How Not to Sing the Lost Pet Blues

By Dr. Julie Bartz

Having your dog go missing can be heartbreaking.

Recently, I was pulling up to my driveway when I saw one of my dogs trotting across it! I thought, hmmm, that’s odd. I wonder how he got out. As I neared the house, I saw my front door standing wide open and the screen door pushed out!

Immediately I took inventory of my pets—I have four dogs and three cats, so this can take a while—and realized that two cats and two dogs were missing. I was able to retrieve the cats quickly, as they were hiding under my front porch. (Whew! Around here, cats don’t make it long in the wild.) But my 12-year-old yellow lab, Gunther, and my 4-year-old pit mix, Nina, were long gone. Panic began to set in, especially when I realized that Gunther was not wearing a collar and tag, and Nina’s tag contact phone number was outdated! To make matters worse, Nina was not registered with Maricopa County. At least, I thought, they have their microchips, and hopefully someone will scan them and trace them back to me.

I imaged the worst—coyotes, a hunter, someone who doesn’t like dogs—got hold of my fur kids.

At this point, I realized I needed some help, and I put a plan into action. First, I listed the dogs on Maricopa County’s pets911.com. This Web site is dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners. Photos and descriptions of both pets that are lost and pets that someone has found may be posted here.

Second, I enlisted the help of some friends to canvass the neighborhood both on foot and by car. (Remember to bring a collar and leash with you when you set off in search of your lost pets, and always be in cell phone contact with your fellow searchers.)

I made a LOST DOG flyer with both dogs’ photos on them, which I placed at friendly gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores as well as near mailboxes.

I called the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control and was told they don’t give lost pet information over the phone. I was instructed to visit the shelter the following day. On my way to the shelter, my cell phone rang and one of their staff informed me that she had my dogs. What a relief! They had traced them to me via their microchips.

Upon arriving at the shelter, I was informed that Gunther had a “get out of jail free” card, as he was properly registered with the county. Nina, on the other hand, would cost me some money as a penalty for not having her licensing current. Uh-oh. And if she wasn’t spayed, she would need to be prior to her release. I provided proof that she had been altered but was charged for her capture, overnight boarding, DHPP, and rabies vaccinations as well as her licensing. It was well worth it, but boy, did I learn some valuable lessons. I’ll pass them on to you:

1. Have all of your dogs and cats microchipped and keep your contact info current. This can be done at your veterinarian’s office and is a similar procedure to vaccinating.

1. Get your pets collars and tags with your current contact information on them. (If I had done this, the dogs would not have been sent to county in the first place.)

1. License your dog with Maricopa County or wherever you live.

The law in Arizona requires that all dogs over the age of 3 months have a license and rabies vaccination. For more detailed information on fees and how to license your pet, visit maricopa.gov/pets/license. The state of Arizona does not require cats to be licensed, but it is a very good idea to microchip your cat and get him or her an ID tag.

Thankfully, my dogs were returned to me quickly. I hope you pet owners will learn from my experience!

By Jeff Bartz of DC Ranch Animal Hospital

Today, pets have become more a part of the family than ever before. When a family pet becomes sick or injured, most owners are willing to spend whatever is necessary to make them well. But the associated medical costs that come with high quality and comprehensive veterinary care can cause an unexpected financial strain for many owners—especially in these difficult economic times. As a result, pet insurance has increased in popularity as a way to manage costs while helping to ensure peace of mind that your furry loved one will receive the medical care he or she needs.

What is pet insurance and how does it work?

Pet health insurance policies are similar to human insurance policies in many ways. These policies can cover accidents and illnesses as well as routine wellness care for both dogs and cats. They include annual premiums, deductibles, copayments, waiting periods, a selection of coverage options, and caps on coverage. When your pet requires medical care, you visit your current veterinarian and pay for the services. Unlike most human insurance plans, however, you are required to file a claim form directly with the insurance company for reimbursement.

Comparing pet insurance options

There are over a dozen pet insurance companies in the United States, so it is important to compare the coverage and costs of several before making a decision. Your veterinarian can be the best resource to start with. Although veterinarians do not sell pet insurance, they do receive information from insurance companies about their plans—often in the form of brochures—that they will be happy to share with you. Most importantly, your veterinarian’s front office staff receives regular feedback from existing owners with pet insurance on claim coverage, reimbursement times, and general customer services from various insurance companies that can be valuable information for you to have.

Coverage options and costs

Pet health insurance is available in a wide variety of options to suit your budget—from low-cost basic plans covering accidents only to all-inclusive VIP plans that can cover specialist visits and other more expensive procedures. Generally speaking, the more you pay in a monthly premium, the more coverage your pet will receive. Depending on the coverage you choose and the number of pets insured, prices can range from as low as $10 to as high as $80 or more per month; but, as with any type of insurance, you get what you pay for.

Understand the policy exclusions

It is rare to find a pet insurance policy that does not exclude certain medical treatments, so make certain to understand what is not covered prior to purchasing a policy. The most common exclusions are for preexisting conditions and hereditary or genetic disorders, although each company and its various plan options can vary widely in what treatments are not covered. Read the fine print carefully.

Consider pet insurance for your pet. With quality coverage, you can focus on the health of your family pet with the knowledge that there is financial help to cover unexpected medical costs. Your pet will thank you.

By Dr. Julie Bartz

So you couldn’t resist the wagging tail of that big brown-eyed dog at the animal shelter? Or was it the gray tabby purring and rubbing up against your leg? Now that you have brought home your new four-legged family member, a visit to your veterinarian is undoubtedly in the near future.

Regardless of whether this is your first pet or you are a seasoned dog or cat owner, a trip to the veterinarian can be stressful for the both you and your new best friend. To help ensure that the experience goes smoothly and to see that your pet receives the best care possible, here are a few helpful tips to remember:

1. Be in control. Always have your dog on a leash (preferably the nonretractable kind) and your cat in a carrier. The hospital is full of strange sights, sounds, and scents. Your pet may come into contact with other pets that may not be friendly, and a scuffle may ensue. Also, remember that other pets in the waiting room may be ill and possibly contagious, so please restrict socializing.

2. Consider leaving small children with a sitter. You may face difficult decisions about treatment or euthanasia, and fidgety children only add to the anxiety. If you do bring the kids, make sure they are on their best behavior. Provide books, toys, etc. to help keep them occupied. Also, do not allow children to approach other pets in the waiting room.

3. Let the veterinary staff hold your pet for exams. The staff has been trained to handle dogs and cats of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Your pet may behave unpredictably, and veterinarians are trained to prevent anyone from getting bitten or scratched. Trained technicians employed by the veterinary hold the pets for examination and treatment. Liability laws preclude the pet owner from restraining the pets themselves; if a pet bites or attacks an owner during an examination, the veterinary could be liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.

4. Bring your pet in for “happy visits.” Let the staff fawn over your pet, give treats, and just get him or her used to being at the hospital. It can help make for a more positive experience in the future.

5. Practice “examinations” at home. Get your pet used to being touched. Handle feet, ears, and tail. Lift the lip and open the mouth. Your pet will then be better trained to handle a real physical exam.

6. Be truthful. The veterinarian is your pet’s “family doctor” and isn’t there to judge. If you feed your buddy people food, say so. If your pet has a history of biting, let the staff know. He or she may have to be muzzled or sedated, but this is for everyone’s safety, including your pet’s.

7. Don’t be afraid to ask about cost. Veterinarians are required by law to provide an estimate for diagnosis and treatments. The treatment plan may be tailored to fit your finances. You may also consider purchasing pet insurance. There are many providers available, so shop around for one that best suits your needs.

8. Ask questions and obey instructions. If you don’t understand a medical term, ask. Your vet may have informational brochures available to aid your understanding of certain conditions. Please give all medications as directed and have the doctor write out specific instructions if necessary. When you leave, make sure you know what is expected of you. Ask about emergency coverage after hours. Is there an after-hours emergency clinic in the area if your vet doesn’t provide after-hours care?

Like any family member, your pet needs and deserves the best health care available. If you don’t have a family vet, ask for a recommendation from any friend who has a bright-eyed bushy-tailed creature in the house.

By Dr. Julie Bartz

As the dog days of summer arrive, we and our furry friends are doing our best to stay out of the heat. All that lounging around the house can lead to snacking and even sharing a bite with our pets. But some treats that we enjoy, and some that we may even consider healthy, may have serious consequences for our canine and feline friends.

Most of us are already aware that chocolate can be toxic to dogs. But did you know that sugar-free candy, grapes, raisins, and even macadamia nuts can also be dangerous to Fido’s health?

Xylitol is a substance that looks and tastes like sugar. It is used as a low-calorie sweetener in sugar-free gums and candies. Xylitol has no adverse effect on humans, but in dogs, it promotes insulin release and can cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), resulting in weakness, collapse, and seizures. As little as a stick and a half of sugar-free gum can poison a ten-pound dog, so don’t keep any within reach of your pet.

In higher doses, xylitol can produce liver failure. This symptom takes longer to manifest, and affected dogs may not initially show signs of hypoglycemia. Some will be lucky and experience only temporary illness, but others may die. Internal bleeding and an inability of the blood to clot can be involved.

Quick diagnosis and treatment by your veterinarian is the key to saving your pet’s life. He or she will likely induce vomiting if ingestion was recent and will perform blood tests to check sugar levels and liver enzymes. Affected dogs will be hospitalized for IV fluids and supportive care.

The prognosis is good for dogs affected with hypoglycemia, worse for those in liver failure.

Another treat you don’t want to share with your dog is grapes. Ingestion of grapes or raisins has been associated with kidney failure in dogs, and there is some evidence that cats may be affected. The exact cause is not known, and not every dog or cat is susceptible.

After ingestion, acute renal failure can ensue within 72 hours. Once this happens, the prognosis is guarded. If there is no kidney damage after three days, the pet will likely remain unaffected.

If you suspect your pet has ingested grapes or raisins, or if he or she is acting ill (not urinating, or drinking and urinating excessively), see your veterinarian right away.

Another little-known toxic treat is the macadamia nut. As with grapes, the exact cause of the symptoms is unknown. In most cases, dogs develop an inability to stand or use their hind legs within the first 12 hours after ingestion. Depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) may also occur.

The prognosis in most cases is very good, as most dogs will return to normal within 24 to 48 hours. A visit to your local vet is still a good idea, as he or she will want to rule out other causes of orthopedic or neurologic disease.

These are just a few examples of how “human treats” can negatively affect our pets. Household products can also be problematic for companion animals. If you ever have a concern about something your pet might have eaten, immediately call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline at (888) 426-4435.

By Michael Townley, CVT

In war, collateral damage is referred to as unintentional or incidental injury or damage to persons or objects. I have never experienced the war version of collateral damage, but I believe I see a different type of collateral damage from the financial war this country is experiencing.

I have been a veterinary technician for a number of years now and realize that our business has always had an unfortunate emphasis on a client’s financial situation. Part of my job is to review estimates and get approval for treatment from the client. This has always been a challenge for me because it’s the “ugly” side of the job. I started this career to help animals and the people who care for them; unfortunately, my ability to do this is hindered by how much money is in their checking accounts. This situation is something I have been dealing with for a long time now and have come to terms with, because most of the time, there are some options for the client. I hear about clients using savings or skipping vacations so their animal could have the surgery it needed to survive. Lately, I hear fewer such stories and more about the state of the economy. In short, the money that was for the vacation or was in savings is no longer available.

As I watch the news or listen to the radio, I hear a lot about casualties of this financial war we are fighting. People are losing their homes, businesses are folding, and we are experiencing high unemployment rates. What I see every day in my profession is an adverse effect of the casualties: Pets frequently don’t get proper treatment, and that’s collateral damage in my book. In a war, you rarely hear the names of innocent people who were affected by a bombing or attack. Kitty Kat, Jake, and Rudy are all names I will always remember; they are a few on an excruciatingly long list of innocent animals that lost their life directly because of this financial war.

Any time, even when there isn’t a looming budget crisis, we have to include animal emergencies in our budget. This is a lesson I learned firsthand a long time ago when I lost a dog because I couldn’t afford surgery for him. That feeling of failure that I felt as he looked at me just before he died, I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. My pets are now and always will be a part of my budget and not an extension past it.

A brighter future for animals may be on the horizon because I increasingly observe people using healthcare financing like Care Credit and purchasing low-monthly-payment insurance plans like Trupanion for their pets. They’re also reevaluating their personal lives and protecting what’s important. People may be starting to think about animals as an important part of the family and, as such, naturally fitting them into their personal budgets.

Special Editorial Staff Note: Budgeting for your animal’s health and well-being, particularly in an emergency, is advice well worth taking. Also, always spay and neuter your animals. Unwanted animals overcrowd our shelters and rescues, and this is compounded by the cats, dogs, rabbits, and other pets abandoned when people leave their foreclosed-upon homes. This adds to the collateral damage. See page 26 for information on Lost Our Home, a foundation that assists pets left without proper care because of foreclosures or financial

By Dr. Cliff Faver

Have you ever looked at your mixed-breed dog and wondered what varieties are present in the lovingly dubbed “Heinz 57”? Often, one of the first questions many new mixed-breed dog owners ask their veterinarian is “What breeds do you think are in him?”

With the advances in veterinary technology, the guessing is finally over. By submitting a small blood sample to the breed-testing company, we can find out a detailed analysis of the varieties detected in your dog. The customized report can profile a historical background, physical traits, breed-associated behaviors, and the various bloodlines that make up the singular dog that he or she is. For example, a family pet that tends to herd the children may prove to be part border collie, or a particularly vocal pet may have beagle in his or her background. In some cases, the profile may offer insights about a dog’s unique personality and appearance. Medically speaking, by learning about your dog’s genetic makeup, it may give some insight that allows the veterinarian to develop a specifically tailored plan for the pet. This can be valuable information for owners who want to care for their dogs in the best ways possible.

The test uses advanced genetic science to detect more than 130 American Kennel Club (AKC)-recognized breeds in mixed-breed dogs. The test performs a complex genetic analysis to detect breeds in your dog’s family history—it examines over 300 sites along your pet’s DNA and then compares them to a proprietary genetic database. The test is the result of over a decade’s research into the complexities of canine genetics.

Every mixed-breed dog is unique, but now you can know what the breeds are that affect not only your dog’s appearance but also his or her behavior and well-being. By understanding your pet’s genetic makeup, you can build a happier and healthier relationship.

If you are interested in genetic testing for your pet, call Animal Health Services to schedule a test.

Which Road Do You Turn On for Legitimate Pet Care Advice?

By Dr. Cliff Faver

In this era of increasing media technology, we have so much often-differing information at our fingertips that it can be overwhelming and confusing to tell which to follow and which to dump. Pet owners find this true when they want to find out how to keep their furry friends healthy. We see cute ads on TV promoting flea and tick products. There are hundreds of thousands of pet advice postings from often-unqualified groups on the Internet. We are offered nutritional advice from inexpert pet store help and discover unlicensed pet breeders establishing vaccine schedules when that should be the veterinarian’s job. As the information mounts and conflicts, a pet owner may ask, “What do I do now?”

The answer is contact your professional veterinary care provider. If you were seeking tax advice, would you trust your finances to a check-cashing establishment or a stranger sending you a spam e-mail, or to a certified public accountant? To most, seeking advice from a veterinarian would appear to be the obvious choice; however, when it comes to pet care, everyone seems to have an opinion, whether it is about the latest pet products, a new natural raw diet, or available medical treatments.

Doctors, scientists, and researchers in the animal health profession spend innumerable hours every year researching and developing new products, nutritionally balanced foods, and medical treatments to enrich and extend the life of your pet. Rather than basing opinions on personal experience or hearsay, all of which may result in damage to your pet’s health, veterinary resources are backed by scientific finds, specialists, and research trials. This allows the veterinary professional to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

Sadly, inaccurate advice from dubious sources is responsible for a large portion of animal hospital cases that could have been prevented by following accurate information. So, rather than taking chances with unverified resources, please partner with your veterinarian to improve and lengthen the life of your four-legged or otherwise–limbed friend by providing the best possible care available.

By Rob Graham, CVT

Christmas is a popular time for people to get a new pet for the family. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen a Rockwell scene with a child getting a big wet kiss from his new sibling on Christmas morning. Before you run out and buy a pet, it’s important to take several things into consideration.

First of all, make sure that a pet is right for your family. Taking a new pet home to your family is like bringing in another child. There will be feeding, training, and veterinary bills to consider. Puppies need to go outside frequently, so your lunch break may turn into a puppy walk. Someone will need to be able to feed a new puppy or kitten several times a day. You should also be prepared for the damages a young animal can cause in your home—chewed-up shoes, clawed couches, and so on. You would not believe the number of unwanted pets that are dropped off at shelters just days after Christmas. Make sure that everyone in your family is willing and able to take on the added responsibilities of a new pet.

If everyone agrees that a new pet is right for your family, you now need to make sure you are adopting or purchasing a healthy pet. There is nothing worse than bringing in a new family member only to find out that it has a medical condition that can not only be costly but also deadly. It’s so easy to go to a shelter or rescue group and buy a puppy or kitten on impulse because they are soooo cute and fluffy! Even though shelters and reputable rescue groups and breeders are watchful about pet diseases, you need to be sure your new friend is also healthy.

Before you bring home a new pet, ask the shelter official, the rescue caregiver or the breeder (and make sure that you take time to research a reputable and responsible one) to see medical records, and make sure that they’re legitimate. Puppies and kittens should receive their first set of vaccines between the ages of six and eight weeks. Make sure that you’ll be allowed to return the pet if a veterinary exam reveals any abnormalities. After you have adopted a pet, you need to have them examined by a veterinarian ASAP. Your veterinarian will make sure the pet is healthy, up to date on vaccines, and free from parasites. Internal parasites are not only dangerous for your pet but can also be dangerous for you and your children.

If you are considering a new pet for Christmas, please take these things into consideration so that a joyful moment doesn’t turn into a nightmare. If you have specific questions about adopting a pet or legitimate rescuers—either breed-specific or not—contact your local veterinarian for advice.

Contact Rob Graham at askthevet@northvalleymagazine.com.

By Rob Graham, CVT

Halloween is a fun time for kids and grownups alike, but how will it affect our pets? Some pet owners include their pets in the festivities, and I’m sure that many of you have seen the e-mail pictures of our animals adorned in Halloween costumes. I wonder what the pets think about all this. If they’re anything like my kids, they just appreciate the extra attention!

Although Halloween is a fun time, there are some things we need to realize when it comes to our pets. There are certain dangers that can jeopardize our best friends’ well-being. With a little knowledge and minimal planning, we can avoid big problems for little Fluffy.

First things first: chocolate is toxic to your pet. This isn’t usually a concern with cats because they are less likely to raid the bag of candy lying on the floor except to bat the contents around. You need to keep chocolate away from your dog because he or she will eat all of it at the first opportunity. Dogs tend to eat first and ask questions later. While baking chocolate is the most concentrated as far as toxic quantities, the milk chocolate can still cause problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. The wrappers on the candy can also irritate the lining of their bowels. If your dog ultimately gets into any chocolate, it is imperative to seek veterinary help to determine whether your canine friend ate a toxic quantity and whether medical treatment is necessary. However, any type of candy can cause gastrointestinal problems, so be sure and keep it all out of reach of your pet.

The next potential problem is stress. Some animals become very distressed by all of the accompanying commotion. Some costumes may scare your pet, and the doorbell ringing and all of the excitement outside can adversely affect some pets. If your pet tends to be a little on the nervous side, you may want to take measures to keep him or her comfortable during trick-or-treat time. A kennel in a quiet part of the house is a good idea. Some pets may even require sedation.

Another danger that our pets face during Halloween is abuse. This is an unfortunate but real problem that we see this time of year. There are bad people out there that find some kind of sick satisfaction in abusing animals, especially black cats. The best bet is to keep your pet indoors and safe from any potential threat of abuse.

Just being aware of these potential dangers will help you keep your pet safe and healthy during the holiday. If you have additional questions or concerns, contact your veterinarian. Happy Halloween!

Contact Dr. Graham at askthevet@northvalleymagazine.com.

By Dr. Cliff Faver

For veterinarians, obesity continues to be a major concern in the management of health care and longevity of their patients. The pet food industry is thriving nationwide, and along with many good diets intended for the different stages and conditions of an animal’s life, there is mass production of substandard diets that are low in cost and high in palatability. While affordability may appeal to the consumer and tastiness may please animals, these diets lack the documentation to support our pets’ individual nutritional health needs.

The key to understanding the regulation of pet food begins with product labeling. Nutritional awareness varies with each specific breed, age, exercise requirement, and health status. Some pet food manufacturers would have you believe that all pet diets are created equal, containing only the finest quality ingredients. Regarding dog food in particular, be forearmed and familiarize yourself with the AAFCO statement on many dog food bags that recognizes the tested contents to be nutritionally balanced for the maintenance of dog health. Read also the list of ingredients, keeping in mind that the list is in descending order of the amount of each ingredient. How many of the first few items would you honestly associate with any so-called premium diet? Couple this with the addition of fats, salts, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavorings, and you’ll see that any nutritional value can only be lost!

What impact will this ultimately have on our beloved pets? Currently, there are many popular diets produced and labeled as meeting the nutritional requirements for “all life stages.” This is nothing more than advertising lingo! These particular products are designed to reduce the cost of manufacturing through the creation of fewer diets, thereby increasing the companies’ profit margins. The companies maintain that the nutritional requirements for growing puppies are identical to the diet recommendations for senior dogs, whose nutritional needs are not only completely different, but require a caloric intake that is 40 percent less than that of a young dog. The impact will be a decline in the dog’s health, and this decline often begins—and ends—with the onset of obesity.

What is a conscientious pet parent to do? Our best advice is to seek out a trusted professional in your community who is well versed in dietary management. A nutritional consultation with your local veterinarian will certainly enlighten you. Together, you can devise a suitable regimen of diet and exercise, knowing that your contribution will help extend the life expectancy of the loving companions in your life.

Their future is in the hand that feeds them. Please, don’t let them down!