Desert Pet Companion Magazine, Summer 2015 issue

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR PET LOVERS

Complimentary Please Take A Copy!

Summer 2015

Pet Health Insurance, Reconsidered Asthma & Cats Friends Pet Project:

Pet Food Bank Is Keeping People & Pets Together Anesthesia

Alleviating the Fear PLUS: Training Tips, Events & Activities

Meet

APRIL

Therapy Cat, Companion & Seasoned Traveller

Pet Oasis Healthy Pet Center Great Prices - Superior Nutrition

n Best Pricing on Natural Balance in the Valley n Nutrition, Toys, Apparel n Raw and Freeze-Dried Diets n Supplements & Dietary Solutions n Pet Grooming Supplies n Collars, Harnesses & Leashes n Travel Accessories

NOW 2 LOCATIONS Bermuda Dunes 42220 Washington (Next to Home Goods)

760-345-3199

Rancho Mirage 72877 Dinah Shore Dr. (Across from Clark’s Nutrition)

760-324-0980 www.ThePetOasis.com

Published quarterly.

Fall (Sept.-Nov.) Winter (Dec.-Feb.) Spring (Mar.-May) Summer (June-Aug.) Publisher: Miriam Wiegel mwiegel@DesertPetCompanion.com Editor: Geoff Winstead editor@DesertPetCompanion.com Advertising Sales: sales@desertpetcompanion.com Printer: Publication Printers Corp. www.publicationprinters.com Distribution: Magazines are available at our advertisers’ locations or please visit our website or call the editorial office for a list of other locations where the magazine is available.

We provide veterinary services for every stage in your pet’s life, from her first shots to a lifetime of preventive care to keep her happy and healthy.

• Primary & Advanced Care • Preventive Care • Alternative Medicine We provide comprehensive veterinary care for your: Cats • Dogs • Pocket Pets Exotics • Rabbits • Reptiles

Pet Boarding & Grooming Available!

78-267 Highway 111, La Quinta (The Building In Front of Vons)

www.vcahospitals.com/all-creatures-ca

Cover photo courtesy Tim Culbertson Please see article on page 10.

FOLLOW US ON Editorial photos © fotolia.com unless otherwise noted.

Desert Pet Companion (DPC) and its publisher assume no responsibility for changes, omissions or errors contained in this publication. Advertising in Desert Pet Companion does not indicate an endorsement by Desert Pet Companion or its publisher. DPC assumes no responsibility for opinions of contributors nor do the opinions expressed by contributors necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the publisher. DPC is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photos, which must be accompanied by return postage and envelope. No part of Desert Pet Companion may be reprinted or copied without express, written permission. ©2015 www.DesertPetCompanion.com Desert Pet Companion is published by Desert Pet Companion Editorial Office: 760-835-0369

Desert Pet Companion, P.O. Box 378 Palm Springs, CA 92263

For Advertising Information call: 760-835-0369

Pet Health Insurance, Reconsidered

By Lillian Roberts, DVM Country Club Animal Clinic

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everal years ago, I wrote an article for Desert Pet Companion on the subject of pet health insurance. At the time, my attitude could be summed up as “Don’t Do It!” I suggested instead taking the money it would have cost and placing it into a money market account, letting the interest accrue if nothing untoward happens to your pet. Pay for “routine” veterinary costs as you go, and let the money build. But if you need it, it’s still there and you don’t have to have the expense “approved” by some bureaucrat.

Why did I feel that way? Because while I may be courted and solicited and showered with literature and free pens by a growing number of pet insurance companies, I depend much 4 Desert Pet Companion

more on my clients – actual users of said insurance – for real information.

That and input from fellow veterinarians, who hear from their clients… and so on. Time after time I have heard complaints about how payouts don’t live up to implied promises, and the fine print is ridiculously hard to understand.

But over time, my recommendation has now changed to “YES! But choose carefully.”

The important underlying fact is, pet insurance is not really “health insurance.” It’s actually property insurance – much closer to your auto policy than your personal health insurance.

Consequently, very little regulation exists to govern providers’ behavior.

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What they are required to do: 1) Not actually lie.

2) Have an underwriter.

That’s pretty much it. They are free to obfuscate, mislead, overpromise, fail to renew and then blame the lapse on you. They can steer you toward spending money on products they “endorse” – specifically, products whose manufacturers pay them to promote them. And as long as they have not specifically promised to pay for a given condition, they are free to deny literally anything. Traditionally, pet health insurance epitomizes the concept of “buyer beware!”

One thing they all have in common is that you can choose any vet you want. That’s because it’s still up to you to pay the vet bill then apply to the insurance company for reimbursement.

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In a way, that’s also the bad news – if pet owners or their vets had to get a treatment pre-approved, it might become a lot more obvious which companies really have their clients’ backs!

Another thing is, there is NO policy out there that covers pre-existing conditions. None. You cannot bring your dog to the vet this week for a diagnosis, then purchase insurance and expect them to cover the treatment for that diagnosis. The time to buy a policy is when your pet is young and healthy – in other words, before you need it! That makes it hard to know exactly what you really need in a policy! One problem lies in how certain companies define “preexisting condition.”

A couple of worst-case examples: 1) Several well-known companies now make it incumbent on the buyer to choose “continual” care (they may give it a different name). If you don’t go to their website and choose this option, you are effectively agreeing that if your pet is diagnosed with any chronic illness (allergies, diabetes, hypothyroid, even cancer), coverage will be discontinued as soon as your policy renews. How can that be? It’s now “preexisting!” A client of mine recently had a substantial claim denied after her dog developed heart failure.

The rationale? A murmur was first noted two years earlier, at which time a work up showed no treatment was needed. This dog had been insured since it was a puppy, and the owner had never missed a payment.

2) A leading company pays out, not based on the actual costs incurred but based on a fee list they maintain, and

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which is published only in the vaguest terms. This schedule may be relevant in Arkansas, but here in California it results in payouts amounting to 3045% based on reports from actual clients. (It’s worth noting that many of these clients are happy with this payout and feel it’s worth the cost of the policy.)

So, given all those headaches, why would I now recommend that pet owners purchase insurance?

For one, it seems that every month brings a fabulous new treatment possibility for an illness that, not long ago, would have meant certain death.

There is so much we as veterinarians can now offer to our patients, but the price is often prohibitory.

And secondly, a few excellent companies have shown, over time, that it’s possible to be honest, easy to deal with, and still make a profit. These companies wind up with clients who are happy with their policies year after year, and who are now able to make clear-eyed decisions on behalf of their pets’ health based on how it might affect their health, rather than how much it will cost.

Not long ago I had to tell a client I didn’t know very well, “Your dog needs 6 Desert Pet Companion

a specialist. They will need to do surgery. It’s going to be expensive.” The reply? “That’s okay, we have (name of my favorite pet insurance company)!”

With some companies, a month later they would have been swearing and canceling their policy. Instead, after multiple surgeries that included multiple specialists and a total bill that was well into 5 figures, they are still singing the praises of this company!

Obviously, there are enormous differences between companies and the policies they write. So how do you choose? For various reasons I can’t endorse a single company in print, but here are a few important questions to ask when looking for pet health insurance:

Is there a long waiting period before coverage kicks in?

Does the policy go month-tomonth, or do you have to renew each year? (Month-to-month policies that can be canceled easily are increasingly popular, as there is no way to “forget” to renew.)

How is reimbursement calculated?

(Is it based on actual fees, or a list the company maintains?)

Insist on being told up front whether a condition diagnosed now will

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still be covered next year.

How much is the deductible? How does it work? (Some are annual, others are per-condition.)

Is there a cap to how much the policy will pay out? Is it annual, per-condition, or lifetime?

Does the policy cover prescription medications? If so, do you have to purchase them from a specific supplier/ pharmacy?

Will the company provide a list of what they consider a genetic condition for your pet’s breed? (One company is notorious for refusing to cover various conditions based on genetic predisposition, but no list of such conditions is every provided in advance!)

Will the policy cover recurring conditions such as ear infections, colitis, etc? (The good ones won’t consider this pre-existing if there is no sign of a problem for a certain period of time – usually around 6 months since the last episode.)

Is there an age limit above which the policy will no longer apply? At least one major company cancels policies when a pet reaches the age 8 Desert Pet Companion

of 10 years – just about the time you really need it!

Perhaps most limiting, will the policy cover genetic and congenital conditions? This would include things like heart defects, hip dysplasia, and luxating patellas (kneecaps). Only one company I know of – Trupanion - does so, and this only if there was no physical indication of the condition when the pet was examined by a veterinarian prior to the owner purchasing the policy. If you have (for example) an English Bulldog, Great Dane, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or even a Pomeranian, this is something to think about!

Is there a whole lot of “fine print?”

My experience has been, the more complicated the fine print, the less likely you are to be happy over time.

For more information, and to compare major companies side-by-side, visit petinsurancereview.com. Oddly, the reviews themselves tend to be vague and overwhelmingly positive, but the site also has links showing the various companies that are out there, along with side-by-side comparisons of policy highlights.

Obviously, there is no one perfect policy for every pet owner. But with the rising cost of veterinary care and the ever-increasing ways of treating and preventing illness, pet health insurance can literally be life-saving.

Dr. Lillian Roberts, DVM, is the owner of Country Club Animal Clinic which is located at 36869 Cook Street, in Palm Desert.

760-776-7555 www.countryclubdvm.com.

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PHOTO COURTESY TIM CULBERTSON, RETOUCHED BY MARK DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Meet April

A Cat With Frequent Flyer Miles

By Geoff Winstead

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British Blue/Russian Blue mix, April appears to be your normal, lie around the house, I’ll do whatever I feel like feline. However, April has a few out-of-the-ordinary qualities.

First, she belongs to an actor. Second, she has a military background. And finally, she has traveled more than 189,000 miles by plane, train and automobile!

You’ve seen her owner before, probably many times, but may not 10 Desert Pet Companion

know his name. Tim Culbertson has been in countless movies and television shows, but never as a leading actor. He was the advertising model for Salem cigarettes back in the days when those could be legally advertised. He also bears an uncanny resemblance to both Gary Busey and Nick Nolte and is the stand in and stunt double for both actors. His mother founded the first Humane Society chapter in Panama, Florida, so he

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has been around animals all of his life.

He played football for the University of Florida, and is a Vietnam vet. He was also an animal rustler, known as the “Snake man of Hollywood” providing snakes and other animals for movies and TV shows. Tim says, “The type of animals I provided weren’t trainable.

You know, snakes, rats and the like for those squeamish scenes. That’s why I’m a ‘rustler’, not a trainer … when the scene’s done you have to find them and put them back in their cages!” Tim was gracious enough to let me into his home and serve lunch while he talked about his career and his constant companion, April.

April happened to come into Tim’s life after he had been without a cat for two years. He came across an abandoned 3-inch fur ball and thought to himself, “Oh God, not now! There are too many things going on in my life.”

He needed to be in Maine later that week but he took the kitten home with him anyway. After several days of feeding the kitten every three hours with an eye dropper, Tim decided to keep her. Thankfully, a neighbor agreed to watch the kitten while Tim took care of business in Maine. On his return to Florida, he discovered the tiny kitten was infested with fleas. After a visit to a cat clinic to treat the fleas and get her shots, Tim named his little fur ball April. From that day since, she’s never been away from his side, except for a three-week period in 2013 when he returned to Vietnam to tour the entire country.

April is now 11 years old and is one of only a few official U.S. military serSummer 2015

vice cats that have been trained to relieve patient stress. She was authorized as a service and therapy animal at the Veteran’s Administration (VA) in Westwood, California, and was specifically trained to deal with Tim’s stress disorder. She is recertified annually and receives annual documentation from the VA, which Tim showed me, that allows her to accompany him on an airline (or boat or train) without having to be confined under the seat or in the hold. She can travel on his lap after takeoff until landing and is exempt from quarantines (as long as her vaccines are up to date).

Most cats that I have observed or owned over the years balk at even getting inside a car, much less getting on a plane. I recall moving my cat from L.A. to San Diego where she got out of her carrier and spent half of the trip with claws in the headliner hanging upside down and howling! April must have been trained for extensive travel from the time she was a kitten! Tim does a lot of traveling and April has gone on every trip with 12 Desert Pet Companion

him except for one. She has been in almost every state and Canada, including a motorhome trip to Alaska and is a frequent commuter between Tim’s place in Indian Wells and his other home in Key West, Florida or a family residence in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Tim says, “She’s not like a dog that can’t wait to get in the car. She’s never excited about it, but she knows we’re going someplace, so goes and uses the box before we leave and is fine about the whole thing. She loves going places—except the beach. She’s not crazy about that.”

While private transportation and trains are not a problem when bringing a cat aboard, airlines are sometimes a bit trickier to maneuver for Tim and April once she gets out of her carrier and is sitting on Tim’s lap.

That’s why he carries the letter from the Pentagon with him when they fly. At one point he had a confrontation with flight attendants who did not check the manifest and he had to show the document to the pilot to keep from being taken off the plane for rule violations. “Be assertive when traveling,” says Tim. “You have a right to have a service animal accompany you as long as you have the right documentation.” April always has food, water and a portable litter box available during the flight and is never phased by these stressful moments.

After all, that’s what she’s there for.

Not everything in April’s life has been great, however. She, too, was subject to a frequent problem with cats that live in the desert—dehydration. Three and a half years ago, Tim

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noticed blood in her urine and stool and took her to the vet who found kidney stones in an x-ray. She had not been drinking enough water and her urinary system became over-acidic, causing the stones. She was operated on in Los Angeles to remove the stones and quickly made a full recovery. Tim stresses that everyone who lives here needs to keep hydrated at all times and to always have water around for your pets and yourself.

Tim is currently working on two books about April. One will be an illustrated children’s book (Tim is also an accomplished artist with some astounding paintings hanging in his home.) and a more serious endeavor for adults. It is interesting that most of Tim’s paintings are of animals. “I use to be a hunter,” he says, “but I now realize that animals have hearts and souls, so now I shoot with a camera. It sometimes takes getting a pet as a companion to make you understand these things and no matter what problems you have, they love you without boundaries.”

Summer 2015

Summer Safety for Dogs

By Valerie Masi Best Paw Forward

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ith summer in full swing, dog owners are anxious to get their pets - and themselves - off the couch and out into the sunshine. But as tempting as it may be to take Fido with you during your summer jaunts, remember that the sweltering heat can take its toll on your dog. Here are 8 important things to remember as you and your dog prepare for the summer heat:

plenty of 2.Provide shade

leave your dog 1.Never in the car

Temperatures in cars can rise quickly so make sure to take your dog with you when you get out of the car. If you must leave your dog in the car, be sure to leave the windows down, which will allow the air to circulate and keep your dog safe in moderate climates. Here in the desert there are very few days we could leave our pets in the car.* 14 Desert Pet Companion

Whether at the beach or at a park, make sure that your dog has access to shade at all times, allowing him to stay out of the sun’s harsh rays.

Dogs can get sunburned, just like humans, especially white dogs or hairless dogs, so make sure your pet has access to ample shade.

Also sunscreen (baby formula) is recommended for fair haired or pink complexion dogs.

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Limit time on 4. hot concrete and asphalt

extra 3.Bring water

Bring a bowl and plenty of water to keep your dog well hydrated while away from home. Bring double the amount that you think you may need to ensure that your dog has continual access to fresh water to cool off.

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Hot concrete and asphalt can easily burn a dog’s paws. Limit the time spent on both surfaces and spend more time on grass and cool sand. Be sure to look at your dog’s paws to check for discoloration, cuts, and bruises. Watch your dog’s behavior.

If your pet is dancing around most likely the dog’s paws are burning. Another option is to teach your dog to wear protective footwear.

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5.Pool safety

If you have a pool, teach your dog to swim just in case the dog accidently falls in the pool. The more familiar the dog is with swimming the less likely the chance of the dog drowning due to its panicking. Even if your dog is an excellent swimmer, your pool needs safeguards in case your pet gets into the pool without supervision. There are great pool safety supplies like: • Pet pool ramps, like Skamper Ramp, that give your dog or cat a safe way to get out of the pool.

• Pool safety alarms, like Safety Turtle. The device is worn on your pet’s collar and if it is submerged, a remote (in your house) alarm will sound. Other pool alarms include motion alarms that sound when the pool has been entered.

• Life jackets are especially useful for the certain breeds that have a harder time swimming like bulldogs or most flat nosed breeds. There are many different types of flotation devices available.

Editor’s Note: Check with your favorite independent pet store—Cold Nose Warm Heart in Palm Desert & Palm Springs carry life jackets and Pet Oasis in Bermuda Dunes (ramps and Rancho Mirage (life jackets, ramps). Check online for other pool safety products. Some pool stores carry pool alarms and Safety Turtle is available online.

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the signs 6.Know of heat stress

The signs of heat stress in dogs include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stumbling, or even collapse. If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, head to the shade, grab cold water, and apply cool, wet towels to the dog’s chest and abdomen to the dog to cool it down. Call your vet for added safety.

*EDITOR’S NOTE: It is now a misdemeanor to leave a dog in the car. 75 degrees outside equals 100+ degrees inside, so if it is over 90 degrees here in the desert, the heat in the car will lead to sun stroke and brain damage. This is punishable by up to $500 and a 6-month jail sentence.

Summer Products To Help Keep Your Pets Comfortable

New Shed Control Shampoo Excessive shedding is no fun. Hair seems to be everywhere and keeping it under control can be a real pain. earthbath’s new shed control product line which includes a Shed Control Shampoo and Shed Control Conditioner help limit this problem at its source. These totally natural products not only help control excess shedding and dander, they also nourish and revitalize skin while relieving dander and associated allergens. www.earthbath.com

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tick and pets at home for 8.Flea, mosquito safety 7.Leave firework displays If you’re headed out to watch the fireworks display, it’s best to leave your dog at home. The loud noises mixed with the nighttime away from home can cause your dog to become disorientated. Loud noises can scare a dog so badly it flees without any thought.

I feel it is best to not leave your dog unattended until you know how your dog will react with the noise. However, if you must, then keep a TV or radio on louder than usual to try and drown out the noise.

Fleas and other bugs are more prevalent in the summer months and can carry diseases that can cause your dog to get sick. Some animals are allergic to flea bites. One bite can cause an itchy burning rash that can get infected. Fortunately, here in the desert, there isn’t a big flea problem. However, if you’re traveling outside the desert, use a vet recommended product. You also may want to talk to your vet about heartworm preventative.

Valerie Masi, owner of Best Paw Forward can be reached at 760-885-9450 or visit www.bestpawforwarddogtraining.com.

Skamper Ramp If your pet (or some other animal) falls into your pool or spa it can scamper up the perforated ramp to safety. Keep the ramp tied to the side of your pool (hardware and rope included). The lightweight, ribbed plastic ramp floats atop the water until needed. SkamperRamp is made from 8mm, chemical- and UV-resistant, recyclable, box-corrugated, PP (polypropylene). The ramp will not yellow over time. The ramp comes with complete installation instructions.

Not recommended for soft-sidedvinyl, above-ground, non-permanent structures. The Skamper Ramps are available in several sizes.

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Hedz UP Watercollar™ Unlike dog life jackets that hold dogs in a swimming position, the hexagonalshaped Watercollar™ hangs comfortably on his own collar and helps prevent drowning by keeping a dog’s nose above water. The WatercollarT™ hangs loosely away from the neck for long wearing comfort and ease of movement when not in the water. When a dog swims or falls in the water the straps position the Watercollar™ under the dogs chin allowing for easy treading and ensuring a panic-free swim to safety. www.hedzuppets.com

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Asthma and Cats Reviewed by Rebecca Diaz, DVM The Cat Clinic

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ne day, you notice that your cat is wheezing slightly after playing a game of chase the stuffed mouse. Perhaps it has been a bit tired lately, too.

These are possible early symptoms of asthma. Cats, like humans, may suffer from asthma—a chronic inflammation of bronchial passageways.

When asthma strikes, air passageways thicken and spasm and airflow is constricted. The constricted passageways make breathing difficult. Sometimes, the lungs discharge mucus into the

passageways, and that causes coughing or wheezing. Often, breathing can become so difficult that a cat goes into respiratory distress, an extremely serious and life-threatening problem.

Asthma is believed to develop as a result of allergic bronchitis. Inhaled allergens cause the lungs to inflame and stimulate the immune system. Sensitivity to pollens, mold, dust, perfume and cigarette smoke can trigger an asthma attack. Some cats can develop exercise-induced asthma. The severity

*A full-blown asthma attack is serious.

Labored breathing may proceed a serious attack. A full-blown asthma attack may, at first, resemble a cat trying to cough up a hairball, or possibly choking on food. However, the body posture is somewhat different. With asthma, the cat’s body will be hunched lower to the ground and his neck and head will be extended out and down in an effort to clear the airway of mucous. The “gagging” may also be accompanied by a typical coughing sound, and possibly sneezing. The cat may or may not expel foamy mucous.

These serious attacks may not happen frequently, which makes it easy to write them off as “just a hairball.” Actually, they can be life-threatening, and a cat in a full-blown attack should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

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of an attack can also be affected by—  Pre-existing heart conditions or illnesses  Parasites  Obesity  Stress  Symptoms of asthma include—  Coughing  Wheezing  Open-mouth breathing  Labored breath after exertion  Squatting with shoulders hunched, neck extended and rapid breathing or gasping for breath*  Gagging up foamy mucus*  Blue lips and gums  Lethargy The normal age for cats to develop asthma is between two and eight years old. Himalayan and Siamese breeds

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have a higher incidence of asthma.

Females get asthma more frequently than males.

If you believe that your cat might have asthma, a trip to the veterinarian is necessary. Since symptoms of asthma can be similar to other diseases—for instance, heartworm, pneumonia and congestive heart failure—it is important for your veterinarian to determine the cause of the attacks. While there aren’t specific tests that can diagnose asthma, radiographs, blood work, evaluation of bronchial secretions and parasite tests will be performed to rule out other causes.

Asthma cannot be cured; however, there are methods for successfully managing it. Effective management may include medications that will

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open breathing passages and reduce airway inflammation or modify the body’s immune response. Medication is sometimes administered through a specially adapted inhaler.

Asthma Attack Prevention

You can take certain steps to lessen the chance of asthma attacks:  Reduce stress in your pet’s environment, as it tends to worsen symptoms.  Do not use cat litters that create a lot of dust, scented litters or litter additives, perfumes, room fresheners, carpet deodorizers, hairspray, aerosol cleaners, etc., around your cat.  Dry air encourages asthma attacks, so keep a good humidifier going— especially during the hot summer

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months.  Maintain a healthy weight for your cat and keep its body active!  Have your cat tested routinely for internal parasites.  Cigarette smoke is an absolute nono.

You may need medication to help control your cat’s asthma. A steroid such as prednisone is frequently prescribed, and also an bronchodilator inhaler for use as needed. Frequent monitoring of your cat’s health, watching for changes in its breathing and giving medications as prescribed will help control the disease.

Rebecca Diaz, DVM is the owner of The Cat Clinic, a feline-only veterinary clinic located at 67870 Vista Chino, Cathedral City, CA www.catcitycat.com, 760-325-3400

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Household Cats Can Be

Show Cats, Too

By Garret Demarest Member, Valley Empire Cat Club Isabel Dalton and Henry W, Household Pet

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PHOTO COURTESY GARRET DEMAREST

o, many of my friends have wonderful pet cats who are truly a joy in their lives, and they wish they could show the rest of the world just how beautiful and wonderful their cats really are.

Well, they can! While almost all cat shows are for various classes of pedigreed cats, the “household pets” class is a large part of most shows—some-

You can see purebred cats like Garret’s Brutus, ACFA’s Cat of the Year, an Exotic Shorthair breed, and learn about specific breeds, too.

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times it’s the largest class!

The four classes at cat shows generally are: champions; purebred cats over 8 months of age; kittens, purebred cats between the ages of 4 and 8 months of age; premiership class, spayed and neutered purebred cats over 8 months; and household pets, non pure-bred cats over 8 months. Sometimes, shows will have a veteran class, for purebred cats over 7 years of age.

While the first three classes have written standards against which each cat will be judged in their breed, household pets are judged only on their health, condition (grooming), and their personality. Many judges love to judge household pets, because they are challenged to choose the best personality and best grooming.

As a cat owner, you know how influential you can be in helping your cat to play and express themselves in playful ways. It takes time and practice. Even then, you don’t really know if your cat will perform in front of an audience and a judge. But some cats are naturals and love being “shown.”

Grooming also takes preparation.

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Washing and bathing cats can be tricky. Cats don’t normally like water.

But, they can be trained to be comfortable getting their “show” bath, which includes getting blow-dried. When you see the results, you may be surprised to find that your pet cat is not only a loving companion but also a beautiful beast.

While most owners groom their own cats for shows, some prefer to put the task in the hands of a professional groomer, of which there are many in the Coachella Valley area. Watching a professional groom your cat can help you pick up some key skills in just a few visits. Many in the Coachella Valley would love to help you learn the skill of bathing and grooming, which will prove to be a very happy experience for you and your cat. Because of their generally oily coats, cats need to be bathed once a week for at least three weeks before a show.

Once you decide that you would like to show your cat, you need to find about upcoming shows. Palm Springs is home to at least four shows a year (one is coming to the Convention Center on June 13th). If you’re planning to attend one of these shows, be sure to get your cat accustomed to being handled by strangers, to be comfortable in a carrier, and to tolerate other cats in close proximity.

Also, part of grooming is cleaning cats’ ears and clipping their nails. As a rule, to prevent the spread of disease, declawed cats are not allowed to be shown. You must be up-to-date with your vaccinations and be sure that your cat is healthy.

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Once you enter the show hall, you will be assigned a tenting area for your cat, a part of your entrance fee for the show. The space includes a wire cage, where your cat will wait for the judge to call them to the judging rings. You will need to give some thought to how you will want to cover the back and sides of the cage to give your cat some privacy. Within the cage, you will want to place some familiar toys and bedding for your cat to make them feel comfortable in their new surroundings. You will see all sorts of cages and tents for cats. If you are going to make cat shows a regular occurrence, you may want to invest in some fancier tents.

Besides the toys and beds, don’t forget the basics—the litter box and the water and food dishes. And, if you are used to giving your cat a little reward for good behavior, you may have some little treats for them when they come back from the judge’s ring.

Once settled in, you and your cat will have a “show catalog,” with all the entries listed according to class.

You will be able to find your assigned number. A schedule will be provided for the judges to let you know approximately when the household pets will be judged and in which ring.

From there, it’s a waiting game to be passed—playing with your cat and giving them the attention they need to remain comfortable in their new surroundings. You will want to continually comb out their coat to keep it as smooth and clean as possible.

Remember that oils from your hands will transfer easily to the cat and take

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away from all the work you have put into getting your beauty ready.

While you are waiting, visitors will come to look at your cat, and you should be proud to show him/her off. Remember, if you let spectators handle or pet your cat, they need to use antibacterial gel to rid their hands of any germs or oils that could impact the health or appearance of your cat.

At the end of judging, from all the cats in your household pet class, the judge will announce their top 10 best cats. Hopefully, your cat will be there and you will proudly watch as your pet receives its first “rosette.”

Summer 2015

If you continue to go to more shows and you continue to make judges’ finals, you might even end up being a regional winner, signifying that your cat is one of the top 25 best household pets in your region.

To see a “show” first-hand, come to the Valley Empire’s Cat Show on Saturday, June 13th, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 North Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs 92262. We will be there showing our kitten, ChaCha, and our adult champion, Portia.

Ask for Tim or Garret. We’d be happy to show you around.

Good luck!!! We hope to see you at future shows. They’re a blast!!

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

Desert Pet Companion 23

Anesthesia: Alleviating the Fear

By Karen Moreland, DVM VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital

L

et’s face it, we have all heard stories from friends, family, internet and social media where pets go into surgery and don’t survive. It’s absolutely terrifying to think that might happen to your best buddy. So, your gut reaction is not to have the procedure done unless absolutely necessary, where the condition has a higher likelihood of being more life threatening than the anesthesia. In reality, anesthesia today is quite safe and as a veterinarian of 32 years I have watched in amazement at how medicine, surgery and anesthesia have evolved to rival human medicine.

In 1842, medical doctors discovered ether to induce general anesthesia in people. In 1848, it was chloroform. Local anesthesia was introduced in 1860 with the use of injections of cocaine into the patient. In 1901, the first epidural was performed. Today, there are 24 Desert Pet Companion

thousands of drugs used by MD’s and DVM’s to make sure that whatever the condition is that necessitates anesthesia, there is an appropriate protocol tailored to the needs of the patient and the condition being treated that eliminates pain, minimizes risk and optimizes recovery.

Of course, there is some risk in everything we do on a daily basis. The risk of death is one in 10,000 every time you (and your pet) get into a car and drive away and one in 1 million for an airplane ride. Anesthesia risk has decreased to 1/10th of what it was 30 years ago. These are people statistics; little is known regarding pet statistics as there are so many vastly different species with their own special idiosyncrasies and specific anesthetic needs.

What has changed over the years?

We now have improved drugs and

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improved training in administering and monitoring anesthesia. There are board certified veterinary specialists in every field, including anesthesiology to train veterinary students, consult with practitioners on every medical subject and provide referrals for the complex cases.

Providing the safest anesthesia tailored to individual pets involves many steps in your veterinarian’s protocol.

First, all animals going under sedation or general anesthesia are given a complete physical examination within 12 hours of the procedure. Also during this time, any pre-anesthetic test results are carefully reviewed and decisions are made as to which are best drugs appropriate for the individual pet. Not only are the anesthesia protocols selected, but ancillary medications are selected as well. These include drugs such as sedatives to relax your pet prior to giving general anesthesia, pain and anti-inflammatory drugs to provide relief from discomfort during the post operative period, 26 Desert Pet Companion

anti-nausea medications if needed, antibiotics if indicated and drugs to support heart rate and rhythm.

An IV catheter is placed, usually in a leg, so that the IV dugs can be given without discomfort and there is always an easily accessible way to give emergency drugs in the event that something untoward happens. IV fluids are given to support blood pressure during the entire procedure. General anesthesia is given intravenously slowly, and to affect, so that only the amount required to keep the pet at a level of unconsciousness that provides complete pain relief and muscle relaxation is achieved.

During the surgery, the pet’s temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure are monitored continuously and her temperature maintained by various types of heating equipment.

A trained veterinary assistant/technician monitors all vital signs from the time of beginning anesthesia until complete recovery. The drugs used and the exact procedure may vary between veterinary hospitals depending on individual preferences of doctors and clients, the pet’s general health and any pre-existing medical conditions. There may be times when your veterinarian may refer procedures to a specialty practice if there are known medical issues requiring more intense monitoring, or special preoperative or anesthetic medications tailored to the exact needs of your pet. Pets that fall into this category may include severely compromised heart, kidney, or cancer patients, bleeding disorders, or pets with multiple issues that increase

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anesthetic risk. Any specific questions you may have for your veterinarian should be discussed prior to the day of surgery to help relieve any lingering anxiety.

The Pet Parent’s role in successful anesthesia: 1. Let your vet know (or remind her) if there has been any previous reaction to general or local anesthesia, sedation or a particular antibiotic.

2. Make your vet aware of any and all medications your pet is currently taking.

3. Keep your pet at a healthy weight.

Obesity is a disease that can complicate anesthesia.

4. Keep your pet healthy with regular exams and preventive care.

5. Follow all veterinary instructions before anesthesia, especially related to food and water.

6. Follow instructions regarding what meds to be given (or not) before surgery.

On a special note, we see far more parent objections to general anestheSummer 2015

sia when the issue is not a surgical procedure but instead, a complete dental evaluation and cleaning is needed. It appears that the idea of surgery carries a more serious connotation of necessity. Even a small benign mass removal generates more consent to proceed than the most severe dental and periodontal disease. My understanding of this over the years has led me to realize that even the worst dental disease is not perceived as a serious enough threat to the pet’s health to warrant the risk of anesthesia. After all, the pet is usually old, does not appear to be in pain, is eating fairly well and the mouth doesn’t really smell that bad. In actuality, dental issues can impact your beloved friend’s health in many ways. First of all, our furry friends do not express pain the way we do. Humans are a vocal species and when we are not well we don’t hesitate to let family and friends know. Probably everyone over 40 remembers a time when we had a toothache that unrelentingly made us so miserable

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

Desert Pet Companion 27

that we couldn’t eat, sleep, talk or anything else except hold our jaw in agony. Dogs and cats feel this too, except we don’t recognize it as pain. Because the majority of pets with severe dental issues are generally older, we may attribute their symptoms of not eating much, not much interest in playing or interacting with their people, lethargy, pacing as normal symptoms as aging.

Even when the tartar on the teeth is obvious or mouth odor is present, we may not interpret it as painful. The truth of the matter is that pets rarely react to chronic pain by crying out.

They simply will accept moderate to severe pain without complaint. Tarter is basically millions of bacteria solidified into what is thickened, hardened plaque. The bacteria left unchecked will cause gum erosion to the point that tooth roots are exposed, causing mouth infections that can spread to other organs such as the heart and liver, loosen teeth and eat through bone until they are only held in by the disease ridden tartar adhered to the 28 Desert Pet Companion

tooth and gums. Pets with this kind of disease (and it is a disease) are often in very much pain, although we humans remain blissfully unaware.

Since very few people brush their pets’ teeth twice daily as they do their own, by the time they are adults, pets’ teeth have significant disease which progresses with age. Brushing, while very effective in combating tooth decay, is without a doubt hard to do if you do not start when the pet is very young. Imagine what our teeth would be like without brushing? Even with diligent brushing we still need to see the dentist frequently for professional cleanings. The same is true for dogs and cats except it requires general anesthesia. In order to get dental x-rays, which are paramount for thorough evaluation of dental pathology, pets must be anesthetized. Think about the process at your dental office. Can you image a dental technician giving Fluffy a little thin piece of dental film, telling her to bite down on it, while the tech disappears behind a protective screen; then repeating the process until all upper and lower teeth are imaged? How long will Rex lie patiently while each tooth is scraped on the outside and inside of his mouth until all teeth are clean while a sharp instrument is used to get at tartar under the gums? How about Barkley tolerating the multiple injections of lidocaine in his gums to provide pain relief for an extraction of an infected tooth?

Remember how it feels to you…even though you brush daily and have far less tartar? Ouch! Your baby will appreciate you thinking about how this

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seemingly simple procedure is not so simple when it’s a pet and the teeth have advanced disease by human standards. Even though you take him for non-anesthetic dental cleanings regularly, it can no more take the place of professional anesthetic deep dental cleaning than daily brushing takes the place of your yearly (or more) cleaning with your dentist.

Veterinarians have witnessed many dogs and cats return to juvenile like behavior after a thorough cleaning and removal of diseased teeth, which has amazed and thrilled the parents.

You have trusted your veterinarian with your best friend’s health for years. When he says it is time for a dental cleaning, trust him to recommend what is best.

Regardless of the reason for having any kind of anesthetic procedure performed on your pet, whether it’s due to a severe medical condition, an orthopedic correction or a dental cleaning, anesthesia has come a long way. It’s safer and much more effective than it was just ten years ago. Additionally, veterinarians have the advantage in that they have human-grade equipment and anesthetics, trained assistants to monitor and administer anesthesia and all of this can be accomplished in the familiar comfort of your local veterinarian’s hospital where everyone knows and loves your pet.

VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital located at 71-075 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA. 760-346-6103. Visit www. vcahospitals.com/rancho-mirage

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scue of Los achshund Re Adopt from D me a foster. co Be t? t adop Angeles. Can’ pay for the lp he Donate to Can’t Foster? help keep at arian bills th many veterin d out of kill an e iv al gs our rescued do d and older, neglecte shelters. Our rgeries su e iv ns pe need ex their ve abused dogs sa lp he edures to and other proc s! lp he ount lives. Any am ypal at We accept Pa .com/who eoflosangeles cu es dr un sh dach e -we-ar Summer 2015

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Desert Pet Companion 29

Travels with

Max & Luther

Dog Days of Summer

by Max & Luther, authors of True Tails from the Dog Park

S

ummer is here and I don’t have to tell you that in the desert that means we (dogs) need some special consideration! Luther and I love going to the dog park to play, but in the heat of the summer that means our routine changes. We now go to the park in the early mornings or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. The heat makes us sluggish, but we still need our exercise and plenty of water! Here are a few more hot weather tips for our dog guardians: Leave us at home when you are running errands because hanging out in a hot car with the windows cracked can be dangerous (not to mention we get lonely)! Also, don’t forget that the asphalt gets very hot in the summer and burns our paws. Please avoid taking us for a walk on the hot pavement or consider getting us some booties!

We might not like them, but burned paws are not fun.

Lastly, for short haired dogs like Luther and I, sunscreen is a must. We sunburn just as easily as you humans!

Our favorite dog parks always have plenty of water and trees for shade.

We wanted to help out our fellow dogs and talk about the parks that are our favorites in the summer heat. In Palm Desert, two of our favorite dog parks are the Civic Center Dog Park and Freedom Dog Park. Both of these

FETCH

30 Desert Pet Companion

t your copy oday

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2015

dog parks have trees for shade and drinking fountains for us. They have grass for us to run about in, benches for us to climb and are segregated into large and small dog areas. Luther and I love to play with both large and small dogs but sometimes the little ones are afraid of Luther’s enormous size (he is rather large!).

Pioneer Dog Park in La Quinta has covered benches for our humans and trees for us. Luther and I loved the fact that the terrain had some small variations to run up and down. Flat spaces are great to play fetch but we like a little variety! I particularly love to climb hills and Luther always follows my lead. Another great dog park for the summer is the Palm Springs Dog Park.

Not only does the park have trees for shade, it also has a small wading pool for us to splash in! Luther had such a FREE

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great time playing with one of his new dog friends in and around the baby pool. What a great idea for the summer!

Luther and I know that our humans consider us their kids and a good rule of thumb to having a fun and safe summer is to remember what is bad for humans usually applies to us dogs too! Enjoy the summer and look for Luther and me at the dog park. You never know where we will show up next‌.

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Desert Pet Companion 31

Pam Price with Little One taking a break during the photography session for the Summer 2012 cover.

Gone, but not forgotten

PHOTOS Š KAREN BUXBAUM PHOTOGRAPHY

Desert Pet Companion is saddened to learn about the recent passing of two of our cover dogs.

32 Desert Pet Companion

Frequent contributor to the magazine, Pam Price, lost her dear Little One, whose persona graced Pam’s articles as the author. We will miss the stories and adventures of Little One, and give our condolences to Pam.

Pinkie, Spring 2014

We also give our deep sympathy to contributor, Estelle Dahl, who lost her Pinkie, a beautiful Doberman that was featured on our Spring 2014 cover.

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2015

Local Dog Parks Please call first to confirm hours and regulations.

• Cahuilla Hills Park Off-leash Area 45825 Edgehill Dr, Palm Desert, (760) 767-5341 • Cap Homme / Ralph Adams Park 72500 Thrush Road, Palm Desert (760) 776-6450 • Cathedral City Dog Park NW corner of Buddy Rogers Avenue and Date Palm Drive, on the west side of the Second Street Park • Civic Center Park NE corner of Fred Waring Dr. & San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert 760-568-9697 • Freedom Park 77-400 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert (760) 568-9697 • Fritz Burns Park Corner of Calle Sinaloa (Ave. 52) and Avenida Bermudas near the tennis courts, La Quinta • Joe Mann Dog Park 77-820 California Drive, Palm Desert (760) 776-6450

Enjoying the shade at Cap Homme / Ralph Adams Park

• Mulligan Dog Park 45355 Van Buren St., Indio (760) 391-4175 • Palm Springs Dog Park 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way (behind City Hall), (760) 323-8117 • Pioneer Dog Park 45-130 Seeley Drive, La Quinta • University Dog Park 74802 University Park Drive, Palm Desert Not a dog park, but very dog-friendly • The Corridor 515 North Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (behind Koffi) 760-333-6980 www.palmspringscorridor.com

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Friends Pet Project:

Pet Food Bank Is Keeping People & Pets Together

By Alicia Bailey

D

aniel Sands* and Freckles had been best friends for fifteen years. Their friendship began when Daniel’s wife, Maria, found the poodle as a puppy hiding under the porch.

They named her Freckles because when Maria brought her inside she had dirt sprinkled all over her apricot fur from being wedged under the house. She was adorable, and right away started pawing at Daniel’s leg.

He picked her up, put her in his lap, and that became her favorite spot.

Freckles brought so much joy and happiness into their lives; Daniel and Maria often wondered how they ever got along without her.

A few years after welcoming Freckles to their family, Maria was diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly she and Daniel were spending night after night in the hospital, and their days were filled with doctors, treatments and not enough good news. Finally, Maria told Daniel she wanted to go home and be in her own house with Daniel and Freckles until what ever was supposed to happen, happened. Seven months later, Maria passed away.

Daniel was devastated, and Freckles seemed to know, never once leaving his lap empty. Together they 34 Desert Pet Companion

grieved, until eventually he got back into a routine. Daniel started a little handy work around the house to get his mind on something else. He replaced light bulbs, fixed the handrail on the front stairs, and then one day, feeling ambitious, he climbed the step stool to patch the ceiling above the refrigerator. Out of nowhere, he was on the floor and in excruciating pain.

He called 911, and his neighbor who had helped him when Maria was ill, offered to look after Freckles.

After one night in the hospital, Daniel was able to go home. He got around with a walking cane, and could manage his day-to-day tasks but shortly after returning home, he had another fall and was back in the hospital. This time, his hospital stay was longer, and he knew he had to make a plan for Freckles and himself.

Thanks to the help of a few community resources, he qualified to get a part-time nurse and Meals on Wheels.

This was a relief, because it meant he and Freckles could stay together. As time went on, his budget got smaller and certain items began falling off the grocery list, including dog food.

Thanks to the Meals on Wheels program, he was eating, but he felt so

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guilty having to choose between feeding himself and feeding his loyal companion that he often gave Freckles most of his meals.

Many Coachella Valley residents find themselves in similar situations every day, which prompted Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter to open a Pet Food Bank. With the help of generous donors and community pet food drives, the Pet Food Bank opened its doors in January of this year and is currently serving 144 pets a week through its partnerships with AIDS Assistance Project and the Mizell Senior Center.

“Often times, illness and other life challenges force pet owners to choose between feeding themselves, feeding their pets or turning their pet into the shelter because they can no longer afford to care for them,” says Friends President Stephen Boyd. “Friends Pet Project hopes to end the need for those heart-wrenching decisions for pet guardians like Mr. Sands.”

Mr. Sands and Freckles are still together, and along with Mr. Sands’ Meals on Wheels delivery, Freckles now receives her own delivery of dog food.

Keeping pets like Freckles in their homes with the people who love them is what the Friends Pet Project: Pet Food Bank strives to do. As the Coachella Valley slows down for the summer, Friends hopes community businesses and individuals will consider hosting a food drive to help keep the shelves stocked.

Donations of wet and dry unopened pet food are always accepted at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and Bones & Scones.

Want to Help?

Host a Food Drive

If you are interested in hosting a food drive or providing a donation bin at your office or local business, please contact the Friends Pet Project at petfoodbank@psanimalshelter.org.

Financial donations can be made online at www.psanimalshelter.org.

*All names have been changed to protect privacy.

Summer 2015

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

Desert Pet Companion 35

Looking for Summer Activities for Your Dog? Here are some cool ideas for summer FUN!

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Hyde Park at Barkingham Palm Springs 555 S. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-327-5700 hydepark@pethotelcalifornia.com

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7600 sq. foot Pet Park -Pet Supplies -Dog Grooming

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-Boarding/Daycare -Indoor/Outdoor Park/Pool -Doggy Gym -Pet Grooming The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace 34-550 Spyder Circle, Palm Desert, CA 92211 www.pethotelcalifornia.com

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38 Desert Pet Companion

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June/July Calendar Village Park Animal Hospital Open House

Saturday July 18th, 4pm - 7pm Tours, demonstrations and raffle prizes! (760) 564-3833 VillageParkAnimalHospital.com

Palm Springs Animal Shelter Events

June 17: Volunteer Orientation July 5,6,7: Fix-A-Friend Low Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic at PSAS sponsored by Nala, Muchie, Arther and Fera Mostow October 24: Faux Fur ball November 20: New Heights Flips for Pits December 12: Holiday photos with the Grinch December 19: Home for the Holidays Adoption Festival at PSAS 4575 E Mesquite Ave., Palm Springs, CA (760) 416-5719 http://palmspringsanimalfriends. ning.com/

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CAT Adoption Checklist Adopt two cats if you can. Cats will keep each other company, providing mental stimulation and exercise for each other.

Select a veterinarian ahead of time.

Visit within the first few days of getting your cat.

Slowly introduce your cat to friends and family. Socialization is very important, so remember – take it slow.

Get supplies before the cat arrives.

Your cat will need a litter box, cat litter, food and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a cushy bed, a brush for grooming, a toothbrush and nail clippers.

www.DesertPetCompanion.com Summer

2015

Save the Date For

The “Paws & Hearts” 15th Annual Dog Walk Saturday November 28th, 2015 At The Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa, Rancho Mirage Registration begins at 9am, Walk kicks off at 10am

All proceeds benefit the amazing therapy visits that our group of 40 + 2-legged and 4-legged volunteers provide to Coachella Valley hospitals, long-term care facilities, Cancer and Alzheimer facilities. __________ Please plan on attending our Thanksgiving Saturday walk and raise funds in your dog’s name.

Registration forms and information can be found on our website, www.pawsandhearts.org, or call our office at (760)836-1406.

Understanding

Fear in Dogs

by Lori Wainio-Carman, VSPDT Dream Dogs

W

hen we think of a scared dog, what usually comes to mind is a trembling animal hiding in a dark corner or under the bed, whining, his tail tucked under. Nonstop barking doesn’t often make the fear list. Nor do shredding of clothes, gnawing through window frames, or growling and lunging at visitors. But these can all be symptoms of fear in dogs. Fearbased behaviors vary so widely that we frequently don’t recognize them as fear-based. Instead, we think the 42 Desert Pet Companion

dog is being stubborn or naughty or is trying to run the household (the longdiscredited dominance theory), which means we end up trying to solve the wrong problem. Clues in canine body language can help us identify fear and anxiety—fear-based behaviors always come with some physical, postural giveaways. It might be muscle tension, a tightly closed mouth or one wide open showing all the teeth, crouching, dilated pupils, yawning, ears held back, etc.

www.DesertPetCompanion.com Summer

2015

Classes red at also offe d Paw’s The Gran ings Palm Spr location.

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Why dogs develop fear-related conditions in the first place is a complex question without an easy answer. Genetics play a role (experiments have shown you can breed for fear of people, for example), and so does proper socialization, the all-important early exposure to new people, places, animals, sounds, and objects. Puppies that have positive experiences with all-things-new are much less likely to develop fear later in life. But that isn’t the whole picture, because some well-socialized dogs do develop fear disorders.

And again, bad experiences (abuse, accidents) can explain some of those cases, but not all.

Helping a fearful dog takes patience and effort on the part of human companions. Once a visit to a veterinarian has excluded pain or illness as the source of a problematic behavior, a qualified trainer or behaviorist can assess the situation and design a behavior modification plan.

Treatment might include desensitization (exposing the dog to something he fears at such a low level it doesn’t trigger his anxiety) and classical counter-conditioning (pairing something the dog fears with something he loves). However, the less-thangood news is the amount of time it can take to see improvement, so the human has to be diligent and patient.

The good news is that most dogs can and do overcome fear over time.

Lori Wainio-Carman, VSPDT, professional dog trainer and owner of Dream Dogs has been successfully training for over 20 years.

760-899-7272 www.dreamdogs.com, www.Positively.com

www.DesertPetCompanion.com Summer

2015

Have You Seen These?

Products that Caught Our Eye Skin cancer isn’t just on the rise with humans, but also our pets. My Dog Nose It was created to keep your best friend safe from the environment they love and play in.

Completely natural, non toxic, dries quick, heals and adds moisture.

Prevents nose color from fading, great for all breads including cats. Use on nose, ears, and other unprotected areas. One little jar is a 4 month supply.

Body Glove Neoprene Mat can be used anywhere — at the beach, car, pool, home, etc.

The mats are very easy to care for. They can be thrown in the wash or hosed off then air dried.

Comes in two sizes and three colors.

When it comes to making healthy decisions about your dog’s nutrition, make sure you pick a treat that has no additives or artificial fillers. Healthy Dogma products are made with all-natural ingredients and no toxic chemicals or residues. Many flavors to choose from!

Playa Pup visors and rash guards for summer sun protection UPF 50+. Shirts offer great skin protection, fun and fashionable prints and many sizes. Comfortable, lightweight and quick drying. Also great for after surgery, grooming etc, helps prevent licking and chewing.

Body Glove Life Vest is equipped with a waterresistant Neoprene outer covering with form-fitting foam to give your canine complete comfort.

Mesh material is used in the underbelly and around the neck for good air circulation and comfort. Comes in 3 colors and sizes from XXS to 2XL for the bigger dogs.

Summer 2015

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

Desert Pet Companion 45