Upcoming Look at Euthanasia Policy. If you assumed that euthanasia was a cut-and-dried procedure, consider this recent development. The AVMA is looking for veterinarians to serve on a panel that will discuss euthanasia policy. Will this have an effect on veterinarians being the only profession to legally perform this procedure, and what effect could it have on the Pennsylvania dog law? And, the question persists–why do the costs of euthanizing a pet take into consideration age, weight and species? Do we need to shop for the best price to say good-bye to a beloved friend?
Pet Food Issues. Veterinarians are encouraged to report pet food problems directly to the FDA rather than the manufacturer. November 24 was the deadline for filling out claims relevant to recalled pet food. With documentation, owners could receive up to a 100% cash payment of reasonable expenses and up to $900 for undocumented claims.
Dog Bite Prevention. A recent study on dog bite prevention drew some interesting conclusions regarding gender differences and dog bites. According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAVMA), it appears that females are more aware of a dog=s body language, signs and situations and thus are often better able to avoid to prevent dog bites. For example, women would not take a dog to a pet store where children might be present, even if the dog was on leash; would not take a dog to a sporting event where children were–like a soccer game; nor would they take the dog to a dog park where children were playing.
Interestingly enough they would also not allow their dog to mingle freely with unfamiliar adults as well as children at a dinner party or picnic. Is there a lesson here for new puppy owners looking for a dog training class?
Neutering. The search for the holy grail of chemical castration is again on the horizon. It seems to be the focus of interested organizations about every 20 years. Success is even announced and then for some reason the solution vanishes. Why? This year the nonprofit Found Animals Foundation announced at the SPAY/USA conference that it will award $25 million to the first person or group that develops a safe and efficacious non-surgical means of permanently sterilizing cats and dogs. An additional $50 million will be awarded in grants for nonsurgical sterilization technology with promise. The Michelson Prize and Grants in Reproductive Biology are being donated by Gary Michelson, a retired orthopedic surgeon.
Timing Your Pet’s Treatment. When discussing your pet=s medical treatment with your veterinarian, don=t forget to discuss your own health. The timing of medications and even amounts can be adjusted by the vet if he or she understands your schedule–perhaps mandated by your own medical condition or work. Sometimes medications need to have two people involved and this can be a consideration also. I sometimes wonder if the Anon-compliance@ about which veterinarians complain is due to a lack of communication between vet and pet owner regarding the latter’s life style. For awhile I had GMC appointments every afternoon. After I explained this to my vet she was able to adjust Bacall=s treatment so there was little added stress! Both owner and doctor play on the same pet health team!
MOSTLY MUTTS has a holiday card fundraiser. They are asking animal lovers to send $1 or more in a Christmas Card to help the more than 90 orphaned dogs this holiday season. A better thought–forget the card and mark your 2009 calendar to do this each time your pet receives his flea medication. Cindy Shamp, their adoption coordinator, tells me that just this week they found homes for six hard-to-place dogs. Donations should be sent to the Mostly Mutts No Kill Dog Shelter in care of Henry Gross, P.O. Box 498, Millville, PA 17846. A year-round fund raiser which raises thousands for spay/neuter surgery and other medical expenses benefits from Purina weight seals from dog and puppy food products. Send these to Cindy Shamp 949 Point Township Dr. Northumberland, PA 17857.
Dec 14, 2008 | | Uncategorized
The American Humane Association (AHA) has picked a Puli for the White House First Dog. Named AYo Yo@, the dog is a 4-year-old Katrina rescue. We can expect many organizations with various agendas to weigh in on the choice of a dog for the Obama daughters. Let us hope that change will trump partisan agendas and focus on the need to be the best choice. The Puli is a Hungarian shepherd dog that herds and drives sheep. The coat is grey in color and is sometimes viewed as Aunkempt@. This particular dog has been described as a keen and quick dog with a springing gait like a bouncing ball. The Puli may not be the choice for a first-time dog owner.
AHA is uniquely qualified to help with the puppy choice since it is the only national organization that concerns itself not only with the welfare of pets but of children. In conjunction with the American Red Cross it published the first disaster guide for the evacuation and care of animals. Many outstanding welfare leaders have led this organization, including Ed Sayres, Jr., the present CEO of the American Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals.
During the National Dog Show John O=Hurley suggested that the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel might be a good choice. Co-host and judge David Frei did not agree, noting that necessary grooming would make this breed a bad choice. ASome of us,@ he commented, Aare not used to having hair as condiment!@ Holly the Pointer, who went BIS, had been in Bloomsburg this summer, showing on the Fairgrounds at the Bald Eagle Kennel Club Show. And, ACharmin=@ the ever exciting Sealyham, has been shown on the Fairgrounds many times. Make it a point to see these outstanding dogs while they are in the area in 2009!
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is urging veterinarians to discourage exotic animals as gifts for children because of the zoonotic risks. Especially at the holiday season when donkeys, ducks (livestock) and other exotic pets such as reindeer are a focus of celebrations involving children, the necessity for appropriate hygiene is especially important. It would seem that malls and parades (besides focusing on banning dogs on suspicious dangerous dog lists) would do well to protect their customers from such risks.
The AVMA has also issued a list of questions and answers concerning pets and foreclosed homes. The organization stresses that owners should not assume that if a pet is left behind inside the house someone will find and care for it. It also emphasizes that dogs left in homes may attempt to protect their territory when strangers enter and the associated aggression will make it difficult to re-home the pet. The AVMA urges pet owners to try to find someone to foster or adopt a pet until another home can be found. To improve a pet=s chances of being adopted, include an up-to-date health record. It also is an asset if the pet is spayed or neutered, well trained and obedient. Resources include: ASPCA find a shelter, Pets911, Petfinder.com, 1-800-SAVE-A-PET and Best Friends network.
Nov 30, 2008 | | Uncategorized
There’s been a lot of speculation about the type of dog that will next live in the White House, and lots of advice to the Obamas as they consider their choices. It’s been a topic of discussion among my pet-owning friends, and as a longtime writer on pet issues and the human-companion animal bond, I’ve been asked about my personal thoughts concerning the selection of the new presidential puppy. First, I would like to know more about the Obamas’–both Barack and Michelle–past history with dogs. In other words, I would like to know a little about their expectations and experiences. Second, I would hope that the Obamas would devote the same amount of thought to the choice of a new family member as they are to choosing a school for their daughters–after all, the new puppy will teach the Obama family many life lessons. Dogs are wonderful teachers if we allow ourselves to be students. I know I will be criticized for this view, but too many myths surround the selection of pets. So many owners believe that their dog chose them–licked their nose, etc., etc. I have owned dogs for over a half century and the ones that were my best friends were chosen by someone else. In most cases they were chosen by a professional handler and breeder. Each became an unbelievable friend and soul mate.
Ideally, the Obama family should meet both the sire and the dam, no matter what breed is chosen. This puppy has a very big job at the White House as First Dog. He or she must be calm, able to handle stress and help others with their stress, promote exercise (enter into games), promote laughter in both children and adults, and be tolerant of lots of petting. Of course, I would have the puppy trained and evaluated as a Canine Good Citizen so that he will be a courteous and well-behaved companion in public as well as in private. (The Presidential Pet is also the Presidential family pet therapist!) And, I would urge the Obamas to choose both a veterinarian and a dog trainer with care. My choice of trainer–because of his emphasis on energy, leadership and calm assertiveness–would be Cesar Millan, but training should and must be a private family affair. Last, but not least, I hope the Obamas have looked at where the puppy will sleep and where his or her private space will be in the White House. Remember, the Ford=s ALiberty@ gave birth to her litter of puppies in the presidential bedroom–and one president allegedly locked his dog and himself out after a nightly walk and had to wake the Secret Service to let him back in!
I have a brown medication bottle with a label that reads AWhat is the treatment–that won=t fit in this bottle–that family practitioners, psychologists and psychiatrists are recommending for physical and emotional illness?@ The answer is, of course, a pet. Pets unfortunately are not covered by health/prescription insurance. They not only have a cost but must be taken with care and responsibly.
Shelter Medicine. As veterinary costs rise due to demand for more tests and procedures, shelters and non-profits are opting for routine veterinary care resulting in a two-tiered system of veterinary service that is less expensive. In today=s economy this may well be a growing trend as pet owners strive to Ado the right thing@ within their budget. Certainly, routine or shelter medicine does encourage regular important preventative care for our pet and may meet a quality-of-life need for owners.
Information-sharing Needed. Most of us who have encountered one of the many blood tests and/or procedures our veterinarian performs on our pets really do not understand why the veterinarian feels they are necessary or unnecessary and, above all, why they cost so much! It might be helpful if there was printed material on the various tests–just as there are for medications and home care of a discharged pet. What do the tests tell us and why is the cost what it is? This should be provided upfront. All options should be presented both in writing and orally. Many times language is used by a veterinarian that is not understood by the client–if offered in written form there is a place to refer a question. Veterinarians talk to pet owners who have no medical background and no knowledge of pet care. They also talk to clients–especially in this area–who have an extensive healthcare background. Written material on testing could help level the field of communication and choices. We are in a pet partnership with our veterinarian. Skeptical that your veterinarian is listening? Be advised–now veterinarians use a Canine Brief Pain Inventory when diagnosing the effect of medications on arthritis. This inventory consists of owner observations, taking into account both mental and physical discomfort.
Nov 23, 2008 | | Uncategorized
It will be a TWO BEAGLE Thanksgiving parade this year, with not just Snoopy as part of the festivities, but UNO, the Westminster Best in Show Beagle riding on the Peanuts float with David Frei. The parade kicks off at 9 a.m., will last until noon, and will be followed by the National Dog Show telecast from noon until 2 p.m. (Many do not know this Pennsylvania fact–but Snoopy was a positive influence on the late Charlie Thornburgh. According to former Pennsylvania first lady, Ginny Thornburgh, Charlie always ate his ration from a Snoopy embellished food dish. The part-Beagle rescue Thornburgh family dog needed it to affirm his Beagle background– especially during political events when he would tend to lose hair! Also, one of Charlie’s playmates was J. Fred Bush, the Bush cocker spaniel who was noted for his destruction of the fur coats of guests.)
David Frei will have an unprecedented triple role–parade rider, Afghan hound judge and TV commentator.
Good news for all who believe in dog bite prevention education. The Dog Law Advisory Board-appointed veterinarians who will determine commercial kennel environments and oversee the health of Commonwealth canines include Dr. Karen Overall. A noted behaviorist, Overall has successfully rehabilitated dogs that have been labeled as “dangerous” and defended them in court from death sentences. Overall also believes that dogs, like people, can be insane. I am tempted to send her Bob Witmer’s article on puppy mill- and pet store-caused aggression. Although socialization is important, nature enters in also, so I am sure she would strongly disagree with it.
Did you know that the average adoption from a good rescue and/or shelter takes about a month? So if anyone is considering adopting a dog for the family by holiday-time–begin now! Also, some rescues have a special program called “Senior to Senior”. This program matches older, well socialized dogs with people who want to share their lives with a dog. The AKC website has been voted the top reference resource on the Internet. It includes all 158 recognized breeds–which includes the newest recognized breed, the Dogue De Bordeaux or French Mastiff. This is another drooling breed. It is said that when drool ends up on the walls or ceiling you have to remove it right away. When dry, it is difficult to get off. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is said to be effective.
“Marley and Me” is now a PSA on responsible dog ownership–”Good Boy, Bad Boy When You own a dog like Marley You Get Both”–as well as a movie. In addition, Marley plush toys are available at Wal-Mart. www.akc.org/Marley. Author John Grogan is a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist, Pennsylvania resident with a wife and 3 children, and was most recently seen on the “Dog Whisperer”. Hope the PSA says something about buying from a responsible breeder.
Lastly, did you know there is a vaccine now to prevent dental decay–for dogs only!
Nov 19, 2008 | | Uncategorized
The other day I was invited to participate in a media conference call on the National Dog Show presented by Purina and the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. I followed up with a short article and inadvertently did not mention Purina=s involvement– for which I was chided. At one time, journalists were also courted for media attention. For some reason this is now an endangered tradition. Anyway–these conferences are great because you can participate at home with people you care about having a conversation with. This conference involved David Frei, Peter Green and Ernesto Lara. Although Frei –who is now a Hound Group judge–was probably s the most informative of the participants, I found Peter Green the most interesting and learned most from him. Watching is most important at a dog show; listening is most important in dog show media conferences–especially one involving reporters from newspapers.
I did not know, for example, that many show dogs do not have Achildren experience@ and may be frightened of them. Noise and sudden movements from children can break the team work between dog and handler. I would thus suggest that children be instructed in show manners or that very small children not be taken to dog shows.
Green stressed the great amount of time each handler must spend with each dog: AThe dog needs to like his handler and trust him–and the dog has to know he is beautiful and want to show all how beautiful he is!@ Green also says that there is a Adivine moment of inspiration when the judge is looking and the timing is right for the dog@ –that determines the winner! Good handlers are invisible.
The authoritative David Frei is the analyst for NBC=s coverage of the National as well as the Westminster Kennel Club Show. He is active in pet therapy, the Delta Society, and the Dog Writers Association of America and can be seen in the ring with his Brittanys. Peter Green is probably one of the most famous Terrier handlers in the world and has won 4 Best in Shows at Westminster. He lives in Bowmansville, Pa. Ernesto Lara, Green=s protégé, handles terriers and other breeds and currently travels with as many as 30 dogs. I met Peter Green=s son, Andrew, at the Back Mountain Kennel Club Show last year. It was a three-way conversation with Julian Prager, the legal guru for the Pennsylvania Federation. We discussed the Bloomsburg Fair Dog Show and Green suggested perhaps it should be monitored by humane officers! And, no it is not the oldest dog show in the country–unless you limit it to Afairs@.
Through the media conference I met Jeff Marginean, author of MY BUDDY BUTCH, Confessions of a New Dog Dad. Marginean also has a radio talk show (on which I was a guest along with Lisa Peterson, AKC Director of Communications). The main topic was the new Pennsylvania Dog Law. Sadly, there was not enough time to really cover the topic. The one-hour show covers pet topics ranging from food recalls, pet products, interviews, etc. Cesar Millan and his wife are scheduled. A product seal of approval is planned and there are Q&A segments with veterinarians, trainers and behaviorists.
Butch is a Boston Bull Terrier who brings a father and son closer together after the death of wife and mother. www.mybuddybutch.com The book is available through Barnes and Noble.
Remember to watch the National Dog Show presented by Purina after the Macy’s Parade on Thanksgiving Day. This year’s show is in Reading (an hour’s drive from Peter Green’s Green Acres Kennel). And, take the time to meet Butch and listen to the program on everything current about dogs.
Nov 12, 2008 | | Uncategorized
In recent interviews, Sharon Sakson talked about why she wrote a book titled, The Healing Power of Dogs. It isn=t the book one would expect. When Sakson was quite young her mother died and her grandmother bought her a Wire-haired Fox Terrier. So while the youngster mourned and tried to cope with the death of her mother, her Terrier focused her attention on a world of housetraining, feeding, and exercising, as only a Terrier can! Later a teen-aged Sakson even thought of suicide but had to dismiss the thoughts of taking her own life because of the question, Awho would take care of Bonnie”? No family member or friend loved the Terrier as she did. Thus, she writes, she learned the power of healing.
I feel that in senior pet owners the need to care for and nurture companion animals plays a large role in keeping these at-risk owners healthy and on the road to recovery. It lessens stress when you can be with your own. You must forget pains and the ease of late rising when a dog needs to be walked and fed. There is no boundary in the healing power of pets among nursing homes, hospitals and home.
Sakson concludes, ATaking care of your pet is an important responsibility. You can=t count on anyone else to do it. You=ve got to show up every day.@
I must confess that one of the reasons I was drawn to Sakson=s book was her description of the Trenton Kennel Club Show. This was the Show of my early, formative dog years. I worked for a public relations agency and answered directly to the President, Betty Gribbon, who always wore white boots and raised Great Danes. Someday I will write about my Trenton years. For Sakson a dog show like the Trenton fixture was a kind of therapy. Dog shows are still that for me. When I can find someone to go with I am off for a day of therapy and always return feeling happier and more sure of the goodness of life. Last weekend I met Eddie, a Basenji who loves to shop, and an Irish Wolfhound who slept through most of the event only to get up to go into the ring and win Best in Show! With dogs there is only the present–no rear-view mirrors and impending doom.
We are beginning week three in handling Bacall=s appetite and weight loss. The suggestions to tempt her palate are many. I share. Sprinkle with grated Mozzarella cheese. Offer cat food. (I found samples from pet stores a good source!) Cooked chicken and/or chicken hot dogs. Of course, the standard–cooked hamburg and rice. I am pleased to report that last night she actually ate two seasoned french fries and a chicken carver and licked peanut butter from a spoon. I owe a great deal to the patience of the Leighow Veterinary Hospital and importantly cans of a/d (Hills) . It is given by syringe and I credit this food for getting her past the anorexia stage.
Nov 02, 2008 | | Uncategorized
Chances are the future will continue to be filled with stories of how the late Paul Newman inspired many through the sale of Newman=s Own products. And, those who gained were not just children but pets. For example, the next time an animal lover reaches for one of these labels and it is Newman=s Own Diavolo Spicy Simmer sauce, remember Jacob! Jacob was a Vizla who died of cancer after weeks of radiation and chemotherapy treatments followed by a year=s remission. His owner Sue Bloom created a recipe that won the Newman=s Own Good Housekeeping award and $50,000. In Jacob=s memory as part of his life=s legacy Bloom then donated the award to the Harrington Radiation Program at Tufts University and the Stanley O. Travis fund for the care of indigent and found animals. The name of the 1994 winning recipe was Lamb Shanks Inferno. It uses Newman=s Own Diavolo Spicy simmer sauce and serves 4.
From a therapy team member–@We are chauffeurs for our dogs!@ From my e-mail–a new company that specializes in products for handicapped pets. They even have diapers for birds! Their wheelchairs for disabled and elderly pets made CNN and they have a helmet with feelers for dogs who are blind or have impaired sight.
Still Other Legislation Needs: Although we achieved remarkable legislative success in the passage of the dog law in the Commonwealth, there is still important legislation to pass. As of now no state has passed legislation allowing plaintiffs to recover damages for loss of companionship, emotional distress or pain and suffering in actions alleging veterinary negligence.
The ANCIENT CONTRACT between domestic animals and man requires that we meet certain obligations to animals– call them our responsibilities or rights of the animals. AWhether called rights or responsibilities , we are discussing food, water, shelter, medical care, freedom from unnecessary suffering, and respect for the animal=s biological and psychological natures.@ As we have seen with the old dog law–what is legal is not always what is right! The revised dog law affirms the ancient contract.
New Book: On my Christmas list this year the book, ANatural Remedies Dogs and Cats Wish You Knew: A Holistic Care Guide” by Viv Harris. It received a great review from a veterinarian in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Also, probably one of the most intriguing studies reported in this issue of the Journal was on multi-drug sensitivity among dogs. Although it was targeted toward dogs with a herding genetic background, the pictures of some of the affected subjects resembled Labrador retrievers and were mixed breeds. Does this mean we need to get DNA profiles of our Amutts@ in order to adequately protect them from disease?
National Dog Show Update: This year the National Dog Show, one of only five of 3,000 dog shows to be benched, moves to Reading. On hand to discuss the event will be David Frei, Peter Green and Ernesto Lara (the Cesar Millan of dog shows). If you haven=t read Angel by my Side co-authored by David Frei you are missing a great book about a heroic Golden Retriever. And, did you know that Greenfield Kennels, home of the famed Green Team with 4 Westminster titles– is located in Bowmansville, Lancaster County? Lancaster has some notable and great kennels as well as the shameful ones. And, Pennsylvania has some of the best breeders in the country as well as the backyard and commercial breeders.
Oct 28, 2008 | | Uncategorized
Don’t Wait to Call Your Vet: A gastrointestinal illness knocked the irrepressible Bacall for a real loop. And, then the economy factored in and we both had lessons to learn. I waited too long before taking Bacall to the vet hospital. I guess I thought Athis would pass@–along with the vomit and diarrhea–and it didn=t. No savings. So probably what could have been diagnosed and handled on Friday took until Tuesday at a higher cost. Since Bacall has her records and history with the hospital it was easier to diagnose. Moral: Stay with the hospital and veterinarian who knows your dog, has his/her records, and knows you. (This isn=t a place or time to economize.) I like my dogs to recuperate at home and so the staff cooperated and we made daily trips. I felt better and I think Bacall did too. No matter how dedicated the staff is, at night they can=t go happily sleepless as an owner. A plus and a first in this unfortunate health crisis was GASTRI CALM. Made by DVM, this supplement, a chewable tablet, was part of Bacall=s treatment. This was the first time any veterinarian had suggested a supplement rather than medication only.
Hopefully More “Ask Your” Columns Next Year: The columns AASK YOUR VET@ and AASK YOUR TRAINER@ have been suspended until 2009. I learned a great deal from writing them and talking to some very talented and caring people. I am sorry not to be able to share columns by Marjean Krech and Ray Ramos as well as insights from Bob Witmer. Hopefully, the column by Nichole Laracco, the PSPCA director of training and behavior, will be published. She agrees with Witmer that most behavior problems are just the bad manners of unruly, untrained dogs. (If you can, get a copy of Carol Lea Benjamin=s ASurviving Your Dog=s Adolescence”.) I asked Nicole if the Adesigner dogs@ from the Lehigh puppy mill would have any special training needs. Unfortunately, the column was terminated before we could get an answer but if and when I do I will share it with you
Aftermath of Passing of Dog Law: Even though the dog law has passed there is still much to do. The most important task ahead of us is monitoring the proposed regulations, which are the real substance of the law in action. The second most important task is the enforcement of the law. And of importance to all of us is the flood of dogs in Pennsylvania in need of homes–not just from individual homes but from the closed puppy mills. For example, when the Almost Heaven puppy mill was closed by the Pennsylvania SPCA over 800 dogs needed vet care, shelter and food, and will need new homes! This is probably not only a huge shelter problem, but a huge training need. Training is bonding and placing these dogs in Aforever homes@ will necessitate training.
An Election Note: The Presidential Pet Museum is anticipating the arrival of new pets in the White House. They believe that if Obama is elected he will choose a Poodle as a pet for his daughters. However, they also believe a Bulldog would be a better choice–or a Pit Bull! On the other hand, they say the McCain family already has a half dozen assorted pets. Apparently, these have not been allowed on the campaign trail to track votes. I would like to know who these family members are–wouldn’t you?
Oct 12, 2008 | | Uncategorized
More on the PA Closed Kennel: According to the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs Inc., breeds in the headline-making closed Pennsylvania kennel include the following: Boxer, Chihuahua, Doberman, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Shih-Tzu and Yorkies. Most of the dogs were Adesigner dogs@–poodle and poo mixes called ADoodles@. Help is needed. Contact the Pennsylvania SPCA. Also of interest is the allegation that the kennel was inspected in August by three dog wardens and the Dog Law Bureau Director, Sue West. No violations were found. It is also alleged that the bodies of the dogs found in the freezer were used for dog food. However, Julian Prager points out that it is a common practice to place the bodies of dead dogs in a freezer until they can be disposed of. Thus, it is inappropriate to jump to an unsubstantiated conclusion. The person charged with the problem kennel is supposedly an employee; the owner is unnamed. The last time the kennel was in violation, the owner asked to be able to keep some of the dogs because they were his pets. Some believe now these dogs were used as future breeding stock to continue the operation.
Socialization of Puppies: A position statement on early socialization of puppies has been released by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Veterinarians are encouraged to recommend that puppies be socialized BEFORE THE VACCINE SERIES IS COMPLETE. The reason for the new policy is that BEHAVIORAL ISSUES–NOT INFECTIOUS DISEASE–ARE THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF DEATH FOR DOGS UNDER 3 YEARS OF AGE. According to the new guidelines, puppies should start socialization classes as early as 7 to 8 weeks of age and receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class as well as a first deworming. (This position, of course, is not news for older dog owners and breeders. The Puppy Aptitude Test or PAT is always given at 7 weeks of age to help owners choose a new puppy.)
The JAVMA news summary also suggests that veterinarians hold puppy socialization classes in their lobby, which can be disinfected and where they can control enrollees. To view a copy of the puppy position statement go to www.AVSABonline.org.
It is interesting to note that Dr. Bruce Ilgen, a past president of the PVMA, and Dorothy Urban, a dog trainer noted for her Labrador Retrievers, held puppy kindergarten classes in his hospital back in the late 1980s. Ilgen and Urban came to the Bloomsburg University Animal-Vues educational program at the Magee Center to present this program. Ilgen can be seen on the Canine Good Citizen videotape giving a physical examination. He believed that a dog with CGC training was easier to examine and gave the veterinarian a better picture of the dog=s health. (Stand for examination). Certainly puppy training should include this command both on and off the examination table by strangers as well as family members.
Bark Parks: The most recent issue of YOUR DOG, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, calls dog parks ABARK PARKS@! It is also suggested in this issue that some senior canines who may need more protein to keep body mass switch to Pro Plan Chicken and Rice Weight Management dry formula–29% with only 337 calories per cup. There is an interesting article on wound treatment that includes the use of medicinal honey–another old remedy. Some things never change.
Oct 07, 2008 | | Uncategorized
Pennsylvania Dog Law Update: HB 2525 now has passed the Senate Agriculture Committee with amendments and has been sent to the Appropriations Committee. The bill increases in size with amendments–many are veterinarian-related. For example, vet exams are now mandatory every six months in commercial kennels, flooring requirements are more detailed, treadmills and other forced exercise is not acceptable to meet exercise requirements and when temperatures exceed 85 degrees a canine health board of 7 veterinarians determines remedy. There are many who are still arguing over amendments for various reasons. One man feels that it is silly to make puppy mills have to have a veterinarian examine their dogs ONCE a year. His argument is that there are not enough vets to do this in rural areas. He forgets that many of these dogs are breeding stock and it is humane to insure their health–not just for their own sakes but for unborn puppies. Genetic diseases may not be visible in puppies but they may be visible in adult dogs. And, when these puppies are sold many if not most will be examined by veterinarians anyway and there will be enough of them to do it. He also is upset with the fact that a hunting dog can be declared dangerous if he chases a cat or other domestic animal or injures another dog. He forgets that dogs usually hunt in packs and have to work together. Pointers, setters and other dogs who mark game singly honor each other=s territory–it is part of the process. Today, most trainers of hunting dogs work hard to socialize puppies to accept all domestic animals as well as people and pets. Our dog law is already largely the result of a different viewpoint, a different culture of dog care–as well as greed. Attempts to make it more humane should not be weakened by more human divisions –outdated and ego-serving– whether the breeder breeds one litter a year for hunting, for conformation or 60 litters a year for profit.
Cautionary Tale: Just recently one of my grand-dogs allegedly unzipped a suitcase, unscrewed two bottles of pills and got very very sick. Now, Pants is a smart young lady but I wonder if this is the whole story? Anyway, for those of you who live with dogs who can unzip suitcases and unscrew pill bottle tops the following information. ASPCA NATIONAL POISON CONTROL CENTER 888-426-4435. Fee is $45 per case, credit cards only, no extra charge for follow-up calls. 900-680-0000. There is no charge when the call involves a product covered by the Animal Product Safety Service.
Military Dog Handlers: Carmen Battaglia, the new president of Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) has urged members to stress the need for military dog handlers. The Congressional Medal of Honor winner last year was a Boxer Mastiff mix named Brutus–the first K9 to receive this award. His handler communicated with him in sign language. When his handler was captured in Iraq Brutus received the command to Ago away but come back later and find me@. He came back and tore the throat out of one guard at one door and another guard at another door. He then threw his 200 pounds at a wooden door until it opened. Brutus in his downtime likes to sit in laps and enjoys the company of cats!!
The late and great Captain Arthur Haggerty, one of our pioneer Hollywood trainers and a noted author, began as a military service dog trainer. I believe he would have liked the Brutus award. One of our last conversations was about the dogs of Abu Ghraib. I told him I felt the use of dogs to interrogate prisoners was inappropriate. His answer: AWhat do I think about the use of dogs in controlling prisoners? Great! What about for interrogation? Also, great! Now you can assume that the dog is told to bite the POW but that isn=t necessary.@
Sep 29, 2008 | | Uncategorized