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Pets In The City Magazine
The Humane Society of Utah’s Memorial Plaza
is a tribute to the four-legged and human loved ones who have touched our lives. Make a permanent mark for someone special by purchasing a tax-deductible personalized engraved brick at our Memorial Plaza. Bricks are a touching way to honor the passing of a pet, friend or family member. Bricks can also be beautiful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas.
Visit www.utahhumane.org/bricks or call (801) 261-2919 ext. 207.
Wild at Heart
July 2014
Everyone can have a companion animal that fits their lifestyle and living arrangements. Exotics – namely birds, rodents, reptiles, and fish – are generally small and kept in cages and aquariums, making them great apartment-appropriate pets. Exotics also include intelligent and friendly animals traditionally considered livestock. However, exotics tend to be more wild than domesticated (compared to cats and dogs) and often require special care and consideration to live long and fulfilling lives.
Pets In The City Magazine
LETTER FROM THE STAFF
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PUBLISHER PICM Publishing, LLC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Genevieve Campbell EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chanté McCoy MANAGING EDITOR Deborah Myers COPY EDITORS Jennifter Martin Mona Mistric PUBLIC RELATIONS / SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Jennafer Martin STAFF WRITERS Kim Justen / Tonya Landon Megan Lopez / Jennafer Martin Mona Mistric / Sarah Tyler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Doug Folland , DVM Kimberly Henneman, DVM Lynn McCarron, DVM GUEST WRITERS Nick Kuhn Cassie Swift Lance Weeks RonaLeigh Wheelwright STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Dickinson CIRCULATION Shane Myers, Circulation Manager City Weekly Distribution Smith’s Grocery Store Racks
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Pets In The City Magazine
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michelle Bellinger All illustrations created by Mashiara Graphics. Copyrighted 2014.
SALES & ADVERTISING DIRECTORS Beverly Egleston 801.661.7142 Deborah Myers 801.702.1171 debbiepetsinthecitymagazine@gmail.com
www.petsinthecitymagazine.com PICM Disclaimer: All reader submissions and photos are voluntarily submitted without expectation of compensation. All opinions of the authors in this Magazine are those of the writer or contributor and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. The publisher has not confirmed the accuracy of information contained in the articles. PICM reserves the right to edit, alter, or modify the submitted article to the extent in which we deem necessary. A RESCUE PLEA: Pets In The City Magazine is dedicated to and encourages rescuing companion animals of all types. There are thousands of animals in Utah and across our nation needing a forever home. If you are interested in rescuing a companion animal, there are over 100 animal rescues in Utah. A good resource is petfinder.com, a nationwide database for companion animals of all types. A rescued animal can be rewarding and lead to a forever grateful love. Pets In The City Magazine © 2012 is an independent, free monthly magazine published by PICM Publishing. For information regarding Pets in the City Magazine, visit www.petsinthecitymagazine.com Any and all articles in Pets in the City Magazine are submitted for reading enjoyment only. Please consult a professional and make wise personal decisions regarding health and safety issues of pets and family.
Event Calendar July 15 & 29 What Where When Info
Paint Your Pet Fundraising Event Utah Dog Park: 1977 W. North Temple July 15 & July 29 at 6:30pm
Event for “We Care Fund”. Paint a canvas of your pet with help from the pros. $45 each. Reserve your seat at painterspaletteutah.com
July 18, 19, 21, 25, 26 & 28 What Where When Info
Fiddler on the Roof Butler Middle School 7530 S. 2700 E., Cottonwood Heights July 18, 19, 21, 25, 26 & 28 at 7pm
July 29 & 30 What When Info
What Where When Info
www.arts.ch.utah.gov
The Farm Grand Opening Gardner Village July 24
Petting Zoo, Pony Rides & Parties
July 26 - 27 What Where When Info
Dog Days of Summer
Wasatch Front Farmers Market
July 26 - 27
wasatchfrontfarmersmarket.org
(801) 261-3655 Register now! Classes fill quickly. saltlakevetservices.com
August 2 & 3
July 24 What Where When Info
Rattlesnake Avoidance Training July 29 & 30
Healthy Pets 1st Anniversary Celebration Healthy Pets Mountain West 2352 E. Fort Union Blvd. August 2 & 3 Customer appreciation discounts offered throughout the store. Free pet treats and giveaways.
August 9 What Where When Info
5-K9 Fun Run Trailside Park in Park City August 9 at 8am To register, see our ad on the back cover. Huge fundraiser prizes too!
Send in your upcoming events now! Email details to info@petsinthecitymagazine.com
TABLE of CONTENTS
Pets In The City Magazine July 2014 5
3 LETTER FROM THE STAFF 5 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 6 EXPERT ADVICE Natural Pet Remedies for Summer Challenges - Dr. Kimberly Henneman Blood Pressure Evaluation in Dogs and Cats - Dr Lunn McCarron The Challenges of Exotic Pets - Dr. Doug Folland 12 HOW TO SELECT AND CARE FOR BEARDED DRAGONS - Lance Weeks 14 RESCUE ME 16 HELPING OUR HEROES: CAN DOGS AID RETURNED VETERANS? - Chanté McCoy Last Month’s Issue 18 ADD A SPLASH OF COLOR: SELECTING FISH TANK COMMUNITIES - Nick Kuhn 19 ASK STETSON Q & A - Tonya Landon 20 ANIMALS IN THE NEWS - Chanté McCoy 21 RATTLESNAKE AVERSION TRAINING FOR DOGS - Sarah Tyler 22 ARE POTBELLIED PIGS THE PETS FOR YOU? - Jennafer Martin 24 CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG? BIRDS CO-HABITATING WITH CATS AND DOGS - RonaLeigh Wheelwright 26 DOCK JUMPING IS DOGS’ PLAY - Cassie Swift 27 SAYING GOODBYE 28 FAMILY FUN - Exotics Crossword Puzzle 29 THREE LOCAL ARTISTS SPECIALIZING IN ANIMALS 30 YOUR PETS IN THE CITY PHOTOS 31 MADAME TABU’S PET HOROSCOPE Cover photo: Chris Dickinson
EXPERT ADVICE
Natural Pet Remedies
If your sidekick has a close encounter with an unfriendly bug, try rubbing wet mint tea bags topically to help minimize the soreness and redness of a bite or sting. Homeopathic remedies Apis mellifica (for swelling, redness, itching and heat), Hypericum perforatum (for swollen, hot, painful bites) or Ledum (for swollen bites without redness or heat) can quickly make insect bites a non-issue. Dose every few minutes until pain or swelling subsides. OVERDOING IT What Utah dog doesn’t want to spend hours hiking or romping in our wonderful scenery? But overdoing it at our high elevation can lead to sore muscles, shortness of breath (if your pet comes from a lower elevation), or overheating.
for Summer Challenges Kimberly Henneman, DVM, Dipl. Am Coll Vet Sports Med & Rehab, FAAVA, DABT, CVA, CVC
SUMMER is a great season for human and canine alike to enjoy our
wonderful outdoors, but it can present challenges like insects, allergies, heat, dehydration, and excessive exercise. While there are instances where it is critical to get your dog into a veterinarian for emergency treatment, most summer woes are minor and can be handled with noninvasive, more natural approaches. Here are some suggestions for natural remedies for minor problems (but, always see a veterinarian if you think a problem is more than mild). ALLERGIES
Pets In The City Magazine
Itching and minor skin inflammation can come from touching, breathing, and eating things that trigger an excessive immune reaction. Many pets who have seasonal allergies may have had their immune systems triggered by excessive exposure to immune-stimulating chemicals (called adjuvants) in vaccinations. If a chemical triggers a response to the virus in the vaccine, research has shown that it can also trigger a reaction to other large proteins, such as pollens, outer plant coatings (e.g., grass), and food. If your dog has seasonal allergies and she gets vaccinated at the same time of year, ask your veterinarian to change the time of year for vaccinations, back off to every three years (as recommended by the AVMA), or see if antibody measurements (also known as titers) are an option for your dog.
July 2014
If you want to try something different for allergies rather than Benadryl™ or a steroid, you could start by using more natural remedies. For minor redness and itching, try treating the area topically with drinkable, pure aloe vera juice. Homeopathic remedies*, like Urtica urens (for pimply rashes) or Sulphur (for generalized redness and itching), can often manage minor problems without having to use stronger medication. INSECT BITES
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With greater outdoor activity comes a greater chance of hostile run-ins with insects like mosquitoes, hornets, wasps, and bees. And, let’s face it, puppies think insects are toys, until they learn better.
For sore muscles, try massaging Traumeel® ointment or gel topically and providing homeopathic (NOT the herb) Arnica orally until muscles aren’t as sore. For shortness of breath when at an unaccustomed high elevation, the homeopathic Nux vomica can often help speed up acclimating. And in hot weather, always keep the homeopathic Belladonna easily accessible. It is the number one remedy for sunstroke and overheating.
And, just like for supervising humans, make sure your pet gets plenty of water and electrolytes for those hot days; our dry environment can sneak up on you faster than you think. When offering electrolytes, use Pedialyte® (or powdered Gatorade in a bind). Dilute either product so it’s 3-parts electrolyte to 1-part water and offer in a bowl, alongside a bowl of fresh water, so your dog can choose which one to drink. Even the least-experienced weekend warrior will balance her own fluid levels. Never cool an overheated dog down by dowsing her with cold water from a bucket or hose. That actually constricts the blood vessels on the skin and drives the core temperature up. Use tepid water or cold water on a sponge (or t-shirt) and wipe down her abdomen, groin, armpits, and neck, while getting to a veterinarian as soon as possible. These remedies shouldn’t replace getting your pet in quickly to a veterinarian in a serious situation, but you also can often use these remedies while on the way. In mild situations, they can limit discomfort and allow you and your animal companion a quick return to getting back to the dog park or mountain trail. If you would like to understand more about using homeopathic remedies, please read Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Richard and Susan Hubble Pitcairn or Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs by Don Hamilton. *Homeopathic remedies are almost always given orally and common ones can be purchased at most health food stores. The typical dog dose (no matter the size) is 1 pellet (if an over-the-counter purchase) of 6, 12, or 30C (don’t waste your time with ‘x’ potencies). Crush or dissolve in water, then sprinkle on gums or give the liquid with either a syringe or soup spoon. Don’t handle with your hands as you may damage the remedy with skin oils, perfumes, and lotions. Animal Health Options (Park City) is Utah’s only canine sports medicine and rehabilitation specialty practice. It integrates complementary medicine into treating chronic illness, sports medicine and rehabilitation problems in dogs, cats & horses. Dr. Henneman is certified in advanced veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic, and consults throughout the U.S. and world.
Pets In The City Magazine
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EXPERT ADVICE
Blood Pressure
Evaluation In Dogs and Cats Lynn McCarron, DVM, DABVP Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Perhaps, surprisingly, hypertension can be a significant issue in our pets, and is often overlooked. In human medicine, many people develop high blood pressure as they become older, and most physicians routinely measure the blood pressure of their patients during routine check-ups. Most people do not notice symptoms of high blood pressure, but physicians understand that significant problems can occur, if it is not controlled. In pets, measuring blood pressure is feasible, but not as simple as with humans.
Which pets are likely to get high blood pressure?
should be less than 140 mm Hg, and pressures over 180 mm Hg should be considered significantly abnormal and treated. Blood pressure is measured with a device called a Doppler monitor that amplifies the sound of blood moving through an animal’s arteries. An ultrasonic crystal is placed over the artery, and a blood pressure cuff is inflated to temporarily constrict blood flow. Often the tail or underside of a paw will be used for measurement. The technique is not painful, but can be strange feeling to the pet.
Pets In The City Magazine
In humans, hypertension is related to several factors, including a stressful lifestyle. Although not all causes of canine and feline hypertension have been What is involved in treatment? identified, stress does not appear to play a role in the development of this Effective management involves an oral medication which is given once or disorder. However, kidney, thyroid, adrenal, and heart disease are known to twice daily, and adjusted according to the pet’s needs. Certain pharmacies cause hypertension in pets. may be able to compound medication which is absorbed through the skin and can be applied to the inner side of the ear flap for more difficult-to-treat What are the clinical signs? pets. Owners rarely notice obvious signs in their pets with hypertension. Some owners may report irritability and have reported that their pet seemed to feel What is the prognosis? better when blood pressure was controlled. Unfortunately, warning signs are The long-term prognosis depends on whether an underlying disease is usually not present prior to damage occurring from hypertension. found, and what that disease may be. Pets tolerate blood pressure medication Routine blood testing may indicate an underlying disease which could make well, and when high blood pressure is controlled, the long-term prognosis a pet prone to hypertension, but blood testing may also be normal. Excessive is good. If the patient has an underlying disease, such as adrenal, kidney, or heart disease, it is important to treat those aggressively. However, many of protein in your pet’s urine may suggest high blood pressure. One of the these diseases can be managed successfully in our pets. more common presentations to owners and veterinarians of a cat with high blood pressure is sudden vision loss or neurological abnormalities, such as weakness or stumbling. Blindness develops because high blood pressure in the eye causes the retina to detach, and neurological signs may be secondary to bleeding or blood clots in the brain. Unfortunately, most cats and dogs have no noticeable signs of high blood pressure.
What causes hypertension? Kidney disease and over-active thyroid function have been identified as the two most common predisposing factors for development of feline hypertension. Certain heart diseases can also cause hypertension in both dogs and cats. Kidney disease and an adrenal disorder called Cushing’s disease are among the more common causes of hypertension in dogs. Sometimes no underlying disease is found.
If a cat has blindness due to detached retinas, a medical emergency exists. Blood pressure must be lowered quickly for preservation of vision. If the retinas remain detached for more than a day or two, the prognosis is poor for a return of normal vision. Therefore, the key to a successful outcome is rapid diagnosis and early administration of the proper medication to lower blood pressure. Excessive protein loss through the kidneys can lead to serious problems, but controlling blood pressure can help reduce the protein loss and minimize further kidney damage.
Hypertension should be suspected in any older pet with kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Onset of sudden, unexplained blindness should raise a strong suspicion for hypertension. Many veterinarians recommend periodic blood pressure measurement in their geriatric patients. Dogs and cats have blood pressure values similar to humans. A normal systolic blood pressure
Dr. McCarron is the owner of University Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostic Center in Salt Lake City. She is Board certified in the veterinary care of canines and felines, and a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Originally from Ohio, Dr. McCarron has practiced in Utah for more than twenty years.
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How is it diagnosed?
Blood pressure monitoring is an important evaluation in pets, especially those with underlying kidney or thyroid disease, dogs over the age of 8, and cats over the age of 10. Ask your veterinarian if your pet may be at risk for high blood pressure and to monitor her blood pressure if she is geriatric.
Pets In The City Magazine
July 2014
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EXPERT ADVICE
The Challenges of
Exotic Pets Doug Folland, DVM, Diplomate-ABVP Avian Specialty So you consider yourself a little wild and crazy and having a dog or cat for a pet is just too ordinary? You are not alone. Many people along the Wasatch Front are like you, hence the increasing number of exotic pets. An exotic pet refers to an animal other than dogs or cats. Some of the more commonly kept exotic include birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, hedge hogs, sugar gliders, snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises, ferrets, and pot belly pigs.
Pets In The City Magazine
All exotic animals share the need for accurate information on their care and diet. While many of these animals are not hard to care for, their needs are very different than dogs and cats. Other exotics can be challenging to successfully keep. For example, a Jackson’s chameleon is exquisitely dependent on a specific temperature, humidity, environment, and diet to do well in captivity. Because of the special needs of these pets, individuals desiring to keep them have increased responsibility to learn and provide for their needs. In my exotic pet practice, the overwhelming reason for visiting the office is disease related to improper care or diet. These diseases can be prevented by gaining the proper education first and then providing the right care.
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It can be a challenge to find accurate information on the care of these unique pets. The internet and pet shops are where most people turn for help. Although these sources of information can be useful, the information obtained is often inaccurate or simply wrong. Many people are surprised to learn there are veterinarians with expertise in caring for exotic pets, and they can be a wonderful source of accurate information. While most veterinarians lack an interest in these animals, these few are passionate about exotics.
If you have an exotic pet or are thinking of getting one, I recommend you seek out a veterinarian with a special interest in exotics. It is important to find a veterinarian who is an active member of the following organizations: • Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) • Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) • Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) For veterinarians, these associations are the primary resource for the most current information on the care of exotic pets. Also, specialists boardcertified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) are available. For example, in Utah, the only ABVP boarded specialists in avian medicine and surgery are found at Parrish Creek Veterinary Clinic. I would like to give one more word of caution on the subject of exotic pets. There are some exotic animals that should not be kept as pets. They are either too dangerous or adapt poorly to captivity. These would include primates, exotic cats (cougars, lions, tigers, etc.), wild animals found as babies (such as raccoons and skunks), or any protected native wildlife. Good luck with your exotic pets! Dr. Folland is owner and chief veterinarian at Parrish Creek, serving Davis County. He is board certified as an avian specialist by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. At home, his family lives with chickens and a dog. His pet snake “Bob” and bird “Buckwheat” live at the clinic.
Pets In The City Magazine
July 2014
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How to Select and Care for
Bearded Dragons Lance Weeks
Meet Apollo at Living Safari
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Pets In The City Magazine
Chris Dickinson Photography
Lizards are the most diverse animals in the reptile world with approximately 6,000 species. They inhabit almost every continent and every climatic condition imaginable, from sea-diving iguanas to desert iguanas, from coast horned lizards to water dragons, from African monitors to South American tegus. Bearded dragons are a hardy, easy-to-care-for lizard, making them a popular pet. These reptiles will inspire you to learn, discover, observe, and adapt to their specific environment needs and health requirements. Bearded dragons originate from both inland and eastern Australia. Most “Beardies” sold in the United States are now captive breed. They are considered a desert/arid species requiring a dry hot climate but must always have a dish of clean, fresh water available. A 40-gallon breeder tank, is an excellent size of habitat for their lifetime; of course, bigger is almost always better. A Beardie’s habitat is critical their well-being. The habitat should include UVB lighting, basking heat, nighttime heat, appropriate substrate for the age, a hiding place for a sense of security, and water dish. Your goal is to replicate the Beardie’s natural environment and provide a variety of food items. When looking to bring a dragon into your life, visit stores that allow you the opportunity to observe and interact with their adult lizards and learn about the initial and long-term habitat and dietary requirements. Find adults that have been socialized with people since birth and are docile in nature. (Of course, never take a lizard for granted, they are animals and can bite at any time without warning. Getting bitten is not a badge of honor and should never be treated like one.) Also be sure
and select the one that is active, eating well, and runs up to the glass and says “take me home.” Bearded dragons have varying personalities, but most are easily handled and naturally tame. They like human interaction and being with you. They make terrific pets to hang out with, whether outside or in their habitat. Don’t be surprised when they give you a big lick; they like to “taste test” lots of things in their environment, and so they should be supervised at all times. A Beardie’s diet consists of a variety of protein items (e.g., crickets), along with vegetable greens when they are babies and as adults. As dragons reach maturity, you can introduce them to pinkie/ fuzzy mice as an excellent form of protein with calcium and other trace minerals not available in their everyday diet. With an appropriate start in life and dietary needs, a dragon should reach an age between 7-10 years. Beardies grow very quickly and reach adult size of 19-23” in 12-18 months, which is hard to believe, when they are only 4” long when they hatch from the egg.
Lance Weeks is the owner of Living Safari, a pet store in Sandy, UT that specializes in exotics. They even incubate eggs for customers; an egg incubator is on display in the store. Apollo, his pet Beardie, greets visitors at the entrance.
Pets In The City Magazine
July 2014
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Rescue Me Trevor
3.5 year old Neutered Male Alaskan Malamute mix Sweet boy looking for an experienced active home. No cats or small dogs. Second Chance for Homeless Pets 801-590-8999
Yasha
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Pets In The City Magazine
1 year Spayed Female Hound Mix Sweet girl that is looking for a quiet home that can help build her trust in people. Second Chance for Homeless Pets 801-590-8999
Pets In The City Magazine
July 2014
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HELPING OUR HEROES: CAN DOGS AID RETURNED VETERANS? Chanté McCoy
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Pets In The City Magazine
Service dogs have long been recognized for their ability to assist their human companions. Since the 18th century, guide dogs have helped the vision impaired. In the 1970s, their training expanded to mitigate the needs of those with other disabilities. As of 2013, over 50,000 people in the United States with disabilities benefit from the service of these highly trained, working dogs. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, one of the recognized tasks of service dogs is to assist “a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack.” PTSD commonly results from traumatic experiences, such as the violence to which military personnel in war zones are exposed. PTSD causes biochemical and physical changes in the brain and body, including altered levels of serotonin and dopamine (neurotransmitters) and size reduction of the hippocampus (one of the memory centers of the brain). Common symptoms include re-experiencing these traumatic events, awake or in dreams, causing tremendous anxiety. PTSD sufferers may even “shut down” at times when their surroundings become too overwhelming. Service dogs can likely help with the symptoms with PTSD. Anecdotal evidence from dog owners suggests that spending time with dogs, such as chilling on the couch, throwing tennis balls, or going for walks, is relaxing, restorative, and enjoyable. In other words, these interactions relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. However, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), while acknowledging dogs lessen stress, says “Clinically, there is not enough research yet to know
Definition of Service Animals According to the Americans with Disabilities Act: Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
if dogs actually help treat PTSD and its symptoms.”
According to Jessica Grey, one of the research assistants at C-P.A.W.W., dogs sense when PTSD sufferers are becoming anxious. “Their touch can help ground them and bring them back to the here and now.”
According to the VA, if the clinical evidence ultimately shows that veterans with PTSD benefit from service dogs, the VA will provide veterinary care for these dogs.
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“Plenty of anecdotal evidence indicates that dogs help. Dogs are nonjudgmental and supremely compassionate,” says Grey. “The goals of
C- P.A.W.W. is partnering with Pets for Vets and Warrior Canine Connection. Pets for Vets rescues, trains, and matches shelter dogs with veterans looking for companion and service animals. At Warrior Canine Connection, veterans train service dogs as “a valuable opportunity for a Warrior suffering from psychological injuries to reintegrate into civilian life.” The trained dogs are then placed with fellow veterans.
July 2014
C- P.A.W.W. has two grants to study AAI in the military population. One will underwrite a pilot study on the effects of canine interaction on stress indicators (salivary cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase, immunoglobulin A, blood pressure, and heart rate) in older, hospitalized veterans. The other will investigate “the biobehavioral and psychobiologic interface among animal-assisted therapy and stress indicators, salivary cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase, and IgA, blood pressure, and pulse, in wounded warriors being treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.”
The research methods are non-invasive. To gauge a veteran’s stress level, his/her heart rate and blood pressure are measured and saliva samples taken before and after encounters with a therapy dog. These measurements and stress markers, such as cortisol levels, in the saliva objectively establish stress levels for analysis.
Pets In The City Magazine
Research is underway to address the issue of whether animal-assisted intervention (AAI) can help our returned veterans struggling with PTSD. At the University of Colorado, Dr. Cheryl A. Krause-Parello, an associate professor in nursing and founder and director of C-P.A.W.W.- Canines Providing Assistance to Wounded Warriors: a Health Research Initiative for Veterans, is leading the research. She and her research team are conducting clinical research to investigate the therapeutic effects of AAI.
the research are to provide objective data that indicate how canines relieve stress and to find the cases in which canines can be a reliable source of stress relief. Ultimately, we hope the data will make it easier for those who need this kind of assistance to get it.”
ADD A SPLASH OF COLOR:
Selecting Fish Tank Communities Nick Kuhn Looking for a splash of color in your life? Thousands of different kinds of fish, freshwater and saltwater, come in every shape, size, and color imaginable. For this reason, fish tanks make a great addition to any home. Personally, I find they entertain more than TV. Fish tanks can be set up different ways. Freshwater tanks are the easiest and most popular. Their set-ups depend on the types of fish that can co-exist. Freshwater tanks break down into four categories, community being the first.
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Community tanks or “nice fish” include Tetras, Rasborras, Guppies, Mollys, Plattys, Danios, and Swordtails, plus many more species. Fun fact; Plattys, Guppies, Mollys, and Swordtails are all livebearers, so you can witness live births. The second type of tank would be “mild aggressive.” Most in this group naturally live in brackish water, meaning they prefer to have a little salt in the water. Some brackish fish can live in either fresh or saltwater tanks. These types of fish include Scats, Monos, Barbs, and Puffers. While this type of tank doesn’t have as many choices of fish compared to the others, they are still highly interesting. Next we have the “aggressive” tanks; this group is mainly dominated by cichlids. A variety of cichlids exist, originating from Africa, South America, and Central America. They like larger tanks with lots of rocks and caves for them to hide in. They come in different colors and a large variety of shapes. Some have crazy patterns and stripes. Cichlids are hardy fish and don’t die easily, unless they attack each other. It is usually best to start with baby cichlids and let them grow up together. When adding new cichlids to a tank, rearrange your tank and add two or more fish at a time that are the same size or bigger than what you have. This can help decrease their aggression. The fourth type of freshwater tank contains your exotic or “monster” fish. These include Arowanas, Stingrays, Barracudas, Gars, and Peacock Bass. All of these fish grow big and require large tanks.
In most cases, you must keep fish specific to tanks where they can co-exist, or they will eat one another. For example, you can’t include cichlids in community tanks, or gars with “mild aggressives.” Marine tanks, also known as saltwater, are another option. There are nano tanks (meaning less than 50 gallons), reef tanks, and fish-only tanks. Reef tanks consist of coral, fish, and invertebrates that can exist peaceably, while fishonly tanks contain fish that would normally eat those same coral and invertebrates. If you have never had a saltwater tank, nano tanks make a great choice. Nanos usually come complete with everything you need to get started. Once you do well with a nano tank, you can go bigger. Most important to any fish tank is water quality. You have to have good mechanical and biological filtration in all tanks for survival. Biological filtration includes live bacteria and enzymes that help make a small ecosystem. Mechanical filtration is usually carbon and other filter media to help keep your water clear and clean. Better filtration makes tank maintenance a lot easier. Nick Kuhn is a co-owner of Pets and Such, a full-line pet store with one of Utah’s largest selections of aquarium fish, including exotic, “monster” fish. He has kept fish for over 20 years, with cichlids as a personal favorite.
Stetson
Tonya Landon
WHY ARE SOME DOGS AFRAID OF FIREWORKS? – JUDY
I guess humans aren’t afraid of fireworks like some of us dogs, because they don’t have sensitive hearing or sensitive noses like we do. Did you know that dogs have a hearing frequency of 67 Hz to 50,000 Hz, while humans can only hear 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz? Dogs hear can hear 4 times the distance of a human! Did you know that we can hear the heartbeat of a rabbit or the squeak of a mouse? Some of my dog friends don’t understand the extremely loud bang, flashing lights, or the smell that accompanies fireworks. If you want to understand how the loud fireworks sound can startle and scare dogs, try this experiment at home. Turn your radio up in volume to just above what you normally listen to it at. Then turn the volume up 4 times your normal listening. Loud, isn’t it? Now think how startled you would be if that loud music all of a sudden turned on with bright lights and stinky smells. The good news is many dogs can be trained to accept fireworks with proper training. It can take months to train a dog to accept the sound of fireworks. A noise CD with the sounds of fireworks will need to be purchased and used. One of the best fireworks and training CDs on the market is from www. caninenoisephobia.com
One of the best things you can do for us is to keep calm and upbeat when we are afraid. Coddling or babying us only teaches that you like us to be afraid of the fireworks. Becoming upset or angry at us for being afraid only gives us more of a reason to be afraid.
Tonya Landon is a professional dog trainer with Diamonds in the Ruff. She rescued and trained Stetson, a small terrier with aggressiveness issues, to be cast in the title role of the 2012 Stetson, Street Dog of Park City, a short film adapted from the children’s book written by Jeanine Heil.
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If you have questions for Stetson, please send them to askstetson@gmail.com.
July 2014
Did you know that many dogs become scared during fireworks and become lost? One of the busiest days at animal control shelters is the day after a major fireworks event. Make sure your dog has current tags on his collar and is brought inside during fireworks.
Pets In The City Magazine
If you don’t have time to train your dog to accept fireworks, then consider visiting your veterinarian and asking about a tranquilizer to help your dog relax during the fireworks. You can help drown out the noise of the fireworks by going into a quiet room and turning on some classical music. If your dog is only a little afraid of fireworks, you can redirect the way he acts to fireworks by playing ball with him or giving him a stuffed Kong to chew. Some dogs find the use of a compression shirt, such as a Thundershirt, helps them calm down. Music therapy from www.throughadogsear.com can help some dogs calm down and relax. Herbal calmers can help also if you don’t want to purchase a tranquilizer.
Animals In The News Chanté McCoy
ORIGINATOR OF “DESIGNER DOGS” EXPRESSES REGRETS Wally Conron, the creator of the first “Labradoodle,” publically expresses regrets for his unsuspecting role in popularizing hybrid “breeds”. The trend – fed by backyard breeders and puppy mills – contributes to higher euthanasia rates in kill shelters, where the dogs are view as as mixed breeds. True breeds are those evolved from multiple generations of careful selection, leading to consistently recognized “standards,” such as coloring, size, temperament, etc. According to the Associate Press via TODAY, Conron laments the so-called designer dog craze. “I’ve done a lot of damage,” he says. “There are a lot of unhealthy and abandoned dogs out there.”
LOCAL K9 OFFICER GETS BALLISTIC VEST
better equipped to survive dangerous encounters in the line of duty. Thanks to a Massachusetts group called Vested Interest in K9s and the Petco Foundation, the police dog received a ballistic vest that will protect him against guns and edged weapons. Police Service Dog Chip, a Dutch Shepherd, works alongside Officer Thomas Daughtery. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a non-profit fundraising organization “dedicated to providing bullet protective vests and other assistance to dogs of Law Enforcement and related agencies throughout the country.”
KENTUCKY BANS VEAL CRATES In March, the Kentucky Livestock Care Standards Commission issued a rule that will ban the confinement of calves in tight “veal” crates that prevent movement of the infants for the duration of their short lives. Kentucky is the eighth state to pass this prohibition. The rule takes effect in 2018.
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CANADA BANS GESTATION CRATES; U.S. LAGS BEHIND
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As of June, Chip – a canine officer with the Cottonwood Heights Police Department – is now
Canada, our neighbor to the north, recently joined dozens of other countries in banning the confinement of sows in gestation crates so small, they prevent the animals from turning around. The revised Canadian Codes of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs mandate “For all holdings new built or rebuilt or brought into use for the first time after July 1, 2014, mated gilts and sows must be housed in groups.” According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), gestation crates are “criticized by veterinarians, animal protection advocates and traditional farmers.” As there are no similar national laws in the U.S., HSUS urges American pork producers to voluntarily implement similar welfare guidelines. Tyson, the second largest U.S. pork producer, recently sent a letter to its suppliers, asking them to improve housing, stop the practice of killing piglets by slamming them headfirst on
the ground, manage pain during tail docking and castration, and install video monitoring to increase oversight and worker accountability. While these are only requests, not stipulations, they acknowledge the issues in the industry. Over 60 major food providers, including fast food chains (e.g., Chipotle, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, and Burger King) and grocers (e.g., Kroger, Safeway, Costco, and Kmart) have demanded that their suppliers stop using these confining crates. Smithfield, Hormel, and Cargill have begun to phase out gestation crates. Walmart, the largest food retailer in the U.S., has yet to implement similar policies.
HUMANE COSMETICS ACT ON CONGRESS’S DOCKET Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA), a House of Representatives legislator, has put forth the Humane Cosmetics Act (H.R. 4148) to end the scientifically suspect testing of cosmetics on animals. Moran, working with the Humane Society of the United States and some personal care product companies, says the bill “will bring the United States into the 21st century and save countless animals from unnecessary cosmetics testing.” The bill now has 35 co-sponsors and bi-partisan support. If passed, the United States would join the European Union, Norway, Israel, and India in prohibiting animal testing for cosmetic products and ingredients and the sale of animal-tested cosmetics. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require animal testing methods for testing of cosmetics. These tests have never been validated by a regulatory body, are not based on human biology, nor are they predictive of human reactions.
A poll conducted by Lake Research finds that 73 percent of Americans favor federal legislation that would ultimately end animal testing. However, according to govtrack.us, the bill has only a 1 percent chance of being enacted.
RATTLESNAKE AVERSION TRAINING FOR DOGS
Sarah Tyler On a recent hot summer day, my husband, Josh, and I walked along the road in Mill Creek canyon with our dog, Leonidas. We hoped to make it to Dog Lake, if we didn’t run out of time or energy. On our way up, others warned us about a rattler on the roadside in some grass, so we crossed the street. On our way back down, however, we received no such warning, and Leonidas stuck his face in a large tuft of grass, investigating in standard dog style. A loud, clear rattle rang out. Josh yanked back on Leonidas’ leash, quickly removing him from the danger. My heart thumped hard in my chest, realizing Leonidas had come within inches of a rattlesnake and walked away unscathed. Would he be so lucky the next time?
An additional add-on to training is the rattlesnake vaccination. The first-year vaccination schedule involves two shots. Then, it needs to be administered once every following year. The vaccine delays and reduces the severity of the side effects, giving dogs a better chance at survival from a bite. With a 25% higher rate of fatality in dogs than in humans for rattlesnake bites, adding in that vaccine is a must. Personally, I am still on the fence as to my feelings about the different methods of training, though I do know for sure that we will pursue something soon. Knowing what’s at stake if Leonidas comes into contact with a rattlesnake makes it non-negotiable. I can’t risk losing my dog over something that I could have helped to prevent.
This got me thinking. Could Leonidas be trained to understand the danger of rattlesnakes and avoid them? Josh discovered something called “Rattlesnake Aversion Training”. Looking into it, I found local places that offer this, such as Mountain Mutts LLC and Western States K-9 College. A company called Snake Safe travels from Arizona to provide private lessons for groups of eight dogs at approximately $100 per dog.
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Though there is no empirical data to support the effectiveness of rattlesnake aversion training, many testimonials of success and satisfaction speak to the outcome of the training and, for every person that speaks against certain methods, others support them. Again, do your research before you sign up.
July 2014
The methods vary by company. It is important to find a training company that matches up with your comfort level and understanding of your dog. For example, some snake aversion classes use shock collars to create the avoidance. These classes have come under scrutiny for their tactics, so read testimonials and look into a company before signing up. Linda Michaels, a dog psychologist, says that using shock collar training can traumatize dogs tand damage the bond between them and their owners.
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Snake Safe uses defanged rattlers in their training, so your dog is at no risk from attack. However, theirs is not the only method – some use muzzled, fake, or dead snakes. At K9 Dog Park in California, Penny DiLoreto, owner and snake aversion trainer, uses techniques such as the “leave it” command, scent, fake rattlesnakes, and air pressure to help dogs understand snakes and keep their distance.
Are Potbellied Pigs the Pets for You? Jennafer Martin Potbellied pigs are smart animals with great personality that can make loving companions. But before you take one in your home, avoid becoming a pig in a poke by asking yourself the following questions to consider what you’ll need to keep them happy and healthy.
IS THE CITY/COUNTY YOU LIVE IN ZONED FOR POTBELLIED PIGS? While Salt Lake City and Provo currently allow
people to keep potbellied pigs, each city and county has different laws and guidelines as to if you can have them and how many you can have. Please check them before taking in a pig.
DO YOU LIKE AFFECTIONATE PETS? Pigs are warm and
affectionate but in subtle ways. They will keep you company and be very sweet. But if you want a pet that runs up and jumps in your lap, you may want to consider a different pet.
CAN YOU PROVIDE PROPER CARE? With a life expectancy of
12-20 years, potbellied pigs can be members of your family for a couple of decades, so prepare to provide a forever home. Plan to spend a good amount of time with your pig each day. Feed your pig a healthy diet of grains, including pig feed, and vegetables with a touch of fruit. Make sure your pig enclosure includes shelter to keep them warm and out of “Proper nutrition is important,” says Faith Ching, owner of Ching Farm the wind. Provide dry straw bedding on a consistent basis, especially in our Rescue Sanctuary. “Many brands of pig feed have pigs as an ingredient. This cold winter months. And since pigs don’t sweat, they need fresh water and is not healthy. We recommend pig feed milled by IFA; it does not include any mud to roll around and cool down in. animal bi-products.”
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Behavior-wise, you’ll need to provide mental stimulation to these smart animals, making them earn their treats. They tend to go through a rebellious “teenage” phase, so you’ll need to provide consistency with boundaries as well. Be prepared to give your pigs proper medical care from a qualified exotic animal vet, including spaying or neutering them to keep their hormone levels from making them difficult to deal with. “Even if you think your pig will never see another pig, they do act out—even the females—if they are not altered,” says Ching. “And a 175-pound pig looking for a mate in you or another family member is not fun at all.”
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DO YOU HAVE THE SPACE AND PROPER SHELTER? While pigs start out small and adorable, they can grow to 80-180 pounds and need to be mostly outdoor animals with room to roam. Make sure you have space to keep a large enclosure with room where you can allow them to root, or dig, for insects.
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“Pigs have needs that must be met for them to be happy, healthy and welladjusted mentally,” says Ching. “Rooting is one of those needs. If pigs spend too much time indoors and those needs are not met, they often become aggressive. It is necessary and important to their well being for them to be able to root.”
Keeping these loving, exotic pets can be rewarding as long as you’re prepared ahead of time for their unique needs. And if you are, please adopt—there are many great pigs out there that need good homes.
SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS! Want to see your potbellied pig in Pets in the City Magazine? Send us a photo to info@ petsinthecitymagazine. com, and your pig could be featured in an upcoming issue!
Pets In The City Magazine
July 2014
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Can’t We All Just Get Along? Birds Co-Habitating With Cats and Dogs How to Introduce a New Feathered Friend 1. Set up the cage a week before bringing a bird home. Let your pets check
it out.
2. How aggressive is your pet? How well trained is your pet? This can make
a big difference in how the new bird will work. Some basic commands, like “away” and “no,” will be critical.
3. Initially, lock up the resident pets when you bring home the bird. Show
RonaLeigh Wheelwright Like the lion lying with the lamb, cats and dogs can also get along with birds. For thirty-two years, people have told me “I can’t have a bird because I have a dog (or cat).” Well, that is not always true because it is up to the animals. Training your dog and cat to be around your pet bird safely requires good judgment. It also takes consistency. A simple “NO” when they do something wrong and praise when they do something right is important. Eventually, they will lose interest in the new bird and things will get back to normal.
the bird around the house. Let your new feathered friend see each room. (Remember that birds are two years old all the time. They’re very curious and will get into things.)
With dogs, some breeds are more unpredictable than others. For example, a hunting dog may not be able to overcome her instincts around your bird. Do not leave them unsupervised.
4. When the bird is in her cage, introduce one pet at a time, letting them get
When you make a commitment to introduce a new bird member to your family, be sure to purchase a strong sturdy cage with a lock that the resident pets can’t open or push over. The cage also needs to be big enough for the bird to back up from paws reaching into the cage. The bars should have no more than one-half inch spacing between them to keep out curious cats or dogs.
acclimated. GO SLOW. Keep the house calm. You will have better results.
5. If possible, have a friend or family member hold the bird, while you restrain the dog or cat. Let the dog or cat get close enough to let the bird nip the pet’s nose. This lets the cat or dog know that the bird will defend itself and bites hurt. In other words, this establishes respectful boundaries.
Put the cage in a corner to protect the bird from stress. Include barriers behind which a bird can hide, like toys, branches, and a nesting box.
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The new bird should NOT be kept in a separate room or away from the resident cat or dog for long. Curiosity will drive them to seek a way into the room, and accidents may happen when, eventually, a friend or family members leaves the door open. It is best to introduce them to each other early. Big Bird & Noodle Jumper
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Dock Jumping is Dogs’ Play Cassie Swift In 2014, Kona, my Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and I received four DockDogs World Championships invites to Extreme Vertical-Top Gun, Speed Retrieve-Turbo, Iron Dog-Titan, and Big Air Elite. We are the topranking team in our division after attending two DockDogs events and the International Sportsmen’s Expo. We’ll be unable to accept the Extreme Vertical invite because we will be competing in Iron Dog, and I don’t want to overwork Kona. We are also working on getting invites for our dog Maui and have until October 15 to follow the road to Worlds to try and get one. Locally, we will compete in Splash Dogs at Draper Days in Draper, Utah on July 18-19, and then Splash Dogs at Solider Hollow Classic Championships in Midway, UT on August 28-September 1.
Team Hawaiian Chaos Kona, Maui & Bear with handlers Ryan, Cassie & Gabe Swift ~Kona~ Big Air: 26’ 11” Extreme Vertical: 6’ 8” Speed Retrieve: 5.982 Iron Dog: 3008.64 -2013 Iron Dog Warrior Champion DockDogs World Championships -2013 6th Place Big Air Elite DockDogs World Championships -2013 DockDogs #1 Ranked Chesapeake Bay Retriever -2012 3rd Place Big Air Elite DockDogs World Championships -2012 Rocky Mountain DockDogs Rookie of the Year ~Maui~ Big Air: 20’ 1” Extreme Vertical: 4’ 6” Speed Retrieve: 8.675 Iron Dog: 2009.93 -2013 2nd Place Big Air Junior DockDogs World Championships -2013 Competitor Big Air Youth Handler DockDogs World Championships -2013 Rocky Mountain DockDogs Youth Handler of the Year
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~Bear~ Big Air: 10’1” Speed Retrieve: 15.802 -2013 Competitor Big Air Veteran DockDogs World Championships
Interested in Dock Diving? We don’t mind the competition! Dock diving is a fun sport for both you and your dog, without any age or breed restrictions. Every company has their rules, but the overall rule at all events is a 4’ leash with 8’ between you and other dogs. If your dog is uncomfortable jumping off a dock, then start off a ramp. Once the dog pops off the ramp, then you can move to the dock and slowly work your way to the back as your dog’s comfort increases. Some dogs never need to use the whole 40’ on the dock; it just depends on the dog. The two most common throwing techniques are the “place and send” or chase method. To place and send, you toss a toy in from the end of the dock, pull your dog back, and then release her to jump. Chase is when you place your dog on the dock towards the back, and you walk to the end of the dock and toss the toy in front of her. At most events, the distance of how far out a dog jumps is determined on where the base of the tail lands in the water.
Some events have a vertical competition, which is how high the dog can jump to knock down a bumper off a pole that is 8’ out over the pool. The pole is then raised in increments. Speed completion is how fast the dog can retrieve a bumper at the end of the pool. Iron Dog is an event in which you compete in all three events (distance, vertical, and speed). Your score is the sum of your best scores on all three. You can also supplement your training. We take our dogs to a lake to build their confidence in their swimming ability. We try for a daily workout sessions which can include chasing a toy, jumping up and over a 3’ hurdle, a treadmill run, balance training, and everyday training of sit, stay, place, etc. Don’t be discouraged. It took Bear almost a year before he would jump. Really, it is all about the time spent with your dog. We have just as much fun jumping our little jumper Bear as we do jumping the big jumpers Kona and Maui. We also love the time spent with each other doing something as a family that can include our dogs. A special shout-out to our wonderful sponsors: The Animal Park, BAD Hunting, Maui Brewing Company, WolfGang Man & Beast, and Drool Fuel. Without our sponsors, we couldn’t travel as much. We hope to see you on the dock.
S AY I N G
GOODBYE
Velvet
2000 - 2014
Our Black Velvet sweetheart died June 16, 2014 at the ripe old age of 13 years and 8 months. She was our “only good dog”: great with kids, eager to please, the perfect walking companion, great road-trip rider, not afraid of anything, not even thunder. She didn’t mind her “sister,” Rose, (Dalmatian) taking the limelight as the colorful sibling, but always sat calmly waiting her turn with the neighborhood kids who wanted to pet her. Rose has been gone since June, 2011 and lived to be 15 years old.
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y l m i Fu n Fa ACROSS
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2. The long-eared is a member of the order Lagomorpha (not Rodentia). 4. The short-tailed, more solitary is the “teddy bear” of the rodent family. 6. The is a crested parrot hailing from Australia. 7. The classic orange-colored , a small carp, is one of the earliest fish to be domesticated. 8. Also called a cavy, the was originally bred for food in its native Andes. 9. The is odor free, affectionate, and as trainable as dogs. 12. refers to 372 species of colorful birds, including conures and macaws, originating from tropical areas around the world. 15. A cousin of the camel, the , while traditionally considered livestock, is friendly and easily trained. 16. A larger lizard, the has a row of spines along its back and is an herbivore.
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DOWN
Have a great time with SCALES AND TAILS UTAH party event. Get pictures taken with reptiles or birds. The party goers touch and hold live reptiles or birds while getting a hands on education. The Scales and Tails show room is now available by appointment every, Monday from 5pm - 8pm and Saturday from 10am - noon. 3584 S 1950 W #13 West Valley City, Utah www.scalesandtailsutah.com
1. A small parrot, the or “budgie” is the third most popular pet in the world, after the dog and cat. 3. The , a small lizard with toe pads to climb vertical surfaces, has recently been popularized as a “spokesperson” for a car insurance company’s commercials. 5. The is a medium-sized rodent known for its intelligence and social nature. 6. The round-eared, bushy-tailed has been hunted to near extinction in its native Andes for its ultra-soft fur. 10. The hairy, eight-legged is quiet but shy and too delicate to handle much. 11. A , also known as a “desert rat,” has long hind legs for jumping and a furred tail. 13. The is a non-venomous, tropical snake native to Central and South America and is known for constricting its prey. 14. The male Siamese fighting fish or is known for its brilliant colors and large, flowing fins.
Three Local Artists
Specializing in Animals Amanda Hartley, Painter of “Cat Grandpa�
Grandpa appreciates a painting of himself.
Custom Pet Portraits by Andrea Glaser
Pets In The City Magazine
Andrea Corwin of Colorful Pet-Traits
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PHOTOS
YOUR PETS IN THE CITY
! e l i Sm
Jack & Skye
Daisy, Duke & Bo
Bear Nyx
Molly Ellie Mae Delilah
Anabelle Elphaba
Dobby Roxy
Want to share a photo of your pet?
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July 2014
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Durden
Email: info@petsinthecitymagazine.com
Zepplin
Please include a high resolution photo of your pet and your pet’s name.
Charlie
Stanley & Gizmo
Wall-e
Harley
Guinness
Puddie Cat
Cancer (Jun 22 – July 22) Take time for swimming or water play with your pet this month, as you’ll keep cool and truly be in your element.
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21) The influence of Mercury in Cancer this month can leave you feeling shy or withdrawn, so take comfort in the company of your companion animal until you feel more social.
Take some time to remember or honor a pet that has passed away, especially if the influence of Venus in Cancer makes you feel sentimental and nostalgic.
If you’re looking for a new pet this month, adopt a dog as a companion for your outdoor adventures.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21) The new moon on July 26 can give you a new spark of energy, so take advantage of it by planning an outing with your pet.
Aries (March 21 – April 19) Looking for love this month? Pets can be date magnets, so bring yours along to a park or pet-friendly public place to meet a fellow pet lover.
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22) Use your talent for planning ahead to ensure your pets are doggone safe during noisy events like Independence Day and Pioneer Day.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19) Take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy some lazy days this summer with your pet, relaxing and beating the heat.
Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20) Literally throw your dog a bone and extra praise for good behavior this month, especially when his talents are highlighted by Jupiter entering Leo on July 16.
Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22) Be careful to avoid power struggles with your pet this month. Let the little things go, like water sliding off a duck’s back.
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) As a health conscious sign, you know the importance of annual checkups, so schedule one this month for you and your pet to keep you both healthy and happy.
Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) Been meaning to teach your pet a new trick? The influence of Mars in Scorpio will help you take up the challenge with gusto this month, so get started.
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Madam Tabu’s horoscopes are translated through the human pet psychic Jennafer Martin, www.PetInsightsbyJennafer.com.
July 2014
Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Leo (July 23 – Aug 22)
FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS
Pets In The City Magazine
Madame Tabu’s Pet Horoscope
July 2014