Pet Companion Magazine, Spring 2012

Spring 2012

Complimentary Please Take A Copy!

The Local Magazine for Pet Lovers

What’s Inside:

Expanded Local Events Section Is Pet Insurance A Good Deal For You? Tips on Training, Pet Health & Grooming Savings on Business Services & Products ... and MORE!

What’s Inside?

Features: 4 Pet Health Insurance 6 GDD Needs Puppy Raisers 8 KCPS Dog Show Highlights 12 Can Acupuncture Help Your Pet? 22 Fostering a Homeless Pet 24 Cryptococcus in Cats 32 Dogged by Worn Out Wood 36 Keeping Indoor Cats Healthy 40 Pet Emergencies: What You Should Know Departments: Training Tips: Give Them Some Space, p. 14 Fetch!, p. 42 Grooming Tips: Removing Stickers from Your Pet’s Fur!, p. 19 Local Events, p. 26 Pet Sitters & Boarding, p. 34 Business Spotlight: The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace, p. 38 Business Directory, p. 45

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. ©2011 www.desertPETcompanion.com Desert Pet Companion is published by Desert Pet Companion Editorial Office: 760-835-0369 Palm Springs, CA 92262

For Advertising Information call: 760-835-0369 sales@desertpetcompanion.com

Publisher: Miriam Wiegel mwiegel@DesertPetCompanion.com

Editor: Geoff Winstead editor@DesertPetCompanion.com

Printer: Publication Printers Corp. www.publicationprinters.com

Distribution:

Desert Fox Media Distribution Inc. Please visit our website or call the editorial office for a list of locations where the magazine is available.

Published Feb/Mar, Apr-June, July-Sept, Oct/Nov., Dec./Jan

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Pet Health Insurance: A Good Deal For You?

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fter decades in the shadows, pet health insurance is now a well-accepted and widely-available option for people who want a hedge against unexpected vet bills. This is good on many levels. There are several choices for those looking for coverage and enough companies are well established enough that you can generally count on them to still be in business when you need them. (This has not always been the case!) However, all those choices can lead to confusion and frustration as various providers promise the moon to get your business and then fall back on fine print in your hour of need.

Pet insurance is not health insurance per se – it’s actually more like car insurance. Legally speaking, pets are considered possessions with limited monetary value. Health care decisions for pets are analogous to choices regarding repairs for an automobile – you may choose NOT to seek an available treatment (or repair) depending on many factors. For pets, these factors include perceived suffering, expected outcome, and other health-related conditions that may exist in the same animal. And, of course, it often comes down to the cost of tests and treatment.

Having insurance can make this easier in that it helps pay for the cost, but it does not dictate what should be done.

Unlike car insurance, you are still responsible for paying up front. Then it’s up to you to apply to the insurance company for reimbursement. This works in their favor, since most pet owners are not versed in the language of diagnostics and may not realize how the information they send might affect what they get back. Most veterinarians won’t 4 Desert Pet Companion

charge you to help fill out the various forms required, and they may know a few angles that will help increase what’s paid for. What we try to avoid is recommending one company over another – not everyone’s needs are alike.

Unfortunately, there are no standards as to what must be covered, either! For example, one company specifically excludes anything they consider congenital or genetic. On the surface, this seems reasonable – after all, if the pet is born with the condition, that’s the very definition of “pre-existing.” But there are many gray areas here. Some breeds are prone to injuries such as cruciate ligament tears (a specific type of knee injury often requiring major surgery) based on their conformation and the type of play they are bred to enjoy. This injury might occur at any point in the pet’s life, but is most common in young adult animals.

Does that make it genetic? At least one company thinks so. So you might faithfully pay your premiums for years, only to have them decline to pay for something you could not have predicted would happen. But the same company might pay for the same surgery in another dog that isn’t considered genetically susceptible.

Another company routinely covers newly diagnosed chronic conditions such as hypothyroidism (a common, partiallygenetic condition where the thyroid gland underperforms and is easily treated with

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© Pavel Timofeev - Fotolia.com

By Lillian M Roberts, DVM, Country Club Animal Clinic, Palm Desert, CA

© Pavel Timofeev - Fotolia.com

supplements). Then, the following year (after your renewal premiums have been paid), the condition is now “pre-existing,” and no longer covered!

Which brings up an important point: pre-existing conditions are NEVER covered!

Don’t wait until your pet is diagnosed with a medical problem and then try to buy insurance to pay for the treatment! This seems obvious, but at least once a year I meet someone who is trying just that. Often, they spend the money that might have paid for care to pay for insurance. Then the insurance won’t pay for the care and the pet suffers.

On the other hand, insurance can be a literal life-saver in cases such as severe injuries or cancer, where medical costs can quickly escalate and pet owners are faced with wrenching decisions. It’s important to recognize it for this purpose. It’s great for catastrophic care, but still not very practical for small incidentals.

The most important thing to recognize about pet health insurance is that these

companies are not in business because they care about pets! Put simply, they succeed only if their customers pay them more than they pay out for claims. This may sound obvious, but it’s the cornerstone of any business. So companies that promise to cover routine services like vaccinations and routine dental cleanings are usually fudging. In most cases, they offer a token amount that does not equal what they charge for this extra coverage.

The take-home point here is, don’t pay extra for “frills.” A basic policy in case of extraordinary costs may be a good idea.

But do read the small print on the policy!

For more information and consumer reviews of various policies (and to share your own experience), check out www. petinsurancereview.com.

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.

Country Club Animal Clinic sets the pace for exceptional care and service to our patients and their people!

F/M:2012

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SPOTT LIGH

Guide Dogs of the Desert Needs Puppy Raisers

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olunteers who help raise puppies are vital to guide dog raising programs. Without volunteer puppy raisers, we could not provide guide dogs to the blind. Being a volunteer puppy raiser is also one of the most selfless acts of love a person can do. As a graduate of ours said, “Inside every service dog beats the heart of a puppy raiser.”

At approximately 10-12 weeks of age, puppies are placed in volunteer homes to learn about the world and to form that important first bond with humans. During the time that you have the guide dog puppy, you will teach your dog good manners and socialize him or her to the real world. This includes crowds of people, elevators, buses, the noise of a parade or soccer game, the quiet of a church or classroom, small children,

The 2012 Calendar is available for purchase. Visit www.gddca.org to order a copy.

6 Desert Pet Companion

Puppy Raisers - Jack and Ruth Carey with Wanda

and other animals in and out of the house.

When you pick up your puppy, you will be one amongst a group of new members to our guide dog family. At puppy hand-out day, you will be able to meet and bond with the other raisers as you begin your journey. Guide Dogs of the Desert also has puppy raising outings, or puppy fun days, where raisers and their dogs get together. You may go up the Tram, attend a ball game, go to Sea World, the aquarium and many other places so that you, as raisers, have time to bond, and the puppies have an opportunity to go places they might www.DesertPetCompanion.com

not normally. We also offer, throughout the year, obedience classes for our pups in training as well as monthly group meetings in several areas for you to attend. You are encouraged to take the dog everywhere in its “guide dog in training” jacket, so that later, when formal guide dog training in harness is introduced, the dog will not be surprised by anything he/ she encounters.

As guide dog puppy raisers, you and your family will receive support and guidance from the staff of GDD. A commitment to raising a guide dog puppy should involve the whole family.

Everyone’s enthusiasm and F/M:2012

participation helps further ensure the puppy’s rewarding and successful career as a guide dog. Guide Dogs of the Desert has puppy raisers throughout the Inland Empire, San Diego county, LA county, northern California, Arizona, Colorado, Alaska, Washington, Minnesota, Oregon and Idaho.

Under the direction of our expert canine develop-

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ment staff, puppy raisers are taught the skills needed to train their dogs, and to expose their dogs to the many situations that a blind person will encounter during their life. The work you do is the foundation for the next very important phase: formal guide dog training by our state licensed instructors.

Your support is important, and with it we can

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offer the blind safe mobility, loving companionship and increased independence through the use of a guide dog.

For more information about puppy raising, please contact Trina Began or Cheri Duncan at 760-3296257, or by email at puppyraising@gddca.org. There is also an online application form at www.gddca.org.

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Kennel Club of Palm Springs 2012 Dog Show

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he Kennel Club of Palm Springs held its Annual Dog Show at the Polo Grounds in Indio in early January. The KCPS Dog Show is one of the largest AKC Dog Shows in the country. KCPS began hosting an annual dog show in 1984, at which time it was held at the Mizell Senior Center and Sunrise Park in Palm Springs. As the Show’s reputation grew, the Dog Show also grew, moving to the Palm Springs Convention Center. In 2001, the Dog Show moved again to accommodate the number of entrants and has been held at the Polo Grounds in Indio since.

This year the Show had over 3,300 entries. More than 150 breeds were evaluated during the two day event. A Dog Show’s (conformation event) purpose is to evaluate breeding stock. The dog’s overall appearance and structure is judged as is its coat texture, temperament, and gait. Each breed has a written standard and the dogs are judged on how well they meet that standard. Many dog breeds were created to fulfill specific functions, like herding for example, and the written standard takes those characteristics into consideration. Dogs registered with the AKC compete with each other for the Best of Breed. The winning Best of Breed dogs then compete in Group competitions. The seven classifications for Groups are:, Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-sporting, and Herding.

8 Desert Pet Companion

Kathy Grosso chats with Lilian Barber, president of the Kennel Club of Palm Springs

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Dave and Koza

The winner of each Group then moves on to the Best of Show competition. Each day, a winner is chosen.

Estella and Pinkie

The KCPS Show also hosted Obedience and Rally events which were open to all dogs, including mixed breeds. Obedience trials have three levels of competition: Novice—where the dog works through a series of exercises on leash Open—the dog works through more complicated exercises and is off leash Utility—the most challenging level of the obedience competition where the dog is off leash and is directed by the handler with only hand signals.

The Rally competition is a companion sport to Obedience. A Rally course has 10 to 20 stations. Each station has a sign with directional arrows and/or commands such as sit, call front, heel. As with obedience, Rally has 3 levels of competition: novice, advanced and excellent. Each level is increasingly difficult.

DPC caught up with some of the members of the Palm Springs Dog Club at the Obedience and Rally events. Last Fall, DPC was invited to watch a training session

The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace Training Tips for a well-adjusted dog:

Our goal is to make pet training easy and fun and Start training as early as possible. Socialize your pet. create a lasting bond Always be consistent and use positive training methods. between you and your pet.

Keep training sessions short. Stay calm and in control.

Always end on a positive note.

Get involved with an activity with your dog, like obedience, rally, agility, nose work, or flyball.

The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace www.thepethotelatbarkinghampalace.com 34-550 Spyder Circle, Palm Desert

10 Desert Pet Companion

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PHOTO: RICHARD CARLSON

PHOTO: RICHARD CARLSON

Larry and Katie

with the club in Palm Desert (see article, Fall 2011, pages 28/29) as they prepared for the Dog Show. The PS Dog Club had multiple entries in Rally and Obedience and won several ribbons, however, as Larry Lynn pointed out, “… although qualifying is nice, the best part of the event is working with our dogs. They seem to enjoy the outing as much as we do.” This was evident when watching the dogs, handlers, and owners interact with each other – smiles all around.

The Kennel Club of Palm Springs has monthly meetings at the Palm Springs Police Department, for information contact Sandy Rust blumis@earthlink.net. To find out more about the Palm Springs Dog Club, contact Ellen Wade, 760-365-2628 or www.psdogtraining.com.

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Can Acupuncture Help Your Pet?

By Dr. Gail Cutler, DVM, CVA - VCA Desert Animal Hospital

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his is Buddy. He has kidney problems.

He doesn’t want to eat much. He’s not as happy as he used to be. It would seem like getting poked in the head with a needle would be the last thing he wants — but he doesn’t seem to mind. Plus, his appetite has picked up and he is being more social and active with his owners again.

The use of acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular in veterinary medicine.

It is usually done in addition to other treatments, but sometimes there are few alternatives left and the pet may be facing euthanasia. It can take more than one treatment to see a significant change, but most animals, like Buddy, find acupuncture enjoyable.

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The American Veterinary Medical Association has accepted acupuncture as a complementary modality to western medical treatments. Even though placing needles in an animal looks like voodoo, it is a 3,000 year old practice that originated in China and can have some amazing results.

How does it work? Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the stimulation of specific acupuncture points promotes the movement of Qi, or life force, throughout the body.

Medical science has yet to verify the existence of Qi. However, studies show that insertion of an acupuncture needle results in an increase in blood flow, endorphins, inflammatory mediators, and other neurotransmitters.

The basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine is that illness is due to an imbalance. Western medicine also believes that balance is the cornerstone of health – between work, play, diet, sleep, and activity.

4299 E. Ramon Rd., Palm Springs www.vcahospitals.com/desert

12 Desert Pet Companion

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This is Wolfie (photo of German Shepherd Dog), another pet whose life was out of balance.

He lost his partner dog. He was failing. He was so unbalanced that he was unable to walk, and after a thorough assessment, acupuncture helped him get back on his feet. He is now able to chase his new girlfriend around the yard!

Buddy, Wolfie, and many other pets have enjoyed the benefits of acupuncture. If you think acupuncture could help your pet, please don’t hesitate to call me to discuss his or her condition.

In the U.S., a veterinary acupuncturist must be a licensed veterinarian and have formal training in the practice of acupuncture for animals, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) for instance.

Dr. Gail Cutler, DVM is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist at VCA Desert Animal Hospital, located at 4299 E. Ramon Rd, Palm Springs, CA (760) 778-9999

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Give Them Some Space Not all dogs may be as social as yours!

By Valerie Masi, Best Paw Forward

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s a trainer in the desert, I work with dogs with all types of behavior problems. One of the biggest problems is aggression. This can be due to lack of learned social skills. There are many different reasons for socialization problems, particularly with rescue dogs that have been isolated from the world and/or abused. This

article is not so much to focus on why the dogs are aggressive towards people or other animals, but for those who may encounter these animals while out and about.

When working with these animals I give the owners homework that requires them to take their dogs out for walks and into different social settings. My request for those

Dog on left has rigid body posture, tail low, head high. This is a nervous dog.

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Photo on opposite page: Dog exhibiting signs of discomfort or nervousness, ears back, tail down, tight lips. Dog still appears to be uncomfortable (above) and might have reacted with fear rather than submission.

who have a well socialized dog is to not assume all dogs are like theirs. My biggest complaint from clients is when they are working with their dog other people with social dogs approach them and try to carry on a conversation while letting their dogs go into the less social dog’s space.

We all like our personal space, and as a society, we do pretty well at respecting each other’s. However, when it comes to our animals, we usually don’t think about their personal space. Animals, like people, enjoy their personal space. Animals with social issues need their personal space because it’s about trust. If you went somewhere and people did not respect your personal space you would consider those people rude. You may even become angry or afraid in an over-stimulating situation.

Dogs that have these trust issues become reactive in unfamiliar situations. If a dog is already fearful, and another dog or human approaches, it can automatically react in

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an aggressive way. This could take the form of snapping, barking, or growling to let the offender know they have come too close.

Recently, while working with an aggressive dog, we encountered some people who asked about the dog. One person tried to approach with his hand extended out to the dog for it to smell. Even though the dog was muzzled and the person was told it was aggressive, he still wanted to approach the dog. This actually hurts our efforts to teach the dog to trust. The best way to approach an animal is to just stand there, ignore it, and let it decide when it wants to engage with you, not the other way around.

We have been taught for years that to introduce ourselves to a dog you extend your hand for it to smell. This is a great way to get your hand bitten! If a dog is social, you will see that it is excited to see you and there is no reason to extend your hand. If it is not, that is when people usually extend their hand to help the dog feel more comfortable. In reality, you are encroaching on their personal space which can lead to an act of aggression. If a dog tries to move away from the situation and the person

A dog being backed into a corner causes it to become more aggressive.

moves toward the dog, still having their hand extended, this gives the dog no other option than to respond in an aggressive manner.

Even social dogs have limits. Some dogs don’t like other dogs jumping up into their face. This causes them to snap at the other dog to get them to stop. The owner may get mad at the dog, not thinking that it stated what it wanted, its space. That’s not fair to the dog whose space is being

Valerie Masi with Luca and Rachael with Tami at The Pet Rescue Center in Indio in the training yard where Valerie offers advanced obedience as well as other classes. Tami is available for adoption. A special thank you to Christine Madruga for allowing us to photograph dogs at the Pet Rescue Center, located at 83-496 Avenue 51, Coachella, CA 92236. 760-398-7722 16 Desert Pet Companion

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violated, and the other owner is not teaching his dog appropriate social manners. This type of situation often times happens with retractable leashes.

Retractable leashes are good for country walking, not city walking. They are a great tool to teach “come.” But when you are walking in a neighborhood, on a city sidewalk, or anywhere there are people and dogs, including populated trails and parks, you should have your dog on a 4 to 6 foot leash in order to have control at all times. When you pass other people (with or without dogs) you should pull the leash in and have your dog walk by your side so it does not jump on them or another dog.

When people walk in groups and others need to pass, we are polite and move into a single or double file so they may go by easily. We need to apply the same rules to our dogs.

So, the next time you are out for a walk, with or without your dog, remember your social etiquette with dogs. By doing this,

Small dog ears forward & jumps up on bigger dog, reacting in a more dominate manner.

you can help people who are working with their dogs to deal with the pet’s socialization problems and become well balanced animals in the future.

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

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Even if your dog doesn’t need a haircut, his nails still need to be trimmed regularly. Most groomers will clip nails without an appointment, but bear in mind that a professional bath includes ear cleaning, a nail trim, and anal gland expression, all of which help to keep your pet healthy and happy. —Joanne Chretin Uptown Dog Grooming

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GROOMER

TIP

Removing Stickers From Your Pet’s Fur

By Caroline Welk, Shear Art Pet Salon

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ogs and cats can pick up stickers when walking outside or brushing against their owners after the owners have been outside.

By following thses steps, removing a sticker or grass seed is a little easier.

Gently pet your dog or cat along its neck, back, sides, belly, legs and tail feeling for stickers (burrs). Make sure you check its ears, between its toes, around its testes and any area that has folds. Stickers often burrow into these areas and become irritated and painful.

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Loosely caught stickers can be gently pulled out by holding down the roots of your pet’s fur with one hand and lightly pulling the stickers with the other. Watch you fingers, sometimes the stickers can prick you too.

If a sticker is deeply tangled in the hair/ fur try to untangle it first with your fingers.

If you hold the sticker in one hand you can unravel a small section of fur with the other which loosens up the sticker or burr. Wait until the sticker is completely loosened before trying to pull it out. Tugging at a tangled sticker when it’s embedded deeply in the roots of your dog’s coat will hurt your pet.

If a sticker is stubborn and hard to untangle, you can dribble vegetable oil on the sticker. Putting the oil over the sticker will help loosen the hair, so that you can untangle it piece by piece.

If a sticker is absolutely too tangled to be able to manipulate out, you might have to cut it out, but this is a last resort. Take a pair of blunt-nosed scissors and try to cut through the sticker. When the sticker is in smaller pieces it is sometimes easier to untangle. If you do have to cut your dog’s hair, position the scissors so the blades are at an angle instead of cutting a straight line through the dog’s hair. By cutting this

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way, any bald spots that resulted from removing the burr become less obvious.

Finish up by brushing the dog as you normally would with a dog-grooming brush.

Don’t forget to give your dog a treat for its patience.

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Fostering a Homeless Pet T here are many organizations and individuals in the Coachella Valley who foster pets while trying to find a “forever home” for them. Because of the number of homeless pets, organizations such as the ones listed in the sidebar below not only need donations and volunteers, but some also need foster homes in which to place the pets temporarily.

Cherie Vergini, the Pet Psychic, often rescues dogs. In December, she received a call from a real estate appraiser who had gone to check on a foreclosed home in the Salton Sea. The home had been boarded up for a month. The realtor gained entrance to the home by unlocking a padlock on the door. Once inside, he found a mama dog and her litter of 4 -5 day old puppies with no food or water and no way out of the home to go find any.

The realtor grabbed the two puppies that

were still alive and had to leave mama in the home because she was growling. When he got back to his office that night, he called Cherie to see if she could help with the puppies. In the course of the conversation he told Cherie that the mama dog was still locked up in the house.

Cherie couldn’t imagine leaving the dog Animal Control Center – Indio: 760-391-4135/559-1511 Animal Samaritans, 760-343-3477, www.animalsamaritans.org Desert Paws, Inc.: www.Desertpaws.org Forever Free Horse Rescue: 760-772-8446 www.foreverfreehorserescue.com Forget-Me-Not Peke Rescue: 760-324-9555 Forget-me-not-peke-rescue.petfinder.com Friends of Coachella Valley Animal Campus: 866-493-Pets, Ex 270 Friends of the Palms Springs Animal Shelter: 760-323-1577.

KA.S.E.: 760-343-1661, kaseanimalcharity.org Loving All Animals: www.lovingallanimals.org Living Free Animal Sancuary: living-free.org Mary’s Little Lambs with Desert Dogs borregonotalamb@aol.com, 310-431-7818 Orphan Pet Oasis: 760-329-0203 www.orphanpet.com

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there all alone in a dark house. So she and her rescue partner went to the home in the middle of the night, had a sheriff meet them to gain entrance to the home, and rescued the mama dog. She was emaciated and dehydrated, but alive. Cherie brought the dog home and has been taking care of her ever since. Mama, now named Gracie, is healing. Her pup, Kringle, is with her rescue partner. Gracie is available for adoption but Kringle is not available for adoption yet, but will be soon.

To find out about adopting Gracie or Kringle, Cherie can be contacted at 818577-5247, or e-mail cherie@cheriev.com.

Normally, Cherie focuses on rescuing small dogs—10lbs and under— and those are typically the dogs she needs to place in foster homes. Usually, the dogs are in foster care from 2 weeks to a month. Her rescue organization covers all medical expenses for the dogs being fostered. All the foster parents need to provide is a little training, love, socialization and food.

Gracie is a 2-3yr old Terrier/Beagle mix- 25lbs approx. She’s spayed, vetted, chipped, doggie door trained, and great with other dogs

Palm Springs Animal Control (No Kill): 760-323-8151, www.pspd.com/animalcontrol.html Pretty Good Catz Rescue 760-660-3414 Pegasus Riding Academy For the Handicapped: 760-772-3057 www.Pegasusridingacademy.org Pet Rescue Center: 760-398-7722, petrescue.biz Save A Pet: 760-329-8510 saveapetonline.org The Living Desert: 760-346-5694 www.livingdesert.org

Editor’s Note: Last issue, the byline of “Fostering An Animal” had the author’s name misspelled. We apologize for any confusion. Samuel Esposito of K.A.S.E., wrote the article, and we appreciate his contribution to the magazine.

A small animal doctor that comes to your location for scheduled services performed in our mobile hospital.

www.vetontherun.com Susan Klages, DVM

760-898-2627

F/M:2012

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

Desert Pet Companion 23

Cryptococcus in Cats Robert B. Reed, DVM, MSES, MPA

A

Š liubomirt - Fotolia.com

swollen nose, sneezing, nasal discharge, red eyes, squinting, skin nodules, draining wounds, mental depression, labored breathing, profound weakness, loss of coordination, partial paralysis, blindness, and seizures. These are some of the many faces of disease caused by one organism: Cryptococcus.

Cryptococcus is a fungus that affects many species, including people. In veterinary medicine we sometimes see it in dogs, but we most frequently associate it with cats. Fortunately, cats do not transmit the organism to people, or vice versa, but both can be infected by exposure to the same environment.

Cryptococcus is typically found in soil that is rich in decaying plant material, such as leaf litter, and especially in areas that have been contaminated by bird droppings.

24 Desert Pet Companion

Cats that go outside, therefore, face a higher risk of exposure, but since soil can be carried on shoes, even indoor cats remain vulnerable.

Recently, Cryptococcus has been an increasingly popular topic of discussion because of apparent changes in its severity.

The most common route of exposure in cats is through inhalation of fungal spores. In the past we would think about Cryptococcus in cats that had chronic nasal discharge, congestion, or swelling. Now we recognize that many syndromes can develop, and the disease can sometimes be quite severe, even fatal.

Some researchers attribute the greater virulence of Cryptococcus to the appearance of a second species in our region. The new species (Cryptococcus gatti) seems to more readily cause severe symptoms in cats than the more familiar species, Cryptococcus neoformans. We used to believe Cryptococcus gatti was restricted to tropical areas, but it is now seen with increasing frequency in the Pacific Northwest and is prevalent in Central California. Both forms of Cryptococcus continue to spread and have now been identified in most areas of California, including Southern California and the Coachella Valley.

On the bright side, both species of Cryptococcus respond to treatment with antifungal drugs. Our challenge lies in recognizing the disease at an early stage.

Understanding the wide range of possible symptoms is a key factor in that recognition.

If your cat has any of the described symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

Robert Reed, DVM, MPA, MSES is the Medical Director at VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital located at 71-075 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA. 1-760-346-6103. Visit www.vcahospitals.com/rancho-mirage

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

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At VCA, we have a soft spot for the littlest pets.

We want to ensure that your new addition stays healthy and safe. Our new Best Care plans for puppies and kittens are designed to help you and your little one have the very best start to your new life together.

Your new puppy or kitten is vulnerable to disease in his first months, and needs a properly designed program of vaccines and boosters. Many harbor parasites too, so an exam and de-worming treatment are very important.

At VCA, we’re priveleged to be there for you at this exciting time. Our team will share with you special tips, advice and information to help in the care of your new little bundle!

VCA Best Care Packages take place over 3 visits and include: • 3 physical exams • Recommended vaccinations • Intestinal parasite exams • Heartworm test • De-worming treatment • Nutritional consultation • Microchip, and more!

Primary Care • Advanced Care • Preventive Care Pet Grooming • Pet Boarding • Pet Counseling Home Delivery • Preventive Care Clinic

Mention this ad and receive a 10% boarding discount.

Must have updated rabies, distemper/parvo and bordetella vaccines.

Certain restrictions apply.

VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital

VCA Desert Animal Hospital

760-346-6103

760-778-9999

71-075 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

4299 E. Ramon Road Palm Springs, CA 92264

Local Events

There are many pet-friendly activities in the desert. Please go to our facebook page to see an expanded list. Activities and events are subject to change. Please call the event to confirm information. If we missed your pet event or activity, please let us know.

Thursd ay, Feb. 9 11am-1p m WHERE: Smoke Tree Ranch, 1850 Smoke Tree Lane, Palm Springs, CA ABOUT: Steve and Yvonne Maloney invite you to join GDD for lunch at Dog Day Afternoon in honor of the 40th Anniversary of Guide Dogs of the Desert. There will be raffles, a silent auction and prizes for the best hats and lots of dogs and puppies. To make a reservation or for more information, please call Kevin Towner or Debbie Sloss-Coyle at 760-329-6257.

Cool On-going Events and Activities!

PALM SPRINGS

HIP AT TIRE & MORE FOR GROOVY PETS WWW.PAWZPS.COM 515 N PALM CANYON STE. A-5 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262

26 Desert Pet Companion

(760) 322-PAWZ

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

F/M:2012

Sun City Shadow Hills 4th Annual Pet Expo WHERE: Montecito Clubhouse Sun City Shadow Hills (Exit Jefferson north of I-10)

Sun d Feb ay, 9am . 12 -1pm

ABOUT: The Expo will include over 25 exhibitors of specialized pet related products and services. Pet adoptions will be sponsored by Indio Animal Shelter, Animal Samaritans, Tender Loving Critters, Living Free Animal Sanctuary, Pet Rescue Center of Coachella, Desert Cats, and Forget-Me-Not Pet Rescue. Demonstrations will be presented by the Indio Police K-9 Unit, therapy dogs from Animal Samaritans, and various dog trainers.

Live Door Prize Drawings and silent auctions will be held with over 100 valuable prizes available to bid on. Proceeds from auction and door prizes will be donated to acquire updated scanners to re-unite lost pets with their owners, and many civic and non-profit agencies including Animal Samaritans, Coachella Valley Wild Bird Rescue Center, Guide Dogs of the Desert, Indio Animal Care Center, and the Indio Police Department K-9 Unit.

In addition to residents of both Sun City Palm Desert and Shadow Hills, the public is also invited to attend this FREE event!

F/M:2012

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

Stop by and say “Hi!� DPC will be at many local events.

Desert Pet Companion 27

Valentines Adoption Event

Š Caroline Henri (cat) & Barbara Helgason (dog) - Fotolia.com

ay, Sund 2 1 Feb. m -3p 11am

WHERE: Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave., Palm Springs ABOUT: The Palm Springs Animal Shelter is having a pet adoption event. The event includes various activities and $20.00 adoptions all day which include spay or nueter, age appropriate shots, and microchipping. The Shelter is located at: 4575 E. Mesquite Avenue (at the east end of Demuth Park), phone: 760-323-8151. Visit the Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter for more information about the Valetines Adoption Event. http://palmspringsanimalfriends.ning.com

www.bikepsrentals.com 760-832-8912 Yes, you can take your dog with you as you pedal around Palm Springs. Bike Palm Springs is dog-friendly, providing that the dog can fit in the basket and is an experienced basket rider. A bowl of fresh water is always available for dogs at the shop. Bicycles are available for half day, 24-hour or multiple day rentals. Co-owner Blair Morgan reminds cyclists to not ride bicycles on the sidewalks in Downtown Palm Springs.

Bike Palm Springs Rentals and Tours is located at 625 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA. 28 Desert Pet Companion

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

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, rday Satu 18 Feb. m -2p 11am

Men with Mutts Strut Their Stuff WHERE: Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Indian Wells ABOUT: Desert’s 3rd annual Men of the Desert Fashion show, featuring local models and their well-behaved pooches strutting down the runway. Local models will feature men’s apparel from the Mares For Men clothing store in La Quinta. The paring of models and dogs is a reminder to all in attendance why they are there: to help raise money for Animal Samaritans SPCA. Tickets: $75 Contact 760-343-3216 or www. animalsamaritans.org/events to purchase.

Annual Gala & Fashion Show

Satur da Marc y, h3

WHERE: PGA West Arnold Palmer Private Country Club, La Quinta

ABOUT: Annual Gala and Medical Fundraiser benefits medical services for rescued KASE KIDS. Dinner, live music and fun. Tami Alexander will host the evening as the emcee. 760-343-1661 or email: kasekids@gmail.com

Local Pet Retail Stores Check with your favorite pet retail stores for in-store events Ambrosia Pet Deli: 760-568-1177, www.ambrosiapetdeliofca.com

Dur Febr ing uary Marc & h

Bones-n-Scones - Palm Springs: 760-864-1133, www.bonesnscones.com Bones-n-Scones - Palm Desert: 760-340-2663, www.bonesnscones.com

Cold Nose Warm Heart - Palm Springs: 760-327-7747, www.ColdNoseWarmHeart.com Cold Nose Warm Heart - Palm Desert: 760-340-0900, www.ColdNoseWarmHeart.com Pawz: 760-322-PAWZ, www.pawzps.com

Pet Oasis: 760-345-3199, www.ThePetOasis.com

The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace: 760-537-1172, thepethotelatbarkinghampalace.com F/M:2012

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

Desert Pet Companion 29

ASID Palm Springs/Inland Valley designers present “Chateau Le Chien,” at a private residence in Mirada Estates, Rancho Mirage. View incredible, one-of-a-kind “chateaus” for canines created by ASID designers, such as award-winning Louise Neyer.

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. That evening, the chateaus will be judged by a group of celebrity judges and will be placed the next morning at Fashion Week’s “Le Chien” event.

The chateaus will be for sale at a silent auction with the proceeds benefiting the Humane Society of the Desert and the ASID Scholarship Fund. Contact ASID: www.asidpsi.org. Ticket information: www.fashionweekelpaseo.com/tickets.html

30 Desert Pet Companion

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

© www.dogisagod.it/ Examples of dog houses only, not for sale at event

© Karen Roach - Fotolia.com

Friday , March 16 6:30pm 9:30pm

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Examples of dog houses only, not for sale at event

© MightyBlue - Fotolia.com

WHERE: El Paseo (Great White Tent), Palm Desert

Doggie Beauty Bash

Satu rd Marc ay, h 9:30 17 am2:30 pm

ABOUT: Le Chien at Fashion Week El Paseo™ kicks off with a “Doggy Beauty Bash” where local pet salons will groom dogs in the Great White Tent at Fashion Week El Paseo™.

The proceeds from the grooming will benefit the Humane Society of the Desert. Following the Doggy Beauty Bash there will be a Kibbles and Champagne for the owners while the stage is set for the first “Le Chien” at Fashion Week. Dogs will be strutting the latest dog fashions from top designers who specialize in couture for dogs.

Kyra Sundance, stunt dog trainer, performer and author will join the activities on stage.

Kyra will be available for book and CD signing following the show.

Linda Higgins, interior designer and pet fashion designer will be featured on the runway.

Her doggie creations are made from the finest silks available on the market today including dresses, dress coats, and much much more to come. Comfort as well as beauty comes first with these classy built-in-harness dresses.

Sponsored by Cold Nose Warm Heart and benefiting Humane Society of the Desert.

featured designer

Linda Higgins, and two of her doggie dress designs F/M:2012

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

Desert Pet Companion 31

Dogged by Worn Out Wood

by Pam Price Images provided by Coda Gallery.

W

ood, riddled with age and abandoned by time, is a treasure of found art for Silvia L. Davis, the Utah artist who exhibits her sculpture at Coda Gallery, in Palm Desert.

With a chainsaw in one hand and a chisel in another, she coaxes a hunk of wood into a magnificent work of art, whether it is a cat, dog, horse, motorcycle, gumball machine, sewing machine, typewriter or birthday cake. “The process of direct observation has always been the most natural way of working for me,” says Davis, as she points to a life size cat comfortably sleeping on a chair with a pair of cowboy boots off to the left side. “Kitchen Chair” was fashioned

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from barn wood--something she did not source from a lumberyard. She and her husband enjoy a rural lifestyle in Teasdale, Utah, where fields of flowers replace ribbons of freeway. “I am the ultimate recycler. As a ‘transformal’ artist, I see a moment in time and capture it in wood. It comes to me naturally. I have been creating art since I was five years old,” she says.

While Davis was readying for her opening at Coda Gallery (March 16-26), we talked about what turns her on, artistically, here. “The roadrunners; the way they move

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and posture--the rabbits, too,” she mused.

She might make that into reality. “I look at a tree stump or old growth barn wood; if it has potential, it could be my next cat.” Davis has an eye for simplicity. Her dogs and cats may seem to be sleeping, and the extraordinary detail around their posturing or cocked heads would have you believe they’re dreaming of playing fetch or catching a frisky mouse.

Davis has the rare ability to draw the child within us into a moment of magic.

Silvia is capable of fashioning a “Dream Dog” sculpture into such a lifelike pose that you want to bring home an extra bag of dog treats to it, even though it is an inanimate object of art. Anybody seeking a sculpture that emulates a dog or cat would find this the perfect substitute for the real thing.

“Winston”, born of barn wood, is a noble boxer who looks so real that his eyes seem to follow you around the gallery. “Baily”, the cunning cat, styled from smooth pieces of wood, strikes a noble pose so inviting that you almost want to reach out and scratch her behind the ears. “Buster”, with his ears perked, seems to say, “Take me home! I am low maintenance!”

Subtle shades of brown reveal the depth of the wood, defying the fact it is sourced from a roadside woodpile or a county road.

Davis is focused on her uncanny ability to fuse her vision into layers of wood with a surrealistic result. As you lock eyes with one of her dogs or cats, it is only natural to want to reach out and pet their rich coats, which, to the hand, is simply smooth, buffed out wood.

Admirers of canine and cat art will find this exhibit a fascinating dimension into the world of wood, lending old world craftsmanship with new age vision.

The woodcarvers of an earlier era would find kinship with Sylvia L. Davis, I am certain.

12th Annual Walk for the Animals

WHERE: Palm Desert Civic Park, 73-600 Fred Waring Dr. Palm Desert ABOUT: Satur day, Registration Marc h starts at 8am.

9am- 31 The event 11am is more than a dog walk; it attracts hundreds of pet owners with all types of dogs. While the event is free to attend, guests are asked to help raise $25,000 through donations, walk pledges, and the purchase of raffle tickets. Proceeds go to the Humane Education in the Classroom program and to help care for our shelter animals.

The event features free animalthemed entertainment including: Acrobatic Frisbee Dogs; local Police K-9 dogs; Pet costume contests, and the Second Chance Parade of Pets with adoptable dogs from local animal shelters. www.animalsamaritans.org, 760-343-3216

Pam Price recently completed a class in dog fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.

F/M:2012

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

Desert Pet Companion 33

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34 Desert Pet Companion

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The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace Pet Hotel & Spa -Boarding or Day Care

Doggy Gym & Pool Pet Grooming Training

The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace 34-550 Spyder Circle, Palm Desert, CA 92211 www.thepethotelatbarkinghampalace.com

Missing an issue?

Visit our website to find out how to get back issues. www.desertpetcompanion.com/ mail.html or call 760-835-0369 Limited issues available.

Luxury Overnight Suites Indoor Play Rooms Day Camp Lush Play Yards

They leave it, We retrieve it!

FOR ONLY $9.75/WK 1 DOG, $2.75 ADD’L DOG

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Indoor Barkalounge Training & Agility Course

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Chauffeur Service Grooming Salon

Lic. and Insured

Pet Waste Removal Service

We Scoop, Disinfect & Remove Your Dogs Poop Weekly

866-229-9289

760-398-9900

www.TheGrandPaw.com

www.gotdooky.com *Mention this ad to get discount. Not valid with any other offers. Limit one per household. No Cash Value.

F/M:2012

Voted Valley’s Best Pet Resort for 6 Years!

51750 Jackson Street (Near Avenue 52)

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

Desert Pet Companion 35

Keeping Indoor Cats Healthy

by Dr. Susan Powell, DVM, Country Club Animal Clinic

T

here is no doubt that cats that spend time outdoors face numerous hazards and are more likely to have a shortened life span compared to cats that live exclusively indoors. Indoor only cats are protected from injuries or death from motor vehicles, pesticides, anti-freeze, dogs, and our local coyotes as well as other predatory wildlife. Outdoor cats are exposed to infectious diseases such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), spread via saliva of infected cats, and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), spread by a cat bite from an infected cat. Exposure to rabies from wildlife is fortunately rare but possible.

36 Desert Pet Companion

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Š Callalloo Twisty - Fotolia.com

Exposure to parasites and toxins can lead to serious illness. Traps set by neighbors to catch feral cats do not discriminate. A pet cat may easily be trapped and taken to the shelter. Unless the cat has a microchip or other identification, the owner may never be reunited with their pet.

However, by keeping cats exclusively indoors, we create a different set of health problems that can be just as serious. The most common health problem for indoor only cats is Feline Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) or cystitis. Indoor cats also have a higher risk of dental disease, obesity and diabetes.

FLUTD is a very common problem almost exclusive to indoor cats. The most common signs are urinating outside of the litter box, straining to urinate and the presence of blood in the urine. While these can be signs of a urinary tract infection, it is not usually caused by a bacterial infection and is thus called sterile cystitis. The most common cause is stress. FLUTD can also lead to

urinary obstruction, which is more common in male cats, and is a medical emergency.

Unable to urinate, toxins build up leading to death unless treated promptly and aggressively. Non-obstructive FLUTD may be managed with medications, diet, and most importantly, environmental enrichment.

Trying to see the world from a cat’s point of view is very difficult. Possible stressors for a cat, such as a cat walking on the back fence every day, or smells that are offensive to it will probably go unnoticed by the owner. It would be impossible to eliminate all stressors the cat may encounter, but we can try to improve the environment that our cats live in by keeping the following information in mind.

Litter boxes are extremely important, and issues with litter boxes can often lead to inappropriate urination and/or defecation outside the box. A general rule of thumb is one litter box per cat plus one in multi-cat households. The litter boxes should be placed throughout the house in quiet locations with at least one on every level in large and multi-

Independently owned since 1996

Offering uniquely personal veterinary services in Palm Desert, California.

Dr. Lillian Roberts

Country Club Animal Clinic provides exceptional dog wellness and cat wellness care. We treat your pet as we would our own!

Dr Susan Powell

Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm Sat. 8am-2pm

36869 Cook St. Suite 103, Palm Desert, CA 92211 760-776-7555 www.countryclubdvm.com F/M:2012

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

Desert Pet Companion 37

story houses. Some cats like a covered box, some do not, and the size may matter. The litter box should be inaccessible to any dogs in the house.

Many cats are picky about litter type and cleanliness of the box. Most cats prefer one type of litter and some will not use a litter box unless it is spotlessly clean. If you are going to change to a different type of litter do so with only one box and keep another box with the old litter until you know if the cat will accept it. One of the most common reasons cats are relinquished to shelters is inappropriate urination.

Cats prefer to eat in quiet areas where they will not be startled or bothered by humans, other animals, or noisy appliances.

Canned food is preferred because of the increased water content but many cats prefer dry. Cats are sensitive to food texture, so changes in food may not be accepted. Any new diet should be introduced gradually

and fed in a separate container next to the current food. Natural cat feeding behavior also includes predatory activities such as stalking and pouncing. Treats can be hidden for the cat to find. You can buy special “treat balls” that randomly distribute treats as the cat plays with the toy.

Water is very important, especially when it comes to urinary tract health. Fresh water should be provided daily. Cats vary in their preference of a water source. While a water bowl is most common, and should be wide enough so the cat’s whiskers do not touch the side, many cats prefer automatic water fountains.

Cats should have multiple structures that they are allowed to climb on and hide in. Elevated areas (such as a hammock) to rest in should be provided. Scratching surfaces, both horizontal and vertical, should be provided (even for declawed cats). The post should be tall enough for them to

The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace

T

he Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace is a full service 11,500 square foot luxury boarding facility with a 24 hour, 7 day a week staff, and cameras throughout the facility.

The doors open up into wonderful smells of lavender and frankincense in the lobby. The Pet Hotel uses natural oils to kill airborne bacteria and has a UV bacteria system to help maintain a spotless environment for your pet’s health.

Oversized glass block suites are available for dogs staying overnight. The suites have TVs and webcams for viewing. In-room pet massages are available upon request. The

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Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace also offers doggy daycare six days SPOT LIGH T a week in large indoor play areas.

Groomers Courtney Johnson and Melissa Divine specialize in Poodles, Bichons, Yorkies and Maltese, among many other breeds and cuts. A specialty treatment is the Klay-9 mask for deep hydration of the skin and coat, made from sea minerals.

An 8,000 square foot outdoor park is in the works. It will include a large and small dog park with water features that lead into a fun pool for a day of frolicking. Shade and misters will help cool the park during warmer months. There area also plans for a new 11,000 square foot training center which will be the desert’s first indoor dog all-sports center for all kinds of events. Dog trainer, Brenda Mejia, is available at the facility for obedience, agility, flyball, rally and more. Additional consulting trainers are Lea Sherman and Linda Jolly.

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stretch vertically.

Depending on individual preferences, cats should have toys to play with. Ideally, a daily minimum of fifteen minutes of structured play or interaction with the cat should be provided. Whether this is grooming, playing with a feather toy, or chasing a laser pointer will depend on the individual cat. A variety of different toys should be provided to prevent boredom.

While many multi-cat households are harmonious, conflict can occur even with cats that have lived together peacefully for many years. Some conflicts are obvious to the owner but often times the conflict is silent. Most conflicts are over competition for resources, such as food and litter boxes.

Introducing a new cat may cause conflict but doing so properly can minimize the stress on all cats involved. There are many good resources available on the internet with tips for introducing a new cat.

The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace also has a cattery with spacious cat condos and a separate large play area for cats to individually stretch their legs daily. Birds are also welcome at The Pet Hotel and are accommodated in large cages.

The wellness center in The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace carries supplements for the overall health of your dog and Young Living Essential Oils for you and your pet.

The boutique carries many beautiful collars, leashes, harnesses, doggy coats and carriers. Copies of the books, “Dino Vicelli Private Eye in a World of Evils” and “Vicelli Goes to Washington,” written by author Lori Weiner are available at the boutique. The mystery seF/M:2012

In both human and veterinary medicine, there is a strong association between mental well-being and physical health. The good news is that there are many things we can do for our feline friends to keep them healthy, happy, and minimize the stressors that can lead to illness. We also benefit by improving the human-animal bond we have with our pets. With the proper tools there is much we can do to keep our cats safe and healthy indoors.

More information can be found on http://indoorpet.osu.edu/, an exceptional website created by Dr. Tony Buffington, a veterinary professor at Ohio State University and an expert in the field of indoor cat care.

Dr. Susan Powell, DVM recently joined Country Club Animal Clinic which is located at 36869 Cook Street, in Palm Desert. www.countryclubdvm.com

ries features Dino Vicelli, an Italian Greyhound that happens to be a suave, savvy, private detective.

The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace’s owner, Lori Weiner, is the owner/handler of Afghans and Borzoi in AKC dog shows with 15 years experience handling dogs. Kerry Pope, BP’s general manager, has over 40 years’ experience in the show ring handling and training dogs. They bring their love for dogs into the business. Lori is also passionate about dog rescue, taking dogs out of shelters to foster and train them. She then gives them a fun, comfortable place to live until they can be placed in forever homes. Barkingham Palace has had 35 successful adoptions since May, 2011. Lori quotes, “He will give the animals of the field water in the desert.”

The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace is located at 34-550 Spyder Circle, Palm Desert.

Future events with pet rescue organizations are planned. Call them at 760-537-1172, or for more information visit:www.thepet hotelatbarkinghampalace.com.

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Desert Pet Companion 39

Pet Emergencies: What You Should Know

By Dr. William Moffat DVM, VCA All Creatures Animal Hospital

Š annette shaff - Fotolia.com

S

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ymptoms of an emergency in our beloved cats and dogs are not always obvious. A pet health emergency can happen quickly, without much warning, and the symptoms may be silent. Observing your pet daily helps give a pet owner a sense of how their pet normally behaves. Routinely inspecting your pet while brushing or petting it also gives an observant pet owner an opportunity to be become aware of lumps, bumps or tender areas. Unusual pet behavior is more easily recognized and familiarity of a pet’s normal behavior can help a pet owner notice if their pet is having health problems.

A pet having continuing abnormal signs with rapid onset of escalating problems indicates a possible emergency that might require immediate medical attention. Labored (difficulty) breathing, seizures, sudden collapse, front or rear leg paralysis, or straining to urinate are common signs of an emergency. Obvious emergencies include getting hit by a vehicle, bite www.DesertPetCompanion.com

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wounds, snake bites, ingesting poison or foreign bodies – i.e., bones, sticks, rocks, balls, toys, etc., and/or profuse bleeding.

Some insect bites can cause a reaction and require immediate medical care. A black widow spider, for example, can cause a severe reaction including seizures, paralysis, and muscle spasms. Scorpion stings can cause similar symptoms and are also potentially an emergency. If you suspect that your pet has been stung or bitten by an insect, call your veterinarian.

A pet with a chronic condition like kidney or heart disease, can have a silent emergency and suddenly collapse. Young animals can have acute emergencies from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and vaccine reactions. Active or overheated pets can suffer from heat exhaustion, which requires immediate care.

If a pet emergency happens after your normal veterinarian has closed, do you know where the 24-hour emergency care

clinic for your pet is located? If not, please take a moment to look up the address and phone number and write down – or program into your mobile phone – the information of the closest 24-hour clinic. Do you know the driving directions to the facility? Are your pet records easily available? Do you have a list of medications your pet is taking if it has chronic problems? Having this information easily accessible, allows you to provide an emergency clinic with important information about your pet. Always call the veterinarian to let them know you are coming in with a pet emergency.

If your pet is showing symptoms of possible distress it is better to be cautious in the preventative area rather than waiting until it is “too late.”

Dr. William Moffat, DVM, is one of the doctors at VCA All Creatures Animal Hospital, which is located at 78-359 Highway 111, La Quinta, CA, (760) 564-1154.

Common signs of emergencies: Severe trauma Sudden collapse Seizures Paralysis- front or rear legs Profuse bleeding from mouth, nose, ears or rectum Difficulty (labored) breathing Swallowing foreign bodies. i.e., bones, clothing, toys, sticks, needles and golf balls or rocks Swallowing poisons Urinary obstruction (straining to urinate) Painful or bloated abdomen Severe Vomiting or diarrhea in young or older pets Unproductive retching, especially if abdomen looks bloated

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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 Cats • Dogs Exotics • Pocket Pets Rabbits • Reptiles

78359 Highway 111 La Quinta www.vcahospitals.com/all-creatures-ca

(In the Vons Shopping Center)

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

Desert Pet Companion 41

Fetch!

Photos For Illustration Only, and are not OF Lori Carmen

Shaping the Retrieve Step-by-Step

By Lori Wainio-Carman, Dream Dogs

T

he game of fetch, or retrieve, is a great behavior to teach a new dog from scratch or to refine in your older dog. A quick game of fetch is a fantastic outlet for a dog’s natural prey instinct and knocks the edge off even the most energetic of dogs. Plus, it’s one of the few interactive games you and your dog can play together -- it’s a brilliant way to strengthen your human-dog bond.

Most dogs love to chase a ball and return it to you, but many dogs need a little guidance to get the behavior up to a satisfactory level.

You’ll find your dog to be either a natural or a reluctant retriever at first, but after a while most dogs love playing a game of fetch. Why wouldn’t they? It’s great fun!

Teaching a rock solid and reliable retrieve takes a few separate steps to get just right.

The following steps will teach your dog to be interested in an object, charge after it when it is thrown, pick it up, return it straight back to you and drop it at your feet. All without any 42 Desert Pet Companion

skylarking, sniffing, hesitation or detours!

Okay, let’s get started. We’ll build the retrieve behavior step-by-step. Start out simple and slowly build upon your dog’s successes -- this is the best way to shape any new behavior.

Step 1 Let’s start out by playing a simple and fun game. In a small room free from any distractions, sit down on the floor with your dog.

Have a small squeaky toy in your hand and some tasty treats in your other hand. Ideally, the toy will be one that your puppy has shown interest in. Now, toss the toy a small distance (still within your reach) from yourself and let your puppy pounce on it -- you can encourage your puppy if need be.

When your puppy grabs the toy you should reach out and take it from his/her mouth while saying “good puppy”. As soon as you have hold of the toy, you need to replace it

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

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Photos For Illustration Only, and are not OF Lori Carmen

by feeding a treat to your dog. If your puppy won’t let go of the toy, simply use the treat as a bribe. Hold the treat just in front of his nose and wait for him to drop the toy. Praise your dog and give him the treat as soon as the toy drops from his mouth. Practice this simple game in 5 minute blocks, at least a couple of times a day. This is the crucial first step towards developing a solid and reliable fetch or retrieve in your dog.

Step 2 Now we will continue the game we played in Step 1, but this time we will add a release word or cue to the exercise. As you are taking the toy from your puppy’s mouth (or when he drops it in your lap) say “thank you” or “thanks” and immediately give the treat and praise, just as you did in Step 1. Repeat this process many times. You are building an association in your dog’s mind between your “thanks” cue and the act of him giving the toy

to you. After plenty of practice and continual reinforcement (the treats), you will not have to grab the toy from your dog’s mouth, he will give it to you upon hearing your cue word.

Now we have got the basic fetch behavior we are trying to shape. We just need to build on it a little more.

ENDORSED BY: OBEDIENCE PROGRAMS BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION AGGRESSION PROBLEMS AGILITY/RALLY/TRICKS CLICKER TRAINING Victoria & Lo

ri

www.dreamdogs.com (760) 899-7272

Group, Private, and In-Residence Training Available

TRAINING PROFESSIONALLY FOR OVER 17 YEARS F/M:2012

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

Desert Pet Companion 43

Step 3 Now we can slowly (very slowly) increase the distance of the retrieve. Start out by throwing the toy a couple of feet from you.

Hopefully, your dog will continue to pounce on the toy and bring it back to you for his treat.

Continue just as you have been, saying your release cue “thanks,” and give the treat for every successful retrieve. Important: If at any time your dog does not bring the toy back to you do not chase him or make a fuss. Simply sit and wait patiently until he brings it back to you then continue as normal. Your aim is to make it clear to your dog that in order for the fun and games to continue he must bring the toy back to you. If your dog doesn’t bring the toy back to you, finish up and try again later on. Next time, go back to the shorter and easier retrieve game as in Step 1.

Step 4 Continue practicing this game of fetch over and over. Repetition and positive reinforcement are the keys to building and strengthening a solid retrieve. You can now mix up the

distance you throw the toy and take your training sessions into different rooms within the house. When you introduce a new object such as a ball (which is what you will use for a game of fetch at the dog park) to the game you need to start out again at a short distance and increase the distance slowly.

Remember to only ever treat and praise your puppy when the retrieve object gets delivered directly to you.

Step 5 That’s pretty much the retrieve behavior built in 4 steps. If you like, you can now add a cue at the start of the exercise. Simply say “fetch” or “get it” just before you throw the ball. After a while, when you say your “fetch” cue, your dog will look straight up at you in anticipation of a chase. You can also gradually fade the treats now. The game itself will be reward enough for your dog. Instead of a tasty treat being your dog’s motivation, the next throw of the ball will be enough of an incentive for him to bring the ball straight back to you.

Lori Wainio-Carman, professional dog trainer and owner of Dream Dogs has been successfully training for over 17 years. 760-899-7272 www.dreamdogs.com 44 Desert Pet Companion

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

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Local Businesses Aquariums & Ponds Aquarium Odyssey 73950 Hwy. 111, Palm Desert, 760-837-1868 www.aquariumodyssey.com Grooming and Pet Dental Bath & Brush 4771 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Ste. A, Palm Springs 760-2024494, Health conscious professional bathing and grooming for your pet including dogs, cats, rabbits and birds. Please see ad on p 20.

Furbulous Dog™ Foaming Dog Shampoo www.furbulousdogshampoo.com USDA Organic dog shampoo, sold locally. Please see ad on p 20.

Canine Relief www.Canine-Relief.com, Toll Free: (877) 738-2873 Unsurpassed in fast healing and relief for dog itching, grass allergy rashes, hot spots, patchy hair loss, fungus, wounds and suture sites. Please see ad on p 21.

Pet Clubs Kennel Club of Palm Springs KCPS meets the third Wednesday of each month except July, August or December at the Palm Springs Police Dept. Library at 7:30PM. Interested visitors are welcome. Contact iggylil@earthlink.net to confirm meeting or for information.

Pet Psychic & Communicator Cherie Vergini 818-577-5247 www.cheriev.com, Local pet psychic offers pet sessions by phone or in person. Please see ad on p 22.

Pet Resorts & Boarding The Grand Paw 51750 Jackson St., Vista Santa Rosa, 760-398-9900 www.TheGrandPaw.com, VotedValley’s Best Pet Resort for 5 years,The Grand Paw is an upscale, fun-filled resort offering doggie daycamp, luxury boarding, expert training and professional grooming. Please see ad on p 35.

The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace 34-550 Spyder Circle, Palm Desert, 760-537-1172, www.thepethotelatbarkinghampalace.com, Pet hotel, spa, doggy gym and pool, pet grooming and training all in one convenient location. Please see ad on p 10 & 35.

Hollywood Premier Pets 77920 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, (760) 3455005, www.hollywoodpremierpets.com. Your pet will be pampered by our salon, spoiled by our boutique and eat like royalty with our premium pet foods.

Please see ad on p 21.

Pet Sitters, & Pet Waste Removal Service Guardian Pet and Home Care www.guardianpetandhomecare.com, 760-238-1612, Guardian Pet & Home Care, a loving pet sitting service dedicated to the welfare of your special pet. Owned and operated

by Kathleen, Guardian Pet & Home Care is licensed, bonded, insured, pet safety and CPR certified, with client references and veterinary recommended. Please see ad on p 34.

Uptown Dog Grooming 73-905 Frontage Rd. Hwy 111, Palm Desert (located inside The Pet Spaw), www.uptowndoggrooming.com, 760-636-6535, A “pawsh” experience for your dog!

Please see ad on p 18.

Got Dooky?

866-229-9289, www.gotdooky.com, Got Dooky is the Desert’s premier service for residential and commercial pet waste removal. Serving the entire desert since 2007. Please see ad on p 35.

The Pet Spaw 73-905 Frontage Rd. Hwy 111, Palm Desert 760-346-3461, Best in theValley for over 32 years.Take advantage of our All Year Round special prices on our “Comfort Baths.” Please see ad on p 18.

Loving Touch Pet Sitting Debey Do, 760-485-7446, Professional pet sitting service in your home. Hotel visits available too. Bonded, licensed and insured. Please see ad on p 34.

Shear Art Pet Salon 67-555 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Ste. C-109, Cathedral City, 760-285-6263, www.ShearArtPetSalon.com SHEAR ART is a state-of-the-art salon offering friendly full service dog and cat grooming in a clean and relaxed atmosphere.

Located just two miles from Palm Springs on Highway 111 across the street from Trader Joe’s and Target, SHEAR ART features easy drop-off and pick-up. Please see ad on p 19.

Splash and Dash for Dogs™ www.SplashAndDashForDogs.com. Monthly grooming membership plan for dogs, one low fee includes unlimited dog wash and brush service. Participating groomers include Hollywood Premier Pets in Palm Desert. Please see ad on p 21.

Marilyn’s Pet Sitting 760-219-0972, 15 years experience caring for pets. See ad for first time client discount. Licensed and insured. Please see ad on p 34.

Pet Sitting by Kat 760-460-1047, www.care.com/petcare/katt. We offer personalized home-style boarding and in-home care.We have extended hours and have just added professional training and grooming to our list. Please see ad on p 34.

Precious-N-Purrfect Pampered Pets Kim Sherman & Melinda Law, 760-202-8939 or 855-PAWSITR, www.preciousnpurrfect.com, Serving the desert since 2001, Precious-N-Purrfect Pampered Pets has acquired the experience to care for your young new addition to your most senior pets. Please see ad on p 34.

Photography Karen Buxbaum Photography 760-625-5552, www.KarenBuxbaumPhotography.com Animals fill my heart. They live life in the moment, sharing joy and humor. They make our lives more meaningful. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture the essence of your loved one in a photograph to treasure for your lifetime. Please see ad back cover.

Retail & Pet Stores Ambrosia Pet Deli 73131 Country Club Dr. C3, Palm Desert 760-568-1177, www.ambrosiapetdeliofca.com Our mission is to keep pets healthy and to live long by providing the healthiest and safest dog and cat food we can find.

Please see ad on p 11.

Bones-n-Scones 577 E. Sunny Dunes Rd., Palm Springs, 760-864-1133 73-910 Highway 111, Palm Desert, 760-340-BONE www.bonesnscones.com Yes, we’ll answer any questions about your pet’s diet! Raw, dehydrated, grain-free & fresh foods, also an on-site bakery offering treats & specialty cakes. Ask about FREE delivery! Please see ad on p 13.

Cold Nose Warm Heart 189 S. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, 760-327-7747 73399 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 760-340-0900 www.coldnosewarmheart.com, Cold Nose Warm Heart is an upscale pet boutique in the heart of Palm Springs Village.

Please see ad on p 3.

Exotic Birds Unlimited 44827 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert, 760-779-5205 www. exoticbirdsunlimited.com, Full service bird store.

Pet Oasis 42-220 Washington St., Bermuda Dunes (next to Home Goods), 760-345-3199, Our selection of healthy nutritional products will amaze you. Our experience is second to none and you will find all your pet’s needs in one place! Please see ad on p 17.

Do Your Cat and Dog belong on our cover?

We’re looking for cover models.

Certain rules apply, please visit our website for more information.

Training Best Paw Forward, Valerie Masi 760-885-9450, www.BestPawForwardDogTraining. com Offering individual consultation, custom training and behavior modification to fit the dog and owner. Group training classes also available. Please see ad on p 15.

Dream Dogs, Lori Wainio-Carman 760-899-7272, www.dreamdogs.com, Dream Dogs uses positive training techniques to build proper relationships between dog and owner to achieve maximum results.

Group, in-residence,and private training available. Please see ad on p 43.

Veterinarians Country Club Animal Clinic 36869 Cook St., Palm Desert, 760-776-7555 www.countryclubdvm.com, Country Club Animal Clinic provides exceptional care and service to pets and their people.“Your pet’s health is our business!” Please see ads on pages 5 & 37.

The Cat Clinic 67870 Vista Chino, Cathedral City, California 92234, 760-325-3400, www.catcitycat.com, Dr. Rebecca Diaz is dedicated to keeping your cats and kittens happy and healthy with top-quality care in a stress-free environment created specifically for the special needs of our feline companions. Please see ad on page 27.

Veterinarian on the Run Mobile veterinarian, 760-898-2627 www.vetontherun.com, A small animal doctor that comes to your location for scheduled services performed in mobile hospital. Please see ad on p 23.

VCA - All Creatures Animal Hospital 78359 Hwy. 111, La Quinta, 760-564-1154 www.vcahospitals.com/all-creatures Please see ad on p 41.

VCA - Desert Animal Hospital 4299 E. Ramon Rd., Palm Springs, 760-778-9999 www.vcahospitals.com/desert, Expert staff offering quality care and treatment for your pets. Upscale boarding facility too. Please see ads on p 12 & 25.

VCA - Rancho Mirage 71-075 Hwy. 111, Rancho Mirage, 760-346-6103 www.vcahospitals.com/rancho-mirage Providing you—and your pet—with the highest quality of care and attention. Please see ads on p 12 & 25.

VCA - Valley Animal Medical Center 46920 Jefferson St., Indio, 760-342-4711 www.vcahospitals.com/valley-emergency 24/7 General and Emergency practice.

Village Park Animal Hospital 77895 Ave. Montezuma, La Quinta 760-564-3833 www.VillageParkAnimalHospital.com Village Park Animal Hospital is a full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care for the life of your pet.

Please see ad p 9.