April 16, 2013

inside Loose Leash Walking Rub Your Pet the Right Way Keeping Your Dog Safe SPCA Opening Doors

petguide 2013

a supplement to the comox valley record

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Tuesday, April 16, 2013 pet guide

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Rub your pet the right way Asheya McIsaac Special to the Record Blaze, my 16 year old American cocker spaniel has been one of the great loves of my life.

From our earliest days together, I began a ritual of morning massage with him.

As a youngster, he was a ball of energy in motion. In those days our massage time was usually short and he was often in a standing position perfect for sprinting off at the faintest hint of the next pleasure.

As the years went by Blaze awoke with the expectation of my hands on his willing body.

I, too, looked forward to our morning time together as I kneaded and rocked and cooed my love to him and he responded by emitting murmurs of pleasure and the look in his eyes unabashedly shone their love.

Not only does massaging our pets offer therapeutic benefits to their muscles and joints, nervous and immune systems, it also creates an intimate bond between human and animal.

We don’t have to be trained in specific massage techniques to

lay our open hands and hearts on our pets. I will often close my eyes, breath into my belly and let the care that I feel for the animals be emitted through my touch.

Feeling into the muscles of the shoulders and hip, along the spine and into the neck I knead and move my fingers in small and gentle circles. A soft rocking motion can also be soothing for your pet.

Also, resting your hands open and flat against older animals’ sore joints can offer a soothing response.

Blaze has recently left this world and our morning massage continued until his end.

As always, we’d finish off with me giving him a kiss between the eyes and him giving me a look that only a dog can give — pure and unconditional love.

Asheya McIsaac is a massage practitioner and operates Harmony Pet Care, where she and her business partner Dianne Hagen offer loving care for your pets in the comfort of their own homes as well as dog walking.

For more information, visit www.harmonypetcare.ca.

AYESHA McISAAC FONDLY remembers the ritual of massaging Blaze, her American cocker spaniel, each morning.

Besides being good for his health, it cemented the bond between them.

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COMOX VALLEY RECORD pet guide

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

SPCA opening doors THE COMOX VALLEY branch of the BCSPCA always has loving animals in need of a good home. You can learn all about the operations of the local SPCA at an open house next month.

BCSPCA cared for four birds, one ferret, two guinea pigs, 10 rabbits, and 18 rodents. The average stay for the rabbits and guinea pigs was five and a half months.

• There is a new hotline to report animal neglect, abuse or cruelty. Call 1-855-622-7722.

• The Comox Valley Branch of the BCSPCA took in 300 kittens in 2012. Please spay and neuter your pets!

• Dogs can’t talk. If you are going on holidays and having someone look after your dog, please make sure your dog has ID that reflects the dog sitter’s phone number.

• An orphaned kitten that received care at the BCSPCA was so covered in fleas, he needed a flea bath.

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations.

— Comox Valley and District branch of the BC SPCA

SPCA WISH LIST UR

APRI

L 20TH

Y A D H T R

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ND

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• non-spill stainless steel dog dishes • blankets • 12”x16” litter boxes

EA

• cat and dog toys • grooming accessories • pet carriers • leashes and collars

D

Animal Care Supplies

• AY

EN

The Comox Valley and District branch of the BCSPCA is holding a spring open house and garage sale.

Have you ever wanted to look behind the scenes at the Comox Valley BCSPCA? Well, May 25 is your lucky day.

The Comox Valley Branch of the BCSPCA is having their annual open house, so please come for a tour and meet all the critters and staff.

And, if you are doing some spring cleaning, you can pack up any unwanted, good quality items that the BCSPCA can use in their annual Yard, Book, Plant and Bake Sale on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26.

Drop off items Tuesdays to Saturdays at 1668 Ryan Road East in Comox.

For more information, please call 250-3397722.

Did you know….

• In 2012, the Comox Valley Branch of the

10 A

&

Spring Open House and Garage Sale May 25

M to 3 P M • 5

TH

Seeds, Seedlings & Plant Sale Earth Day Arts & Crafts for Kids Skyrocket Compost Interactive Demos

BACKYARD FARMERS UNITE! Local Food Events Neighbourhood Group Info Live Music and Other Surprises!

Ride your bikes stay for the day, explore local galleries and the museum, pack a picnic or dine local.

www.spca.bc.ca/comox for a complete list.

250-339-7722 1668 EAST RYAN ROAD, COMOX

Celebrate Earth friendly living in the heart of Courtenay!

www.downtowncourtenay.com

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Tuesday, April 16, 2013 pet guide

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

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TY ‘WORKS’ EVERY outdoor Comox Valley Farmers’ Market with Julie Lad, who has advice about how to properly walk your dog on a loose leash.

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Loose leash walking

Julie Lad

Special to the Record Loose leash walking is one of the most common

challenges people have with their dogs, but there is no better time than now to brush up on leash manners.

To start with, you need

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COMPOUNDING FOR PETS Pet owners are faced with a unique problem when trying to medicate their animals.

Commercially available drugs often taste bitter and are not acceptable to an animal that has specific taste. We custom make drugs to suit each animal species’ taste. Various flavours are available such as exotic fruit, fish, chicken, liver, beef and many others.

Preparation of specialized veterinary drugs requires chemicals and equipment that are not available at most pharmacies.

Drug manufacturers often discontinue producing drugs for which there is a low demand. Our compounding pharmacists have formulas and ingredients to accommodate most species and the experience to know which dosage form and taste will be best.

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to teach your dog what it is that you want him to do.

Start in the house, with your dog on leash and standing at your side.

Hold a treat to his nose and take a step. When your dog follows you, say “yes” and give the treat.

Now take a few steps.

“Yes” and reward.

Be sure that you are always rewarding your dog when he is at your side so that he comes to realize this is what you want.

Now it’s time to take it outside. Start somewhere with minimal distractions, like the backyard.

Repeat the process that you practised in the house, working up to longer distances between treats.

Slowly progress to areas with greater distractions and start becoming unpredictable, changing directions, speeding up, slowing down.

Keep talking to your dog to keep his attention and name the behaviour. I like, “Walk with me.”

If your dog charges ahead of you, stop! Wait for slack in the leash or change direction.

Remember that by allowing your dog to continue to pull on leash, that behaviour is being rewarded and will continue.

Faithful Friends in Cumberland can be contacted by phoning 250-650-7065 or visiting www.positivepets.ca.

COMOX VALLEY RECORD pet guide

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

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home and yard to prevent your dog from ingesting them. Common plants toxic to dogs include daffodils, rhododendron, azaleas, tulip bulbs, oleander, yucca plants and some vegetable garden plants such as tomato vines, grapes, onions and garlic.

Symptoms will vary depending on the plant ingested and may include vomiting, diarrhea, heart and nervous system problems, coma and even death.

4. Avoid slug and snail bait poisons that contain metaldehyde, which is sweet to attract slugs and also attracts dogs. If ingested, the product will affect a dog’s nervous system causing twitching and tremors. Choose alternatives that are metaldehyde free and labelled safe for pets.

5. During home improvement projects, guard paints, building materials and electrical cords. Most water-based paints are low in toxicity for dogs but may cause gastrointestinal problems if ingested, for example, they walk in paint and lick their paws. Do not use paint remover if paint gets on your dog’s fur, simply wash with a mild dog-appropriate shampoo or cut the fur. Keep an eye on loose nails, screws, staples and other building supplies to prevent dogs from chewing and swallowing them which could result in cuts to the mouth or an airway obstruction. Watch electrical tools to prevent your dog from chewing the cords and getting electrocuted.

DOGSAFE courses are offered throughout British Columbia and across Canada and the United States by distance education. For more information, see www.dogsafe.ca.

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Spring is the time for cleaning the house, preparing the garden and starting home renovation projects and as we spend more time outside, so do our four-legged companions.

Michelle Sevigny, creator of DOGSAFE Canine First Aid and author of DOGSAFE: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know in an Emergency, reminds families with dogs to be mindful of these spring time safety tips: 1. Keep cleaning products out of your dog’s reach and do not allow your dog to walk on or lick surfaces that are still wet with cleaning products. If your dog does come in contact with these surfaces, they may experience skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset.

Most traditional cleaning products are safe to use around pets if they are used as directed, including Swiffer Wet Jet and Febreeze, contrary to the urban myth that these products caused liver and kidney damage.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested a quantity of a toxic cleaning product, contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment recommendations. Even better, choose non-toxic, natural cleaning products which are safer for your dog, you and the environment.

2. When cleaning out bathroom cabinets, do not dispose of old medications in the garbage to prevent your dog from finding and ingesting them. Human cold, allergy and sinus medications, especially those containing pseudoephedrine, can be toxic to dogs. Prescription drugs and pain relievers, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil), can also be toxic.

According to Health Canada, it is best to return expired or unused medicine to a pharmacy for proper disposal.

3. Keep poisonous plants out of your

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PET GUIDE

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Causes and remedies for

bad dog breath

You may have once looked forward to sitting and petting your new puppy and the excited sloppy kisses that he or she would lavish on your cheek. Now that your dog is older and bad breath has set in, you may run and hide from that once-precious pooch.

M

any changes take place as a cute puppy becomes an adult dog. Many pet owners notice that some dogs gain weight, become sluggish and develop foul breath as they age. This bad breath not only can be a nuisance, but also it can be a health problem for otherwise healthy dogs.

Bad breath, medically termed “halitosis,” is a condition commonly reported by dog owners. There are many different causes of doggie breath, but the primary contributor is a dental problem. Some pet parents are not aware that dogs need to have their teeth brushed just like their human family members. Food particles can become lodged between teeth and eventually rot, caus-

ing an odour. What’s more, this food may cause bacteria to grow, which can decay teeth and lead to gum inflammation. If left untreated, plaque buildup and sore gums can progress to periodontal disease.

According to veterinarians, plaque clings to the base of your dog’s teeth, causing the gums to recede and become inflamed.

Once the gums are inflamed, they tend to leak blood serum, which blends with the plaque, increasing the amount of bacteria in the dog’s mouth. This appears as a yellowish coating on the dog’s teeth. Some dogs affected by serious plaque buildup will eat less.

Routinely brushing the dog’s teeth can minimize plaque buildup. Feeding hard kibble, which can further dislodge any other food, and offering chew toys and bones will also help keep plaque problems at bay. If plaque is a major problem, a veterinarian may suggest a thorough cleaning under sedation.

In addition to periodontal causes, bad breath may be a symptom of other serious conditions. Diseases of the kidneys, gastrointestinal disorders or even stomach cancer can cause bad breath. Diabetes and

liver problems are also culprits in halitosis.

In other cases, foreign objects that become lodged in the teeth, including the pet’s own fur, can decompose and form a foul odor. The foreign objects also may irritate the skin and the gums. An infection that forms may produce an unpleasant odour.

A pet with bad breath should be examined by a veterinarian, unless it is obvious that it is the result of something the dog ate, including stool or spoiled garbage.

The following methods also may keep bad breath at bay.

• Brush your dog’s teeth regularly. This helps prevent plaque buildup and will keep the gums healthy.

• Change the dog’s food.

Some canned foods may produce foul breath, as can feeding a dog raw meat.

• Prevent access to garbage if your dog is a routine scrounger in the trash.

• If your dog isn’t eating much and looks frail, the breath may be a sign of a serious illness. Visit with a veterinarian promptly.

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COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Come & Visit Us at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market Grain Free Treats Positive Training Interactive Toys Julie Lad 250.650-7065 www.positivepets.ca /Faithful.Friends

HARMONY PET CARE

Adjusting to life

A

A FAMILY AFFAIR

with your newly adopted dog

“Loving care for your pets In your home in the comfort dogs, cats, horses, birds of their home” small animals & fish A stress free alternative to DOG WALKING kennels in the HOME CHECKS Comox Valley.

PET CARE

Bringing a new dog home from an animal shelter is an exciting experience.

Dogs can bring a lot of joy and energy into a household, quickly becoming a treasured member of the family djusting to life with a newly adopted dog is not always smooth sailing, as members of the household often deal with a transition period as they grow more acclimated to the responsibility of pet ownership. Sometimes this transition is easy, while other times it can be more complicated.

The following are a few tips to help new dog owners make their transition to pet ownership go more smoothly.

• Emphasize routine.

Routine makes dogs more comfortable, and this can make things easier on new dog owners. Get up and go to bed at the same time each day, and schedule walks and play time at the same time each day as well. As the dog grows more acclimated to your home, you can gradually vary your own schedule, but try to stick to the walking and playtime schedule for your dog as much as possible. Anxiety is a significant issue for many shelter dogs, but sticking to a routine can help lower that anxiety significantly.

• Visit the veterinarian within days of the adoption. A visit to the vet is necessary even if your dog has received all of its necessary vaccinations. The vet can examine the dog and give advice on diet and exercise, which is especially valuable information for those owners who have never before owned a dog. In addition, a vet might direct men and women who adopted a purebred to a colleague who specializes in

that particular breed. Such vets may be more specific when recommending a diet or exercise regimen, which can help the dog’s long-term health.

• Gradually alter diet.

Many shelter dogs were on poor diets before they came to the shelter, and the shelter or your veterinarian might suggest changing that diet.

Adapting to a new diet won’t necessarily be easy for your dog, but gradual changes often ease this transition.

For example, if the dog’s diet must change completely, don’t change it all in one day.

Gradually mix old food with the new food over the course of several days, adding more new food and substracting more of the old food each day.

By the fourth or fifth day, the dog’s diet should consist entirely of the new food recommended by your vet.

• Behave yourself. The first few days with a new dog can go a long way toward making the pooch feel comfortable or uncomfortable in its new home. If you have never owned a dog in the

past, expect the dog to have some anxiety in the first few days. This anxiety can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including chewing furniture, going to the bathroom indoors or general restlessness. It’s easy to overreact to such manifestations, but control your temper and manage to discourage inappropriate behavior without getting angry. If you can successfully manage a dog’s initial anxiety as it transitions to its new home, the dog is more likely to behave properly as time progresses. But if you allow your disappointment or temper to get the better of you in those first days after the adoption, your chances of successfully transitioning the dog to your home will decrease significantly.

Adopting a shelter dog is a great way to add a new and loving member to your family. Though some transitions are more difficult than others, owners who keep calm and work to reduce their dog’s anxiety are likely to treasure their new addition for years to come.

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This service is covered under most pet insurance plans.

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Tuesday, April 16, 2013 pet guide

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

THE LARGEST The LargesT PeT Food seLecTion

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2400 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay .............................250.338.0455 2056 S. Island Hwy, Campbell River................250.923.5881 #46-1760 Comox Ave, Comox ........................250.339.2272 #12-795 Ryan Rd, Courtenay .........................250.338.0424

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