The "Perfect" Puppy

                                                                       

          Bringing a puppy into your home is a huge decision---one that everyone in the home needs to be part of. All family members need to be on the same page as far as the time and commitment it takes to properly raise and socialize a puppy. Then there's the financial responsibility for preventive health care, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, etc. Some choose to get their new canine family member from a dog rescue or shelter, a wonderful way to give a deserving dog a home. For those who prefer a particular breed however,, or have a desire to compete in sport or show, breeders are the best source. But, how do you find a reputable breeder to ensure the dog you want is perfect for you?

 

          Finding a good breeder starts with knowing your breed. You may want to research what health issues are common in your breed so you can ask the breeder if they test for those conditions. This step is crucial in helping to ensure you get a healthy puppy! If a breeder doesn't test for health problems, or isn't familiar with the health problems present in their breed, proceed with caution! Or, even better, seek a different breeder. As a veterinarian, nothing is more heartbreaking than telling a pet owner their dog has a condition that could have been prevented with proper parental testing. Take time to ask breeders why they have chosen their breed. And, ask to meet the parents of your future pup to ensure they are healthy and well-socialized.
 

         Also, do some research to ensure the breed you desire is a good fit for you. I see many posts on Facebook or at local pet stores stating a dog needs a new home because "they need room to run" or "have gotten too big." Researching the breed you desire to make sure they fit your lifestyle, not just as an eight week old puppy, but as an adult will pay big dividends. Great Danes are wonderful, but if you have a four hundred square foot apartment, it may not be the best fit. My Miniature American Shepherd, "Lady," is an awesome, little dog, but she is always on the go! If you dislike spending time outdoors, love to sleep in, and don't enjoy daily walks and runs, she could turn into a destructive little dog quickly, as she was bred to be active and work; she will do both one way or another.
 

          Finally, as you start your journey to seek the perfect puppy, be prepared to wait! Good breeders often have waiting lists for several months to a year or more to get a puppy. Waiting is hard, but at the same time, buying the first puppy you find, whether it is healthy or not, can lead to heartbreak, as well as unexpected veterinary bills. If you have questions about a certain breed or its health conditions, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss your concerns and obtain important insight about your new companion. We would love to help!

 

By Dr. Jill Dentel

 

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

Frights and Phobias

                                                                        


 

          A scared dog is not a happy critter, and can be a danger to himself and others.  Some dogs may have exhibited fearful behavior for as long as the owner can remember.  Other times, the fear reaction shows up a bit later in life, usually after some incident that terrified the dog.  Fears may become serious phobias that can pose a threat to the dog’s physical or mental safety.  Others are much less debilitating.  A dog that is extremely frightened may exhibit any of the following symptoms:  pacing, drooling, panting, trembling, hiding, “gluing” itself to the owner, destructiveness, whining, self-mutilation, and soiling itself.

           Sound-related phobias are fairly common.  The sound of thunder and flash of lightning can send a dog racing in a panic for a place he feels is safe.  A dog can sense when a thunderstorm is coming even though it isn’t happening yet, most likely by feeling the changes in barometric pressure and static electricity.  Dogs with thunder phobia must be kept indoors during the storm, and provided with a safe spot to hide.  Outdoors, they may panic and run.  These dogs may try to find refuge in a shower or bathtub, behind a chair, or in the back of a closet. 

 

          A crate may not be a safe place for a terrified dog as he may try to dig his way out of it, hurting himself in the process.  Fireworks, firecrackers, and gunfire can also scare the wits out of dogs   The swaddling sensation of a “Thunder Shirt” may help in many cases of sound sensitivity and, in some cases, a veterinarian may prescribe anti-anxiety medications.  Good old Fergus the Airedale has an interesting sound-related fear.  Sneezing scares him.  He isn’t afraid of other people’s sneezes – just mine.  He reacts as if my head just exploded.  (I’m told that my sneezes are nothing out of the ordinary – he just thinks I shouldn’t sneeze!) 

          Some fears aren’t related to sounds.  I had a dog who was very worried about overhead things, including light reflections on the ceiling.  This dog was shipped to me as a pup by airline and I was told it was a rough flight.  I suspect things in the cargo hold may have fallen and scared him pretty badly.  A friend’s dog, a very confident Airedale, came up with an interesting way to deal with something that gave her a significant scare.  These folks had a neighbor who had a hot-air balloon, and one day he and his balloon flew very low over their property. 

 

          This dog was on the back patio at the time, and the sight of this huge space invader and the roar of the flame gave her quite a fright.  This didn’t result in a permanent fear, but rather a permanent hatred for hot air balloons - and for water towers, which she decided were the same thing.  She may never have seen another hot air balloon, but she would go berserk and attempt to attack any water tower that she saw after that.  Phobias and fears may also involve odors, people, vehicles, wind, and a host of other things.   

          Fears and phobias come about if an event causes enough of a traumatic reaction that it leaves a lasting imprint on the dog.  If a scary event happens during one of the puppy fear periods it can turn into a lifetime phobia.  Many of these fears can be lessened through de-sensitization and counter-conditioning, and by learning proper calming techniques.  (Some things we do that we think will help calm and soothe a frightened dog can actually reinforce the fearful behavior.) 

 

          There are many sources of information that may be helpful, including books and the internet, but sometimes the help of a good trainer is the best thing.  In severe cases, the dog’s veterinarian may recommend medication to use along with the behavior modification program.  Punishing the dog or forcing him to “face his fears” is definitely not helpful. 

          Maybe this old Scottish prayer would help these dogs:  “From Ghoulies and Ghosties and Long-Leggedy Beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord deliver us!”

  
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.”

A New Cat's Purpose

                                                                           
                                                                               

            I haven't seen the movie, "A Dog's Purpose,"  but from the trailer which has been played repeatedly on television, it appears to deal with the reincarnation of a pet. Recently, my wife and I had some firsthand experience with this subject. Although, in retrospect, I think I have had some experience with this phenomenon most of my life.

            Border Collies have been part of my existence since I was six years old. Last year I wrote a column, "My Two Wives and Me," about the somewhat complicated relationship between my Border Collie "wife," Robbie, and my real wife, Bonnie. Robbie isn't my first dog wife. Since I was twenty-two, I have had three. Robbie came after Chrissy III, who came after her mother, Chrissy II.

             All three were typical female Border Collies- hard working and endlessly devoted to me, but with a hint of bossiness. Their personalities and behavior were so alike that I often find it difficult to keep the memories straight. So, is this reincarnation or do I just select dogs with similar traits that I like?

             A few weeks ago, the topic of reincarnation came to light again with the introduction of a new kitten to our family. His name is Stevie, and he sports a fine black and white tuxedo coat.    

            Bonnie has had a thing for black and white cats ever since she adopted a kitten named Porky, from her first job in Lima. He had a nice long life and lived to be eighteen. His successor, Jobey, joined our family when he "followed" me home from a farm call nearly seven years ago.

            Jobey quickly became the animal spark in my wife's heart. I hesitate to say she loved him more than me, but it may be closer than I'd like to think. He was more dog-like than cat, would greet us at the back door, and liked to sleep between our pillows at night. In addition, he had a penchant for hogging my kitchen chair and rolling on my day's clothes left at the end of the bed while I showered.

            Sadly, Jobey died suddenly three days before Thanksgiving , the victim of one of the cruelest of  cat diseases, feline cardiomyopathy. My wife, to say the least, was also heartbroken.

            Fortunately, we have a kind and compassionate client named Jill Smith. Jill knew of  Bonnie's

loss, and of her fondness for black and whites, and generously gave her the aforementioned Stevie, a kitten she had raised from a wee lad.

            The strangest thing happened when we brought Stevie home. He was greeted by our other cat, Diane, who as a rule, is rather antisocial. She walked right up to him, without a hiss, and touched her nose to his, in a gesture I can only describe as "Welcome home" and "Where have you been?"

            That night the little rascal slept between our pillows, although his purr wasn't nearly as loud as Jobey's. The next morning he went right to my clothes, and did what he apparently was compelled to do. Not kind of like Jobey, but exactly.

            Last Sunday, my wife was sitting at our kitchen table reading The Lima News. Stevie was once again sprawled out on my chair, like his predecessor. Wanting to read the paper as well, I grabbed the back of the chair and began to pull it away from the table. "Move Jo..." snuck out before I could catch myself.

            I looked apologetically at Bonnie who smiled sweetly and said, "It's okay. I've done that, too."

            This encounter with Stevie and Bonnie reinforced something I have believed for a long time. We get new pets, not to forget or replace the old ones, but to help us remember them even more. And that is a good thing.

            Of course, I'm sure most of these goings-on with Stevie can probably be explained as some sort of crazy cat behavior coincidence, and has nothing at all to do with reincarnation. Probably.

            One phenomenon I really do see on a regular basis is when their pet dies, many people will swear they'll never get another. I know the pain from a loss can be great, but please reconsider. You may be passing up a wonderful opportunity for a visit with an old friend, even if it is only a memory.

Dr. John H. Jones practices at Delphos Animal Hospital. He has a special fondness for "black and whites," canine and feline, too.

Be "The Cat's Meow" With These 5 New Year's Resolutions

                                                            

                         If cats could talk, I'm certain they would suggest several New Year's resolutions for their "staff" to make. As such, I have compiled a list of the top five resolutions every cat owner should consider.

Resolution #1:   Death to Stinky Litter Pans!

                Cats are at "ground level" with dirty litter pans. If you smell an odor anywhere near your cat's toilet, imagine what this fastidiously clean creature is thinking. Soiled litter pans are like a non-functional public toilet. There's an immediate response of disgust, followed by a need to eliminate elsewhere, and that is exactly what your cat will do!

                To keep your feline family member from developing inappropriate elimination behaviors,  resolve to clean your cat's litter pan(s) at least once daily, and change, CLEAN AND DEODERIZE the entire pan once weekly. The resultant , refreshed litter pan should have NO odor at all, not even a disinfectant smell, to keep your cat using the pan properly.

Resolution #2:   Apply Heartworm and Flea Control ALL YEAR ROUND!

                Many are not aware that cats can be infected with heartworms when a mosquito feeds on them.  And, there is NO SAFE TREATMENT for feline heartworm infection! Heartworm disease in cats is different from its counterpart in dogs. For cats, this disease results primarily in asthma-like symptoms and, sadly, the only symptom of heartworms in cats can be sudden death!

                Resolve to treat your cat with Revolution,  a once monthly topical heartworm/flea/tick medication that also treats cats for roundworms, hookworms and ear mites. Also, if like me, you adore having a cat on your lap or in bed with you at night, don't underestimate the power of a good flea and tick product like Revolution.  Keep in mind, fleas can and will live in your house even in the dead of winter if introduced to your home BY YOU or other animals that go outdoors.

Resolution #3:  Stamp out "Stink Breath!"

                Start brushing your cat's teeth if tuna breath is preventing you from snuggling with your kitty. It doesn't have to be a dreaded task! Patience and persistence pays big dividends when training pets. Make a resolution to introduce oral care to your cat with dental treats. You may have to try a variety until you hit upon one your cat likes. Once chosen, use this treat as a reward  for tolerating tooth brushing as well.

                Offer flavored cat toothpaste on the tip of your finger or a finger brush. When your cat begins to lick it, slowly begin rubbing it on his teeth for as long as he will tolerate, then do a little more each day. Remember to always end these sessions with a dental treat as a reward!

Resolution #4:   Take Control of "Tubby Tommy's" diet!

                Cat obesity is a crime that should be prevented! Cats readily become overweight when confined indoors because they are no longer foraging for their food. Take them back to their roots by making them chase and play with their "prey"  indoors, too.

                Purchase toys like the Egg-cersizer, an egg-shaped, plastic ball with holes that drops pieces of cat food as your cat nudges it. Or, hide food pieces throughout your cat's play area or in do-it-yourself toys, like empty paper towel tubes. Do whatever it takes, but resolve to get your cat into shape by making it "work" for its meals!

Resolution #5:   Schedule a veterinary  visit!!

                It's no secret that cat owners often dread taking their cats to their veterinarian. Most cats haven't been acclimated to leaving home, much less to car travel. Resolve to start these routines early in life and continue them frequently and regularly. Cats really can enjoy riding in vehicles, especially when they have been conditioned to do so with comfortable, safe carriers laced with yummy treats and pheromones.

                Also, a well-trained veterinary team knows how to make an anxious cat feel  relaxed, so don't hesitate to schedule an exam with recommended vaccinations, wellness testing and needed parasite checks.  Our feline family members are masters of disguise when it comes to illness. Catching feline diseases early, when they are more treatable, can be both life-prolonging and life-saving.  And, once cats reach seven years of age, their disease incidence rate begins to climb so exams should then be performed "twice a year for life."

                Oh, and while you're at it, why not resolve to schedule YOUR  own annual physical with your doctor so both you AND your cat can enjoy a long, happy life together! Happy "Mew" Year, Everyone! 

TAG LINE:  Dr. Bonnie Jones practices at Delphos Animal Hospital.  She was valedictorian and Outstanding Senior Clinician of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1985.