Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - North Shore News - A39
BOOK REVIEW
What Dogs Want By Arden Moore
Firefly Books, 192 pages, $19.95 Animal behaviorist Arden Moore wants to be a translator between you and your dog. By simplifying the poses, actions and sounds that are common to most dogs she presents her interpretation of the dog’s message to you.
Featuring 100 canine behaviours she provides information on what they are trying to communicate, possible health risks that could result and suggestions for training that may improve undesirable behaviour.
Dog squinting is often a sign of contentment while snapping the jaws at the air can be an invitation to play. With each featured behaviour, Moore provides a description, an interpretation, a vet comment on possible health related issues, and suggestions on how best to respond to the behaviour. Moore maintains the old adage that a well-exercised dog is a happy dog, and also one less likely to indulge in bad behaviour at home, such as chewing up your shoes. BY TERRY PETERS
Customer Appreciation Day! December 15-16 only FOOD & TREATS
10%off
ALL OTHER PRODUCTS
20% off
North Shore Pet Foods 604.988.2150
1264 Marine Drive, North Vancouver
Grooming is in season The holidays are a time of get-togethers with friends and family. It’s no surprise, then, that the holidays are a busy time for pet groomers. Michelle Berg, of Aussie Pet Mobile, a pet grooming service on the North Shore, says November and December are busy months. “It’s a very busy season for us,” she says, noting clients want to have their pets groomed and ready for when their guests arrive. Berg has owned her Aussie Pet Mobile franchise for about two years, and works in North and West Vancouver and parts of Burnaby. The company uses a van with a self-contained salon. “Anything a grooming salon can do, we can do in the van,” says Berg. She says they provide a low-stress environment for grooming because the service is one-on-one with a groomer and there aren’t any pets barking in the background, or cages or kennels. The core treatment consists of a 15-step process, which includes a bath, cutting the pet’s nails, cleaning its ears, brushing out the fur and more. It usually takes between one and two hours to complete. There are also bows, bandanas and costumes available for a special holiday look. Berg notes that some pets don’t like bows and other accoutrement, but if a bow is used, it shouldn’t be too tight, and should be placed in an area where the pet will not chew on it. Grooming can usually be started after a pet has all its vaccinations, usually around six months old. Grooming can be done
Michelle Berg (left) and groomer Whitney Schindel visit with Quincy the dog who stopped by for grooming at Aussie Mobile Dog Grooming. NEWS photo Cindy Goodman
every three to 12 weeks. “Regular grooming actually promotes healthy skin and coat,” says Berg, noting its something pets have to get used to, and tend to tolerate better if they go regularly.
She recommends owners try to brush their pets between grooming because that helps alleviate the amount of matting, which can also shorten the time needed to groom. — Rosalind Duane
(Next to Save-On Foods in Pemberton Plaza)
www.northshorepetfoods.com
North Shore Veterinary Clinic
Achieves National Accredited Status 18 Years
IE COOK
Our North Shore Pets love Christmas, too!
MISTY
Y SMOKE
We are proud members of the American Animal Hospital Association. AAHA-accredited hospitals are recognized among the finest internationally. To be accredited our hospital must demonstrate an exceptional level of medical care and client service. Less than 1% of the veterinary practices in BC have achieved this accreditation.
Our commitment is to provide excellence in veterinary care, in a warm and caring atmosphere for you and your pet.
Dr. Terri Clemett
North Shore Veterinary Clinic 227 Mountain Hwy, North Vancouver
604.980.0440
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 7:30-6 Wed 7:30-8 Sat 8-5
CORKY
FREYA
ELLA
TEDDY
CANINEWELL-BEING Christmas Safety Tips The following safety tips are from Dogsafe Canine First Aid.
1. CHOCOLATE (especially baker’s and dark chocolate) and baked goods containing macadamia nuts and raisins should be out of your dog’s reach. Chocolate contains theobromine, which if ingested may cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, hyperactivity, tremors or even death. The darker the chocolate the higher the concentration and the higher the risk. White chocolate does not contain theobromine but still contains sugar and fat which may cause stomach upset if ingested. Raisins can cause vomiting, diarrhea and possibly kidney failure. Macadamia nuts can cause vomiting and severe weakness that can affect the dog’s ability to stand. 2. UNSWEETENED CANDIES may contain xylitol, which may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in vomiting, weakness, depression, loss of co-ordination and seizures if ingested by dogs. If candy wrappers are also ingested, intestinal blockages may occur.
3. HOLLY AND MISTLETOE, if eaten, may cause vomiting, diarrhea and intestinal upset. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not fatal if ingested, but may cause mild vomiting and it is best to keep all holiday plants out of reach. 4. CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATIONS, lights and electrical cords are tempting for curious dogs but may lead to a blocked airway if the objects are ingested, or may lead to electrocution if the cords are chewed. Keep the decorations higher on the tree, tape down all dangling electrical cords, and to prevent tipping consider wiring your tree to a small hook in the ceiling. Supervise your dog near the tree and do not leave it home alone with access to the tree. 5. ALCOHOL. Do not allow your dog to accidentally lick alcoholic drinks from low tables as this may cause weakness, vomiting and if ingested in abundance, even coma and death.