Autumn Hiking With Your Pet

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

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September 30, 2018

As shadows grow long and days grow short, there is no better season to spend time on the trails with your canine best friend than autumn. In fact, fall sniffing sessions in the woods are an exceptional time for you and your dog to bond, what with the freedoms of summer behind and the confines of winter ahead. This makes running and playing on a crisp day seems like something of a “last hurrah” and can make enjoying nature with your furry friend seem downright magical.

However, there are things to know during your late-season excursions, especially for those lucky enough to live a life traveling the country in an RV the way Barney, our small rescue terrier mix, does.

For one, fall is a time when predators are preparing for food to become scarce, which means keeping your dogs on leash at all times, especially in unfamiliar areas. While this is true no matter the season, it is especially so in the autumn, when pets can become an easy meal for hungry predators needing to put winter fat on—especially little doggies like Barney! Keep ‘em close, and no matter how important the sniffing may be, it needs to be done from the end of a leash.

You also need to be aware that fall is a time of changing weather, and some dogs are better suited than others for the cool, crisp conditions, which can also become quite warm during the day and possibly even wet at times. This means making sure to bring along a doggy sweater, plenty of water, and maybe even a rain coat for pups who don’t do well in damp conditions, such as Barney, who can’t understand why ANYONE would go out in the rain. Since temperatures can go from one extreme to the other, you should think of outfitting your pup in the same manner as you would yourself—as in, bring plenty of layers and be prepared for all weather you may face during your trail time together.

Fall is also a time when more leaves are strewing the ground, and not only can some plants and trees drop stickered leaves or pods, the fallen leaves can cover hidden dangers along the trail. If your furry friend has sensitive feet, consider protective shoes, which can be purchased from most pet or outdoor sporting goods stores. They come in sizes for both small and large dogs and can make the difference between a fun frolic in the woods and a painful limp back home.

Other things to watch out for are foxtails, burrs, and other seeds meant to cling to passing animals for wider distribution. Unfortunately, they can be very dangerous for dogs, especially when lodged in ear canals or nostrils, or even between toes. Remember to always check your dog’s ears, nostrils, and feet after outdoor excursions, especially dogs with floppy or furry ears conducive to attracting grass seeds, such as cocker spaniels or poodles.

And, while you are doing a post-walk check for foxtails, etc., be sure to look for ticks, which are still out in the fall. Naturally, your pup should have regular flea and tick prevention, although it is still a good idea to do a physical check and not just rely on the medication to work. This helps prevent ticks from riding into your home and attaching to you.

One other thing we make sure of with Barney, since he travels and gets to meet new doggie playmates all the time, is his kennel cough vaccination. This is very important, no matter the season, since even though kennel cough is usually treatable, it is not pleasant for your dog and can also manifest into pneumonia, which is quite dangerous.

Finally, if you are going on a walk of substantial length with your small pooch, it is a good idea to bring along a carrier. With Barney, who has had surgery on both his little knees and also has a heart murmur, we are particularly aware of this and make sure never to “push” him on a physical effort. Once he gives us that, “Mama and Papa, I’ve had enough” look, its “C’mon kid, into the carrier!” which he loves, although he hates any of the doggy-specific carriers he has tried.

Instead, we found that a simple and inexpensive over-the-shoulder baby sling works best, which he rides in like it’s his own little hammock. It helps him stay secure next to Mom or Dad, and this way, we get to spend even more time with him.

And as we all know, the more time we spend with our furry children, the better—no matter the season.

Happy fall sniffing!

Bring Out The Best In Your Dog Through Play

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

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September 30, 2018

I get a lot of questions regarding appropriate play with a dog. Animals learn a lot of skills through play, so we don’t want to discourage play behaviors—we want to use the game to create appropriate behavior.

MOUTHING is a behavior I allow a puppy to do while playing, because this way the puppy learns appropriate bite pressure. This is something animals learn through play. If your pup bites too hard, say “Ouch!” loudly and stop moving your hand. Don’t pull it away—that causes the dog to inadvertently bite you a second time. Staying still stops the biting.

HIDE AND GO SEEK will help teach your dog to come and can be played inside or outside. First hide, then call your dog until it finds you. Then, with great excitement, reward your dog with lots of hugs and pats or a favorite toy.

TUG OF WAR is another good game to play with your pup. This game will help teach him about the appropriate excitement level during play. Most pups that play tug of war will escalate in excitement during the game. When your dog reaches an excitement level that you find uncomfortable, you stop tugging, keep your hand very still, and say, “Enough.” This stops the game. When your dog follows your lead and stops, then you can start the game again, stopping at the same point. Through this exercise, your dog learns what excitement level is okay for them to reach and where they need to stop.

FETCH is a good way to practice the “Come” command, and it helps teach focus, balance and coordination.

GO FIND is a game that will challenge your pup, requiring him to use his senses to find a treat and, later, a toy. Start with a treat; teach the dog to track the fairly strong scent of the treat; then later, you can introduce toys for your dog to find.

PET TRICKS are a great way to teach your pup to focus.

SHAKE: Hold a treat cupped in your hand in front of the pup while tapping behind your dog’s front leg near the carpus (wrist). When the pup lifts its paw, release the treat.

CIRCLE: Hold a treat by your pup’s tail, encouraging him to turn and come toward the treat. When he does a complete circle, give him the treat. Some dogs will only spin left or right.

ROLL OVER: When your dog is down, put a treat against the dog’s shoulder and move it back toward its spine, until the dog lies flat and eventually rolls all the way over. (Sometimes we need to help them at first.)

Bored pups are destructive and display bad behaviors. Playing with your pup in a productive way will keep him busy and happy!

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

Know The Connection Between Breed And Disease

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

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September 30, 2018

Anyone who owns a dog (or a cat for that matter), hopefully expects to take their fur child to a veterinarian at least occasionally during its lifetime, for various reasons. In addition to wellness and preventive care, there are certain issues veterinary doctors treat more frequently. Nationwide Veterinary Pet Insurance released a 2016 report on the top ten most common medical conditions for which it received insurance claims (see chart on page 68). At the top of the list for dogs were skin allergies and other skin-related issues. Other common complaints include arthritis, dental disease, GI tract disease, urinary tract disease, and trauma. The take-home message is that dog owners can probably expect to make a vet visit for at least one of these conditions during their pet’s lifetime. Even more interesting, however, is that certain breeds of dogs are predisposed to having some of these diseases.

Why are some breeds predisposed to certain diseases?

If you are not already aware, every dog breed is different (crazy, right?). But why would some breeds be more likely to have one medical condition over another? Like human beings—perhaps even more importantly so—genetics play a large role in the likelihood that a dog will acquire certain diseases. Creating different breeds of dogs has made this fact even more apparent.

Genetics play a large role in the likelihood that a dog will acquire certain diseases.

Purebred dogs have a higher degree of genetic similarity due to inbreeding to select specific traits for each breed. Therefore, some gene variants, or genotypes (which may be potentially damaging), become more frequent within the population. For example, brachycephalic dog breeds have been selected to have a “desired” trait—e.g., short faces. Unfortunately, along with their cute, squashed faces, these dogs are more inclined to have a variety of conformational changes that can potentially negatively impact their health. Of course, other breeds of dogs are prone to their own issues as well.

Finally, the main point of the article: common diseases and the breeds in which they occur. This article is not written to chastise anyone on owning a purebred dog (I have a German shepherd, myself). Rather it is to help owners gain awareness of some of the diseases they might expect their dogs to develop over their lifetime and to hopefully prepare them for treatment.

Source: https://press8.petinsurance.com/articles/2016/march/nationwide-reveals-the-10-most-common-medical-conditions-for-dogs-and-cats

Types of Disease

Skin Disease: Allergic dermatitis

At the top of the list is skin allergies. Many breeds of dogs are predisposed for a variety of reasons to allergies. If you already have a dog with allergies, you may be aware that the three most common types of hypersensitivities in dogs are flea, food, and environmental allergies. So if your dog starts chewing at his paws, licking his belly, scratching, or shaking his ears, you might want to visit the vet. The doctor will want to rule potential causes and may suggest skin scrapings, swabs, and tape preps to rule out external parasites and look for the presence of bacteria or yeast. Some of the therapies may include medications or injections for itchiness, shampoos, mousses, flea and parasite prevention, and diet trials.

Commonly predisposed breeds: Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, Shar-Peis, boxers, pit bulls, bulldogs, and many more

Dental Disease: Gingivitis/periodontitis

Many dog owners probably are aware of and may be concerned by their dog’s teeth (especially if they have bad breath). The bigger concern for veterinarians, however, is under the gum line. With chronic gingivitis and periodontitis, the fibers attaching teeth to jaw bone are broken down. The bone itself can disappear. This can lead to infection, pain, and tooth loss. This is an important reason to implement routine tooth care (e.g., brushing and dental chews) along with veterinary visits to evaluate your pup’s mouth. Anesthetic dental cleanings are important for taking X-rays to evaluate the bone, as well as for properly cleaning under the surface of the gums, depending on the severity of disease.

Commonly predisposed breeds: small breed dogs, e.g., Maltese, Chihuahua, miniature poodles, terrier breeds, pugs, bulldogs, etc.

Gastrointestinal Diseases

There are many diseases that can affect the GI tract, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, or a combination of both. Of course, many causes are not related to breed such as dietary indiscretion (e.g., eating out of the garbage), toxin exposure, drugs, infection (e.g., parvovirus), and many others. Therefore, it is always a good idea to have your furry friend evaluated by a veterinarian if you see these signs. Listed below are some fairly uncommon diseases that have been shown to have breed predilections.

Esophageal Disorder: Hiatal hernia

This is a disease in dogs where the part of the esophagus located in the abdomen slides forward into the thoracic cavity. They will have regurgitation as a primary clinical sign generally associated with feeding times or excitement. Treatment usually involves medical management to protect the esophagus from damage due to acid reflux and surgery to prevent the esophagus from continuing to herniate.

Predisposed breeds: Brachycephalic dogs such as English bulldogs, Boston terriers, and French bulldogs are poster children for sliding hiatal hernias.

Liver Disease

Congenital portosystemic shunts (liver shunt)

Although not as common as many of the other described diseases, shunts are more likely to occur in certain breeds and will be noted at an early age. These dogs will often be smaller compared to littermates, less energetic, and may have neurologic signs. Diagnosis involves blood work and imaging—X-rays and ultrasound. Depending on the type of shunt, surgery may be possible. If not, medical therapies are available.

Predisposed breeds: Yorkies and other terriers, golden retrievers, Laborador retrievers, Irish wolfhounds

Chronic hepatitis

This disease may be caused by a variety of mechanisms and is less well understood. Clinical signs in dogs often include lethargy and weight loss. Generally, it will occur in middle-age to older dogs, as it is a chronic disease. Definitive diagnosis is based on liver biopsies; however, this is a more invasive procedure. Your veterinarian will likely recommend blood work at a minimum and may consider various medications to support the liver.

Predisposed breeds: Bedlington terrier, Dalmatian, English springer spaniel, Skye terrier, Labrador, cocker spaniel, Doberman, West Highland white terrier

Heart Disease

Myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD)

This disease has several names, including mitral valve endocardiosis and is one of the most common heart diseases in dogs. It affects the mitral valve, which separates the left atrium and ventricle of the heart and normally acts to prevent back flow of blood. With changes to the valve, blood flows less regularly, backs up, and causes changes to the chambers of the heart. Progression of the disease can ultimately lead to heart failure. If your veterinarian hears a murmur during your dog’s physical exam, she will likely recommend referral to a cardiologist for an echocardiogram to evaluate the heart. In some cases, dogs may be put on medications that have been shown to delay the onset of heart failure. To be less alarming, many dogs live with this disease their whole life and can be asymptomatic.

Predisposed breeds: Cavalier King Charles spaniels (poster child) and older small breed dogs

Orthopedic and Neurologic Diseases

When a dog becomes lame, whether in one limb or multiple limbs, your veterinarian will want to determine if the source is musculoskeletal or neurologic. They should perform a good physical exam and/or orthopedic and neurologic exam, depending on the signs and may consider further testing such as X-rays, blood work and ultrasound. Depending on the disease, they may even recommend referral to a specialist for further testing, therapies, or surgery.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture

This disease can cause dogs to become suddenly lame on either one or both of their hind limbs. The ligament that ruptures is in the stifle joint (knee) and normally acts to stabilize it. Surgery with an orthopedic specialist is usually recommended to removed damaged tissue from the joint space and stabilize the knee.

Predisposed breeds: Newfoundlands, Rottweilers, Labrador retrievers

Medially Luxating Patella

With this condition, the patella (or kneecap) luxates, or “pops out” of the groove it normally sits in. It is often an incidental finding, but can progress in severity, causing changes with time leading to arthritis and increased lameness. Depending on the grade of the condition, your veterinarian may recommend surgery with a specialist.

Predisposed breeds: small and toy breed dogs, such as Chihuahuas, terriers, shih tzu, toy poodles, Pomeranians, etc.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

There are different types of intervertebral disc disease and dogs present differently depending on the course of the disease. However, they all involve the cartilaginous discs that reside between each vertebrae, which normally act as cushions and provide flexibility. With these diseases, the disc can be damaged or bulged, which then causes compression or injury to the spinal cord. When this happens, the nerve fibers below the injury no longer function properly. Depending on the severity of injury, patients may lose motor or sensory function and hence their ability to walk. Dogs that suddenly go down either in their back legs or all four legs should be taken quickly to a veterinarian, since time can play an important role in recovery if surgery is deemed necessary to remove the damaged disc material. The surgery usually needs to be done by a specialist, and several diagnostic tests will need to be performed beforehand including blood work, urine tests, X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI. These tests are done to rule out diseases such as cancer, other systemic illnesses, and potential causes for the lameness other than IVDD.

Predisposed breeds: Dachshunds, corgis, pugs, cocker spaniels, beagles, German shepherds, Dobermans, giant-breed dogs—honestly, any breed. (Remember, there are different types of IVDD!)

Final Note

The aforementioned conditions do appear to have at least some genetic predisposition; however, please keep in mind that they can occur in any breed of dog. Additionally, the order in which breeds were listed was not particularly significant. As with any medically related article, my best advice is to make an appointment with your dog’s primary care veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Resources

Collins, L.M., Asher, L., Summers, J. & McGreevy, P. 2011. Getting priorities straight: risk assessment and decision-making in the improvement of inherited disorders in pedigree dogs. The Veterinary Journal. 189, 147–54.

Hensel, P., Santoro, D., Favrot, C., Hill, P. & Griffin, C. 2015. Canine atopic dermatitis: detailed guide for diagnosis and allergen identification. BMC Veterinary Research. 11, 196.

Leroy, G. 2011. Genetic diversity, inbreeding and breeding practices in dogs: results from pedigree analyses. The Veterinary Journal. 189, 177–82.

Watson, P. 2017. Canine breed-specific hepatopathies. Vet Clin Small Animal. 665–83. Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) https://press8.petinsurance.com/articles/2016/march/nationwide-reveals-the-10-most-common-medical-conditions-for-dogs-and-cats

VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital located at 71-075 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA. 760-346-6103. Visit vcaranchomirage.com

Cats and Genetic Disorders

As with dogs, any cat breed can develop health problems regardless of its breed, but some breeds may have a genetic predisposition to certain illnesses.

Diabetes mellitus

Burmese, Siamese, Norwegian Forest, Russian Blue and Abyssinian

Inflammatory bowel disease

Siamese and other Asian breeds

Polycystic kidney disease

Persian, Himalayans and other Persian-type breeds

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Maine Coons and Ragdolls

Dog Sports Leagues? Sign Me Up!

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

-

September 29, 2018

Organized dog sports (with a certified professional dog trainer) are a safe and structured way to participate in fun activities with your dog.

Did you know?

There are A LOT of different types of dog sports—such variety! Here are just a few:

Rally Obedience (dog and handler teams follow a pre-determined course)
Agility (dogs maneuver through an obstacle course with their handler)
Scent Work (dogs find target odors in containers, vehicles, buried, interiors, and exteriors)
Treibball (AKA urban herding, dogs herd exercise balls instead of sheep)
Flyball (dogs race over jumps, catch a ball, and then return to handler)
Barn Hunt (dogs hunt for a contained rat in bales of hay)
Lure Coursing (simulating the hunt, dogs chase a simulated bunny around a course)
Dock Diving (dogs jumping into large pools with a running ramp and jump distance is measured)
Freestyle (AKA Dancing With Your Dog, tricks set to music)
Tricks

Check out www.akc.org for more information.

DOCK DIVING

Alternative to Dog Parks

Not all dogs are dog park candidates. Public dog parks lack proper supervision of canine play. Many pet owners do not understand the complexity of dog body language and are unable to observe red flag behavior. Organized dog sports offer a safe and fun alternative.

AGILITY

My Dog Can Do That

Many dogs are well behaved at home, but may struggle with focus and concentration outside the home. Dog sports and other structured fun activities can help your dog improve self-control and impulse control. Dogs don’t generalize well, but dog sports help dogs learn what TO DO when they don’t know what to do—to help them focus on the handler and/or the task at hand. Through learning new skills, dogs are better able to cope with new situations and new environments.

Benefits of Dog Sports

Some of the many benefits of enrolling your dog in a sports league are—

Builds confidence
Teaches body awareness
Enhances environmental resilience
Improves the human-canine bond
Challenges you and your dog
Teaches your dog something new
You and your dog get to have fun together

How to Get Started

As you begin to get into a sport with your dog, here are a few things you should keep in mind:

Find a qualified professional instructor
Build a solid foundation
Work in small incremental steps
Be safe and, most importantly, have fun!

In November, Dream Dogs in Bermuda Dunes will be hosting an open house, Dog Sport Day, to introduce pet owners to a variety of fun dog sports and other activities that they can learn to do with their dog. For more information, contact Dream Dogs at (760) 899-7272.

Lori Wainio-Carman, VSPDT, professional dog trainer and owner of Dream Dogs, has been successfully training for more than 20 years. 760-899-7272, dreamdogs.com, Positively.com

HOT CAR REMINDER

Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet, when left in a parked car, at risk of serious illness and even death, even on a day that doesn’t seem hot to you. And cracking the windows makes no difference. The chart shows how quickly the temperature can rise in a parked vehicle.

ESTIMATED VEHICLE INTERIOR AIR TEMPERATURE V. ELAPSED TIME

Courtesy Jan Null, CCM; Department of Geosciences, San Francisco State University

ForEverMeow Rescues Cats

By

Alicia Bailey

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September 28, 2018

The bond we have with our pets is immeasurable, and when it’s time to say goodbye, sometimes the hardest part is finding a way to honor them. When David and Leigh Kirk said goodbye to their cat Poodie in 2007, they began volunteering in her honor at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus (CVAC). They soon became deeply involved in all aspects of the cat program. Leigh began as a cat socializer, then expanded her efforts into owner retention. David dove into studying shelter statistics and the feral cat situation in the Coachella Valley. What really got their attention was the grim reality that cats of all ages faced when they entered the shelter. Many of them are euthanized within 24 hours.

Inspired to change an old-fashioned system, the Kirks formed ForEverMeow Cat Rescue. In addition to rescuing cats from CVAC, they became experts on life-saving strategies implemented by animal shelters across the country. Those strategies included targeted spay and neuter programs, SNR (spay-neuter-return) programs for community cats, fostering, owner retention programs, and kitten care. They began sharing their findings with the county shelter in hopes of increasing cat adoptions, and, most importantly, increasing the number of cats who get out alive.

In 2015, ForEverMeow opened a kitten nursery specifically to assist the county shelter with the intake of underage kittens. Over the next three years, the ForEverMeow nursery saved hundreds of lives, and Leigh rediscovered a dream. “I gained so much clinical experience running the nursery, and some of the extreme medical cases we encountered really inspired me to shift my focus and become a veterinarian,” she says. Leigh applied to veterinary school in 2017 and, in July of this year, they packed up and headed to Denver, Colorado, for Leigh to begin her studies.

When we spoke to the Kirks for this article, they were preparing for their road trip to Denver, and told us they were taking along three of ForEverMeow’s special-needs cats. Leigh said that since they required special care and had known her as their primary caretaker for so long, she didn’t want to leave them in a new foster home, fearing the change may be too much for them to handle and difficult for her to monitor their health from afar. One of those special-needs cats was Peaches, who is battling cancer.

During their travels, a family inquired about adopting Peaches. The Kirks introduced Peaches via FaceTime and, by the end of the call, the Kirks realized this family was the perfect fit. They were looking to adopt a cat with special needs and Peaches’ care and medical requirements were no obstacle for them. They finalized the adoption while on the road and began putting a plan together to get Peaches back to the desert with her new family.

A few days after arriving in Denver, Leigh and Peaches took a flight back to Palm Springs, where they were met by the ForEverMeow adoption team and Peaches’ new family. Leigh took a quick photo with everyone and hopped back on the plane to return to Denver, where classes were starting in a few days.

Peaches’ adoption story may seem over the top, but so is saving lives. Finding homes for perfectly healthy pets can be challenging, so imagine how narrow the potential adopter pool becomes for a special-needs pet! When opportunity presents itself in the form of a wonderful forever family, animal rescuers know they have to seize the opportunity and make it happen. Finding Peaches a home means ForEverMeow can save another cat from the shelter. And that’s what ForEverMeow is all about—saving cats.

We’re pretty sure Poodie is proud.

While Leigh attends veterinarian school, ForEverMeow continues to save cats in the Coachella Valley, thanks to amazing supporters and their volunteer team. If you are interested in adopting a cat from ForEverMeow or would like information on fostering, volunteering or donating, visit forevermeow.org. You can also meet their adoptable cats at Petco in Palm Desert.

Agility Training In San Diego

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

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September 28, 2018

Do you have or do you know someone who has a very smart, high-energy dog? Have you ever watched the dog agility courses on television and thought your dog would excel at a course like that? I’ve always been a huge advocate for exercising your pet’s mind as well as his body, and as I’ve learned more about agility training for dogs, I’ve seen that it does just that. Agility training is a wonderful activity for both you and your dog to enjoy. After learning the skills, you have the option to compete—however, your dog doesn’t have to compete to gain all the immense benefits from this activity. With agility training, your dog learns to navigate through a series of obstacles and, in the process, he gains confidence, learns to think and follow direction, learns how to utilize his body in different ways (body awareness), gets to burn off some excess energy, and has a great deal of fun at the same time. This exercise helps build a strong bond between dog and owner, as you both learn together.

Living in pet-friendly San Diego, I figured there had to be multiple locations providing agility training for dogs. After doing some research and visiting a few locations myself, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite locations to try out this unique experience.

Agility Club of San Diego

This dog agility training center is a non-profit organization that promotes dog agility throughout San Diego County, but especially for South County residents. The agility club is located centrally in El Cajon. They provide a variety of classes at all levels and welcome dogs of all breeds. They also host the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canine Performance Events (CPE) trials, which draw competitors from all over Southern California. They offer three course levels: pre-agility, beginner, and intermediate/advanced. Each is taught hands-on with an instructor. All dogs must be evaluated before starting class. Courses typically run about 6 weeks, and prices may vary but are generally about $80 for a 6-week course. agilityclubofsandiego.org

Performance Dog Training

For residents of North San Diego County, look no further. Performance Dog Training serves residents of Solana Beach, La Jolla, Del Mar, and all surrounding North County cities. Performance Dog Training is operated solely by Dan Roy (owner) and focuses on all aspects of your dog’s life, starting with puppy training, moving on to obedience and behavioral training, and then to agility training. Whatever phase of life your dog is in, Performance Dog Training has classes suited to your dog’s needs. The company typically will visit your home, so if you’re looking for one-on-one, in-home training, Performance Dog Training is a great match. Performance Dog Training requires a behavioral evaluation before your dog can enroll in classes, to ensure they are placed in the appropriate class for their skills/behavior level. The company is affiliated with the ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America), CPE (Canine Performance Events), and NADAC (North American Dog Agility Counsel).

Your dog doesn’t have to compete to gain all the immense benefits from agility training.

Dog Quest

Another top-rated North County stand-out for training and agility is a facility located in Escondido: Dog Quest. While Dog Quest offers a variety of classes and training for your dog, agility has always been its foundation. It offers classes throughout the week for all levels of dog training experience, ranging from “fast track” (for dogs new to agility), all the way up to advanced, specialized toplevel agility training for dogs. All dog agility classes are taught by Anne Platt, a nationally recognized top dog agility trainer. dogquestagility.com

Happy Dog Happy Owner

This location really stood out to me, because they offer something I hadn’t come across yet—dog water sports training! These training classes range from learning to doggie paddle, to retrieving in the water, to paddle boarding with your dog! Living in San Diego, what could be cooler? Happy Dog Happy Owner is a San Diego-based dog training company, and their mission is to ensure that you and your dog achieve your training goals. Whether your goals are related to basic manners, dog sports, obedience, or severe behavior issues, this company has the expertise to help. An important component of the classes offered at Happy Dog Happy Owner is teaching you how to communicate with and train your dog. Class sizes are limited, guaranteeing that you and your dog receive plenty of individual attention. They use positive reinforcement and training techniques that ensure the training is productive yet still fun for both owner and pet. happydoghappyowner.com

Pawtopia Dog Training

Colleen Demling, founder of Pawtopia, has more than 27,500 hours and 16 years of hands-on dog training experience, as well as vast experience in a variety of methodologies. Colleen is a CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA and an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She also offers something unique: she is one of only two certified members of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) in San Diego County. While the IAABC does not focus solely on agility training, they do offer a “fun with agility” course to get your dog familiar and trained on several obstacles.

Whether you’re looking to have the next top canine athlete or simply looking for some basic training for your dog, San Diego has several options that will help you find the classes you’re looking for. Basic training and agility are both known to promote the mental well-being of your pet, and they both provide a way for you to enhance the bond between you and your dog. pawtopia.com

Top Home Trends For Pets And Their People

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

-

September 27, 2018

Paw prints and basic colors took a back seat this year at SuperZoo, the pet industry’s premier event for pet professionals, held annually in Las Vegas. The demand for elevated design has continued to flourish in the pet product category. With the American Pet Products Association reporting that 68 percent of American households own a pet, it’s not surprising that pet parents are craving pet-friendly furnishings and accessories that blend seamlessly into their homes and reflect their personal styles.

To meet this demand, home furnishings companies like TarHong and Sauder have organically developed pet lines to complement their existing collections, offering such stylish, personalized accents for your home as dog teepees in luxe fabrics, coffee table pet beds, and elegant pet bowls.

Our favorite home trends from SuperZoo2018 included:

Elevated Textiles

Luxe faux fur fabrics, linen blends, hand-woven tapestry and bold, bright prints were all over. Pet beds and perches were worthy of display, complementing an array of styles, from cottage charm to mid-century. This perch from Pawsh, wrapped in a luxurious faux fur, could easily be mistaken for a stool or accent piece in an opulent, glamorous home. Upright Pup specializes in acrylic pet products and unveiled their line of acrylic beds that provide a modern and comfy pedestal for your priceless pet to lounge around in.

Acrylic bed by UpRight Pup on display at SuperZoo 2018

Multi-use Furniture & Accessories

Whether your space is small or palatial, creating a beautiful and balanced room for you and your pets is easy to do with the multi-use furniture options we spotted on the floor at SuperZoo. PrimeTime Petz is creator of the Palm Springs Collection of pet furniture, boasting a fresh white design and cushions in bright colors.

Primetime Petz has been designing stylish and functional pet furniture since 2008 and believes that “having pets doesn’t mean you need to give up your sense of style.” Their line of furniture complements décor styles from mid-century modern to traditional and is currently expanding into the dog gate and crate category.

Pet Teepees

Teepee hideaway by P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle and You

The teepee trend that started in children’s toys has crossed over into the pet category and is now a wildly popular accessory for pet parents. Many of the companies in attendance had a teepee on display. One of our favorite lines was by San Francisco-based Pet Lifestyle and You (P.L.A.Y.). The P.L.A.Y. line features eco-friendly and stylish designs using modern, high quality fabrics. P.L.A.Y. sales manager Bill Parsons said, “Teepees create a warm, cuddly and safe place to relax, which is what makes them so perfect for smaller dogs and cats. When created with the right kind of materials and prints, tee-pees can really accentuate a home, and that makes them appealing to modern pet parents, too.”

Dishware

We’re pretty sure no cat or dog has ever said, “Hey, let’s use the good china tonight!” But maybe you have? Or maybe you just like nice things and think your pets looks a lot more adorable eating out of dishes that are beautiful. This year, we found three distinctive styles to swoon over, all of which featured fresh patterns and timeless quality.

Carmel Ceramica creates ceramic dishes and tabletop accessories that ooze California Coast casual and are worthy of your wedding registry. Their designs are quintessential casual elegance, offering ceramic stoneware treat jars and meal dishes that are so gorgeous, they demand to be on display.

TarHong features floral and marble patterns on melamine and full tabletop (or “floor top”) sets, including placemat, food dish, water bowl, and even serving pieces for the pet who likes to make mealtime a formal occasion.

Smart Pet

An entire section of SuperZoo was dedicated to Pet Tech this year, and yes, there’s an app for that! App-controlled feeders that allow pet parents to remotely feed, speak to, and treat their dog or cat were big this year. While the majority of feeding dishes are stationary, the iPet Robot moveable treat dispenser moves about your home at the touch of a button.

(L) Petzi Pet Cam & treat Dispenser. (R) IRobot Treat Dispenser

When it’s time to think outside the toy basket, pet parents want plenty of options, because pets are family, too. So, what is your favorite new pet-savvy home trend?

Oak Glen: Where Apples ‘Grow A Mile High’

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

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September 27, 2018

Sonny and Vito Visit Dog-Friendly Oak Glen, California

I’m driving along Oak Glen Road, headed to the legendary apple ranches of Oak Glen, California—a dog-friendly destination that I discovered quite by accident! The narrow, gently curving path leads to what many apple fans refer to as “apple paradise,” wending its way through the San Bernardino Mountains as if it were a paintbrush ribbon on steroids. As it ascends toward the apple community of Oak Glen, reaching an elevation of 4,734 feet, you see the sign for Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho.

You are in a slice of apple heaven between the San Bernardino Mountains and the Little San Bernardino Mountains of San Bernardino County. The breathtaking roadside scenery beckons you at every curve on this classic country road. When you see the “Big Apple” sign on your left on Glen Oak Road, the first official sign of apple nirvana, you have arrived. The Big Apple is followed by more signs for apple tree neighbors—none neon, by the way—for classic favorites, such as Riley’s Apple Farm, The Homestead at Wilshire Ranch, and Riley’s Stone Soup Farm. You will spot these iconic ranches on the right as you reach the entrance to Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho on your left. A far cry from endless fast food and stop signs, Riley’s roadside orchards, country store, and famous bakery are well known for their fresh and hard apple cider, a BBQ café, and bigger-than-life homemade apple pies. This is a bite of paradise, where the memory of rural California apple growing persists under protection, educational outreach and, in one case, a dog-friendly attitude. This is in large part thanks to The Wildlands Conservancy and this small community of fewer than 600 residents, who enjoy cooler temperatures in a mile-high mountain and bountiful apple environment.

Our destination on this sunny day with Sonny and Vito, the Maltese travel duo, was Old West Days at Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho. The historic ranch hosts this free annual celebration that brings history to life, taking visitors back to the Wild West. This year, Old West Days was held August 3–5. Visitors were invited to hear authentic tales told by historians, ranging from chuck wagon cooking to wool spinning. We were captivated by an original chuck wagon housed under a tent, complete with a makeshift kitchen, where we heard fascinating facts about Dutch oven cooking. Chuck wagon expert Bill Schonhorst stood by, spinning tales of early California as Sonny and Vito looked curiously at an authentic Wild West coffee pot, probably thinking there were dog treats hidden inside! From this vantage point, we were adjacent to The Wildlands Conservancy’s 2,189-acre Oak Glen Preserve, which is also home to The Wildlands Conservancy’s Oak Glen Preserve. The preserve houses the Southern California Montane Botanic Garden and Children’s Outdoor Discovery Center and hiking trails that are pet friendly. The Wildlands Conservancy’s Garden is an ideal walk for travelin’ dogs and, as long as your nature-loving dog is kept on a leash and stays focused on 4.7 miles of well-marked trails, this is friendly territory. People and their pets are cautioned to “keep their tail on the trail,” as my companion said. This pet-friendly attitude is reflected by The Wildlands Conservancy, as Oak Glen is open to the public completely free of charge.

Visitors can park free adjacent to the trail entrance (for details, visit wildlandsconservancy.org). I was impressed to learn that in 2012, The Wildlands Conservancy literally rescued Los Rios Rancho when a proposed residential subdivision threatened this apple-growing gem. That proposal was followed by another by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to “condemn and shave off scenic peaks for 200-foot-tall, 500-kV transmission towers. Oak Glen organized visitors to send over 50,000 letters, postcards, and emails in protest to save Los Rios Rancho. The Wildlands Conservancy celebrated its five millionth visitor to Los Rios Rancho in 2012 during their commitment to “prevent exploitation of private lands within the San Bernardino National Forest,” which has ultimately resulted in the preservation of this enchanting, pet-friendly 4.7-mile trail.

While pets are not allowed in the orchards during the apple-picking season, festivals are held year-round, offering plenty of options. At the Rancho Los Rios restaurant and bakery, where fresh apple pies are baked daily along with fresh apple cider and dumplings, you can pick up The Valley Messenger, a local monthly newspaper. Writer Marlene Humphreys publishes a regular column called “Friends and Neighbors,” in which she describes the magic of Oak Glen, telling visitors to “look up and see magnificent mountains, breath in the fresh, crisp air, smell the trees and feel the cool breeze on your cheeks. You will be refreshed!”

And be sure to include your dog in the journey!

Pam Price says Sonny and Vito, also known as The Rosato Brothers, are planning their next trip to Oak Glen during the September through November apple season, which could be longer or shorter, depending on the climate during the growing season. If you can’t make it to Oak Glen during apple season, consider the pumpkin-picking season in November and December.

Pam Price is the co-author of of Fun with the Family in Southern California and The 100 Best Spas of The World.She has been the travel editor of The Malibu Timesfor thirty years and says she never misses an opportunity to take her two Malteses along on her travels.

Train Your Dog To Love Wearing Clothes

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

-

September 27, 2018

Let me start out by saying that when I adopt a rescue dog—and I have five of them—I write directly on the adoption papers: “Must enjoy wearing clothes.” Does that always get me a dog that likes to wear clothes? No! But, since I’m in the business of designing and manufacturing dog clothing, my dogs have to wear clothes—as fit models when we’re creating new designs, for website photos, for marketing, and for fashion shows. Some dogs love clothes right from the beginning. You put an outfit on them, and they walk around showing off and looking pleased with themselves. Some are fine and comfortable and others … well, you know the ones. They act like you’re punishing them when you try to dress them up.

But fashion isn’t the only reason some owners dress their dogs—certain breeds need to wear clothes to protect them from the elements, extreme temperatures, and to help them adapt to the environment they find themselves being raised in. A sweater or jacket can be helpful during the cold seasons, especially if your dog is reluctant to go outside in the snow to relieve himself, but also if you tend to keep your home’s internal heating system set low, depending instead on blankets and sweaters for your human occupants. Dogs with thin coats can only curl up so tight to conserve heat. Smaller, light-bodied breeds, toy breeds, and breeds that naturally have very short or thin coats are more comfortable wearing a sweater when they go outside or even just hanging out in a cool house.

Of course, short, thin hair is not the only reason your dog might need to wear clothing. Dogs that have short-cropped hair—like poodles, which are often shaved close to avoid matting—may also need to wear clothing. And older dogs with weak immune systems and dogs with diseases that impair hair growth (i.e., Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism) probably need a sweater or shirt for warmth, too.

So, what do I do when I fall in love with a dog who doesn’t think he likes wearing clothes? I use my 10-step plan for training him to love it! Here are my top ten tips.

1 Put the item in your laundry hamper for a day or two. Not when it’s empty—when it’s full of dirty clothes. I hear you saying “yuck” right now, but it will make the item smell like you and be more appealing and familiar to your dog.

2 I like to try clothes, or anything new on my my dog before dinner so the dog is hungry and food motivated.

3 Put your dog on a table or counter. It’s harder for them to run away, and you won’t hurt your back. It also tells them that something important is going to happen.

4 Let them smell the item before you do anything.

5 Take a deep breath and speak gently to them in a relaxed tone. Dogs feel our energy, and if you’re tense, they get tense.

6 Put the garment on the dog and put them back on the floor. Give them lots of praise.

7 If they freeze or act out, walk away. Don’t stop now. It’s important that you don’t give up and especially that you don’t give them attention for the bad behavior.

8 Take them for a walk as soon as they’re dressed, so they begin to associate a harness or clothes with going for a rewarding walk. Yippee!

9 If you are doing this before dinner, another good option is to put dinner in the bowl. Most hungry dogs will forget about what they’re wearing and run to their food bowl. Or, if it’s during the day, I walk away from the “frozen dog” and walk to the treat canister. When they hear the canister open, they “defrost” quickly. Treats or dinner are both great distracting rewards.

10 If they wiggle out of the clothes, put them back on and get them to walk to the treat jar and receive a treat. Give them lots of praise when the garment is on. If they wiggle out again, put it back on again. Praise them, give them a treat. They will begin to associate clothes with treats—a good thing.

After a while, if you’re persistent, your dog will associate their harness or clothing with a walk, dinner, treat, outing, company coming, or any number of good things. And he’ll be excited to see you pulling out something for him to wear!

Patt Savastano, MA, owner of Spoiled Dog Designs, designs and manufactures pet harnesses, clothing, and carriers. 760-482-1877, spoileddogdesigns.com.

Favorite 8 in L.A.

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

-

September 27, 2018

Runyan Canyon

The LA gold standard! Just a stone’s throw from Hollywood is perhaps the city’s most popular hiking destination. There are 160 acres of meandering trails with amazing views of the city, stretched out to the horizon, so this is not your ordinary “dog park.” It’s a massive dog-friendly zone.

You might find a few dogs romping around just inside the off-leash gate, but for the most part, because of the sheer size of the park, you’ll be sharing the trail with other hikers, joggers, and the occasional canine. Make sure to bring plenty of water for you and your dog, as the only water source is just inside the main entrance in the on-leash area.

Fryman Canyon

A short, three-mile loop in the Hollywood Hills, Fryman Canyon is centrally located with easy access from Hollywood and Studio City. Its a slightly easier but nicer alternative to other popular Hollywood hikes, such as Runyon Canyon. The canyon has fire road or trail paths, plenty of spur trails to vista points and benches, and access to the TreePeople‘s Coldwater Canyon pavilion.

Fryman Canyon is an urban trail, but it doesn’t seem crowded on the trail. And while it’s dog friendly, it doesn’t have the pile-of-poop problem that Runyon Canyon sometimes does. Fun fact: you can visit the lake where the opening sequence of The Andy Griffith Show was filmed. This is Runyan Canyon without the Runyan!

In-N-Out Burger

This restaurant is an LA classic, and not just for its two-legged customers—they offer a couple of options for dogs. The first is the Pup Patty, which is a plain, salt-free burger patty. Another off-menu item, which is also available for humans but was supposedly originally devised for dogs, is the Flying Dutchman, which is two beef patties and two slices of cheese.

Laurel Canyon Dog Park

Set in a picturesque canyon straddling Laurel Canyon and Studio City, you’ll find a massive grassy knoll where your furball can roam free and fraternize with friends. And, if you’re single, you may want to apply some gloss—this spot is for mingling of all species!

The Grove

The outdoor mall often frequented by celebrities also offers a few dog-friendly shops. Take a break and enjoy the water works show at the fountain, then visit Sprinkles and indulge in a red velvet cupcake for you and a sugar-free cupcake for your pup.

Melrose Trading Post

Shopping at a flea market with your pampered pup friend means you get to have your best friend with you without having to compromise on the shops you visit. Every Sunday at Fairfax High School, you’re bound to find vintage treasures of all kinds from the many vendors on site, so plan to spend a few hours there. There are plenty of food vendors for you, and bring a water bowl for your dog, as you’ll probably spend more time than you anticipated, scouring the vintage book/purse/furniture collections.

Rosie’s Dog Beach

Named after Rosie the bulldog (the inspiration behind this doggy paradise), this is the only legal dog beach in all of LA County. It’s the place where pups go to run leash-free while enjoying some rare sand and sea fun in the sun. Everywhere you look, you’ll see happy dogs with tongues lolling and tails wagging in utter bliss. Expect friendly dogs that are social butterflies and responsible dog owners pitching in to keep the beach clean and enjoyable for all.

PoshPetCare

Located on the Sunset Strip directly across from the famed Chateau Marmont, this pet hotel offers daycare, boarding, grooming, and the best doggie retail in LA. Posh offers the only indoor/outdoor pet hotel in Los Angeles. Let you pup mingle among the pet companions of celebrities!

Types of Disease

Dental Disease: Gingivitis/periodontitis

Gastrointestinal Diseases

Esophageal Disorder: Hiatal hernia

Liver Disease

Heart Disease

Orthopedic and Neurologic Diseases

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Medially Luxating Patella

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Final Note

Cats and Genetic Disorders

HOT CAR REMINDER

Elevated Textiles

Multi-use Furniture & Accessories

Pet Teepees

Dishware

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