Delmarva Unleashed

Vol. 4 Issue 6 - Holiday 2012

Unleashed Delmarva

Complimentary

DU Cover Model

Oak

Holiday TailWaggers The Importance of Exercise Dogs of Winter Avoiding Kennel Stress What can I get for the pet that has everything?

From the Publisher Marla

Mr. Darcy

Max

Left: Max, Marla & Mr. Darcy, DU Canine Staff, wearing the latest holiday collars from Shimmering Sensations, an Eastern Shore designer.

Your dog can have their very own collar for the holiday season by emailing sharon@ce.net, or visit Michelle’s Pretty Paws, in Salisbury, to preview the collection.

The holidays are once again at hand. It’s a wonderful time of year and dogs certainly enjoy the festivities too. New bones, toys, canine apparel and collars. There are holiday visitors and the usual hustle and bustle that comes with them. Delmarva Unleashed (DU) appeared with its first stand-alone cover in the holiday issue of 2010, a real leap of faith. The growth in the last two years has been quite amazing. I would like to take a moment and thank all of our readers, contributors and sponsors for your continued support, without you we could not do what we do. From both the human and canine staff here at Grand Living Magazine/Delmarva Unleashed, we wish you and yours a warm and joyous holiday season.

Sandy

contents

Delmarva Unleashed Publisher Sandy Phillips

Vol. 4 Issue 6 Nov./Dec. 2012

3 Bark of the Town 4 What To Get For The Pet That Has Everything?

5 Holiday TailWaggers 8 What’s making a splash around the Dock?

The Discipline of Speed Retrieve.

10 The Importance of Exercise 12 Dogs of Winter 11 DU Cover Model Search 14 Avoiding Kennel Stress 2

Delmarva Unleashed

Holiday 2012

Creative Director Farin Phillips

Jetta

Editor Lou Ann Hill-Davis Contributing Writers Erin Daly Joan Gunby John Maniatty, V.M.D. John Niemiec

Advertising Info (410)726-7334 Cover: DU Cover Model Contest Winner, Oak. Proudly owned by Dawn O’Neal of Frankford, DE.

Bark of the Town

The Occasional Raw? According to Shawn Messonnier, DVM, - author of the award-winning Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, you can choose to feed raw once per day, rather than at every meal. In this rotation form of feeding, different forms of food including raw, canned, dry, and even freeze-dried food can be offered to your pet at different times throughout the day or week. This will not only adjust the pet’s taste preferences to all forms of food, but will allow its gastrointestinal tract to adapt to the various forms of food, and will minimize any chances of the pet developing gastroenteritis which could occur when the pet’s food is switched from one form to another.

New Hope for Idiopathic Epilepsy?

Researchers in Europe and the United States have identified a novel epilepsy gene for idiopathic epilepsy in Belgian Shepherds on the canine chromosome 37. Presented in the PLoS ONE Journal, the findings fuel our understanding of the genetic background of the most common canine epilepsies, and provide insight into common epilepsies in humans.

Coffee Table Dangers Holiday pet hazards are numerous, from strings of holiday lights to broken glass ornaments, the vigilant pet owner can avoid many emergency vet visits during holiday festivities.

Although it’s prudent to pet proof your home on a year round basis, it seems even the most responsible pet owners can let their guard down during the holidays. Unfortunately, that’s when the unexpected happens.

The most overlooked holiday dangers are plates, casually left on the coffee table or near the edge of a counter, where big dogs surf for a treat. Take the extra moment to place the plate away from the edge or on a table high enough to not tempt fate. While there are “safe” holiday treats for your pet, it only takes one unsafe one to create disaster.

According to PetMD, poisoning is one of the most avoidable holiday mishap. It can all happen so quickly when that slice of rum-soaked cake is left unattended on the coffee table. You can’t resist a slice, and surely your dog won’t be able to either. Many people think that the alcohol cooks completely out of most recipes, and in many cases it does, but rum cakes are soaked in the spirited libation, AFTER, the cake is baked making it a real danger for your pet.

Uncooked yeast breads are another serious hazard. Left to rise in a warm place where your dog could see it as a snack, yeast doughs will continue to rise in the dogs stomach. This can lead to a life threatening problem as the dough expands in the gut. Alcohol is also a by-product of the dough fermentation, setting the stage for a simultaneous poisoning too.

Many humans indulge in baked goods this time of year, and dogs don’t do well with large amounts of sugar either. Of course chocolates are popular items over the holidays providing an ever present danger for chocolate toxicity too.

There are lots of safe, adorable holiday dog treats available on the market. Be sure to pick up a few at your local pet store and limit your dogs holiday goodies to those meant for our furry friends.

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What can I get for the pet who has everything?

by John Maniatty, V.M.D.

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Delmarva Unleashed

Holiday 2012

‘T

is the season to celebrate the joy of family and friends, and you’d like to surprise your furry family members with a unique gift too. But what can you do after giving them every chew toy and mouse under the sun? Here are some new items and different twists on the classic toys to keep your pet mentally active and happy for hours.

For the large dog, that seems to destroy every chew toy on the market, try a medium-sized coconut. You can find them individually wrapped in the grocery store. Just pull the fur off the outside and take it to the yard. The coconut is hard enough to throw it in the grass, and big enough that your dog cannot generate enough pressure to crush it. But they can pick it up, throw it, roll it, and chase it. This was an accidental discovery by a friend which had a Rottweiler that would destroy each and every toy it was given. But after stealing a coconut from the grocery bag, he played with it for a week. We also used it for a rescue pit bull that could chew through anything. He just loved it!

For all size dogs, Bionics makes a toy called a “stuffer,” which is shaped like a cross and has openings on the end of two sides to place small treats. The dog has to roll or chew on the toy to get the treats out. I got mine at Paws and Claws, and found it was as strong as it’s claims. My dogs would roll it and seek treats and chew on it, but it did not crack or tear. Unlike the Kong Wobbler which my larger dog was able to open and chew the base and upper parts of. She enjoyed the Wobbler but it must be used under supervision. The Bionic stuffer and other Bionic toys can be washed in the dishwasher, which makes for easy cleaning once food and drool gets caked in the grooves.

For cats, I found many toys to be the same and it was difficult to locate something unique. Most are a simple mouse, ball, or stick with a toy on a string. I did end up buying two interesting toys online. The Frolic Sway is a magnetically attached hanging toy which allows you to slide the magnetic attachment to interact with the cat or you can leave it hanging so the cat can play in its own. The magnets allow you to mount it on a horizontal surface without having to suction cup or drill holes. Two hospital cats seem to really enjoy it.

The other cat toy is the Dart Laser toy. It is also made by Frolic, but it is different from other laser toys because it goes 360 degrees.

Like others, there is a timer, so it can run from 5 to 20 minutes. The hospital cats were not as interested in this toy as they were with the Sway, toy mouse, or crinkle ball, but cats do tend to be creatures of habits and prefer familiarity.

The last gift idea is both for the cat and its owner; a timed feeder.

Sometimes we have a cat that just likes to eat very early in the morning everyday. This is usually not a problem during the week when you have to go to work early anyway. But on weekends, when we can sleep in, they will meow or paw at you until you get up. The timed feeder is the perfect gift for both of you. Set the timer. You can sleep in and they will get the meal they crave on their schedule. It is also good for those long weekends because there are multiple trays allowing you to set the timer to go off up to 48 hours later. Some cat owners think they can leave big bowls of food out and that the cat will eat gradually over the weekend. To their surprise, they often find the cat will wipe the bowl quickly and suffer a bad stomachache from overindulging. Timed feeders help to curb this problem.

Hope your Holiday Season is special and brings hours of joy for you and your furry kids. God Bless!

Holiday TailWaggers Wag More Bark Less Soft & Chewy Dog Treats and Wag More Bark Less Oven Baked Dog Treats Simpler Times. Simpler Ingredients. Simply the Best.

The bygone days of catching fireflies, riding bikes, and being home by dark may be behind us, but the memories and feelings are still very much alive.

These were simpler times, when meals were made with love, patience, and wholesome ingredients fresh from the garden. Wag More Bark Less dog treats were created to reflect the straightforward goodness of this era, with all natural, simple ingredients and no wheat.

MSRP $6.99 Skyline Puffy Vest Strut the pup in this fashion forward vest.

Puffy outerwear is in and with Skyline’s Puffy Vest it means your best friend can be fashionable and warm too. The reversible jacket features a water repellent ripstop quilting, 3M reflective piping, with a leash access slit, Velcro closure, and best of all, it’s machine washable. MSRP $50.00 Bionic Bone and Bionic Stuffer Bionic rubber is a revolutionary material that can withstand the aggressive play patterns of most pets. Bionic products have been tested in rescue shelters and day cares around the U.S. for years. By making and destroying countless samples, we know Bionic rubber can hold up to the most aggressive chewers.

Beyond science, Bionic is a substitute for natural objects that dogs have been happily chewing on for millions of years. Bionic Rubber is practical; it floats, is dishwasher safe and is virtually indestructible by pets.

MSRP $9.99-19.99 Pet ID Tags At Red Dingo you will find great looking tags that include free personalized engraving and delivery. Tags are typically available in small, medium and large sizes. A small number of cat specific tags are available only in small sizes.

MSRP $14.99

Holiday 2012

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Cat Safety Collars Red Rover cat collars are made with premium nylon webbing fitted with a safety bell and a snag free fish clip. Cat collars are available in one size across a wide range of reflective, designs and classic colors. MSRP $8.99 Quality Festive Collars Up Country’s ribbon collars, leads and harnesses come in a wide variety of lengths, and in three widths. Wide = 1 inch, Narrow = 5/8 inch, Teacup = 1/2 inch. Matching leads come in the same three widths (wide, narrow, and teacup) in 4 foot and 6 foot lengths. All ribbon collars are made from high-tensile strength nylon webbing with sewn on polyester/nylon ribbons. Ribbons are stain and fray resistant; designed to last a lifetime. All collar and lead hardware is cast, not welded brass. Quick-Release Buckles are Coast Guard approved for high weight hold.

Machine washable, air dry. Prices vary by size.

A canine must have!

The Glowdoggie™ is extremely robust, 100% waterproof (not merely water-resistant) and guaranteed to last at least two years. At home in the harshest of climates and used by K-9 Search & Rescue units around the world, Glowdoggie™ LED dog collars are the perfect way to keep your dogs seen and safe, whatever the conditions...along city streets, off leash in the park, on your property, out in the countryside or on the water. Prices vary by size.

Holiday bling for pets!

Enameled pewter charms adorn these festive holiday collars for dogs and cats. MSRP from $6.50 to $10.95.

Designer collars for dogs ($30 -$52) and necklaces for owners ($52), feature dog related charms and beads. Place your order at Shimmering Sensations by calling 443-5235631 or visit Michelle’s Pretty Paws in Salisbury to browse a selection.

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Holiday 2012

Tuffy Pet Toys Multiple Layers Sewn Multiple Times! Tuffy's Pet Toys are the most durable toys available, but there is no such thing as indestructible!

Each toy is stuffed with safe, non-toxic fiber and they have added a protective pouch around each squeaker as an added safety measure; in the unlikely event your dog gets to the core. These toys are machine washable (air dry) and float. The Dinosaur pictured above is a giant toy, perfect for the hard to shop for big dogs.

Hurley® Zogoflex® Dog Toy Guaranteed tough! The Hurley® brings the best of a ball and a bone together. Made of super pliable and practically indestructible Zogoflex®, it’ll bounce its way right into your dog’s heart. These toys are guaranteed tough—if your dog can damage it, West Paw® will send you a one-time replacement!

The erratic bounce drives dogs crazy with joy promoting exercise and a stimulating mental workout. Perfect for gnawing and games of fetch. Buoyant and excellent for water play. Constructed of nontoxic materials, eco-friendly and is 100% recyclable. You can even send it back to West Paw® for postage-paid recycling. Prices vary with size of toy.

Faux Suede & Tipped Berber Round Comfy Cup® A statement in any room. Rich faux suede with tipped berber sleep surface and accents. Perfect comfort and support for any pet. 100% polyester fabric is machine washable.100% high loft polyester fill keeps pets off cold floors for added comfort and relief on joints. A variety of colors are available to match your decor. Prices vary with size.

Dog Sweaters Made from reclaimed cotton and machine washable, these West Paw dog sweaters are sure to delight both you and your dog. Excellent cut and fit for your dogs comfort, machine washable for ease of care. Prices vary by style and size.

Holiday 2012

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Georgi

What’s making a splash around the Dock?

The Discipline of Speed Retrieve.

T

his issue brings us to the last and least popular discipline in our series of all three of the DockDog disciplines, the Speed Retrieve. I say least popular from purely a human’s point of view. The dogs, they love it! All they have to do is run down half the dock (20’), jump into the water, and swim lightening fast to retrieve a bumper that is suspended slightly above the water; a mere two inches to be exact. What’s not to like from their point of view? For the handlers (yours truly, I happen to like speed retrieve) and for the spectators, it isn’t quite as thrilling as watching Big Air or Extreme Vertical. Nonetheless, crowds still cheer them on and get excited when the dogs reach their goal and pull down the bumper.

There are, of course, some rules for the handler to follow as there is in any sport. There is a 2 foot starting block on the dock at the 20’ mark. The dog must have at least one front paw touching the starting block, and the handler may hold or restrain the dog until the green light (or cue) is given. Once the timer starts, it is not stopped until the dog makes a clean grab at the bumper hanging from the extender.

The dog doesn’t even have to retrieve the bumper, and the fastest time wins. Simple, huh? Well, not quite that simple from the handler’s point of view. It is not easy trying to get a already amped up dog to sit still in a 2 foot starting block, making sure that they have at least one paw in the right place, while raising a hand to give the timer a signal that we are ready. In the meantime, the dog is antsy and has already tried to lift his paw or paws for a fast take off and you have to rush to try to reset them and, well... you get the picture.

I do have quite a funny story regarding a speed retrieve wave Georgi and I were entered in when we were competing in Louisville, Kentucky but perhaps I should let Georgi tell you herself...Ok Georgi, it’s your turn to SPEAK girl.

Oh, Mom, are you going to tell that story again. I was just

a little pup and DockDogs National did just change the toy I had to retrieve from my favorite, a colorful DFT (Dead Fowl Trainer) to a boring white and black bumper. I guess if it has to be told it should come from the horse’s, (or rather Dog’s), mouth in this case.

So we are about to have our turn on the dock for a speed retrieve run. In my defense, I did not have a chance to do a practice run, so I did not know about the toy change hanging from the extender at the end of the pool. I am expecting my much-loved DFT. This is what I was trained on for speed retrieve. My mom had my DFT in her hand and was playing with it with me while waiting in line for our turn.

She carelessly threw it aside on the side by the stairs and we proceeded to ascend the stairs to the dock.

Georgi

After getting me set up on the starting block and getting me excited about getting my mouth around that DFT at the end of the pool, she gave the cue and specifically said and I quote, “GO GEORGI, GET MR. QUACKERS.” Now Mr. Quackers is her pet name for my DFT. It is always referred to as Mr. Quackers, not a DFT. At that command, and I always do what I am told (wink, wink), I ran to the end of the dock and not seeing Mr. Quackers waiting for me at the end of the pool, looked around for him. The entire time, Mom is yelling for me to get Mr. Quackers. She later told me she thought I would get the connection and go in after that boring bumper at the end of the pool, but I fooled her. Meanwhile, I am trying to remember where my beloved Mr. Quackers is. Ah ha, a light bulb goes on and I remember where she threw Mr. Quackers. He is by the pool at the bottom of the stairs. So obediently I descended the stairs, found Mr. Quackers and promptly returned him to Mom, who was waiting hysterically on the dock for me to complete the speed retrieve. She didn’t look particularly pleased but thanked me anyway for bringing Mr. Quackers to her.

I think she secretly wants Mr. Quackers for herself. Needless to say, we didn’t do well as a team on that round of speed retrieve, but I had another chance and did what Mom said, and got the “bumper” the next time. Anyway, that’s my story and I am sticking to it. How’s that for story telling, Mom? Well done, Georgi Girl, well done.

Ocean City Animal Hospital &

Ocean View Animal Hospital

Quality Medicine with a Caring Heart John Maniatty, V.M.D. Anne Flood, D.V.M. MaryHelen Staruch, V.M.D. Brendan Moulder, D.V.M. 410.213.1170

11843 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City

www.oceancityvet.com

Available M-Th. 24 hrs.

Open Fri. & Sat. Dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets & pocket pets.

302.539.2273

118 Atlantic Ave., Suite 101, Ocean View, DE

www.oceanviewanimalhospital.com

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410 742 0299 or 410 742 0399

A happy pooch is a beautiful thing

Professional Pet Grooming

"You think dogs will not be in heaven?

I tell you, they will be there long before any of us.”

— Robert Louis Stevenson

Evita 12/2004 9/2012

Holiday 2012

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by Erin Daly, Professional Trainer

C

onsistent and frequent exercise not only strengthens the relationship that you have with your dog but it also gives him purpose and structure in his life. If your dog is exhibiting any unwanted behaviors including, jumping on guests, separation anxiety, having accidents in the house, or incessant barking, it is very likely that these issues can stem from a lack of exercise.

There are several questions you can ask yourself to determine whether your dog is getting enough exercise. How do you exercise your dog and how often are you participating in the activity? Are you exercising your dog before you leave for work in the morning? Are you making sure that you walk your dog before visitors come to your house?

I always tell my clients that a tired dog is a good dog. Remember: when you are trying to drain your dog of excess energy, avoid exercising him to the point of total exhaustion and stop to give him time to rest with access to plenty of water.

With any dog, variation is key. Take him to the dog park one day and a doggie play date the next. Try taking your dog to the beach for awhile or a wide open field to play fetch. In addition to these activities, the more variety you provide your dog with, the more likely he is to respond in a positive way.

Never underestimate the power of the daily walk. At the very least, every dog needs to be walked twice a day. This activity not only reinforces your role as the leader but also rewards your dog by giving him the exercise he craves and the structure he needs. On the days when you don’t have the time to exercise your dog in other ways, the twice daily walk can be very beneficial for training and bonding with your pet.

Regular exercise is the first step toward eliminating unwanted behavior. Consider hiring a dog walker for the days that you are unable to give him what he needs. Being consistent with your dog will lead to a calm and comfortable living environment.

The Importance of Exercise

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Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. *Offer good only for general veterinary services

Holiday 2012

Erin is a graduate of the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She is currently working towards using that degree to work with K9 dogs. In 2011, Erin attended Animal Behavior College to become a dog trainer. As of February 2012, she is an ABC Certified Dog Trainer and currently owns and operates her dog training business, specializing in behavior modification. Erin adopted a Pit Bull Terrier named Randolph in 2011 from a local shelter and they are currently working towards receiving a Good Canine Citizen award in Delaware. Erin intends to not only work with K9 dogs but also aspires to train Randolph to be a Search and Rescue dog, because of his calm temperament and curious demeanor.

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Dogs of Winter

by Sandy Phillips

W

hile you think about settling in for a long winters nap, take some time to learn about keeping your pets as warm and comfortable as you are. There will be many days ahead that include ice and freezing temperatures, and cold weather can be just as hard on pets as people.

Many pet owners often forget that their dogs have grown accustomed to the warmth of a home and feel the chill just like we do when the temperatures plummet. Dogs should not be left outside for long periods of time when it’s very cold and damp.

Little dogs and older dogs are even more sensitive to the weather change. Many house pets never grow that long winter coat, like animals in the wild. For some a sweater or jacket is a must.

Even dogs that live outside year round need extra protection from the winter elements. A snug dog house and a non freezable water source are absolutely necessary for winter comfort. Planning ahead will ensure your dog has a good winter experience.

Have a back-up plan for those outdoor dogs. When the elements become harsh with snow and wind, maybe you should establish a place in the home for them. On a very blustery night, with below freezing temperatures a laundry room or bathroom floor, with a warm blanket and water would be very welcome. Surprisingly many outdoor dogs are so relieved to be out of the elements they will demonstrate exemplary behavior. Keep in mind that unless they are staying in for the winter, they should have brief stays in the warmth so their bodies can make the proper adjustments. They should return to the protection of a quality dog house when the weather breaks. This is a good time to mention that dogs residing indoors, most of their lives, accompanied by plenty of appropriate outdoor exercise time, live longer, healthier lives with less exposure to the elements.

We should touch briefly on paw protection, although it’s really more of a “Chicago” weather experience as opposed to winters on the Eastern Shore. If your dog spends a lot of time walking or standing on ice or frozen ground, his paws will suffer in the long run. Paws are not covered with fur on the bottom so there is little protection from the severe cold. Long exposure to cold surfaces can result in cracked or sore pads. Be observant of the dog that licks the bottom of his paws frequently during the winter. There are several varieties of “paw balm” on the market which will sooth, much like a chapstick. Check with your vet for suggestions, particularly if your dog’s paws begin to bleed from exposure.

There are also boots for dogs these days, if you choose to purchase a set for your pooch, be sure to look for the ones with traction and make sure to speak with knowledgeable pet store staff about sizing.

Some brands, similar to house slippers, seem as if they would just create other problems for your dog. Shop with care here.

De-icing salt can also pose paw/health problems for dogs. Be sure to wash paws after walks along salted sidewalks and drives.

Not only is it a skin irritant, but most de-icing products are not safe for ingestion.

There are lots of hidden dangers lurking outside during the winter. If you live near a pond or other body of water, remember than rambunctious dogs running off leash can easily fall through ice, creating a life-threatening emergency. Winters on the shore are rarely harsh enough to freeze ice to a safe depth to support your dog. If you must let your dog loose near open bodies of water, be sure to supervise them at all times.

Lastly, remember that your dogs nutritional needs may change during the colder months. Talk with your veterinary health care provider about your dogs activity level. Hunting dogs may need extra calories to help them stay warm while working in the cold.

Dogs that become “couch potatoes,” once the chill sets in, may need a lighter diet so they don’t pack on the winter pounds.

DU Cover Model Search

What a competition we had this time! Glance over the photos on the following pages and you will know exactly why we have our Facebook followers narrow images down to five finalist for us. It’s a very difficult decision, we always have some great dogs compete, and this shoot was no different. There were a lot of big dogs this time and they heated up the competition a great deal, full of energy and enthusiasm for their shoot. We thought we would share a few of the candid shots with you so you can see what you missed. This was a dual shoot and dogs that participated were eligible for both the Nov/Dec cover and the Jan/Feb cover too!

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Ready for your

Close-Up?

Twenty dogs competed for the title of DU Cover Model, in our most recent event, held Oct. 13th at Bryan & Brittingham in Delmar. Some dogs even had two sittings and doubled their chances to win. Thank you to Next Wave Studios for great photos and to all the models who showed they have what it takes to grace the cover of DU!

Finalist Jillian Gold

Happy Holidays from DU Cover Models Armani & Mayia

Dolly Izzy

The Red Baron

Bo

Abby

Torque

Finalist Finalist 14

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Samson

Sasha

Buddy

Izzy Bandit Cash

Katie

Bruschi

Maddie Lynn Moose

Oak

Finalist

DU Cover Model

Cash Holiday 2012

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Avoiding Kennel Stress

by John Niemiec

T

he holidays are quickly approaching.

For many, that means making travel plans to visit friends and family or perhaps your upcoming plans include a much-deserved vacation. Wherever your travels take you, there is one very important question we pet owners are faced with…What to do with our pets when we are away?

There are options to consider, however most pet owners find the best option for them is to board their pet at one of the fine boarding facilities our area has to offer. Boarding a pet or the thought of being away from your pet, can often be stressful for the pet owner, but one must also be mindful of the stress felt by the pet. Kennel Stress, as it is commonly referred to, is a stress felt by dogs when boarded in a kennel environment. This level of stress can vary greatly, depending on the dog. Some will show absolutely no sign of stress and seemingly “go with the flow” while others may display several signs generally associated with Kennel Stress.

Some of the signs of stress include: • Lack of appetite or refusal to eat • Aggression or in some cases abnormal submission • Pacing, shaking, or continuous jumping • Excessive whining or barking • Lack of bowel or bladder control • Chewing on bed or bedding • Lethargy Occasional stress is normal in a dog’s life, just as it is with humans. However, as humans, we are generally looking for ways to reduce our own stress, and the same should be done with our pets. It is important to minimize Kennel Stress because it can lead to dietary issues such as an unstable belly, possible depression or illness, which may result from a stressed immune system. There are many factors that contribute to the level of stress felt by animals while boarded. Understanding what triggers stress is critical to knowing how to reduce it to ensure your pet is happy and has a wonderful boarding experience.

The causes of Kennel Stress include: • Separation from their owners, aka “Separation Anxiety” • Changes in routine or diet • Boredom, lack of social interaction or exercise • Loud and unfamiliar noises • Uncomfortable environment due to temperature, odor or lack of familiarity • The presence of unfamiliar people • Unwanted interactions with people or other dogs 16

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While some of these can’t be helped in the kennel environment, there are many things which can be done by both the pet owners and the boarding facility to reduce Kennel Stress and promote a healthy and entertaining stay.

Pet owners can: • Visit the facility before you board your dog there. If you feel completely comfortable your pet will most likely feel the same way. Many of the facilities in the area were built with stress reduction in mind. It is a good idea to ask what steps are taken to reduce stress in the facility you are visiting as well as how they handle a stressed animal if symptoms become visible. It is recommended that you call any facility prior to visiting since many facilities request a reservation. You should also ask other pet owners for referrals and how their pet adjusted to the environment during the stay.

• Give yourself plenty of time the day you drop you drop your dog off. If you are rushed, your dog will sense this and your stress will become theirs.

• Bring your dog’s regular food, treats, and toys if the facility allows. It is also recommended that you bring a blanket, or something similar, that has the smells of home.

• Remain positive. Showing emotion when dropping off your pet may confuse them.

Most likely they have seen you upset before and link it to something “negative.”

Starting out on the right foot (or paw) will promote a stress-free experience, and your actions could be the difference between a smooth or bumpy transition into their new environment.

Boarding facilities can: • Effectively use socialization to minimize stress. Dogs have social tendencies and nearly all dogs found in a boarding facility come from a loving home. A lack of socialization can be one of the leading causes of stress. It is important to make sure the facility you choose has a happy and caring staff willing to spend plenty of quality time with your dog. This promotes an overall positive environment for all the guests in a facility and will only enhance the time spent there.

• Provide regular exercise time for their furry guests. Dogs need an outlet to burn off some energy, particularly in the kennel environment. Therefore stimulus like a good game of fetch or a romp in the yard will do wonders for stress reduction.

• Maintain a routine similar to the one your pet has at home. Working to keep the same feeding, potty and play schedule your dog has at home can make for an easier transition from home to kennel and then kennel to home again. If your dog is use to a daily walk, make sure to sign them up for walks at the boarding facility. Many facilities offer a leashed walk for a small fee and based on firsthand experience it is money well spent.

• Pay attention to environmental factors which lead to stress. A clean, sanitized and climate controlled facility, that maintains a comfortable temperature, will further reduce stress.

• Offer a facility with a floor plan designed to reduce stress with plenty of indoor and outdoor space. An overly crowded or poorly designed facility is likely to add to stress levels.

• Play relaxing music in the facility. It’s a known fact that music can have a calming effect on animals. Dogs also need some quiet time, so turning the music off at night will provide for a restful night of sleep.

• Recommend clients bring items from home to make their pets stay more enjoyable.

It is important for pet owners to understand items from home may not always come home in the same shape as when they went.

Reducing the stress associated with boarding is in the best interest of both pet owners, and the owners of boarding facilities. It’s great for the dog, offers peace of mind for the pet owner and it’s simply good business. In this scenario everyone is happy.

Keep these tips in mind when selecting a boarding facility or when boarding your pet.

It will put your mind at ease when trusting others to care for your pet while you travel.

Did you know that Animal Control has many great adoptable dogs?

Your new friend is waiting!

Worcester County Animal Control 410-632-1340 6207 Timmons Road Snow Hill, MD

Remember to Check With Us If Your Pet is Missing too!

Warm Holiday Wishes from the staff of Paws & Claws

410.213.7490 443-664-6261

11934 Ocean Gateway (Rt. 50E) John and his wife Denise host many animals each year at South Paw Pet Resort in Willards. You can book your pets stay by calling 410-835 BARK.

11805 Coastal Highway, OC Holiday 2012

Delmarva Unleashed

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