MESSENGER POST MEDIA

PetTales
SUMMER EDITION Advertising supplement for June 26, 2014
2 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014
PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014 3
Pets and WATER SAFETY
Summer is a time for all of us, including our
furry family members, to enjoy some fun in the
sun. Pool parties, days at the beach and boating
are activities that your dog and maybe even a
courageous cat can enjoy. Here are some water
safety basics you should know in order to safely
enjoy the water with your pet.
When it comes to swimming, not all of our canine
friends are created equal! Some dogs, such as
retrievers, appear to be natural born swimmers
and typically require very little encouragement
or teaching in order to safely enjoy a dip in the
pool, lake, pond or ocean. Other breeds of dogs,
however, especially small dogs, may need some
extra help from their owners to learn how to
swim and to safely enjoy time in the water.
Until you are confdent in your dogs swimming
ability, it is crucial for you to take steps that will
allow you to quickly intervene and lend a helping
hand to your pup if he is in trouble. Keep a leash
and a harness on your dog at all times during your
frst few water adventures. By having a leash in
hand you will be able to quickly pull your dog to
safety if he begins to panic or become tired from
paddling. Additional protective equipment such
as life vests should be used for small dogs and all
dogs without a natural ability to swim.
Life vests come in all shapes and sizes for dogs.
Life vests can also be found for the boat loving
cat. Life vests should be used at all times if
your dog has trouble staying afoat in shallow
water, if your dog is swimming in deep or
choppy water and for all pets that enjoy time
out on the boat. Life vests should be purchased
from a reputable company. They should ft
your pet appropriately and be brightly colored
for easy visibility.
Never allow your pet to have unsupervised
access to bodies of water, including pools.
Even the most skilled canine swimmer could
become tired from paddling or tangled in
pool covers or weeds, potentially resulting in
drowning.
Provide frequent periods of rest for your water-
loving pooch. Although swimming is an excellent form of exercise for dogs, it is important
to protect your dog from heat exhaustion and dehydration. Be sure your dog takes frequent
rest breaks in a shady area. Provide your pet with plenty of cool fresh drinking water. Do
not allow brachycephalic breeds (such as pugs and bulldogs) to participate in vigorous
outdoor activity on hot days as they can easily overheat to a life threatening level.
After a fun flled day of water activities it is important to remember to rinse your dogs
coat with clean water. Chlorine, salt and algae left on the coat can lead to skin irritation
and infection. If your dog is a frequent swimmer, ask your veterinarian to recommend a
shampoo to help keep her coat and skin healthy.
Keep these basic tips in mind and your pet can enjoy all the benefts of water activities
while staying safe and happy!
Dr. Heidi Aguiar Licata is the director of East River Veterinary Hospital, where she has been
since August 2011. She joined the Monroe Veterinary Associates family in December 2007. A
native of Fall River, MA, Dr. Licata attended the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and
received her Bachelors Degree in Biology in 1999. She continued her veterinary education at
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary
Medicine in 2003. Acupuncture and exotic animal medicine are just a few of Dr. Licatas many
professional interests. She completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society course
in 2006 and is a certifed veterinary acupuncturist.
Heidi Licata, DVM
East River Veterinary Hospital
Monroe Veterinary Associates
Arnie the Darling Starling
by Margarete Sigl Corbo and
Diane Marie Barras
This delightful, true story of an orphaned, talking starling named Arnie, and the
grandmother who lovingly hand raised him is as heartwarming a book as you will
ever read a new classic in the tradition of Born Free and That Quail, Robert.
Arnie was just a familiar springtime sight: a baby bird lying helpless in the daisy
patch. After unsucessfully trying to return him to the nest, Margarete took him into
her home teaching him to perch, to fy, even to talk. Arnie resisted all attempts to
restore him to the wild, preferring steak and canned corn to worms, which frightened
him, and even developing a taste for wine.
Most astonishing of all, he learned to talk and sing, and he had a remarkable
infuence on a number of lives. Arnie is full of life, laughter, and love. It is a completely
irresistable book. Find out where to buy a copy at www.goodreads.com.
4 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014
As small animal veterinarians, we frequently get asked the questions
Why do I need to bring my pet in for an annual exam? or Why cant
you just give the vaccines without an exam?
Many owners do not understand the importance of an annual exam.
Our job as veterinarians is to make sure that our patients are as healthy
as possible. The annual or semi-annual physical exam is one of our main
tools.
Unfortunately, our pets cant tell us when something is wrong, and many
times they dont show any outward signs of illness until the disease is
quite advanced. Pets also age at a faster rate than people, with one pet
year equal to an average of four-fve human years, depending on the
breed and size.
Just as with human children, we need to see puppies and kittens more
frequently in the frst year of their life. As adults, we recommend seeing
our patients annually (yearly). Once they are seniors we move to a semi-
annual (twice a year) schedule. In most practices, seniors are recognized as cats aged 10
years and older and dogs aged seven years and older. Large or giant breed dogs may be
considered seniors as early as fve or six years old.
The annual exam is a great opportunity to detect early signs of disease, as well as to ensure
that pets with existing health problems are being treated and monitored appropriately.
This is the ideal time to implement preventative health measures such as vaccinations,
routine blood and fecal testing, parasite control, oral health care, nutrition and weight
control. It also is a wonderful opportunity to discuss your pets health and behavior and to
address any questions or concerns that you may have.
The physical exam includes an examination of the entire body; the eyes, ears, mouth
(including teeth), lymph nodes, skin, coat, spine, joints, heart, lungs, abdomen and the
urinary system. If we suspect that something is wrong, we will recommend appropriate
testing such as lab work or radiographs. In many cases, diagnosing a condition early may be
less expensive than waiting until the problem becomes more advanced. It is also important
to note that veterinarians are unable to prescribe medications or make
recommendations for patients that have not had an exam within the
last calendar year.
As an owner, you can aid your veterinarian by being well prepared
at your pets annual or semi-annual exam. When scheduling the
appointment, be sure to ask if your pet should fast for the visit in
anticipation of having blood work done. This is especially important
for senior pets and those on chronic medications, since these patients
need to have blood work done on a regular basis. You should also
ask whether a fresh urine or fecal sample is due. Be sure to prepare
yourself with some basic information, such as:
the brand and amount of food you feed your pet,
the names and doses of any supplements or medications, and
any noticeable problems your pet is experiencing
The annual or semi-annual exam is your opportunity to ensure that
your pet is as healthy as possible. Take advantage of this one-on-one time with your
veterinarian and their staf to make sure that all of your questions and concerns are
addressed and that your best friend is receiving the level of care that you expect.
Dr. Susan Hubbard is the director at Greece Animal Hospital and has an extensive history
of caring for pets in the Greece area. Dr. Hubbard started her animal care career at Stone
Ridge Veterinary Hospital as a kennel worker and animal care assistant in 1986. A native
of Rochester, NY, she continued working at Stone Ridge during school breaks until 1994 and
returned to the hospital as an associate veterinarian in 2002 before joining Greece Animal
Hospital in 2012.
Her professional interests include dermatology, canine reproduction and dentistry. She is a
member of the Genessee Valley Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary
Medical Association.
Susan Hubbard, DVM
Greece Animal Hospital
Monroe Veterinary Associates
I once decided not to date a guy because he wasnt excited to meet my dog.
I mean, this was like not wanting to meet my mother. Bonnie Schacter
The importance of ANNUAL and SEMIANNUAL EXAMS
PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014 5
Feline LOWER URINARY TRACT DISEASE
What is Feline Lower
Urinary Tract Disease?
Feline lower urinary tract disease
(FLUTD) refers to a variety of medical
conditions that result in similar
clinical signs.
Bladder stones and crystals, urinary
tract infections, abnormal anatomy,
neurological disorders and cancer
can all result in FLUTD.
Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is
considered one of the most common
causes of FLUTD, in which the bladder
becomes infamed for an unknown
cause, although stress is believed to
be an important factor.
What are the signs of FLUTD?
The most common clinical signs
of FLUTD include urinating
inappropriately outside the litter box,
straining and frequent urination,
blood in the urine and excessive
grooming of the genital area.
Vomiting, depression, vocalizing,
dripping urine and loss of appetite
are signs associated with a urinary
tract obstruction, which is a medical
emergency.
Theses signs are often misinterpreted
to be constipation due to the
increased time and efort cats
sufering from FLUTD spend in the
litter box. However, indoor male
neutered cats are predisposed to
urinary tract obstructions, and if you
notice these signs, a veterinarian
should evaluate your cat as soon as
possible.
FLUTD Risk Factors
Male cats confned indoors, neutered, overweight and fed solely a dry
food diet are predisposed to FLUTD.
FLUTD and Stress
Given that stress is an important factor contributing to feline idiopathic
cystitis, and some cats are unusually sensitive to their surroundings, here
are some suggestions to help decrease stress and enrich your home for
your cat:
Litterbox Management
1+1 rule: it is important to have one additional litter box to the number
of cats in the household.
Location of the litterbox is import-ant the area should be well
ventilated and easily accessed.
Some cats may prefer unscented,
fne-grained, non-clumping kitty
litter.
Change the litter box frequently.
Environmental Enrichment
Provide your cat with toys and
scratching /climbing posts to allow
them to play hunt and mark their
territory on scratching posts instead
of your furniture.
Three-dimensional spaces such as
kitty condos, cardboard boxes, beds
or crates can provide enough space
to reduce confict and stress in a
multi-cat household.
Make sure you devote some time to
play with your cat daily.
Feliway, a natural pheromone
spray, can be very calming for some
cats and the product is available in
a difuse formulation.
Water Intake
Increasing water intake will help
dilute your cats urine and decrease
the likelihood of urinary stone and
crystal formation.
Providing fresh water at all times
with the use of water fountains can
help increase the water intake.
Cats prefer bowls with a wide
surface area so their whiskers do
not touch the sides and seem to
prefer glass bowels to plastic or
metal.
Canned food diets can also
increase daily water intake
It is important to be able to recognize the signs of FLUTD, especially in
neutered male cats, which are predisposed to urinary tract obstruction. If
you are concerned that your cat is displaying signs of FLUTD, please seek
veterinary attention immediately. Litterbox management, enriching your
home, water intake and weight control are all important factors of feline
urinary tract health.
Dr. Fernandes grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and attended York
University where she majored in biology and then continued on to get
her masters in animal physiology and endocrinology. Dr. Fernandes then
attended Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, graduating
in 2013.Her interests are emergencey veterinary medicine, outreach and
international veterinary initiatives. She shares her home with a domestic
long hair named Dawson.
CLINICAL SIGNS, RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION
Cats know how to obtain food without labor, shelter without confnement, and love without penalties. W.L. George
Lucy Fernandes, DVM
Veterinary Specialists
& Emergency Services
Monroe Veterinary Associates
6 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014
When its hot outside,
leave your pets at home
BY ADRIENNE MCHARGUE | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITCATIONS AND OUTREACH
LOLLYPOP FARM, HUMANE SOCIETY OF GREATER ROCHESTER
Summer is a great time for you and your pets to enjoy the outdoors, but the warmth and
sunshine bring dangers that can threaten the health and safety of your pet. As temperatures
soar, pets left in cars are a hazard encountered daily by the law enforcement department at
Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester.
Pets Cant Stand the Heat
During the summer months, the interior of your car can reach 120F in a matter of minutes
in warm weather, even with the windows open or when parked in the shade. This can
mean serious trouble for pets left in cars, even briefy.
Dogs and cats cant perspire to regulate their body temperature like humans do. They can
only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. That means that in the
overheated air of a hot car, pets can sufer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and brain
damage and can even die.
Signs of heat-related stress can include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse,
unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If your pet
becomes overheated, you need
to immediately lower his body
temperature. Move him into the
shade and apply cool (not cold)
water over his body to gradually
lower his core body temperature.
Apply cold towels or ice packs to
his head, neck and chest only.
Let your pet drink small amounts
of water or lick ice cubes. Most
importantly, call your veterinarian
immediately.
Dont think that your pet will be
safe just because youll be gone
just a minute or because you
leave the car running with A/C.
Tragedy can still strike and
it has. News reports from across
the country tell the sad tales of
animals who lost their lives after
the air-conditioning in their cars
shut down and began to blow hot
air. (In many cars, the air systems
compressor will kick of when the
engine gets too hot.)
Its Against the Law
In addition to putting your pet
in mortal danger, you are also
opening yourself up to legal
action. New legislation prohibits
the confnement of companion
animals in vehicles in extreme
temperatures. Violators can be
fned between $50 and $250
if a pet is found in a vehicle
without proper water, protection,
or ventilation. This law also
authorizes law enforcement
ofcers and agents of the SPCA
to remove the animal(s) from the
vehicle if the owner cannot be located. Our law enforcement ofcers are now able to act
immediately to help an animal, and the owner is held accountable for his/her actions.
How can you help?
Leave your pet at home on warm days. On trips with your pet, bring a bowl and plenty of
fresh drinking water. If you see signs of heat-related stress, move your pet to the shade
immediately.
If you see a pet in a car alone, alert the management of the store where the car is parked
and ask them to make an announcement for the owner to return to their vehicle.
If you see an animal in a car that appears in distress or if the temperatures are extreme,
call the Humane Society of Greater Rochester Animal Cruelty Hotline at (585) 223-6500
or call 9-1-1 and a law enforcement ofcer will be dispatched. Animals in distress will be
removed by authorities from the car to protect their lives and the owner may be charged
with a violation.
PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014 7
July 15th is NATIONAL PET FIRE SAFETY DAY
July 15th is National Pet Fire
Safety Day. If you are a pet
owner, it is a good day to
review your household fre
safety and emergency plans
for the entire household
including your pets.
One of the most fundamental
elements of fre safety is to
have working smoke detectors
throughout your residence.
Smoke detectors can quickly
alert occupants to a fre so that
they can escape. That said, pets
are frequently home alone and
unable to escape a house fre
on their own. Consider using
a monitoring company so that
frefghters are alerted more
quickly, thereby increasing
the likelihood that pets can be
rescued from the fre.
Practicing Exit Drills in the
Home (EDITH), can help
families identify emergency
escape routes when there is a
fre. When doing these drills
identify places in the home
near exits where leashes and
cat carriers could be stored for
easy access. Decide on a holding
area outside of the home
such as a car where animals
could temporarily be safely
confned. Be sure all pets are
properly identifed with collars
and tags or microchips so that
they can be reunited with their
owners if they escape during
the commotion of a fre. Have
a plan for a place the pets can
stay if you are unable to return
to your home right away. This
preparation and training can
increase the chances that you
and your pets will get out safely
should there be a fre.
Never re-enter a burning building to save your pets. Please leave this
to the professional frefghters. The use of pet alert window stickers
can help rescuers know how many and what kind of pets need to be
rescued. It is important to keep these updated so that this information
is as accurate as possible. Free stickers are available from the ASPCA at
www.ASPCA.org.
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 500,000 animals
are afected by fres and about 1,000 fres are started by pets each
year. Here are some ways you can reduce the chance that your pet will
inadvertently start a fre or be burned:
Use caution with candles because pets, especially cats, can easily knock
over a candle and start a fre. Pets can also be burned by candles. Always
extinguish a candle that will
be unattended. Consider
using fameless candles, that
use a light bulb instead of a
real fame, or candle warmers
instead.
Supervise pets around other
open fames such as freplaces,
fre pits and barbecue grills.
Curious pets can easily get
burned when they come too
close to any open fame. It is
best to restrict a pets access
to these areas.
Keep electrical cords out of
reach of pets who may chew
them. Puppies and kittens
are notorious for getting into
trouble with this. Chewing
electrical cords can cause
serious electrocution injuries
and potentially start a fre.
Access to electrical cords
should be restricted, especially
when pets are unsupervised.
Crating puppies is highly
recommended to eliminate
this and other hazards.
Cover stove knobs if you
have a dog who tends to be
a counter surfer. There have
been a number of house
fres started when a pet
inadvertently turns on the
stove while jumping up to
steal food of the stove top.
Reduce the temptation. Do
not leave food on top of the
stove, and consider restricting
your dogs access to the
kitchen or crate your curious
pup when you are not home.
With a little preparation you
can successfully reduce the
chances that your pet will
accidentally start a fre or be injured by fre. This July 15th take some
time to review your households fre safety and prevention plans, and
be sure to include your pets.
Dr. Carolyn Fisher is the hospital director of Suburban Animal Hospital.
A general practitioner, Dr. Fisher has cared for pets at Suburban since
1997. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and particularly
likes observing and experiencing the special bonds people and their pets
share.
A native of Rochester, Dr. Fisher attended the State University of New York
at Geneseo. She received her Bachelors Degree in Biology in 1993 and
went on to attend the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Fisher is a member of numerous professional organizations, including
the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Genessee Valley
Veterinary Medical Association and the Cornell Feline Health Center.
Carolyn Fisher, DVM
Suburban Animal Hospital
Monroe Veterinary Associates
8 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014
Bandits Tail of Hope
PROVIDED BY ROCHESTER HOPE FOR PETS
Elizabeth knows that Bandit became a part of her family for a reason
to help her son cope with his learning diferences as well as the
sudden death of his father. They also had recently lost their 14-year-
old dog, so she decided a puppy might bring her son out of his shell
and help him become less fearful in social situations.
Elizabeth came across the photo of a little black dachshund puppy
that was given one last chance for a home by the breeder. He didnt
show much emotion and crouched even further into his crate when
the door was opened, but Elizabeth sensed that by saving his life,
Bandit might save her family from their sadness.
I have never regretted getting Bandit, because he stole my heart
when I did not think I had one left. Hes been a blessing, says
Elizabeth. In the past few years, Bandit has been by their side during her own job loss and
multiple health scares.
When Bandit was going outside in April 2012, he fell and immediately started to limp.
His veterinarian in Syracuse diagnosed a sprained leg, and he was put on crate rest. Soon
after, Elizabeth was carrying him outside when he saw a chipmunk and jumped out of her
arms. He landed on his sprained leg, which folded under and caused him to drag his entire
hind quarters.
His veterinarian determined that he had herniated three discs and
arranged for Cornell University to operate. Elizabeth went straight
to Ithaca, where Bandit was given a 50-50 chance of recovery.
Despite the prognosis, she emptied her savings account to pay for
the surgery.
He fully recovered after 12 weeks of physical therapy, rotating and
strength exercises, and using a sling to help him get around. Eight
months later Bandit fell on some ice and reinjured his repaired discs,
which left him unable to walk at all. Elizabeths veterinarian told her
that the MRI machine at Cornell was not available, so her only hope
was to go to Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services (VSES)
for an MRI.
After they did the imaging at VSES, Bandits prognosis was not good and Elizabeth had
to decide whether to euthanize him or operate. She chose to help him fght for his life.
Elizabeth received a Rochester Hope for Pets award to assist with the surgical expenses.
Bandit came through the surgery and has recovered 95 percent, although he has some
small motor kinkswhen he walks, a rabbit hop when he runs and his tail wagsin a low
circle. Elizabeth is most grateful for the award from Rochester Hope for Pets and the hope
it provided her family during their time of need.
Its easy!
Call
394.0770
today!
Established in 2008, Rochester Hope for Pets is a nonproft funded by the
generosity of private donors. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for
pets living in the greater Rochester area, with our key objective being to provide
cost-sharing awards to owners who have fnancial limitations but whose pets
are in need of veterinary care. The organization also assists with continuing
education for veterinary health teams and works to reduce Rochesters feral
cat population. For more information, visit www.RochesterHopeforPets.org
or call (585) 271-2733 extension 89.
Sunday, September 14
Seventh Annual RHFP Golf Tournament
Shadow Lake Golf & Racquet Club 1850 Five Mile Line Road Penfeld
Shotgun start at noon.
Saturday, September 26
RHFP Team George Eastman House PhotoFinish 5k
We welcome community members to join the RHFP Team! Our Crowdrise
page is at: https://www.crowdrise.com/2014RHFPPhotoFinish5K.
Thursday, October 2
An Evening of Wine & Beer Tasting
Locust Hill Country Club Pittsford
Rochester Hope for Pets (RHFP) will be hosting the following events in the
coming months. Visit rochesterhopeforpets.org/activities.php for more details
about each event.
SAVE THE DATES!
You really should advertise in the next issue of Pet Tales...
Rochester Hope for Pets 2816 Monroe Avenue Rochester, NY 14618 585-271-2733 x89 RochesterHopeForPets@gmail.com
PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014 9
Lately, a growing tick problem has hit
Rochester, which naturally has many people
concerned about ticks and diseases associated
with them. These little insects are fairly hardy,
and have evolved over time to an almost
perfect external parasite. They exist mostly
to feed and breed and are challenging to kill
(think cockroaches). To prevent disease, we
need to better understand both ticks and the
diseases they can carry.
Why am I nding ticks on my animals
when Ive never seen them before?
Global warming. Whether you believe in it
or not, with our recent milder winters, more
ground animals (hosts) and ticks are making
it through the winter.
Encroachment. We love trees and wildlife
and are moving toward integrating wooded
areas (tick habitats) into our community; with
these changes come ticks.
Migration. Specifc tick species have been
slowly expanding their habitats (usually
through wildlife migration).
How do ticks nd their hosts?
To simplify, ticks quest in the wild for a host. Questing involves ticks
getting on leafy vegetation, sitting up and holding their legs out in front
of them. When a shadow crosses their paths, they lunge and grab on.
Once on their prey, they look for a good place to start feeding and then
breeding. Ironically, since ticks like leafy vegetation, some of the bigger
exposure areas tend to be edges of woods or felds, which we tend to
think of as safe areas. This means if you are walking your pets and let
them snif the edges of woods, felds or roads, they may have a higher
risk of exposure than a pet walking through the woods where there is
no undergrowth.
Im using ea and tick preventatives and ticks are still on my
pets! Why isnt it working?!
This is another common question regarding ticks. Note the tick hunting
pattern: They quest and lunge. They often do not know your pet has tick protection until
they are on your pet and exposed. After the tick is on your animal, it is just a matter of time
before the medication kills it. However, if you fnd a tick on your pet, please remove it.
Why does the tick medicine say it repels ticks?
There are many diferent medications and they all work diferently. The key is to check with
your veterinarian on how your preventatives work. Most medications say they repel ticks
and they actually do, but you still have the questing tick to contend with. Each tick species
quests diferently, which increases the challenge factor of keeping them of. Once a tick is
on an animal, it is a matter of how fast the medication kills the tick. Diferent animals and
situations have tick prevention medicine that should be recommended for them by their
veterinarian to ensure the best protection.
How does my animal get a tick disease?
When the tick attaches and starts feeding, it can transmit tick borne diseases. Tick borne
diseases are carried in the tick and mature to an infective stage in the tick. Most people
know about Lyme disease (caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria), but for animals, a
large number of additional diseases (such as Ehrlichia canis) can spread from infected ticks.
Although not every tick has a tick borne disease, the longer an infected tick is attached to
your animal, the greater the chance it can spread the disease.
How can I remove a tick?
Here are a few tips on removing ticks.
Do NOT attempt to burn a tick! Your animal
is fammable.
Do not try and sufocate the tick with
Vaseline, oil, nail polish or other
substances. This method takes a long time
due to microscopic air bubbles getting trapped
and providing the tick with breathable air.
Plus, it irritates your pets skin.
Try to avoid using your fngers. If you
squeeze the tick, you can facilitate the release
of contagious bacteria from the ticks gastric
system to your animals skin.
Staf members at your animal hospital
can help you remove it and can discuss
or show you diferent tick removal tips and
devices.
For more information on ticks and how
to remove them, you can also visit here.
What should I do to limit my pets
exposure to diseases that ticks can
spread?
Tick control is the most important aspect
of preventing disease. Using a veterinarian-recommended tick
preventative for your dog or cat is important. Be aware many over-
the-counter products that are used for tick control may contain
chemicals that are harmful if inappropriately applied or used. If your
animals leave your house, you should do a full-body visual and touch
check for ticks when they return. Also, at home it is important to keep
surrounding grass and vegetation short to make it harder for ticks to
migrate into your backyard. In addition, Lyme disease vaccines are
available for dogs. Your veterinarian would be the best individual to
assess your dogs current need and discuss the vaccines usefulness,
benefts and risks.
How should you respond to ticks?
Every dog deserves his day in the sun. This article isnt intended to
frighten you into becoming housebound, but rather to help you
understand the challenge of ticks. To summarize, here are a few tips
to help you overcome the difculties ticks present.
Talk to your veterinarian about the best tick protection for your animals. Your
veterinarian will determine the most efective and safest product available for your pet.
Use tick prevention regularly!
Be vigilant. Check your animals thoroughly when they come back from outside, even if it
was a short walk in the neighborhood.
If you fnd a tick, stay calm! Remove it or seek assistance from your veterinarian.
If you are fnding a lot of ticks on your pet, discuss it with your veterinarian so
they may modify your pets prevention plan.
Dr. Annette Jones is the hospital director of Bayview Animal Hospital. She has cared for
pets at Bayview as a general practitioner since 2004 and has been with Monroe Veterinary
Associates since 2001.
A native of Webster, Dr. Jones attended Hartwick College and graduated Summa Cum Laude
with her Bachelors Degree in Biology in 1997. She continued her veterinary education at the
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary
Medicine in 2001. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the
New York State Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Jones is also an accredited veterinarian
with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service.
What pet owners SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TICKS
Annette Jones, DVM
Bayview Animal Hospital
Monroe Veterinary Associates
10 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014
Te real cost
of heartworm disease
Sentinel Tablets K9
Prevents heartworms,
controls feas and
intestinal parasites
Heartworm prevention
should be given each
month.
The following costs are
for a monthly, year-round
supply
of Sentinel Tablets and
include
a $25 rebate:
2-10 lbs. - $78.96
11-25 lbs. - $82.92
26-50 lbs. - $99.00
51-100 lbs. - $118.92
Revolution is also
available as a topical
heartworm preventative
for dogs and cats. Please
ask for pricing.
PREVENTION vs. TREATMENT
Preventing heartworm
disease is easy.
Treating it, sadly,
is anything but.
Total cost of diagnosis and
treatment is $1,500.
Cost may vary depending
on the weight of animal
and the stage of disease.
Diagnostic testing cost
includes:
Complete blood count,
chemistry panel and full
urinalysis
Heartworm test then
Modifted Knotts test
Radiographs with
radiologist consult
Treatment requires:
Approximately three days
of hospitalization
Medication to kill adult
heartworms (cost based
on weight)
Three painful injections
and STRICT CRATE REST for
a total of four months
There is a 10-20 percent
risk of complications
during treatment.
Complications from
treatment may include:
Blood clots
Injection pain
Trouble breathing
Fever
Sudden death
Treatment to kill adult
heartworms is NOT
available for cats.
PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014 11
Mootug dog toys are made from recycled
dairy cow rubber milking tubes. After
being washed and sanitized, they are still
left with a bovine smell that dogs love!
They are 10 inches long and have a handle
on the end for a comfortable grip during
playtime. Flexible, yet durable. Made in
the USA. Best for small to medium size
dogs under 45 pounds.
25% will be donated to our Rescue of the
Month. Only $14.50 at www.etsy.com/
listing/102285796.
Mootugs
products for your
Finally, those long, hot, sunny days are
upon us in Monroe County. The weather
ofers a great opportunity to spend more
quality time with family including mans
best friend: hiking, gardening, biking,
swimming, vacationing and trips in the car.
But as you prepare to enjoy this season, be
aware of potential hazards to your canine
companion.
The most obvious threat to your dog is
the reason we look forward to this time
of year heat. Dogs do not have sweat
glands in their skin to cool themselves.
They must pant to lose heat from their
bodies. Unfortunately, panting requires
muscular activity which can then increase
core temperature further. This can quickly
spiral into a dangerous situation with heat
stress and heat stroke. Brachycephalic
(short snout) breeds are particularly
susceptible to overheating. Save strenuous
outdoor activities for the cooler times of
day, carry water for your dog or spend
time near bodies of water where your pet
can cool of. If your dog starts to display
signs of heat stress excessive panting,
weakness, dark coloration of the gums
immediately wet your dogs coat, place
him in a cool area with a fan blowing on him,
apply ice to the foot pads and call your veterinarian.
When traveling with your dog in warm weather, never leave him in a car
even with the windows open. In just a few minutes the temperature in a
car can skyrocket, resulting in heat stroke and death. If you must stop in
your travels, either have someone stay with the dog outside or make the
correct decision to leave your pet at home.
Trauma is far more common during the summer season. Lacerations,
foot pad burns, bite wounds, orthopedic injuries and automobile trauma
all rank high on the list. When spending time with your dog outdoors,
be cognizant of the potential threats in the area, such as broken glass
or metal, other dogs and access to roads. Always keep your dog under
your control, either on leash or voice command for a well-trained dog.
A common injury seen in veterinary hospitals at this time of year is foot
pad burns and erosions. These occur when a
dog in running excessively on hot pavement
or concrete. The heat and the friction can
rub the pads raw in a short time, causing a
painful injury that requires pain medications,
rest and time to heal. Remember, your dogs
do not know they are injuring themselves
until after the trauma has happened. Its up
to us to control their activity before they hurt
themselves.
With the warmer weather comes the
return of insects. Dogs that spend a lot of
time outdoors will often have fy bites on
their ear tips. These can become ulcerated,
and they also tend to bleed and be quite
uncomfortable. Insecticidal creams can be
applied to the margin of the ears to repel the
fies. Tick and fea activity increases during
the summer. Flea bites result in itching and,
in some dogs, severe allergic reactions will
be seen with self-induced skin ulcerations
and secondary infections. Although ticks
do not generally cause skin irritation, they
are responsible for the transmission of
organisms that cause Lyme disease, Rocky
Mountain spotted fever and other infectious
diseases. Both feas and ticks can be brought
into our homes by our dogs, resulting in
indoor infestations. The best treatment is
prevention, and there are a variety of good options available today. It
is best to discuss proper parasite control with your veterinarian. Your
veterinarian is aware of your pets total health care and can create
the safest and most efective internal and external parasite control
program to best ft your pets lifestyle and health concerns.
So get out there this summer with your favorite canine companion!
Enjoy all the wonderful activities that nature has in store for us in
Upstate New York. Just remember your dog depends on you to keep
him happy, healthy and safe.
Dr. Paul Black has served as President of Monroe Veterinary Associates
since 1996. A graduate of Pittsford Sutherland High, Dr. Black earned his
DVM degree from Cornell Veterinary College in 1982 and has worked as
a general practitioner with MVA since that time.
THE DOG DAYS of summer
Paul Black, DVM
President of
Monroe Veterinary Associates
12 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014
Income qualifed
spay/neuter program
The Benefts of Spaying
(female)
Prevents pet
from going into heat:
In addition to giving
of a scent which will
attract males from miles
around, many females
also display undesirable
behaviors such as loud
and persistent crying and
rubbing or rolling on the
foor when in heat.
Reduces desire to roam:
When in heat, females
experience an urge to
escape to fnd a mate. This
unwanted and dangerous
behavior is eliminated
when spayed.
Improves chances for a
long, healthy life:
Spaying reduces your pets
risk of developing uterine
and ovarian cancer, as
well as a potentially
life-threatening uterine
infection known as
pyometra. Spaying also
reduces your pets risk
of developing breast
cancer. Dogs and cats
spayed before their frst
heat cycle have less than
a one percent chance of
developing breast cancer.
AVAILABLE in the CITY of ROCHESTER
Rochester Community Animal Clinic 985 Bay Street Rochester, NY 14609 585.288.0600 rochestercommunityanimalclinic.com
The Benefts of Neutering
(males)
Undesirable sexual behavior:
Attraction to females, roaming
and mounting can be reduced
or eliminated by neutering.
Urine marking or spraying:
A common behavior problem
in dogs and cats is urine
marking or spraying; typically
on walls or other vertical
household objects. Neutering
signifcantly reduces marking
in roughly 80 percent of dogs
and cats.
Aggression:
Neutering a male dog can
reduce territorial aggression
and aggression toward in-tact
males by eliminating the urge
to attract and compete for a
mate. Neutering will prevent
reproduction and passing
on of genetic traits that can
cause aggression. Neutering
may also reduce or eliminate
aggression toward other
dogs or cats in the house,
people in the family and
toward unfamiliar animals and
people.
Medical benefts:
Neutering eliminates the
possiblility of testicular cancer
and greatly reduces the
chance of prostate disease,
two common and serious
problems. It can also reduce
the risk of perianal tumors
(surrounding the anus) and
perineal hernias.
Other Benefts of Spaying & Neutering
Population control:
Millions of dogs and cats are euthanized annually at
animal shelters across the U.S. and Canada. Neutering
males is as important as spaying females when it comes
to population control.
Rochester Community Animal Clinic (RCAC)
ofers income-qualifed, high-quality spay/neuter
surgery services. For more information about RCAC
or for low-income eligibility requirements for the
spay/neuter services, please call 585.288.0600.
PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014 13
Ask a Vet...
I have an indoor cat? Why does she need to take fea
and heart worm preventative?
Great question! Most cats that we think of as being strictly indoors ofen
really do have exposure to the outdoors; they will sometimes escape
when someone enters the home, they may have access to screened in
porches or sit in window sills where they could potentially be bitten by
a mosquito or fea while lying against the screen. Fleas can jump up to
48cm, which is just over 1 and feet!
For those cats who really are isolated from the outdoors, the unfortunate
truth is that we can never prevent the outdoors from coming inside.
Mosquitoes will readily fy in through an open window, door or torn
screen. And feas can jump through screened windows and porches
if small holes exist, or enter through any openings under doors, in
basements or in attics. Parasites can also enter the home by catching a
ride on other critters (rodents, beetles and roaches, just to name a few).
Tey will hitch a ride on our clothing, our shoes and in any containers
we happen to bring into our homes. We also unwittingly bring them in if
we do any gardening (roundworm eggs have been found in potting soil)
and if we have wood-burning freplaces (frewood can harbor all kinds
of bugs, larvae and other parasites).
Several products are available which provide broad spectrum,
comprehensive protection against these disease carrying parasites. Many
of the diseases carried by feas, mosquitoes and intestinal parasites are
treatable, but some of them are not and can be fatal (i.e. Feline Heartworm
Disease). Treating others can be expensive, and more importantly, our
feline friends can experience unnecessary discomfort while they recover.
It is much easier on them to prevent these diseases from occurring in the
frst place with an easy to administer monthly preventative. For more
information, please call your veterinarian today!
Linda Banks, DVM
My cat really enjoys an occasional treat of catnip but
Im worried it may not be good for him. Is it okay to
allow him to have it, and is there such a thing as too
much?
Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family. It also can be called catmint
and catswort. It is a common garden plant that is enjoyed by wild and
domestic cats, other mammals and insects. Te main ingredient in
catnip that attracts cats is neptalactone. It has also been used by people
in tea, juice, tinctures, infusions or poultice for a variety of ailments
including those of the neurologic system. Compounds within catnip can
alter the behavior of our cats and generally brings about a euphoric state
of mind. When exposed to catnip, cats will primarily snif, lick and chew
the provided leaves and stems. It can be provided to cats in a dried form
or freshly picked from the garden. Once exposed to the plant, cats will
continue to rub their body (especially cheek and chin) in the catnip, roll
around, eat some of the plant and some will even vocalize. Some cats
may respond as if they have received a mild stimulant and may be more
anxious or nibble ones hand more readily. Other cats may behave as
though it has had a calming and quieting efect on their nervous system.
Te efects last between fve and 15 minutes and then dissipate from
there. Te response to catnip is inherited as an autosomal dominant
trait. Terefore there are many cats that respond with exuberance to
catnip, but there are other cats upon which catnip will show no efect. It
has also been demonstrated that kittens less than six-eight weeks old do
not respond readily to catnip. Catnip does not appear to be harmful to
cats. It appears to be safe and non-addictive for cats. Catnip can regularly
be provided in moderation for all cats.
Joanne Hach, DVM
Pooch have
you puzzled?
Cat have
you curious?
Email your questions to
marketingmva@yahoo.com!
Want answers to your questions?
14 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014
Portraits
Love
of
Each week, Lollypop Farm receives letters and emails lled with
happy endings for animals who have been adopted from our shelter.
Pictures help to tell these wonderful stories.
ALCO was adopted
by Kevin in 2014
Alco
Boris
BORIS was adopted
by Carol in 2011
Dexter
DEXTER was
adopted by
The Ioele Family
in 2014
Shelter animals make great additions
to a family. According to the Humane
Society of the United States (HSUS),
an estimated 6-8 million dogs and cats
are admitted into shelters each year.
An even more shocking number is the
estimated 3-4 million animals that
are euthanized in shelters each year.
Adopting a shelter animal gives you
a chance to change an animals life by
providing a loving home. Before you
rush out to adopt a dog or cat there
are some important items to consider
and questions to ask to ensure the new
addition to your family fts in perfectly.
Pets are Life-Long Commitments
When you adopt a pet you are committing to caring for that dog or cat
for the rest of its life. Avoid impulsive decisions when selecting a pet. You
should consider things like how much time you can commit to training and
socializing your new pet and if your new pet will ft into your lifestyle and
living situation.
A high-energy young pup is probably not the best choice for someone who
works long hours. Have everyone in the family express what he or she is
looking for in the new furry companion, then chose an animal whose
energy level is a good match for your family. If you love to run, then a young
active dog may be perfect for you versus a calmer, older dog that only needs
short walks or a cat who loves to rest on the couch with you.
Be Prepared
Pet ownership requires an investment of time and money. You need to
consider how much your new pet will afect your budget. Every year it is
important for your pet to receive proper preventative health care, like an
examination by your veterinarian, vaccines and parasite control. It is also
important that your new pet has proper identifcation with tags and/or
microchips, in case they ever become separated from you. Finally, if possible,
try to budget for potential emergencies by setting aside a small emergency
fund for your pets.
Peace at Home
It is important to consider how this new pet will ft in with your current
pets social dynamic. Bringing a new animal into the household can be very
stressful to some animals. Consider the personalities of all the pets in your
home. Introductions should be slow and monitored to ensure that each
animal feels safe. Dont expect your pets to be friends right away; you may
have to have multiple introduction sessions. Introducing new animals into
a household takes patience in order to keep everyone at home happy and
stress free!
By taking the time and efort to consider how an adopted new pet will
afect your life, your fnances and your current pets life, you are taking the
right steps toward a lifetime of happiness and fulfllment for everyone in
the family, while also giving an animal a loving new home.
A native of Wisconsin, Dr. Beyer attended the University of Wisconsin-River
Falls, where she majored in Animal Science with minors in Biology, Chemistry
and Spanish. From there she went to veterinary school at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 2013.
Dr. Beyer has professional interests in shelter medicine and community
outreach, as well as international veterinary medicine and pain management.
She has two cats, Eleanor, a black and white domestic long hair, and Roe, a
dilute tortie domestic short hair.
Mel Beyer, DVM
Veterinary Specialists
& Emergency Services
Monroe Veterinary Associates
ADOPTING a pet
PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014 15
MESSENGER POST MEDIA
PetTales
73 Bufalo Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424
585.394.0770
We welcome our readers letters.
Please write to:
Pet Tales c/o Darlyn Reddy
73 Bufalo Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424
email: dreddy@messengerpostmedia.com
Correspondence may be edited
for length and clarity.
Please include your name, address,
daytime telephone, and e-mail address.
SPEAK!
Thank you to Pet Tales
major sponsor!
Monroe Veterinary Associates was founded
in 1969 as a single hospital and has grown to
include 14 full-service veterinary hospitals, a
24-hour emergency and specialty practice, a
house call service, and a full-service reference
laboratory, all of which are located in or
around Rochester.
Monroe Veterinary Associates contributes
actively to the community in a variety of
ways. MVA provides fnancial support to the
Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, Rochester
Animal Services, Rochester Hope for Pets and
the Seneca Park Zoo. MVA veterinarians and
staf members volunteer countless hours
toward helping animals in the community.
For example, veterinarians donate their
time to Friends of Ferals, which works to
help decrease the feral cat population in
the Rochester area. Also, MVAs personnel
are active in local educational initiatives,
including classroom presentations, student
shadow programs and student externships.
Find out more about the many services that
Monroe Veterinary Associates ofers or to fnd
a location near you, visit monroevets.com. You
can also follow us on Twitter @MonroeVets or
like us on Facebook.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Pet First Aid
Services
ANIMAL
EMERGENCY SERVICE
825 White Spruce Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14623
585.424.1277
animalemergencyservices.com
Veterinary
Hospitals
Ofering
Boarding
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
OF PITTSFORD
2816 Monroe Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
585.271.7700
pittsfordvet.com
COMPANION
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
2800 West Henrietta Road
Rochester, NY 14623
585.424.2900
companionvethosp.com
FAIRVIEW
VETERINARY
HOSPITAL
6735 Pittsford Palmyra Road
Fairport, NY 14450
585.223.0940
fairviewvet.com
IRONDEQUOIT
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
2150 Hudson Avenue
Rochester, NY 14617
585.266.8020
irondequoitanimalhospital.com
PENFIELD
VETERINARY
HOSPITAL
1672 Penfeld Road
Rochester, NY 14625
585.381.2441
penfeldvet.com
PERINTON
VETERINARY
HOSPITAL
11 LaSalle Parkway
Victor, NY 14564
585.248.5566
perintonvet.com
STONE RIDGE
VETERINARY
HOSPITAL
550 Center Place Drive
Rochester, NY 14615
585.227.4990
stoneridgevethosp.com
SUBURBAN
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
2495 East Henrietta Road
Rochester, NY 14623
585.334.4230
suburbanvet.com
Veterinary
Hospitals
BAYVIEW
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
1217 Bay Road, Suite #1A
Webster, NY 14580
585.671.3120
bayviewanimalhosp.com
CANANDAIGUA
VETERINARY
HOSPITAL
4410 Lakeshore Drive
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585.394.3340
canandaiguavet.com
CATS & CRITTERS
23 Somerton Street
Rochester, NY 14607
585.442.4373
catsandcritters.com
EAST RIVER
VETERINARY
HOSPITAL
5152 East River Road
West Henrietta, NY 14586
585.334.3110
eastrivervet.com
GREECE
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
3180 Latta Road, Suite 800
Rochester, NY 14612
585.227.7100
greecenanimalhospital.com
PALMYRA
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
1215 Canandaigua Road
Palmyra, NY 14522
315.597.4567
palmyravet.com
VETERINARY
HOUSECALL
SERVICE
OF ROCHESTER
2800 West Henrietta Road
Rochester, NY 14623
585.264.0200
rochesterhousecallsvet.com
VETERINARY
SPECIALISTS
OF ROCHESTER
825 White Spruce Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14623
585.424.1260
vetspecialistsofrochester.com
All Monroe Veterinary Associates
hospitals are on Facebook.
Find and like us today!
Monroe Veterinary Associates
We provide kind,
compassionate care,
when you need it the most.
www.monroevets.com
16 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2014
You provide food,
shelter and plenty of love...
Make sure you also provide
the best health care.
monroevets.com