Delmarva Unleashed Jan Feb2012

Vol. 4 Issue 1 - January/February 2012

Unleashed Delmarva

Complimentary

™

Things Your Dog Should Never Eat New Year, Same Vow, New Twist

Bark of the Town

Dog Jacket?

Delmarva Unleashed

contents

A Supplement of Grand Living Magazine Publisher Sandy Phillips

Vol. 4 Issue 1 - Jan./Feb. 2012

Associate Publisher Farin Phillips

3 Dog Jacket?

Editor Lou Ann Hill

4 Bark of the Town 6 New Year, Same Vow, New Twist 9 To Supplement, or Not to Supplement 10 Toby’s Story 12 Things Your Dog Should Never Eat

Creative Sandy Phillips Farin Phillips Contributing Writers Lori Kniff Nicole Lewis John Maniatty, V.M.D. Advertising Info: (410)726-7334 Cover

14 Delmarva Pets

Spartacus, of Georgetown, DE sports his winter coat during last years snow.

I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am about Delmarva Unleashed in 2012! Cover Model Search returns with several shoots across the shore. There will also be a large scale shoot to raise funds for the Wicomico County Humane Society at the Delmarva Shorebirds, “Pets in the Park.” There is great talent, here on Delmarva, bring you dog to see if he/she has what it takes to be a DU Cover Model!

We will have contest and give-aways on Facebook, for you and your pets and another, unique event, may be on the horizon as well. There has never been a better time to celebrate our pets on the shore. To our growing readership, welcome to 2012 at DU!

Sandy

Noted:

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In Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Talbot, and Wicomico counties, the owner or custodian of a female dog that is in heat may not knowingly allow the dog to run at large.

The dog owner or custodian of the female dog that is in heat, shall confine the dog. A person who violates this section of Maryland code, 11-512, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $25.

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Dog Jacket?

by Sandy Phillips

I

s your pooch doing the shiver dance this winter?

You can't blame him. Try standing outside in nothing but a dog collar. Most dogs, especially small dogs, or those with shorter fur, aren't built for really cold weather. Why not dress your pet in a dog jacket, or hoodie? A dog hoodie is more than just fashionable, it offers a level of of warmth when the temperature plumets. If you are conserving energy at home, some dogs also benefit from a sweater in the house, just as you would don one yourself.

Winters have been changing on the Shore, the last few much colder and snowy. Although at the time of this article, I could compse on the deck in a balmy 60 degrees, at Winter Solstace. But we don’t know what 2012 will hold, as the winter has just arrived. Planning ahead will avoid the rush and you will find a much larger selection of products and sizes to choose from.

There are a wide variety of dog jackets on the market today. Made from fleece, cotton, recycled plastic bottles and more. There is something for every human perspect and every K-9 taste. We’ve even seen some Oriental style jackets that dress your dog in its own kimono. You can choose from a wide variety of satin colors and styles, from orange to green to blue. It’s the perfect way for every dog to find his inner Buddha this year.

“Jackets” typically don't come with hoods, but they do wrap around the animal's body and provide increased warmth. Many hoodies may be suited to a milder winter on the Shore and are cute, but not every dog will like the extra material around their neck.

It’s really best to take your companion to the pet store and try on a few styles.

Keep in mind that you can often get a dog jacket that's reversible, so you get twice the style in one.

Every dog has to have fashion options!

If you're a sports fan, why not get a team dog jacket? Fido can even have an offical NFL jersey before Superbowl. If it’s just a little chilly in the house, it’s a great option and they are so well made.

After all man's best friend should always support your team.

Rain jackets are also a functional item to mention.

My dogs have always had rain protection, wet dogs in the house create a lot of extra work. Muddy feet can be wiped, but a wet coat takes time to dry. Some rain jackets offer water repellency and are fleece lined, so can serve as a jacket as well. They really aren’t something to wear around the house when it’s chilly, but many will layer well over a sweater, if your dog just needs a quick potty break.

Consider the fashion and functionality when choosing a dog jacket or a dog hoodie. Quality counts as well, they should be easily tossed into the laundry to keep your dog looking it’s best. Also soiled dog garments are not healthy for the fur/skin, just as it’s not good for you to continuously wear the same clothing day after day.

A well chosen jacket or hoodie will keep your dog snug and warm all winter. And doesn’t your pooch deserves it?

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Bark of the Town Annual Vet Exams

February National Pet Dental Health Month It is estimated that 80 percent of people brush their teeth every day, but far fewer pet owners do the same for their pets.

Pet Dental Health Month, celebrated every February, teaches pet owners that proper dental hygiene is equally as important for their pets.

"Most people have no idea that dental health is so important to their pets, and that's why Pet Dental Health Month is such a great idea," explains Dr. Larry Corry, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). "In fact, veterinarians report that periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. This can lead to painful infections of the mouth, and in severe cases, these infections can spread and become life-threatening conditions.

During Pet Dental Health Month, the AVMA is encouraging all dog and cat owners to regularly brush their pet's teeth and regularly see their veterinarian for checkups."

The AVMA, a sponsor of Pet Dental Health Month, offers an informative video, giving step-by-step instructions on how to brush your pet's teeth. The Pet Dental Month Web site, petdental.com, includes tips from a veterinary expert on pet dental health, Dr. Brook Niemiec.

"Periodontal disease, an infection of the gums, is incredibly common in pets, and it can be quite serious," explains Dr. Niemiec, a board certified veterinary dental specialist. "It's estimated that by the age of two, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of periodontal disease.

Periodontal infections have been linked to diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and other life-threatening disorders. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is by regularly brushing your pet's teeth and by regularly visiting your veterinarian."

For more information, please visit www.avma.org 4

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Just like you, your pet can get heart problems, develop arthritis, or have a toothache. The best way to prevent such problems, or catch underlying health issues, is to see your veterinarian regularly.

A quality annual vet visit includes a physical exam and suggested screenings, relative to your pets age.

A thorough exam should also touch on nutrition and weight management, as well as cover recommended vaccinations, parasite control, and a dental exam.

Regular check-ups are the single most important way to keep pets healthy.

Like us on Facebook for contest, giveaways and the current issue. We have lots of things planned for you in 2012, and following us on Facebook is a great way to keep up!

Cover Model Search continues in 2012 with four events scheduled across the shore. Three of the 2012 DU covers are up for grabs, and we are shooting a 2013 this year too.

No pedigree required, so just bring your dog and have fun.

Cover Model Search will also be held in conjunction with the Delmarva Shorebirds, Pets in the Park, where you can enjoy time with your best friend, watch a game and have an opportunity to compete for the title of DU Cover Model!

Share your photos and stories with us. We love to hear from you. We hope to see the Delmarva Unleashed Facebook page become an Eastern Shore hub for pet owners.

Trim Pets Can Live Longer Many dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese.

And just like people, obesity in pets comes with health risks that include diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.

Pets need far fewer calories than most of us think: • 185-370 a day for a small, inactive dog • 240-350 calories daily for a 10-pound cat Talk to your vet who can make feeding suggestions based on your pet's age, weight, and lifestyle.

The Furry Support System A recent study by the National Institute of Health followed 240 married couples. Those who owned a pet were found to have lower heart rates and blood pressure, whether at rest or when undergoing stressful events, than those without pets. Pet owners also seemed to have milder responses and quicker recovery from stress when they were with their pets than with a spouse or friend.

Delaware Dog License in 2012 DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife urges Delaware dog owners to license their pets by March 1, 2012. Delaware law requires that all dogs, six months and older, must be licensed, except for Seeing Eye, lead or guide dogs, and all licensing is handled through DNREC, except for dogs residing in the City of Wilmington. The fine for an unlicensed dog ranges from $50 to $100 for the first offense.

Licenses can be obtained in person from the Division of Fish and Wildlife licensing desk at DNREC’s main office, located at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, or from many veterinary clinics, pet shops, sporting goods and department stores throughout the state. For more information, including a complete listing of license agents, or to purchase a license online, please visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/ info/pages/DogControl.aspx.

To encourage spaying and neutering, licenses for sterilized dogs cost $3 for one year, and licenses for unsterilized dogs are $6.

Two-year and three-year licenses are available if a rabies certificate is valid for the period. A rabies vaccination certificate, including vaccination and expiration dates, is required to obtain a license. The rabies expiration date must occur after March 1 of the year the dog’s license expires.

According to Patrick Emory, Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, purchasing a license and attaching it to their dog’s collar is one of the most important things an owner can do to protect their dog. “Each year, hundreds of dogs are lost or separated from their owners. A dog license is the best way to ensure that, if this happens, a dog and its owner can be reunited safely and quickly,” Mr. Emory said.

Funds from license sales help support the statewide dog control program for which the Kent County SPCA has held the contract since 2006.

Responsibilities for dog control include picking up stray dogs, answering dog complaints, responding to dangerous dog issues and inspecting dog kennels. To report dog control problems, including the location of shelters to receive stray dogs, call the Kent County SPCA at 302-698-3006 or 888-352-7722 toll-free.

To report information on a dog bite or possible rabies exposure, call the Rabies Control 24-Hour Hotline at 302-744-4545.

For more information on DNREC’s dog license program, contact Lynn Herman, Delaware Dog Control Administrator, at 302-739-9911. www.facebook.com/DelmarvaUnleashed

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New Year, Same Vow, New Twist

by John Maniatty, V.M.D.

T

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he New Year is here and thousands of people across the USA are going to make the same vow they do every year, to lose weight.

But did you ever think about your pet? In the USA one in three adult cats and dogs are obese.

Obesity, by definition, is being 20% over your ideal body weight. It is the result of many different factors such as: caloric intake, lack of activity, spayed/castrated, genetics, and thyroid disease. Your pet does not have to have all these factors to be obese, just one or two can create the weight problem. To determine if your pet is just overweight or obese, here are two simple charts: Hill’s body condition score which is 1-5, and Purina’s body condition score which is 1-9.

By using these simple charts you can tell if your pet is overweight or obese. If your pet has a weight problem, you have to identify what factors may be included in the cause.

“Caloric intake” is determined by how many calories your pet is taking in each day. We usually calculate this out in kcals. Most dog and cat foods will tell you on the bag/can kcal’s per cup/ can. By doing this and adding in the kcals for treats, if available, you can see how many calories, per day, the dog is taking in. The makeup of the kcal is also important. Feline obesity has been linked to high carbohydrate diets. Cats do not use carbohydrates for energy. They use protein as their main energy source.

To determine how many kcals per day your pet needs your Veterinarian can help you by assessing your pet and give you a goal weight. They can then calculate out how many kcals per day your dog needs. Included in this calculation is your pets activity level.

Varying activity levels lead to different kcal needs. You can have two dogs that are the same breed, weight and neutered,

but if one stays mostly indoors, with limited activity, and the other is outside running all day, the calories required to maintain weight can vary up to 70%. Animals also tend to be less active in the extreme cold and hot months. Not spaying and neutering also changes activity. It increases the urge to walk territorial boundaries and/or to wander off.

Spaying and neutering also changes certain hormones in the body that leads to fat deposition. This also lowers metabolic rates, which leads to weight gain. In cats, post spaying they should be fed 20-40% less due to changes in caloric metabolism. In dogs it is about 12%.

With this said, obesity is not caused by the surgery, but lack of dietary change to combat the metabolic changes that come with it. My own dog is spayed and I feed her a weight management diet and she keeps a wonderful shape.

Certain breeds tend to be prone to obesity. In dogs. Shetland Sheepdogs, Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Dalmatians, Rottweilers, and mixed breeds, have a tendency toward weight gain.

In cats, it is mixed breeds, Manx, and Siamese.

Reasons for this predisposition are not yet fully understood. Some believe that certain breeds are looked at as indoor only and spend little time outside, leading to limited activity. Others are prone to Hypothyroidism, which in turn leads to obesity. Hypothyroidism occurs mainly in dogs and is rare in cats. It is caused by the lack of production by the thyroid gland of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone helps to stimulate the metabolism causing body cells to burn and use energy. Low energy use, even with less caloric intake, leads to fat accumulation. Blood testing is needed to check for this. Treatment is with a synthetic thyroid supplement, to replace what the body is not producing.

In synopsis, determine if your dog or cat is overweight. Get them into your Veterinarian to determine a goal weight, how many kcals per day they need, and a suitable diet to meet that goal. Stop table scraps. Then gradually increase activity, and if needed, blood work.

Dr. John Maniatty is a board-certified veterinarian in practice at the Ocean City Animal Hospital, Ocean City, MD, and now at the Ocean View Animal Hospital, Ocean View, DE.

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The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) is a nonprofit industry group dedicated to protecting and enhancing the health of companion animals and horses throughout the United States. NASC was formed in 2001, when the multi-billion dollar animal health supplement industry was threatened by a complicated and erratic regulatory environment.

As part of its ongoing effort to improve and standardize the animal health supplement industry, NASC initiated its Quality Seal Program. The Seal is a way for consumers to know that, when they buy a product, they buy from a reputable company which has successfully completed a facility audit. Different from the NASC logo, use of the Seal is a privilege for members and signifies that the company has been audited for implementation of specific standards.

NASC members must agree to adhere to NASC’S quality standards and demonstrate compliance, with the following criteria, before they have permission to display the seal. Defining criteria includes a Quality Control Manual, providing standards of operation. This helps ensure product consistency and quality of products. The company must have a “Adverse Event Reporting/ Complaint System” to evaluate products and ingredients on an ongoing basis. The company must follow proper label guidelines for all of its products and all forms of labeling. Lastly, the company’s product labels must include any specific warning and caution statements recommended by the Food & Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and the NASC Scientific Advisory Committee for particular ingredients.

All of these warnings have been put in place to ensure consumers are not purchasing “snake oil” for their pets. Approximately 90% of pet supplement manufactures belong to the NASC. These members have their heart and soul in the quality of the products they produce and the health of your pet in mind.

The NASC program, in its entirety, is designed to help elevate the quality of the animal health supplement industry for the benefit of all stakeholders, including consumers, and more importantly, the animals themselves.

To Supplement, or Not To Supplement

by Sandy Phillips

D

id you know that 85% of horse owners feed horse supplements? The most popular are joint, hoof, digestive, coat enhancers and antioxidants. Does your horse need to take each of these? Probably not, but it’s a question best assessed by your equine health practitioner.

As you look at your horse’s diet, keep in mind that each horse in your barn has unique needs. Almost every horse can benefit from a quality, all-natural, multi-vitamin. Some horses, on the other hand, will actually need that joint or hoof supplement as well as a multi-vitamin to reach optimum health. Evaluate your horse yourself, and then talk to your vet.

Does your horse chew wood? Does he pick at himself, scratching and biting? Is his coat dull, even though you groom him often? Are his hooves dried and cracked? Are the effects of aging beginning to take their toll on his body? Is your mare in foal? Do you have a foal due any day now? These are just a few questions to ask yourself regarding your horse’s health.

People who don’t feed supplements are often skeptical about them. Consider the color change coat enhancers. Sounds a bit far-fetched, I agree. All “horsey” people have seen the advertisements. Do you laugh at the claims they make? Your competitors coming out of the show ring with the blue ribbon aren’t laughing. Their secret is a proprietary blend of spices.

All natural? You bet. Horses are browsers. Left to untouched, unspoiled terrain, they would know instinctively just what plants they needed to eat to look and feel their best. Face it, the urban horse has to rely on you to choose his herbs and spices. Herbs and spices add a little zip to the human diet. They will do the same for the equine diet. You are what you eat and the horse is an excellent testimony to that. The correct formulation of all-natural spices will produce an amazing show coat.

What about the cost variation of similar supplements? If the cost varies widely, they aren’t similar. You get what you pay for in horse supplements. High-priced supplements are made with higher-quality ingredients.

Would you really give your horse the moldy bale of hay just because it is cheaper? No, most horse people would choose to spend the extra money to feed the high quality hay. The same theory works with supplements. Read the ingredient labels carefully. Compare the quality of ingredients. If the qualities are similar, consider the use of filters. After all, you are paying for them too. Look at the daily ration required to achieve the desired results.

Look for products bearing the National Animal Supplement Council, or NASC Seal. In the early part of this decade, several of the quality manufactures got together to set the standard for the production of high-quality supplements. Their facilities are routinely inspected as are their ingredients. They continue working with the FDA to raise and set industry standards for animal supplements. Buy these products with confidence and use them according to the directions. More is NOT better; the dosages appearing on the label have been determined by animal specialist and are a safe dose for your horse. Again, always consult with your equine health specialist or veterinarian before you begin a supplement.

Whichever supplements you choose for your horse, give it adequate time to work. Herbalist tell us it can take three to four weeks for many herbs to produce results. Performance varies, from product to product and from animal to animal, and it can all depend on the outcome you are trying to achieve. Results are also reflective of your horse’s overall health when you begin the supplement. If you don’t achieve success on a reasonable time schedule, you should consider changing brands. Remember, each horse is unique. What works for the neighbor’s horse may not work for yours.

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Toby’s Story

by Lori Kniff

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ne day, my car was rear ended at a very busy intersection near my home. The other driver was a young man, only sixteen years old. He was very sweet, and had genuine tears, for fear he had hurt me. As a matter of fact, he had reason to cry because he had knocked me a full two car lengths ahead, and his 1971 VW Classic Rabbit would have to be picked up in paper bags!

The back end of my nearly new Honda laid in the middle of the street, also in pitiful pieces. He had no insurance.

I was shaking and crying when I called 911. I’m ashamed to say that when they answered, I could only tell them where I was, but I had difficulty telling them my name. They asked me to spell it, I couldn’t even say my difficult name, let alone spell it.

I think that’s why they sent an ambulance. I then handed my cell to my new friend, so he could call his mother.

The ambulance got there first. They were giving me oxygen and doing the usual agenda, when the law arrived. I was all right, and I knew it, by this time. The medics were looking me over and asked me to stay where I was and let the law “do their job.”

The policeman was a tall, big man, with a ‘no nonsense’ kind of a face; all business. He was the kind that you would hope to heaven, would be on your side. He asked me for my driver’s license and proof of insurance. I started stammering again, but managed to tell him that they were in my purse, in the front seat of my car. Then I managed to tell him that I had two dogs in the car, and when I left them they were fairly calm. But I didn’t know how they were now. There was a lot going on and I couldn’t guarantee their reaction to the door being opened.

“How big are they?”

“Well, one is 23 pounds, and will possibly lick your hand, if he is not too upset. The other dog weighs 10 pounds, and is not friendly at all.”

He snickered. I could hear him snicker!

As he turned away, he said, “No problem.”

I then went back to the business at hand, letting the law “do their job.”

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Soon after, the ambulance driver tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Look over there.”

He was pointing in the direction of my car.

The officer had a very, very long stick in his hand and was trying to get my purse out of the front seat. My little 10 pound dog, Toby, was up on the back of the seat, just waiting for him to make his fatal move. Her little ears were laid back, her hackles were raised and she was crouched ready to spring. Her teeth were bared and she was growling so loud I could hear her as far away as I was sitting.

But that wasn’t the only reason the policeman’s face was red.

He was embarrassed. As people will do, a crowd gathered to watch the show, and they were enjoying it immensely! Several people were telling Toby, “Stick to your guns, little dog!” Some were asking the officer if he was going to arrest her, and one man driving by, hung out his car window and shouted, “Call for back-up!” I’m sure it was very stressful for both the officer and Toby.

Soon after, the policeman walked over to me and asked, “Lady, how much did you say that dog weighs?”

“She weighs 10 pounds. Did she bite you?”

“Yes she did, in two places.” He showed me his hand and forearm. It looked ugly. It really did. Of course, I told him how sorry I was, in all sincerity.

“Has she had her shots?”

I felt panic, but I told him the name of our veterinarian, and that she had just received all of her shots. Fortunately, that was the truth, and she also had her two year rabies license. Thank the Lord, we were legal.

On our way home, I bought Toby a pork chop.

A few days later, I received a letter in the mail from the County Health Department, informing me that they had checked Toby for a previous “record” and had found her “clean.” At the bottom of the page, someone had drawn a smiley face and had written, “Have a nice day.” I was so relieved. I bought Toby another pork chop.

Lori Kniff loves cats and dogs. She has had a cat most of her life and several dogs.

She is concerned with the health and welfare of our pets.

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Things Your Dog Should Never Eat

by Nicole Lewis With big brown eyes and an adorable doggie grin, it can often be difficult to not share your food with your best friend. It's easy to think that "just a little" won't hurt them, but a chip with guacamole can cause real problems for your dog. There are lots of other things your dog should not eat. Most pet owners know the dangers of chocolate, but there are other, very common foods, and some are down right dangerous for them to ingest.

Here are a few food items to not share with them:

Coffee, Tea and things with Caffeine

In large enough quantities, caffeine can be fatal.

Again, the smaller the dog, the bigger the potential problem. There is no antidote. Caffeine can also hide in cocoa, chocolate, cola and stimulant drinks, like Red Bull. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning can include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits and unusual bleeding.

Alcohol

Beverages or food containing alcohol is a no-no. It has the same effect on a dog's liver and brain that it has on humans, but it takes far less to do the damage. Small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, loss of coordination, coma and even death. The smaller the dog, the greater the effect!

For most, feeding your dog raw eggs, puts him/her at risk for food poisoning from bacteria like Salmonella

or E. Coli, the same risk humans could have when eating raw eggs. Secondly, there is an enzyme found in raw eggs that interferes with the absorption of a certain B Vitamin, leading to potential skin problems if raw eggs are fed for an extended period of time.

Grapes & Raisins

Diary Products

These tiny fruits are suspect in causing kidney damage and even kidney failure in dogs. To be safe, they should be kept out of reach. Many dogs love grapes and will snitch, if the opportunity presents itself. Some dogs can become lethargic and depressed, in as little as a day, from just a few grapes.

Sugary Foods & Drinks

Just like in humans, sugary foods can lead to obesity, dental problems and diabetes. Xylitol can be a big problem in this category. Often found in candy, gum, toothpaste and diet foods, it can cause a rapid release of insulin in the body. As a result, a dog can suffer a rapid drop in blood sugar, which can result in loss of coordination, vomiting and lethargy.

Over time, the dog may develop seizures or liver failure.

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Raw Meat & Fish

Raw Eggs

Sharing an ice cream cone with your dog on a hot summer day may seem like a perfect treat, but dogs can suffer digestive upset from dairy products. Many are allergic as well, and can develop itchy skin, which is much more uncomfortable on a hot summer day.

Much like raw eggs, there may be bacteria that can cause food poisoning. In addition, certain types of fish can have a parasite that causes "fish disease." If not treated, the disease can be fatal in as little as two weeks.

Thoroughly cooking fish helps protect your dog.

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Salty Food

This one might surprise you, but too many chips can not only contribute to a larger waistline for your dog, but can lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, muscle tremors and seizures.

In some dogs, the condition can cause death.

Macadamia Nuts

Dogs should never eat Macadamia nuts or products containing them. Just a few nuts can make a dog ill. Again, the smaller the dog, the more critical the situation. For some dogs, ingestion could be fatal.

Eating chocolate, along with the Macadamia nuts, can make the situation even worse. Remember, there is no antidote for chocolate poisoning. Call your vet immediately for advice if this combination is ingested.

Chocolate

Most dog owners know not to share chocolate with the dog. It contains a toxic agent called theobromine.

It's even found in white chocolate. The most dangerous kind of chocolate is dark chocolate, and unsweetened baking chocolate. Eating chocolate, even just licking the bowl, can cause a dog to vomit and/or have diarrhea. Chocolate ingestion can also cause an abnormal heart rate, tremors, seizures and possibly death.

Avocado

Even if it's your favorite food, this is one not to share with your dog.

Avocados contain "persin." In large amounts it can be toxic to dogs.

Every part of the plant and fruit is toxic. Be sure your dog doesn't run off with a rind from your guacamole dip!

Yeast Dough

Yeast breads need time to rise, before baking, and unfortunately, will do so in your dogs stomach, if they consume uncooked yeast dough. As it swells inside, the dogs abdomen can stretch, causing severe abdominal pain. Also, when the dough ferments, it releases alcohol, which in itself, is a big no-no for dogs.

Paws & Claws Enters 2012 with it’s NEW WEBSITE

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Your Medicine

A rouge acetaminophen or ibuprofen, accidentally dropped on the floor, can cause serious problems for your pet. Retrieve all dropped pills immediately and keep all medicines well out of reach from curious pets.

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If your pet accidentally VCA teams are truly dedicated to animals – they will get to know and love your pet! something, contact ASPCA ingests Poison VCA givesControl you the best ofimmediately, both worlds: The warm, or friendly atmosphere of a local hospital where everybody your name, contact your Vet for knows advice on combined the with the reassurance of the leading-edge medicine and resources of the nation’s particular situation. largest free-standing veterinary hospital network.

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VCA has over 540 hospitals nationwide, with caring veterinarians and so if you move, chanceskitchen, are high that there will be a VCA Hospital There are numerous other things, commonlystaff,found in your that your near you! dog simply should not eat: baking soda and baking powder are both highly VCA’s family includes over 335 of the nation’s best board-certified toxic. So is nutmeg and other spices. Keep your cabinet doors closed so your specialists in over 50 specialty and emergency hospitals across the dog is not tempted to explore the contents. nation, so should the need arise, you won’t have to look anywhere else.

Even the most careful dog owners find their dog may sneak food they should not eat. If this happens, contact your vet immediately for advice on how to best handle the situation. You can also contact the ASPCA Poison Control hotline at 888-426-4435 for guidance.

Learn more at vca-littlebundles.com

or call 1-800-vca-PETS (822-7387)

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VCA–554 PG D2 (092011)

VCA Delmarva Animal Hospital 10311 Old Ocean City Blvd.

Berlin, MD www.vcadelmarva.com

410.629.1800 www.facebook.com/DelmarvaUnleashed

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Delmarva Unleashed

www.facebook.com/DelmarvaUnleashed

Make Your Pet a Star in Delmarva Unleashed!

Email us your high resolution digital images to: grandlivingmag@verizon.net

April 15 Paws & Claws, West Ocean City (May/June 2012 Issue) June 10 Delmarva Shorebirds* Pet’s in the Park, Salisbury (July/Aug. 2012 Issue) August 12 (Mar/April 2013) TBA October 13 Bryan & Brittingham, Delmar (Nov/Dec 2012) Sitting Fee: $20* Fee includes a professional shoot

by NextWave Studios, a complimentary 5 x 7 photo, and a chance to have your dog appear on the cover of Delmarva Unleashed!

More Info: 410-726-7334 *$25 at Pets in the Park and includes Ballpark admission when you pre register online

Delmarva Unleashed Cover Model Search

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Put your best paw forward!

Ocean City Animal Hospital & Ocean View Animal Hospital Quality Medicine with a Caring Heart

Available M-Th. 24 hrs.

Open Fri. & Sat.

Dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets & pocket pets.

John Maniatty, V.M.D. Anne Flood, D.V.M. MaryHelen Staruch, V.M.D.

410.213.1170

Get a Fastrack Dog

Canine Microbial Supplement

11843 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City

www.oceancityvet.com

302.539.2273 118 Atlantic Ave., Suite 101, Ocean View, DE

www.oceanviewanimalhospital.com

ThePlaidDog.com 443-880-3879 www.facebook.com/DelmarvaUnleashed

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