Houston PetTalk April 2022 by houstonpettalk10

April 2022

FISHING FOR INFO? PET PARENTING TIPS, MYTH BUSTING & MORE

New name. Same remarkable care. Senior Paws is now BluePearl Pet Hospice We’re becoming part of the BluePearl family, who share our goals of providing compassionate specialized care for senior and geriatric pets.

OUR SERVICES

More resources to help more patients As BluePearl Pet Hospice, we will be able to support more patients in the North Houston area, working with the BluePearl Spring hospital.

• Pet Hospice and palliative care

Providing the right care for the best rest of life We are a full-service hospice practice staffed by credentialed professionals who can provide complex symptom management for geriatric and terminally ill pets in the Greater Houston area. We can also see older pets at our comfort center in Northwest Houston. Support for you and your pet We will help you make the most appropriate choices for your pet based on your goals, all while offering the best control of pain and symptoms.

Our mission is to make every pet’s end-of-life experience as meaningful as the life they’ve lived.

• Pain management consultation • Pet Hospice consultation

• Telehealth/virtual visits with a DVM or LVT • Pain management • Veterinary acupuncture • Class IV therapeutic laser • In-home euthanasia and in-center euthanasia • Environmentally friendly Aquamation services • Pet memorial keepsakes

OUR DVMs We will still have the same staff of dedicated doctors to help support families and pets. Christie Cornelius, DVM, CHPV Julie Spade, DVM, CHPV, CVMA Erica Sandberg, DVM, CHPV Elizabeth Rowlands, DVM Emma Brawn, DVM Jessica Dalton, DVM

For more information, contact us at 713.452.0474 or visit PetHospice.BluePearlVet.com For career opportunities visit Careers.BluePearlVet.com

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

20% OFF Your Entire Purchase! Can’t make it to one of our locations? No worries! You can always depend on us to ship directly to your doorstep. Visit us at www.hollywoodfeed.com to shop online. PROMO CODE: HOUSTONPETTALK2 20% off your entire purchase. LIMIT ONE COUPON PER HOUSEHOLD. EXPIRES 5/31/2022. Valid IN-STORE & ONLINE. Good only in the U.S.; void where restricted or prohibited. Not valid on previous purchases, grooming, self-wash, gift cards, donations, taxes, shipping, or handling charges. Cannot be combined with other coupons or offers. Applicable to current stock only. No rain checks. Returns or exchanges may result in an adjusted refund amount. No cash value. No reproductions allowed, including by electronic means; void if copied, altered, transferred, purchased or sold. Any other use constitutes fraud. Offers are subject to change. Additional exclusions may apply. Redemption subject to review and verification.

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Letter from the Editor On the cover

CURIOUS KITTY

One of the things we love about kitties is their curiosity! The adorable cover photo is just the right representation of what we have in store for our readers in this issue–if you are fishing for information, we have it on tap! Just as this kitty is curious, you also may be curious about general pet information. In this issue, we are bringing you tips, busting myths and even sharing some "pet peeves" of professionals in the pet industry so that we, as a collective, can learn how to communicate and treat them with the respect they deserve. Find this and more in our feature!

HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE 14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-6560 Art Director: ANDREW BURWELL

f there is one thing that gets an emotional response from people, it’s anything to do with their pet…or someone else's pet! Plenty of people love their pet and are well-intentioned, but that doesn't mean they don't make mistakes or have erroneous beliefs. From uninformed caretaking of your furry one, to the maddening things we see other owners do, let's just say there is plenty to talk about! One of the reasons I was prompted to revisit a topic we have covered before (general information on myths, mistakes and misconceptions), is witnessing two things recently. First, it was a German Shepherd riding loose in the back of a truck. I don’t think I even need to say why this is just plain stupid. The second was a woman at an event with a Yorkie on a flexi-lead who allowed the line to wrap around a young girl’s leg and it actually sliced her skin. Flexileads are dangerous for numerous reasons, but the incident reminded me that PetTalk’s voice in the community is educational and it is incumbent upon us to discuss these “mistakes” and continue our quest to inform, inform, inform. Maybe you've bought into myths or untruths? You might be surprised at what you know vs. what you don't know. There is a difference between being uninformed and simply being a bonehead. As an example, you may be uninformed about the fact that cats require Taurine in their diet or that a dog's dry nose does not mean he is sick. However, anyone of reasonable intelligence should know that it's boneheaded to allow

an unrestrained dog to ride in the back of a truck (you can see I’m still stuck on this!). Sometimes it just takes getting a little information to have an AHA moment and learn that something you've been doing may not be the best way to go about it. I hope you find some useful tidbits in our cover story and come away from this issue feeling like a powerful, informed pet owner. Also, if there is any topic you would like us to discuss in the future, email us at info@ houstonpettalk.com. Not only is the feature story an informative read, but there’s lots of other great stuff in the issue! First off, we have some great contest info for you. We highlight the winner and finalists of the Love Tails Contest sponsored by Bingle Vet. Plus, we are sharing two April contests that you can enter. The wildflowers are in bloom and we never miss the chance in Texas to celebrate and appreciate their beauty! Find details of our Annual Pets In The Wildflowers Contest sponsored by Sunset Animal Hospital on page 22, AND check out your chance to win a great prize package in our Instagram Photo Contest we are cosponsoring with DogPop in advance of their Puppies For Breakfast Event on April 30 (see page 19 for details). Get your camera out, get creative, and enter! Also in this issue, enjoy articles on training, optimal pet weight, the danger of lily plants, and meet some adorable adoptables from Houston Humane Society. Here's to a beautiful, fun Spring season and...Happy Easter!

© Copyright 2020. Reproduction or use without written permission of articles, editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited. Houston PetTalk does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Houston PetTalk does not endorse any specific product or service contained herein; we do encourage you to support our advertisers whenever possible. All photos ©copyright depositphotos unless otherwise stated.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

Great oral care for your furry friend isn’t easy.

But it can be.

Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked annually by your primary care veterinarian for early signs of a problem. But when your pet needs advanced care, count on Veterinary Dentistry Specialists to help them get their smile back. VDS is the only network of stand-alone dentistry practices in the nation dedicated to advanced care* where a boardcertified veterinary dentist and a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist are on staff full time to ensure the safest and most comfortable experience... and the best possible outcome. We put your pet’s comfort and safety at the forefront of everything we do. And at our new location in Katy, you’ll find a Texas-style warm and welcoming environment. Call us to learn more.

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et ready to be gobsmacked ladies and gents, I have received an invitation to the upcoming Queen's Platinum Jubilee that was announced in February, given she is the only monarch to reign for 70 years! I know you’re wondering how a bloke like me could receive such an exclusive invitation. Well, it all went down when Aunt Harriet (who has fancied herself a Lady of English proportions since moving to Britain years back and the nice gentlemen at the antique shop called her "My Lady", which she promptly seized as an official title. Bonkers that one is!). But I digress. Calling from her Brownstone, "Enrietta Dahling, God Save The Queen, your favorite Aunt has received the most glorious of invitations to the Platinum Jubilee, marking Her Majesty's 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth. You must come at once my dear and join me for the Royal festivities." I couldn't find my suitcase, I mean valise, fast enough. That night when I slept I dreamed of diamond tiaras, china, curtsies, tea…and crumpets and watercress sandwiches…and champagne with strawberries and cream…and well….I woke up hungry. Wanting to be sure my face didn’t smack of jet lag, I arrived at Aunt Harriet's a full two weeks before the celebrations began, wearing my most fashionable bonnet and tightest girdle. Yes, I said girdle. I couldn’t wait to get my paws on that coveted piece of paper reading: The Lord Chamberlain is commanded by The Queen to invite...However, what I found is that in Aunt Harriet’s delusionary, gimlet-pickeled mind, she fancied an invitation to the Platinum Jubilee but what she actually had was an invitation to the party of the person giving the party of the person giving the party for a Royal Palace chamber maid. “I’m here, I’m going, and if they have Ale, Plonk (aka, cheap wine) or even Turpentine Martinis, I’m going to get my knees up”, I mused and off we went in the next best thing to a Royal Carriage: a 1982 Triumph. That’s where things went awry. Stopping to take a quick pic of Buckingham Palace, we happened to be just in time for the Changing of the Guard. Somehow I was mistaken for a bloke named Oliver (must have been the

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girdle), who was late for work. “It’s abaht tahhm theur sha up. Late art agin last neet? You

plonker!” I have no idea what he said but next thing I knew I was wearing a fuzzy hat marching up and down the square. Following the ceremonial march, I was discharged to my Royal duty: First Chamber To The Left of The First Right Chamber To The Right Hallway Dinner Guard. Wow, they’re fairly specific on job assignments. And “Dinner Guard”? Where I come from we call that growling. Have you heard of the Lap

of Luxury? I actually carried the most lavish silver tray laden with bangers to the Queen’s chamber, wondering why she had a fetish for sausages. But I quickly found it was not for the Queen but rather for her Welsh Corgi laying full spread across her bed watching Lassie reruns. The Queen grabbed a banger and said ”Here my sweet little butt dumplin”. The Queen just said “butt dumplin”. The Horror! As I left her chamber, my walkie-talkie bellowed, “the horse has left the stall” as I saw Prince Charles crossing the hall from one bed chamber to another. Well, at least he wasn’t wearing a frock. Further down the hall, I stopped to admire the rows of Royal Portraits dating back to the 1800’s. Next to Edward VIII’s portrait was his son who succeeded him, George V, looking at Edward and holding a butcher knife. His idea of getting his old man back for transgressions I assume, you see, Edward had a morbid fear of cutlery. Next was King Henry VIII. Quite a large man for reasons you might guess. He not only ate like a pig, he ate a lot of pigs. According to records, in one year, the King and his court devoured 1,240 oxen, 8,200 sheep, 2,330 deer, 760 calves, 1,870 pigs, 53 wild boar and a multitude of fish and sea life including a whale. This food was washed down with 600,000 gallons of ale. I gotta say... that’s my kinda King! After a full day of servitude for the certifiable, I headed to the kitchen. It would take Scotland Yard to find it in this monstrous building but no need, the Henrietta nose did just fine. I helped myself to roasted pork, buttered vegetables, fish and chips and Yorkshire pudding. A truly royal gastronomic moment. But alas, I didn’t want to live among the Royal loonies even though they made tail accommodations in my guard suit. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I miss my mum. So off I went with a farewell to all: “God Save The Queen...or at least the Crown Jewels.”

Henrietta Illustration by Jim Tweedy, Colorizing by Desiree Lonsway

Henrietta

On Britannia & Her Fascination with the Queen

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Marshals inlcuded Miss League City USA, Faithful Friends, and Mount Pleasant Avenue Premier Canine Villas and Spa (see photo 3 below). Kudos to the City of League City for their pet-centric celebration of Mardi Gras! Visit them online at LeagueCityTX.gov to learn about future events.

Photos provided by Ciity of League City

he City of League City hosted their 2nd Annual Beads and Bark Mardi Gras Celebration and Pet-Pawrade February 26 at League Park, 512 2nd St. The festivities included live Zydeco music, kid and pet parades, food trucks, King Cake, games and crafts, a pet costume contest, K9 demos, free beads and more. The Pet-Pawrade Grand

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HOLIDAYS & WEEKENDS 2959 SW Freeway Houston, TX SunsetAnytime.com | 713-574-9052

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NEWS & EVENTS

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families, and pets, Emancipet has grown its Houston "paw print" thanks to the support of incredible partners. In March 2020, with the support of Houston PetSet and PetSmart Charities, Emancipet opened its second brickand-mortar veterinary clinic at I-45 and Monroe Blvd. Emancipet will open its THIRD Houston veterinary clinic inside the PetSmart located at 290 and Tidwell in March/April of 2022, thanks to an innovative partnership with PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Inc. Growing clinics within the Houston community, combined with having completed almost 60,000 clinic visits in 2021 alone, Emancipet is planning an exciting 7th

Anniversary Gala on May 12th. The evening kicks off with a special VIP reception, followed by dinner, a pet fashion show, and an awards program where they will honor distinguished guests whose support has made their success possible. Emancipet knows that home is where your pet is and that access to affordable veterinary care is crucial for many families to ensure they can keep their pets at home, with them, where they belong. So, join the fun, get involved in our access to care movement and ticketsMiles, or sponsorship information, Dr.for Chanda DVM, DAVDC please contact Angelita Sampaio @Angelita. Sampaio@emancipet.org.

Photos courtesy of Emancipet

mancipet, a nonprofit organization on a mission to make veterinary care affordable and accessible for everyone, is preparing to celebrate their seven-year anniversary of serving Houston pet owners who otherwise might not be able to access veterinary care. In 2015, Emancipet opened its first Houston veterinary clinic in Houston’s East End, offering low-cost, highquality spay/neuter procedures and affordable wellness veterinary services. The demand became evident immediately as spay/neuter appointments began booking up and lines for preventative pet care started wrapping around the clinic. Looking to serve more communities,

Honotsu SPCA Anlami Crytleu Reeucs

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Photo provided by Houson SPCA

ouston SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigators rescued 136 cats and kittens, including two pregnant felines, after they were abandoned at a Grimes County home filled with debris, feces and urine. Some of the cats were found hidden inside dressers, closets, walls and the chimney while others were discovered roaming outside. The felines were left behind after an eviction warrant was served by Grimes County Constable Precinct 2. All 136 felines are now safely in the care of the Houston SPCA where they will all receive individualized treatment by staff veterinarians. The Houston SPCA’s 10-member animal cruelty investigations team work closely with local law enforcement including HPD, Harris County Constable Precinct 1 and nine other surrounding counties to help end animal cruelty. Report animal cruelty by calling 713.869.7722 or online at HoustonSPCA.org.

NEWS & EVENTS

Bakr havztiM Evtne Aplir 01

he Bark Mitzvah is back on Sunday, April 10th from 11:30am2pm! Groomers, trainers, vets, specialty treat shops, pet adoptions, music and more will help shape an afternoon of joy at Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism's 4th Annual Bark Mitzvah. Free and open to the community, there will be food and fun for all. Rabbi Steve Gross will lead a Bark Mitzvah service for all canines. Please contact Justin at 713-782-4162 or Justin@hcrj.org to register your canine. Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism is located at 801 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057.

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23rd Edition

Photos courtesy of Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism

April 23, 2022 • 6-9pm (5pm VIP) by Norris • 21402 Merchants Way

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NEWS & EVENTS

ht81 Cisnezit ro f Anlami Prnoitce C ( AP) PAWcerutc ih Conoit epm

oghouse Competition & Auction is back again this year, and is bigger and better than ever! CAP is excited to announce that PAWchitecture will return to the Houston World Series of Dog Shows in July after holding the event at the shelter for two years due to covid restrictions. Each

year, talented creators build fantastic custom doghouses that are displayed and auctioned off with proceeds benefiting homeless pets. In addition to custom doghouses, this year CAP is opening the competition to include CAT CONDOS! They are currently in the planning stages of this fun event and are looking for

event sponsors and doghouse/cat condo builders to join in the festivities. Sponsor opportunities are a great way to promote your business while helping the community! For more information on becoming a sponsor, or registering to build a doghouse or condo, contact Ana at doghouse@cap4pets.org.

Photos By: Bianca Burrascano

Dr. Chanda Miles, DVM, DAVDC

www.houstonpettalk.com

NEWS & EVENTS

BARK ro f BARC Wakl Furesia dn Aplir 9

B Photo by Jie Wiley

ARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions and the Houston BARC Foundation invite all Houston area pet owners and pet lovers to the Fifth Annual BARK for BARC Pet Walk at Rice University on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 8:30 A.M. Funds raised through the walk will help our community’s pet population, which has been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and will support BARC initiatives such as onsite and community

adoptions, pet fostering, pet transfer and rescue as well as free and low-cost spay and neuter programs. All animal lovers, with or without pets, are invited to attend this fun, family event featuring food trucks, dog-agility demonstrations, music, and vendors. For additional information and to donate or register for the BARK for BARC Pet Walk, visit HoustonBARCFoundation.org.

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alling all cute doggies! ENTER your pup(s) photo in our jointly sponsored contest with our friends at DogPop, hosts of the Puppies For Breakfast event (see AD page 25). We are lighting up the Instagram sky with fun photos of Houston's amazing doggy population! All you have to do is post a photo of your pup on PetTalk and Dog Pop Instagram (@pettalkmagazine & @dogpophtx), tag us, follow us, and tag a friend. Super easy! Winner will receive a prize package including their photo in PetTalk. Winner must come to the event to claim the prize!

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NEWS & EVENTS

Love Tails Photo Contest Winners ce 1st Pla

Winn

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s Finalist

Snickers

Turbo, Cayman & Boxster

sts Finali

Bonsai Sophie and Maximus

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Finalists

e know how much our readers LOVE your pets and many of you showed us just how much in our recent LOVE TAILS photo contest, sponsored by Bingle Vet. The entries were super-creative and definitely created with LOVE! Finalists were selected by public voting and a panel of judges from Bingle Vet chose the winning photo. Meet winner Snickers, with mom Hershey Grace, who snagged a $200 gift certificate for services at Bingle Vet. Don't miss more contests at HoustonPetTalk.com.

ABOUT BINGLE VET:

Bingle Vet is a family-owned veterinary practice committed to the compassionate care of pets while providing impeccible service to pet parents at two locations: Spring Branch/Memorial (2025 Bingle Rd. Houston, TX 77055) and Katy (5215 FM 1463, Ste. 400, Katy, TX 77494). Check out their 10-Minute Guarantee and homemade cookies - they want to make sure you and your pet leave their clinic happy! Visit them at BingleVet.com.

SAVE THE DATE EMANCIPET: NONPROFIT VET CLINICS

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

NEWS & EVENTS

HIT US WITH YOUR

BEST SHOT!

ANNUAL WILDFLOWER PHOTO CONTEST ENTRY: APRIL 1-15 VOTING: APRIL 16-23

t's time for our longest running contest in celebration of the beautiful Texas Wildflowers! Entry is now open from April 1 to April 15 for our annual Pets in the Wildflowers Photo Contest sponsored by Sunset Animal Hospital. In early March, we began promoting the contest as flowers started blooming and at the time of print, flowers were beautifully taking over fields in Texas! If the flowers are still around and you didn't take a photo, you still have time to Take Your Best Shot and enter the contest. We are always impressed by the amazing entries and appreciate your creativity! To enter your photo (pets in photos only please, no humans) visit HoustonPetTalk. com or our FACEBOOK page, Facebook. com/houstonpettalk and click the link to the entry page and upload your photo. Be sure to include your pet's name. If you

are a professional photographer, please note your entry as Professional Division. Readers will VOTE for the top finalists and then winner will be selected by Sunset Animal Hospital. The winner will receive a $200 Gift Certificate to Sunset. The winning photo and ALL entries will be published in PetTalk's June issue!

SPONSORED BY

Last Year’s Winner

Bonsai

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TRAINING

#ShareWithUs! HOUSTON SKYLINE 1. Honey, this picture was taken back in 2015 with the Houston skyline. I was taking pictures of her for our annual Christmas card. She crossed the bridge on Sep.5, 2017. Karen Matera

IS THERE ANYTHING CUTER THAN YOUR PET? OF COURSE NOT! WE AGREE, SO WE MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU TO PROVE IT...PLAY WITH US ON INSTAGRAM AND LOOK FOR OUR THEMED CONTESTS. YOU SHARE WITH US, WE SHARE WITH OUR READERS. EVERYBODY WINS!

2. Koda the Canine Yoda striking a pose for the camera.

3. Miles and his mom, Sarah, enjoying a fun day out. 4. Oliver (salt n pepper 15) and Olivia (black 14) at Buffalo bayou park. They always go around looking for cool spots to take pictures around town. Photo credit: Marisa Garcia 5. Ozzie’s photo was taken in the fall of 2017 in front of the beautiful Houston skyline. Photo Credit: Laura St Clair 6. Shaggy enjoying a quick picture. 7. Simon on some of his favorite walks in Houston! Photo Credit: Summer Davis 8. Tango and Caliente enjoy posing for pictures. Photo credits: Sarah Killian IG: @texas_ airedoodles

9. Tito is 12 years old and loves taking pictures in front the Houston skyline!

5 7 24

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Photos © Deposit Photos

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TIPS ON PET PARENTING, MYTH BUSTING & PET PEEVES THE ROAD TO BETTER PET OWNERSHIP

arenting of any kind is challenging, be it humans or animals. In both realms, the little "nugget" isn't born trained. It's up to the parent to shape expected behavior. In addition to behavior, parents of two-leggers and four-leggers have to make sure their loved one has quality food and nutrition, healthcare, social skills, etc. In reality, some people are better at the role of parent than others. In the world of pet parenting, there is quite a mixed bag of people that own pets. There are very diligent, conscientious pet owners who go out of their way to learn the best way to care for their pet and train their pet

By Michelle Mantor propertly. Then there is another group of people that are well intentioned but don’t take the necessary steps to inform themselves on all aspects of pet care. For instance, they may treat their dog to lots of love and kisses but have no information about nutrition and may be feeding their pet poor quality food without realizing it. Then of course there are total boneheads who do things like have a litter of puppies so their child can “witness the birth” and then sell the pups on the internet, or leave their pet in a hot car in the summer to “run inside a store for a few minutes.". In this feature, we are hoping to add a bit of knowledge to our reader's parenting arsenal, bust a few myths,

and we even had some fun asking pet care providers to tell us what things pet owners do that drive them nuts. As pet owners, we can do some really aggravating things that polite pet care providers would never tell us, but we promised anonymity so that we could hear their true pet peeves while still being diplomatic. We hope this information will help us all be better pet owners for our pets, for each other, and for the workers in the pet industry. Informed pet caretakers is our goal, so don’t miss this amusing but informative section. Read, learn and go forth with your newfound knowledge!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

TRUE OR FALSE? KNOW YOUR CAT FACTS MY INDOOR KITTY CANNOT GET HEARTWORMS.

False: While not the natural hosts their canine counterparts are, cats CAN get heartworms, and sadly, there is no treatment for heartworms in cats. It only takes the bite of a single infected mosquito to transfer heartworms, and in a place like Houston, mosquitoes are found indoors as well as outdoors. In testing, there seems to be equal chance for indoor cats to be infected. Heartworm prevention meds are available for cats.

CATS ARE OK LEFT ALONE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.

False. Cats are very attached to their owners and can get so upset they don't eat if their owner leaves them alone (overnight or longer). Did you know that cats can go into fatty liver disease if they don’t eat properly for 24 to 36 hours? Just because cats don't need to go outside to potty does not mean they are self-sufficient without the care of their owner.

CATS SHOULD DRINK MILK.

False: Only if you are ok with diarrhea, but otherwise, not so much. In fact some vets use carnation evaporated milk for a natural laxative in constipated cats.

ALL WHITE CATS ARE DEAF.

False. Not all white cats are deaf, but it's not uncommon. White cats with blue eyes are more likely to be deaf than white cats with a different eye color. Deaf cats make great pets...indoors only of course.

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GROOMING CATS IS REALLY HARD.

False (but True if not done regularly). Grooming cats is more of a struggle for those cats that are not used to being handled and groomed. When cats are approached with a good attitude and patient expectations, they can learn to not only like, but enjoy, being groomed. The key is to handle them, brush them, introduce them to water for bathing (not all cats need bathed but in situations such as fleas, a bath may be required) in order for them to get comfortable with being groomed. In particular, long haired cats really need their owners to assist them by brushing regularly to reduce shedding, painful matting, and hairballs.

CATS ARE DANGEROUS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN.

True: If a woman has not been exposed to Toxoplasmosis and becomes infected during pregnancy, it can harm her unborn baby. Cats are natural hosts for Toxoplasmosis and can shed oocysts in their stool. Expectant mothers should be careful when cleaning a litter box. Most cats have never been exposed to Toxoplasmosis and do not carry it. If in doubt, have your veterinarian test your cat. In addition, pregnant women should not garden due to exposure to the feces of neighbor cats.

MY CAT NEEDS DE-CLAWED TO SAVE MY FURNITURE.

False. Cats need their claws for many reasons. Cats scratch with their front claws by dragging them downward, either on a horizontal or vertical surface. This action, referred to as stropping, loosens and removes the outer husk of the claw revealing a sharp new surface underneath. It also exercises the muscles of the forelimbs and spine to keep the cat in tip-top condition for hunting. Additionally, indoor cats may be scratching to signal they want to play (get attention). To save your furniture and keep your kitty happy, provide an acceptable alternative that offers a similar experience when used. For example, if your cat is scratching textured wallpaper, it is advisable that the alternative scratching area is a similar texture that allows the cat to stretch to the same level. There are MANY commercially available solutions for scratch pads!

ALL CALICO CATS ARE FEMALES.

False. While the vast majority of calico cats are females, there is the occasional male.

THE BEST WAY TO PICK UP A CAT IS BY THE SCRUFF OF THE NECK.

True and False: Scruffing, or picking up a cat by the loose skin on the nape of the neck, is the way a mother cat moves her kittens. When a kitten is scruffed, he naturally goes limp, so the kitten may be carried easily. Once a kitten reaches the age of 6 months or so, scruffing is no longer a good way to carry a cat - he weighs too much, and carrying the cat in this manner puts too much stress on the nape of the neck, causing pain and potentially causing injury to the neck muscles and skin.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

WISE UP: CANINE DO'S & DON'TS

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING WITH MY DOG WILL HELP HIM REACH HIS FULL POTENTIAL.

True. Dog training provides your dog with much needed mental stimulation. Just like humans, we don’t stop learning after grade school. Mental health is just as important as physical health for our canine companions. Dog training can help release your dog’s full potential. Sure, your dog may not be shredding furniture or peeing in the house anymore, but do you truly have the best possible relationship with your pet? If he’s smart, just imagine what all he could learn with the help of a dog-training professional. Training also builds a strong relationship and bond with your dog. It enables you to learn your dog’s personality and communicate with him verbally and through body language.

DOGS SHOULD HAVE A LITTER BEFORE THEY ARE SPAYED.

False. Dogs that have a litter before they are spayed are not better for it in any way. In fact, spayed dogs are at lower risk for breast cancer and uterine infections.

NON-ANESTHETIC DENTAL (NAD) CLEANINGS ARE ALL MY PET NEEDS.

False. Without your pet going under anesthesia, there is no possible way to clean the inside surfaces of the teeth or below the gumline. Plaque accumulation below the gumline is what can actually cause serious overall health problems. NAD only polishes the teeth which is merely cosmetic. More serious issues can loom in your pet's mouth such as significant bone loss, fractured roots or crowns, abscessed teeth, and oral tumors can be lurking and identified via x-ray during a full dental procedure. Dental care is severely overlooked by many pet parents and is the cause for painful mouths, loss of teeth and other disease.

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MY DOG NEEDS TO BE AROUND MY NEWBORN SO THEY CAN BOND.

No! Do not ever allow any dog of any size to be up close to a baby or baby's face. And do not EVER leave a dog of any size or breed alone with a child, not even to go into the other room to grab something. Your dog might be ok in this situation "most" of the time, but the unpredictability of a canine is not worth the potential tragedy. There are untold horror stories of people who "thought it was ok" to leave the dog and child alone for just a minute. Babies can agitate the dog, the dog may decide to "carry the baby"...who knows why these attacks happen because no one is around to see the situation, but the bottom line is allowing a dog next to or alone with a baby is not worth the risk!

DOGS CAN SWIM AND ARE NOT IN DANGER OF DROWNING IN THE POOL.

False. Unfortunately, it is very possible for a dog, or any outdoor pet, to drown in a backyard swimming pool. Even dogs who are seasoned swimmers can drown because they instinctively go to the sides of the pool, but then they aren't able to figure out how to get out of the pool. Dogs should have swim lessons, be taught how to get out of the pool, and always wear a safety vest or neck float when left alone outdoors (or even when owners are present at the pool for extra safety).

DOGS SHOULD LICK THEIR INCISION BECAUSE THAT HELPS IT HEAL.

False. Actually, allowing your pet to lick or chew at an incision after surgery is one of the worst things you can do to help the healing process. Animal's mouths have lots of germs, and licking is exposing the incision to constant bacteria. Because the incision leads directly down to the muscle, bone, or organ that recently had surgery, this puts the animal at a much higher risk for infection. Licking or chewing of an incision can also lead to re-opening the incision.

MY DOG NEEDS MORE EXERCISE THAN A TRIP TO THE DOG PARK.

True. It may be good exercise but it should not replace the daily leadership walk. Taking the time to walk your dog on leash gives your dog the additional needed exercise they require and it also gives the owner a chance to connect with the dog, practice commands and reinforce your leadership position.

"HOT SPOTS" DEVELOP WHEN IT'S HOT OUTSIDE.

False. Hot spots are formed when a dog has mats in its coat or has a skin irritation such as a bug bite. As the dog chews at the area, the moisture can be trapped by a mat or from constant chewing. A sore begins to form on the skin. If the culprit is a mat, the mat must be removed. No matter the cause, take your pet to your veterinarian to get an oinment for the sore before it becomes worse (infected). Houston PetTalk Magazine

A SEATBELT FOR MY DOG IS NECESSARY.

True. Dogs do not belong in your lap or even the front seat. They can cause distraction, thus causing an accident if they are unrestrained. Every year, thousands of auto accidents are caused by loose pets in a vehicle. An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a 50 mph car crash exerts 500 pounds of force. The safest way for pet travel is using a pet seatbelt. If your pet is traveling in a crate, secure the crate because once again, that crate could become a projectile in an accident.

MY DOG KNOWS WHAT I AM TELLING HIM, HE'S JUST BEING STUBBORN.

False. Dogs do not generalize well and we therefore have to train the same behavior in different situations in order for the dog to understand what we want. Just because your dog will sit on command, while you hold up a treat, does not mean they understand to sit in the middle of a busy park, with squirrels and other dogs running around. Train in many different situations to make sure you dog knows the command in ALL situations.

PUPPIES ”GROW OUT OF” PEEING IN THE HOUSE AND BITING MY HAND.

False. Many of the problem behaviors puppies exhibit early in life do not just fade away over time. Rather, they can become bigger problems. The longer a puppy is allowed to practice unwanted behavior, the harder it is to change when they get older.

TO POTTY TRAIN A PUP, YOU SHOULD SWAT THEM ON THE MUZZLE WHEN THEY MAKE A MISTAKE.

USING FOOD IN TRAINING IS ACCEPTABLE.

True. When teaching a desired behavior, offering a reward motivates the dog to want to learn. Food is a preferred reward because most dogs respond to food in learning and will work for it. Once a skill is trained, you can reduce the food treat for praise or play.

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False. Many owners use very old-fashioned methods of correcting potty behavior. Methods such as swatting the pup on the muzzle when pee is found simply do not work and serve to create the association of wrongdoing and the urge to potty. Pretty soon the owner will find the puppy potties in a hidden spot because he associates going potty with the distaste that the owner shows. Or, if this cruel practice is used after the dog has pottied rather than catching he or she in the act, a HUGE problem will be created. The dog does not have the memory of peeing in the floor, so their perspective is that their owner, who they should be able to trust, is scary and defintely worth hiding from because they do not understand where the anger is coming from or what caused it. They are basically very confused, thus becoming "unsure" of their environment. Lastly, this practice of hitting or yelling at a dog for urinating can cause the OPPOSITE effect - a dog that submissive wets, meaning they pee when approached during greetings, when they get yelled at, when they go to the vet...you get the picture...they pee around people because they are not confident. Don't create this problem by doing something that is scientifically proven to be WRONG.

A COLD, WET NOSE IS GOOD, AND A WARM, DRY NOSE IS BAD.

False. An animal's nose changes temperature and moistness throughout the day. The nose being warm and dry is not an indicator of illness or fever, nor does a cold, wet nose definitively mean your pet is healthy. The only way to tell for sure if your pet has a fever is to take their temperature with a thermometer (generally rectally), and/or have your veterinarian evaluate your pet.

FLEXI/RETRACTABLE LEASHES ARE GREAT FOR WALKING DOGS.

Not Really. For dogs in need of training, flexi leashes offer owners very little control when walking their dog and have been known to cause serious rope burn if the cord wraps behind your legs or around a finger. Not only do you have little control, but the line can break and your pup can get loose and injured. And finally, because the "retractor" can also jam with your pup many feet away from you, a plethora of accidents can happen.

LEAVING MY PETS WASTE WON'T HARM ANYTHING.

False. A single gram of pet waste contains an average of 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, some of which can cause disease in humans and other animals, and can lead to water quality problems if not picked up. Dog waste is high in nitrogen and phosphorus, contains parasites and harmful bacteria such as E. Coli, fecal coliform and Salmonella. And of course it stinks! Pet feces draws flies and rats. Rats love to dine of canine fecal matter so not pickng up in your own yard can be an invitation to a rat festival at your home. If these reasons are not compelling, remember: It’s the law!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

PET PEEVES

WANT TO DRIVE YOUR PET CARE PROVIDER CRAZY? HERE'S HOW!

For a little fun (and education), we checked in with a variety of pet care providers to find out what frustrates them and we gave them a chance to vent those frustrations while remaining diplomatic and anonymous. We talked to groomers, veterinarians, boarding facilities and trainers to see what it is that pet owners do that drives them crazy. Do you see yourself in this list?

IRRITATED TRAINERS »

» »

Owners sometimes give no boundaries to their dog. They have full run of the house. They jump on furniture, go nuts when the doorbell rings and tear things up and the owner comes for training but then goes back home to "no rules or boundaries" enforced, so the cycle continues. Too many toys! Pets get as overwhelmed by too many toys just like a child does at Christmas. Breed prejudice! Especially bully breeds. What really drives me crazy is when people walk their dogs on retractable leashes and the dog lunges at other moving objects, such as other dogs, humans, bikes and cars. Lose the flexi-lead. Get proper equipment and learn how to use a training lead. Owners not training or socializing their puppy soon enough. It's not ok to wait until they are six months old before training. Start as soon as you get the dog! Anyone that lets a small child go up and get in a dog's face, whether they know the dog or not. It's a risk not worth taking. Or, allowing the

child to pet a dog without the owner's permission. Approximately 500,000 children in the U.S. are bitten by a dog each year and over 350,000 require surgery.

VETERINARIAN VENTING

» »

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Not showing up for an appointment without calling. Clients that talk on their cell phone during the appointment while we are examining their pet and need them to be "present". Don't take the call in the exam room please! Clients that come in just before closing on the weekend with a vomiting pet that has been sick for three days but they are just now addressing the problem. People that get offended when the veterinary staff restrains their pet. I understand but they need to realize we are trained to handle animals properly and it's for everyone's safety. I hear this too often, "I don't think it's necessary for you to run the tests, just give me a prescription. He just has diarrhea so give him medicine." There is only one GOOD way to diagnose many afflictions and that is through tests. We are not running tests to "get more money". We are running tests to administer proper medical care which we vowed to do by taking the veterinary oath. Also, pets can't talk so testing is essential. Clients that "hire" us to be their experts, then they put up roadblocks. No, my pet is not fat. No, my pet’s teeth don't need cleaned. No, he’s too old for surgery. No he's not in pain it's just arthritis, etc. Owners that stop medications before they are supposed to or owners that are embarrassed to admit they cannot medicate their pet and so they just don't do it. If they would let us know, there are other options to make sure the pet gets their meds.

BOARDING BEEFS »

When owners let their dogs run off leash around the lobby (and sometimes pee) or jump on the counter and knock everything over. It’s unsafe for both people and the dogs, but they just don’t realize it. Bringing dogs in with fleas. All boarders should have flea preventative applied prior to boarding. Not fully disclosing the dog's behavior issues and we find out after the client is on vacation. If we know in advance, we can mitigate the situation but if we don't know, issues arise. Expecting the dog to look and smell fully groomed after a week of boarding (but didn't purchase a grooming package). It's not uncommon for pets to get an upset stomach when boarding due to stress but too many people assume their pet "contracted" something at the facility.

DON'T BE THIS PET OWNER »

» »

GROOMER GRIPES »

An owner walks in with a dog that is pelted (worse than matted) and says, "Can you give my dog a puppy cut and keep the hair a little long?" No, we cannot because you've neglected to groom your dog for so long that there is NO choice but to shave it. Owners that are insistent their pet be groomed by 2pm and we rush to make the deadline and they show up at 6pm. Owners that say their "pet won't bite but he may nip a little." That's a bite waiting to happen. A lot of pet owners do not understand that regular grooming is what keeps your pet looking good. Some people brush and bath at home and then bring their pet in once a year and expect a miracle. Owners that want to hang around while their pet is being groomed, so the dog wants their attention and is squirmy, making grooming difficult.

Don't allow your dog to commit a bullying offense such as snarling, mounting, toy guarding, etc. at the dog park. Don't be distracted, on your phone and not pay attention. Remove your dog if they are doing any of these things. Don't buy a dog from a flea market, newspaper, Craig's List, or a pet shop. You will only serve to encourage bad breeders and puppy mills. Reputable breeders will not be selling pets through these avenues. There are reputable breeders so do your homework or rescue a pet from a shelter or breed specific rescue. Don't allow your dog to jump on others. It's not cute, it's rude. Don't permit your dog to be off leash and run up to other dogs or people. Some people don't want to pet your dog and some are actually afraid of dogs. Don't let your dog to be too far away on leash so that you trip others. If your dog is on a long leash and you are walking at a public park, keep the leash short. Don't run with your pet during the hot months between 10am and 6pm. Too many pets die needlessly from heat exhaustion and by the time you realize it's happening, it's often too late. It may be obvious but they are wearing a fur coat. Don't get rid of a pet for any of these reasons: Moving, getting married, pregnant, doesn't match the furniture, tired of the barking, want a different breed. You love your pet right? Then why feed them really bad food? Check the ingredients. If the first ingredient is not a meat source (chicken, beef, fish), don't buy it. If you cannot afford proper veterinary care, do not get a pet.

DO BE THIS PET OWNER »

Take your dog to a professional trainer if there are any behavior problems. It's worth the investment and if your dog currently has a behavior issue, it will only get worse if not addressed. Have your dog's teeth cleaned once per year. Dental care is one of the most important factors for pet health that is overlooked. Do these things well: Make your dog sit at the door and not run out unless given a command; Teach your dog to walk beside you on leash, not pull ahead; Buy safe treats and dhew toys (beware of compressed raw hide bones that can get lodged in a dogs throat once it becomes "slimy", especially the ones with knots on the ends); Be aware of hot pavement, even when walking to and from you car.

BONEHEADED THINGS PET OWNERS SAY »

» » » »

"I want a dog that doesn't shed." Really? Then you will need to get a stuffed animal. All dogs shed, some worse than others, but they all shed to some degree. "Will that distemper shot make my pet behave?" "Let the dogs sort it out." "If I neuter my dog, he'll be embarrassed." "Sit. Sit. Sit. Sit. Sit. Sit. Sit."

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

SHOP LOCAL WITH OUR NEW SPONSOR

With humble beginnings going back to the 1950’s, Hollywood Feed is now serving pet parents and their furry ones across the U.S., including three stores in the Houston area. Check out this selection of items and find much more, including food, accessories, and treats by visiting one of their locations or shopping online at HollywoodFeed.com. And…they offer a lowest price guarantee!

THIS IS NO LAME DUCK

Celebrate spring and gift your fuzzy friend a new cuddle buddy. The Spot Pastel Fuzzy Duck Dog Toy is soft for snuggling and has a large squeaker for hours of play.

JUST SAY NO TO STAINS & ODOR

Make spring cleaning easy with the Hollywood Feed Made in New York Stain and Odor remover. It’s designed to combat pet messes effectively and safely, all while being 100% sourced in the USA.

A BOWL FULL OF GOODNESS

LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE

The Mississippi Made Donut Bed gives your pet the comfort of the couch with the durability of highquality, USA Made fabrics. The removable, machine washable cover allows for easy cleaning to keep your pet’s bed fresh. Available in an assortment of bright, fun colors perfect for any home.

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Fiestaware Bowls add a beautiful splash of color to your pet’s feeding station. The same great quality you’ve always known from Fiestaware is available in a variety of cheerful colors for your pet.

PASSION

FOR PINK SPRINKLED WITH LOVE

Is your pup a foodie? We know most are and bringing home a healthy, delish treat to say “You’re the best” from Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming will make your pooch jump for joy… or better yet, take your pup shopping at one of 11 Houston locations near you! WoofGangBakery.com.

DOUBLE DIP OF KITTY FUN

Purrrr...says your kitty who will take a double scoop of the KONG Crackles Scoopz Cat Toy with Catnip. Made for tugging and pouncing to encourage hunting skills, this fun toy is designed to be pulled apart for extra fun! Find yours at Chewy.com.

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BONE-A-FIDE GLAM

Have a little Spring Fling of fun with these whimsical, beaded earrings from localy purveyor, Elanna Atelier. Shop their site for many more pet-themed accessories including handbags. Find them at elanna-atelier.com.

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HEALTH

Lily Is The Easter Flower ...And Very TOXIC To Cats!

t’s that time of year again. When you walk into a grocery store, you will be met with lilies alone in floral arrangements, lilies mixed in with other cut flowers, lilies as potted plants, and lilies in corsages for Easter. And not a single lily will carry a warning about its toxicity to cats. While these flowers are a traditional symbol of Easter and springtime, they are not safe to have around your home if you have cats. Did you know that all parts of the plant, including the pollen (meaning this plant is so toxic that simple grooming after contact with the plant when the pollen has transferred to the coat), can lead to irreversible kidney failure when ingested by a cat? Early signs of lily toxicity include decreased activity level, drooling, vomiting, and loss

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Shana D. Richardson, PhD Vergi 24/7 Animal Emergency Hospital vergi247.com

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of appetite. Cats will then likely go on to develop acute kidney injury and sadly, die without immediate treatment. Therefore, ingesting pollen from a lily, or ingestion of any other part of the plant, requires an immediate visit with your vet or emergency veterinarian. When exposure is caught quickly and veterinary care is begun immediately, steps can be taken to ward off life-threatening problems. Spread the awareness! You may have seen this information before but please continue to share it with people you know and maybe even some you don’t know. Each time we write about lilies and cats, there are always a number of people owned by cats who are unaware of the fact that lilies are incredibly toxic to cats (and cats appear to be the only species known to develop renal failure from lilies.) We treat lily ingestion year round, but see it most often around Easter.

Cats needlessly suffer and some lose their lives because too many people simply do not know about the dangers of the lily plant. We can all work together to spread the word and advocate for warning labels to become mandatory on lily plants, or arrangements containing lilies. If this information saves even one cat or kitten, it is definitely worth sharing again, and again, and again. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week…when pet emergencies happen, we are honored to be here for you and your pets.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

HEALTH

Why Continuous Care for Your Senior Pet Is So Important

s constant companions throughout significant portions of our lives, we often form deep emotional bonds with our gracious graymuzzled friends over time. They’ve shared in our most joyous moments, and we idolize their ability to be present when we need them most. Many humans prefer the companionship of a pet over surrounding themselves with other humans! In fact, I’ve heard some people say that pets are easier to love than other people, and that the loss of a pet is sometimes much harder to bear than losing a relative. In general, pets receiving regular veterinary care during their senior years experience better quality lives and have improved outcomes at the completion of their lives than those who do not see a general or senior care practitioner as they age. A progressive veterinary practice is better positioned to prevent and/or manage problems in the earliest stages, increasing available options. Why, then, do a significant portion of families stop taking pets to see their veterinarian after a certain age? We as veterinarians are spending a lot

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of time and resources devising ways to encourage families to continue to bring their older pets in every 3-12 months to avoid a deficit of care and patient suffering. It’s possible the community at large underestimates the value of a continued bond with their veterinarian or a veterinarian who specializes in older pet care needs. Time, technology and innovative thinking are all on our side, and as a whole, the need for senior and geriatric pet care will grow as awareness and an organized model is brought to the forefront. When do we need to start a conversation with our veterinary care professionals about our senior and geriatric pets? These are all signs of advanced aging in pets that should be addressed with trusted experts. Please contact a veterinarian if you notice changes in: » Mobility (limping, avoiding stairs, reluctance to jump up/down off furniture) » Mood or mentality (sleeping more/ less, agitation, vocalization, confusion, hearing loss) » Appetite (eating less or more than normal) » Gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, drooling, diarrhea) or abdominal size (distention, fluid) » Hair coat or skin (more or less grooming, matting, unkempt appearance, lesions)

Breathing (rate and effort, coughing), exercise intolerance, nasal discharge » Oral health (dental disease, bad odor, growths, bleeding, drooling) » Eye health (discharge, redness, increase or decrease in eye size, vision loss) » Urination (more or less, increased odor, incontinence, change in color, house soiling) » Lumps and bumps (especially pea-sized or larger) or any changes in current ones » Weight loss or gain, muscle wasting » Water intake (less or more) » Any other change small or more significant that is causing worry for your or your pet Seeking sound expert advice from a veterinary professional with a special interest in senior care may sound unnecessary to some, but I believe the most progressive and novel veterinary talent is now coming from this growing field of geriatric medicine. Just as in human medicine, it is becoming more and more typical for a senior or geriatric pet to have multiple veterinarians in specialized fields taking care of them in different ways to produce the best outcome for the pet and the family. If the goal is to maintain or strengthen the bond between families and aging pets, the family and veterinarian must work closely together to accomplish this. »

Houston PetTalk Magazine

HEALTH

Your Pet’s Weight An Important Factor In Living A Long, Healthy Life

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ith summer approaching, many of us may be working to get our bodies ready for swim season. But our bodies are not the only ones that might need attention. What about our canine companions or furry felines? If you have ever been told that your pet needs to lose weight, you should consider helping them shed the pesky pounds. Some may ask "why is it so important to keep Fluffy a healthy weight?" Much like humans, carrying around extra weight puts your pet at a higher risk for developing diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, respiratory issues and can throw their endocrine system off balance. The excess weight can also cause increased pressure on joints that can cause injury and long term pain. Because of this, the life expectancy of an overweight pet is decreased by more than By: Megan Wood LVMT Chasing Tails Mobile Veterinary Services chasingtailsvet.com

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two years. So, keeping "Fluffy" fit gives them the best quantity and quality of life. The first step in helping your pet lose those extra pounds is to have a conversation with your family veterinarian. They will help score your pets body condition and give you a weight loss goal to achieve. They will best be able to set a plan for your pet. They will base it on their health history and if your pet has any increased risk of disease or weight related issues. Your veterinarian can also provide you with the needed caloric intake amount for your pet per day. It is important to note that in these conversations it is about your commitment to a long, loving and healthy relationship with your pet. Please do not take a poor body score to heart. It is not a statement of you as a pet parent or your ability to care for your pet. Once we have a plan in place it is time to get to work! One easy way to kick off weight loss is to measure their calorie intake. This means no more table scraps or fatty treats. That calorie(kcal) calculation that your veterinarian provided will help you measure the quantity needed at each

meal of their current food. If you find your pet is still hungry, you may add in some healthy filler foods to their meals. Things such as cooked carrots or green beans can be added to help them feel satisfied. Another idea is to feed your pet in a slow feeder or food puzzle. This way it is mentally stimulating for your pet and it forces them to slow down to eat. Along with watching caloric intake, we need to increase activity level. Walks, jogging, frisbee, chasing toys and fetch are all great activity ideas. For our feline companions, items like a tease wand, catnip mice, balls and exercise wheels are fantastic. Find what works best for you and your pet. If walking an extra mile a day seems too duting, play fetch in the back yard for a half hour. Make it fun for the whole family! Things work best when everyone is involved and on a routine. At Chasing Tails Mobile Vet, we love to supporting families by helping their fury companions have the best and healthiest long life. If you have questions we are here to help!

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TAIL END

Hollywood Feed: A Different Breed Natural and Holistic Pet Food & Product Retailer

“O

ur customer experience has always set us apart in the pet supply industry,” says Shawn McGhee, president and CEO of Hollywood Feed. “Our customers don’t come in just to buy dog food. They come for guidance on how to give pets the best nutrition and quality of life, and we’re able to provide just that.”

THE HISTORY

Hollywood Feed opened its first pet supply store on the corner of Hollywood Street and Chelsea Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee in the 1950’s – and is still known for friendly and knowledgeable service seven decades later. They’ve grown from a single store to 105+ locations across 14 states, with new locations opening each year.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Hollywood Feed supports 1,500 pet adoption events and donates more than 100,000 pounds of pet food and countless supplies to rescues and shelters every year, in addition to supporting fundraisers and sponsoring dog parks in various markets.

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“Whether pets live in a shelter, in a home, or are just out for a play date, we want to be a part of their livelihood and longevity,” says McGhee.

Superior Products and Knowledgeable Team Members – Guaranteed!

Shoppers can expect to find premium brands at Hollywood Feed such as Acana, Fromm, Primal, Honest Kitchen and more. Each team member receives 40+ hours of training from veterinarians, nutritionists, animal behaviorists, and manufacturers on various product lines and pet education topics every year. If you aren't sure what your pet may need, a Hollywood Feed team member can help you make an informed decision. Plus, they stand by this promise: "If your pet doesn't love it, or you don't love it, we'll gladly replace or refund it."

AMERICAN-MADE

Hollywood Feed produces its own line of American-made items including Georgia Smoked Jerky Strips; Mississippi Made dog beds, collars, leashes and accessories; and New York Made Stain & Odor products. “When we say American

Made, we mean it,” says McGhee. “We’re committed to sourcing products here and will continue to look for products that make pet owners happy and their furry family members healthy.”

FREE EDUCATION FOR PET PARENTS

They recently launched Hollywood Feed University, a pet wellness education resource for pet owners and professionals. Free virtual classes are available on topics including pet nutrition, behavioral issues, training techniques and more. Pet experts including veterinarians, nutritionists, dermatologists and professors teach the courses and hold Q&A sessions with attendees.

MANY WAYS TO SHOP »

Hollywood Feed offers Same-Day Delivery in various markets, seven days a week. Curbside pick-up is available in all stores. 1-2 day shipping is also available via their website and shipping is free for orders over $49. Learn more at HollyWoodFeed.com.

DON’T LET OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN

KEEP YOUR DOG DOWN HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY OF THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR DOG? Easily gets tired or lags behind on walks

Has trouble getting up from a resting position

Is reluctant to run, play or climb stairs

Has gained weight in the past year

Limps or appears stiff after exercise

Inflammation in the joints causes pain and cartilage damage which can lead to stiffness and decreased mobility.

Ask your veterinarian to evaluate your dog’s joints today.

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Lake Jackson VCA LAKE JACKSON ANIMAL HOSPITAL 210 That Way Lake Jackson, TX 77566 979-297-3044 VCAlakejackson.com store.VCAlakejackson.com Pasadena VCA ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER OF PASADENA 5018A Fairmont Parkway Pasadena, TX 77505 281-487-8233 VCApasadena.com store.VCApasadena.com

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Spring/The Woodlands VCA WOODLANDS ANIMAL HOSPITAL 428 Rayford Road Spring, TX 77386 281-367-7553 VCAwoodlands.com store.VCAwoodlands.com

Texas City VCA MAINLAND ANIMAL HOSPITAL 3015 Palmer Highway Texas City, TX 77590 409-948-8401 VCAmainland.com Shop store.VCAmainland.com

Tomball Sugar Land VCA TOMBALL VCA SOUTHWEST FREEWAY VETERINARY HOSPITAL ANIMAL HOSPITAL 28800 Tomball Pkwy 15575 SW Freeway Tomball, TX 77375 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-351-5441 281-491-8387 VCAtomball.com VCAswfreeway.com Shop store.VCAswfreeway.com Shop store.VCAtomball.com

AT VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALS, WE CARE

TAIL END

Should You Shave A Double-Coated Dog?

double coat is a coat that has two layers. There is a thick, warm, short undercoat that is dense enough to resist penetration by water. This layer of the coat sheds twice a year. The outer layer is a stronger, rougher, weather-resistant outer coat (topcoat), also referred to as guard hairs.

SOME BREEDS WITH DOUBLE COATS:

Siberian Husky, Pomeranian, Samoyed, Akita, Collie, Malamute The undercoat lies closest to the dog's skin and grows in clusters from a single follicle. The undercoat has a soft, "cotton candy" appearance and works to protect the skin from cold weather. The guard hairs protect the skin and forms an additional layer of insulation. A dog's coat is a natural insulator. It protects from cold, heat, environment and sunburn.

TO SHAVE OR NOT TO SHAVE A DOUBLE COATED DOG: KNOW THE POSSIBLE RAMIFICATIONS 1.

First, shaving your double coated dog will not stop the shedding process. Your dog will continue to shed; the hairs will just be smaller and harder to see. In Houston especially, sunburn can occur depending on how short you shave your dog and can be very painful and damage the skin.

A DOUBLE COAT ACTUALLY COOLS? YES!

Double coats naturally protect from the sun as well as heat. It keeps cooler air close to the skin and protects your pet from overheating, which is why you must keep your dog brushed and not matted so the air can flow.

byline By: Michelle Mantor

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CAN SHAVING PERMANENTLY DAMAGE A COAT? YES!

Permanent damage can occur to double coats from shaving with hair not growing back properly or not at all. The under coat, which usually sheds, no longer has the weight to fall out. When this happens, the hair follicle becomes clogged and new hair cannot grow. The older the dog, the less likely the guard hairs will grow back. The undercoat will grow back, but the upper hair sometimes does not. This gives the dog a patchy, scruffy appearance.

Brushing Teeth

eriodontal (gum) disease can lead to tooth loss and affects most dogs before they are 3 years old. Bacteria from periodontal disease can spread to affect other organs and cause illness. One of the best ways to help prevent periodontal disease is to brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis if he or she will allow it. Dogs are never too young to start having their teeth brushed at home; in fact, the younger they are, the better. Before you start brushing your dog’s teeth, have them checked by your veterinarian. Your vet may recommend a dental cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar, which contribute to periodontal disease. If your dog has severe dental disease, extraction of the affected teeth may be recommended. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendation on how long to wait after dental cleaning or extraction before brushing your dog’s teeth. Source: VNN

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80% of dogs

have some form of

Periodontal Disease

by age two American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Dr. Renee Carlson

Is It Time for a Spring Cleaning? ENTER FOR

You could win a 12-month subscription of Bark Box when you follow these steps:

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1. Book a Dental Exam with one of the listed Veterinary Hospitals 2. After your appointment, fill out our online survey

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TAIL END

Dog Training Generalization Techniques For Consistency

hat behaviors does your dog know, truly? Sit, down, stay? Does she know “sit,” but only if you’re holding a cookie? Or only if there are no distractions? For a dog to really “know” a behavior, it takes a lot of repetition, and a process called generalization. Generalization simply means that when you ask your dog to do something, it means the same thing regardless of the scenario or environment. Dogs are picture processors, and take little mental snapshots of the behaviors we teach them. If we only ever teach them a behavior in one setting, and in one context, they will only know the behavior that way. Think of it like an internet search for the picture of “sit.” If your dog does a search for “sit” and the only picture they have is in

byline Lily Conine, CPDT-KA, Believe in Dog Training BelieveInDogTraining.com

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one location, in one context, and with no distractions, then that is what “sit” means for them. Generalizing a behavior takes time and patience. We hear so often that “he knows this!” when in reality, your pup knows the behavior only in that certain context: they only have that one photo! You may notice that your pup is great at home, but seems to forget what “sit” means anywhere else. For your pup to really “know” a behavior, you must practice in multiple locations, and with varying levels of distractions. We’ll start first at home, or wherever you originally taught the behavior. With your dog standing in front of you, ask her to “sit.” Were you successful? Notice the position of your hands, the inflection in your voice, any physical cues, and how many times you had to ask your dog. Any of these will factor in to how your dog is cued to sit, and they will notice when you don’t do them. Work up to standing neutral, neutral hands (hands at your side, not luring) and your normal voice, and be able

to confidently say that your dog knows “sit” in this context. Here’s where we start to generalize. Once you are sure that your dog knows “sit” while she is standing in front of you, change your body position. Sit down in a chair or sit on the floor and ask your dog for a “sit” without any physical cues. Change the context of what you are doing when you ask your dog to sit. Most often we find that once we change this picture, “when mom is facing me and says ‘sit,’ I do X,” most dogs tend to get a little confused. All of this is still in the original location that you originally taught your dog sit. Once we have started to change the context for our dogs, “no matter what position mom is in, when she says ‘sit’ I do X,” we can start working in new locations. From wherever you originally taught the behavior, move to a slightly different environment. If you’re in a house, move to the backyard. If you’re in an apartment, try the patio or hallway. Now we have a change in scenery, and additional change

NEWS & EVENTS

WHAT BEHAVIORS DOES YOUR DOG KNOW, TRULY? SIT, DOWN, STAY? DOES SHE KNOW “SIT,” BUT ONLY IF YOU’RE HOLDING A COOKIE? OR ONLY IF THERE ARE NO DISTRACTIONS? FOR A DOG TO REALLY “KNOW” A BEHAVIOR, IT TAKES A LOT OF REPETITION, AND A PROCESS CALLED GENERALIZATION. in context. “Sit” is no longer “when we’re in the house, no matter what mom is doing, ‘sit’ means X,” and your dog will start to generalize the behavior to different locations. Now that we have altered the context and the location, we can dive into distractions. When we’re dealing with distractions, we need to think about intensity and distance. Think about what distracts your dog most. Is it squirrels? People? Imagine a scenario where your dog will be exposed to their favorite distraction. If your dog loves children, the highest level distraction would be standing in a playground in the middle of recess. In this scenario there is no distance between your dog and the exciting children, and the sight and sound of them is at full intensity. This is a scenario that you could work up to, but only after first working at a much greater distance with much less intensity. We want to set our dogs up for success and go at their pace. If you find that your dog is really struggling with a behavior that she’s done well at home, assess the distance and intensity of what’s distracting

her. If your dog can sit without physical prompts 30 ft from the playground, try 20 ft. If 20 ft is too close, try 25 ft. Adjust your distance from a distraction to play with the intensity. Keep sessions short and positive, with a high rate of success. Distance is your friend! We could write a whole book focusing only on how to train your dog around distractions, but the first step is to add distance. Find what behaviors your dog really knows, and which ones need more training. Generalization can be tough, but is necessary to ensure that your dog really knows a behavior. Every behavior you teach your dog can be generalized. Each learner is different and will require patience and consistency from you, especially around distractions. Remember that your dog is never giving you a hard time, they are doing the best they can with the information you provided them. Always go at your dog’s pace and set them up for success; training should be fun for both the trainer and the trainee!

Make great gifts!

DOGGIE H

WALKS

Insured & Bonded,

Professional In-Home

PET SITTER & DOG WALKER Servicing Central West Houston from Memorial City to the Heights

832.229.8095 WWW.DOGGIEWALKSHOUSTON.COM CONTACT@DOGGIEWALKSHOUSTON.COM Houston PetTalk Magazine

Conservation Corner Celebrating 100 Years of the Houston Zoo

By: Jessica Reyes HoustonZoo.org

As appreciative supporters of nature and wildlife, we at Houston PetTalk want to promote education and conservation of the world’s animal population. Each month we bring you information on conservation efforts that are of special interest or have some connection to Houston through the Houston Zoo. This issue, we highlight the zoo's history and centennial

he Houston Zoo is thrilled to celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2022 and will highlight Houston’s dedication and support of their beloved cultural icon throughout the celebration. The year-long commemoration will kick off with a birthday party extravaganza on April 30 and a fund-raising walk, Walk for the Wild, the following day. The anniversary will also be highlighted through artwork around the city showcasing the Zoo's local and world-wide conservation efforts and in events big and small throughout 2022. The centennial celebration will extend

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Photos by Houston Zoo

celebration. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

into next year with the grand opening of Galápagos Islands in early 2023, the first major exhibit of its kind to showcase the remarkable wildlife of the legendary island chain. In 1922, the City of Houston built a fence around a tract of land in Hermann Park to house a lone bison named Earl and an eclectic collection of animals and on one momentous day in April the Houston Zoo was proclaimed a reality. This small fence continued to grow over the next 100 years and became the 55-acre Houston Zoo we know today. “In order to connect communities with

animals to inspire action to save wildlife we’re completing our work transforming the very heart of the Zoo and taking our visitors around the world from the far reaches of Central America and the islands of the Galapagos to our very own Texas Wetlands,” said Lee Ehmke, President and CEO of the Houston Zoo. “What all began with a bison named Earl, will now be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.” Throughout the 100 years, one thing remains unwavering, the Zoo’s dedication and commitment to the animals in its care and wild-

life around the world. The Houston Zoo is proud to support wildlife conservation projects in 16 countries. The Zoo provides training, technical, and financial support to global communitybased wildlife conservation partners that are also committed to educating and strengthening local communities, conducting research, and reducing threats to save animals from extinction. From early efforts at saving Galápagos tortoises from extinction, to being the first institution in the world to successfully hatch a St. Vincent’s Amazon parrot in the 70’s and spearheading the launch of the Houston toad breeding and reintroduction program in 1984, the Houston Zoo has a long legacy of saving animals in the wild that lives on today. The Zoo owes much of its success to members, guests, and the community for their unwavering support over the years. To help commemorate the centennial anniversary, the Zoo is asking Houstonians to gather their most memorable Zoo pictures or videos and take a moment to share what the Houston Zoo means to them. People can share their most beloved Zoo memory at www.centennial.houstonzoo.org. The stories can be from any era and could be featured on the Zoo’s centennial website, social media platforms, or around Zoo grounds as the celebration continues throughout the year.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

WILD ABOUT ANIMALS

By: Michelle Mantor Photos: PhotographyByPrudence.com

he many creatures that inhabit our planet display unique characteristics, abilities, and history. For some, their evolution has occurred over thousands, if not millions, of years. Evolution is what defines one of the most unique qualities of this month’s subject, the Galápagos tortoise. If there were a contest for the animal that exemplified longevity, this terrestrial being would surely win! Belonging to an ancient group of reptiles that appeared about 250 million years ago, the giant tortoise reached the Galápagos Islands nearly 1 million years ago. However, most of the gigantic species began to disappear about 100,000 years ago. Isn’t it mind boggling to think a species survived an incredibly changing planet for millions of years? And, not only has the tortoise survived, it boasts one of the longest life spans of any animal on earth. The Galápagos tortoises you see here in the photo at the Houston Zoo are noted to live over 150 years. The exhibit also has a few other tortoises, including two African spurred

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“Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.” Albert Einstein

tortoises, both are around 34 years old, as well as radiated tortoises, Mr. Pickles (age 89) and Mrs. Pickles (age 63). Speaking of age, records indicate an Aldabra giant tortoise in India named Adwaita may have been the longest living at an estimated 255 years. In general, most tortoise species can live 80–150 years. That’s a very long life! Sometimes referred to as turtles, tortoises differ from turtles in that they are land dwelling, whereas turtles are partly aquatic. But, like turtles, tortoises have a shell to protect from predators and other threats. The shell is hard and they retract their necks and heads directly backwards into the shell for protection. When I think of Galápagos, I immediately connect the islands to Charles Darwin, the famous English biologist known for his contributions to science and evolution. During his second voyage to the Galápagos Islands in 1835, his observation of the shell size and shape variances between tortoise populations contributed to his theory of evolution. On islands with humid highlands, the tortoises are larger with domed shells and short necks; on islands with dry lowlands, the tortoises are smaller with "saddleback" shells and long necks. Actually, the Galápagos Islands were named for their giant tortoises; the old Spanish word "galapago" meant saddle, a term early explorers used for the tortoises due to the shape of their shells. As herbivores, the diet of the Galápagos tortoise includes cactus pads, grasses, and native fruit. During my encounter at the zoo, they readily chomped on the lettuce provided by the staff and might I say that if I were not paying attention, they could chomp down that lettuce quickly leaving my finger as the next bite! In regards to mating, tortoises are once again quite “no nonsense” about their procreation. Once mating season has ran its course, the female tortoises migrate to nesting zones to lay their eggs. A female can lay from 1-4 nests over a nesting season. She digs the hole with her hind feet, then lets the eggs drop down into the nest, and finally covers it again with her hind feet. The eggs incubate from 110 to 175 days (depending on the outside temperature). After hatching, the hatchlings remain

in the nest for a few weeks before emerging. You may be wondering about tortoise communication. During mating, there is some “noise” that is akin to a groaning sound made by the males. Females do no vocalize...very different than the human species! Otherwise, behavior is the guide for communication. Ultimately, the tortoise is quite a survivor and a reminder that we humans have only occupied the planet for a mere moment compared to some other species. We are “guests” of God’s planet. As a guest, we should strive to

respect those that were here before us, those that have endured untold change, and those that bring value to our ecological system. A good guest is polite, cleans up after themselves, never presumes what they are allowed to do, and certainly never insults or injures the host. I’m afraid that as guests on this planet, the human race has done all of these things and more to our animal ancestors. We can do better by these magnificent creatures. I hope you will join me in the crusade to respect our environment and honor all sentient beings. Houston PetTalk Magazine

LOOKING FOR LOVE Adoptable Pets From Houston Humane Society Archie: Archie is a 1-year-old guinea pig who is very social. He loves going on school field trips to visit students and teach them about animals. Archie's favorite snack to nibble on is green leaves. He says he's watching his figure! Asta: Asta is a 1-year-old cat who has earned the nickname Baker. Volunteers joke she could be a baker with how much she loves to knead. Her daily activities include napping and would be a great buddy that is low maintenance with a low energy level. A fun fact about Asta is that she comes litterbox trained. She likes to keep her space clean and tidy. Athena: Athena is a 1-year-old pup who was rescued on Christmas day after wandering along a busy road all alone. She has since come out of her shell and is super friendly and playful. Her favorite trick to show off is her ability to give kisses. She walks well on the leash and has even been in a fashion show during her time in the shelter. She loves dressing up!

Archie

Asta

Georgie: Georgie is a 2-year-old pup who has been officially certified as a GOOD Boy by our friends at Petsuites Pearland. During his time in training, he picked up tricks like sit, paw, and stay. He can be described as a goofy boy, with a laid-back attitude. He is always grateful for any new toys he receives. When left alone he is very good at entertaining himself with the toys he cherishes so much. He's a boy that prefers love over the treats. Georgie has been waiting patiently for nearly a year now for a lucky family to take him home. NOTE: Each adoption includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, and microchip. If you wish to adopt, please visit the Houston Humane Society Adoption Building at 14700 Almeda Rd. Houston, TX 77053. You can visit the website at HoustonHumane.org to view more adoptable pets!

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Athena

Georgie