Weighing In On New Year's Resolutions

                                                                   
                     It is hard to believe January is right around the corner. You know what that means...it's time for New Year's resolutions to be made---and broken---across the country. Without a doubt, the most common resolution we hear from friends, family, and coworkers is the goal to lose weight. While this aspiration is a common one, it's also a difficult one, and soon gyms will be filled with new members counting calories.

                   This blog isn't about resolutions, but perhaps it is time to look at our four-legged friends to assess whether they would benefit from a weight loss plan. Pets that are overweight see a decrease in life span of an estimated 20-35%.  Everyone wants their pet to be at their side as long as possible, and reducing their weight is one way to make that more likely. The following are some tips to help you be successful with your pet's weight loss program:


1) Use a REAL measuring cup, versus a glass, coffee can, bowl, etc. to help you get a grasp on what you are actually feeding your pet. In general people feed more than they realize...

2) Don't free feed! If your pet needs to lose weight, schedule meals with set amounts of food, versus just keeping the bowl full at all times.

3) Feed pets separately.  Do what it takes...feed pets in separate rooms or feed them in their crates. Don't let one pet (usually the one who needs to lose weight) eat its food AND half of its companions' food as well.

4) Switch foods.  Most dog food brands also have "light" or "weight management" formulas. Look for the food you feed your pet in a lower calorie formula.

5) Cut out table scraps! Human food is very high in calories for pets! In many cases, cutting this out can make a really big difference.

6) Add fiber.  Providng fiber through plain, canned pumpkin or green beans can help decrease the calories your pet consumes, while making it feel full. 

7) Ration treats.  Set an amount of treats to be given during a day and get everyone in the family on board! An easy way to do this is to have a jar for the allotted daily treats. Fill it in the morning with an appropriate number of treats for everyone to feed. When they're gone, they're gone!

8) Feed healthy treats.  Green beans or carrots can make great treats that are healthier than milk bones. You can also consider using part of your pet's regular kibble as allotted treats for a given day.

                    If you aren't sure if your pet is overweight, it may be time to make an appointment with your veterinarian. We are always happy to discuss weight loss techniques, and we welcome you to bring your pets for weigh-ins to track progress as well. We will give you advice and the motivation to keep going! Weight loss for pets takes time and dedication. Let us help you help your pet live longer.

By Dr. Jill Dentel

Dr. Jill Dentel is an associate veterinarian at Delphos Animal Hospital.

I Can't Believe It's Mrs. Beachy

Dr. John H. Jones

             I like chickens. In fact, I've liked chickens for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest recollections is of a Columbian Wyandotte bantam hen that came from my great aunt Minnie. My family had just moved to rural Dublin, and, like many people who move to the country, decided to make the raising of chickens their first agricultural pursuit. 

            Flash forward more than fifty years, and I am amazed at how popular this avocation has become. Although most sources will say the percentage of Americans directly involved in agriculture is less than 2 percent, if the number of folks who raise backyard chickens is considered, that number would increase exponentially. Much of this has to do with a real, innate desire many of us have, which is to know where our food comes from. After all, there's very little in life more important than that. 

            Of course, there are other reasons to raise chickens. They are great to teach children basic animal husbandry skills, responsibility, and that all too important lesson about the "circle of life." Chickens are inexpensive to buy, inexpensive to feed, and make wonderful 4-H projects. Many a meat pen of birds has helped subsidize more costly projects such as a market hog or steer.

            But chickens are not only good for kids; older people can benefit from raising them as well. Besides the obvious nutritious, delicious eggs hens provide, to care for them daily is a reason to get out of bed and start moving. I'm reminded of that every morning when I see my father's face in the mirror.

            One thing I was not prepared for with this resurgence of chicken raising is the emotional bond that some people share with their birds. They actually love their chickens, and will go to any length, no matter whether the malady is from injury or disease, to bring them back to health. I feel a twinge of guilt about this because I have only "liked" my chickens, not loved them. There was one, though, that I was quite fond of.

            His name was "Lester," and he was a small, Black Cochin bantam rooster. I bought him for $3 from a lady named Ada Beachy, who lived a bit south of Plain City on U.S. Route 42.

            Lester became part of my eighth-grade science project which was based on the Russian physiologist, Ivan Pavlov's work on conditioned responses. Lester was conditioned to ring a bell when he saw nuggets of corn. He was so successful that we qualified to go to the district science fair at Ohio State's French Field House, and he even had his picture in the newspaper. Lester was the most famous chicken in Dublin.

            For some reason, I thought of Lester one afternoon in September, while tending to my current flock of Columbian Wyandottes. Apparently, I was reminiscing about chickens from my youth and wondered: Wouldn't it be fun to get some more Black Cochins like Lester? But from where? Surely Mrs. Beachy would have passed away.  Forty-three years is indeed a long time.

            So imagine my surprise that evening, shock really, as I was leafing through the pages of " Rural Life Today," a Lima News supplement, and came to page 21. "Oh my God. It's Mrs. Beachy!" Not only  was she alive, she was " A Plain City institution." And at 91 years young , she is still going strong growing vegetables.

            The next morning I called my sister-in-law, Cindy, who, coincidentally, lives a few miles north of Plain City, just off Route 42. I asked  for a favor. Cindy not only agreed, she surpassed my request. She knew exactly where Mrs. Beachy lived, having seen the "bantams" and "vegetables" signs  mentioned in the story countless times before. She also would be happy to stop that very afternoon.     

            Cindy said she had a nice visit with Mrs. Beachy. They talked at length about vegetables, and Cindy even threw out that Mrs. Beachy remembered me. When I replied, "Really?" with some disbelief, she quickly brought me back to reality. "No!"

             Unfortunately, Mrs. Beachy didn't have many chickens left, either, none for sale, and only one little black hen. She did say she might have more in the spring, and that I should check back. That sounds like a good plan. I think I see a field trip in my future.

 

By Dr. John H. Jones

John H. Jones, DVM has practiced mixed animal medicine at Delphos Animal Hospital in Delphos, Ohio since 1987.

Oh, Deer...It's That Time of Year

                                                                               

                       

                                With Thanksgiving past, I have taken inventory of my blessings. Some fall on a short list---family (two- and four-legged), good health, education and a career that I love. On the long list are walks in our woods, beautiful landscapes and nature in general.

                                Oh, and did I mention Daylight Savings Time? While it can be a hassle for our bodies to adjust to "falling back," I see this as a blessing, for farmers and for me. It's about beating the clock to get home to "play outside" before the sun sets.

                               
                               However, when my work days run long in the fall, sometimes the clock still wins. I remind myself on my drive home in darkness to keep a watchful eye for romantic or hungry deer. I am especially cautious when approaching areas close to woods, recently harvested fields and ditch banks, knowing these are places deer are traversing. The sad sighting of the occasional carcass lying along my route becomes a rude reminder to keep my eyes peeled for that heart-stopping moment when deer appear seemingly out of nowhere, as startled to see me, as I to see them.

                                All of this reflection about deer reinforces my need to educate everyone not just about  the automobile hazards deer present at this time of year, but also the disease risks they bring all year round.  As a profession, veterinarians are charged with educating people about preventing "zoonoses," or diseases  transmitted from animals to humans directly, or indirectly via an intermediate host (vector), such as a tick or mosquito.

                                Lyme Disease or "Borreliosis," is a zoonosis transmitted to humans and animals via the common deer tick,  Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick). Borrelia  burgdorferi , a spirochete bacterium  introduced into the tissues of humans and animals when a deer tick feeds, causes Lyme Disease. Symptoms in humans and animals may be absent for weeks, then may be vague at best, making recognition and diagnosis of Lyme Disease difficult.

                                In pets, Lyme disease is more common to dogs, although cats may be infected as well. Both species share similar symptoms of Lyme Disease with humans, primarily lethargy, fatigue and joint pain, with or without swelling. In canines, we may only see symptoms in 5-10% of infected patients. This makes routine screening of pets, especially dogs who are seen in veterinary facilities more commonly than cats, very important. Having a pulse on the positive cases of Lyme Disease in dogs, gives us a perspective on how prevalent the disease might be in our human population as well.

                                Ohio is considered an "emergent state" for Lyme Disease due to a growing incidence of Lyme positive human and animal cases diagnosed in neighboring Pennsylvania and Indiana, and now in Ohio. Positive human cases in Ohio date back to 1986, but are on the rise, presumably due to an increase in the deer tick population.  According to the Ohio Department of Health, as of November 1 of this year,  1,825 human cases of Lyme disease have been diagnosed in Ohio, with 100 to 150 cases being diagnosed  each year since 2014.

                                Veterinarians have the important responsibility to screen, diagnose and treat any positive cases of Lyme Disease in their patients. A "Test, Treat and Vaccinate" protocol should be in place in every veterinary hospital. Lyme blood testing is commonly performed annually at the same time as canine heartworm testing and will include screening for other tick-borne diseases as well. Treatment of tick-borne diseases with oral medication, can be simple and economical, especially when diagnosed before symptoms occur.

                                Most importantly, several vaccines are now available to prevent Lyme Disease in dogs. Your veterinarian may also make a recommendation to improve your pet's tick prevention with the advent of several newer, safe, highly effective, ORAL flea and tick control medications, such as beef-flavored Nexgard chews.

                                Some final words of caution...while veterinarians can diagnose, vaccinate and treat your pet for Lyme Disease, we can't entirely protect YOU, the pet owner! Please remember to protect yourself from tick bites by avoiding areas of tall vegetation and woods where ticks thrive and "dine." When frequenting such areas, tuck your pants inside your socks, wear long-sleeved clothing and hats, and walk in the center of trails. According to the Center for Disease Control, insect repellents containing 20-30% DEET may be applied to exposed skin and clothing. After visiting high risk areas, perform an immediate, thorough examination of your body and scalp, and bathe within 2 hours to find and wash off ticks. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of Lyme Disease cure, too!        

 

By Dr. Bonnie Jones    

 Dr. Bonnie Jones is co-owner of Delphos Animal Hospital which she operates with her husband, John H. Jones, DVM. She was valedictorian and Outstanding Senior Clinician of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1985.                                                                                                                                                                  

One Thousand Lives Saved and Counting

                                                                 

Miley came into the Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution’s P.E.T.S.  Program much the same as any other shelter dog.  She was a stray, and like all too many stray dogs, she was never claimed by her owners.  Miley fits the description of many dogs who find themselves homeless.  She is a young adult, wild, and was untrained.  What sets Miley apart from the rest is that she is the one thousandth dog brought into the program by the Humane Society Serving Clark County.

Quite a few years ago the P.E.T.S. Program was approached by Krissi Hawke of that Humane Society.  She was hoping that their small shelter would be allowed to bring dogs to the prison for rehabilitation and training.  Thus began a long string of shelter dog success stories.  Many of the dogs entering the program over the years were virtually unadoptable because of behavior problems and lack of training. 

 Each of them stayed eight to ten weeks and when they left, they were housebroken, socialized, healthy, and trained.  Most of them had approved adopters before they left the program and they were able to move right into their new homes after their prison stay.  Krissi took great pride in the program and was personally responsible for the fact that the adoption rate for these dogs was near 100%.  Krissi moved on to another shelter shortly before Miley came, but she dearly wanted the fact that 1,000 dogs had been saved by the program to be publicized.  

Almost all of the dogs coming into the P.E.T.S. Program are in need of serious help.  Many are unsocialized and fearful.  Many have behavior problems.  Many could be called hyperactive.  Almost every one of them is untrained.  Some come from tragic situations such as animal hoarding or cruelty cases.  Some had lived as feral animals.  Some are coping with heartworm treatment.  Some had never lived indoors.  Many had never bonded with a human until being placed with their inmate handlers.  Prison may be a nightmare for the incarcerated, but it is “heaven on earth” to the dogs.  For most, this is the first time they have felt safe, loved, and cared for.  The program lives up to its full name:  Pets Educated to Survive.

Many people are to be thanked for the success of this program.  The inmate handlers do the hard work of rehabilitating and training the dogs, and handling their day to day needs.  The dogs are not kenneled; they live with their primary and secondary handlers 24/7.  The men become bonded to these dogs, but willingly give them up at the end of their stays so that they can help another needy animal.  

Many other people are involved as well.  Lieutenant Karen Moore and James Stansbery are the AOCI employees who handle the day-by-day running of the program.  The program instructors – Marilyn Roth Basinger, Bonnie Gilbert and myself – have dedicated years to working with the men and their dogs, helping them to become expert trainers and caregivers.  The shelter staff plays a big part in the success of the program.  And many Correction Officers and other employees of the prison go out of their way to help socialize the dogs.  We never would have the opportunity to celebrate our one-thousandth program dog without their help. 

Back to Miley - she is a happy and pretty dog, medium sized, mostly white with a scattering of gray brindle patches.  She was classified as a shepherd mix, but there are at least a dozen breeds in her background.  Her handler, Willie Maag, has been working hard to get her ready for her forever home.  She is almost ready to take her “final exam,” the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test, thanks to Willie’s efforts.  Miley is well-trained, active and playful, and notices everything.  She loves women and is comfortable around men.  She could be the perfect pet for an active family – and she is looking for a home. 

 If you are interested in possibly adding Miley to your family, please contact the Humane Society Serving Clark County at 937-399-2917 or through their web site at www.clarkhumane.org.  Prison Dog 1,000 deserves a loving, forever home.


By Dorothy Miner

Dorothy Miner is a long-time dog obedience and tracking instructor, judge of canine events, and author.  She teaches weekly classes for the Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution’s PETS Program and provides training and consultation under the banner of “Sidekicks” and “Training for Dogs and Their People.”

Don't Catch a Tiger By the Tong

      
                                                                                                          

            I've never had a phone conversation begin with "The tiger lady" before, so please forgive me for being a little apprehensive. It was the Sunday afternoon of the Van Wert County Fair and the caller was my chief fair liaison, Nick. Apparently, one of the tigers had a small skin lesion behind his chin and his handler wanted to get some medication for him. I knew there were two tigers at the fair this year, but it never dawned on me that they might fall under my jurisdiction as a fair veterinarian.

            I must admit my knowledge of tigers is pretty meager, based mainly on Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom and what I remembered from Marlin Perkins. Almost immediately I went into excuse mode.  I cited vague pharmacy laws, claimed I didn't have the proper license to examine tigers, and even asked why her own veterinarian in Texas didn't just call in a prescription. When I realized I was getting nowhere with Nick, I knew to seek out a higher authority. "I'll call Dr. Bonnie Jones," I thought to myself. "She'll know what to say."

            "Let's go see the tigers!" however, was not what I expected to hear.

            The "tiger lady," whose real name was Lisa, was actually very nice and quite knowledgeable. The two white Bengal tigers were brother and sister. At two years of age, "Kadar," the male, weighed 375 pounds. He had a sore, possibly an abscess, in the triangular area between his mandibular rami. His "boo-boo" may have been the result of a little conflict with his sister.

            Lisa invited us into the inner sanctum near the cage. The female was sleeping, and Kadar looked like he wanted to. Lisa said tigers spend many hours each day napping, not unlike their domestic cousins. It was fascinating to be so close to them- their mannerisms and facial expressions were identical to every cat I have ever known. I guess that's because they are just cats, albeit really big ones. A notion then occurred to me. How securely would any of us sleep at night if our own housecats weighed 400  pounds?

            Lisa wanted to show us how she gave the tigers a pill, and retreated to her trailer for a box of raw chicken. She made a slit in a piece of chicken breast, inserted the antibiotic capsule, then using a pair of kitchen tongs, held the chicken through the cage wire.

            Kadar, although initially uninterested, suddenly in one motion leapt up with mouth wide open and snatched the chicken. He was scary fast, and eerily reminiscent of a scene from "Jaws," that is, if that movie had been about a tiger instead of a shark.

            Lisa next inquired if Bonnie wanted to have a go. Of course she said "Yes!" Lisa handed her the tongs loaded with a drumstick this time, and "WHOOSH!!!" Kadar did it again- like a lightning strike.

             I was definitely impressed by the demonstration, but when Lisa gave me the look and pointed the wet tongs my direction, I found myself shaking my head from side to side. "No...No thanks. I'm good."

            Now, I'm well aware of the importance of appearances, and I can understand from my decline of her offer how one could infer that I was afraid of being mauled to death. That couldn't be further from the truth. I wasn't afraid of the tiger. I was afraid of the tongs.

            I've had Salmonella before. It was not the best four days of my life. I lost ten pounds- the hard way. From a pathology standpoint, though, it was an interesting experience. I had never seen my intestinal lining before. Although my infection came from a sick calf, the mishandling of raw chicken is one of the leading causes of Salmonella infections in people.

            Since you now know that I'm a bit of a germophobe and a Salmonella survivor, I'll share these tips: Wash your hands before and after handling any raw meat, clean and disinfect cutting surfaces and any counter surfaces that may have been contacted by the raw meat, cook the meat thoroughly and at recommended temperatures, and for goodness sake, don't put the cooked meat back on the raw meat plate.

            And always remember...if Salmonella comes knocking at your door, don't answer it. On the other hand, if a tiger phones, you might want to pick up. The experience could be "grrREAT!"

 

By Dr. John H. Jones
Dr. John H. Jones is co-owner of Delphos Animal Hospital which he operates with his wife,
Dr. Bonnie Jones.

Physical and Mental Health for Your Dog

                                                          

          My dogs mean the world to me. They make my day, especially at the end of a really long work day. With that in mind, I don’t want my schedule as a veterinarian to have a negative impact on them when I’m not home. With this in mind, I have worked hard to come up with a plan to keep them busy while I’m at work.

          First, I turned my kitchen into a safe play area for them. I don’t want them living in a crate all day, but given that the two of them are under two years old, free reign of my apartment is not an option, for their safety nor the safety of my possessions!

          After ensuring the environment was danger-free, I started putting together a collection of food toys for them to enjoy while I’m gone. My dogs rarely eat from a food bowl. When they do, the food is gone in five minutes and then they don’t have anything to do. I fill treat balls with kibble so that while I’m away, they can roll them around to get their meals.

         In addition, I have a collection of Kong toys and ever-lasting treat toys that I fill every evening with a mixture of canned dog food, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, and their dog kibble. Once they are filled, I freeze them so that instead of being gone in under 10 minutes, it gives my pups something that is yummy and healthy to work on for a  more extended time period. 

         I also use a spare water bowl to freeze layers of water, canned food, kibble and treats together so they have something to work on that keeps them interested for a long time. Since my miniature American Shepherd likes to shred things, another cheap and fun idea I use for her is to put treats and kibble in an empty cereal box that I tape shut. She loves to shred the box to get to the good surprises inside. It does leave my kitchen looking like a cardboard snow storm, but it is worth it to know she is entertained while I’m away and clean-up is quick in the evening.

          So many canine behavior problems, from anxiety to inappropriate social behavior, stem from not having enough things to stimulate them mentally or to help them expend their energy. Having a dog is a commitment...a commitment to their physical health, including good food and veterinary care, and to their mental health.

          Working breeds (German Shepherds, Aussies, Border Collies, and more) will require more physical and mental enrichment than others, as they were bred to do a job. They tend not to thrive well in a home with nothing to do all day. However, ALL dogs need mental and physical stimulation in some manner to keep life interesting and keep them well.


Dr. Jill Dentel is an associate veterinarian at Delphos Animal Hospital.

The Worms Crawl In, The Worms Crawl Out

                                                                             

"Fred" & "Pete" Brickner have gone batty for Halloween

                                Halloween is fast approaching and with it comes thoughts of all things "creepy." This time of year also brings an uptick in creepy crawlers, many of the eight-legged nature.  Among our hospital team, I would venture to say up to 50% experience "arachnophobia,"  an irrational fear of spiders. In fact, one of my new roles has become stalking and euthanizing "wolf" and other spiders that my team members swear are "gargantuan," and destined to be on their person...

                                Before entering veterinary college, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology. This goal path made perfect sense for me.  I was and still am fascinated by all forms of animal life. This fascination carries over to insects and other creepy crawlers in, on and off all living beings as well.

                                Veterinary professionals are unique in that we are charged with caring for animals AND protecting people from "zoonoses" or diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans. Zoonotic diseases include, but are not limited to cattle tuberculosis, anthrax, bird flu, bordetellosis, cat scratch disease, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, Bubonic plague, salmonellosis, tetanus, scabies, and ringworm...just to name a few!

                                Then there is a whole list of "creepy crawlers" in the form of intestinal worms and  protozoans that animals expose their people to on a regular basis.  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of following through with a common, routine request by your veterinarian to collect a teaspoon -sized stool sample from your pet and take it with you to your pet's annual wellness visit.  In fact, I recommend stool exams, plus or minus administration of routine de-worming medication, every three to six months, depending on a pet's parasite exposure risks.

                                Pets with 'high" risk for parasite exposure include those that go or live outdoors, especially barn cats, and hunting, working or farm dogs. These pets definitely should have routine stool exams every 3-6 months AND be on heartworm and flea/tick control products, as recommended by a veterinarian, 12 months out of the year.  This can be as simple as feeding or applying a monthly topical preventive medication ALL YEAR ROUND...yet another situation where  an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

                                So what are these "creepy crawlers," and what can they do to humans?

                                The most common intestinal worms that infect pets include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms. Humans may become infected with three out of four of these parasites courtesy of their pets. If left untreated, whipworms can be deadly for pets, but thank goodness, they do not seem to affect humans.

                                On the other hand, people do become infected by roundworms and hookworms by ingesting microscopic worm eggs in soil, on their hands or other objects, or through larvae burrowing under the skin. Think sandboxes, gardening, litter pan maintenance, outdoor stool patrol, walking barefoot and poor hand washing or hygiene.  

                                Pets may also be infected by three different intestinal tapeworm species: one that is transmitted by fleas (Dipylidium caninum), one transmitted by eating wildlife or raw/undercooked pork or beef  (Taenia), and the third by exposure to livestock  organs or dog feces (Echinococcus). Like pets, humans actually become infected with the Dipylidium tapeworm when they accidentally swallow a flea carrying the Dipylidum egg. This is an important reason to provide veterinarian-prescribed, safe and effective  flea and tick control medications for ALL pets ALL year round!

                                Protozoal infections transmitted by pets to humans include giardiasis and toxoplasmosis. Protozoans are microscopic, one-celled parasites that can be difficult to diagnose on routine microscopic stool exams because they are extremely miniscule, and because they may shed cysts into the stools of infected pets only intermittently. Human giardiasis patients will experience intractable diarrhea, dehydration and weight loss. (Unfortunately, I speak from experience!)

                                Toxoplasmosis, on the other hand, can be most dangerous to pregnant women. This protozoal infection is transmitted through cat feces and may cause serious eye or brain damage for newborns, or developmental, visual and hearing disabilities for children later in life. To prevent toxoplasmosis, pregnant woman should avoid litter pan maintenance, gardening without gloves and consumption of raw or undercooked meats.

                                Please, please, please...when your veterinarian asks you to bring a stool sample from your pet to its annual (or even better, semi-annual) visit, do just that!  These dreaded parasites can cause YOU to have uncomfortable, sometimes difficult to diagnose intestinal problems, serious liver disease, visceral or cutaneous larval migrans, and even blindness from aberrant migration of immature worm stages throughout your body. Don't let "the worms crawl in...or out," of your body!

                                Have a happy, safe, worm-free Halloween!

 

By Dr. Bonnie Jones 

Dr. Bonnie Jones is co-owner of Delphos Animal Hospital which she operates with her husband, John H. Jones, DVM.  She was valedictorian and Outstanding Senior Clinician of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1985. 
 

Escape!

                                                                         

Airedale "Mila" Miner is in no danger of escaping!

 

                    It can happen in a heartbeat.  A door or gate is left open and the family dog races out for an adventure.   Few things strike more fear in a dog owner’s heart than the sight of a pet running toward a busy road.  The dog may just want to visit the friendly neighbors across the street, or he may be full of energy and ready to enjoy a long run.  It is at times such as these that we panic and worry that we may never see our pet again, or that he is going to be injured or killed by a car. 

                    Preventive training can help to prevent this disaster.  Teach your dog not to bolt through a door or gate, but to wait until you give permission.  This takes a bit of time and attention, but it can be done.  Teach the “Stay” or “Wait” command and use it whenever you open the door.  Keep the dog on leash at first, and practice until your dog understands that he must stay unless he’s given permission to go through. 

 

                    Train him to hold the Stay when you open and shut the door, when you are speaking to someone through the open door, when someone comes into the house, and when someone goes out.  Teach him to wait at the door when the kids and their friends run in and out.  Stand in a position where you can block his exit if necessary.  If he tries to get out the door, shut it and then try again.

 

                    Make sure your dog has a solidly trained Recall.  (“Recall” is the term for coming when called.)  This can be a life-saver for your pet.  Once he’s good at the basic exercise on leash and off, call him from the yard to the inside of the house.  Call him through gates and doors, in the front yard, on the sidewalk or adjacent to the street, and anywhere else you want him to respond to the command. 

 

                     A long line – twenty to thirty feet– can aid in training.  Don’t just practice with him sitting and waiting for you to call, call him when he’s distracted by something or he is playing.  Keep it fun, use a happy tone of voice, and reward him with treats when he responds well.  Make sure you use the same “Come” command when training that you will use the day you see him running down the street.  A good dog training class can help you and your dog to get as reliable a Recall as possible.  Take what you learn there and apply it to your home and yard, your neighborhood, the park, or anywhere else you may need to use it in the future. 

                    Make a regular habit of inspecting fences to ensure that your dog hasn’t been digging underneath or working on a loose board.  Make sure gates are sturdy and latch well.  Consider installing self-closing latches.  Teach your children the importance of closing doors and gates behind them, and to check that the dog is safely in the house or yard when they go out. If workers are on the property, make sure they close gates and doors after them.  (Better yet, confine your dog to another area so that he can’t take advantage of an open door or gate.)  Give him as much exercise as he needs so boredom won’t contribute to the problem. 

                   Unfortunately, not all dogs respond well to commands when they are running free.  Many dogs were bred to run long distances, and some have high prey drive that leads them to chase anything they scent or see as game.  Many dogs are under-exercised and will really want to stretch their legs when they are unconfined.  These instincts can lead them into harm’s way.   Even with training some dogs still can’t be trusted outside of a confined area.  If you have one of these, fence in your yard so he can get some outside goof-off time and walk him on leash at other times.  Work hard on his Stay and Wait training at doors and gates.  Don’t let your pet be a tragic statistic. 

 

Dorothy Miner 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 and provides training and consultation under the banner of “Sidekicks” and “Training for Dogs and Their People.”

Prevention Is Always Better Than Treatment

                                                       

                     Every good preventive medicine plan for any pet, whether it is a dog, cat, horse, or even a goat, includes vaccinations given on an appropriate schedule and based on that pet's life style. Please understand that decisions to vaccinate are best made after talking with your veterinarian. I know in challenging economic times, sometimes it is easy to postpone or forget about vaccinations, but I urge you NOT to do so! And here is why.

                     As a new graduate who previously resided in Columbus, I was reminded recently about why we even vaccinate animals. I began receiving e-mails and Facebook posts from rescue groups regarding a canine distemper outbreak at the Franklin County Dog Shelter. I had volunteered at this shelter and had veterinary training at this facility as well. 

                    Shelter employees have an incredibly difficult job overseeing and insuring that all incoming dogs are vaccinated, have health and behavioral needs addressed, and that they get established in their temporary, new home. Theirs is a constant struggle of so many dogs rescued and surrendered, and so little time and space. Volunteers work very hard to care for every dog the best they can. And, now they are working even harder to contain this outbreak. 

                    Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease that can manifest with simple signs of an upper respiratory infection. It can also manifest with severe neurological signs that can kill dogs or leave them with deficits for life. When dogs congregate in group dog environments such as rescue, grooming, boarding, day care and obedience facilities and/or dog parks, they can spread upper respiratory infections readily.  

                    Most of these infections are grouped under the general diagnosis of "kennel cough" with a long list of underlying causes. In most cases, while kennel cough is annoying, it responds to routine antibiotics and patients recover rapidly.  Unfortunately, canine distemper can mimic kennel cough, so it is easy to understand how it snuck into the Franklin County Dog Shelter.

                    Which brings us back to vaccines... 

                    Is canine distemper everywhere or especially common? No. But, it is out there. Distemper used to be more frequently diagnosed. We have made it a rarity because we have safe and effective vaccines. All puppies should receive an age-appropriate series of  distemper  vaccines, while adult dogs that have never been vaccinated should receive a series of two distemper vaccines. 

                     Distemper vaccines are generally well-tolerated and they provide important  protection from disease after an adequate immune response period. To remain fully protected after the initial vaccination series, yearly boosters are needed to ensure that the body's protection continues to endure.

                    I know life is busy and sometimes money is tight. But, vaccines are an essential part of your pet's health plan. The outbreak in Columbus is a reminder that while many of the diseases we vaccinate pets for are not common, they still exist and are kept in check because of proper vaccinations!  

                    Please remember that for diseases such as Bordetella, Parvo Virus, Leptosporosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza or Canine Distemper (all diseases we protect dogs from via vaccination), it is truly easier and more cost effective to prevent than to treat them.

       By Dr. Jill Dentel

He Only Looks Like a Duck

                                                                                 

            Judging from my duck, it's probably a good thing I didn't have any kids. Apparently, I messed him up. Oh, he's okay physically. It's his emotional state I've been worried about. He still doesn't comprehend he's a duck.

            Tyler is the duckling my wife and I adopted recently and was the subject of my last column. I told of his trials of being an only duck and how he imprinted on virtually every human he encountered, before he seemed to find satisfaction with a family of bantam chickens.

            Shortly after that column was published,  it became evident the pen he shared with his chicken friends was inadequate in size to deal with the daily manure output of a duck. Although they all got along well, and Tyler especially enjoyed romping with them, it was time for him to become a real duck.

            I have had ducks most of my life and they do great outdoors, winter or summer. Our ducks have always been essentially free-roaming as they are difficult to contain, easily slipping through our sheep panels and gates. That being the case, though, they don't stray far from home. Except for a mother duck and her six babies, who we had years ago, they do minimal damage to our yard. She and her little demons did, however, leaving scattered mulch and my wife's  broken flowers in their wake. They soon found a nice, new home with a pond.

            All the other ducks we have known have been much more mannerly, preferring to live and exist with the sheep. Nearly every time the sheep are out on pasture, the ducks will be nearby.  In fact, the two ducks we had before getting Tyler have been quite adept at using this trick to avoid predation. Evidently, staying close to the sheep makes them less likely to be targeted by a hawk or fox.

            As for special care, our ducks eat spilled sheep feed, occasionally some corn I'll toss their way, and all the bugs and worms they can find around the manure pile. Although we don't have a pond, the ducks do enjoy various puddles and low-lying areas that retain water after ample rains. They are also capable of climbing into the water troughs for a swim, much to the dismay of the sheep. In actuality, it's a win-win for both. The ducks get a bath, and the sheep get fresh, clean water. The same husbandry practices hold true for our geese- we have a gaggle of seven.

            The ducks and geese, while they live side by side , have minimal social interaction. Once, a male duck did show romantic intent toward a female goose, but that affair was quickly ended by her other goose suitors. Since then, both species, for the most part, mind their own business.

            Thus, I was more than a little surprised by the almost weird fascination the geese had with Tyler the first time they saw him. I took the young lad on a stroll to the barnyard to hopefully introduce him to the other ducks, when suddenly we were besieged by seven wing-flapping " honkers" way too close for comfort. Tyler stayed right behind me as we quickly "beat feet"  back to the garage. They did this on two other occasions, I guess before they concluded he was only a duck and worthy to be ignored.

            So did Tyler ever become a member of the duck flock?  In spite of an afternoon spent with the other two ducks  in a small lambing pen, no bonding took place. There appeared to be no animosity between them, but no friendship developed either. As soon as I let them loose into the larger sheep pen, they went their separate ways.

            Nonetheless, I don't want you to think Tyler is a lonely, miserable duck, because he's not. He hangs out with the sheep when they're in the barn, and when they go to pasture with the other ducks, he stays behind with several new free-ranging chicken friends. 

             And just the other day, I witnessed Tyler actively engaged in conversation with a rooster resting above him on a gate, with his head held high talking "quack." That was the moment I finally felt some peace regarding  his unique situation. I realized Tyler's identity issue wasn't his problem, it was mine. He knows who he is. He simply isn't a duck.


By Dr. John H. Jones

Back to School and Back to the Basics

                                                                       

                                Now that we are smack in the middle of "Back to School" season,  this is the perfect time to remind everyone about basics of veterinary care. While summer activities and vacations have  taken precedence for the past few months, pet care should never take a break, especially when it comes to pet parasites and disease.

                                If you have ever had the experience of trying to flee from a flea problem, yours was a hard lesson to learn. Once you realize your pet has fleas, your infestation has existed in your environment for a minimum of four  weeks! That's plenty of time for multiple flea generations to set up housekeeping  and hunker down for the winter.  In fact, some of the worst indoor flea infestations occur in the dead of winter.

                                Mother Nature does help by killing off the outdoor flea population with a couple of  hard frosts, followed by a cold stretch.  However, those  fleas that were able to latch on to furry, and not so furry hosts (yes, I do mean YOU) to hitch a ride indoors, can quickly start reproducing, and you know "the rest of the story." Thumping pet feet and the scratch, scratch all through the night lead to sleepless nights and tired parents who have to get two-legged family members off to school bright and early.

                                Back to School Lesson #1: Use a veterinary-prescribed flea control product and use it as directed  ALL YEAR ROUND for EVERY PET, whether that pet  lives indoors or out.

 

                                I think most pet owners, at one time or another, enjoy being in close proximity to their pets...I know I do. I want my cats to get me hairy by laying on my lap or snuggling close with me at night.  True confessions: my cat, "Noodles," slept ON my pillow every night. Yep, right next to my head! And, my beloved, "too cute for words" Welsh Corgi, "Betsy Louise," eats any kind of manure that is not her own.

                                Back to School Lesson #2: Follow your veterinarian's recommendations for routine stool examinations and  de-worming for ALL of your pets.  Modern heartworm and flea control products often contain medication to keep your pet free of internal, as well as external parasites. Seek and follow your veterinarian's advice about the appropriate product to protect your pet AND YOU from an intestinal parasite infection.

 

                                Speaking of preventing infections, just because your housecat never sets its soft , little paws outdoors or your dog has never had a mean bone in its body, does not mean your pet shouldn't receive a rabies vaccine. Having experienced two separate home invasions by bats while living in two very different houses, I am proof that rabies vaccines for exclusively indoor pets are a "Must-Do!"  In both situations, my cats were the sentinels as they leapt like Super Man from tall buildings (dressers and furniture) to catch what they thought was a "bird" in their homes.

                                And, after living and working with pets for 40 years, I can tell you that even the most loving pet can and will bite when it is in pain or feels  threatened. The standard joke among veterinary professionals  when told "Oh, he would never bite anyone" in reference to a family pet, means you may want to proceed cautiously.  The next line after dodging gnashing teeth of said loving patient is usually "I've never seen him act like that!"

                                Lesson #3: ALL pets should receive rabies vaccinations (as well as other vaccinations) as recommended by a  veterinarian.  The rabies virus has been found in wildlife throughout Ohio.  Rabies is a deadly and preventable disease AND A HUMAN HEALTH RISK! Please don't take a chance with your pet's life--- or your own!

 

                                If you have ever experienced the heartbreak of a lost or missing pet, you may know how invaluable proper pet confinement, licensing and micro-chipping can be. Animal shelters and pet rescues are overflowing with pets that have lost their happy homes.  One can't help but wonder how  bewildered these pets must feel when their sense of security and life routine are taken from them. Is it any wonder that pets that have lived through "rescue" often graduate to new homes with behavioral baggage that can be challenging, to say the least?

                                Lesson #4: Invest in puppy socialization and dog obedience classes, proper pet confinement, pet identification and licensing,  AND keep your cat indoors where it is safe. Don't let your pet be another statistic in a long line of rescued pets in need of a loving home.

                                And now for the quiz...is your veterinary homework done?

 

By Dr. Bonnie Jones