texas dogs & cats may 2012

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d gs cats Texas

Houston

May 2012

The CANINE INFLUENZA VIRUS

Candy

meet

& co.

FLEAS, MOSQUITOS, & TIcKS Are Bad This Year

WALK WITH ME Part 3 POOcHES ON THE

PATIO

advertisehere

281.781.4727 • sales@TexasCatsAndDogs.com

Certified Professional Training “The Best Your Dog Can Be”

dogS gone good

Private In-Home Training Dog Boarding School Dog Obedience Classes Puppy Training Classes

713.557.1949 dogSgonegood.com

{contents}

14

18

a Pet 6 Create Evacuation Kit

4

22

cover photo: Sonya Sellers Photography

10 Pooches on the Patio 12 Puppy 101

Walk With Me, PartThree

14 CenterStage

Meet Candy & Company

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d gs cats Texas

publisheR

Shannan Parker Tel: 281.781.4727 info@texascatsanddogs.com

editor

Tiffany Robinson tiffanyrobinson99@gmail.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jeff Parker Tel: 281.781.4727

DESIGNER

Fran Sherman 314.275.2208 fran@shermanstudios.com

24 26 22 28 Contributing Writers Tricia Fagan Monica Schmidt Tiffany Robinson Cathy Blay Nadine Joli-Coeur Dougie Deogie Lisa Cari Susan Randlett, DVM Amy Webb Paula Bolivar

photographer Sonya Sellers

18

Meet The Vet

Canine Influenza Virus

Mosquitos, & Ticks 22 Fleas, Are Bad This Year Deogi, 24 Dougie Rescue Reporter

26 Spotted by the Pupperazzi 28 Marketplace {May 2012}

ADVERTISE WITH US!

281.781.4727 • Houston@TexasDogsAndCats.com Next Issue: June 2012 Advertiser’s Deadline: May 15th 2012

5

{petsafety}

by Tiffany Robinson

pet create a

evacuationkit T

hink it is too early to prepare for hurricane season? Not if you are a pet owner in Houston. Get the jump on hurricane season this year, which officially begins June 1st. Create a plan for evacuation, and be sure to include all of your pets in it. Now is the time to make a short list of pet friendly hotels along your planned evacuation route, make arrangements with a neighbor or family member to have access to your home to evacuate your pet for you in case you can’t get to them, and remember, leaving extra food and water out and hoping for the best is NOT a plan!

6

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d gs cats Texas

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Keep in mind veterinarians are going to evacuate just like everyone else, so get your pet up to date on ALL vaccinations now. Waiting until a storm is on the way is too late. All boarding facilities, hotels, and evacuation sites are going to require your pet be current on vaccines. While you are at the vet’s office, go ahead and get that microchip implanted. Trust me, peace of mind is worth the money it will cost you! And if you already have a chip, make sure all of your contact information is accurate. It’s also a great time to update your pet’s I.D. tags.

Create a pet evacuation kit now so all you will have to do is grab a bag and go.

Your kit should include a pet carrier (some hotels or evacuation sites will require this), an extra bag of your pet’s dog food, a copy of all medical records and a current photo of your pet secured in a waterproof container (a Ziploc bag should do the trick), a 1 – 2 month supply of any medications your pet may need (including heartworm preventative and flea & tick medication), and a temporary tag to include on his collar (you can find inexpensive tags that allow for you to write in the contact information for your evacuation site).

Planning to ride out the storm in the comfort of your own home? Don’t forget to pick up extra supplies for your pets. Stock up on enough fresh water for all animals in your household, and keep a month’s supply of food at all times. After the storm, remember to include your pet’s water needs if there is a boil water advisory in effect.

A favorite toy or bedding is great to keep around during stressful times, and don’t hesitate to talk to your vet about medication for your pet if they do not travel well or have a hard time handling storms. In addition, many all natural stores offer soothing aids to help your pet through stressful situations. Don’t let the 2012 hurricane season catch you and your pet unprepared.

With a little bit of planning, you and your pet can weather any storm!

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d gs cats Texas

By Monica Schmidt, Houston Humane Society

pooches on the patio

F

owers are blooming, there is a breeze in the air, and Houstonians are flocking to restaurants with patios to enjoy as much time as they can before the sweltering heat drives them back indoors to the much needed a/c! And this year your dog might just be welcome to join you. Wondering how to transition your four-legged BFF from dog park diva to fresh al fresco diner? Houston Humane Society has put together 10 tips to help you and your pooch have your cake, and in public too!

• Be sure to check with the restaurant to see if their patio is “dog friendly.”

• Take your dog for a walk before going to a restaurant so he doesn’t have a need for bathroom breaks while dining. As a bonus, a tired dog 10

will be less likely to have nervous energy or become restless.

• Leash your pet and keep him or her from socializing with other diners or employees unless welcomed.

• It is highly recommended

that you use a standard leash, not a retractable one.

• Keep your dog close to your table or chair so he or she is not in the waiter’s path.

• Remember to tie your dog’s leash to your chair rather than the table (where dishes

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d gs cats Texas

Optimal Bladder Health...

or drinks could be toppled or spilt). Much less likely to cause a catastrophe if he or she jumps, bolts, or simply gets excited!

• Bring your own doggie bowl and treats (just in case) • Clean up! If your pooch makes a mess be sure to pick up after them. This doesn’t just apply to bathroom issues; it could be as simple as mopping up their spilled water bowl.

• If your dog becomes stressed or causes a disturbance, be prepared to pay

your check and leave immediately. This may mean getting a doggy bag to go rather than dining out.

• Leave a nice tip for your server for taking care of both you and your four legged friend!

A

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Optimal Bladder Health...

It’s important to remember nothing beats spending the day with your dog, but not every pet is destined to dine on restaurant patios.

Find something you and your pet love to do together and spend the day bonding!

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Recurrent urinary tract infections, crystals in the urine, obstructions of the urinary tract, and urinary stone formation are commonly experienced issues in our cats and dogs.

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{puppy101}

by Tricia Fagan

walk

with me part three

T

o cure the problem of a dog jumping on people, many dog trainers recommend teaching a dog to sit. Training the dog to sit instead of jump can be an excellent idea. However, there is a potential downfall. The dog jumps and is asked to sit.

The dog sits and is rewarded. The sit is reinforced, but the jump is also reinforced.

Oh no! If you cannot break the pattern of jump followed by sit, you will never get a wellmannered dog.

A similar pattern is often found when training your dog to walk on a leash. You and your dog walk around the block. At times the dog begins to pull on the leash, and you respond. Then your dog is good for a moment, and you reward him. Oh no!

You have rewarded the polite leash walking, but you have also rewarded the pulling.

Remember to reward your dog while he is walking nicely on leash, before he is naughty.

No matter what you are training your dog to do, always be aware of rewarding the bad behavior that immediately precedes the good behavior you wish to reward.

If the undesirable behav12

ior does not decrease, it may be because you have rewarded that undesirable behavior.

Sometimes a dog’s unwanted behavior is rewarded, and we don’t even realize it. For example, if your dog is pulling on the leash, and you a walking in the direction the dog is pulling, the dog is being rewarded.

If pulling on the leash never resulted in the dog moving in the direction the dog

wanted to go, the dog would not pull on the leash nearly as much. If your dog pulls, you should immediately u-turn, and go the opposite direction.

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d gs cats Texas

Your dog will learn to walk nicely on a leash more quickly, because he is no longer rewarded for pulling.

The “horse whisperer” Monty Roberts calls horses “into pressure” animals.

That is, if you push a horse away, the horse will lean into or move toward the pressure. Dogs might also be called “into pressure” animals. If a dog feels his collar pulling against his neck, his is likely to lean into the pressure. We humans, not understanding this, pull even harder to get the dog to move in the way that we want.

Dogs must be taught what to do when pressure is applied to the collar/leash.

With a handful of treats and your dog on a leash, toss a treat. You want the treat to land in a location that your dog cannot reach without pulling on the leash. Make {May 2012}

sure your dog does NOT get to the treat!

Hang on to the leash and wait. Your dog will pull on the leash, trying to get to the treat. Eventually, your dog will give up on the treat, and look at you, or even better, move toward you.

Yea! Give your dog a treat.

Then walk with your dog to the dropped treat. Let your dog eat the thrown treat.

Repeat! Do this exercise often and in many different locations. Continue to practice then you and your dog will be on your way to pleasant walks together.

Happy Training!

Tricia Fagan Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed DogS Gone Good www.dogSgonegood.com trainer@dogSgonegood.com (713) 557-1949

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713.862.6900 13

{centerstage} 14

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d gs cats Texas

Candy

meet

By lisa cari

W

& co.

hile scouting new photography locations in the Historic Heights, professional photographer and rescue volunteer, Sonya Sellers and Lisa saw it move. It was one Cari, founder of Adopt A Pet Houston, a pet of the puppies covered education and animal advocacy group unex- in biting flies and flies laying eggs on the pup. pectedly found themselves in rescue mode.

Sellers’ son, Andrew pointed out a dog in the road up ahead, and when Sellers and Cari looked up, they couldn’t see the dog, but could hear her barking. Sellers jumped out of the truck to see where the dog had gone.

The dog had parked herself in front of the truck and refused to move. Sellers quickly noticed the poor shape this obviously nursing mama dog was in. She could see just about every rib sticking out of her tiny frame.

This dog was asking for help! Sellers quickly grabbed her son’s snacks of cubed cheese and half eaten peanut butter sandwich and fed it to the mama dog. Mama dog and Sellers became fast friends.

Sellers and Cari tried to figure out what direction this dog came from, and that’s when Cari spotted something very strange. She saw at least 30-40 flies swarming what looked like a small black wadded up sock. But then Cari

{May 2012}

This pup was just 2 inches from falling into a ditch filled with green algae water from the recent rain storm. Sellers jumped into action and grabbed the pup and started to clean the pup off. The pup was pretty lethargic and Cari deduced that it was just days old and had been away from the mama for at least a day to be in this bad of shape.

New born pups feed every two hours and need to stay warm and out of the elements to survive. Cari then found the rest of the pups under a tree in the dirt in someone’s yard.

That’s when she started knocking on doors to see who owned these neglected, starving dog and pups. They learned from a person on that very property (who had two plump and obviously well fed dogs) that this dog was dumped there and did not belong to anyone and that the pups were just four days old. Stunned that any dog owner would not feed or give water to a dog in need living on their property, Sellers 15

Candy has proven herself to be a very smart and agile dog that would excel at agility or fetch or just taking a nap with you on the sofa and show you how affectionate and grateful she is that she has been rescued. took some incredible photos to post on FaceBook in a plea to find a foster home for this desperate family, as most rescue groups are full to the brink and can only take in dogs that have foster homes.

Sellers had two dogs that weren’t too happy about sharing their home and Cari was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer and had promised her husband that she wouldn’t do rescue work until she was done with the grueling treatment. They feed and gave clean water to

16 16

the mama dog who quickly guzzled it all down, and then began to clean her pups and nurse them.

The owner of the property stated that they had also called the city pound to come and get the dog and pups off their property, and told them that they were not people that cared as much as Sellers and Cari did. They knew better than this, even Andrew at 4 years old knew better after watching his mom work with rescue groups taking photos of pups and dogs looking for

their forever home. Children learn early on about the lessons of compassion and humanity.

With no responses regarding foster homes, they drove away to gather supplies to protect the small dog family to help her stay safe until a foster home could located.

They only had one day to find a foster home before animal control would come out and take them to the pound where they had very little chance of survival due to fatal puppy diseases like distemper and parvo in that environment and overcrowding.

It is for this very reason that Pup Squad was formed and this one of the organizations that both Sellers and

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d gs cats Texas

Cari support through various means.

Cari and Sellers decided to co-foster the dog family temporarily until a long term foster could be found.

Cari went back to pick up the mama dog, now known as Candy and her pups.

Candy knew that they were there to help and happily jumped into the car with her pups and never looked back. How Candy knew to flag down the truck with two dog rescuers will remain a mystery. We do know that Candy and her candy bar pups Hersheys, Reeses, Snickers and Butterfingers are having a blast playing with Andrew and Sellers’ husband.

Candy has proven herself to be a very smart and agile dog that would excel at

agility or fetch or just taking a nap with you on the sofa and show you how affectionate and grateful she is that she has been rescued.

She even plays with Sellers’ dogs when they are in a mood for a game of tag or chase!

Andrew has also learned the joys of fostering! It has been a pleasure for Cari too, as she has been sponsoring them and co-fostering this sweet family, which helps socialize the pups. Candy is just a pup herself at 10 months old and is awaiting her forever home too.

Candy is crate trained, potty trained, walks well on a leash and knows some basic commands. There are so many ways to help homeless animals in need by fostering, sponsoring, volunteering or donating needed items.

To find out more about Candy and candy bar pups, visit www.

PupSquad.org

{May 2012}

17

{meetthevet}

By Susan Randlett, DVM, Amy Webb, and Paula Bolivar

in

the

know

canine influenzavirus

D

haley

ue to all the media hype on canine influenza virus we thought you would like to read up on the subject. Greyhounds at our race track in Houston have a disease that has been confirmed as bacterial pneumonia, but some still think it is very highly suspicious of Canine Influenza. Canine Influenza is a fairly new disease, and it has avoided our area more than some, but it is something that we need to be aware of. Some of the boarding facilities in the area are now requiring the vaccine, so please ask your veterinarian for more information about your specific dog.

A quiet threat has emerged in the canine population, a contagious respiratory disease, caused by the H3N8 influenza virus. With summer rapidly approaching, plans are being made to groom and board our four legged companions. Due to the contagious nature of the virus and with so many 18

dogs in close confinement, there is an opportunity for exposure. Therefore, now is a good time to get a Canine Influenza vaccine.

Influenza virus not only infects people but also birds, cats, horses, and dogs. Viruses are generally host specific.

However, the influenza A

virus easily mutates creating a number of viral subtypes.

Each one has the unique quality of host specificity.

The H3N8 subtype of canine influenza virus (CIV) is genetically similar to the equine influenza virus. It is believed that the equine virus transformed making it possible to

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d gs cats Texas

infect dogs. The virus first appeared in Greyhounds at racetracks that were fed infected horsemeat.

Canine influenza is easily spread and highly contagious.

It has been documented in a variety of breeds throughout the United States. Outbreaks have been reported in dogracing facilities, veterinary offices, pet stores, shelters, and kennels. A major concern is that virtually every exposed dog is susceptible because Canine Influenza is a new pathogen. Therefore, canines have no preexisting immunity. Dogs that have been vaccinated for other respiratory pathogens such as bordetella or parainfluenza are still susceptible to CIV. The virus is spread from dog to dog by several different ways. One is through infected nasal or salivary droplets expelled through coughs or sneezes. These droplets, once outside the dog, can remain infective for several days. The second route is through mechanical transfer of virus from one dog to the next by kennel staff or owners. Because pets frequently accompany their owners on trips, the disease is found throughout the country.

This is a relatively new disease, so virtually all dogs are susceptible. Therefore, if an unvaccinated dog is exposed it’s likely to become infected. Eighty percent of these dogs will show clinical signs. The other 20% will remain asymptomatic but may shed virus thereby exposing other dogs.

Fortunately, the majority of infected dogs will show mild symptoms and recover fully. However, 8 % of clinically ill dogs may die from complications. The best protection is through vaccination. Just like human flu shots, this vaccine may not completely prevent infection but it diminishes the chances. If a vaccinated dog does get the flu, the signs are likely to be very mild.

It is recommended that the canine influenza vaccine be given at the same time as other canine vaccines that protect against similar respiratory diseases such as distemper, parainfluenza virus and kennel cough. Keeping up with the recommended schedule provides the best protection.

A veterinarian should be consulted about which vaccines are best for each dog.

When boarding or grooming at a kennel or daycare facility, use a reputable business with good references.

Make sure that the facility is wellmanaged and clean, requires current vaccinations on all animals and has a plan for isolating sick dogs. Inquire about the protocol {May 2012}

implemented to minimize the risk of CIV infection.

When a dog has been sick, it’s advisable to keep him/ her at home or isolated for 2 weeks. This gives the patient time to recover and minimize the risk of viral spreading.

After contact with sick dogs, clothing, equipment, surfaces, and hands need to be cleaned and disinfected. Routine cleaning of food and water bowls and toys with soap and water helps eliminate the virus.

When a dog shows signs of respiratory problems, it’s important to seek medical advice. It’s never a good idea to give human medication to a pet unless directed by a veterinarian. Human drugs are not labeled for dogs and may cause more problems or even death. A veterinarian can diagnose and prescribe safe medications.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any drugs that kill CIV. So once infected there is no antidote for the disease. The illness must simply run its course. Treatment options are focused on supportive care to keep the dog as comfortable as possible, hydrated, and eating well. This helps boost the dog’s immune system. Dogs with nasal discharge or pneumonia are usually given an antibiotic to treat secondary bacterial infections. Hospitalization may be necessary for dogs with serious complications. In all cases a veterinarian should be consulted.

As with most things in medicine, prevention is worth so much in a case like this. If your dog is eligible for the Canine Influenza Vaccine, do it soon so that you stay ahead of the curve, as well as giving your dog the best chance possible to fight off any disease!

A quiet threat has emerged in the canine population, a contagious respiratory disease, caused by the H3N8 influenza virus. With summer rapidly approaching, plans are being made to groom and board our four legged companions. Due to the contagious nature of the virus and with so many dogs in close confinement, there is an opportunity for exposure. Therefore, now is a good time to get a Canine Influenza vaccine.

Influenza virus not only infects people but also birds, cats, horses, and dogs. Viruses are generally host specific. However, the influenza A virus easily mutates creating a number of viral subtypes.

Each one has the unique quality of host specificity.

The H3N8 subtype of canine influenza virus (CIV) is genetically similar to the equine influenza virus. It is believed that 19

Canine influenza is easily spread and highly contagious. It has been documented in a variety of breeds throughout the United States. the equine virus transformed making it possible to infect dogs. The virus first appeared in Greyhounds at racetracks that were fed infected horsemeat.

Canine influenza is easily spread and highly contagious.

It has been documented in a variety of breeds throughout the United States. Outbreaks have been reported in dogracing facilities, veterinary offices, pet stores, shelters, and kennels. A major concern is that virtually every exposed dog is susceptible because Canine Influenza is a new pathogen. Therefore, canines have no preexisting immunity.

Dogs that have been vaccinated for other respiratory pathogens such as bordetella or parainfluenza are still susceptible to CIV. The virus is spread from dog to dog by several different ways. One is through infected nasal or salivary droplets expelled through coughs or sneezes. These droplets, once outside the dog, can remain infective for several days. The second route is through mechanical transfer of virus from one dog to the next by kennel staff or owners. Because pets frequently accompany their owners on trips, the disease is found throughout the country.

This is a relatively new disease, so virtually all dogs are susceptible. Therefore, if an unvaccinated dog is exposed it’s likely to become infected.

Eighty percent of these dogs 20

will show clinical signs. The other 20% will remain asymptomatic but may shed virus thereby exposing other dogs.

Fortunately, the majority of infected dogs will show mild symptoms and recover fully.

However, 8 % of clinically ill dogs may die from complications. The best protection is through vaccination. Just like human flu shots, this vaccine may not completely prevent infection but it diminishes the chances. If a vaccinated dog does get the flu, the signs are likely to be very mild.

It is recommended that the canine influenza vaccine be given at the same time as other canine vaccines that protect against similar respiratory diseases such as distemper, parainfluenza virus and kennel cough. Keeping up with the recommended schedule provides the best protection. A veterinarian should be consulted about which vaccines are best for each dog.

When boarding or grooming at a kennel or daycare facility, use a reputable business with good references.

Make sure that the facility is well-managed and clean, requires current vaccinations on all animals and has a plan for isolating sick dogs.

Inquire about the protocol implemented to minimize the risk of CIV infection.

When a dog has been sick, it’s advisable to keep him/ her at home or isolated for 2 weeks. This gives the patient

time to recover and minimize the risk of viral spreading.

After contact with sick dogs, clothing, equipment, surfaces, and hands need to be cleaned and disinfected. Routine cleaning of food and water bowls and toys with soap and water helps eliminate the virus.

When a dog shows signs of respiratory problems, it’s important to seek medical advice. It’s never a good idea to give human medication to a pet unless directed by a veterinarian. Human drugs are not labeled for dogs and may cause more problems or even death. A veterinarian can diagnose and prescribe safe medications.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any drugs that kill CIV. So once infected there is no antidote for the disease. The illness must simply run its course. Treatment options are focused on supportive care to keep the dog as comfortable as possible, hydrated, and eating well. This helps boost the dog’s immune system. Dogs with nasal discharge or pneumonia are usually given an antibiotic to treat secondary bacterial infections. Hospitalization may be necessary for dogs with serious complications. In all cases a veterinarian should be consulted.

As with most things in medicine, prevention is worth so much in a case like this. If your dog is eligible for the Canine Influenza Vaccine, do it soon so that you stay ahead of the curve, as well as giving your dog the best chance possible to fight off any disease.

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d gs cats Texas

advertisehere

281.781.4727 • sales@TexasCatsAndDogs.com

poster for cat show

{pawz-itivelynatural}

By Nadine Joli-Coeur

fleas, mosquitos, &ticks are bad this year

O

lergies and now they are exposed to fleas and bugs that seem to be out of control. I am not sure why. It could be because of last year’s drought, or possibly the quantity of rain we have had this spring. Whatever the reason you can proactively reduce the chance of fleas and ticks. In this article we are going to talk about flea, mosquito and tick prevention and solutions.

SIGNS OF ALLERGIES Fleas and ticks are everywhere. Even if you have never had fleas in your yard, you are not immune. Fleas can appear at any time and when they find a host (your pet), they seem to spread like wild fire. If you do find a flea, you need to not only 22

treat your pet, but you also need to flea proof your house and yard.

How can you prevent fleas from attacking your pet?

The number one way to minimize the severity of fleas on your pet is nutrition. All pets can get fleas, but a pet

with a strong immune system will make them less attractive to pests. The pet food industry is full of commercials and messaging that make us believe we are feeding our pets a healthy diet. Look beyond their claims. It is always good to do research. A couple of

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good independent websites you can look up to see how nutritious your pet’s food is are www.dogfoodanalysis. com or www.dogfoodadvisor.com. If you have a cat, the brands that rate high on these sites are likely to be high quality foods for cats as well. Ask lots of questions at your local pet store. For example, at Natural Pawz we will look up the ingredients in your current pet food so you can see for yourself if it is a good food. In addition to your pet’s diet, during flea season you can add a supplement brewer’s yeast which will make your pet less inviting to pests.

Flea Sprays and Shampoos.

Prevention is key. Look for a natural spray or shampoo that will not only ward off fleas but, also mosquitos (and Ticks). Mosquito bites can spread heartworms from host to host. I like to use a natural pet spray on my pets and myself (as bug repellent), that way if a pet ingests it by rubbing against me or licks their fur it is not a harmful chemical. (however, you still need to be careful and read the label) Some great solutions include; • Ark Naturals - Neem Spray or shampoo or their flea and tick kicker that also wards off mosquitos • Natural Chemistry flea and tick shampoos and conditioners. These products are excellent and the sprays can be used on cats as well. They can also be used for bedding, carpets and outdoors.

• A powerful essential oil product is Aromadog / Aromacat. This product uses essential oils specifically designed to ward off pests. The product uses Leleshwa, which is a rare and precious oil found to ward off fleas and ticks. Leleshwa is a bush that grows in Kenya and was discovered as a repellent when people noticed wild animals rubbed against the leaves as a pest repellant.

or natural flea spray in your home. Vacuuming and washing the hard floors often – daily during the height of flea season – is the least toxic way to control fleas.

This will remove most of the adults, and some eggs and larvae. Vacuum some diatomaceous earth powder into the vacuum bag to kill any fleas in the bag, or remove the bag and discard it in a sealed plastic bag after use.

Carpets: Boric acid products work in a similar fashion to the diatomaceous earth by dehydrating the fleas. When applied correctly, they offer protection for up to a year or more as they remain deep in the carpet fibers.

Treating the Yard Rake up any leaves and keep the grass cut. Watering can help drown the larvae as well. A majority of the fleas and larvae will be within 50 feet of your companion’s favorite spot to rest, so focus on those areas.

The best way to control a flea problem is to take preventative action.

Purchase a Flea Comb

The ultimate weapon in the battle with fleas is the flea comb. Removing and killing the adults (by drowning them in soapy water) can prevent a lot of future fleas being hatched.

Treating your home and yard

Home Powders and sprays For killing fleas once they are on your pet, use a food grade diatomaceous earth powder {May 2012}

23

{dougiedeogi}

Dougie Deogi

Rescue Reporter

H

ello Peeps! It’s me, Dougie Deogi, your rescue reporter coming to you live from rescue-land.

It’s almost summer! You ready for summer? Got your tan going on? Got that health club membership? Gonna get into that nice little swimsuit this year?

24

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Dougie Deogi is the official spokes dog for Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Rescue. He often has interesting things to say on his own facebook page, www.facebook.com/accordingtodougie.

The rescue can be followed at www.facebook.com/LSSTLAR.

Ya know, dogs need to be trim and fit too! Not “chubby.” Not “HEALTHY (as in fat).” Just trim and fit.

I know, I know, you just can’t resist the eyes of that sweet little pup of yours when he’s sitting up pretty for that next treat, right?

Well, did you know that overweight dogs don’t live as long as trim dogs?

Did you know that there are some really, really bad issues that come with fat dogs?

Pancreatitis is one serious medical problem that comes with fat dogs. Pancreatitis hurts! I don’t want my pancreas to be in flamed from eating fatty food, do you? Then why do it to your dog. Oh, by the way, a visit to the ICU to treat a bad case of pancreatitis can cost thousands of dollars.

So just don’t give them too much fatty food.

Also, all that extra weight makes their leg bones hurt.

One rescue dog that came into Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Rescue had hair{April 2012}

line fractures throughout her back legs from being so heavy.

Another little dog had both back knees mess up and she had to have two orthopedic surgeries. Now THAT was expensive.

This little dog is Daisy May. She was taken to one of the Houston Shelters and weighed in at approximately 31 pounds. She was so overweight, she couldn’t even get up to walk around. I put her tubby butt on a diet.

Today, she weighs about 18 pounds and she runs after me when I steal her food. Isn’t that better?

So, if you give to many treats, you aren’t being NICE to your dog, you are kinda abusing them. Just sayin’ Do you get it?? Wanna email me about it? dougie@ accordingtodougie.com Dougie Deogi, with special guest Daisy May, over and out.

(PS. If you want to adopt Daisy may, shoot me an email at my rescue address: dougie@shihtzu-rescue.com.

Doggie Daycare, Boarding, Grooming and Obedience Training 6434 Washington Avenue Houston, TX 77007 713-868-7555 deogi@deogidogspa.com

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collars cause for a

F

urr-tastic or flea infested! The Pupperazzi is on the scene and has your tail covered!

Now in its 3rd year, the Collars for a Cause auction kick off party was a smashing success! Collars for a Cause is the brainchild of Brett Chisholm, Publisher of Life + Dog Magazine as a way to raise much needed funds for the Spay and Neuter Assistance Program and its mission to end the homeless pet over population in Houston. Local and National artists and businesses create one of a kind collars to be auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds being donated to S.N.A.P. The auction continues through May 15th. To bid on your own work of art, please visit www.CollarsForACause.org

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d gs cats Texas

petexpo houston

The Houston Pet Expo’s 2d visit to Houston left no one disappointed! This years event was twice the size of last year and even had Pitt Boss

hyacinth

{May 2012}

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{marketplace}

petmayhem Your little lady will make a statement in this adorable pink plaid dress! Available at the Pawty Palace in Katy!

Keep the fun going after dark with this football that starts flashing on impact! Ask your local pet store about it!

Unsightly tear stains driving you insane?

NaturVet Tear Stain supplement to the rescue! Removes tears stains from the inside out with no measuring or mess. Available at Natural Pawz

Hands down one of our FAVORITE cat toys! The Cat Dancer is impossible for your cat to ignore! Ask your local pet store about it!

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The Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker! Eco-Friendly & Natural Botanicals Naturally Repels & Kills Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitoes on Contact! Swarm over to Natural Pawz to keep your furry friend safe!

The plastic pieces of the Turbo Track snap together to form a continuous track for a rolling ball.

Cats will enjoy practicing their stalking, chasing, and pouncing as they bat the ball along the track!

Available at Natural Pawz

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d gs cats Texas

Want to keep your pet’s coat puppy or kitten soft their whole life? r s fo k g an Th oppin sh ally! loc

We can help with that! Proper nutrition is key in keeping your pet’s coat shiny and healthy. This means feeding them a high quality food without fillers and by-products that they don’t need. The right food really makes a difference in the look and feel of your pet’s coat.

One food to consider for a healthier coat is Canidae. Canidae is made with excellent quality ingredients blended for optimal nutrition to help your pet keep their shiny, luxurious coat. It is available with wholesome natural grains such as brown rice, oatmeal and barley or a grain free variety called Pure!

Stop into any Natural Pawz location and tell us about your pets needs and we will help you find the perfect food for your pet and their coat!

With 8 stores in the greater-Houston area, the Natural Pawz team is ready to help you navigate through choosing the healthiest food for your companion cats and dogs. Free samples are available.

The Heights | West University | Galleria | River Oaks | Sugar Land Vintage Park | The Woodlands - 2 locations And coming to Katy early this summer!

281.362.7299 | www.naturalpawz.com

$5 Off

Canidae Dry Dog Food No cash value. Valid only on 30 lb and 35 lb bags of dry dog food. Valid at participating Natural Pawz Pet Stores. Expires 5/31/12