Newsletter

Pet owners and their canine and feline companions aren't the only ones who look forward to the warm weather. As summer approaches, pet owners must once again be on guard against fleas, the prolific parasites that can keep dogs, cats and humans alike scratching for months on end. In the northern United States, fleas are prevalent during the warm summer months, though the pesky parasites cause trouble year-round for pet owners in the south.

Keeping fleas off your pet and out of your home is about more than just stopping your pet's constant scratching. Aside from itchy, irritating bites, fleas can cause the skin disease flea allergy dermatitis in both cats and dogs, as well as miliary dermatitis in cats. Fleas can also transmit Dipylidium caninum, or double-pore tapeworm, a common tapeworm found in dogs and cats, as well as a number of other diseases.

Even if fleas aren't on your pet right now, they may be living in your home. There are four stages in a flea's life cycle: egg, larva, pupa and adult. It is only during the adult stage that the flea actually lives on an animal; during the other three stages, the flea lives in the surround environment. Immature fleas usually account for about 90 to 95 percent of the total flea population in a home. A good rule of thumb is that for every flea you find on your pet, there are about 100 more immature fleas living in the surrounding environment.

The average flea can live for anywhere between 12 days and 180 days, though the typical lifespan of a flea lasts three to six weeks. But even in that short amount of time, an adult female can lay more than 1,000 eggs, which means that even only one flea can result in big problems.

How can you tell if fleas have invaded your home and latched on to your pet? Scratching is often the first sign. During feeding, fleas inject saliva into the skin of the animal; this saliva contains proteins that cause allergic skin reactions, which leads to bouts of rubbing and scratching. Fleas are most commonly found on dogs and cats around the base of the tail and on the belly. If you suspect your pet has fleas but cannot see them, check for "flea dirt." This is the excrement of the flea and consists of a mix of feces and dried blood. To find flea dirt, have your pet lay on the ground and place a piece of white paper underneath him or her. Brush your pet and let the paper collect any dirt or debris. Next, add a few drops of water to the dirt on the paper; if dried blood is present, the water will take on a reddish color, indicating the presence of flea dirt.

If you are experiencing a heavy infestation of fleas, treating your pet is sometimes not enough. Home and yard treatments are also available to keep fleas at bay. Effective flea control measures include vacuuming several times each week and washing your pet's bedding once a week. For particularly bad infestations, try using an insect spray or fogger a few times. Outside your home, sprays can be used to hit fleas where they live. Fleas thrive in moist, shady areas, such as under bushes, mulch, porches and crawl spaces. Target these areas to reduce flea populations.

During the last several years, significant improvements have been made to flea control products. Oral and topical medications containing insect growth regulators (IGR) and insect development inhibitors (IDI) disrupt the flea's maturation process and stop infestations before they begin. These treatments are less toxic for pets and the environment and more effective in controlling fleas.

Topical treatments are more effective than past products because they remain on the surface of the pet's skin, where they are toxic only to fleas, rather than absorbed into the pet's bloodstream. There are many flea products and your veterinarian can recommend the product that is best-suited for your pet. Flea control products designed for dogs should not be used on cats and could result in serious illness or death. If you have multiple dogs, keep the dogs separated for an hour or two after applying each treatment in order to avoid oral ingestion.

New figures just released show pet ownership is currently at its highest level, with 63 percent of all U.S. households owning a pet, which equates to more than 69 million households. That's up from 64 million in 2002 and 51 million in 1988, when tracking began. According to the 375-page survey that tracks hundreds of pet ownership trends, Americans own approximately 74 million dogs, 90 million cats, 16 million birds, 18 million small animals and 11 million reptiles.

The steady increase in pet ownership confirms that a growing number of us are realizing pets truly enhance our lives. Pets not only provide unconditional love and affection, but research now shows they also provide significant health benefits.

Most pet owners agree with what research has shown. According to the survey, nearly all pet owners say companionship, love, company and affection are the number one benefits to owning a pet. Fifty-nine percent say pets are good for their health and the health of their family and help them relax. Forty percent say that owning a dog motivates them to exercise on a regular basis. It is universally agreed that pet owners are health conscious, like to look their best, like to exercise with their pet, are happy and maintain a well organized home.

STATISTICS

63 percent of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 69.1 millions homes.

45 percent of U.S. households own more than one pet.

In 1988, the first year the survey was conducted, 56 percent of U.S. households owned a pet as compared to the 63 percent of present day.

Breakdown of Pet Ownership in the U.S.

Number of U.S. Households that Own the Following (millions)

Bird	6.4
Cat	37.7
Dog	43.5
Horse	4.2
Reptile	4.4
Small Animal	5.7

Total Number of Pets Owned in the U.S. (millions)

Bird	16.6
Cat	90.5
Dog	73.9
Reptile	11.0
Small Animal	18.2

2008 PET TRENDS

We pamper our pets. We bring them wherever we go. We surprise them with something new on special occasions. They even get holiday presents. They are our pets!

From high-end items to high-tech items, products for our companion animals now extend beyond traditional necessities.

Going to the Dogs

More and more companies traditionally known for human products are going to the dogs, and cats, and reptiles. Big name companies including like Paul Mitchell, Omaha Steaks, Origins, Harley Davidson and Old Navy are now offering lines of pet products ranging from dog shampoo, pet attire, and name-brand toys to gourmet treats and food.

Pets Welcome

Many hotels across the country are adopting pet friendly policies. Several chains have announced new pet-friendly policies that include everything from oversized pet pillows, plush doggie robes, to check-in gift packages that include a pet toy, dog treat, ID tag, bone and turn down treat. Some even have a licensed dog masseuse on staff.

Pet Products Sold Here

Shopping for pet products is becoming easier than ever with an increasing variety of retail outlets now selling pet products. Right alongside fertilizer and shovels, shoppers can now find pet products such as doggie doors and yellow lawn spot removers sold at many lawn and garden stores, nurseries, and major home improvement stores including Home Depot.

The Lap of Luxury

High-end items to spoil companion animals are must-haves for pet owners that spare no expense to please their furry, feathered and finned best friends. Items include faux mink coats for cold weather outings, feathered French day beds for afternoon naps, designer bird cages, botanical fragrances and to top it all off, a rhinestone tiara!

Ultra-Clean

Pet-owners take grooming one step beyond a haircut, a quick bath and a nail trim. Mouthwash and an electric toothbrush for canines are routine steps in a beauty session for some pooches. Birds receive daily pedicures with special cage perches, while others enjoy manicures complete with nail polish. Pet-owning homes stay cleaner with automatic, self-flushing litter boxes, cleaning cloths for muddy paws that mimic traditional baby wipes, and scented gel air fresheners to keep rooms free of pet odors.

Dinner is Served

Today's pet foods include complete and balanced diets that tantalize our pets' taste buds and satisfy their tummies. Formulas for puppies and kittens, specialized meals for reptiles, birds and fish and diets for senior pets ensure a long and healthy life for our beloved companions.

State-of-the-Art

High-tech products including computerized identification tags, digital aquarium kits, automatic doors and feeders, enhanced reptile terrarium lighting systems and touch-activated toys help pet-owners take care of companion animals with ease and precision.

Loosen Up

As pet owners meditate in yoga class, cats relieve stress by frolicking in a toy gym or relaxing in a feline spa before enjoying herbal catnip packaged in a tea bag. Dogs sip fresh water from flowing fountains after a soothing rub with a doggie massager.

Help Yourself!

Products designed with convenience in mind lead this trend. Programmable feeding and drinking systems, automatic and battery-operated toys, self-cleaning litter boxes and self-warming pet mats let pets virtually care for themselves!

Straight from the Catwalk

Faux mink coats, hipster lumberjack vests, designer plaid jackets, matching jeweled and leather collar and leash sets, Halloween costumes, and holiday outfits keep pets in fashion throughout the year. Upscale leather carriers complete with a cell phone and water bottle holder are the perfect accessories to keep the pet owner in style as well.

Keep on Truckin'

Whether it's a quick trip to the supermarket or a long ride to the beach, companion animals are now traveling animals too. Buckled up in a harness, seat belt system or a portable carrier, these pets stay safe and secure while on the road. Food and water along with safety supplies are on hand in all-in-one kits, waste disposal systems make for easy clean-up on quick stops and motion sickness aids are available too.

Hello, My Name Is...

From monogrammed sweaters and personalized food and water bowls to digitized collar tags and hand-made treats, owners embrace their pets as true members of the American family celebrating their fluffy, finned and feathered companions with their very own belongings.

Reinforcement - the key to successful dog training

Understanding reinforcement is critical to understanding the behavior of your dog. Most of your dog's behavior is a direct result of reinforcement. In essence, when your dog presents a certain behavior, it is your acceptance or acknowledgment of that behavior that supports its continuation and repetition. Many people feel guilty upon learning of their miscues. Although it may be natural to feel this way about establishing a certain behavior in your dog, behavior is not stamped in stone! Keep in mind that, if your dog is adopted, it may have been a previous owner who imprinted the behavior; or, it could be a friend, relative, or neighbor who supported unwanted behavior in your dog. Anyone who interacts with your dog has the potential of reinforcing behaviors. Using the proper methods, you can always change a behavior you may have accidentally reinforced in the past that is causing problems in the present.

A simple way to begin reinforcement training is to think about what your dog likes. Food often works best, but praise, petting, tone of voice, certain words, facial expressions, or a particular toy might work best. Any one or combination of these "reinforcers" can help determine your dog's behavior. Simply stated, when your dog does something you like, immediately do something your dog likes. It is as easy as that!

To illustrate reinforcement, let's start with a puppy. When a puppy is born, he or she immediately starts showing certain behaviors. Some behaviors are reinforced and some are not. The vast majority of the behaviors your dog has when he or she is older than a year are the result of intentional corroboration, whether accidental or intentional. Research does indicate that genes, for the most part, give a dog a predisposition to have certain behaviors, but the vast majority of behaviors you might be concerned with (i.e., chewing, barking, sleeping in your bed) is learned. That is how powerful reinforcement training can be.

It has been estimated that one reinforcement can increase the probability of a recurring behavior from near zero to as much as 80 percent. A single reinforcement can almost guarantee that a behavior will happen again in the future. Another important consideration is the timing of the particular reinforcement. Four-tenths of a second after a dog does a behavior is the optimal time to fortify that particular behavior. Basically, the faster you react to your dog's behavior, the more the dog will understand that particular behavior is acceptable. For example, think of training your dog to sit. You tell your dog to sit, and he does. If you wait until he is standing again to praise him, he will think you are praising him for standing.

Often, the behavior that is least pleasing to you is one that you reinforce without realizing. For example, if your dog jumps on you, how do you react? If you touch your dog or pet him while he's on two legs, you are reinforcing the problem. If your dog growls at someone when they enter your home and you say, "It's okay" in a calming voice that your dog hears under normal circumstances, you are reinforcing the bad behavior. As you can see, it's very easy to either create or aggravate any behavior pattern without the proper knowledge.

So, once you have identified the problem, what next? At first it may appear to be impossible. To change a behavior takes time, patience, and a little extra skill. The solution lies in reinforcing the incompatible behavior. The easiest way to understand incompatible behavior is to acknowledge that a dog is unable to do two opposing behaviors at the same time. For example, a dog is unable to sit and jump up at the same time. A dog can't be friendly and aggressive at the same time. To achieve this would be against the laws of the physical universe!

Since each dog is unique, there are a number of different ways to tweak incompatible reinforcement. However, an illustration of a specific situation can help. If your dog jumps on you every time he approaches you, command him to sit and reinforce the sitting behavior. Because sitting is incompatible with jumping, it is necessary for your dog to one or the other. By reinforcing the preferred behavior, you are letting your dog know that sitting is good and jumping is not.

It may take a lot of trial and error for you to determine which incompatible behaviors works best and how to reinforce them to your dog. In the long run, both you and your dog will be happier. However, remember that how you react to a behavior your dog presents is lasting. Never punish your dog with abuse, physical or verbal, or you will be reinforcing certain behaviors that are generally found in aggressive, defensive or extremely submissive dogs. None of these overarching behaviors are acceptable at any time. It is important for you to establish an open line of communication with your dog. Find what makes him happy, and you will be able to make yourself happy at the same time.

When have cats ever been treated as luxuriously as they were in Ancient Egyptian Kingdoms? Cats were actually considered to be the children of the goddess Isis, and spent their days roaming the halls and chambers of the palaces and temples.

Their indulgences included baths by handmaidens in pools filled with flowers and massages with extravagant oils. By night, cats prowled the grounds, chasing away mice and rats and making the palaces safe. They were loyal companions to the royal family - Cleopatra's cat was named Charmain and legend has it that she clutched her precious cat as she died from the bite of an asp.

It was said that the glow from a cat's eyes contained the shining rays of the sun and their purring held the rhythm of a heartbeat. Egyptian cats were so highly prized that upon the death of a pet, it was common for the owners to shave their own eyebrows as an outward sign of their grief. In fact, cat cemeteries filled with the tombs of beloved pets have been unearthed all along the banks of the Nile. Similarly, upon their owner's death, cats were often mummified and placed within the owner’s tomb, along with mummified mice and bowls of milk as sustenance for their long journey into the afterlife.

Cats were such an important part of daily Egyptian life that their images adorned everything from royal jewelry to everyday tables and chairs. They were revered as goddesses but also loved as lifelong companions.

Congratulations on your new family member! If you are new to pet ownership or a seasoned veteran, it is important to stay up to date on proper care for your new puppy or kitten.

The Importance of Nutrition

Proper nutrition is extremely important for the health of your growing puppy or kitten. For this reason, we recommend a quality food that is specially balanced for your pet's needs. Because nutrition is such an important part of good pet health, we cannot emphasize the need to feed a puppy or kitten enough quality food. When you bring your new pet in for its first examination, be sure to ask us about the diet you are feeding to make sure it is appropriate for your pet's nutritional needs.

Canned Food vs. Dry Food

This question has been steadily debated for years, "Should I feed my pet canned or dry food?" The truth is that feeding canned or dry food is a matter of personal choice and pet preference. It is important to understand that dry and canned foods are nutritionally equal. However, there are some facts that may help you in your decision making. Dry food tends to be more economical, it doesn't spoil as easily, and it is better for tartar control and tooth strength. Canned food tends to be more flavorful and provides higher moisture content. Your decision to feed canned or dry food is going to be dependent upon what you and your pet wants. Keep in mind that you can also mix canned and dry food to successfully combine economy and taste!

When to Feed Your New Pet

It is very important that your new puppy or kitten be fed at regular intervals to help prevent episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Small breed puppies and all kittens should be fed three or four times daily after being weaned from their mothers. This should continue until around three or four months of age. At this point, you can reduce their feedings to twice daily. Larger breed puppies tend to do well on a twice daily feeding schedule. Before you commit to a feeding schedule for your puppy or kitten, be sure to ask your veterinarian which schedule is right for your pet. Feeding schedules become very important when housebreaking becomes an issue. Because young animals associate feeding with their need to eliminate, planning a good feeding schedule proves very helpful in housebreaking.

Vaccination Schedule

Vaccinations (Immunizations) are essential to the health of your pet. The most important vaccines for a pup or kitten are the series of vaccines that he or she receives post-weaning. It is critical to establish and maintain a firm vaccination schedule in order to maximize immunity against a host of debilitating and possibly deadly viruses and bacteria. When you bring your new pet in for its initial examination, a vaccination schedule is planned. For your pet's protection, it is necessary to follow this schedule rigorously. In general, puppies and kittens should be seen several times for examinations and vaccinations, completing the series at about four months of age. During this time, your pet should be provided with de-worming medication and have several fecal examinations in order to ensure that it is free from intestinal parasites. While your puppy or kitten is undergoing its initial series of vaccines, you should try to avoid exposing him or her to other dogs or cats. You should also avoid high traffic areas (streets, parks, and levees) until the vaccination series is complete. Even though your pet may have begun its series of vaccinations, he or she is still susceptible to diseases until all the vaccinations are completed.

Heartworm Preventative

Heartworm Infection is a very serious problem in both dogs and cats. Heartworms are blood parasites that are transmitted by mosquito bites. Once an animal is infected with heartworm, serious damage to the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys can result. The damage caused by heartworm can easily be fatal. If diagnosed early, heartworm disease can be treated. Though there is a treatment for heartworm, the treatment itself can be very difficult for some pets to handle.

Fortunately, there are very reliable medications that prevent heartworm infection. Dogs and cats should be kept on a monthly heartworm preventative medication. These medications are not only safe and effective, but several are combined with medications to prevent intestinal parasites and fleas.

Socialization

Proper socialization helps establish a loving and lasting relationship between you and your pet. Early in your pet's life, it is very important to deal with unfavorable habits and correct them in a productive and timely manner.

One of the best ways to train your pet is to introduce it at a young age to common social situations. Some of these may include trimming nails, bathing, brushing and medicating. By introducing these situations at a very young age, they are far more likely to be accepted by the pet later in life.

For puppies, obedience training is pretty much essential. Most trainers like to start the training process between four to six months of age, after vaccinations are complete. Many capable trainers are available to help you socialize and train your pet properly. Do your homework in order to take advantage of the training courses offered in your area. Similar to children, pets' habits, both good and bad, are learned at an early age!

Grooming Your Pet

The grooming protocol you develop for your pet depends heavily on the type of pet you have. Certain canine and feline breeds demand much more grooming attention than others. In general, it is good to bathe your pets only when necessary, as over bathing can lead to abnormally dry skin. In other words, don't feel obligated to bathe your puppy once a week when he may only need it once a month.

As for puppies and kittens, bathing can be performed as needed after they are weaned from their mother. It is best to avoid human shampoos, as most are too harsh for young animals. There are several good shampoos available through your veterinarian, but regardless of which type you choose, be sure to read the label carefully and address your veterinarian if you have any questions. When bathing your pet, you should also use eye protection in case shampoo gets into their eyes (either sterile ophthalmic ointment or mineral oil).

Your pet should be bathed in a warm room and tepid water should be used. When finished, it is best to towel dry and perhaps finish the job with a blow dryer. If you chose to blow dry, be sure to keep the hot air far enough away from the skin to avoid burning. Running your fingers through the fur while blow-drying is a good way to gauge the temperature.

Identification

A permanent microchip is the most effective way to ensure proper identification of your pet. It is also extremely helpful in the recovery of lost pets. Ask your veterinarian about microchipping your pet.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is a rapidly growing industry and is currently available through several companies. The insurance policies are very helpful to pet owners, especially when unexpected illnesses and injuries occur. Ask your veterinarian for information as policies vary.

Spaying or Neutering

Unless your pet is going to be used for responsible breeding, having it spayed or neutered by six months of age is highly recommended. This helps to avoid the inconvenience of heat cycles in females and provides health and social benefits to both males and females.

Pet owners vary in their level of comfort in clipping the nails of their dog, cat, rabbit or bird. But it is necessary to regularly clip nails to help maintain health and comfort. Nails which are uncared for can break or tear and can affect the animal's ability to move about comfortably or cause the animal to injure itself when scratching. If you are uncomfortable clipping the animal's nails yourself, your vet or groomer can do this for you. If you decide to do it yourself, here are a few tips:

1. Remember, the nail is living tissue. Do not clip too close to the quick. If this occurs, the animal will experience pain and the nail will bleed.



Clipping Nail Below the Quick (The quick is the pink area.)



2. There are two types of nail clippers available: the scissor type (which resembles a traditional scissors) or the guillotine type (which surrounds the whole nail). Both are effective. Choose the one that is most comfortable for you and your pet.
3. Many animals resist nail clipping. One way to get them accustomed to it is to handle their paws or feet from a very early age.

1. Fleas transmit tapeworms in both dogs and cats.
   True
   False

   A: True. Fleas do cause tapeworms in both dogs and cats.

2. The female cat flea will consume ____ times her own body weight in blood daily.
   5
   10
   15
   20

   A: Actually, the female cat flea will consume 15 times her own body weight in blood daily.

3. The female cat flea lays about ___ eggs per day on your pet at her peak production.
   10
   25
   50
   100

   A: The female cat flea lays a lot of eggs, but not that many. Actually, she lays about 50 eggs per day on your pet at her peak production.

4. Adult fleas live and breed well over ___ days on the pet if not disturbed.
   10
   25
   50
   100

   A: It’s hard to believe, but adult fleas live and breed well over 100 days on the pet if not disturbed.

5. Once fleas begin feeding on your pet and begin to lay eggs, they become dependent for a constant source of blood.
   True
   False

   A: Actually, it’s true. Once fleas begin feeding on your pet and begin to lay eggs, they do become dependent for a constant source of blood.

6. Female fleas begin to lay eggs ___________ after their first blood meal.
   12 to 24 hours
   24 to 36 hours
   36 to 48 hours
   48 to 72 hours

   A: Female fleas begin to lay eggs 36 to 48 hours after their first blood meal.

7. The flea is a tropical insect and won’t tolerate freezing temperatures for long periods of time.
   True
   False

   A: The flea is a tropical insect and won't tolerate freezing temperatures for long periods of time.

8. During the _______ months, fleas are most likely surviving as adults on untreated dogs and cats.
   Spring
   Summer
   Fall
   Winter

   A: It's during the winter months that fleas are most likely to survive as adults on untreated dogs and cats.

9. One female cat flea can lay ______ eggs in her lifetime.
   500
   1000
   1500
   2000

   A: One female cat flea can lay 2000 eggs in her lifetime.