Your Dog Wants You to Know…

                                                                   

If our dogs could talk to us, I’m certain they’d have lots to say.  They’d tell us pizza is good for them and that cats are fair game, but along with this stuff, they’d probably give us some good advice.  Here are some things I think they’d want us to know:

 

“I don’t really understand English, and I don’t always know what you want.”    Unless you’ve taken the time to teach your dog what words and commands mean, you can’t assume that he knows what you want him to do.  We may know what the command “Come” or “Stay” means, but the words are meaningless to him unless you’ve taught him how you want him to respond.

 

“I’m afraid to come to you when you sound angry.”  Dog trainers everywhere will tell you that your dog must always feel safe and welcome when you call him.  Anger or frustration in your voice may cause him to stay away, especially if he has ever been disciplined right after coming to you.  It’s easy to say in theory, but hard to do in practice.  No matter what you’ve had to endure to get him to come, you’ll have to grit your teeth and tell him he’s a Good Boy when he gets to you. 

 

“I don’t do ‘revenge’ and I won’t ‘get back at you’ for something you did.”  Your dog probably didn’t get into the trash can or chew your favorite shoes to get back at you for not taking him to the park.  Chances are he did it to relieve stress, or it was accessible and he was bored.  Thankfully, revenge isn’t an attribute of dogs.

 

“I have a ton of energy that I have to burn off one way or another.”   All dogs need exercise and some breeds need lots of it.  Others are sedentary by nature and can get away with much less.  The amount of physical exercise a particular dog needs should be one of the main things taken into consideration before bringing a dog into the family.  Need for vigorous exercise varies from breed to breed, and from individual to individual.  If you don’t provide the dog with an acceptable way to burn off his energy, you might not like the results.

 

“I’m way too little to feel safe with some kids.”  Some of the tiniest breeds really don’t belong in homes with small children.  The kids will inevitably want to pick up the dog to play with it or dress it up.  Young children don’t know the proper way to handle small dogs, and they can injure them badly, especially if they drop the pup or step on it.  Some tiny breeds are notoriously snappy around small chldren, no doubt a character trait that has its roots in self-defense.

 

“There is a whole world of adventure out there.  My breed was born to chase and to run.  How do you expect me to stay home if my yard has no fence?”   Dog trainers hear this all the time – “My dog won’t stay on my property.”  Physical boundaries such as fences or, in some cases, “invisible” fences are the only real way to keep your dog home unless he’s never let off the leash or is on a tie-out when he’s outdoors.  Get out there and let him experience the world in a safe manner – with you and under control, but keep him safely contained in your yard when he’s outdoors without you.  Don’t expect your hound, husky, or terrier to just sit on the porch.

 

Living in a kennel at the far corner of the yard is so lonely.”  It’s not fair to a dog to make it live in a kennel with minimal attention.  Dogs are social creatures who need to interact with their human families.  Train him and bring him into the house at least part of the time.

 

“I like being a dog.  Why don’t you try to see the world the way I do?”  Try to see things from your dog’s perspective.  It will help you teach him what he needs to know to be the perfect pet.

 

By Dorothy Miner

Dorothy Miner, featured above with her Airedale puppy, "Fergus," is a long-time dog obedience and tracking instructor, judge of canine events, and author.  She teaches weekly classes for the Allen Correctional Institution’s PETS Program in Lima, Ohio and provides training and consultation under the banner of “Sidekicks” and “Training for Dogs and Their People.”

The Puppy and the President

                                                                          

            I was talking to my Missouri friend, Dr. John Dodam, a few weeks back, and a familiar topic came up in our conversation- our age. We are both exactly half-way through our fifties, although I am three weeks older, thank you. John is usually the more optimistic one, but on this particular day he seemed down,  lamenting the fact  he could no longer do the physical things once possible even a short time ago.

             Of course, he was right. I've spent most of the last year coming to terms with that. However, I also learned recently that with the right motivation, the exhaustion and physical limitation can be overcome. Our office is open six days a week. By the time Saturday afternoon arrives, I'm pretty well beat, and often feel like I've got no more left to give. Such was the case two Saturdays before Christmas. Then, shortly before 5 o'clock, my phone rang.

            The emergency call was from a man named Rick regarding his sick puppy. Zeek, a ten week old Labrador mix had just been diagnosed with parvo at an emergency facility. Canine parvovirus destroys the lining of the gastro-intestinal tract resulting in severe vomiting, profuse bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and often death.

            Zeek was examined by me only three days before and seemed to be a normal, healthy pup. That's the nature of this nasty disease. I even gave him his first distemper-parvo vaccination. However, puppies are not fully immunized until they've received vaccination boosters every 3-4 weeks with the last given at sixteen weeks of age or older.

            The hallmark of  parvo treatment is intravenous fluids given to combat the profound dehydration. The fluids actually are not that expensive, but the constant monitoring required to administer them is.  With Christmas around the corner, that's the dilemma Rick and his wife, Melissa, found themselves in. They couldn't afford the estimate for the treatment that could save their puppy's life. "What can we do? We can't just let him die."

             Earlier at lunchtime, I did what has now become the new ritual in our office-  scrolling through the postings of Facebook friends. I guess I could blame our young employees for getting that started, but it was easy to fall into the habit. I don't have that many Facebook friends- only nineteen, and I must admit nearly half of them were obtained because, apparently, I have a twitchy finger.

            Since most of my "friends" are from this area, not merely geographically, but also politically, I was more than a little surprised to stumble across a photograph of Jimmy Carter. That was before I realized the post had less to do with his presidency, and more to do with his humanitarian efforts.

            Mr. Carter was shown dressed in his Habitat for Humanity gear, along with the following quote: "My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have, to try to make a difference."

            For the rest of the afternoon that quote weighed heavy on my mind, especially in light of my previous conversation with Dr. Dodam. The timing for Zeek couldn't have been better, though. No way were we going to let him die. Not without a fight, anyway.

            "Do you think you can give him injections?", I asked Rick.

            "My wife can," he quickly volunteered. "She had to give shots to her mom when she was sick."

            Rick, Melissa, and a still bright-eyed Zeek met me  in our parking lot half an hour later. I showed them how to administer subcutaneous fluids under Zeek's skin, as well as antibiotic and anti-vomiting medications.

            I, or one of my staff, called to check in on him daily. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, Zeek held his ground dehydration-wise, although he was more lethargic. Wednesday was probably his worst day, but  by Thursday he was starting to turn the corner. Zeek has  since fully recovered, due in no small part to the resolve and dedication of his parents, along with a little nudge from an old man in Georgia.

            Thank you, Mr. President, for a lifetime of service to your country, your fellow humans, and for  your role in saving the life of a now rambunctious puppy in Lima, Ohio. Your inspiring quote would make a fine oath for the veterinary profession. Heck, it would be a darn good New Year's resolution for everyone.

 

By Dr. John H. Jones

 

 

Putting the Spring Back in Your Pet's Step

                                                                 

                                Another year is coming to a close, and I am reminded that  I, too,  am another year older.  While I am blessed with excellent health in my thirtieth year of practice,  I am not certain that many  realize veterinary medicine is a physically demanding career.

                                Veterinarians and their staff often spend long hours on their feet.  The nature of our job requires a lot of bending, squatting and kneeling to attend to our larger and "table-timid" patients.  Lifting anesthetized or  disabled pets and restraining unwilling patients can and does take its toll on one's back as well.  We also perform  many repetitive motion tasks which lead to hand and wrist arthritis (she states after performing ten toenail trims during a six hour shift).

                                While some of us might feel  the discomfort of every day occupational aches and pains, I hurt more for my arthritic patients who experience chronic pain and suffer in silence.  Osteoarthritis, or inflammation of bones and joints, occurs when  cartilage lining the surface of bones is damaged or absent.  Since cartilage acts like a shock absorber in joints, when it is defective bones begin to wear abnormally within the joint, and they, too, become deformed and ultimately painful.

                                It is not a secret that I adore senior pets, but along with their aging counterparts, even young pets  develop osteoarthritis. The joint discomfort noted in this younger group is often a sequela to congenital defects, athleticism, or injury.  Common causes include obesity, shoulder/hip dysplasia (malformation of ball and socket joints), torn knee ligaments (ruptured  anterior cruciate ligaments or ACL's), or unstable knees (medial patellar luxation).

                                Most multiple pet households have at least one pet that is suffering quietly with osteoarthritis pain.  In my pet family, our two Border collies have taken their "jobs" to assist their shepherd quite seriously.  Twelve year old, "Robbie,"  still puts in long days of "watching her man's back" to keep him safe around rams.  She and her nine year old brother, "Jimmy," are also a dutiful  herding team,  circling wide and near, repeatedly, to move the flock as a unit. These two herders love to work so an occasional limp is sometimes observed.

                                Even our low-riding Welsh Corgi, "Betsy Louise," is an athlete that lives to "play ball-y"--- so much so, that she had to have knee surgery after she ruptured her ACL when she was  just two years old.  Now, if she has a full day of activity or exerts herself, she sometimes shows  it.

                                Pets with osteoarthritis will show their discomfort in varying ways. Symptoms may include limping, difficulty sitting or rising, stiffness, reluctance to climb or jump, unusual irritability or aggression, vocalizing when handled, or licking/chewing painful areas. Cats tend to hide their discomfort more so, but even they can show pain by no longer seeking their usual perches, sleeping on or near heating vents, or resting in sun beams.

                                To further diagnose arthritis in pets, veterinarians  may recommend  x-rays to visualize the shape of bones and damage to joints. Once diagnosed, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed, along with glucosamine chondroitin supplements. The latter are nutritional supplements provided as powder, flavored chews or tablets (Nutramax's Cosequin or Dasuquin) that  rebuild cartilage on joint surfaces, thus reducing  inflammation.  Please be aware that not all glucosamine chondroitin supplements are created equally! A large number of human and pet supplements are available; most are costly and not all are actually utilized fully by the body.

                                Some pet foods  such as Hill's Science Diet Healthy Mobility or Prescription Diet J/D also  contain glucosamine chondroitin.  Be certain to seek your veterinarian's advice when selecting diets,  joint supplements and anti-inflammatory medications. Note also that pets should never be given Tylenol and aspirin is not always a good choice, especially for cats.

                                Speaking of diet, obesity is a major contributing factor for the development of arthritis in pets. If you own a "Flabby-Labby" or "Tubby-Tommy," please heed your veterinarian's recommendations for weight reduction and exercise. Even pets with joint pain can benefit from short periods of exercise, especially low-impact walking, jogging or swimming. 

                                In addition, consider providing heated and cushioned pet beds and shallow litter pans for aging cats.  And, who doesn't love a good massage? Many pets will enjoy your  undivided attention during a personal massage of their sore joints.

                                Finally, please don't ignore your pet's subtle signs of discomfort! Limping equals pain and should never be considered "normal"  or tolerable! Your veterinarian can help you understand and treat your pet's seemingly silent osteoarthritis pain.  Why not resolve to put the spring back in your pet's step in the New Year?

 

By Dr. Bonnie Jones

Creatures of Habit - Moving With Your Pet

                                                                       

Imagine, if you will, that you spent your entire life in one house. You have only ever known life under one roof. Your familiarity with the place runs deep and you know all of its nooks and crannies. You can imagine no other place that would feel so comfortable for you to spend your days.

Now, imagine if you will, without warning you are forced to leave your longtime home and are moved elsewhere. You are torn from your element. You are in unfamiliar territory. You have no choice but to adjust to your new surroundings.

This is what I imagine it must feel like to a pet who is faced with a new house. Simply changing a pet’s environment from house to house could have a huge impact on their whole way of interacting with their world — at least temporarily.

Most of our domesticated pets are creatures of habit. They wake up every day anticipating a meal. Many of them are better than alarm clocks at getting us out of bed to feed them. Some pets will go on a hunger strike if their owner leaves for vacation. Some cats will stop using the litter box all together if the type of litter that they are offered is changed. So you can see how changing a pet’s entire habitat might shake them to their fluffy core.

As a veterinarian, I encounter many patients that have some degree of anxiety with changes. These changes may be short and temporary ones such as loud noises, fireworks, storms or trips to the vet or the groomers. Others have to cope with long stays at a boarding kennel or even with an ill or hospitalized owner or with a new addition to the family. In some situations simply acclimating the pet to change slowly can help — other times the only solution is anti-anxiety medications and behavior training.

My brother recently purchased a new house and naturally he took his cat, Fedora, with him. She had lived in a one-bedroom apartment for several years and found herself moved to a much larger two-bedroom house with a full basement. One would think that Fedora would have been ecstatic with the change — more than twice the room to run and romp and be a cat. Instead I got the phone call after they had moved her into her spacious new abode that she had holed up and was living within a recliner in the basement. I advised him to let her be and make sure she had plenty of food and water and a litter pan available and that she may very well come out on her own. It took her about a week but she did eventually leave the confines of the chair and even made her way to the top floor where she can be found today overseeing her vast kingdom.

My own dog, Marty McFly, had to be slowly introduced to my new home a few years ago. As he ages, he does not accept change as gracefully as he once did. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to bring him with me on my repeat trips to the new house to get him used to being there while I deposited my boxes and belongings. Marty seemed to get more and more agitated as I packed my things from one house to be brought to the next but after a few days of living in the new house you could tell he was no longer waiting to “go back home” every time I opened the door.

Moving can be an exciting and stressful time, for both humans and their pets. Many times it can be a bigger ordeal for your pet’s mental status than anticipated, so takes things slowly, if possible, to ease the transition for your furry family members. Getting them acclimated to the change may be a challenge, but being positive and patient will help them adjust, and soon you will both have a new place that you can call home.

 

By Dr. Marisa Tong

Attitude of Gratitude: This Veterinarian Counts Her Many Blessings

                                                                    

                        My original intention for this particular column was to write about my “pet peeves” in veterinary practice.  In fact, I had written three detailed paragraphs of peeves, before I realized the very negative tone my column was taking on. At that moment, I decided instead to celebrate the “reason for the season” and acknowledge the things in veterinary medicine that I am grateful for. With apologies to my turkey patients, I would like to share my reasons for being a “thankful veterinarian.”

 

                        Without a doubt, my greatest delight in my profession is the numerous opportunities I have on a daily basis for hands-on contact with my four-legged patients. I feel so very blessed to be able to see, pet, talk to and care for animals day in and day out. My day and every veterinarian’s day is naturally filled with heartwarming, blood pressure-lowering experiences that make smiles frequent and easy.

 

                         Over time, veterinary professionals become experts at animal body language and I love being able to discern what pets so desperately want to communicate.  Nothing is better than the Golden Retriever whose exuberance overwhelms him as he flops belly-side up at my feet, or the tail-less Welsh Corgi that must “wag” her entire bottom to share her joy at my appearance. 

 

During my daily toilings, I also get to be “schmoozed” by my feline patients that have lowered themselves to my “human level” to participate in my physical examinations. In addition, I’m keenly aware of my unhappy feline patients’ vocabularies and airplane ears when they disapprove of my actions.  I have learned from many of my feline patients that I must aspire to “schmooze” them if I truly want to win acceptance into their club.

 

Not all of my patients are jubilant to see me, and therefore, I take on challenges of winning their love in my daily activities. I actually enjoy assessing a situation with an unruly animal and turning it into a more pleasant and safe experience for all involved.  Often, these situations involve working with the animal, not against it.  I am grateful for the ability to seize the moment, if you will, to bring order to an often well-deserved animal protest. 

                                                                 

Another great pleasure for me is being able to bring my own pets to work everyday.  While I strongly believe that there should be pets somewhere in every workplace, I also realize that this rarely happens. I am so very fortunate that there is no question that my pets will be at my place of employment.  They give me tremendous gratification as they share my daily life and I would have it no other way.

 

I am also deeply appreciative of the fact that I am not only surrounded by animals, my love and livelihood, but also by exceptional, animal-adoring people, my employees.  Support staff in a veterinary office are special people with inherent compassion and kindness for animals and people.  I take great pride in hiring and maintaining employees who reflect my own adoration of and desire to care for animals and people.

 

Veterinarians and their employees participate in another daily experience that brings enchantment to all of us, namely the observation of the “human-animal bond.” To view the love and kindness that is shared between humans and animals is an unsurpassed experience that I am delighted by everyday, be it at a proud puppy owner’s first visit or during a heartrending goodbye to an aged or ailing pet. I am so very grateful that there will always be animals and there will always be people who love them unconditionally.

 

Undoubtedly, my greatest blessing in life has been my veterinary education. A few years ago at a Thanksgiving gathering as my family sat down to a feast-filled table, we took a moment to each express what we were grateful for.  Some searched to come up with an expression of gratitude, but it was a no-brainer for me.  Besides my family, my greatest gift in life is my veterinary education, as it has given me everything in my life that makes me who I am…from the ability to have a happy marriage to another veterinarian and a home on a beautiful farm with animals I adore, to a job that I can whole-heartedly and still say I am thankful for and love.

By Dr. Bonnie Jones

My Two Wives and Me

                                               

          This isn't what I intended to write about, but when I saw my wife sleeping on the bed, looking so cute with her head on the pillow, I changed my mind. Besides, who wants to read about my decrepit neck again, anyway?

          After I began to stroke her soft, silky hair, pat her on the head, and rub her paws just how she likes, she opened her eyes and commenced to lick my hand. What!? No, I don't mean my wife, Bonnie. I'm referring to my dog wife, "Robbie."  What kind of column do you think this is?

          Polygamy has been rampant in my home for quite some time. I must confess I'm actually in my third plural marriage. But before you contact the authorities, I've only had one human wife. The other three have been Border Collies.

          Much has changed over the years since I began veterinary practice in how people view their pets. Not mere possessions anymore, pets truly have become family members. While most are thought of as children, and I'm right there with you, there is something about female Border Collies that goes beyond that.

          Oh, the relationship may start as parent-child, but as female Border Collies mature, at least the ones I have known, they tend to become somewhat bossy and perhaps a wee bit jealous of other females, human or canine. They also become very good managers of their human's life. For instance, as chore time draws near, Robbie begins to pace, the dog equivalent of a human toe-tap, and with her soulful eyes, gives her human the "look." Dare I write this, and I can almost feel the thin ice cracking beneath my feet, but female Border Collies quickly go from being a dependent to being like a second wife.

          I don't mean that in a bad way. After all, other than his mother, who cares more about a man than his wife. I learned that the day I let my guard down and was about to receive the business end of a charging ram. Robbie jumped between us, and had him by the throat. His wool saved him; Robbie saved me. I'm also learning it now, when, regarding my aforementioned neck, I hear Bonnie tell our employees, "Don't let him pick anything up", "Don't let him lift that dog!"

          Regarding the jealousy issue, Robbie isn't aggressive about it, she's passive-aggressive. When it comes to Betsy, our Corgi, and her cute antics, Robbie ignores her, preferring to look the other way. As for Bonnie, Robbie has never felt she needed to listen to her. That doesn't go over real well.

           And when we go on family excursions in my Jeep, it does get a little uncomfortable to watch them wrestle over who gets to sit in the front passenger seat. Bonnie always wins. Sleeping arrangements are another matter. We start off with two on the bed, but sometime during the night Robbie manages to work herself into the middle, often with her head resting on my leg. What do you suppose that means?

          This time of year, I can't help but reflect on our relationships. November 24th marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of when I fell for a smart, freckle-faced girl in the basement of OSU's Ann Tweedale Alumnae Scholarship House, while watching an episode of M*A*S*H. On December 3rd, we will celebrate Robbie's twelfth birthday.

          I first met Robbie when she came to our office to be dewormed with the rest of her litter at four weeks of age. Bonnie actually met her two weeks previously when she went to their house for an initial deworming. She told me about the three female puppies. One was a classic black and white beauty, another had more extensive white markings, and the third had funny-looking freckles all over her face and legs. It had been nearly three years since the passing of my second dog wife, and I still had a good-sized hole in my heart. It was time for a puppy.

          The first two puppies didn't seem to care for me. The freckled one licked my nose. That's all it took. I guess I have a thing for freckles, intelligence, and dedication.

          This holiday season I will be forever grateful for the love and support of my two fine wives. I only wish I could stop time. May all of you be so blessed. Happy Thanksgiving.

 

 

By Dr. John H. Jones

A Tribute to the Lima Police Canines and Their Handlers

                                                                                

                       More than 14 years ago Lima Police Sergeant Ron Conner approached me about providing veterinary care for the Lima Police Canine Unit.  At the time of this request, I was somewhat naive about this important role, however, the decision to take it on was an easy one. While I knew I would be performing basic veterinary care for these canines, what I wasn't fully prepared for was the unique human/animal bond the handlers and their canine partners share.

                        Not many people can say that they spend 24/7 with a "Best Buddy" that would take a bullet or give up his or her life for them. Sergeant Conner had just such an experience with Canine "Argo" during his career.  Argo, a male German Shepherd with beauty inside and out, once launched himself out of his cruiser to rescue Sergeant Conner during a violent encounter with a bad guy. This event led to Argo being rewarded the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association's Service Dog Award during his active career.

                        To develop such a bond starts with careful selection of dogs with appropriate ability to learn, as well as "drive" to work. German Shepherds have traditionally been the preferred breed for this role, although other breeds such as the Belgian Malinois and Golden and Labrador Retrievers are commonly used, too. Currently, the Lima Police Canine Unit consists of five German Shepherds, ranging in age from 3 to 8 years old.

                        All service dogs need to be physically fit, especially when it comes to joint health. Ideally, they should have their hips and elbows certified by veterinary radiologists before entering service. Once prospective Lima Police dogs pass screening for intelligence, drive and joint health, their next stop is a visit to our veterinary hospital for a health assessment.  A thorough veterinary exam is conducted to insure the dog is free of congenital defects and in good general health to reliably perform the services they are asked to do.

                        The tasks of the Lima Police Canines include, but are not limited to daily patrol work, suspect and narcotic tracking and public demonstrations.  These incredible canines and their handlers do a minimum of 15 minutes of training daily, two 8 hour training sessions as a unit monthly, and they attend 1-2 regional week-long seminars annually to learn from others outside their area.

                        Living and working day-in and day-out with these service dogs definitely leads to an intensely cohesive bond. As described by Sergeant Conner, these canines and their handlers know each other inside and out, and can sense each other's emotions, tension, and even illness. The dogs live to work and are highly skilled at knowing when to "turn the switch on," yet can walk in to a classroom of young children and be a friend. 

                        These abilities are truly the end result of the strongest of relationships between canine and handler that lead to undying devotion on the part of each. Sergeant Conner states, "There's nothing better" when the two members of this exemplary bond get into a cruiser together.

                        The saddest of days is when age or terminal illness impacts the canines and retirement appears on their horizon.  Handlers must then struggle to give these dogs an ongoing sense of employment when they no longer get to go to work together.

                        Current Specialty Unit Commander for the Lima Police Canine Unit, Sergeant Nick Hart, has already thought about his six year old canine, "Bailey's" retirement. He intends to continue to give Bailey training and play sessions in his golden period, but of a lower caliber, to stimulate his mind and body---a philosophy all two and four-legged retirees benefit from.

                        When working with these service dogs in an exam room, I am repeatedly awed by the bond the Lima Police canines and their handlers share. The handlers are very skilled at guiding their dogs through proper behavior for sometimes uncomfortable procedures in the veterinary hospital setting. However, at no time do I ever feel at risk while in a small room with a four-legged weapon such as these.

                        It is truly my honor and privilege to protect and serve those that live to protect and serve others, be they two- or four-legged.  Thank you, Lima Police, and, especially, the Lima Police Canine Unit, for your commitment to excellence, for recognizing and using the skills of service dogs, and for all you do to keep everyone safe.

 

By Dr. Bonnie Jones

 

 

Trick or Treaters at the Door Can Drive Your Dog Batty

           
        
           It's the time of year of colorful leaves, cool, crisp air and chocolate and candy dispensed from every doorway one night of the season. Halloween is a fun excuse for us to get dressed up in silly costumes. It's also a time for some of our animal family members to wear outfits and regalia that they wouldn't normal be forced to endure. My dog, Marty McFly, has many outfits but only one Halloween costume. Every October 31^st a 16 pound mopey-looking pterodactyl shows up for Halloween festivities. Marty rarely finds the humor in the situation, but he tolerates it.

 

          Halloween brings with it some risks that all pet owner's should know about. Many people know that chocolate is toxic to dogs. Please be conscientious when it comes to the trick-or-treat treasures which your children bring home. Chocolate toxicity is based on weight of the pet and amount and type of chocolate ingested. A small amount of milk chocolate may have no effect on a 50 pound Labrador, but that same amount given to a 5 pound Yorkshire terrier may have significant consequences. Clinical signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, seizures or death may occur. Generally, the darker the chocolate the more dangerous it is - less of a dose is needed before you'll see symptoms. For instance, milk chocolate is not as toxic as dark baking chocolate.

 

          If your dog does manage to get chocolate this holiday it's best to contact your veterinarian right away to discuss whether or not inducing vomiting is the right thing to do. Oftentimes hydrogen peroxide given orally can bring up the chocolate (and other stomach contents) in an urgent situation. However, be aware that inducing vomiting carries with it a risk of getting vomit going back down the “wrong tube” and can cause aspiration and pneumonia.

 

          Some dogs have learned through their life experiences to bark and carry on every time the doorbell rings or someone is visiting. This can cause another Halloween-related hazard when you have multiple mini-goblins, vampires and superheros ringing your doorbell asking for candy every few minutes. This can not only be annoying to owners and guests alike it can also be non-stop anxiety for your pooch. Keeping Fido otherwise occupied in another room, opting out of candy distribution all together or sitting outside the house to give out candy so no one rings the bell or knocks may all decrease this anxiety. Some dogs have such high anxiety about little goblins at your door that they may take the opportunity to defend you and your property. This is not a good thing if the little goblins are innocent children enjoying the holiday and are attacked by scared housepets.

 

          Some pets are known to make a break for it when given an opportunity of a distracted owner and an open door. Keeping all escape artists confined and away from the door is an excellent way to decrease the likelihood of a runaway while you are handing out candy.

 

          This Halloween be aware of the risks associated with the holiday. Chocolate, ringing doorbells, and open doors are all part of the festivities of the holiday, however, they can lead to problems with your pets. So keep your tiny pterodactyls and the mini-goblins safe by being aware of the hazards of the holiday.

 

 

By Dr. Marisa Tong

My Van Wert County Summer Camp

 

                  

          Most would call it the Van Wert County Fair. But when I entered the Junior Fair Board office that Tuesday evening to begin my duties as fair veterinarian, and saw my old friends, Paul, Heather, and Nick, already busy at work,  I was overcome with a feeling that this must be what it’s like to go to summer camp, an experience I never had as a kid.

            Paul Pohlman is the vocational agriculture teacher at Crestview High School, Heather Gottke is Program Coordinator for 4-H Development at OSU Extension, and Nick Wolford is a Junior Fair Board advisor. Until a couple of fairs ago, now retired Lincolnview vo-ag teacher, Tony Campbell, was the fourth member of the quartet. For the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of spending the week leading up to Labor Day watching them work with the county’s youth in putting on a superb junior fair. In addition to their own jobs, they also help me with mine.

            As a fair veterinarian my responsibilities are two-fold. First is to maintain the health of all the animals on the fairgrounds, except the racehorses- another veterinarian, Dr. Kessen, cares for them. Secondly, I’m directed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture to collect hair and urine samples from the champion and reserve champion market steer, hog, and lamb. The purpose of this is to ensure that no banned substances, including antibiotics, hormones, or anti-inflammatories, enter the food chain.

            This year, however, I almost turned down the gig. A bit of a neck problem, the result of age and accumulated large animal mishaps, left me with some coordination and mobility issues. I didn’t feel I was up to the task. And I wasn’t. As it turned out, though, I didn’t have to be. I received a lot of support, not just from Paul, Heather, and Nick, but from virtually everyone I encountered.

            Fortunately, this year there were no major health matters to deal with, unlike 2013 when we had the swine influenza scare. There were, however, several sick calves with respiratory infections. But the cattle people were especially accommodating of my condition, and even though some of the calves were close to six-hundred pounds in weight, their owners secured them in such a way that I was never in danger. Happily, the treatments were successful and their recoveries uneventful.

            As for the sample collecting, normally my wife helps me. Bonnie will follow one of the champions as soon as they are chosen, and I’ll follow the other. A missed opportunity to catch urine could mean a wait for hours until the next chance. To collect from the steers isn’t much of a problem. To collect from the pigs and lambs, on the other hand, often requires quick, athletic moves -  moves I just didn’t have any more. Luckily, Amanda Lobsiger, former goat princess and now veterinary assistant at our hospital, provided those moves for me, and she did an excellent job.

            For completeness sake, Bonnie insisted that I tell of her exploit. Apparently, as the champion pig was picked he began to urinate. Bonnie, on the other side of the ring, raced over and practically made a diving catch of the stream. Although I didn’t see it, from the reaction of the crowd and Paul’s high-five, it must have been spectacular.

            The pigs even cooperated for the hair collection. Historically, this has been our most challenging mission. To clip enough hair from a hog to fill the sample cup isn’t easy, especially if the hog doesn’t feel obliging. After all the urine was collected, both hogs, apparently exhausted from the show, laid down to nap, unbothered by the clippers as we carried forth with our depilating assignment.

            Forty hours after I said good-bye to my three fair amigos, I was on a surgery table at Cleveland Clinic’s Lutheran Hospital. One of my last thoughts before the journey to “la la land” was of the fair. I was so grateful to be able to participate this year, and even prayed I’d make it back in 2016.  

            I guess it’s pretty safe to say that I love the Van Wert County Fair. To me it falls under the category of “the way things should be,” and has provided more happy memories than any summer camp ever could.  If you’ve never been, I suggest you come next year and enjoy the fair. I’ll see you there.

 

By Dr. John H. Jones

 

 

Calming the Anxious Pet When Thunder Rolls

                                                       

Reflecting back, my first memory of a family pet was when I was six years old and we had a collie mix named Dusty.  My next recollection is returning home one dark, stormy night to find Dusty pacing liking a caged lion on the patio roof of our garage.  When we departed that evening, Dusty was in the house.  How and why was he on the roof when we returned?

Fast forward more decades than I care to admit, and I now know how and why Dusty was on the roof. Dusty had storm anxiety, a phobia that many pets experience.  In my current pet family, Border Collie “Jimmy James Jones” has grown more than a little anxious when the wind picks up and thunder rolls.

If we are in bed when the weather turns ominous, we are certain to be body-slammed by a 50 pound sheep dog that plants himself on us in Marmaduke fashion, eyes wild with fear, tongue hanging from his mouth, panting mercilessly.  If a storm strikes during waking hours, Jimmy nosedives under a bed, or assumes the best fetal position he can in the most secluded spot in the house. Sound familiar??

Not only is Jimmy storm-phobic, he also has a fear of loud sounds. Fireworks are never a joy for him and our neighbor’s target shooting always sends him scurrying to the door to get back inside.  And, as is the case in my own family, other pets in the household may pick up on the anxious pet’s behavior and take on the phobia as well.  Jimmy’s Corgi sister, “Betsy Louise,” now displays mild anxiety as well when thunder rumbles.

So, what can you do if your pet is afraid of storms or has a fear of loud sounds? As always, prevention is best.  If at all possible, expose your pet to loud sounds it may encounter as an adult, during its socialization period (9 to 16 weeks of age for dogs, and 2-12 weeks for cats). 

If your pet is acting fearful during its socialization period when it hears loud sounds, use what I call a “jolly up routine.”  Lighten your tone of voice as soon as your pet shows any sign of anxiety and act silly!  With your squirrelly-girlie voice and a smile on your face say “Isn’t this fun! We’re having a good time! Yeah!” Act as playful as you can to change your pet’s focus.  As soon as it’s apparent that your pet is transitioning from anxiety to play, reward it with a treat, petting, or by playing with a favorite toy.

When your pet shows a hint of storm anxiety, you should try the same “jolly up” approach, being careful not to reinforce the fearful behavior by coddling your pet with excessive verbal or physical reassurance.  In fact, ignoring the anxiety behavior entirely is often the best approach. 

Bear in mind your pet will often know a storm is approaching before you do, either because it senses a change in barometric pressure, the smell of rain or the sound of thunder. If you know bad weather is in the forecast, consider employing the following comfort measures well BEFORE the storm arrives:

1)      Place your pet in a familiar room that lacks windows. Turn on a radio or television to provide white noise that is louder than the thunder.

2)      Consider using a compression shirt (“Thunder Shirt”) for cats and dogs to ease your pet’s anxiety. The pressure of the shirt elicits a calming effect, much like swaddling a baby.

3)      Apply a dog-appeasing pheromone called DAP, first found in lactating females, that is available in collar and spray form.  A similar pheromone called Feliway is based on catnip and may work for anxious cats.  Feliway is available as a spray, diffuser, or wipe.  Both pheromones may provide a calming effect for your pet.

Please discuss your pet’s behavioral issues and phobias with your veterinarian. She can give you a treatment plan to help you and your pet cope. This plan may include calming drug therapy initially while you begin behavior modifications that will be more natural and enduring.

As for Dusty who chewed and scratched his way out of the house to where he thought he would be safe from the storm, his was a rude awakening when he was actually out in the middle of the storm. On the other hand, Jimmy, the smart Border Collie, figured out that seeking a hiding spot that blocks out sound and lightning is a better way to go.  


By Dr. Bonnie Jones




 

Canine "Bloat"---When Bigger is Not Better

                                                        


Officer Aaron Montgomery & K-9 Grizz

                                  Many dog owners have a strong affection for the larger dog breeds.  For some, the bigger the better is the rule. Besides having a higher grocery bill, large and giant breed dogs are unique in another way. Lima Police K-9 Officer “Aron” reminded me of this when he developed a life threatening emergency one evening. 

 

                        Aron, a 90 pound German Shepherd, along with three fellow K-9 officers, has done his share to provide safety and service to the City of Lima.  All four K-9 officers are highly trained by police handlers whose bond to their four-legged partners is among the strongest I have ever witnessed.  As a result of the closeness that these canine and human officers share, the handlers have a keen sense of when something is very wrong with their canine partners.

 

                        Such was the case late one evening when Investigator Jason Bugh discovered that Aron was in trouble as he began wretching persistently.  Investigator Bugh quickly realized that Aron was also having extreme abdominal discomfort. The next vital realization the handler had was that Aron’s abdomen was beginning to bloat.

 

                        K-9 handlers receive frequent training, including first aid and emergency care for their dogs.  Having known Investigator Bugh for a long time, I have always found him to be a conscientious and perceptive dog owner.  So when he paged me just after midnight and expressed that he thought Aron might die, I knew he was right.

 

                        From Investigator Bugh’s description of Aron’s symptoms, it was clear that his partner was experiencing gastric dilatation and possible volvulus (GDV), better known as “Bloat.”   This condition is dreaded by many large or giant dog breed owners because its symptoms are fast, furious, and deadly.

 

                        GDV occurs in large, deep-chested dogs when their stomachs fill with food, fluid or air.  The stomach of these dogs is C-shaped and often pendulous in their large abdomens.  Over-filling of this type of stomach, especially if the distention is followed by activity, can result in bloating and swinging of the organ within the abdomen.  With enough swaying motion, the stomach then flips over on its long axis, causing obstruction of the stomach at both ends. 

 

                        This anatomical abnormality sets off a chain of events that quickly become life-threatening, ranging from progressive distention of the stomach with air, to torsion of the spleen, decreased cardiac output, shock, and death. Because of the seriousness and rapidity of these events, treatment needs to be immediate and aggressive, and usually consists of surgical intervention to correct the stomach distention and torsion.

 

                        Depending on the duration and severity of the torsion, the dog may also need to have its spleen and/or parts of the stomach or intestines removed if there has been compromise of the blood supply to these organs. The mortality rate associated with GDV may be as high as 28%, but if diagnosed and treated swiftly, GDV dogs can survive. 

 

                        Aron was very fortunate that his handler acted fast and appropriately.  I advised him to take Aron immediately to a 24 hour emergency surgery service provided by the Northeast Indiana Veterinary Emergency Services in Fort Wayne. A highly skilled veterinary team corrected his GDV and removed his compromised spleen.

 

                        As I reflect upon Aron’s crisis, I want to prevent others from repeating his experience. Aron most likely developed GDV because he was on a feeding regimen of four cups of food fed once daily.  This is a common practice for police dogs whose jobs make it inconvenient to feed them more often. For GDV-prone dog breeds, once daily feeding and feeding from elevated platforms, definitely sets them up for failure.

                       

                        While the absolute cause of GDV is unknown, I have always taught pet owners who own large breed, deep-chested dogs to feed their pets at least three smaller meals daily.  I also instruct them to never exercise their dogs for at least an hour after eating or drinking.  Even swallowing a lot of air during barking or play can contribute to a gastric dilatation episode.

 

                        Some large breed dog owners may choose to have their dog’s stomach “tacked” to the inside abdominal wall at the time of neutering in an effort to prevent GDV.  This surgery, called “gastropexy,” can prevent the stomach from twisting, but it will not stop it from bloating.

 

                        While Aron’s story has a happy ending as he continues to improve after surgery, I hope to never receive that dreaded after hours GDV phone call again.  If you own a large, deep-chested dog breed, talk to your veterinarian about GDV prevention and know what action you should take in the event that it happens to you.

 

By Dr. Bonnie Jones

 

This column is in honor and memory of Investigator Jason Bugh
(deceased 5/1/10) and Canine Officer Aron (8/18/00-12/8/12).