Delmarva Unleashed May June 2012

Cover Model Search

DU in Wonderland DockDogs 101

Feline Urinary Tract Infections Candids from Bark for Life, DockDogs & Boardwalkin for Pets

contents

Delmarva Unleashed

Vol. 4 Issue 3 May June 2012

Publisher Sandy Phillips

Congratulations to GLM contributing writer, Mark Stoehr, on his newly-adopted dog, Carl.

What a cutie!

Associate Publisher Farin Phillips Editor Lou Ann Hill-Davis

3 DockDogs 101

Creative Sandy Phillips Farin Phillips

4 Bark of the Town 5 Boardwalkin’ for Pets

Carl

7 Are Your Pets Prepared for a Hurricane?

8 Feline Urinary Tract Infections 10 Lily the Pug 11 Bark for Life & DockDogs OC

Fact: Pets over the age of 5 are more mature.

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Contributing Writers Joan Gunby John Maniatty, V.M.D. Advertising Info: (410)726-7334 Cover: DU Cover Model Search winners, Maiya & Armani, Cavlier King Charles Spaniels, proudly owned by Melissa Shriver of Salisbury.

Worcester Humane Society Our Pets Fit Your World

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C

DockDogs 101

an dogs fly? You bet they can…if they’re a “DockDog” that is. Let me introduce you to the fastest growing sport on four legs, DockDogs or dock diving. If you haven’t tried it, you are missing out on the most fun you will ever have with your dog.

WARNING: This sport can be addictive.

Case in point, my husband and myself. We very innocently attended our first DockDog event with our then 10 month old Chessie, Rain. She had been jumping off the edge of our pool for months, so we thought, why not try her in a DockDog competition? She took first place in the senior finals at her very first competition. We won a beautiful ribbon, and a prize bag filled with doggie goodies. We were hooked, and joined the Delmarva DockDog Club that day.

It didn’t stop there. Since the club was just forming, we decided to jump right in and became two of the first officers of the club.

The rest, as they say, is history. We eventually bought a RV so we could travel from DockDog event to DockDog event, all around the East Coast and Midwest with our dogs. That was over five years ago, and we have never looked back once. We are still having way too much fun!

There are three disciplines involved in the sport of DockDogs.

The first, and most popular, is Big Air or the doggie long jump.

The dog has 90 seconds on the 40’ long dock to complete the jump. You may use all 40’ or as little of the dock as you want.

by Joan Gunby

The dog races down the dock and jumps as far and as high into the water as they can after a toy. Almost all dogs retrieve the toy but the dog does not have to bring the toy back to you. The important thing is to get your dog to jump as far as they can off of the dock. The dog’s distance is measured from the point at which the base of your dog’s tail hits the water. Each team has two jumps per wave and the greater of the two distances is your official score for that wave.

Big Air Divisions: Novice…………….........1” to 9’11” Junior………………....10’ to 14’11” Senior……………….. 15’ to 19’11” Master……………….. 20’ to 22’11” Elite…………………. 23’ to 24’11” Super Elite…………....25’ and up For most of the sporting breeds there is little or no training needed for the Big Air discipline. Most of the sporting breeds have a love of water and a strong prey or toy drive built in.

However, there are many dogs who compete in DockDogs Big Air, who are not in the sporting breed category, and do just as well as the sporting breeds, in their own divisions. No matter how long or short they jump, they are all winners. In fact, every dog gets a ribbon just for competing.

Continued pg. 6

Bark of the Town

Tip Your Groomer?

When it comes to tipping groomers for their services, you might be wondering what’s appropriate and whether you should tip at all.

Typically, salons recommend that you tip their employees for good service. It's a great way to show you're appreciation for a job well done.

Most groomers work on commission, some receive a flat fee for each pet completed regardless of size or style required for a particular standard. Like wait staff in a restaruant, many work on a very modest hourly wage and tips comprise a large portion of their salary.

Groomers remember clients that tip. While they are professionals who always do their best, they will pay extra attention to the unique needs of your pet if you show your appreciation.

How much you tip depends on your budget and how you feel about the results. Any tip is appreciated, but a good benchmark is between 15% – 18%. If you feel that your groomer did an exceptional job, or you know your dog’s behavior is a bit of a challenge, give a bit more, especially if you’re a regular customer.

Congratulations!

Paws & Claws Etc...

Congratulations to our friends at Paws & Claws Etc...who won the “Judges Choice” award at the annual Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Way to go!

Pet Parents?

In a recent study by the American Animal Hospital Association, 83% of pet owners consider themselves to be the pet’s Mom & Dad. 4

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Boardwalkin’ for Pets

Best Care Packages for All Life Stages of Your Pet.

Boardwalkin’ for Pets, an annual event held by the Worcester County Humane Society, was a huge success. There were 164 participants raising over $27,000.00 for the shelter!

The event was so much more than a walk. Numerous dogs competed in costume contests. There were prizes for the largest dog, smallest dog and more. It was a great morning to be on the OC boards.

George

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Continued from pg. 3

Extreme Vertical (EV) is the doggie high jump. The dog must knock down or grab a bumper that is hanging from an arm 8 feet out from the dock. The dog has 60 seconds and 20 feet of dock to run, jump and grab the bumper.

The minimum starting height is 4’6,” and each dog is given a chance to grab the bumper at a variety of heights.

After each successful grab, the bumper is moved up in 2 inch increments. After two total misses, the dog is eliminated and the last height that the dog grabbed is his official score for the event. There is a little training needed for the Exteme Vertical discipline of Dockdogs.

The dog must get the connection between jumping up and off the dock to grab the bumper hanging there. Once the dog gets the idea, it quickly becomes one of their favorite disciplines and they become obsessive about bringing down that bumper.

Speed Retrieve (SR) is the doggie speed swim. At the handler’s signal, the dog runs down 20’ of dock, jumps into the water and swims out to pull down a bumper 38 feet away. Dogs have 90 seconds to complete the grab and time starts as soon as the dog is in motion. Each team has two attempts in each wave and the faster of the two turns is the official score for that wave.

It doesn’t take most dogs long to learn the Speed Retrieve discipline. Once they are shown the bumper hanging at the end of the pool they quickly get the idea and it takes only a few tries for them to do it successfully.

Also worth mentioning is that all dogs 6 months of age and older are eligible to compete in the sport of DockDogs. Pedigrees are not required; all dogs are welcome.

Many of the dogs that compete in DockDogs are from shelters.

This is a family-oriented sport. There are separate | categories for junior handlers who can compete with the family dog as well as the adults. A junior handler must be between the ages of 7 and 16.

As well as a separate category for junior or youth handlers, there is also a category for lap dogs, who measure 17” or shorter from the withers down to the ground, and for senior dogs who are 8 years of age or older.

As with any sport there are a few rules: 1. Dogs must be at least 6 months old.

2. You cannot push or throw your dog into the water.

3. The toy has to be floatable and cannot contain any food. In fact, no food or treats are allowed on the dock.

4. Only flat-buckle collars are allowed on the dock. No choke collars or training devices.

5. Dogs must be kept on a four foot lead at all times.

6. You must clean up after your dog.

7. No females in heat are allowed within competition or practice areas.

If you think you and your dog might Love participating in a Delmarva DockDog event, it’s easy to sign up and join the fun! You can view the full event calendar and preregister your dog for an event online at www.dockdogs. com., or you can come to an event and register on site.

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You can also log on to our website www.delmarvadockdogs.com, and find the latest information on the practices held and where they are located. There are Delmarva DockDog events for 2012 listed, as well as whom to contact if you have any questions.

When I am at any DockDog event, I can never tell who is having more fun, the handlers, the spectators or the dogs. They’re all wearing big smiles. See you on the dock!

Joan Gunby is Co-founder of Delmarva DockDogs. Her dog Georgi, is a regular DockDog competitor. To learn more, or compete in a local DockDog event, visit their web site www.delmarvadockdogs.com.

Are Your Pets Prepared for a Hurricane?

Delmarva Unleashed Presents June 10 Delmarva Shorebirds Pet’s in the Park

The National Weather Center forecasts an active Hurriane Season. Now is the time to prepare an emergency kit for your pets. According to the office of Homeland Security, your kit should include the following: • Food: Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container.

• Water: Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets, in addition to water you need for yourself and your family.

• Medicines and medical records: Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.

• First aid kit: Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Most Save with a kits should include cotton bandage Model Search & Stadium Ticket Combo rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick available only in advance prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl at DelmarvaUnleashed.com alcohol and saline solution. Include A portion of the proceeds benefit the Wicomico Humane Society. a pet first aid reference book.

• Collar with ID tag, harness or leash: Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water. Use 8 leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water, stir well supply kit. and let it stand for 30 minutes before use. Do not use scented or color • Important documents: Place copies of your pet’s safe bleaches or those with added cleaners. registration information, adoption papers, • A picture of you and your pet together: If you become vaccination documents and medical records in a separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and clean plastic bag or waterproof container and also your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others add them to your kit. to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about • Crate or other pet carrier: If you need to evacuspecies, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics. ate in an emergency situation take your pets and • Toys: Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet. Put favorite animals with you, provided that it is practical to toys, treats or bedding in your kit. do so.

• Consider two kits: In one, put everything your pets will need to stay • Sanitation: Include pet litter and litter box, where you are and make it on your own. The other should be a lightnewspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and weight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets household chlorine bleach to provide for your have to get away. pet’s sanitation needs. You can use bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part

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by John Maniatty, V.M.D. Is your little buddy making frequent trips to the litter box and cries when they are in it? Is there sometimes urine, and then other times there is none? Then, other times they cannot make it to the litter box and go in inappropriate places? For some cats, this can be a chronic problem and can become life threatening when your furry friend cannot expel urine. When any of these occur, we refer to it as feline lower urinary tract disease or FLUTD. There are four main causes for FLUTD; they are feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), urolithiasis, infection, and cancer. They can happen individually or in combination. FIC is the most common of all these problems.

FIC tends to occur in cats less than 10 years old. The disease is self-limiting, meaning that, if the cat does not block we can see it resolve on its own with in 5-10 days. The cause of FIC is not fully understood but, there may be a link to seasonality and stress. Seasonality refers to the bulk of the cases being in the fall and early spring, but the actual reasons are unknown. Chronic stress is thought to induce FIC. Stressors which have come up in studies of FIC are multi-cat households, homes where construction is taking place, homes where people are constantly coming and going, when ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work schedules changes, new pets being added, abrupt change in diet, and/or poor litter box cleaning or placement. Chronic stress induces neuronal releases which can cause the blood vessels to dilate, the bladder lining to swell, the bladder muscle to contract, and mast cells to release inflammatory mediators. This inflammation can cause the wall of the bladder to secrete proteins, excessively exfoliate cells, and bleed or form blood clots. The combination of these materials could form a mucous plug, which can obstruct the urethra, the tube that connects bladder to the genitals. In male cats, this is much more common because the urethra narrows significantly as is reaches the penis.

Treatment for blockage needs to be immediate because urine back up can cause permanent bladder and kidney damage. The toxins also build up in the body and can be fatal. Treatment usually consists of inserting a urinary catheter, which may be left in for 1-2 days; fluid administration (IV or below the skin), pain meds, antibiotics, urinalysis, urine culture and sensitivity, complete blood panel, and X-ray to look for stones or large amount of grit may also be necessary.

Urolithiasis is stone formation in the urinary tract, rather than in the kidney or bladder. These stones can be the result of diet, urinary tract infection, liver disease, elevated calcium levels, or kidney disease. We tend to see this in cats greater then 10 years of age, due to higher risk of urinary tract infections, lower urine ph due to kidney disease, and liver disease. These stones bounce off the walls of the bladder

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creating inflammation. This leads to mucous plug formation and/ or small stones or pieces of large stones obstructing the urethra.

Obstruction mostly occurs in males due to conformation. The stones can act as a constant source of bacteria, and the bacteria can live within the stones. When they strike each other the stones break releasing bacteria. Some stones are formed secondary to infections raising the pH of the urine, leading to minerals settling out.

Urinary tract infections, just like urolithiasis, tend to occur in older cats. This is often secondary to underlying illnesses like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus. We also see it more frequently due to age-related inability to concentrate urine.

Bacteria grow well in dilute urine, but poorly in concentrated urine. These minerals combine to form crystals and then stones.

The infection creates inflammation in the bladder and urethra, which can lead to mucous plug formation and sometimes crystals will combine with it to make it a grit plug, which can lead to obstruction in males. Keep in mind that urinary tract infections are more common in females.

Bladder cancer is not that common in cats but sometimes can occur. Transitional cell carcinoma is the most common. It is an older cat illness and most are an average age of 15.2 years. This creates symptoms similar to other FLUTD causes, making it tough to diagnose. Ultrasound is usually needed, and surgical removal is a viable option, if caught early, because it rarely spreads to other areas of the body and is away from the urethral attachment.

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Lily the Pug Helps Rid the Silence D

by Sandy Phillips

ogs play so many roles in our lives. Many are more than just companions, and Lily is so much more to the Ames family. This special Pug has played an important role in their son Destin’s ability to overcome Selective Mutism.

Destin & Lily with donations they collected for the Humane Society.

Selective Mutism is an anxiety disorder characterized by not speaking outside the home to select individuals or in select settings, and continues for more than one month. According to the Selective Mutism Foundation, the first symptoms are usually noticeable between the ages of 1 and 3. However, it’s typically not identified until the child begins In September of 2010, Destin was working with his family, either pre-school or kindergarten. The child is often called shy physician and another special family dog, Honey, to achieve and it’s often believed the behavior will be outgrown. However his goals of vocalization. The family created a chart for Deswith true Selective Mutism, the condition will often worsen withtin to visualize his goals and note his successes. Progress was out professional guidance. The cause of the condition has not slow, and Destin often looked to Honey for support. Suddenly been established, but research suggests the possibility of predisin November of 2010 Honey was taken from his life, in a tragic position, via genetic influence, for Selective Mutism. death. The family and Destin had to shift their goals and their new plan for success included a Pug; a new dog because Honey had played such an important role in forward movement. Destin had become intrigued with Pugs while visiting his physician. She often incorporated dog/Pug interaction as part of her treatment program, and after successful visits, Destin realized he truly wanted a Pug of his own. That goal was quickly added to his chart and Destin began a very serious journey toward his goal of ownership. Progress was audible within weeks.

This was just the incentive Destin needed to focus on his goal of vocalizing with others outside the home. “By the time Christmas break came, he was speaking in whispers to several students,” explains his Mom, Linda. “After the holidays Destin worked with all the students and teachers and became verbal with them. By mid-March, he was speaking in front of the class!

The transformation was really astounding.” Linda tells DU, “The power of animals is so amazing. Destin really wanted a new dog, and it pushed him to work hard and reach his goal. He chose Lily because she was a little shy, but still very playful. She has been just wonderful for all of us. I can clearly see how their friendship continues to grow.”

Lily is now such a big part of Destin’s life, and he continues to be successful with vocalization outside of the home. Lily’s presence is a constant reminder of his achievements, and Destin’s interest in dogs continues to grow. Destin’s family supports local fundraising events for pets, and have been actively collecting donations for the Wicomico Humane Society to assist other dogs.

Bark For Life Just a few of the participants from the Worcester County Bark for Life event.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event, held at Fort Whaley Campground, had just over 50 participants and raised a total of $2,800 for cancer research.

Mac Rusty Jinx

Santana

Greta

Shadow Mystic

DockDogs in Ocean City The Delmarva DockDogs competed during the Ward World Championship Carving Competition, April 27-29. Here is just a peek at the action you missed!

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O

ur most recent DU Cover Model Search was so much fun! We announced a theme shoot about three weeks prior to the event and were not surprised when dogs showed up in costume. What did surprise us, was the detail of the costumes! Some of our readers are very creative Pet Parents. Most of our participants came as they were and costumes did not play apart in selection for cover. Again, voting took place on our Facebook page and the top five dogs with the most “Likes” became finalist. Our staff was then charged with choosing from that particular group for over all cover presence. I do have to admit it’s a very difficult decision and several of these dogs have cover presence. We would like to thank all of our participants.

As you can see from the photos on these pages there are many contenders. We invite you to our next event at the Delmarva Shorebirds, Pets in the Park event, June 10. A portion of the proceeds from that DU Model Search event will benefit the Wicomico Humane Society.

DU Cover Models

Maiya & Armani Finalist

Osmo

Finalist

Finalist

Harrison

Petunia

Finalist

Pickles

Publishers Choice

Jinx

Harry

Daisy May

Murphy

Sally

Maggie

Sadie & Biscuit

Hattie & Annie

Ty, Cherrie, Ernie & Abby Rose

Hattie

Lizzie