A dog panting mildly will
have a relatively flat tongue, whereas a dog who is panting heavily will have a tongue shaped more like a scoop at the
end with the edges curled over. Once you notice the scoop shape in the tongue, slow down your activities and cool your
dog off.
28
In addition to monitoring your dog’s tongue, learning
how to take your dog’s rectal temperature is an important
skill to know for first aid, especially if you suspect your
dog might be suffering from heat injury. Keeping the
experience positive will make it easier on your dog and
your veterinarian during wellness checkups as well as in
an emergency.
A dog’s body temperature may increase into the 102 or
103 F range when exercising in warm weather and this is
normal as long as they are not showing signs of distress.
Dogs in the 104-105 F range should stop what they
are doing and be cooled immediately. Dogs above this
range, especially if they are showing signs of heat injury
(lethargy or seeming mentally “out of it,” harsh breathing
sounds, thick ropey saliva, collapse, pale or very dark
mucous membranes), should immediately receive
emergency medical treatment from a veterinarian. Recommended advice for heat injury first aid is varied.
Some sources advocate submerging the dog in a small
pool or bathtub of ice water, while others suggest that ice
water may actually constrict blood vessels near the skin
and trap heat in the body, so cool or lukewarm water is
best. Taking cold packs and placing them in the underarm
and inner thigh area may help with cooling while you
are transporting the dog to a veterinarian. Make sure to
stop cooling measures once your dog has reached 103
F, as some dogs may show a condition called rebound
hypothermia where the body temperature continues
to dip dangerously low after too much cooling. Your
veterinarian will likely wish to start IV fluids and other
supportive care measures. Owners often want to know about supplements to add to
the dog’s drinking water to help them avoid dehydration.
Dogs do not lose as many electrolytes as humans do,
since dogs sweat very little. So far, water supplements
seem to have mixed results in preventing heat injury.
Being mindful of not overdoing it in hot weather, giving
your dog plenty of cool, clean water, and knowing when
to slow down and cool off seem to more important than
supplemental electrolytes. Play it safe this summer and
when in doubt, move to a cooler spot!
r
Maren Bell Jones DVM, MA is
the owner and veterinarian of
Right at Home Veterinary Care
in Columbia, which is a house
call veterinary practice for dogs,
cats, small exotics, and sheep and
goats. You can reach her at [email protected] or online at
www.rightathomevetcare.com.
When pet accidents happen,call
Doug’s
Carpet Care
Free estimates and inspections to
identify pet urine problems
• Dries in 1-2 Hours and Leaves No Sticky Residue
• Stays Cleaner Longer
• Removes Most Stubborn Stains
• Allergen Reduction Cleaning & Treatment
• Natural & Non-Toxic Solutions
(573)-441-1065 or (800)-771-5385
[email protected]
Dougs-carpet-cleaning.com
Boone, Camden, Cole, Miller & Morgan counties
Independently owned and operated
29
Advertising Directory
Day Care, Boarding, Grooming
Andrea Goodwin,
Groomer and Pet Care Provider
Andrea Goodwin has been providing expert grooming and pet sitting in
the Columbia area for more than five years. Grooming appointments are
available at her home or at your location to groom your pet in the comfort
of familiar surroundings. Customized pet sitting services include inhome visits and overnights, walks, medication, mail/newspaper pickup
and watering plants. Please call 660-441-3516 or email goodwinaf@
gmail.com for prices and appointments.
Hair Salon
Stephanie’s
Stephanie’s is a home-based salon offering cuts, color, styles,
straightening, perms and waxing services in a laid-back, comfortable
atmosphere. Stephanie and her staff offer the personal touch that you
will not find in larger commercial salons. Stephanie’s is located at 7650
N. Gabe Road, Columbia. For appointments and for more information,
call 573-474-8499.
Pet Food and Supplies
Boarding, Training
Columbia Canine Sports Center offers dog
and puppy training, group classes and private lessons, with specialty
classes for agility, obedience, rally obedience, therapy training and K9
Nosework. Building memberships are also available. Please contact us
at 573-817-2272 or 4506 I-70 Drive S.E., Columbia, MO 65201, or visit
us online at http://columbiak9sportscenter.com.
Pet Food and Supplies
Boarding, Training (cont.)
Nick Clark
with Pack Dynamics
Nick Clark is an obedience trainer/behavior specialist offering basic and
advanced obedience, behavior modification and household management.
Give your dog confidence and learn how to control any situation, and
bring harmony and sanity back into your home. You and your dog can
reach your full potential and be partners for life. Please call 573-8252544 or email [email protected] for more information.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Creature Comforts of Columbia
in-home pet sitting and dog walking
We’re in the business of providing convenience and peace of mind
to caring pet owners. Whether it’s an extended vacation or a daily
midday walk, you can feel confident that your furry (or scaly, or
feathery) loved ones will receive expert care in the comfort of
their own homes. We’re bonded and insured for your protection.
Jill Swain, 816-807-7523, [email protected], www.
facebook.com/creaturecomfortscomo.
Photographers
Triple Wonders Photography
Darla Harmon — Photographic artist specializing in capturing the
personalities and breed characteristics of our four-legged family members,
who she refers to as “the other children.” Triple Wonders Photography
offers indoor/outdoor studio shots using unique props and also offers
location shots of your choice. Darla can be reached at 573-881-0218. For
more information, visit the website at triplewondersphotography.com.
ird Nectar
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If you have a favorite “pet” recipe you would like
to have featured in our Recipe Box, please send an
original recipe to [email protected]
30

August-September 2013 - Pet Project Magazine

Transcription

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