2021 February Downeast Dog News by Jennifer Rich / Wendi Smith

FRE E

Do you have a pet-friendly business? Reser ve your space today in the 2021 petMAINE guide! “The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Maine with Your Pets” • Re ach pe t owners in and out-of-state • Gre at resource for travelers and locals • 50k printed copies • Posted online as an interacti ve e-guide

DowneastDogNews.com

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Volume 16 • Issue 2 • FEBRUARY 2021

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• Guide includes pe t-friendly lodging , dining , re tailers, dog parks, be aches and trails, ve terinarians, daycares, kennels and more!

“Please send us a petMAINE guide. We absolutely live by it!” Holly U. "petMAINE is by far the most comprehensive guide for dog owners exploring Maine, with geographically organized lists of parks, beaches, trails, lodging, kennels, day care, sitters, and veterinary care." DownEast Magazine, 2017

Contact J enn Rich, jrich@rfbads.com or (207)706-6765

Celebrate Dogs This February people with cards, candy, a nice meal, even flowers. Many of us dog lovers include our 4-leggeds in this ebruary is the month of love ritual, too – after all they’re family. with Valentine’s Day as its pinnacle. While the canines won’t give a hoot Some of us shower our important about Valentine’s Day gifts or the cash you drop on them, there are

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2 Hot Dog News

Basic Training Tips

ways to celebrate them all month and beyond. And if you don’t have a pet – now may be a good time to open your heart to one. Start February by getting in the habit of regular walks. Grab her leash after she’s downed her kibble

See Celebrate on page 5

8 &9

Shabby to Chic Groomers Feature

12-15

Dogs for Adoption

DowneastDogNews.com

14 Calendar of events

Hot Dog News

Kindness to Animals Week: Winter Wellness Webinars: Feb 16 - Feb 19

series Four of Maine's premier animal non-profits are teaming up to present a special of educational webinars on animal wellness during February School Vacation week. Participating non-profits include Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk, Center for Wildlife of Cape Neddick, Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA) located in Windham, and Marine Mammals of Maine, based in Bath. Each day will feature a forty-minute-long webinar from one of the participating non-profits, focusing on the animal population its mission serves and how those animals survive – and thrive – in the wintertime. During the interactive webinars, students will be encouraged to ask questions, explore the animals’ world virtually and engage their feelings of empathy and compassion. Students will leave the webinars knowing how they can help animals of all kinds this winter. These winter wellness webinars are open to children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Winter Wellness Webinar Schedule Tuesday, February 16th @ 10 am: Animal Welfare Society Wednesday, February 17th @ 10 am: Center for Wildlife Thursday, February 18th @ 10 am: MSSPA Friday, February 19th @ 10 am: Marine Mammals of Maine

The daily webinars will take place via the meeting app Zoom. Registrants will receive the Zoom credentials, which will be good for one or all of the presentations. Students are welcome to attend one, two, three or all four, based on their interests. Kindness to Animal Week webinars are presented free of charge. Donations to the participating non-profits are welcome. Donations support each non-profit’s operations and daily animal care needs. https://animalwelfaresociety.org/event/kindness-to-animals-week/2021-02-16/

Green Acres Kennel Shop Rated Among the Top 10 Best Kennels and Top 10 Best Dog Trainers in Best Businesses of America's 21st annual Best of New England ratings for 2020 Bangor - Best Businesses of America has announced that Green Acres Kennel Shop has

received a 2020 rating making them one of the Top 10 Best Kennels and Top 10 Best Dog Trainers in their 21st annual Best of New England ratings. Best Businesses of America's rating is based on information provided by Market Surveys of America for all areas surveyed in New England. Rankings are based on the percentage of votes received in each local market, the margin between the top two businesses in each local survey, and the area's population. When Green Acres' co-owner Don Hanson was asked for his reaction to this honor, he responded: "We are honored that our clients have again felt us worthy of their vote, and we thank them. I also know that every member of the Green Acres team has played a part in establishing and maintaining relationships with our clients and their pets. This recognition is due to the commitment of all of us. Thank you; Ashley, Brenda, Cassie, Emily, Kaleigh, Kate, Kim, Lamont, Lauren, Lindsay, Niamh, Nicole, Olivia, and Sarah. We remain committed to quality pet care and training free of fear, force, and pain and to helping people, and their pets have the best possible life together."

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Downeast Dog News

Downeast Dog News Publisher Jenn Rich Copy Editor Belinda Carter Contributors Susan Spisak Diana Logan Sara Moore Judith Herman Carolyn Fuhrer Don Hanson Nancy Holmes Gail Mason Elsebeth DeBiase GRAPHIC DESIGN NVDesigns • Nicole Vanorse Advertising Jenn Rich 207-706-6765 jenn@downeastdognews.com

President Wendi Smith Parent & Publishing Company Maine Pet News LLC Our Goals

• Provide the latest in dog-related news and information. • Encourage and support dog-friendly businesses and Maine-made pet products and services. • Cultivate a community of responsible dog guardianship/ownership. • Support animal welfare causes.

From the Publisher Dear Dog News Readers, Happy February! This has been a strange winter as far weather goes. I can’t believe how little snow we have gotten here on the Midcoast. Personally, I don’t mind warmer weather and less snow and ice, but I don’t enjoy extra wetness and mud. Keeping Miss Pepper exercised this time of year is a bit of a challenge. She had an incident at the dog park years ago and is fearful of other dogs, so we are working on that which makes walks difficult. She broke a toenail playing out back one day, so we have been trying to let that heal. Yesterday was a warmer day, so we got out to a spot where we like to walk where we are able to distance ourselves from other dogs for the most part. That made us both quite happy to spend some time in the fresh air, AND she has an appointment this week at Water Bark Wellness for a swim, so she will be super thrilled for that. She would stay there and swim all day if she could. I FINALLY completed Pepper’s snuffle mat. It was not a difficult project but cutting up all of the strips was a little time consuming, and then the holidays hit and other projects took over. If you don’t have one, this is an enrichment tool that provides mental stimulation by hiding treats or food in them that your dog then has to sniff out. Mental games will help tire them out if you can’t get outside as often. Dr. Herman wrote about them in her November column which can be found on our website. This month we have decided to include extra dogs to raise more money for the rescues. The pandemic has made it difficult for fundraising events which would have normally drawn large crowds. Most were either cancelled or had to move their efforts online. It is through the help of our wonderful sponsors that we are able to donate. This month we will not only donate to the Rescue of the Month but to an additional rescue that we will draw at random from those included in this issue. Every little bit helps and is appreciated! I believe we are in for some colder weather, so stay safe and warm with your furry friends. They are certainly a blessing to have around. Warmest wishes, Jenn and Pepper

“A dog will teach you unconditional love. If you can have that in your life, things won’t be too bad.” ― Robert Wagner

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Maine Pet News, LLC P.O. Box 1076 Camden, ME 04843-1076 Phone: 207-706-6765 jenn@downeastdognews.com www.downeastdognews.com

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FEBRUARY 2021

If you’d like to submit a photo of your pet to be posted on our website send it with a small description of your dog (cool trick, silly thing he does, favorite toy) to jenn@downeastdognews.com or mail it to: P.O. Box 1076, Camden, ME 04843-1076. Each month one will be selected to be printed in the paper.

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Table of Contents Hot Dog News . ..................... 2 Furry Words .......................... 4 Ask the Vet............................. 4 Basic Training Tips . ............... 6 Ask Bammy............................ 7 Oral Tumors in Dogs ...............7 Shabby to Chic ................... 8, 9 Performance Dog Training.... 10 Words, Woofs & Meows....... 11 Rescue of the Month.............12 Dogs for Adoption... 13,14 & 15 Calendar............................... 14 Business Directory ............... 15

As much as I love summer

beach days and riding the waves, I equally love sunny winter days and playing in fresh snow. So far, we’re in a bit of a snow deficit, but it’s made for perfect walking weather. Syd and I have been together about three months, and I believe we have a pretty good routine going. She gets me up around 7am. I take her out, feed her, and then she goes back to sleep while I nurse a large cup of coffee. I got rid of my office due to Covid, so my days are spent doing readings from home. She seems pretty indifferent to my psychic abilities and sleeps either half on my lap or beside me while I’m on calls. I usually space people fifteen minutes apart, so on those breaks I take her out for a quick breath of fresh air. If there’s thirty minutes and we walk fast, I can make it around the block and not be out of breath for my next session. Before getting Syd I wouldn’t have gotten up and actually ventured out in those little breaks, and I have no idea why other than blatant laziness or indifference. Having a dog changes all of that pretty quickly! After my last client of the day, I put on my sneakers and YakTraks, so I stay upright and not fall down the road, and we head out for a longer walk. I have an app on my phone that tracks my exercise, and prior to November I was averaging less than a mile a day. That’s not totally accurate because I don’t bring my phone with me

Mouth Pain Q. How do I know if my dog has mouth pain?

A. Not all mouth and tooth

pain are created equal. Sometimes there is a swelling below the eye, which can indicate an abscessed molar, but it isn’t always that easy to tell. You need to be a good observer of your pouch’s behavior to see changes indicating pain. February is National Pet Dental Month. I have written about dental hygiene a few times. Today I want to talk about how to assess your dog’s mouth health and if he is in pain. For dogs with a normal shaped muzzle, all the teeth should line up. With brachycephalic dogs with smooshed in faces, the teeth do not have room to line up properly. Many teeth are turned sideways, missing, and protruding out the front of the mouth. For dogs whose teeth are lined up, the upper teeth come down the outside of the lower

Furry Words

by Sara Moore

www.enlightenedhorizons.com

while shopping, and I don’t carry it around my house either, but more often than not, I was sedentary. Now I’m averaging over three miles a day, and my body feels stronger than it has in years! One challenge I’ve encountered is Syd had never seen a cat before moving in with me. She is an 85-pound chocolate Lab, but the 8 pound fur balls with claws TERRIFIED her! The first day exploring the house she came face to face with little Maple and did a very fast about face back to the safety of the kitchen. I think Maple is now having a field day with this power, but the other cat, Casper,

Ask the Vet…

by Dr. Judith Herman

teeth. This allows the dog to crush and tear when they are chewing. It also helps keep the teeth clean. Have you ever noticed when Fido loses a back upper tooth the lower tooth below will build up more tartar? That is because the cleaning action from the upper tooth is gone. Often the signs of pain are

can’t seem to understand why Syd doesn’t want to rub faces with him. It’s almost happened, but we’re not there quite yet. I was looking forward to having a dog to snuggle with at night, but she was totally content sprawling on a chair in the living room. I’m in the process of getting new floors downstairs, so it was more out of necessity that I had to figure out how to get her to realize that upstairs was really where it’s at. I tried bribing her with treats, but she’d get to the top step, reach her neck out as far as possible for her reward and then dash back downstairs. I called her. I acted so excited if she even tested out the first step, but the cat had really left an indelible impression on her, and she was NOT going up! Three days ago, I hooked her to her leash, grabbed a handful of bigger treats, and started leading her upstairs. I treated her essentially every single step, and before I knew it, she was in my room!!! The next challenge was getting her on the bed. I swear she is working me over because she won’t jump into my car, and I have to put her front paws on the tailgate and then lift her up and in. I had to employ the same technique to get her onto my bed. Once she figured it out, though, she circled a few times and plopped herself right where you would expect her to- the absolute middle of my queen-sized bed. I did what any good owner would do and adjusted my notebook,

laptop, and things around her. I was happy to sit on one quarter of the bed if it meant she’d stay with me. I had to put her leash back on to convince her to go downstairs, but as I write this, she’s sleeping to my right and crazy Maple is on my left. And yes, I’m still only taking up a fraction of the bed because Queen Syd is laying parallel to the pillows. Last night, she actually hopped up on her own, which was pretty awesome, as I brushed my teeth and awesome until I tried to climb under the covers, and she refused to move her head off my pillows. I even tried to physically move her, but she let her body go totally limp, and I was no match for her floppy body. So, I clung to the edge of the bed and pulled the covers up and around both of us. You know what she did? She spooned me. Oh Syd, how I love you. I know that my heart is all in because I didn’t complain about the dog hair she left behind when she got up to grab a drink of water. I haven’t minded vacuuming almost daily, getting up early, or sharing my bed. I do believe this is exactly what I needed.

minimal. Fido isn’t eating as well, losing weight, not chewing his food, and has bad breath. These can all be signs of a mouth problem with pain. Signs that may indicate discomfort in your companion might be flinching when touched around the mouth or that he chews on one side instead of both sides. Swellings around the muzzle are obvious signs of something going on. Many times, there isn’t obvious sign of pain with these swellings. Digging at the mouth is another sign of discomfort. This may indicate a loose tooth, something stuck in the mouth that is irritating Fido, or neurologic pain. Symptoms of discomfort not directly associated with the mouth are head tilts, shaking his head, watery eyes and other ocular discharges. Nasal discharges may not be a sign of a cold but may stem from a problem in the mouth. Discharges can be clear and watery, mucous of any color, or even bloody. It is important to check your dog’s mouth on a regular basis. If you brush your dog’s teeth, that is a

good time to take a look. You will be looking for a change in color of the gums, abnormal swellings, bleeding around the base of the teeth, a bad odor, pus like discharge around the teeth, excessive drooling, and a change in behavior with handling Fido’s mouth. Behaviors like running away, growling, moving his head around to make it difficult to examine are all signs that there is a problem. When you see any of these behaviors, symptoms, and changes, it is time to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. It is not a time for a wait and see attitude. Dental disease that goes unchecked can cause more severe problems for your dog. Infections in the mouth can spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys creating potential life-threatening problems.

Sara Moore currently offers long distance readings over the phone or FaceTime. You can learn more at www.enlightenedhorizons. com and follow her on Facebook at Sara Moore Enlightened Horizons. All information given in a reading is not a replacement for licensed veterinary care.

Judith K. Herman, DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center Augusta, Maine www.mainehomeopahticvet.com

Downeast Dog News

Celebrate

from page 1

and set out. Go at her pace and chat along the way – this serves to strengthen your relationship. The interaction and exercise are good stimulants, and once you make your way home, she can get busy with a snooze. I’m not an extravagant buyer for my boys. That said, I do believe in using holidays to purchase necessities – a collar or leash, an ID tag to replace a faded one, a bandana, or a backdoor dog-themed rug that promises to grab garden mud. (I did buy a “just because” navy plaid vest for Teddy during a virtual rescue fundraiser - it was for the dogs! - and he thinks he’s all that in it.) If you are a shopper, pick up some goodies. A colorful winter sweater and cheerful rain boots are fun yet useful investments. If you’re an all-in type of person, meaning you’d cook a Valentine’s Day dinner for your dog, go for it (make sure it’ll all jive with her system). I’m super careful as Ted appears to be lactose intolerant. I take the easy

way out and head to a drive-thru for a few jr. bacon burgers – no pickles or onions, please. Always a hit. (I do this at birthdays as well.) Treat your fur pal to an in-home spa experience. There’s nothing like a massage from her human to settle. Slowly massage the back, shoulders, and limbs. Don’t forget to gently rub her ear flaps. (My new rescue almost sighs out loud when I do this and fights to keep his eyes open.) All this attention will leave her feeling pampered. Now that you’ve mussed her fur, shed her coat. Brush it back into place, spritz with a scented finishing spray, and she’ll shine. If she’s in need of professional services, now’s a good time to try a mini-makeover. I utilize a groomer for nail cuts, “slipper feet” fur trims, and a 15-minute brush out. The guys look and feel good, and again, it’s in the budget. They enjoy the car ride to the shop – and the cookies they’re given when finished. Reboot any basic commands like sit, stay, off, come, and leave

it that need fine tuning. Utilize positive reinforcement training that emphasizes rewards such as treats and praise for appropriate behavior. Check out tips at the Humane Society of United States website at tinyurl. com/yy8cthje. Deepen your bond by working on tricks together. They can add a layer of stimulation to her day – and you can do them daily. For tricks and guidance - aspcapetinsurance. com/resources/fun-tricks-to-teachyour-dog/. Try the “Army Crawl” and “Take a Bow.” Also see the “shaping” technique in the training URL mentioned above and try it with tricks such as “shake.” Now if you don’t have a pet but would like to become involved with a shelter or rescue, scan local websites and see if you can become a foster home. Ask if you can safely exercise their dogs outdoors, accustoming yourself to 4-leggeds. Maybe there’s a need for volunteers who can process paperwork or write grants virtually. And if your time’s

limited, you can help those groups by donating goods such as food, blankets, towels, printer paper, and cleaning supplies. For a unique gesture, make a monetary donation in honor of a friend’s birthday or as a holiday gift to the nonprofit. Perhaps during this month of love, you’re leaning towards adopting. Know that opening yourself to a homeless dog will add purpose to your life. Once you’re a team (it may take time for her to adjust – talk to the staff for advice), you’ll find that she’ll become your best friend. She’ll be your therapist of sorts, hugging you when you’re down, and snuggling you as needed. It’ll be nice to come home to her, or if you’re a work-from-homer, a co-worker who will lighten the day. You will quickly discover what dog owners already know - that having a special canine in your life will bring you happiness and joy, not just this month, but all year long.

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FEBRUARY 2021

But Have you Tried Science? The Truth about Consequence

As a professional dog trainer,

I frequently hear frustrated dog owners exclaim, “I’ve tried everything and nothing worked!” For any given struggle we are having with our beloved dogs, there is a plethora of solutions to be found from a variety of sources, including friends, coworkers, random internet searches, tv shows, etc. What we uncover can be nothing but a messy quagmire of contradictions, and the result is that we find ourselves confused and irrevocably stuck. Worst of all, the problem behavior persists. What and who is one to believe? Critical thinking We humans have a tendency to complicate matters by adding an emotional murk to the waters as we cling to concepts of dominance and submission, of winning and losing, of right and wrong. We forget that Psychology 101 also applies to our dog friends. We need to start thinking about the simple tenets of behavioral science and how we can, on a daily basis, apply them to our relationship with our dogs. Let’s take a deep, collective breath and step away for a moment for a more objective look at things. Consequence Drives Behavior All behaviors rely on relevant consequences for sustenance. This

Basic Training Tips

by Diana Logan

means that it doesn’t matter what we say or do before the behavior occurs: if the consequence for the behavior is relevant, it will dictate future behavior, not what happens beforehand. For instance, perhaps you have a professional surfer-dog on your hands - a counter-surfer, that is to say. You can shout, “no!” “off!!” “down!” until the cows find their way home, but none of that matters to your dog. What matters is what happens as an immediate and direct

result of the behavior. Did it work for the dog? If “yes,” it’ll be a strategy he’ll use again. If “no,” perhaps, with many future unsuccessful attempts, the surfing will cease. Just a single success, though, can mean dozens of additional attempts. To affect behavioral change, we need to do the following: • Identify the problem behavior [example: counter surfing] • Identify the reward [accessing great stuff from the counter] • Remove the reward for that behavior [prevent dog from accessing counters, keep all food items out of reach of dog] • Identify an alternative and incompatible behavior that you would like the dog to do instead [enjoy “floor activities,” stay in a specific zone] • Set up your dog’s situation so he wants to do that new behavior [add relevance to the floor through games, treat- dispensing toys, chew toys, other] • Reward the new behavior generously [food, games, whatever!] • Be consistent and be ready to tweak your approach! At PupStart, my puppy dayschool, we generously reward our young canines charge for desirable behaviors throughout their day. We set up the environment so that the puppies are most likely to offer these behaviors and are least likely to offer their undesirable counterparts. It’s a constant balance of prevention and reward. When puppy parents inevitably

ask, “what command do you use to elicit X behavior,” we have to tell them that, for the time being, there is no cue. They have to focus on 1) how to get the behavior to happen and 2) consistently rewarding it. [a future article will address how to add a verbal cue once you’ve done a good job at rewarding behaviors]. Behavior does not happen in a vacuum; dogs always have a reason for doing what they do despite what we might think. We accuse them of being “stubborn”, but that's an indication that we have not fully explored ways in which to convey to them the behavior we do want. This means getting creative and coming to the issue from the dog’s point of view, but always with the understanding that the Consequence Rule is behind it all. The Consequence Rule also applies to human behavior, of course, where we have systems of norms, rules, laws, and punishments to help provide the consequences for our actions. If one of these norms is broken with no relevant repercussions to the breaker, there is no reason for him to change his behavior. If laws are broken with no resulting punishment, the laws themselves are weakened. An interesting aspect about the behaviorconsequence relationship for humans is that a significant amount of time can pass between them. An example of this is a home mortgage. The behavior is monthly payments. The result is a paid-off-mortgage, 30 years later. For dogs, it has to be immediate. As you think about habits you’d like to change, whether yours or your dog’s, keep consequence in mind. Happy Training!

Diana Logan, CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed Pet Connection Dog Training, North Yarmouth, Maine | www.dianalogan.com | 207-252-9352

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Downeast Dog News

I am a Carolina Dog, a breed that

long ago owned Native American people. We were designed by natural selection to be so intelligent and physically superior that we survived without human help. My greatgrandfather was caught from the wild. I can offer advice based on the natural instincts and attributes of wild dogs. In addition, my adoptive person and I have had lots of training classes and other experiences. Some humans call themselves Mom or Dad of their dog, but I refer to my human, tongue in cheek, as Boss. Much as I love her, I admit she has many of the same odd notions as most humans, so I can relate to other pet dogs with problem humans. If I can’t help, at least I can offer sympathy, and we can have some fun talking about our amazing humans. Please send your questions! N. Holmes, 280 Pond Rd., Newcastle, ME 04553, or email: askbammy@tidewater.net. Dear Bammy,

I am a Wheaten Terrier, a friendly,

active, fun-loving breed. My den has a big fenced yard with lots of toys, and my human pack plays with me a lot. The human puppies are so much fun that I run and chase and fetch until my tongue hangs out halfway to my knees. There are some agility things in the yard. Dad and the biggest human pup, Jill, play on them with me almost every day. Once in a while we all get in the car and go to an Agility Trial. That’s a big place with barking dogs and lots big toys to

Ask Bammy An Advice Column for Dogs by a Dog

and play. But the humans just drive by and tell me DOWN and QUIET! Bammy, this is driving me crazy. I love my pack and I love agility and playing in the yard, but – DOGS! I need other dogs so much! Maybe some human who reads this letter has a dog who needs to play, too. Thank you for all your commonsense advice. Lonely Liam Photo by Nancy Holmes: Bammy and Pookah

jump over, run through, climb on. I get so excited; I just can’t wait to get there. The humans keep telling me to shut up, but I can’t help panting and whining. The best thing about trials is that there are so many dogs, and most of them wag at me and want to play. I play-bow and pull on the leash so hard that Jill calls for Dad to come and help her. Dad scolds and yanks on the leash, but I can’t help it! It’s the only time I’m near other dogs, and I NEED to play with them. Sometimes when my humans take me in the car, I see dogs as we go by. I jump at the windows and bark for them to come

Dear Lonely, with a tug toy Boss made for us. That is so sad! I think I heard other dogs talk about places would be howling. Boss and I where humans and dogs go to talk did agility, too, but I didn’t trust dogs and run around together and play. who I didn’t know. I’ve been attacked But I don’t know how a dog would a couple of times. I’m so glad you even know about such a place, let have a good human pack. You are alone how to get their humans to lucky to have all those humans to play go there. Can you ever hear dogs with! But it’s just not the same thing, barking from your den? If you bark is it? Boss and I often meet Dudley back, it might give your humans an and Larry, who live next door, walking idea of your loneliness. You could in the woods with their nice humans. even howl. The humans stand around and talk I’m sorry I can’t be more help while we dogs chase and wrestle. for you and other lonely dogs. When we go separate ways, of course Sometimes humans rule, no matter I go with Boss even though Larry what we do. If you think of other wants to stay and play with me. ways to find a dog friend, please let I certainly agree that you need dog us all know. friends but finding them won’t be Keep hoping, Liam. May you find a easy. Unless you can wish for them dog-friend soon, so hard that a dog friend comes to Bammy you. Or you can be such a nuisance that your humans will try different The Ask Bammy column is intended things to settle you down. If you for humor and entertainment. constantly tease your humans to If your dog has behavioral issues play with you, they might get the please contact a veterinarian idea. The bad part about that is the or professional trainer. humans will be so annoyed. I’ve

ORAL TUMORS IN DOGS By Dr. Gail Mason, DVM, MA, DACVIM Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care, Staff Internist Cancer of the oral cavity (mouth) is relatively common in dogs. Although some tumors of the mouth are benign, there are several malignant tumors that can affect our pets. The most common malignant tumors in dogs are malignant melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and fibrosarcomas. Less commonly, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, anaplastic sarcoma, and multifocal lobular osteosarcomas can occur in the oral cavity. One biologically benign oral tumor of note is an acanthomatous ameloblastoma (“epulis”). These common tumors grow slowly but cause local destruction and pain of the jawbone over time. Symptoms Most often the owner notices a mass in the dog’s mouth. This can be located along the gums, jaw, lips, cheek, or on the hard palate. Other symptoms include a foul odor from the mouth (halitosis), drooling, loose teeth, blood-tinged drool, or difficulty eating/ chewing. Diagnosis A fine-needle aspirate (FNA) is a simple, in-office procedure that can result in an accurate diagnosis over 90% of the time. However, because some oral tumors are inflamed, infected, or necrotic, a tissue biopsy may be needed

FEBRUARY 2021

for confirmation. A tissue biopsy is valuable in not only confirming a diagnosis, but also yields important information about the tumor’s expected biological behavior. This is key since oral tumors vary considerably in their tendency to metastasize to other sites in the body. Staging The term “staging” describes additional diagnostics used to determine the extent of the disease in a patient. Such tests may involve sampling of the lymph nodes closest to the oral tumor and thoracic radiographs (chest x-rays). Advanced imaging using a high-definition CT scanner is extremely useful. A CT scan can reliably determine the extent of the primary tumor, the likelihood of spread to adjacent lymph nodes, and is able to detect even small metastatic lesions in the lungs. The scan provides invaluable information to both the surgeon and the oncology team to create the optimal treatment plan for the patient. Treatment If determined to be feasible, surgical removal of the primary tumor is the most economical, expeditious, and potentially curative treatment. Large tumors or those that have invaded

the bone below them may require removal of part of the jawbone in order to obtain adequate tumor-free (“clean”) margins. Although this type of surgery may sound daunting, it can be extremely successful and rewarding in the hands of a skilled surgeon. The rich blood supply to the mouth aids in rapid healing of most surgeries. The cosmetic and functional results are good to excellent. Additionally, the source of the dog’s pain is eliminated. If the pathologist determines that the malignant tumor has not been removed in its entirety, either a second surgery to remove additional tissue or radiation therapy to the surgery site may be recommended. Radiation therapy is also indicated for tumors that are too large to be completely removed. While the term “radiation therapy” conjures up negative images, it is important to realize that dogs tolerate this therapy well and do not experience “radiation sickness” as humans may. Follow-up Treatment If the malignant oral tumor has been completely removed and it has low biological activity, then no further treatment is generally required or recommended. One exception is osteosarcoma, which is a primary bone tumor. Additional treatment with a chemotherapeutic (carboplatin) can be beneficial in extending patient survival times.

Oncept® Melanoma Vaccine Malignant melanomas carry the highest risk for metastatic disease in dogs with oral tumors. Chemotherapy has a less than 20% response rate. Oncept® is a human DNA, antimelanoma vaccine which induces the patient to produce antibodies against an enzyme that melanomas need to thrive. The vaccine is very safe and can extend the remission time or potentially effect a cure in over 40% of oral melanoma patients. Its use requires that the primary tumor be removed at least to the level of only microscopic disease. Prognosis The overall prognosis for any one patient with an oral tumor depends on tumor type, tumor size at the time of diagnosis, clinical stage of disease, biological activity of the tumor, and treatment selection. Median Survival Times: • Malignant melanoma 5-17 months • Squamous cell carcinoma 9-26 months (non-tonsillar) • Fibrosarcoma 10-12 months • Ameloblastoma indefinite Primary care veterinarians can collaborate with specialists to determine the best treatment plans for a successful outcome and quality life extension.

Shabby to Chic The Importance of Routine Grooming for your Pooch Elsebeth DeBiase, Coastal Creations Pet Salon

Dog grooming isn’t all about fancy haircuts. The act of grooming keeps skin and coat healthy while providing an opportunity to check for injuries, skin conditions, and parasites. Grooming is essential to the overall wellbeing of your dog regardless of the breed. How often a dog requires grooming can be influenced by several factors but breed and coat type are the most common indicators. Curly coated breeds such as the Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Bedlington terriers have curly to wavy hair that will grow long unless trimmed. These breeds are considered low shedding but still require a considerable amount of maintenance to keep the coat clean and mat free. Owners of curly coated breeds will need to dedicate time to daily brushing and combing to maintain a medium to long trim on these dogs. In addition, curly coated breeds require professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks.

Double coated breeds have hair that ranges in length from short to long. The Australian shepherd, Border Collie, and German Shepherd have a medium length coat with a protective topcoat and shorter, soft, insulating undercoat. These breeds will need home maintenance brushing and combing once or twice per week to reduce shedding and prevent the soft undercoat from matting. Professional grooming is recommended for these breeds every 3 to 4 months to remove large amounts of shedding coat and to trim and tidy longer areas. Wire coated breeds such as the Wirehaired Dachshund, Cairn terrier, and West Highland White Terrier have a coarse wiry coat that was intended to protect them in harsh environments. Wire coated breeds don’t shed like some breeds and will require brushing once or twice per week to prevent the coat from tangling together and forming mats. Professional grooming is recommended for these breeds every 6 to 8 weeks.

Smooth coated breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher, Boxer, and Italian Greyhound have short shiny hair that lays close to the body and is smooth to the touch. These breeds while low maintenance shed continuously. Home grooming includes the occasional bath 3 to 4 times per year and weekly brushing with a soft bristled brush to help

promote healthy skin and coat. Silky coated breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Yorkshire Terrier often have medium to long coats and need weekly combing to remove debris from the yard and prevent matting. These breeds are often trimmed in short functional

styles for comfort and owner convenience. Professional grooming is recommended every 4 to 8 weeks. The amount of grooming a particular breed requires can vary greatly between individuals and is influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions. Genetics plays a role in the amount of coat a dog produces along with the color. According to DAATA, an organization that educates groomers on dermatology as it relates to the grooming industry, black coats produce thicker smoother hairs than lighter colors. These lighter colored hairs have a thinner wavy texture making them more susceptible to tangles. Additionally, dogs that have active outdoor lifestyles or a history of skin conditions will benefit from frequent visits to the groomer in order keep the possibility of mats, smelly skin and coat, and sores at bay.

Finally, if you have questions regarding the care of your dog’s coat, don’t hesitate to ask your local groomer. Groomers can assist with determining the best grooming schedule for your pooch as well as providing information on the best grooming tools to use at home. Professional groomers are happy to help care for your pet because we love them like our own.

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FEBRUARY 2021

Training Your Performance Dog Agility, Obedience, Tracking by Carolyn Fuhrer Choosing an Instructor L

ast month we talked about being sure of what you want to learn. Once you have decided that obedience, rally, agility, tracking, etc. is what you want, how do you find a trainer? Maine has a lot of people who offer dog training and this gives us a wide choice of places to socialize our dogs and learn some basics. When choosing an instructor, it is important to understand what it is you want to learn and what you

want to be able to teach your dog. When you are just beginning or relatively new to dog sports, you may not really understand all that there is to learn about a particular venue. For example, manners class or pet obedience is not competitive obedience. Learning agility obstacles for fun and recreation is

not competitive agility. Scent games will not get you a pass in a tracking test. Each sport has its own set of rules and guidelines and levels of skill that your dog and you must achieve in order to qualify. AKC titles are something to be very proud of and take a great deal of dedication to achieve. Learning the correct performance of these skills can be very dependent upon proper instruction. Good instructors compete with their own dogs and should be well respected in the sport. Good instructors are up-to-date on rules and regulations and have a thorough working knowledge of the rules and all the procedures involved in entering a competition. Ring etiquette and proper behavior at a trial is something they teach to their students. Good instructors are constantly learning through seminars, camps, workshops, and one on one instruction. They may also offer workshops and camps themselves. A good instructor is versatile and creative. A good instructor understands humans and dogs as individuals and will craft instruction to allow each team to learn. One

size does not fit all. A good instructor should be able to teach all breeds of dogs and all sizes of dogs and have an understanding of their differences and their needs. A good instructor understands that the laws of learning are always in play and will help keep you from inadvertently teaching your dog poor behavior. A skilled instructor is an excellent communicator and is able to break complex skills down into the smallest components so that you can easily understand and teach your dog. In order to do this effectively, an instructor must have a thorough understanding of the skill and the subtleties of breaking the skill into components that the dog and handler can master. Take your time finding an instructor. Ask to visit classes and talk to students. Maybe take a private lesson. If you choose to do competitive dog sports, you will be making an investment in time and money. Find someone who will help you fulfill your goals for you and your dog. Happy training.

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 125 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 2 Champion Tracker titles. She has recently become an AKC Tracking Judge. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 30 years. You can contact her with questions, suggestions and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolyn@dogsatnorthstar.com.

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Thank You, Trivia & Gus! January marks the anniversaries

of two of the dogs that helped me become a better dog trainer and a better person. Trivia – I had wanted a dog since I was five years old. My parents finally succumbed when I was 17. I found a puppy at a pet store that was described as "A Poodle/Keeshond mix, and they never found the father." I didn't care about the breed; I just wanted a dog. Trivia had wavy hair and was as excited to see me as I was to see her. I left the pet shop with her, a collar, a leash, food and water bowls, a couple of toys, a rawhide, and the name of the veterinarian recommended by the pet shop. I was thirty plus dollars poorer but felt like the richest guy on the planet. Why my parents let me get a dog at this point in our lives, I will never know. I suspect it had something to do with the fact that we had lost my older sister to a brain tumor just days before Christmas. Looking back, their decision makes even less sense as my dad was scheduled to retire in two months, and they planned on traveling. I was a junior in high school, active in many extracurricular activities, and had a girlfriend. You know what happened and who did most of the work of caring for Trivia the first few years of her life. Mom. Thank you, mom and dad, for your crazy decision to let me get a dog. It was clearly based on love with no logic involved. In 1977, I knew nothing about training a dog or the benefits of training a dog, and no one suggested I train Trivia. I regret I did not know then what I know now as I believe I could have made Trivia's life so much better. Trivia inspires me to help my clients and students do all they can for their furry companions. Thank you, Trivia; you were small but were in no way trivial. [ FMI - http://bit.ly/ TriviaNOV74AUG89 ]

Words, Woofs & Meows

by Don Hanson ACCBC, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA

photo credit: debra bell

Gus (Laird Gustav MacMoose) – Gus was the first puppy Paula and I raised together. He was a Cairn Terrier, and despite our knowing better, we bought him at a pet shop. Most of my friends in the pet care profession believe that we learn the most from the dogs that are difficult. Paula and I remember Gus as the equivalent of a postdoctoral program. • Gus bit me on our first night in puppy class due to my ignorance and the class's two instructors' arrogance. That led to my interest in canine behavior and training. [ FMI -http://bit.ly/Things-Gus- Dominance ] • Within the first few months of his life, Gus developed a chronic urinary tract infection, which caused crystals to form in his urine. His veterinarian felt it was due to nutrition but could offer

little advice other than to suggest resources where we could teach ourselves more about his nutritional needs. That led to a lifelong interest in pet nutrition for Paula and me and a commitment to educating others. We eventually found the answer for Gus' crystals in 1997. [ FMI - http://bit.ly/Gus- Nutrition ] • Gus started having seizures as he became older, which were diagnosed as idiopathic epilepsy. Like everything else in his life, Gus lived large, even with seizures, each in the Grand Mal category. He was treated for many years with the medications in use at that time. Even then, he would still have a seizure about every ten days. Eventually, we could not increase the dose of his medication without harming his liver. Paula started investigating complementary therapies such as homeopathy and acupuncture. Gus finally found his most significant relief from seizures through acupuncture, which, interestingly, also stopped his reactivity to thunderstorms. Both Paula and I credit Gus for opening our minds to complementary healing modalities that we now use with our pets and ourselves to supplement traditional medicine. Gus ultimately the catalyst that caused Paula and me to join the ranks of pet care professionals and to buy Green Acres Kennel

Trivia

Don & Gus

Shop. He inspired our interest in behavior, training, nutrition, and complementary healthcare. While there were times Gus frustrated us beyond belief, there was not a day he did not make us laugh. Thank you, Gus!

Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) in Bangor where he has been helping people with their pets since 1995. He also produces and co- hosts The Woof Meow Show heard on AM620 -WZON every Saturday at 9 AM. Podcasts of the show are available at www.woofmeowshow.com. Don also writes about pets at his blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com. He is committed to pet care and pet training that is free of pain, force, and fear. The opinions in this column are those of Don Hanson.

February is...

National Pet Dental Health Month

How to avoid dental disease: • • • •

Specially formulated food and treats for dental health Chew toys can help remove tartar Daily Brushing Veterinary Care

Check your pet's mouth frequently for: • • • •

Red, white or swollen gums Brownish tartar on teeth Strongly offensive breath Excessive drooling

FEBRUARY 2021

Fact: Dental disease can affect heart, kidney and lung function Fact: 80% of pets will have oral issues by age 3 Myth: Dogs' mouths are cleaner than our own.

Help your pet live longer. Talk to your vet about dental care today!

Rescue

of the

Month

Rescue of the Month: P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center A Safe, Caring Shelter Serving the Midcoast By Susan Spisak

Founded in 1974, P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center, aka P.A.W.S., is a Camden-based non-profit that serves the Midcoast communities. This no-kill shelter promotes humane values, and they provide a safe, caring environment for homeless dogs and cats. Their animals are strays from their contractual communities, owner relinquishments, and other state organizations. P.A.W.S. also imports dogs, following Maine guidelines, from southern rescue partners that pull at-risk animals from high-kill shelters. The P.A.W.S. staff works hard to get pets paired properly and adopted quickly. Even with the 2020 crisis and three months without southern partner transports, they had 520 animal adoptions, said Shelter Director Meghan Austin. (Canine adoptions were about half of that

number.) Executive Director Shelly Butler agreed, “As soon as dogs were in the door, they were out the door in no time flat.” Yet one yellow Husky mix named Rebel has remained an ongoing shelter resident. In fact, this handsome 7-year-old has been with them for almost four years after coming to them on a southern transport. Butler and Austin’s hope for 2021 is that they find Rebel’s human soulmate, and they live together happily ever after. (Rebel was adopted once, but it wasn’t a good fit. The family had small children and an active lifestyle, and this Husky couldn’t keep up.) Rebel is cautious and needs someone willing to “date” him extensively – meaning plenty of shelter visits, so he can slowly bond with the interested person (or couple), and a friendship can bloom. To insure he thrives, he requires a petless, childless, low-key, and quiet

environment. The ideal adopter will not be big on entertaining, but if guests are invited to the home, Rebel needs his own spot to escape the commotion. “He’s kind of like a cat in that sense,” laughed Butler. While walks will help slim his figure – he’s 80+ pounds – he doesn’t require tons of exercise (he prefers a good nap). That said, a fenced yard for romping around or lazing the day away is imperative and will keep him mentally stimulated – he adores the outdoors, rain or shine. Know that due to allergies, he requires a grain-free, fish-based wet dog food. Check out his pics and a video at pawsadoption.org/dogs. If you feel you may be his mate, fill out the application at previous link. A staffer will contact you if they feel an introduction is worthwhile. Their goal is to facilitate an adoption that will provide Rebel with his own person whom he can love, trust, and grow old with.

While Rebel may not be your match, Austin is expecting more pets soon on southern transports – watch their website for info – and meet and greets are by appointment only. They’re hoping to bring in many dogs this year, so additional fosters are necessary as the shelter only holds up to a dozen dogs (and 100 cats). Butler noted that this past year fundraising efforts were hampered, so they’re especially appreciative to the West Bay Rotarians who not only crafted a wooded walkway over their exercise trails but tended grounds this past summer. And the Camden Rotary Club has underwritten their important Pet Food Pantry Food and Supply Assistance for residents of Knox County. They’re grateful to the community for monetary and donated goods (see their wish list at pawsadoption.org/donategoods). For more info on P.A.W.S., including adopting, fostering, and donating, visit pawsadoption.org/.

Rebel, 7+ yrs., Husky Mix Rebel has a lot of love to give but requires a specific kind of home. He would do best in a low-key household with no other animals, no children, and must have a fenced in yard. He's a lazy couch potato but every now and then, his playful side has him zipping around – and he loves the outdoors. It takes him a little while to warm up to new people, so anyone interested in adopting him would need to visit him frequently at P.A.W.S. so a relationship can develop first.

For more info. on Rebel, please see the Rescue Column above or visit the P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center website at pawsadoption.org/dogs

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Downeast Dog News

Dogs for Adoption

View more available dogs on our website, downeastdognews.com. Most rescues are showing dogs by appointment only right now. Some rescues do not offer phone numbers and require you apply online. Please see the contact info. highlighted in yellow below each dog. JACK

PONGO

2 years old, Pit Bull Mix

Ellie Mae,

Jack was found in rough shape several months ago but he is now ready! He is kennel trained and well behaved. He is full of energy and would do best with a playmate and older kids, but no cats.

2 years old, Labrador Mix

Looking for a quiet, adult only home with no cats. May be able to live with a dog after we meet to see how we like each other. I’m scared of new things & people so introductions should be calm & careful.

8 years old, Bluetick Coonhound

Apply at: fetchinghope.com/adopt

FMI: https://midcoasthumane.org/adopt/dogs/