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animal lovers magazine in Houston
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HOUSTON June 2014
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Management Services Provided by VCA Animal Hospitals. • Animal Healthcare of Texas, PC. - Rocky McKelvey, DVM - owner.
* For new clients only. Not to be combined with any other offer. Not good for emergency examinations. Up to 2 pets per household. Expires 12-31-2014
RCF
Cypress VCA Telge RoAD AniMAl HoSPiTAl11430 Telge RoadCypress, TX 77429(281) 571-7606VCAtelgeroad.com
Houston VCA ASHfoRD
AniMAl HoSPiTAl12633 WhittingtonHouston, TX 77077(281) 402-8599VCAashford.com
Houston VCA CounTRySiDeAniMAl HoSPiTAl2211 FM 1960 EastHouston, TX 77073(281) 377-4425
VCAcountryside.com
Houston VCA SPRing BRAnCH
AniMAl HoSPiTAl10109 Long Point Road
Houston, TX 77043(713) 489-3997
VCAspringbranch.com
Katy VCA KelliwooD
AniMAl HoSPiTAl960 S. Fry RoadKaty, TX 77450
(281) 944-5661VCAkelliwood.com
Kingwood VCA KingwooD
AniMAl HoSPiTAl2526 Green Oak DriveKingwood, TX 77339(281) 377-3343VCAkingwood.com
Lake Jackson VCA lAKe JACKSon AniMAl HoSPiTAl
210 That WayLake Jackson, TX 77566
(979) 316-2017VCAlakejackson.com
Pasadena VCA AniMAl MeDiCAlCenTeR of PASADenA
5018A Fairmont ParkwayPasadena, TX 77505(281) 542-3477VCApasadena.com
Sugar LandVCA SouTHweST fReewAy
AniMAl HoSPiTAl15575 SW Freeway
Sugar Land, TX 77478(281) 402-8602VCAswfreeway.com
Spring VCA SPRing
AniMAl HoSPiTAl1811 Spring Cypress
Spring, TX 77388(281) 601-1420
VCAspring.com
Spring/The WoodlandsVCA wooDlAnDS AniMAl HoSPiTAl428 Rayford RoadSpring, TX 77386(281) 377-3447VCAwoodlands.com
Texas CityVCA MAinlAnD
AniMAl HoSPiTAl3015 Palmer HighwayTexas City, TX 77590(409) 229-4452VCAmainland.com
Tomball VCA ToMBAll
VeTeRinARy HoSPiTAl28800 Tomball PkwyTomball, TX 77375(281) 377-1211 VCAtomball.com
Turn over to find your local VCA Hospital
VCAhospitals.com
Pet Healthcare CertificateVCA Animal Hospitals is committed to providing exceptional healthcare. We are dedicated to helping you and your pet have a long and happy life together.
Free first exam includes: Status check on weight, nutrition and general health Dental check Vaccination overview Review the latest local pet health threats
Free First Exam!We hope that with each visit you and your pet feel like part of our hospital family.
For new clients only. Not to be combined with any other offer. Not good toward boarding, grooming, prescription and non-prescription medication, and retail items. Not good toward emergency and/or specialty veterinary services. Good for up to 2 pets (dogs/cats) per household. For pet owners aged 18 and older. Ref code: 700.750Administratve Service Provided by VCA Animal Hospitals.
VCA 702 PI
facebook.com/VCAAnimalHospitalsPet Owner Empowerment:
pinterest.com/VCAHospitalsCelebrate and Showcase
fRee fiRST exAM inCluDeS: Status check on weight, nutrition and general health
Early detection of heart and/or arthritic conditions
Dental check Vaccination overview
It’s a risk-free way for you to see the care and special attention we give to each pet at VCA Animal Hospitals.
geT A fRee fiRST exAM!*
VCA Supports Animal Shelters
nationwide
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Puppy 101
Pet First Aid
Hurricane PrepChecklist for Pets
Top Tips For New Puppy Owners
Pool Party!
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Fundraiser for Pets
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Centerstage
PUBLISHERShannan Parker
Tel: 281.781.4727
EDITORTiffany Robinson
DESIGNERFran Sherman
314.275.2208
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSTricia Fagan
Monica Schmidt
Texas A&M
Nadine Joli- Coeur
Connie Geodecke
Jeff Parker
PHOTOGRAPHERShannan Parker
Faith & Stella
ADVERTISE WITH US!281.781.4727 • [email protected]
Next Issue: July 2014Advertiser’s Deadline: June 15th 2014
Marketplace
Honor Our Heroes
Pet Pool Safety
Superfoods For Your Pets
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Houston’s hometown family-owned pet supply store Natural Pawz, has announced their 4th annual “Pawz for a Cauze” fundraiser, set to launch June 1, 2014. The program hopes to raise at least $7,500 to purchase 100 pet oxygen masks. The masks will be distributed to various fire stations and emergency First Responders
throughout Houston. Pet oxygen masks can be used on pets that have suffered from smoke inhalation during a house fire, or losing consciousness after exposure to toxic fumes.
The idea for this year’s fund-raiser has sprung from the vari-ous Pawz Hero Awards given out by Natural Pawz, to Houston’s First Responders and their heroic actions in saving pets from fires. After discovering that very few fire stations were equipped with pet oxygen masks, Natural Pawz made in their mission to equip as many stations as possible with them. “We would love for every single Houston fire department to have these masks, and will do what we can to achieve that,” said Biff Picone, co-owner of Natural Pawz.
Each year, Natural Pawz promotes their annual “Pawz for a Cauze” fundraiser to help raise much-needed funds for non-profit organizations. In the past 4 years, Natural Pawz has raised funds and donated pet supplies to Paws Houston, Houston Humane So-
ciety, BARC Animal Shelter, and aniMeals on Wheels. “Pawz for a Cauze is something we really take to heart, and will continue to do year after year,” said Biff Picone, co-owner of Natural Pawz.
Donations for the fundraiser can be made at any Natural Pawz store location, or online at https://fundly.com/emergency-pet-oxy-gen-masks.
About Natural Pawz
Natural Pawz has been voted “Best Pet Supply Store in Hous-ton” in Click2Houston for two consecutive years and was voted as “Best Pet Services, Supplies or Boutique” by the Houston Press, Fort Bend Herald, Woodlands Online and also named “Best Pet Supplies” on the Houston A-List for four years. Natural Pawz con-tinues to set the standard in the
market for 100% natural pet foods, treats and holistic health solutions supplies. Natural Pawz is owned by husband and wife team Biff Picone and Nadine Joli-Coeur and began in 2005 as a result of one of their own pet’s terrible allergies. They are a locally owned natural pet food store that also carries a wide variety of wellness products, collars and leads, bedding and special rewards for your cat and dog. Each location is managed and staffed by a team of customer-friendly knowledgeable associates that are involved in the commu-nity and truly get to know you and your pet.
Connect with Natural Pawz on Facebook at www.facebook.com/naturalpawz and Twitter at www.twitter.com/naturalpawz. To learn more about Natural Pawz, visit www.naturalpawz.com.
Natural Pawz Announces Fundraiser
to Aid Pets in Need
Certified Professional TrainingCertified Professional TrainingCertified Professional Training
dogS gone gooddogS gone gooddogS gone good dogSgonegood.com713.557.1949
Private In-Home TrainingDog Boarding School
Dog Obedience ClassesPuppy Training Classes
“The Best Your Dog Can Be”
advertisehere281.781.4727 • [email protected]
for your pet
NEVER EVER LEAVE YOUR PET BEHIND
hurricane preparation checklist
Do your Homework! If you are planning to evacuate with your pet, make sure you know which places are pet-friendly! If you are not evacuating with your pet, make sure you find a boarding facility that is hurricane rated.
Microchip! Stop by the Houston Humane Society’s low cost full-service vet clinic to get your pet microchipped! This simple procedure will ensure that you would be re-united with your pet if he/she becomes lost and is turned into a shelter or vet clinic! Tags & Collars can fall off, but microchipping is permanent!
Take a current photograph of your pet! In the event that your pet becomes lost, this will help the shelters identify your pet. Most people don’t have a current photo of their pet!
Waterproof your pet’s records! Be sure to store a copy of your pet’s medical information in a waterproof Ziploc bag!
Get a Carrier! Make sure you have a size appropriate carrier for each of your animals. Carriers should be large enough for your pet to stand and turn around comfortably.
STOCK UP! Make sure you have enough pet food, and have ample supply of any medication your pet may be taking for up to 2 months!
hurricane preparation checklist
Have you seen me?
Lost during hurricane! HoustonHumane.org
Dogs receive: Microchip DA2PPC Rabies Bordatella
Cats receive: Microchip FVRCP Rabies
No office visit fee unless other services are requested. Must purchase the whole package, items cannot be added, deleted, or exchanged.
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petfirstaid
Many of us can remember being cared for by our parents when we were injured as children. Whether cutting our leg while climbing a tree or swallowing one too many
pieces of candy, our parents always came to the rescue with soothing words and a first aid kit in hand. Since our pets are beloved members of the family, shouldn’t we do the same for them? Here are some tips and tricks to help ease your pet’s pain in case of emergency.
Just like for people, there are some basic first aid supplies for your pet to always have readily available in your home. “A good idea is to have a pet first aid kit so that you can concentrate on what you can do for your pet constructively rather than looking all over the place for something that might ‘work’ but is less than ideal,” said Dr. James Barr, assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “However, the most important thing is to have the phone number of your local veterinarian in case of emergency, including what to do after hours.”
Some items to include in your first aid kit could be an assortment of bandages, an instant cold pack, gauze and roll pads, medical gloves, triple antibiotic ointment, alcohol and antiseptic wipes, a slip-style leash, lubricating jelly, tongue
depressors, and tweezers/forceps. Knowing how to perform basic CPR on your pet and stop external bleeding by applying a pressure wrap are also important skills you should acquire.
Two common examples of emergencies in which basic first aid knowledge can be life saving for your pet include exposure to toxins and excessive external bleeding. “If your pet is exposed to a toxin, get the name of the toxin and try to figure out how much they have in-gested, and then call your vet to give you further instructions,” said Barr. “If your pet is experiencing severe blood loss resulting from external bleeding, wrap the wound with a towel or bandage to help stop the bleeding and apply pressure to help slow the loss of blood.”
Just remember that if being in-jured is traumatizing for us, imagine how it must be for our pets. In the
event of an emergency, it is impor-tant to do everything you can to minimize their anxiety. This will not only help prevent further injury for them, but also to you and your fam-ily. “One must be very careful with injured pets because they are unable to communicate with us and us with them, so they are often afraid,” said Barr. “That fear is then translated into aggression, and pets can injure even the best meaning bystander because they are in pain.” Much like you would to a distraught person, it is best to talk gently to them using comforting words.
While first aid is certainly not a substitute for proper veterinary care, it may be extremely helpful in preventing further injury and easing your pet’s pain. Keeping these tips in mind can save you a lot of troubles in the long run and even ultimately help to save your pet’s life. RE
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DOG DAYCARE & BAKERY
www.houstondogdaycare.com • Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jacksons.place
• Cage-Free Boarding• Open 7 Days Per Week
6434 Washington AvenueHouston, TX 77007
Doggie Daycare, Boarding, Grooming and
Obedience Training
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House Training tip #1: Puppies pee with great
frequency. Please do not leave your baby puppy in a crate while you are at work. Crates are wonderful tools, but your new baby cannot hold it while you are at work. Try an exercise pen (like a playpen for dogs), or a puppy proofed kitchen or bathroom. Use the
crate when you are home, and can let the puppy outside to eliminate.
Crate: When you first get your puppy, this will be the first time he has been away from his canine family. It will be the first time he has slept without a pile of other pup-pies. If you put this puppy alone in the laundry room, no
one will get any sleep! Put your baby’s crate next to your bed. When puppy needs to pee in the middle of the night, he will wake you.
House Training tip #2: If your puppy wakes, eats,
plays, sniffs the floor, or circles take him outside right away! If you have a very young
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new puppy ownerstop tips for
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Crates are wonderful tools, but your new baby cannot hold it while you are at work. Try an exercise pen (like a playpen for dogs), or a puppy proofed kitchen or bathroom.
Tricia Fagan, Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed DogS Gone Goodwww.dogSgonegood.com; [email protected](713) 557-1949
puppy, take him outside to eliminate immediately upon waking or eating a meal. An active, playing puppy can uri-nate as often as every ten to fifteen minutes. If your puppy is actively playing, check your watch and take him outside.
Biting: All puppies nip; some a little, some a lot, some a whole
lot. Use toys when playing with your puppy, so he has something to bite other than you. When puppy does put his teeth on you, remove your hands, and yourself. Shaking your finger in front of puppy’s mouth or grabbing his nose just gives him something else to bite (your hand!).
Jumping: Ok, you don’t really mind your cute, tiny ten pound lab
puppy jumping on you. You will feel different when he weighs 70 pounds! If you pet your ten pound puppy for jumping, it isn’t fair to get mad at him when he jumps on you at seventy pounds. Don’t pet your new baby for naughty behavior.
Stealing: Curious puppies (meaning all of them!) pick up anything
they find. If it is a dog toy, yeah! However, it is often not a dog toy. If you chase your puppy to reacquire your posses-sions, he will learn to take forbidden items to start the chase game. Instead, trade a tiny, yummy treat for the item the puppy has.
Puppy Needs a Job: You work hard all day, and the puppy sleeps waiting for
you to entertain him. Give yourself a break! Instead of feeding puppy in a bowl, use a food toy. You can put his en-tire dinner in a good food toy such as a Kibble Nibble. You unscrew the egg shaped kibble nibble, put dinner inside, and let the puppy go at it. Puppy will nudge and paw at the kibble nibble to get his dinner.
Bite This: Premier Pet Products has invented a brilliant toy de-
signed to teach your puppy to chew on his own toys. The Bouncy Bone is a chew toy with a rawhide component. The ends of the bone unscrew, so you can replace the rawhide after the puppy eats the original piece.
Happy Training!
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Many dogs love to cool off in the water during the hot summer as much as we do. They love the company, they love the exercise, and they love the respite from the heat. But swimming pools and swimming come with risks; veterinary clinics see multiple drowning cases each summer. It is heart-wrenching to watch owners try
to understand that Spot is suddenly gone because of a tragic accident. All dogs are not natural swimmers, and it’s important to take a few precautions to keep them safe.
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Control your environment. More and more homes have
backyard pools. Like children, dogs need to be supervised around water. If your dog is going to be in the yard where there is a pool, stay out-side with him. If you can’t, or don’t want to, be outside as often as he is, consider a separate fence around the pool area to prevent Spot from having unrestricted access. If you have a dog door, be aware of the access this gives your dog to the swimming pool, and either close it off when you’re not home to
oversee his activities outdoors, or remove it altogether.
Know your dog. Some dogs take to water like
ducks. Others may not like it, still others may not be good candidates for water play. Realistically assess if your dog is a good candidate for pool time. • Your dog’s breed and build can
have a lot to do with his natural ability to handle water sports. Dogs with broad chests and short legs (Bassets, Dachshunds,
etc) aren’t naturally designed for swimming. A muscular breed ac-tually works harder to swim, and those with little body fat (Italian Greyhounds, for example) don’t have a natural buoyancy.
• Make sure your dog is healthy enough for swimming. Check with your veterinarian to make sure his heart is healthy, espe-cially if he’s a senior. Like with humans, overweight or sedentary dogs should start exercise slowly. Swimming is great exercise, and the buoyancy of the water makes
POOL PARTY!
15{June 2014}
it especially helpful for dogs with joint issues, but swimming is hard work, and our dogs
depend on us to tell them when enough is enough.
• If your dog doesn’t enjoy swim-ming, don’t force it. If you have a pool in your back yard, work to make sure he’s safe, perhaps even to the extent of introducing him to the water and making sure he knows how to enter and exit safely. The purpose of swimming with your dog, though, is to share quality time with him, and if he’s not having fun, it does nothing
for your relationship to make him participate.
Start slowly. If your dog is new to water play,
start in shallow water and coax him by calling his name. You might use toys and treats to encourage him. Let him get wet gradually, and give him lots of praise. If he’s reluctant, do not throw him into the water! This only frightens him, and will likely result in a pool avoidance, rather than helping him learn to enjoy the water. Teach your dog how to use the steps or splash pad to enter and (more importantly) exit the water safely. In the water, until he is confident in his abilities, hold him firmly so he feels secure. Teach proper swimming technique. Yes, most dogs instinctively “dog paddle,” but did you know there’s a right way and a wrong way to dog paddle? Your dog should be using all four legs to paddle. Using only the front legs results in a lot of splashing, but very little swimming, and it’s far more tiring than proper technique. As he’s learning, gently lift his rear end until he’s horizontal and using all four legs. Watch your dog; if, after a period of play, his rear starts dropping again, it’s a sign that he’s tiring, and it’s time for a break.
Supervise his play. Make sure to keep an eye on your dog through-
out swim time. Be on the lookout for signs he’s getting tired: his rear end may start to sink more often, or he may get a look of wide-eyed panic as he realizes he’s suddenly tired and isn’t on solid ground. He may look distressed, his face may start to slip under the water, or he may start panting heavily. These are signs you need to help him out carefully. A distressed dog may not act in the ways we’re used to, and just like a human who is in trouble in the water, he may flail, or lunge, or even try to bite. Also, remember that even dogs who are swimming can overheat! Often they are running and playing hard in the heat around the pool, and while the water may lower external tempera-ture, the level of activity can drive the internal temperature to danger-ous levels.
Around the pool. The time before and after water
play is also important.• Check your dog’s paws and nails.
The surface around the pool is often hard on the paw pads, and wears down his nails more quickly than softer surfaces. Look for blistered or bleeding pads or torn nails after every pool time.
• Avoid letting your dog drink pool water. Provide clean, unchlori-nated water for Spot.
• Heat from the sun is more intense around water. Make sure there’s a shady area for Spot to rest in.
• Make sure to rinse your dog off after swimming to get chemicals off him. Be sure to dry him off well, especially in areas that water can collect, like ears, groin and armpits. Once inside, take off his collar until it dries. Areas that stay moist can easily develop into hot spots.
• Dogs, especially those with pink skin and white fur, can sunburn easily! Limit exposure during times of direct sunlight.
Have a plan.Accidents happen. Even with
the best of preparation, sometimes accidents happen. Be aware, and plan what you’re may need to do to help your dog. Are you a strong swimmer? Consider a life jacket or floatation device for Spot to assist if a rescue becomes necessary. Know the location of the nearest emer-gency vet, and how you’d get Spot in the car to get there.
Dogs are like children – they’re great fun to play with, but ultimate-ly, it’s our responsibility to keep them safe. With a little planning and preparation, we can share years of fun in the sun with our furry companions.
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{cen
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GUILTY PLEASURE: SLEEPING ON THE FIRETRUCKS WHILE THE FIREFIGHTERS
ARE OUT.
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Anti Oxidant, Free Radicals, low glycemic, those are just some of the buzz words that we hear today at grocery stores, on television and on the web. You may be sur-prised to know that your pet can benefit from adding some of these super foods to their diet. A holistic vet once told me that we live in a world continually bombard-ed by toxins in the environment, our homes and in our food.
superfoodsfor your pets
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Here are a few super foods that I think you will see a noticeable dif-ference within a couple of weeks.
COCONUT OILCoconut Oil not only promotes
a healthy coat, it also is great to build up your pet’s immune system and gastrointestinal and digestive track. Most of coconut oil’s health benefits come from medium-chain fatty acids. Coconut oil is about 50% lauric acid, and the only other abundant source found in nature is in human breast milk. You can also apply topically to soothe any bites, stings and cuts
KELPWhile containing a large
number of vitamins, kelp is best
known for containing a full panel of trace minerals. Minerals
perform many key functions in animals including regulat-ing energy, aiding digestion, and are a vital ingredient in immune, skin, and bone
systems. Dietary minerals are essential to maintaining the
health of any dog or cat.
FISH AND FISH OILOily fishes such as herring,
salmon, sardines, mackerel and anchovies are bursting with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s do wonders for skin, coat and brain as well as limit inflammatory processes that cause arthritic pain and other chronic canine condi-tions. You should mix some fish oil in your pet’s food at least a few times a week.
I know that I am always pro-moting pumpkin. In addition to pumpkin I really like cooked or dehydrated sweet potato. The yellow-orange color of sweet potatoes comes from beta-caro-tene, which helps stabilize blood sugar and lower insulin resistance (great for diabetic pets!). Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins B6, A and C, copper, manganese, potassium and dietary fiber. They aid in digestion, help boost the
immune system and provide a potent antioxidant to support healing. It is important to feed sweet potatoes that are cooked.
CHICKPEASMany pets are overweight. The
soluble fibers in chickpeas help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, keep the heart and arter-ies healthy, and promote proper digestion. They’re also excellent antioxidants and may help pro-tect pets against cancer.
There are foods that will help with inflammation, detoxifica-tion and give your pets added nutrients that will not only make them thrive, but will also result in a better coat, stronger digestive tract and help combat against all the elements in the environment that can affect them. Whenever trying something new, slowly introduce it. Another fun tip is that you may want to start a journal. You may not notice a change from one day to the next but over a month their coat may be shinier, their digestive tract and poop may have improved and your pet may have more energy. When starting a journal you should record coat softness, stool quality and any changes of eye brightness.
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helping Fido adjust to
As we’re propelled into these summer months, many changes and transitions often accompany the warmer weather. Whether you’re relocating for work, moving after graduation, or just planning a long summer vacation, here are some tips to help ensure that Fido comfortably adjusts to your new surroundings.RE
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Prior to the move, it is impor-tant that you check the new sur-roundings for safety hazards such as hardware, chemicals, exposed wires, or other dangers. “It is also smart to make sure to have a safe place to put them when you get there, such as a closed off room or area with water, food, and shelter,” said Dr. Stacy Eckman, a lecturer at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedi-cal Sciences. “Doors opened often for moving in may be a tempting way out for anxious pets.”
Due to the chaos of moving, a microchip or other form of identi-fication for your pet is highly rec-ommended, in case they do sneak off unknowingly. “A microchip is nice because it cannot be lost, but visible identification is also helpful if they get out and become lost, since they are unsure of their new surroundings,” said Eckman.
If you’re traveling to your des-tination by plane, it is a good idea to speak with your veterinarian be-forehand about the travel specifics. How long will the trip take? How does your pet normally do during
travel? Will your pet be in cargo or in the cabin with you? Questions such as these can be discussed with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet is as comfortable and safe as possible during travel.
“All pets will also need a health certificate to travel, even across state lines,” said Eckman, “and those moving internationally will need an international health certificate which takes more time to acquire.”
Our pets thrive on routine, and since most everything else their daily routine will be changing, it is important that your presence does not. Once you’ve settled into your new location, be sure to spend plenty of time with Fido to help him acclimate to his new life.
“Often, pets are nervous and
anxious with all the activity and boxes, as well as the new smells and sounds,” said Eckman, “so frequent walks around the neigh-borhood are a good way to help them get used to their new surroundings.”
Just as it takes people a certain amount of time to get used to a new routine, location, and way of life, the same goes for our pets. However, unlike us, they are un-able to vocalize their discomfort and anxiety. As good pet owners, it is important that we do all that we can to make transitions as com-fortable as possible for our pets. This means keeping Fido safe and at ease before, during, and after the move, and most importantly, showing him that amidst all of the changes, he isn’t losing you.
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“All pets will also need a health certificate to travel, even across state lines,” said Eckman, “and those moving internationally will need an international health certificate which takes more time to acquire.”
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In honor of the Fourth of July, the Houston Humane Society is honor-ing our local heroes by offering fee waived pet adoptions for all fire, police and military personnel.
heroeshonorour
BY MONICA SCHMIDT – HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY
Kicking off Saturday, July 5th and lasting through Sunday, July 6th, a free dog or cat adoption on select pets will be offered to all active, former and retired fire, police and military personnel. Any dog that has been at the shelter for 2 months or longer and any cat over 6 months qualify for the fee-waived program.
Houston Humane Society is excited to honor those that serve our community. The Honoring our Heroes event began last year as part of a cer-emony to honor and remember the 4 fire fighters that lost their lives in Houston on May 31, 2013. Shortly after the tragic hotel fire, incredible stories of heroism and bravery circu-lated about each of the individuals. Stories which included the saving of both 2 and 4 legged lives. It has been said that those things which are precious are saved only by sacrifice.
And these 4 firefighters gave the ultimate sacrifice to keep our community safe. Houston Humane Society installed a brick memorial tribute last year with the names of the 4 fallen firefighters, Captain EMT Mat-thew Renaud of Station 51, Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee of Station 51, Firefighter EMT Robert Garner of Station 68, and Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan of Station 68, to serve as a permanent
reminder that heroes still exist. All adoptions at the Houston
Humane Society include spay/neuter surgery, microchip, routine vaccina-tions, general health exam, rabies vaccine, de-worming, heartworm test in dogs over 6 months and feline leukemia test in cats, and an adoption kit. To view pets currently up for adoption, visit www.houstonhumane.org.
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Recently we spoke with Scott Waldo, president of Platinum Pools, and we discussed the lack of attention the family pet receives when a homeowner is deciding on a new pool. Very rarely do they think of the family dog as another reason to consider safety at or around the pool. The process is full of several decisions such as tile or color or design and the family pet is usually an after thought. In the thirteen years since Platinum Pools opened
its doors, they have grown to be one of the largest pool builders in the country and were recently voted the #1 builder in the state in an online poll.
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25{June 2014}
QUICK SAFETY TIPSScott recently designed a pool in his own backyard to accommodate just that effect. Proud owners of a miniature Yorkie, Scott understood that the size of his pet would cause concerns should she fall in. He designed a pool that included a ledge completely around the pools edge so that LaLa could enjoy the cool wa-ters and time with family, but also easily get out of the pool when she decided.
In the process, Scott now has himself a 4 legged pool cleaner! “If she sees a leaf in the pool, she will jump in and take it out. Then she’s right back in and looking for another.” The most amazing aspect of this design if that it fits perfectly with the style of the pool and looks as though it should have been there regardless of the need. Scott also pointed out that there are many other safety features that can be added to the pool to ensure pet safety that do not necessarily have to be part of the initial design. Some of these products include the Loop-Loc Baby Loc fencing. Baby-Loc removable fencing is a convenient, cost effective additional layer of protection to help deter pets from gain-ing access to a swimming pool. Baby-Loc is also a great choice for a raised deck or dock.
This fence can be taken down and reattached in min-utes and can provide safety for children and pets alike. This would not alter the design of your pol and would make an eye catcher for future resi-dents should you relocate and sell the home. Another idea could be a pool alarm. SR-Smith produces an alarm that
is solar powdered and can be linked with various additions to increase safety at a door or gate as well. Whether splash-ing around or floating along, your pool provides hours of enjoyment for your family and friends. However it can be a potentially perilous place for unattended children and pets.
The PoolSonix Pool Alarm from SRSmith is a great fit for your pet’s safety and does not intrude on the design or the pool or the overall effect that your backyard is striv-ing to achieve. One of the most amazing safety devices for swimming pools has to be the Scamper ramp! This easy to install, and uninstall, safety device is perfect for any type of animal including wild animals that may get into the pool. The simple white, hi-tech plastic ramp attaches to the deck of the pool, walled pond, and many more pos-sibilities. Because all living things see white, animals can see it - day or night- and they “scamper” out of the water on the ramp by themselves! This gives pet owners and animal lovers unprecedented peace of mind in terms or water safety. The Skamper-Ramp is the only patented, award winning water escape ramp that can help protect your pet from drowning by allowing it to get out of the water on their own. It has the seal of approval from the American Pet As-sociation and a humane safety device that makes life easier for your pets and their owners.
Safety for your pet around water should be a concern and prevention is the key to keep-ing your pet safe and enjoying the summer pool!.
what about our pets?
25
Pet Hospital health records indicate swimming pools are dangerous for our pets. An untrained animal will probably head for the nearest edge of the pool to get out, but slippery pool walls do not offer an easy exit. Panic can quickly ensue and lead to exhaustion. Barking may be difficult for a dog in the water, making it tough for them to cry for help. Pools with a vinyl liner offer no grip for the animal, and vertical ladders are nearly impossible for pets to climb. A solar blanket can both entice a pet, e.g., to chase a bird, and entrap it.
• Never leave pet unattended around a pool!
• Fence your pool with a secure gate, and never leave your pet inside the fenced pool area
unsupervised.• Make sure pets can get out of the
pool. If a dog jumps in or falls in and doesn’t know how to get
out without help, it may panic and drown.
• Not all pets are excellent swim-mers; if water is a big part of your family life, introduce pets to the water gradually.
• Try not to let pets drink pool water. Chlorine and chemicals used to keep pools free of algae and contaminates can cause pet health problems, such as dry mouth or gastric distress.
• Be mindful of pet swimming precautions and consider safety products available to ensure your pet’s safety.
• Life jackets are available for all sizes of animals and one of our personal favorites is the Turtle alarm. The Turtle alarm attaches to a pets collar and if it gets wet the base unit inside will sound off.
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The ultimate in canine flotation and water safety, the K-9 Float Coat is ideal for all dogs who frequent the water.
On a warm sunny day, dogs will trot for the shade, lie down, and pant the heat away. Enhance their natural cooling system with the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Jacket. Available at the Pawty Palace.
These rawhide Sweet Potato Chewz are high in antioxidants + fiber that dramatically improve digestive health.
This cute pet cot with canopy will keep your pet cool while lounging poolside! It also features a cooling gel pad!
joyousjune
2727{June 2014}
Doggles sunscreen is specially formulated just for pets providing superior protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Available at Natural Pawz!
Exercise Your Canine Buddy During The Day Or Carousing At Night! This super tough ball has a micro LED chip of its easily seen. Available at A Dogs’s Dream pet salon!
Here is one squirrel who loves being chased down. Just grab him by the paw and throw like a flying disc! Available at Natural Pawz
Skamper Ramps Provide A Simple And Easily Accessible Escape Route For Any Animal In An Inground Pool.Available at Natural Pawz!
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!
Q: Why do dogs bury bones in the ground?A: Because you can’t bury them in trees!
Q: Why did the poor dog chase his own tail?A: He was trying to make both ends meet!
Q: What do you get if you cross a sheepdog with a rose?A: A collie-flower!
Q: Why do dogs wag their tails?A: “Because no one else will do it for them!”
Q: Why didn’t the dog speak to his foot?A: Because it’s not polite to talk back to your paw!
Q: What is the dogs favorite city?A: New Yorkie!
Q: Who is the dogs favorite comedian?A: Growlcho Marx!
Q: What did the cowboy say when the bear ate Lassie?A: “Well, doggone!”
Q: What happened when the dog went to the flea circus?A: He stole the show!
Summer Fun
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ACROSS4. To cook outdoors on a grill7. Beverage made of lemon9. The month at the beginning of summer10. Independence Day11. What you can do at the beach12. Opposite of cold
DOWN1. A big fruit you can eat in summer2. What you can make at the beach with sand3. Protective eyewear5. Time off from school6. Sleeping in a tent8. The month at the end of summer
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Valid only at Natural Pawz. Not valid with any other offer. Limit one per customer. Coupon may not be duplicated. Expires 7/30/14. Retailers: submit completed coupon and RECEIPT OR PROOF OF PURCHASE to Supreme Pet Supplies, LLC for redemption no later than 8/31/14. CRC: 2109-300425.
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