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. 

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.