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Asgard Raw Pet Food......................................................... 14
Bartman Plumbing................................................................17
Beaver County Humane Society..................................10
Black Cat Art...........................................................................21
BluePearl Pittsburgh Animal Blood Bank................. 16
Buzzy Photography............................................................... 7
Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation ...........................28, F
Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center........................................................... 15, Q
Coventry Stables .................................................................27
Denise Marasco Howard Hanna................................... 14
Dogtober Fest .........................................................................6
Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa.......................................................15, H
Gentle Journey Veterinary Hospice.............................15
Hounds Town USA.............................inside front cover
Humane Animal Rescue ....................................................12
Jefferson Memorial......................................................... 29, J
Keeta Mobile Pet Spa.........................................................15
Larry’s Laundromutt .......................................................15, P
Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center .................................16, back cover
Portraits of Animals.............................................................17
Rebound Pet Rehabilitation ............................................. 7
Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care.........................................5
The Dog Stop.......................................................................... 7
UBS............................................................................................... 3
Wholestic Equine................................................................27
Woody’s....................................................................................17
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PET HEALTH & WELLNESS
Caring for a Blind Pet
By Amy Peters, LVT and Sheri Santucci
Caring for a blind pet is a unique and privileged responsibility. If your pet has become suddenly blind, they may become confused by the sudden nature of its change in vision status. Many pets adapt to their blindness quickly while others need months to adjust to the change.
Vision in cats and dogs is quite different from ours. They have better night vision than we do, but their ability to focus and see fine detail is less developed. In addition, they don’t have well developed color vision. Our pets are less dependent on vision than we are due to their heightened sense of smell and hearing. They utilize these senses very efficiently and loss of vision for dogs and cats is less traumatic compared to vision loss in people. Pets which become blind seem to undergo a 1–3-month period of adaptation, during which time many changes occur. At first they will bump into walls, furniture and doors, but this confusion will improve with time as they adapt.
Over 95% of blind pets readily memorize the layout of their home and yard and can function well with poor or no vision. It does take time for them to learn to get around using their other senses. Most blind pets continue to be happy, but you can help make their life a little easier. Always remember to provide your pet with lots of love and reassurance and continue daily routines.
Here are some guidelines to make life easier for your blind pet:
Animals adapt to their blindness by memorizing their surroundings. Avoid changing the environment such as moving furniture, pet’s bedding, food and water bowls, and litter boxes. You can consider applying scented oil, like orange extract, to the bottom of the door frame so that your dog can find the door to outside. Placing a bell on the door can also help. If your pet is placed in a new environment, give them time to adjust to the new surroundings. It is also important to use baby gates near stairs to prevent falls. If your pet does fall, try to soothe them and stay calm. It is important to create confidence so that they keep trying.
If you have a doggie door, your pet may experience frustration finding the way to the door. You can try placing a small mat that has a different texture to it (e.g., straw, Astroturf or stair treads) on each side of the doggie door. Placing a scent unique to that area is also helpful. With your help, your pet will learn that when they’re on the mat, they’re in front of the doggie door. It can also help your pet find its way back into the house from the yard. Placing runners outside of the door leading to the lawn can also help your pet find their way to and from the home.
One of the most important responsibilities you have to provide is safety for your animal. Be careful of stairways (a textured mat can alert your pet to the tops and bottom of stairwells), open doors, and swimming pools. Pools can be especially dangerous if your pet is allowed outside without supervision. Be sure you have a fenced yard that is safe from harmful objects, plants, and bushes. Placing barriers such as fencing near bushes can prevent eye injuries. Blind cats can easily become confused if allowed to roam outdoors. Consider keeping your cat indoors, or if your cat enjoys time outside, walking them on a leash and harness or using a fenced pen may keep your cat happy.
Encourage your pet to use its other senses to compensate for the vision loss. Buy noisy toys or toys that have a recognizable odor. There are plenty of toys that crinkle or make sounds to encourage play. Treat dispensing toys are terrific to keep your dog busy. Sniffy mats and puzzles also keep them occupied. These allow your pet to use their sense of smell while playing with the toy. Consider buying a ball that has a bell inside for those pets able to hear. Some people may want to get a companion animal that the blind pet can follow around using their hearing and smell. If you have another pet, it may be a good idea to place a bell on them so that your blind pet can locate them more easily.
Some behavior changes (aggression, depression) can be observed with sudden blindness. Avoid stressing or scaring blind pets. Instruct family members and friends (especially children) to vocalize the pet’s name and approach them slowly. This fear usually passes with time as the pet learns to adjust to the blindness. To help your pet adapt to greeting strangers, try training your dog to a “cue word” that will alert them that
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someone is about to touch them. Saying, ‘Touch’ is a good example. Also, announce to your pet that you are going to pick it up before doing so. If your pet is also deaf, tap the floor with your hand or foot to give a signal before touching your pet. It is very important to continue walking and playing with your pet! If your pet won’t walk, carry them outside to a park or patch of grass to let them sniff and enjoy some exploring. Walking, playing ball and car rides, etc., keeps your dog’s mind busy and happy.
6. If your pet is blind due to cataracts, it may be a good idea to observe their eyes daily for any changes that could indicate your pet has developed glaucoma or uveitis (intraocular inflammation). These diseases may be painful. Watch for reddening of the white of the eye, increase in size of the eye, pawing or rubbing of the eye, or a change in the position of the cataract. Contact your regular veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist if any of these signs occur.
7. Also, because your pet is blind, they may bump into something or in some way injure the eye or eyelids. Injuries to the surface of the eye (corneal abrasions) are painful and will often cause excessive tearing, mucous discharge, squinting, and/or rubbing. Again, be sure to take your pet to your veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist if you notice these symptoms. It may be a good idea to teach your dog to wear Doggles, 8. You can continue to take your blind pet for walks if you make a few minor adjustments. Consider switching from a collar to a harness. A harness may make your pet feel more secure walking at your side. Be as consistent as possible on your walks; always go out the same door and take the same path. If you follow the same route for each walk, your pet will better adapt to their surroundings and be more prepared for steps, curbs, and turns. Consider speaking, whistling, or singing while on a walk. These vocalizations will allow your pet to hear where you are. Place a bell on your ankle so that you dog can know where you are. It may be best not to let your blind pet socialize with other unfamiliar animals while on a walk. Inform other owners who are walking their dogs that your pet is blind and may become defensive or aggressive with unfamiliar dogs. Their dog may also become aggressive and try to take advantage of your blind pet’s disability. If your dog is dog friendly, continue letting them play with their friends.
Blind pets have a good quality of life and make very happy pets. If you make simple adjustment, your pet will become more confident and enjoy their daily life.
For more information, go to the ACVO Vision for Animals Foundation: visonforanimals.org
HOLISTIC PET CARE
Journeying with Your Four-legged Companion
By Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH
When traveling, many pet-lovers choose to bring their animal companions along - and why not? Sharing your journey with the ones you love can enhance your experience. However, when traveling with pets, there are some things you should know to make the trip safe and stress-free. Here are some tips for traveling with your pet.
BE PREPARED
Before setting off on your trip, there are a couple of thinks I recommend. First of all, have your pet microchipped - that way if she gets lost, there is a better chance she will be returned. If you are traveling by car, another pre-trip task is to plot out where you will be stopping each night and find the address and phone number for the nearest pet ER. (The best time to plan for an emergency is before the crisis strikes).
Before traveling, also be sure to gather your pet’s medical history and vaccine records, including her current rabies certificate. (The tag on her collar is not proof of vaccination). If you are traveling out of the country, plan ahead and get all the government documents you will need. Sometimes the timing of veterinary exams and vaccines is critical. This applies to a simple drive to Canada as well as oversees travel. Consult this government web site for details https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pettravel. Also, be sure to contact your airline and find out all of the regulations they have.
DRIVING WITH YOUR DOG
Let’s look at issues of driving with your dog. If you are the owner of one of the many dogs who suffer from car-sickness, try candied ginger or ginger tea. Make the tea by steeping two to three thin slices of fresh ginger in one cup of hot water. Give ¼ cup of the tea, or one square inch of the candied ginger, per 20 pounds, 30 minutes before traveling. Try these remedies and take your pet on a dry run before your trip to be sure they will work. If they do not, then ask your veterinarian for a prescription medication if needed.
For travel anxiety, lavender oil has been proven effective. I recommend adding 10 drops of pure lavender oil to one ounce of olive oil. Massage three to four drops of this mixture into the underside of the ear flap, about 10 minutes before travel. Be sure not to get any of the oil into the eyes.
Bring a container of water and a bowl, and snacks if appropriate, and stop every hour or two so your dog can stretch her legs and relieve herself.
It is best to have a special harness that can be connected to the seatbelt for your dog. Having her free to jump around the car or riding on your lap is unsafe for both you and your pet. Always keep your pet on a leash, even inside the car, in case she slips out the door or window. Speaking of windows, do not let your dog hang her head out the
window. The fast-moving air might carry particles that can damage her eyes. In addition, your dog might be able to slip out a smaller opening than you think. Also, I have treated more than one dog who choked herself by stepping on the button that closes the window while her head was hanging out.
FELINE CONSIDERATIONS
As for cats, most of them do not like to travel. The reason for this is that for most cats, the process of travel (being stuffed into a carrier and driven in a car) always ends at one place: the vet’s office. And if you’re a cat, nothing fun ever happens at the vet’s office. It is best to get your cat used to the carrier and associate it with good things. Keep your cat’s carrier out and feed him or give him treats inside it.
For travel with your cat, be sure to use a sturdy crate that is big enough both for him to move around and for a small litter box. Many cats like to have a blanket to hide in or cuddle up with. This would also be a good time to give him a catnip toy. I would suggest offering water in a bowl periodically since if you leave a bowl in the crate, it is likely to spill.
No matter where your destination, traveling with your pet can make any journey more fun, but be smart about it.
Integrative Holistic Medicine
Integrative: combining the best of conventional and alternative medicine
Holistic: providing more options for therapy
• Acupuncture • Herbal Medicine • Spinal Manipulation • Supplements • Natural Nutrition • Vaccine Counseling • Massage Therapy • Healing Touch
Dr. Doug has been practicing integrative veterinary medicine since 1993. He is certifi ed in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and chiropractic. With over 30 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Doug has treated thousands of challenging cases.
For complete care for your animal companion, see Dr. Doug. Call Beaver Animal Clinic today to set up a holistic exam for your pet.
Dr. Doug | The Holistic Vet
357 State Avenue | Beaver, PA 15009 | 724.774.8047 beaveranimalclinic.com
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KITTY KORNER
Chemo or Cat?
By Dr. Susan Wagner, DVM MS ACVIM
My years as a conventional and integrative veterinarian have taught me that the human-animal bond goes beyond companionship. Animals are here to be our guides and teachers, and to help us on this journey called life. The most important lesson they teach us is to love without judgment. They view us as special people, whether or not the rest of the world agrees.
Our animal companions are also here to help us heal physical and emotional ailments. I remember a very special cat named Stuart. Stuart’s guardian brought him to me for his diabetes. He told me that Stuart was a very, very gifted cat, so I had to help him. This man’s child had died from leukemia, and he believed that Stuart had given his son two more years of life. When the doctors said that his son had only weeks to live, Stuart stayed by his side night and day. He was such a comfort to the little boy. The child made a miraculous turn around, and lived another two years. Stuart’s guardian was convinced that the cat was responsible for his child’s rally.
Now the father had developed a nerve tumor, and knew that Stuart would be there for him. I just had to make him well again. (No pressure there.) I remember thinking that the doctors probably changed the child’s chemotherapy, and that while Stuart had been a wonderful companion, there was no way he was really responsible for helping the child. Now that I understand the energy of the human-animal bond, and the amazing ability of animals to help us heal, I’m not so sure. Chemo or cat? Perhaps it was a bit of both.
AWA High Quality g and with a ate de in High Volume Spay and QHVSN Neuter - It’s high Not Just for ter) llinois Shelters! and is at the of istant ate
Free 12 CE CREDITS
6 HOURS - 2 DAYS
HQHVSN- It’s Not Just for Shelters!
This course will provide didactic and hands-on learning focused on High Quality High Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) techniques.
HQHVSN is based on optimizing the team, protocols, and workflow to provide safe and efficient spay/neuter of pets, shelter animals, and community cats. This is accomplished by creating simple protocols and procedures that maximize efficiency of the team while minimizing any potential for oversights and developing skill through repetition.
Three-minute cat spays can easily and safely be performed based on slight modifications in surgical technique. HQHVSN is a way to save more lives - preventing homelessness and euthanasia due to overpopulation.
It is not just for shelters anymore!
In-clinic trainings available for larger teams within a 60 mile radius.
Bring the Team!
12 RACE Approved CE Credits for Vets and Vet Techs!
Session 1 - Jan. 7-8 Session 2 - Mar. 4-5
Held at Frankie's Friends HQHVSN Clinic and Training Center
In New Kensington, PA (17 miles from Pittsburgh)
Free Hands on Learning!
Seasons Greetings!
Learn time-tested and scientifically-validated techniques to:
Make smaller incisions for greater patient comfort and faster recoveries.
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For more information or to register scan, call, or email!
724-889-7011 clinic@frankiesfriends.org
Nearly 1 million cats lose their lives each year due to overpopulation and lack of homes. A large part of the problem is the community cat population, the 40 million cats in the United States that are homeless and breeding. This “unowned” cat population is responsible for around 80% of the kittens born and brought into shelters, leading open door shelters to do what is unthinkable to us - euthanize cats that haven’t been adopted to make space for those suffering in the streets.
This is where we come in. Our mission is to end suffering and overpopulation by “turning off the faucet” rather than “bailing out the tub. ” It means becoming proactive and getting these community cats spayed, neutered, and vaccinated so we don’t have to continue this cycle of reactivity and unnecessary killing. There is no need to " recreate the wheel, " we have spayed and neutered tens of thousands of cats and as the commercial says, "learned a thing or two. " We hope to have the opportunity to share what we ' ve learned with you.
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' s Friends 730 5th Ave. New Kensington, PA 15068 724-889-7011 www.frankies-friends.org Meet Your Instructor:
Becky L. Morrow, DVM, MS, CAWA
Dr. Morrow has extensive training and experience in Shelter Medicine, with a master’s degree, two graduate certificates, and over a decade in practice as a Shelter Medicine/HQHVSN Veterinarian.
Dr. Morrow taught HQHVSN (high quality high volume spay/neuter) techniques at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and an Assistant Teaching Professor at Penn State University.
Custom Pet Memorial votive
Using your photos I create a lasting gift for yourself or a loved one.
Bernadette E. Kazmarski, artist
www.PortraitsOfAnimals.net
Black Cat Art LLC was founded by Becky Frazier Black Cat Art LLC was founded by Becky Frazier who has been creating pet portraits, murals, and who has been creating pet portraits, murals, and fine art paintings in Pittsburgh, PA and beyond. fine art paintings in Pittsburgh, PA and beyond. 10% of her portrait proceeds to the Rivers 10% of her portrait proceeds to the Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care PAWS Fund to help Veterinary Urgent Care PAWS Fund to help pets with a life-threatening emergency receive pets with a life-threatening emergency receive the care they need as well as other Non-Profit the care they need as well as other Non-Profit organizations in the Pittsburgh area. organizations in the Pittsburgh area.
Becky’s pet portrait artwork is dependent on realistic and photographic like detail. She also strives to be able to capture the personality traits that need to Becky’s pet portrait artwork is dependent on realistic and photographic like detail. She also strives to be able to capture the personality traits that need to be portrayed for the portraits to fully show the soul and personality of the pet or animal. By using the highest quality pastels and the ease of blending be portrayed for the portraits to fully show the soul and personality of the pet or animal. By using the highest quality pastels and the ease of blending and texture she is able to capture fine details. and texture she is able to capture fine details. Besides pet portraits, Becky has started creating abstract and contemporary animal paintings in acrylics and murals for residents and business in and around Pittsburgh.Besides pet portraits, Becky has started creating abstract and contemporary animal paintings in acrylics and murals for residents and business in and around Pittsburgh. Black Cat Art LLC was founded by Becky Frazier who has been creating pet portraits, murals, and fine art paintings in Pittsburgh, PA and beyond. Whether you are looking Black Cat Art LLC was founded by Becky Frazier who has been creating pet portraits, murals, and fine art paintings in Pittsburgh, PA and beyond. Whether you are looking to add a custom mural to your home or business, have a pet portrait commissioned, or just adding some art to a wall, Becky can help bring your vision to life.to add a custom mural to your home or business, have a pet portrait commissioned, or just adding some art to a wall, Becky can help bring your vision to life.
