Pre-Summer 2012
Complimentary Please Take A Copy!
The Local Magazine for Pet Lovers
What’s Inside: Tips on Training Pet Health & Grooming Volunteer Spotlight Hiking with Rogue Savings on Business Services & Products ... and MORE!
What’s Inside?
A
Features: 4 Can My Pet Make Me Sick? 8 Volunteering at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter 16 Dorothy, the Limp-necked Chicken 24 Black Widows & Scorpions 31 Cat Trivia 34 Emergencies Happen: Transporting Your Injured Pet 39 Bloat 41 Fashion a Passion for Desert Dogs 44 Building a Chateau Le Chien
About the cover: Sheldon (the Shelty) and Chuck posed for photographer Karen Buxbaum. DPC thanks Teresa Whipple and Barry Clayton for sharing their wonderful pets’ photo. If you would like to have your pets appear on the cover, please “like us” on Facebook to get more information.
Departments: Training Tips: Treibball-The Newest Dog Sport, p. 12 What Dog Training & Diets Have in Common, p. 32 Grooming Tips: Cat Ears, p. 19 Pet Sitters & Boarding: p. 22 Hiking With Rogue: Rogue at Villagefest in Palm Springs, p. 27 Business Spotlight: Cold Nose Warm Heart, p. 30 Pets in the Workplace: Meet Chiquita, greeter at Just Mary Lou Hair Salon, p. 36 Business Directory, p. 46 Local Events: Visit us on our website or on Facebook for upcoming event information and event photos. Desert Pet Companion (DPC) and its publisher assume no responsibility for changes, omissions or errors contained in this publication. Advertising in Desert Pet Companion does not indicate an endorsement by Desert Pet Companion or its publisher. DPC assumes no responsibility for opinions of contributors nor do the opinions expressed by contributors necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the publisher. DPC is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photos, which must be accompanied by return postage and envelope. No part of Desert Pet Companion may be reprinted or copied without express, written permission. ©2011 www.desertPETcompanion.com Desert Pet Companion is published by Desert Pet Companion Editorial Office: 760-835-0369 Palm Springs, CA 92262
For Advertising Information call: 760-835-0369 sales@desertpetcompanion.com
Publisher: Miriam Wiegel mwiegel@DesertPetCompanion.com
Editor: Geoff Winstead editor@DesertPetCompanion.com
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Distribution:
Desert Fox Media Distribution Inc. Please visit our website or call the editorial office for a list of locations where the magazine is available.
Published Feb/Mar, Apr-June, July-Sept, Oct/Nov., Dec./Jan
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Can My Pet Make Me Sick?
H
umans and animals have lived together since before recorded history. Over the ages, a number of diseases, carried by animals, have killed humans. The most memorable include rabies, AIDS (a mutated primate virus) and bubonic plague (carried by rats and transmitted by fleas). Fortunately, these deadly diseases are not part of the typical pet/ human interaction and won’t be covered in this article. It’s my intent to discuss a few conditions that humans and pets may share, and by shining some light on them, make them less frightening to contemplate. Ringworm is not a worm at all, but a fungus that causes an itchy circle (‘ring’) on the skin of cats and can also affect humans and puppies. It can also live a long time in soil or on bedding, and some cats can carry it without showing the classic lesions. Most adult humans are fairly immune to it, but children catch it easily then pass it on to other children in school or at daycare. It’s less clear whether children can pass it to cats that were not already affected. The good news is, it’s easy to diagnose and usually easy to kill. The bad news is this typically involves bathing or dipping a
4 Desert Pet Companion
cat at least weekly, and may also involve giving medication for several weeks. An equally important part of the protocol is thorough cleaning (vacuuming furniture, washing bedding) frequently to keep the cat from reinfecting itself. Scabies is the term for an itchy canine mange caused by a microscopic mite named Sarcoptes scabei. Highly contagious between dogs, it can be hard to diagnose in the early stages because the mites are so hard to find, even under a microscope. If appropriate treatment is not provided, the mites multiply and can start to bite humans that come into contact with the infested dog. If your dog has intensely itchy skin that has not responded to standard treatments, and one or more humans in the household are starting to itch, this is a very important thing to mention to your vet – and your doctor, if you seek treatment. The good news is, once the dog’s condition is recognized and treated, it tends to clear up spontaneously in humans. Roundworm refers to several families of intestinal worms that infest virtually every mammal including humans. This should not be confused with pinworms (enterobiasis) which is a common human roundworm that tends to spread among children in day care centers. Human pinworms generally don’t pose any risk to pets. Dogs and cats share various species of Toxacara and Toxascaris; the adult worms live in the intestine and lay eggs which are passed in the feces. Other pets become infested if they eat the feces, or if they eat grass or other vegetation that has been in contact with infested feces. Here in
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© Pavel Timofeev - Fotolia.com
By Lillian Roberts, DVM, owner of Country Club Animal Clinic, Palm Desert
Pre-Summer 2012
© Pavel Timofeev - Fotolia.com
the desert, roundworm eggs exposed to the intense sun don’t live very long, which is probably why we rarely see the condition in adult animals. While humans rarely become infected with canine roundworm larvae, it is a potentially serious condition in children and in people with suppressed immune systems. In these cases, the larvae wander through the body and can wind up in the eye where they can cause permanent damage. Roundworm is the most common worm parasite in puppies and kittens, and the main reason why pet stores and many breeders routinely deworm them. Toxoplasmosis is a single-celled parasite (Toxoplasma gondii) famously associated with cats and litter boxes. It can cause brain damage in humans, mainly in AIDS patients, and can also cause miscarriage and birth defects if a woman is infected during her first trimester of pregnancy. Unfortunately, a poor understanding of this organism has led many physicians to advise their patients to get rid of their pet cats. What many don’t seem
to realize is that more human infections arise from eating undercooked meat, or unwashed fresh vegetables, than from cat feces. Here’s how it works. All mammals, and probably birds, can catch Toxoplasmosis. A free-roaming cat eats an infected mouse or bird, and develops the intestinal form of Toxoplasmosis. This activates the cat’s immune system, which eliminates the parasite in a few weeks. Once that happens, the individual cat remains immune to further infections. During those few weeks, however, the cat passes the parasite in its feces. So if it uses a litter box, the human who cleans that box could potentially be infected if they don’t practice careful hygiene. I’m thinking you don’t need me or your doctor to tell you to wash your hands after cleaning the litter box, right? This is almost certainly a very rare way to catch Toxoplasma. But if you keep a vegetable garden, and the same cat decides to use that instead of
Country Club Animal Clinic sets the pace for exceptional care and service to our patients and their people!
Pre-Summer 2012
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Desert Pet Companion 5
a litter box, and you (or your dog, or your goat) eats the vegetables from that garden without thoroughly washing them… you guessed it. And those organisms remain alive in the soil for quite awhile – maybe a lot longer than the few weeks they would have survived inside the cat! Let’s say instead that the cat leaves his stools in a corn field, and that corn is fed to cattle, and those cattle are later butchered for food. In cattle, the parasite does not limit itself to the intestines but rather spread throughout the muscle tissue – that’s the part we eat. Remember, this is a one-celled protozoa. It’s way too small to see. So you buy some hamburger, place the patties on a plate, carry them out to the grill, and then put the cooked patties back on the plate and bring them back inside. Cooking kills the Toxoplasma in the meat, but the juices left on the plate can hold enough organisms to affect a human. Fortunately, like cats, most humans quickly develop an immune response to the organism and it becomes dormant. Many of us have been exposed without
ever knowing it. A simple blood test can verify previous exposure. This is not true of first-trimester fetuses, which is why most people only hear about the disease after they become pregnant. The good news is, if you were exposed earlier in your life, you are probably immune to Toxoplasma. But because nothing is certain, most physicians will caution you not to clean the cat’s litter box while pregnant. Indoor-only cats have almost no chance of being exposed to Toxoplasma. This is a brief description of just a few common conditions that cause confusion among pet owners. It is not intended to refute any advice you are given by your physician, or to substitute for medical care. If you believe that you or your pet suffers from any of the conditions described above, please seek medical or veterinary care right away. Dr. Lillian Roberts, DVM, is the owner of Country Club Animal Clinic which is located at 36869 Cook Street, in Palm Desert. 760-776-7555 www.countryclubdvm.com.
Volunteer Puppy Raisers Needed! Guide Dogs of the Desert provides guide dogs to the blind free of charge. Join our family and help us provide independence, safe mobility and loving companionship to the blind, through the use of a guide dog.
To raise a puppy, please contact Trina at 760-329-6257, tbegan@gddca.org or visit www.gddca.org. Ad made possible by the students and faculty of Marywood-Palm Valley school in Rancho Mirage.
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Doc is sponsored by Vicki Shepard of Palm Desert. He is being raised by the Began Family.
Help a Puppy
Hero® become a
to a blind person
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Karen Buxbaum
Photography
www.karenbuxbaumphotography.com 760.625.5552
Volunteering at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Photo Essay by Karen Buxbaum
Local photographer, Karen Buxbaum, visited the Palm Springs Animal Shelter to catch some of the volunteers in action. The PS Animal Shelter, like many of our local pet organizations, is always looking for dependable, pet-loving volunteers. Contact Joey Reiter, volunteer coordinator, at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave., Palm Springs, (760) 323-8151. A special thank you to the volunteers appearing within these pages, Jerry Mikkelsen, Bret Caton, Deb Powers, Priscilla Dewing, Dick Weisman, Elizabeth Arvani and Steve Boyd. Also pictured are Joey Reiter and Leslie Tisdale, executive director of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.
8 Desert Pet Companion
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volunteering
10 Desert Pet Companion
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adopted
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Desert Pet Companion 11
Treibball Not just for herding dogs By Lori Wainio-Carman, Dream Dogs
W
hat is the newest and hottest companion sport for dogs and humans? It is called Treibball (pronounce it “try-ball” or “tribe-bull”) and has hit the dog world as the most exciting canine diversion dogs and their owners have seen in quite some time! Originating in Germany, this game arrived on our continent just last year and has already taken the U.S. by
12 Desert Pet Companion
storm! Put simply, handlers guide their dogs through the tasks needed to “herd” or move giant yoga balls from an open field into a goal within a specified period of time. Treibball is similar to sheep-herding trials, but the dog is asked to herd and drive large exercise balls into a regulation soccer goal, rather than an animal into a pen. This game is the positive-reinforcement,
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Learning How to Play Treibball Dream Dogs offers classes to help teach the fundamentals of the sport. The photos shown are from Lori’s classes. “Go-to” -- dogs start out by learning how to go to a spot behind the ball (or training log) and wait for the next command. “Touch” — dog touches object with nose. “Push” — dog learns how to roll ball (training log) in a controlled manner. Ooops, just like soccer, no paws allowed!
competitive dog sport that many dogs and their owners have been looking for. Herding breeds do well at the sport, but so do sporting dogs and practically any dog that likes to chase things. The game begins with eight balls (approximately 25–85 cm) set in a triangle formation with four balls in the first row, three in the second and one ball, the “point
Pre-Summer 2012
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Desert Pet Companion 13
ball,” in the back. The point ball is farthest from the goal. The playing field can be between 40 and 75 feet long and 25 to 50 feet wide, depending upon the competition division. The object of the game is to have the dog move all eight balls into a soccer goal within 10 minutes (in a standard American Treibball Association competition) using only its nose and shoulders. However, Treibball can be played in a less competitive setting with the field and time limit adjusted accordingly. Dogs must work in close cooperation with their handlers. The handler directs the dog to move the balls into the goal using verbal signals that include words, whistles and hand gestures. However, the handler may not shout at, punish or otherwise intimidate the dog by using verbal or physical corrections. Effective communication is key as the dog and handler must herd one ball at a time into the goal within a specific time frame. The dog and handler work as a team which is scored on cooperation and direction, and can earn extra points or accrue demerits accordingly. What skills does your dog need to start playing? He or she should know basic obedience skills like “sit” and “stay.” Training classes help teach the five basic
14 Desert Pet Companion
Treibball skills (go, sit, push, bring the ball, and stay) needed to play. At Dream Dogs, we love this game because any dog can play, regardless of size, age or breed. Your dog doesn’t have to be a border collie to be good at Treibball! Play
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as slow or as fast as you like, and there are all kinds of options as to the size of your playing field, balls and goals. You and your dog can be ball-herding in no time just by learning a few simple skills! Learn with your dog for fun and bonding, or prepare to compete in local events. No particular athletic ability is required of the handler (a big plus for some of us!) and you may already have a ball that will work in your closet! If you enjoy Treibball, you can get all the supplies you need for practicing at home on your own for less than $100! In addition, if your dog is not exactly the social-dog-of-theyear, this sport is played in timed trials and the dogs go one at a time. You and she can still come out and give Treibball a run! For a class schedule, visit www. dreamdogs.com. Let’s get the ball rolling!! Lori Wainio-Carman, professional dog trainer and owner of Dream Dogs has been successfully training for over 17 years. 760-899-7272 www.dreamdogs.com
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TRAINING PROFESSIONALLY FOR OVER 17 YEARS Pre-Summer 2012
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Desert Pet Companion 15
Dorothy, the Limp-necked Chicken
By Dr. Kevin M. Fenton DVM, VCA All Creatures Animal Hospital
T
he heading on the intake sheet was so sad: “WALK-IN, NEW, EUTH FOR HEN…” (Euthanasia… which meant put her to “sleep.”) Dorothy, the hen, lay as a heap of orange feathers, on the table, with her neck extended, face flattened, and her left eye staring up with helpless intent, flounder-
like. Her caregiver, overwhelmed and sobbing, was hysterical in the face of the unknown cause that brought Dorothy to the hospital, seemingly dying. The history was non-enlightening and at times almost supernatural. “A big bang … Dorothy in her chicken enclosure … Dorothy screeching...” There were no fallen timbers, she was
Homeopathic Remedies
in this article were chosen for the following reasons: “Arnica” is for trauma and its effects, recent or remote, similar to those resulting from injuries, falls, blows, and contusions. The animal feels as if it were wounded, with tender or weak neck muscles with the head falling 16 Desert Pet Companion
backward or to one side. “Hypericum” is for bites from animals/insects, injuries to nerves, puncture wounds effecting the brain and spinal cord, spinal concussion, mental effects of the injury: fright, shock, and head injury. www.DesertPetCompanion.com
“Causticum” acts upon the nerves, motor/sensory, and on muscles, voluntary and involuntary, of the bladder, larynx, and limbs. It can help with paralytic disorders that include weakness, loss of muscular Pre-Summer 2012
fenced in, and there was no room for dog entry. It was mid-October, so snakes, black widows and the venomous creatures were all hunkered down for approaching winter. Dorothy’s mom, amidst her sobs, just wants to take her friend out of her misery, not understanding my attempt at medical assessment and trying to care for and uncover what had befallen the poor hen. On quick perusal, no bleeding, no signs of trauma, rapid, shock-like heart sounds and a limp and lifeless Dorothy. Does she have a broken neck, a ruptured artery? If so, there’s little that I or anyone, short of God for that matter, can do. So while Mom worried, I whisked Dorothy off and gave her a dose of Arnica 1M three times at 15-minute intervals as she lay in the warmed, oxygenated ICU. By now, we had allayed some of Mom’s fears and it seemed she understood what we were trying to do. Dorothy’s fish-like gaze had changed and she seemed more aware and reactive after the Arnica. A more in-depth examination revealed small bite puncture-like wounds hidden among the feathers at the nape of her neck. I dribbled a combination of warmed 50% dextrose (sugar), calcium gluconate (minerals) and saline into Dorothy’s beak, hoping to boost her energy a little. She gobbled it up willingly. We were all overjoyed to see this lifeless chicken meandering back into the land of the living. Next, we moved on to
strength causing increasing uncertainty of control over the muscles, which finally end in paralysis of single organs or parts. It is also helpful for neurological problems with the neck, degeneration of nerves, muscle weakness in neck, local paralysis, vocal cords, pain in spine, torticollis (stiff neck), paralysis of single parts, and difficulty of swallowing from paralysis of the throat. Pre-Summer 2012
Our mission is to help keep pets healthy by providing healthy pet food & treat choices Free Nurse Consultation Available
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We provide veterinary services for every stage in your pet’s life, from her first shots to a lifetime of preventive care to keep her happy and healthy.
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“Hypericum,” a homeopathic medicine used for bite wounds in areas full of nerves and very sensitive to touch. The decision was made later that afternoon to send Dorothy home to be nursed by her mom. Her wounds were flushed with a saline/ calendula wash with a mix of silvadene/ calendula to be used on the wounds. The dextrose/calcium solution would help as a supplemental energy source in case Dorothy was too worn out to eat. The following day, Dorothy’s mom reported: “She’s still alive and seems stronger!” Three days later, Dorothy could walk but had trouble holding up her head. She was eating and drinking while being spoon fed, and her wounds were healing. I saw Dorothy again one week from when she was injured. She seemed much better and was able to move her head a little and groom herself. According to her mom, she could extend her neck a little but would tire easily. Eighty-five percent of the time, though, her head was down. When she would crow or talk, the sounds were weaker and altered. She was eating well but had some problems swallowing liquids. Up to this point, the homeopathic medicines chosen were in reaction to the acuteness of the symptoms coupled with trauma and what appeared to be a bite of some sort. Dorothy’s new symptoms told me what medicine to use next. It seemed as if her neck was broken. She could swallow food but had problems with liquids. Her “voice” had changed as if something had damaged her vocal cords and her right side seemed so much weaker, as if she was paralyzed. Her body and immune system were guiding me to the homeopathic medicine “Causticum”, so I gave her the appropriate dose. Unbelievably, the next day Dorothy was using that neck (!) and cruising around on a bug search and destroy mission, bending and pecking away in her little field! Dr. Kevin Fenton, DVM, is one of the doctors at VCA All Creatures Animal Hospital, which is located at 78-359 Highway 111, La Quinta, CA, (760) 564-1154.
18 Desert Pet Companion
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GROOMER
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ats need regular ear care just like dogs. A weekly inspection of your cat’s ear can help catch an infection or a mite infestation before it gets severe. Some common cat’s ear problems include: Bacterial infections Yeast infections Ear mites Allergies Fungal infections on the ear tips If necessary, a cat’s ear can be cleaned fairly easily, especially if it is a positive experience. Treats help. A relaxed cat will tolerate inspection and cleaning much better than a stressed cat. If a cat is used to having its ears handled, it will be a
73905 Frontage Rd. Hwy. 111, Palm Desert Between San Luis Rey and Portola
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The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace Pet Grooming Tips Brushing your pet is an important step in keeping it healthy and well groomed between trips to the groomer. What kind of brush you use depends on what kind of fur your pet has. How do you choose? A slicker brush helps distribute the skin's oil so it's great for any kind of coat. Use a slicker brush for both long- and short-haired cats, as well as a comb for long-haired cats. If you have a double-coated dog breed, a slicker brush also works well on their undercoat. A pin brush works well for dogs like a Shih Tzu. The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace A rubber curry brush is great for dogs with a short 34-550 Spyder Circle, Palm Desert coat, like a boxer or a beagle. www.thepethotelatbarkinghampalace.com 20 Desert Pet Companion
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better experience too--so start when your cat is a kitten, if possible. Most cats do not like to feel restrained, so get help if your cat is difficult to handle. When your cat is seated comfortably, hold the tip of its ear between your thumb and forefinger and move it so that you can see the inner part of the ear. Look for redness or for discharge. Light brown wax in the ear is okay, but red, black or infected-looking discharge indicates a problem and a call to your veterinarian is in order. If the ear has light brown wax, you can wipe the inside gently with a cat-specific ear cleaner pad. If there is a lot of wax and or debris, you can drip a few drops of an ear cleaner (check with your veterinarian about a recommended brand) into the ear, and massage at the base of the ear for 15 seconds or so and then wipe out with a clean cotton ball. Repeat if necessary. Symptoms of a possible sore ear or ear infection include a cat shaking its head or scratching at its ear.
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Each issue of the magaine features articles from local professionals, to order a back issue, contact: info@desertpetcompanion.com or call 760-835-0369 Limited issues available.
Voted Valley’s Best Pet Resort for 6 Years!
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The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace 34-550 Spyder Circle, Palm Desert, CA 92211 www.thepethotelatbarkinghampalace.com Pre-Summer 2012
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Desert Pet Companion 23
Black Widows and Scorpions: Our Local Venomous Arachnids Robert B. Reed, DVM, MSES, MPA
W
“Black widow venom is extremely toxic to cats ... Treatment with antivenin is essential for cats. Without it, many will not survive.”
e refer to black widows and scorpions as “venomous”, rather than “poisonous”, because they produce a toxin that is actively injected into their victims by fangs (black widows) or a stinger (scorpions). In contrast, poisonous animals produce a toxin from their bodies that confers harm when they are touched or eaten. Venomous arachnids inject their toxins to subdue prey, and unfortunately for us, sometimes in defense. This capability creates anxiety in people, but how dangerous are they to our pets?
©fotolia.com - bvdc
Black Widows Most of us are familiar with these glossy black spiders with the red hourglass emblazoned on their abdomens. They are, of course, the females of the species. Males are much smaller, more nondescript, and much less of a threat. Black widows thrive in our desert environment, and are quite commonly found around houses and yards, usually with webs constructed close to the ground.
24 Desert Pet Companion
They are more active at night and easy to spot on their webs with a flashlight. During the day they tend to hide away, and at any time will retreat to that hiding place at the first sign of provocation. Their reclusiveness may be the reason we see few cases of black widow bites in pets, despite their relative abundance. Yet, although uncommon, direct exposures are possible. Given the nature of some inquisitive dogs, it’s conceivable that a spider might inadvertently be dislodged from its retreat and bite in defense, or be loosed onto the ground to be stepped on or lain down upon later. On rare occasions, black widows will, on their own, move around on the ground at night, and this may give rise to a particularly unfortunate situation where a playful cat eats the spider. If your cat throws up a black widow you should treat it as an emergency. Black widow venom is extremely toxic to cats, and will usually make them vomit right away. You might also see excessive salivation, restlessness, howling and crying, tremors, loss of coordination, paralysis, and frequently, death. Treatment with antivenin is essential for cats. Without it, many will not survive. While dogs are more resistant to the toxin, they can still suffer significant effects which may take time to fully develop. The bite itself usually causes little reaction,
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At VCA, we have a soft spot for the littlest pets. We want to ensure that your new addition stays healthy and safe. Our new Best Care plans for puppies and kittens are designed to help you and your little one have the very best start to your new life together. Your new puppy or kitten is vulnerable to disease in his first months, and needs a properly designed program of vaccines and boosters. Many harbor parasites too, so an exam and de-worming treatment are very important. At VCA, we’re privileged to be there for you at this exciting time. Our team will share with you special tips, advice and information to help in the care of your new little bundle!
VCA Best Care Packages take place over 3 visits and include: • 3 physical exams • Recommended vaccinations • Intestinal parasite exams • Heartworm test • De-worming treatment • Nutritional consultation • Microchip, and more!
Primary Care • Advanced Care • Preventive Care Pet Grooming • Pet Boarding • Pet Counseling Home Delivery • Preventive Care Clinic
Mention this ad and receive a 10% boarding discount. Must have updated rabies, distemper/parvo and bordetella vaccines. Certain restrictions apply.
VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital
VCA Desert Animal Hospital
760-346-6103
760-778-9999
71-075 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
4299 E. Ramon Road Palm Springs, CA 92264
but within a few hours the venom causes progressive muscle pain and cramping. The most recognizable sign is abdominal rigidity. Affected dogs may show extreme restlessness, panting and rapid heart rate. Seizures are possible and may be followed by paralysis in severe cases. Without antivenin, symptoms may last as long as 48 hours, although most will survive.
Scorpions
Scorpions have a fairly unique look and are easy to recognize. They are pale tan to brown in color and are relatively flat-bodied, with four legs to each side and pincers held in front. The stinger is at the tip of the tail, which curls forward over the body. The pincers look fearsome, and are useful to scorpions in grasping prey, but they are of no harm to us or our pets. Their venom comes only through the stinger. Scorpions are common in many parts of the Coachella Valley, depending largely on the terrain. Proximity to rocky soil, outcroppings, and hillsides increases the likelihood of seeing them around our homes. Like black widows, they are more active at night and are generally solitary. They are most likely hiding under rocks during the day. Curiously, scorpions fluoresce in ultraviolet light, so a simple way to find them is with a UV flashlight, or black light. In potency of their venom, scorpions are less dangerous than black widows. The most obvious results of a sting are pain and swelling, and they are immediate, in contrast to black widows, where pain from the bite is relatively low, and many of the effects are
“In potency of their venom, scorpions are less dangerous than black widows. The most obvious results of a sting are pain and swelling...” 26 Desert Pet Companion
not evident for hours. Allergic reactions can occur, but rarely. In extreme cases (perhaps in very small dogs with stings in the mouth) drooling, muscle tremors, or difficulty breathing may develop. With some species of scorpion, severe effects might occur more frequently, most notably with the Arizona Bark Scorpion. Fortunately, the range of that species does not extend into the Coachella Valley. Cats are no more vulnerable to scorpion venom than dogs. In fact, some might argue that cats are less prone to stings than dogs, since they are less likely to step on a scorpion inadvertently. Furthermore, although cats will eat scorpions, their agility and dexterity may allow them to incapacitate a scorpion, or separate it from its stinger before they eat them and before the stinger can penetrate the pet’s fur. Venomous creatures have a place in the world and should be left to live their lives in peace. However, that place should not be where our pets hang out. Therefore, even though dangerous encounters occur infrequently, if you find our local venomous arachnids encroaching on your pet’s space, take measures to control the risk by consulting and enlisting the services of a reliable pest control specialist. Robert Reed, DVM, MPA, MSES is the Medical Director at VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital located at 71-075 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA. 1-760-346-6103. Visit www.vcahospitals.com/rancho-mirage
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Pre-Summer 2012
NA
AK
E • BY DO
E R • HI K I
W ITH RO
GU
NG
L D W HI T T
By Roger Chandler Photographs courtesy of Donald Whittaker
Woof!!
It’s Thursday night and my dads are taking me, Rogue, the best hiking Black Lab in the Coachella Valley, to the Palm Springs Street Fair! After a quick game of fetch, we’ve packed up my drinks and leash and we’re on our way for a three mile hike from home to downtown. Pant… Pant… Pant! After a long walk on Palm Canyon Drive, I got to dip my paws and splash in the tippy fountains by Alejo Road. Then we went past my cousin’s Mexican restaurant, the Blue Coyote (I should open up the Black Lab Grille!). There were lots of palm trees and legs to sniff on the way there. (I got to mark my territory a few times, too!) We’re at the fair, at last. We pass by the farm stands. My favorites are radishes and strawberries.
Pre-Summer 2012
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Hey! What’s that thing oinking over there? It’s a pot belly pig eating green peppers! I gotta try them, too. If a pig can eat them, so can I. Okay, sorta crunchy… I’ll stick to my favorites for now. There are a lot more legs and things are getting real close to me, plus there are lots of little dogs, some a bit yippy, and one is dressed just like her mom. So haute couture! (Palm Springs canine fashionistas!) They musta spent a lot of time getting dressed together, tonight. Oh! There goes a big St. Bernard ... and a lady on the street trying to sell puppies from a basket. And here’s a guy with a whitestriped cane and sunglasses with his Chocolate Lab. He’s real nice. Whoa! Over there sitting on the table looks like a small version of me and his hair is real shiny. I better take it slow… Sniff…
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sniff… Maybe I’ll give a good bark. Woof!! He’s not moving. Closer… closer… Hey! Wait a second. He’s a stuffed dog! That’s not right. Grrrr! We’re now passing the food stands. So many different smells! My dads sometimes stop at the Thai
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stand that uses a special secret family recipe for their sauce. Thai’s not for me. Wow! That Jack Russell over there is sure cleaning up the leftovers by the burger stand. Ooh! I can smell grilled mushrooms wafting this way. Hey! Here’s a used napkin! I’m gonna pick it up, dance around it, and roll on it with my legs up in the air! Pure bliss!! The music is getting louder over here. What’s that band doing in the middle of the street? Owooo! Too noisy! Look! Over there on the other side is a real big version of me with a long nose, hairy tail, and big paws with metal on the bottom! Dad says, “What a pretty horse!” It’s eating hay, no less. Blech!! Rogue doesn’t like dried up grass! We’re getting close to the spray-paint guy. Ocean and sunset pictures just Pre-Summer 2012
won’t go with my décor. Why can’t he spray-paint some dog pictures, or rabbits I can dream of chasing? Hey! Maybe he can spray me gold and I can be a Golden Retriever. Hey dad, can I be a Golden for the weekend? It’ll wash off when I go for my next swim. Can I? Can I?! We’ve finally made it to the end. This place has fire coming out of shiny rocks! Maybe I can do a fire-walk… Look dad, I can walk on fire! Not really. I don’t like fire! Well, I guess that about wraps up our downtown hike to the famous Palm Springs Street Fair. Catch ya after my next hike in the mountains! Your hiking buddy, Rogue
Palm Springs Villagefest When: Thursday nights from 6pm-10pm October-May; 7pm-10pm June-September Where: Downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive between Amado and Baristo Palm Springs Villagefest Facts: Villagefest has about 200 booths with various products for sale including arts, crafts and food. Most retail shops on Palm Canyon stay open late (and many are dog-friendly). Cold Nose Warm Heart at 189 South Palm Canyon, has fresh water available outside and a wide selection of pet gear including strollers, treats, pet fashion and gifts. Pets are welcome to browse in the store with their owners. Pawz is about a block north of Amado but worth the short hike if you are looking for hip pet attire. Please be aware that as in any public area, not all pet owners have well-mannered dogs. Use your discretion when deciding whether or not Villagefest is a good place to take your pet.
Cool On-going Events and Activities!
PALM SPRINGS
HIP AT TIRE & MORE FOR GROOVY PETS WWW.PAWZPS.COM 515 N PALM CANYON STE. A-5 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262
Pre-Summer 2012
(760) 322-PAWZ
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SPOT LIGHT
Robert Brugeman, Owner Cold Nose, Warm Heart
hen you first encounter Robert, you are immediately struck by his steel blue eyes because they are not something you see every day. “Steel blue” would normally conjure up thoughts of coldness, but in this case they are a unique feature on a very personable fellow with a kind, handsome face--a perfect combination to greet customers as they walk through the door. Robert and his partner moved to Palm Springs three years ago after having worked in Los Angeles in the entertainment industry for many years. They purchased a house and decided to live here full time and open or purchase a business. When he found out that the previous owner of Cold Nose, Warm Heart was selling, Robert saw a great opportunity and bought it. “I was obviously looking for something successful and viable, and I was already a customer of the store,” says Robert. “The pet industry continues to grow, so I knew it wouldn’t suffer as badly as some businesses during a recession. The Palm Springs store does a very strong business because of good foot traffic and surrounding businesses, like Lulu’s, that are also thriving. So we’re staying open until 9 pm there.” “This year, we decided to open this store on El Paseo in Palm Desert…” he pauses to take care of a customer and notices her very unique glasses, which she is more than happy to talk about, plus her “grand-dog”, who the gift is for. We continue with why they made the decision for a second store. “We did a little research and found that we were probably missing customers who might shop and dine in La Quinta and wouldn’t normally drive all the way to Palm Springs to visit that store. Looking to the future of retail, El Paseo is the central point in the valley and is accessible to almost everyone.” “Some people assumed that we closed the Palm Springs store. We would never do that. It is a thriving business and is very profitable. But in looking for a second location,” Robert continues, “we felt that El Paseo, with its fashion-forward reputation, along with a potential customer base from La Quinta, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, etc., plus a large tourist trade, would serve us well. In retail it’s all about location, location, location.” 30 Desert Pet Companion
Photo courtesy www.coldnosewarmheart.com
W
Cold Nose Warm Heart, Palm Desert location
When asked about other retailers in the valley, Robert says, “… we are a unique community, here, where practically everybody knows everyone else, so we all have a pretty friendly relationship. It isn’t unusual for us to recommend another business if we don’t carry the product the customer is looking for. If we’re out of stock on a product and know who else carries it and the customer needs it today, we see if the other retailer has it and send the customer to them. That’s just good business.” “This is a great business to be in. People love to talk about their pets and they’re generally in a good mood. We try and make the store interesting and have things that are creative and unique, so we have a lot of exclusive items, which I think makes the flavor of our stores different from others in the valley. We also have a strong web presence, because a lot of our customers are snowbirds and they keep us busy when things are a little slower when the weather’s hot. We have about 15 product lines in our stores that are exclusive to our business and we work really hard to find artists and craftspeople that provide us with unusual things. That’s the other part of our formula: we’re not just selling dog food; we’re selling collectibles and art that people take back home and enjoy. And I believe that’s the combination for our success.”
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Cat Trivia Cats have scent glands on the bottoms of their front paws, on each side of their head, on the chin and lips as well as along their tail and by their sex organs. Cats knead, and rub up against people and objects to mark their territory. There is an antiseptic agent in cat’s saliva which helps keep cat’s fur smelling nice, but it cannot prevent infection. Cats use almost as much fluid while grooming as they do when urinating. A group of cats is called a “Clowder,” an Old Englih term meaning clutter. Although many cats enjoy
Pre-Summer 2012
playing with string, use tional need for carbohycaution — cats might try to drates. Cats evolved to use eat the string when it has protein and fat as energy been “caught” (hunting sources. instinct?). Cats can become A pregnant or nursing extremely ill if they ingest female cat is referred to as string. a “Queen.” A female cat is Cats can vocalize up to 100 called a “Molly.” different sounds, compared A male cat is called a “Tom.” to about 10 for dogs. the term originated from the Cats sleep more than most book “The Life and Advenanimals, they average 13-14 tures of a Cat” written in hours per day. 1760, in which the narrator Cats do not have a nutriwas a cat named Tom.
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What Dog Training and Diets Have In Common By Valerie Masi, Best Paw Forward
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s a dog trainer, when clients ask, “What’s the magic word?” I often use the comparison to diets in that it seems we all desire a magic pill. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill or word. It basically takes the same thing to achieve a good dog as it does to achieve a good weight. Work! People tend to go from trainer to trainer in search of the magic pill. Now, even though there are different types of training strategies out there, you should still stick to the program your trainer has set up for you. If it’s not working for you and your dog, tell your trainer so they can adjust the training program. If you are not getting desired results after a true commitment, at that point you can look around for a trainer that has a different style or experience of training. The biggest problem for owners and trainers is when people don’t stick to the program long enough or they change the program their trainer set up because a friend or family member, even strangers, disagreed with what your trainer told you. Usually, the owner stops doing what the professional trainer told them and starts doing what their friend or family member told them to do. Now you have a confused dog and owner. The same thing applies to the Internet and books. There are so many techniques and theories out there. However, every dog is an individual and that means you can’t generalize training. That’s why you hire a professional to guide 32 Desert Pet Companion
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you through all the confusion, the same as you would with a nutritionist and personal trainer for your diet program. When you look for a trainer, you want someone you will be comfortable with, as well as trust. After all, your dog is a family member. Ask questions like, what style of training do they use and why? Are they certified, and if so, where did they get their certification from? (There are a lot of online certification programs out there where the student has very little hands on experience with the dogs.) How long have they been working as a trainer? Do they have references? Ask if you can sit in on a class so you can see them working with the dogs and people. Ask the people how they like the class and trainer. If your dog has a serious problem, like aggression, you want to find a trainer who has a lot of experience working with difficult behavior problems and has a history of successful results. Again, ask for references. A trainer with little experience
dealing with aggression can actually make the problem worse. In short, the magic pill is consistency, patience and knowing what to do. Like with diets, you will grow tired or frustrated with a slow success but if you stick to your program, you will eventually meet your goal. If you trip up, get right back to it the next day. All we can do is our best every day. Stay positive, focused and committed.
Valerie Masi, owner of Best Paw Forward can be reached at 760-885-9450 or visit www.bestpawforwarddogtraining.com.
best paw forward One-on-One Training Through Boarding Or At Your Home Now
Over 25 Years Training Experience
• Puppy & Adult Classes Offering Advanced • Basic & Advanced Obedience Classes at • Consultations The Pet Rescue Center • K-9 Good Citizen Test • Behavior & Aggression Problem Solving Obedience Classes also held at The Pet Oasis, Bermuda Dunes.
Valerie Masi, Certified Trainer & Behaviorist
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760-885-9450
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Emergencies Happen Transporting Your Pet To The Veterinary Hospital by Dr. Susan Powell, DVM, Country Club Animal Clinic
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mergencies happen. They can happen to any pet, even the ones that “can never get out” or “never get into anything”. Gardeners can leave gates open, something can spook an animal just as the front door opens, and mother nature can always spring a surprise that allows our pets access to the dangerous outdoors. Once outside, the usually frightened animal is faced with dangers from cars, other dogs, cats and wildlife. Indoor animals are by no means immune to accidents. Industrious animals can get into trash, cupboards, and other areas harboring things that you may not be aware are toxic. Being prepared for an emergency can mean the difference between life and death for your pet. Should an animal have any kind of traumatic injury, proper handling is necessary to avoid further injury and avoid causing excessive pain. Your own safety should be first and foremost. Any animal that is scared and in pain, no matter how gentle and sweet, can and will bite. Before trying to move an injured animal, you can make a muzzle from a scarf, tie or gauze. Do not muzzle an animal that is vomiting
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or having difficulty breathing. You can also drape a towel over their head which also may calm them. You may need to move the animal to a safer location before performing first aid. Control any excessive bleeding by putting direct pressure over the wound using gauze or a towel. If there is an obvious fracture to a lower limb, very gently wrap in a towel and secure loosely with tape. Avoid any excessive movement of a broken limb as this is quite painful and may cause the animal to bite. Do not manipulate any protruding bones, just cover with a clean towel or sterile gauze. If the animal cannot walk or is unconscious, care must be taken to avoid exacerbating any injuries. To transport a small dog or cat you can usually pick it up by putting one arm under the chest, the other under the abdomen, and carefully lift him up. You can then place it in an appropriately sized crate (best if top lifts off) or sturdy box for transport. To transport a large dog, gently slide a sturdy board beneath it. If a board is not available, you can use a blanket or large towel as a stretcher. Avoid excess movement and be careful as animals are most likely to bite while being moved. Never attempt to move or handle injured wildlife. Instead, contact Animal Control or local law enforcement. Poisoning emergencies are also fairly common and it is equally important to be prepared. Prevention is best, so make sure that your pets do not have access to any potential toxins (see aspca.org; Top 10 household Toxins for 2011). If your pet does ingest a potential toxin call Poison Control, your veterinarian, or Emergency Clinic for instructions. If the
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pet needs to be seen by the veterinarian, make sure to have the product container or packaging and any remaining material available for reference. If the pet vomits, save the vomitus, and any material that has been chewed, in a plastic bag to show the veterinarian. If you witness your pet consuming anything that may be toxic, do not wait for symptoms to occur, contact you veterinarian or Poison Control immediately. It may be too late to save the pet if you wait for symptoms to appear. Know where the local Emergency Clinic is located. Have both your veterinarian’s phone number and that of the Emergency Clinic where you can easily access it. Talk to your veterinarian about what to do should an emergency happen. Does your veterinarian take emergency after-hours calls? What are the hours of the Emergency Clinic? Some are only open evenings and weekends, some are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Make sure you have a Poison Control number at hand (e.g., ASPCA Poison Control 888 426-4435).
As a preventative measure, one of the most important things you can do is to microchip all your pets, even the ones that never go outdoors. The microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades. This may be the only means of identifying an injured or lost pet and reuniting him with the owner. Almost all veterinary clinics and shelters have scanners that read the unique identifying number of the microchip and can then access the owner’s contact information. Emergencies happen and they tend to happen more frequently on weekends and holidays. Being prepared makes a successful outcome much more likely. Have emergency numbers handy and always call the veterinarian if you are in doubt. It is always better to err on the side of caution. The lives of our pets depend on it. Dr. Susan Powell, DVM recently joined Country Club Animal Clinic which is located at 36869 Cook Street, in Palm Desert. www.countryclubdvm.com
Pet Oasis Healthy Pet Center
• Best Pricing on Natural Balance in the Valley • Nutrition, Toys, Apparel, Pet Grooming Supplies • Travel Accessories, Collars, Harnesses and Leashes • Raw & Freeze Dried Diets 760-345-3199 • Supplements Too www.ThePetOasis.com (Next to Home Goods) 42-220 Washington St., Bermuda Dunes Pre-Summer 2012
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Pets in the Workplace By Geoff Winstead
O
ver the years, I have always thought, “How cool is that?!” when encountering businesses that have pets within their doors. These animals are almost always happy to see you and want to make a new, instant friend. I tend to remember these businesses and recommend them to others just because of that association, saying, “This place is great! They have a dog/cat/bird and the owner is a lot of fun.” So much better than a Walmart greeter! When I landed a job in the advertising department at Petco’s headquarters in San Diego, I fell in love with their philosophy of allowing all employees to have a small animal on their desk in the form of fish, rodents, or reptiles. The idea is to provide a mental distraction from sometimes menial and tedious tasks and reduce stress. The receptionist brought his sweetheart of an English Bulldog to work daily and was a hit with visitors and vendor reps. Fridays were always “bring your dog to work day,” providing me with a much needed dog fix because I couldn’t have pets in the apartment I had at the time. When approached to write a series of articles about pets in the workplace, I thought that stories about pets found in offices, stores, and businesses, other than those that are directly pet-related, and what makes their owners tick would be of
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Chiquita greets customers
interest. I immediately thought of my friend, Mary Lou Herrera, who owns Just Mary Lou Hair Salon in Palm Desert and brings her dog, Chiquita, to work with her every day. DPC: When I first met you, you had another dog, April, who was a white Cairn Terrier. She was a wonderful little girl who loved everybody and her domain was a bench with her pillow on it inside the salon. Mary Lou: Oh, yes, my nickname for her was Mamacita. She wasn’t really my dog. She belonged to my sister, but became attached to me when my sister had to leave her with me for a time when she went away to school. She started out as a very sick puppy and the vet thought she was a weekto-week little girl, as far as lifespan goes. But my sister and I gave her a lot of love and attention and she got healthier and healthier. I started taking her to work to keep an eye on her and she became a hit with all of the neighboring businesses. Pretty soon, several of the other businesses started bringing their dogs to work. My time with her turned out to be several years, so we bonded and I treated
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her as my own and took her to work and every place else with me, including school, vacations, hotels, and even the local music festivals in Indio. Eventually, my sister wanted her back, which was a little heartbreaking for both of us, I think. Late last year, April’s health started to decline and the veterinarian found several cancerous tumors and other problems. My sister and I would switch off caring for her as she deteriorated so we could each have nights we could sleep. When people started asking where she was and her condition became known, I had 33 clients come and visit her at my place. Then one night, I had her sleeping next to me on a pillow and when I woke up, she was gone. (Mary Lou pauses to compose herself and wipe a tear.) DPC: Now you have Chiquita, who may be the best-behaved Chihuahua I’ve ever met, and another dog who seems to love everybody she meets. How did she come into your life?
Mary Lou: Actually, she’s a Chihuahua / Miniature Shepherd mix, according to the vet, which is why she looks like a little tiny German Shepherd. I was out walking around my complex and noticed two boys chasing this little dog, who runs up to me and starts trying to jump up on me. I ask the boys if the dog is theirs and they say, “No”. Right behind them comes a golf cart with one of the security people who asked me if the dog was mine. I said, no, but I’d ask around to find out. I checked with the office, the guard shack, put flyers up, put an ad on Craigslist, checked at the shelters and knocked on doors. She didn’t belong to anybody. In the meantime, I had to care for her, and April was still around, so I introduced them gradually and they became friends. Chiquita immediately knew she was the number two dog and just did whatever April did, so when I brought them both to work, they’d both look out the window and lay on the bench together, waiting to greet whoever came in the door. Initially, Chiquita was a little unruly,
WATCH US GROW
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77-895 Avenida Montezuma, La Quinta 760-564-3833 www.VillageParkAnimalHospital.com AquaPaws facility is available for physical therapy and rehabilitation Grooming, Pet Supplies and more! Please NOTE NEW ADDRESS for Aquapaws and Paws & Reeect 77-955 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA (760) 564-9364 and (760) 564-1222 Pre-Summer 2012
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but she was still a baby and needed some training. She has now calmed down a lot and is very attentive to commands and stops at crosswalks when we’re out walking and stuff like that. I just want to mention the business next door, The Pet Spaw. They have taken Chiquita in like family and I call the owner, Wendy, her Aunty and one of the April groomers is her godmother. They just let her walk in and run to the back to play with the other dogs and sometimes she takes a nap and thinks she owns the place. They are wonderful people.
Mary Lou: All of that and more! I know I got at least 20 clients just because April was sitting in the front door and people would walk in and want to say “hi” to her. Pet people are good people. I come from a family that always had lots of animals. We had a small farm, so my dad always had horses, cows, pigs and several dogs. He’d always take in strays. So when it comes to customers, I know both of these dogs are a part of my success as a businessperson. I get back from my customers what Chiquita gives me, which is love, trust and loyalty. What could be better?
DPC: Do you feel there are benefits in having a pet at work, like return customers, friendships, companionship during slow times, etc.?
If you are, or know of, a business owner who brings their dog, cat or other animal to work with them and have a unique story, please drop us a line here at Desert Pet Companion.
Best Care Starter Packages Include: • Private Sessions • Behavior Issues • Pet Psychic Parties • Group Sessions
3 physical exams; recommended vaccinations; Intestinal parasite exams; Heartworm test; Deworming treatment, Nutritional consultation; Microchip, and more!
Call for details.
RANCHO MIRAGE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
760-346-6103
71-075 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage www.vcahospitals.com/rancho-mirage
DESERT ANIMAL HOSPITAL
760-778-9999 4299 E. Ramon Rd., Palm Springs www.vcahospitals.com/desert
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F/M:2012
Bloat By Ann Eliopulos, DVM VCA Valley Animal Medical Center
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loat is probably one of the most immediately life threatening and severe conditions that can happen in the life of a dog. There are no warning signs or diagnostics that can predict it, and it requires rapid and extensive emergency and surgical intervention. The normal stomach contains a small amount of gas and fluids that aid in digestion. The stomach undergoes contractions that help grind up the food so that it can move through the rest of the GI tract. Many of us have had the experience of gas build up in our stomachs, either from what we ate or excess secretion of acids. It is an uncomfortable feeling at best. With bloat, the stomach fills with excessive amounts of gas and sometimes food. The stomach stretches to an extremely large size, causing abdominal pain and discomfort. At some point in this process, for reasons we do not quite understand, the stomach begins to rotate or twist on itself, cutting off the blood supply to the stomach and also cutting off the exit from the stomach. The gas is now trapped with nowhere to go, circulation is compromised and the pain level is excruciating. This is a bloat… sometimes called a torsion, or GDV, which is an acronym for the scientific term of Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus. Dogs with bloat are in extreme crisis. Irreversible damage to the stomach and death can occur within only a few hours. Dogs affected with bloat have a painful, distended tight abdomen, though this is not always obvious in breeds where the stomach is tucked under the rib cage. Because of the pain, these dogs are frequently anxious and pacing, and often will make retching sounds as if trying to vomit, but without producing much or any actual vomit. If you notice these symptoms in your dog, do not wait. Get to your veterinarian, IMMEDIATELY! F/M:2012
“... certain breeds are predisposed toward bloat. These include the Great Dane (the number one at risk breed) ... Older dogs with separation anxiety and breed tendency are the most common presentations of bloat in our hospital.” Emergency treatment for bloat consists of four points that must all be done in tandem and in quick succession. An X-ray shows the characteristic gas filled stomach and accompanying twist. An IV catheter is placed so that rapid infusion of fluids to reverse shock and prevent cardiovascular collapse can begin. Shock is also created by pain. IV pain drugs such as Morphine or Dilaudid are given. An EKG is placed to assess the heart rhythm and determine if drugs are needed to stabilize any arrhythmias. Finally, the stomach must be decompressed, or deflated of some of the gas. The distended stomach is pressing on vessels that return blood to the heart. This decreased circulation causes shock. Further, the stomach tissue is stretched to the point
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where blood cannot circulate through it and the tissue begins to die. Decompression may consist of placing a stomach tube and pumping the stomach, or actually placing a needle through the abdomen into the stomach to relieve gas. After stabilization is achieved, surgery is required to fix the problem. Surgery allows us to assess the stomach and other organs for damage. At this time, the stomach must be de-rotated back into its normal position and then sutured, or tacked to the abdominal wall to prevent another event of twisting. This procedure is known as a gastropexy. Without a gastropexy, bloat can recur at any time… even within hours. Statistics show us that once a dog has bloated, there is a recurrence rate of as high as 75% without surgery. Recurrence with surgery is 6%. Unfortunately, during surgery we sometimes find that extensive damage to the stomach tissue has already happened. The spleen, which lives right next to the stomach, can also experience damage, since it sometimes may twist along with the stomach. Removing and repairing damaged stomach tissue, a procedure known as resection, or having to remove a damaged spleen, causes an increased mortality rate. Dogs that do not have tissue damage may still have post-operative complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias, infection and inflammation. So, what factors increase the risk of bloat? There are certain breeds that are predisposed toward bloat. These include the Great Dane (the number one at risk breed), St. Bernard, Weimaraner, German Shepard, Standard Poodle, Doberman Pinscher and any large, deep-chested dog. Don’t be fooled though. At our hospital, we have seen bloat in a Cocker Spaniel and a Dachshund, which is far less common, but can happen. Middle aged to older dogs (7-12 years). But again, we have seen bloat in dogs as young as two. 40 Desert Pet Companion
Male dogs are twice as likely to bloat. Nervous, anxious dogs, or dogs with a history of aggression. Dogs that are fed one meal a day.
While there are many thoughts on feeding, such as whether or not to elevate the food bowl and the type of diet fed, our experience as a 24 hour emergency facility shows us that breed or familial predisposition, along with the temperament of the dog, are the two biggest contributing factors. Older dogs with separation anxiety and breed tendency are the most common presentations of bloat in our hospital. Because of the life threatening nature of this condition, and how little is understood in the mechanism and prevention of it, many veterinarians are now recommending what is known as a prophylactic gastropexy, or preventative gastropexy. This can be done in a healthy dog at the time of spay or neuter. If your dog is already an older dog, you can still have this procedure done, either with your regular veterinarian or at a surgical specialist’s office where it can be done less invasively with a laparoscope. In at risk breeds, this is the one single thing that can be done to prevent bloat and we are strong advocates of it at our hospital. Too many unknown factors contribute to bloat and therefore prevention is close to impossible, no matter how diligent one may be with exercise and diet. If you think your dog may be at risk, please consult with your veterinarian. If you live with a large dog, familiarize yourself with the symptoms of bloat. While it may never happen to your canine friend, being prepared for it is part of providing care for that special big buddy in our lives. VCA Valley Animal Medical Center is a 24-hour full service and emergency animal medical center. It is located at 46920 Jefferson Street, Indio, (760) 342-4711 www.vcahospitals.com/valley-emergency
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Fashion Is a Passion For Desert Dogs By Pam Price Photography by Karen Buxbaum
F
ashion Week El Paseo™ 2012 began with a bark as nineteen strutting dogs, donned in fabulous fashions designed by Linda Higgins, paraded into runway history. Amidst a schedule jam packed with fashion designers such as Mark Zunino, Mila Hermanovski, Lloyd Klein and Michael Costello, the big nod here was toward canine couture fashion. Ticket holders, some lucky enough to be seated on the runway, were doing a good deed as well as the Humane Society of the Desert was the beneficiary of the event. There was more in store as the day started with a Doggy Beauty Bash, followed by “Kibbles & Champagne”, the Canine Couture Fashion Show by Linda Higgins, a live auction, a presentation by Kyra Sundance and her Weimaraners
performing an acrobatic show on stage, and ending with an After Party. This clever event took place at Cold Nose, Warn Heart on El Paseo Drive in Palm Desert, where Maggie Espinoza, author of “The Pampered Pooch”, autographed her book and gave tips on where to stay with your dog in Southern California. Of course, for those dog owners who admire the latest fashions for dogs, whether it is for their morning walk, a pet friendly birthday party, or lunch with their doggy pals, fashion is more than a passing fancy. Dressing dogs has become a big business with certificate programs in dog fashion design and merchandising offered at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Fashion Week El Paseo planners were obviously aware of this emerging market, and brought it to the runway on March 17th with an upbeat show, where Bischons, Chihuauas, Fox Terriers strutted their stuff
along with a wily, soft coated Wheaten Terrier, who paused at the edge of the runway to pose for the audience! All of the expertly dressed dogs were accompanied by professional models, some
42 Desert Pet Companion
in black leotards, with others wearing dresses that were creatively covered with black feathers. It all proved to the audience that dogs just want to have fashion fun, too. But that was only half
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the fun of Le Chien, as dogs, accompanied by their human companions, didn’t utter a single bark as they watched the parade of chic, svelte dog models. Captivated by the pulsating music, audience applause
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and striking poses, these canine fashion fans were on their best behavior. They were equally interested in and sniffing all of the goodies placed in Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. goodie bags,
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too! Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer, would have been impressed with these dogs, many of whom were welldressed for the occasion, seated on laps and chairs, watching in rapt attention. All said, Le Chien was a
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very successful high energy dog day afternoon with a touch of canine class at every turn. Pam Price reports on the California Desert for Forbes. com
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Building a Chateau Le Chien Photography by Karen Buxbaum
T
he dog houses created for Chateau Le Chien (which took place as part of the Le Chien activities on March 16 and 17, an ASID Palm Springs/Inland and Palm Springs Life event) included original creations from local ASID Palm Springs designers. The Humane Society of the Desert, as well as an ASID Scholarship Fund, were the recipients of the fundraiser proceeds. Loiuse Neyer invited DPC to take a sneak peek at her creation during construction, and also invited us to attend the Chateau Le Chien reception. Many of the photographs on pages 42 and 43 were taken at the cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception hosted by Dennis and Raila Horne. Dog models for the Le Chien Fashion Show were in attendance along with their owners, as well as many celebritries and pet lovers. At the reception, the original dog houses were judged by a panel of judges including Jennifer Hamilton, owner of The Grand Paw, Todd Piro, anchor CBS2, Malinda Bustos, President of the Humane Society of the Desert, Dane Andrew, actor/photographer and owner of Rascal the World’s Ugliest
Louise Neyer confers with Nate Otto about the solar panel for her dog house. 44 Desert Pet Companion
Dog, Lindi Biggi, president of Loving All Animals, as well as several others. The judges awarded Best in Show, and Best in Design ribbons. Reception attendees also had a chance to vote for their favorite Chateau. The dog houses were auctioned off the following day — the average winning bid was $650. The wide range of designs included indoor pet spaces (student designer and her mother, Katelyn and Lori Valk), open air lounge areas (designer Christopher Kennedy) and outdoor dog house solutions. Designer Jules Moore along with builders from Hot Purple Energy’s entry had solar-powered lights and a fan to keep the air inside the dog house circulating, the large windows also help keep air moving through the dog house. The Cambria entry was designed by Kelley Aratin. It had a built-in mister system to help cool fido while he sits in the house, and solar-powered lights. Other designs were equally creative. To see more images, visit our website at www. desertpetcompanion.com or on Facebook.
Jarvis Ponce volunteered his building expertise and Julie Kirk offers advice.
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Dog bed is in the lower left corner of this design. Designer, Jules Moore, worked with builders Chris Ritter, Paul Lemmon and Nate Otto of Hot Purple Energy on this dog house (above & left). The lights and interior fan are powered by a solar panel on the roof.
Cambria’s entry was a team effort and included donations from Koolfog (mister system), Estate Green (turf), Sola-Lites (solar panel), Old World Stone (fabricated the walls), and Quartz Surfaces helped with the construction. Christopher Kennedy’s design.
Julie Hill, Louise Neyer, and Jarvis Ponce in front of their completed dog house. Pre-Summer 2012
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Side view of dog house on display at Chateau Le Chien. Desert Pet Companion 45
Pet Psychic & Communicator Cherie Vergini 818-577-5247 www.cheriev.com, Local pet psychic offers pet sessions by phone or in person. Please see ad on p 38.
Local Businesses Grooming Bath & Brush 4771 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Ste. A, Palm Springs 760-2024494, Health conscious professional bathing and grooming for your pet including dogs, cats, rabbits and birds. Please see ad on p 20. Canine Relief www.Canine-Relief.com, Toll Free: (877) 738-2873 Unsurpassed in fast healing and relief for dog itching, grass allergy rashes, hot spots, patchy hair loss, fungus, wounds and suture sites. Please see ad on p 18. Creative Dog Grooming 73-280 Hwy. 111, Ste. 103, Palm Desert, 760-674-3337Specializing in Man’s Best Friend, and offering full service grooming including hand drying and scissoring. Please see ad on p 20. Doggie Sudz & Pet Air Available at The Pet Spaw, www.austinrose.com, 800945-0190, Organic pet shampoo and pet odor eliminator. Please see ad on p 21. The Pet Spaw 73-905 Frontage Rd. Hwy 111, Palm Desert 760-346-3461, Best in theValley for over 32 years.Take advantage of our All Year Round special prices on our “Comfort Baths.” Please see ad on p 19. Shear Art Pet Salon 67-555 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Ste. C-109, Cathedral City, 760-285-6263, www.ShearArtPetSalon.com SHEAR ART is a state-of-the-art salon offering friendly full service dog and cat grooming in a clean and relaxed atmosphere. Located just two miles from Palm Springs on Highway 111 across the street from Trader Joe’s and Target, SHEAR ART features easy drop-off and pick-up. Please see ad on p 21.
Pet Adoptions Health & Safety Exhibits too!
760-413-6508 mthorpe@psusd.us 46 Desert Pet Companion
Pet Resorts & Boarding The Grand Paw 51750 Jackson St., Vista Santa Rosa, 760-398-9900 www. TheGrandPaw.com, VotedValley’s Best Pet Resort for 5 years, The Grand Paw is an upscale, fun-filled resort offering doggie daycamp, luxury boarding, expert training and professional grooming. Please see ad on p 23. The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace 34-550 Spyder Circle, Palm Desert, 760-537-1172, www.thepethotelatbarkinghampalace.com, Pet hotel, spa, doggy gym and pool, pet grooming and training all in one convenient location. Please see ad on p 20 & 23. Pet Sitters, & Pet Waste Removal Service Guardian Pet and Home Care www.guardianpetandhomecare.com, 760-238-1612, Guardian Pet & Home Care, a loving pet sitting service dedicated to the welfare of your special pet. Owned and operated by Kathleen, Guardian Pet & Home Care is licensed, bonded, insured, pet safety and CPR certified, with client references and veterinary recommended. Please see ad on p 22. Got Dooky? 866-229-9289, www.gotdooky.com, Got Dooky is the Desert’s premier service for residential and commercial pet waste removal. Serving the entire desert since 2007. Please see ad on p 23. Loving Touch Pet Sitting Debey Do, 760-485-7446, Professional pet sitting service in your home. Hotel visits available too. Bonded, licensed and insured. Please see ad on p 22. Marilyn’s Pet Sitting 760-219-0972, 15 years experience caring for pets. See ad for first time client discount. Licensed and insured. Please see ad on p 22.
The Palm Spring Lions Club & The Palm Springs Marathon Runners Invite all dog lovers to participate in
THE 2nd ANNUAL RUN FOR IKE 5K Run/Walk
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 2012 • 8 AM START Ramon Alternative Center, 2248 Ramon Road, Palm Springs Supporting the Palm Springs Police Department K-9 Unit and Guide Dogs of the Desert $30 Donation includes entry, pancake breakfast, finisher dog tag, event t-shirt and goodie bag. www.DesertPetCompanion.com
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Pet Sitting by Kat 760-460-1047, www.care.com/petcare/katt. We offer personalized home-style boarding and in-home care.We have extended hours and have just added professional training and grooming to our list. Please see ad on p 22. Precious-N-Purrfect Pampered Pets Kim Sherman & Melinda Law, 760-202-8939 or 855-PAWSITR, www.preciousnpurrfect.com, Serving the desert since 2001, Precious-N-Purrfect Pampered Pets has acquired the experience to care for your young new addition to your most senior pets. Please see ad on p 22.
Training Best Paw Forward, Valerie Masi 760-885-9450, www.BestPawForwardDogTraining. com Offering individual consultation, custom training and behavior modification to fit the dog and owner. Group training classes also available. Please see ad on p 33. Dream Dogs, Lori Wainio-Carman 760-899-7272, www.dreamdogs.com, Dream Dogs uses positive training techniques to build proper relationships between dog and owner to achieve maximum results. Group, in-residence,and private training available. Please see ad on p 15.
Photography Karen Buxbaum Photography 760-625-5552, www.KarenBuxbaumPhotography.com Animals fill my heart. They live life in the moment, sharing joy and humor. They make our lives more meaningful. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture the essence of your loved one in a photograph to treasure for your lifetime. Please see ad p 7.
Veterinarians Country Club Animal Clinic 36869 Cook St., Palm Desert, 760-776-7555 www.countryclubdvm.com, Country Club Animal Clinic provides exceptional care and service to pets and their people.“Your pet’s health is our business!” Please see ad on page 5.
Jack Slomovits Photography & Design www.jackps.com, 760-659-3633, Magazine Editorial-Style Pet Photography. I’ve Been Shooting 4 & 2 Legged Animals In NY & California Since 1997. You Choose The Time,Your Dog Chooses The Location. Friendly, Professional & Handsome – Quite A Catch! Please see ad p 17.
The Cat Clinic 67870 Vista Chino, Cathedral City, California 92234, 760-325-3400, www.catcitycat.com, Dr. Rebecca Diaz is dedicated to keeping your cats and kittens happy and healthy with top-quality care in a stress-free environment created specifically for the special needs of our feline companions. Please see ad on page 31.
Retail & Pet Stores Ambrosia Pet Deli 73131 Country Club Dr. C3, Palm Desert 760-568-1177, www.ambrosiapetdeliofca.com Our mission is to keep pets healthy and to live long by providing the healthiest and safest dog and cat food we can find. Please see ad on p 17. Bones-n-Scones 577 E. Sunny Dunes Rd., Palm Springs, 760-864-1133 73-910 Highway 111, Palm Desert, 760-340-BONE www.bonesnscones.com Yes, we’ll answer any questions about your pet’s diet! Raw, dehydrated, grain-free & fresh foods, also an on-site bakery offering treats & specialty cakes. Ask about FREE delivery! Please see ad on p 11. Cold Nose Warm Heart 189 S. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, 760-327-7747 73399 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 760-340-0900 www.coldnosewarmheart.com, Cold Nose Warm Heart is an upscale pet boutique in the heart of Palm Springs Village. Please see ad on p 3. PAWZ Palm Springs 515 N. Palm Canyon, Ste. A-5, Palm Springs, 760-322-PAWZ, www.pawzps.com, Hip attire and more for groovy pets. Please see ad on p 29. Pet Oasis 42-220 Washington St., Bermuda Dunes (next to Home Goods), 760-345-3199, Our selection of healthy nutritional products will amaze you. Our experience is second to none and you will find all your pet’s needs in one place! Please see ad on p 35.
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Veterinarian on the Run Mobile veterinarian, 760-898-2627 www.vetontherun.com VCA - All Creatures Animal Hospital 78359 Hwy. 111, La Quinta, 760-564-1154 www.vcahospitals.com/all-creatures Please see ad on p 18. VCA - Desert Animal Hospital 4299 E. Ramon Rd., Palm Springs, 760-778-9999 www.vcahospitals.com/desert, Expert staff offering quality care and treatment for your pets. Upscale boarding facility too. Please see ads on p 25 & 38. VCA - Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital 71-075 Hwy. 111, Rancho Mirage, 760-346-6103 www.vcahospitals.com/rancho-mirage Providing you—and your pet—with the highest quality of care and attention. Please see ads on p 25 & 38. VCA - Valley Animal Medical Center 46920 Jefferson St., Indio, 760-342-4711 www.vcahospitals.com/valley-emergency 24/7 General and Emergency practice. Please see ad on back cover. Village Park Animal Hospital 77895 Ave. Montezuma, La Quinta 760-564-3833 www.VillageParkAnimalHospital.com Village Park Animal Hospital is a full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care for the life of your pet. Please see ad p 37.
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