Pet Companion Magazine, Spring 2011

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SPRING 2011

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The Local Guide to Pet-related Businesses, Products, Services and Activities

• Training Tips • You and Your Vet • My Pet Said What? • Acupuncture for Pets • To Breed or Not to Breed? • Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs • Avian, Equine, and Potbellied Pig Care

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What’s Inside? Spring 2011 3 You and Your Vet 6 No Beggars Allowed 6 Ready to Dine Out? 8 The Health Benefits of Keeping an Aquarium

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10 My Pet Said What?

12 Bird Ownership 5 Shifting Trends in Equine 1 Deworming 16 Market Place

Pull-out coupon section with great deals at local businesses.

18 Local Activities 19 Spotlight: Dream Dogs Training 20 Potbellied Pig Pets 22 Canine Influenza 24 To Breed or Not to Breed? 26 Acupuncture for Pets 28 Animal Assisted Therapy

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30 Local Business Directory

Desert Pet Companion and its publisher assume no responsibility for changes, omissions or errors contained in this publication. Advertising in Desert Pet Companion does not indicate an endorsement by Desert Pet Companion or its publisher. DPC assumes no responsibility for opinions of contributors on editorials contained in the publication or other subjects. Not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photos, which must be accompanied by return postage. No part of Desert Pet Companion can be reprinted or copied without express, written permission. Š2011 www.desertPETcompanion.com Desert Pet Companion is published by Desert Pet Companion 60310 Palm Oasis Ave. Palm Springs, CA 92262 Editorial Office: 760-835-0369

For Advertising Information call: 760-835-0369 sales@desertpetcompanion.com 2 Desert Pet Companion

Publisher: Miriam Wiegel mwiegel@DesertPetCompanion.com

Editor: Helga Gendell editor@DesertPetCompanion.com

Printer: Publication Printers Corp. www.publicationprinters.com

Published Quarterly. Distribution: Desert Fox Media Distribution Inc. Please visit our website or call the editorial office for a list of locations where the magazine is available.

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2011

You and Your Vet Part One: When to see your vet By Lillian M Roberts, DVM, Country Club Animal Clinic

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n these challenging financial times, it pays to make the most out of your relationship with your veterinarian. This might involve some counter-intuitive measures. If you are the type of pet owner whose voice is instantly recognized by the vet’s receptionist when you call, then you don’t need this article. But if you last visited the shot clinic three years ago when Spot was a pup, and never had a reason to go back, this is for you. There are three general reasons why pet owners seek veterinary attention. 1. Wellness/ Health Checks. Also known as “scheduled maintenance,” this would include responding to a reminder

Spring 2011

card from your vet and scheduling a visit for basic physical and vaccinations. Depending on your pet’s age and condition, this

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might be done once a year, or more often. It should be a relaxed visit and a chance to ask about those little things you’ve had questions about since your last visit, such as: “What about these lumps?” “Is my pet too fat?” “Is it normal for her breath to smell like that?” “How often should I bathe my pet?” “He does this weird thing every so often… is that a problem?” This is also a chance for us to check the teeth for abnormal wear, calculus build up, or worse problems. We will listen to the heart, palpate the abdomen for tenderness or masses, peek into the ears and eyes and under the tail for anything that needs attention that you might not notice. 2. Emergency. True emergencies include, but are not limited to: Bleeding that would quickly saturate a Kleenex or something larger Obvious difficulty breathing Sudden collapse

Sudden blindness, dizziness, or unexplained seizures Witnessed consumption of poison or suspected poison Obvious trauma such as a bad fall or impact by a moving vehicle Lameness so severe that the pet puts little or no weight on one limb In other words, a problem where waiting even an hour could have a major impact on the outcome. If your pet has a true emergency, take a minute to call ahead, but plan to get in the car and go immediately. Because emergencies by definition are unexpected, it’s a good idea to have important numbers like your vet’s stored in your cell phone for quick access. Generally you will be seen if you don’t call ahead, but if they know you are coming they have time to prepare with emergency treatments. It may seem obvious, but this is not the best time to choose a veterinarian. If you are not known to the practice – that is, if you are not an active client there already – they

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may be less inclined to squeeze you into a busy schedule. Assuming they can still get you right in, there may be delays while your chart is opened, costs discussed and so forth. This isn’t meant to single you out but to determine who you are, whether the pet belongs to you, and in some cases whether you are old enough to authorize treatment. Unlike in human medicine, where preserving life is always the goal, there are many times in veterinary medicine where the owner’s philosophy and financial situation, coupled with the pet’s age and condition, may dictate otherwise. If we don’t know you, we can’t guess how you will feel about such things. The result could be a delay in getting treatment, or conversely a bill for emergency treatment you would not have asked for. 3. Urgent, but not life-threatening. This category includes such things as Most vomiting Bloody stools and/ or diarrhea Coughing, sneezing, drooling, gagging or the like Chronic or intense itching Minor trauma such as a torn toenail or less dramatic lameness Unexplained bad breath Ear infections Similar problems – some of these may be recurring problems, or may occur only once. In general these are things that should not wait for your next health visit but don’t have to be seen “right now.” An appointment for later the same day or later in the week – depending on the exact circumstances – should suffice. This, actually, may be the ideal time to choose your vet if you don’t already have one. It’s a chance to see them in action, discuss diagnostic and treatment options, and it could be the beginning of a relationship that will last for years to come. Next issue: Choosing the right vet for you, and getting the most out of your visit. Dr. Lillian Roberts, DVM is the owner of Country Club Animal Clinic which is located at 36869 Cook Street, in Palm Desert. www.countryclubdvm.com. 760-776-7555.

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No Beggars Allowed! By Sara McNutt, The Pet Mentor

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t may have started with a longing glance. Maybe a soft chin resting on your leg under the table. You gave in. Bowser only got one bite of chicken, right? Or maybe you don’t even realize that your child has been skillfully passing off her broccoli for months now? However it happened, now you have a dog that drools puddles on your foot, whines continuously, and is starting to nudge a little harder when you sit down at the table…. Fluffy isn’t off the hook either. She is getting bolder, not just perching on your lap between you and your plate, but she’s even jumped on the salmon serving dish! It’s time to stop the madness!

Ready to Dine Out? By Sara McNutt, The Pet Mentor

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ost of us have seen people and their dogs peacefully enjoying coffee or even a nice meal on restaurant and café patios. Some folks think “Oh isn’t that great! I think I’ll bring Tank for my latte tomorrow!”. But many others are thinking “Skippy lying under a table with red wine and marinara – no way!”. Your dog, or if you are really dedicated even some cats, may be fantastic dining companions out in public. If your dog can walk politely on leash, is comfortable around other leashed dogs, and doesn’t steal food from the table, you are already part way there to being able to enjoy a new activity in nice weather. If you have never taken your dog to a busy place, start by bringing them for a short outing through a shopping

center or outdoor mall early in the day when it isn’t too crowded yet. Bring treats (and water and poop bags of course!) and practice some of your basic obedience near the patios. Practice sitting in a chair and asking for sit, down, and stay. Work your way up to having a coffee and a Danish. Then maybe a lunch somewhere not too congested, and then a basic sit down dinner. Make your pet extra comfortable by bringing a mat, or even a towel, that already smells like them that can be their special seat under or next to the table. Many pet friendly patios will offer your dog water, but I prefer to bring my own water and bowl from home. And don’t forget, just like being at home, DO NOT feed them from the table!

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“Having a mutually respectful relationship with your dog or cat entails you being the clear and decisive provider.” Dogs and cats begging for food is not only an annoying habit, but it can become a serious behavior and health problem. Once they get confident that the food you sit down with is fair game, you not only disrupt the balance between you and them as being “leader” or not, you run the risk of your pet gaining weight or snapping up something that is harmful for them (cooked chicken bones, chocolate, grapes, just to name a few!). Having a mutually respectful relationship with your dog or cat entails you being the clear and decisive provider. You put appropriate pet food in a bowl or activity toy, or feed treats to them by hand for training. Neither Mittens nor Fido should be angling to snack from you while you are eating. IF you are eating something that is safe and nutritious for your pet (such as plain boiled chicken without bones or seasoning, or a carrot, etc.), you may choose to save a tidbit for them for later. Once you are out of the kitchen or dining area and done eating, you can give them their bite in their bowl, or in another area after you ask them to follow a cue and earn their reward. If your furry family member is already a practiced beggar, you need to steel your emotions and commit to improving their manners. For dogs, you will become active in claiming your space. If Spot is used to circling like a shark under the table, you may need to crate (or otherwise confine) him with his own meal at the same time you are serving dinner. This will help him feel like he is still eating when everyone else is, but you are in control. If he is just a looker and a drooler, you can claim that space by standing up and walking into him until he backs away. This will be a repeat process! Don’t spend extra time talking to him or touching him at this moment. It is not a time for attention for him. If you are also the leader of a human pack, be sure that no other members are underminSpring 2011

ing your training by continuing to feed him from or even near the table. With the help of a positive reinforcement trainer (this means NO yelling, NO hitting, NO leash corrections, etc.), you can also teach your dog to stay on a mat or bed while you are eating. For cats, it will also be a repeat process of claiming your space. Every time Whiskers jumps on you or the table, pick her up and set her down on the floor. Did I mention this will be a repeat process? If she is not given the opportunity to steal a scrap and is not ever again allowed on that table, she will give up! You CAN enjoy your meals without fur in your food again! Be consistent and fair. You are not depriving them – you are becoming a responsible guardian! Sara McNutt, owner of The Pet Mentor, can be contacted at 760-851-5975. www.ThePetMentor.com

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The Health Benefits of Keeping an Aquarium By Tim Cummings

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ave you ever wondered why so many doctors, dentists and professionals offices have aquariums in their lobby area? There are reasons that aquariums are often found there. Aquariums have been proven time and again to have a calming effect on people. Your visits to these offices are often stressful and sometimes unplanned. By sitting and watching an aquarium as you are waiting to be seen, you have a chance to relax and reflect on something other than the reason you are in the office. The peace and tranquility of watching colorful fish gliding through their underwater world along with the sounds of the water moving can have other health benefits as well.

Lower blood pressure, less anxiety, a lower heart rate, reduced stress, the calming of hyper-active children, as well as minimizing disruptive behaviors and improving eating habits of Alzheimer patients* are some of the benefits of including an

aquarium in your life. If you have stress in your life, you can benefit from an aquarium, whether it is in your office or your home. It really doesn’t matter much on the size or type of aquarium in order to benefit. Caring for the aquarium

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yourself is a very worthwhile hobby to be involved in; it is very rewarding physically and emotionally. There is a lot to learn, you will get out of it, what you put into it. If you want a more exotic display like a saltwater live coral aquarium, you may want to consider hiring a professional company to design, install, and care for your aquarium. This will assist you in deciding what type of aquarium is best for you. You are able to reap all of the benefits and enjoy your new aquarium, while the successful keeping of the aquarium is placed on someone with the experience to handle it. My company has offered our services in design, installation and maintenance of aquariums in the Coachella Valley since 1991. I can personally attest to the many benefits of keeping aquariums. I have experienced and witnessed the enjoyment and enhancement

of many people’s lives, young and old, after the inclusion of an aquarium to their lives. As we enter the spring season, with all of the spring cleaning and re-organizing, why not consider the addition of an aquarium to your life for your health.

*West J Nurs Res 2002; 24; 697, DOI: 10.1177/019394502320555430, Animal-Assisted Therapy and Nutrition in AlzheimerĂ­s Disease, Nancy E. Edwards and Alan M. Beck, The online version of this article can be found at: http://wjn.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/24/6/697 Tim Cummings owns Vicious Fishes and can be contacted at 760-347-8717. www.viciousfishes.biz

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My Pet Said What? By Cherie Vergini Are you concerned about their health? Ever wonder what they’re thinking when they look at you? Curious about their past before they came to live with you? If your pet recently passed (died), do you want to know how they’re doing? A pet psychic, also known as a pet communicator, animal intuitive or animal communicator can shed light on these questions by asking your pet directly and relaying the answers to you. You communicate with your pets telepathically all the time, without even knowing it. A pet psychic session can open up a new level of communication and understanding between you and your pet. Understanding your pet’s perspective can shed light on existing problems or behaviors and allow you to move forward towards a solution that is right for both of you. Animals have complex emotions, just like people. By tapping into what they’re feeling and why, you gain a deeper understanding of your pet, their specific personality, what they do and like and what causes them stress. There can be many different things that can cause stress, anxiety or behavior changes in

your pet. A pet psychic can bridge the communication gap so that you both can better understand each other and be reassured in times of change. People seek the advice of pet psychics for a specific reason, such as: The pet is lost, and its owner wants to figure out where it is or encourage it to return home The pet is behaving inappropriately, and its human companion wants to find out why There is a new baby coming home and the human companions want to make sure the pet is okay with the baby Does the pet want a new pet companion Is the pet ready to be euthanized or do they want to pass on their own? The human companion wants to contact their beloved pet that has passed to make sure they’re okay The human companion becomes ill and the pet has trouble adjusting to the changes in their routine Separation anxiety Pet communication is grounded in a person’s sensitivity to the emotions and thoughts

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of other living beings around them and can be expressed or received in a number of ways. Each animal has its own energy frequency that communicates with me through words, pictures, emotions and physical sensations. As I receive this information, I translate it into words that you can understand. Most sessions are conducted by phone. Physically seeing your animal is not a necessary part of the process. While I speak to you on the phone, I’m also telepathically having a conversation with and receiving messages from your pet at the same time. If this is the first time your pet has had the opportunity to communicate in this fashion, he or she will be thrilled and will usually have quite a lot to say. Sometimes just by having the opportunity to say what’s on their mind, their behavior begins changing for the better. Pet intuition and communication is an art rather than an exact science because animals, like people, are individuals with hearts and souls. For this reason, it’s not guaranteed that your pet will communicate with me, but I can guarantee that your pet will welcome the opportunity to express his or her feelings. Like humans, every animal wants to be clearly understood – an opportunity they deserve. After the pet psychic session, you may begin to see changes in your pet’s behavior almost immediately. The validation and acceptance they feel as a result of their session will strengthen their bond with you immeasurably. Animals are emotionally very much like us. They experience emotions such as fear, love, anger, happiness, sorrow and grief. They are full of wisdom and have much to teach us - unconditional love, faith in mankind, forgiveness and living in the moment. I have become a better and wiser person because of the animals I have worked with and the wisdom they chose to share with me. It is my hope that you will give me the opportunity to share some of your pet’s wisdom with you! Cherie Vergini is a Pet Psychic & Intuitive located in the Coachella Valley. She may be reached by visiting www.cheriev.com or call her directly at 818-577-5247.

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Bird Ownership By Dr. Randy H. Turek, DVM, MA, DACVPM, VCA – Desert Animal Hospital

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irds make wonderful companions. Some enjoy close contact with their owners, some fill our homes with song, and others talk up a storm, but how should we house and care for them? First, we need a place to put them. Some owners like to cage their pets, while other bird owners like to build an aviary. In either case, you want to afford your pet as much room as possible. The space will have to be at least three times as large as the birds’ wingspan. Also, all materials used to build the cage or aviary will need to be non-toxic. Galvanized wire cages can’t be used unless they are properly prepared because your birds will get zinc poisoning if they pick at the galvanized wire. Cage accessories: bowls should be sturdy and non-porous. I prefer covered bowls to prevent the food, water or grit from being contaminated by the pets’ droppings. No one wants to eat their food or drink water with urine and feces in it. Perches: Perches should be made from various materials such as wood, plastic or rope, and of differing diameters. This allows the birds to exercise their feet, preventing pressure sores from standing on the same type and same diameter of perch their entire lives. It also gives them a place to exercise their beaks. Don’t use sandpaper perch covers because it causes foot damage and doesn’t keep the nails short. We wouldn’t like standing around with sandpaper insoles in our shoes. Bird toys: You’ll need toys to prevent boredom and help your pet get exercise. I found that it’s best not to have all of the toys in the cage at the same time because the bird will get bored. Put just a few in the cage at a time and then rotate them out. This way, the bird will have new toys to play with and not become bored or stressed, which can lead to inappropriate behavior like feather picking. The toys must be sturdy and made of

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non-toxic materials. Watch out for self-righting toys that use a lead weight to keep them upright. Birds have very strong beaks and have broken into these toys, eating the weight and getting lead poisoning. Where to locate the pet(s): Remember that birds are very susceptible to gases and smoke, so keep your friend far from the kitchen or any other sources of smoke or gases, including cigarette smoke! Since birds are sociable, I like to locate them somewhere that they can interact with the family, but also located near a window so the bird(s) can also see what is going on outside. Try to keep the cage located high as birds like to be situated higher than everyone else. This makes them feel safe and reduces their stress. Don’t locate the cage where there are any drafts. If the cage smells, clean it and don’t try to cover up the odors with any sprays as they can hurt your pet too. Birds have very efficient respiratory tracts (like the canary in the coal mine). Even the ammonia released by your birds’ droppings can injure your pets, and you as well. Be very careful when cleaning the cage, because there are a lot of detrimental things in birds’ feces. When these droppings dry out, they can dust up, allowing you to breathe them in when you clean the cage. What should you feed your friend? There are pros and cons to the various diets offered to pet owners. Mixes fed to birds – a mixture of formulated seeds, nuts, dried fruits, supplements and vitamins – tend to be fairly complete nutritionally for your bird. Formulated diets are those pellets or extruded diets that you see at the pet store. These are also considered complete diets but might lack some phyto-nutrients that would be found in fruits, vegetables and seeds. What about seed diets only? Seed diets offer your pet a variety of eating options but are not complete, so they will need to be supplemented with additional vitamins and calcium. Also, birds are cafeteriastyle eaters. This means they pick out of their food bowl what they would like to eat, and maybe not eating the things that are good for them, and therefore unbalancing their diet. Spring 2011

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Would you rather eat French fries or your vegetables? So, are these diets all I need to help keep my pet healthy and happy? No. You’ll need to supplement the diet to ensure that all of your bird’s nutritional and emotional requirements are met. The addition of vegetables, greens, fruits, and proteins like cottage cheese, hardboiled eggs and meats, including dog food are all helpful. Birds will eat just about everything you eat. Just make sure it is not toxic to your pet. You can Google Interested various websites in Birds? on pet birds to Stop by Exotic Birds see what you Unlimited, a small but fully stocked, family-owned and run can feed and what you business. Owner, Jeff Berger cannot. To has over 30 years experience supply calcium and is always happy to talk and necessary birds with you. exoticbirdsunlimited.com minerals, add 44827 San Pablo Ave. a cuttle-bone Palm Desert or mineral block. 760-779-5205 Grit can be a source of valuable minerals and trace elements, but is probably not needed to help in digestion except in birds that eat their seeds whole, like pigeons and doves. Use a good avian vitamin supplement to ensure your bird stays healthy. I also like to add a little Omega 3 fatty acids to their

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diet as well, to keep their skin and feathers healthy. Does my bird need exercise? Yes. Flying, climbing, interactions with toys and the owner are all needed for a healthy bird both physically and mentally. Remember, these play areas need to be safe! Doors will need to be closed to prevent the bird from flying onto a hot stove or into a sink full of water. Also, don’t forget the bathroom. Is the toilet seat up? Did you remember to turn off your ceiling fans? I hope this brief article helps your bird live a long and healthy life. Remember to take time to interact with your pet every day. Not only will this increase the bond between you and your bird, but it will also keep you aware of its health status. If you notice anything abnormal at all, contact your veterinarian at once. Birds hide their illnesses very well and may not show signs of illness until it’s too late. In nature, if a bird appears sick, they will be preyed upon so they naturally try to look healthy no matter how sick they are! I like to give a bird an examination every year that includes a fecal gram stain. That way I hope to either prevent any future illness or uncover something that is troubling your bird. Dr. Randy H. Turek, DVM, MA, DACVPM, VCA – Desert Animal Hospital, Palm Springs, California, is a graduate of the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine. He is board certified and a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. An Army veteran, Dr. Turek served all over the world during his 26+ years of military service.

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Shifting Trends in Equine Deworming By Dr. Sonya Wilsterman, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Carter Animal Hospital

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orse owners are among the most conscientious of pet owners, ensuring their animal’s health by adhering to a meticulous schedule of regular maintenance: shoeing every 4-6 weeks, vaccinations twice per year, dental exams yearly and regular, rotating deworming every 6 weeks. But does “regular” deworming really help horses? While gastrointestinal parasites do represent an ever-present risk to equine health, the ideas about best methods to manage this risk are shifting within veterinary medicine. The long held practice of deworming horses every 6 to 8 weeks is being re-evaluated due to changes in the resistance patterns of parasites we try so hard to eradicate. The current practice selects for parasites that are able to resist the dewormer (anthelminthic). Additionally, if the dewormer is changed every worming cycle, we risk selecting for parasites that are resistant to multiple dewormers. Currently, resistance to ivermectin is common in small strongyles throughout the U.S. and in ascarids in the south of the country. Resistance in the parasites of sheep and goats is EVEN WORSE! In some goat populations, there are parasites that are resistant to multiple dewormers such that the parasites CANNOT be eliminated. It is precisely this that we wish to avoid in horses. The new deworming paradigm is designed to balance the exposure of parasites to dewormers (to limit the development of resistance) while preserving the health of our equine companions. What this essentially means is that it is no longer our goal to completely ELIMINATE parasites from horses, but to keep the parasites at a tolerable level (measured by counting the number of eggs in the feces). Spring 2011

Currently, veterinarians are recommending that all horses be dewormed twice per year, once in the spring (after snow has melted in the colder climates) and once in the fall (just after the first hard frost). Animals that are at higher risk for heavy parasite burdens (older horses, the immunocompromised or Equine Cushing’s patients) should be screened in between via fecal egg count (FEC). Those horses which have a >200 Egg/gram count should be dewormed and another FEC performed in two weeks. Special care should be taken with foals who are at higher risk for ascarid parasitism because they have not yet formed immunity. Foals can develop high worm burdens and are at risk for pneumonia, liver problems (the larva migrate from the gut, through the liver and lungs) and chronic weight loss. If an older foal with a heavy worm burden is dewormed, all of the ascarids in the intestine may die and the foal may suffer a severe, potentially fatal blockage of their gastrointestinal tract. Foals should be dewormed with an ivermectin product at 2 months of age and have a fecal egg count 2 months later to determine if they need to be treated again. Unfortunately, this article barely scratches the surface of the parasite issue, so if there are any additional questions, feel free to contact me at the clinic. Dr. Sonya Wilsterman practices at Carter Animal Hospital. 68-766 Perez Road, Cathedral City. 760-324-8811

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Local Activities

There are many pet-friendly activities in the desert, please go to our website to see an expanded list. Activities and events are subject to change. Please call the event to confirm information.To list your pet event or activity, please call or e-mail.

Kennel Club of Palm Springs Agility Trials Feb. 19-21, Lake Elsinore. For more information, call 760-880-4347 Animal Samaritans’ 11th Annual Walk for the Animals Saturday, March 26; 8am Registration; 9am – 11am Walk, Presentations, Contests, Prizes; Palm Desert Civic Park, off FredWaring Drive in Palm Desert; Free to attend. Donations requested. Walk sponsorships encouraged. Event Information: 760-343-4908

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Pet Play Day April 2, 2011 from 1p-5p Food, Fun andWeiner Dog Races! BenefitingWendi’s Fund; 77895 Avenida Montezuma, La Quinta. For more information call 760-564-3833. Take Your Dog to the Movies April (TBA) Cinemas Palme D’or, Palm Desert Benefits Paws & Hearts 760-836-1406 Training Classes: Ongoing, Please contact individual trainers regarding the classes, dates, times and locations, see list:

Best Paw Forward Valerie Masi 760-885-9450 www.bestpawforwarddogtraining.com Dream Dogs Lori Wainio-Carman 760-899-7272 www.dreamdogs.com KC of Palm Springs Obedience Training For more information call: 760-880-4347 The Pet Mentor Sara McNutt 760-851-5975 www.thepetmentor.com

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Special thanks Lori Wainio-Carman and Dream Dogs for these images Dream Dogs offers a positive approach to training your pet. Traing programs include group or oneon-one including obedience, behavior modification, aggression problems, clicker training and agility/ rally/tricks classes. Lori has trained professionally for over 17 years and is a graduate of Moorpark College’s Exotic Animal Training and Management program with degrees in animal training and wildlife education. Group classes are held at The Grand Paw and Cold Nose Warm Heart.

Pet Spotlight

Dream Dogs

www.DreamDogs.com 760-899-7272

TRAINING PROFESSIONALLY FOR OVER 17 YEARS

OBEDIENCE PROGRAMS BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION AGGRESSION PROBLEMS AGILITY/RALLY/TRICKS CLICKER TRAINING

www.dreamdogs.com (760) 899-7272

Group & Private Lessons! Spring 2011

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Potbellied Pig Pets Health Care Matters for Pigs Too! By Dr. Kathryn Carlson, D.V.M. Village Park Animal Hospital

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pet pig is a big responsibility, but also a big ball of fun! Pigs are smart animals full of personality, can be litter box trained and will learn to walk on a leash and harness. Just like any pet, pigs should have a general check of their heart, lungs and overall health on a regular basis. If you are a pig owner, or plan on becoming one, these are some great things to keep in mind.

Diet: Mazuri Pig Chow in appropriately measured amounts is the way to go for your pet pig. Be careful not to feed too many fruits and veggies – those calories count too. Contrary to popular belief, a pig is not a garbage disposal.

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Vaccinations: Vaccines for younger pet pigs should be discussed with a veterinarian. These can include Erysipelas, Hemophilus Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Tetanus, Pasteruella and Pleuropneumonia. Combination vaccines can be used to provide a spectrum of protection. Deworming

your pig may also be necessary, and there are various options available that your vet can prescribe.

Spay or Neuter: It’s not just for dogs and cats! Pigs can be spayed or neutered too, and it will make them better pets. Some of the benefits of spay and neu-

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ter include reduced aggressiveness associated with their heat cycles, and decreased odor and aggression due to testosterone in male pigs. It is best to make the decision for surgery before your pig weighs more than 20 pounds, as the procedure is less stressful and the recovery time faster when they are still small.

Hoof Trimming: Long hooves can make it difficult for a pig to carry and balance its weight appropriately. Pigs whose hooves are allowed to grow too long can develop serious degenerative joint disease. Hoof care can be done at home with practice and patience – it’s best not to stress your pig by trying to do a big trimming job all at once. If home care is not enough, a veterinarian can perform hoof trimming under sedation.

Tusk Trimming: Trimming the tusks is not so much a health issue as a safety issue. A set of long tusks can be destructive and can cause injuries to you or other animals, even when your pet pig is just being playful.

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Eyes and Ears: It is important to keep your pig’s eyes and ears clean, and keep an eye out for any developing problems (goopy, weepy eyes, crusty or foul smelling ears, or any signs of injury). Acclimate your pig to having their eyes and ears handled by doing short sessions of pets and rubs, with lots of praise and rewards. Pigs are very smart and can be trained to allow examination!

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GFBUVSJOH "DBOB #SBWP $BMJGPSOJB /BUVSBM &70 GSFTIGFUDI 'SPNN 1SJNBM 0SJKFO GPS PWFS ZFBST XF SF UIF iHP UPu QMBDF GPS IFMQ XJUI ZPVS QFU RVFTUJPOT %JTDPWFS XIBU ZPVS OFJHICPST LOPX 8F SF EFMJHIUFE XIFO ZPV DBMM PS DPNF CZ BOE UIFSF T OP QSFTTVSF $BMM BOZUJNF RVFTUJPOT BSF UIF ĂąSTU TUFQ UPXBSE CFUUFS IFBMUI GPS ZPVS QFU

For more information, visit www.Pigs4Ever.com or call your nearest pig-friendly veterinarian. Village Park Animal Hospital and AquaPaws is located at 77-895 Avenida Montezuma in La Quinta. www.villageparkanimalhospital.com

Spring 2011

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Canine Influenza

You’ve had your flu shot, but how about your dog? By Lindi Kopecko, DVM, Carter Animal Hospital

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anine influenza, commonly known as the dog flu, has arrived. Several cases have been seen in the desert already this winter. What is canine influenza? Canine influenza is a disease that is highly contagious among dogs. In fact, virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected. This is because the virus is relatively new and dogs have no natural immunity to it. Canine influenza virus was discovered in 2004 in greyhounds. Scientists believe that this virus jumped species (from horses to dogs) and

has adapted to spread between dogs and cause disease. Horses can no longer be infected by this strain of virus. Humans cannot be infected either. What are the symptoms? The main symptoms in dogs are cough, runny nose and fever. Some dogs have asymptomatic infections, while some have severe infections. Severe illness is characterized by pneumonia. About 80 percent of dogs will have a mild form of disease. The number of dogs that die from the disease is small.

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How do dogs become infected? Canine influenza is highly contagious, being easily spread from dogs that are infected to healthy dogs. The influenza virus can pass from dog to dog through aerosolized particles or by coming into contact with other dogs. It can also be picked up if a dog touches objects that were touched by infected dogs. Humans can even transfer the virus between dogs when they touch an infected dog and then a healthy dog. What is the treatment? There is no specific treatment for the canine influenza virus and consists of supportive care. In the milder form of the disease, this may entail antibiotics to prevent secondary infections and medication to help with the cough. In the more severe forms of the disease, hospitalization with intravenous fluids and medications may be necessary. Is my dog at risk? Unvaccinated dogs that have the potential to come in contact with other dogs in environments such as dog parks, groomers, or boarding facilities are at the greatest risk. There is also the potential that a human that had contact with an infected dog could transmit the virus as well, on their hands or clothing. In the desert, with our high canine population, this means that most dogs are at risk. How do I prevent my dog from getting the flu? An approved vaccination is now available. An initial vaccination, followed by a booster 3-4 weeks later, is all that is needed to get your dog protected. The vaccine needs to then be repeated yearly. If your dog is having signs of coughing, sneezing, lethargy, or fever, please contact your veterinarian. Canine influenza is one of many possible diseases that can cause these symptoms in your dog. Specialized tests will be run to determine if your dog has influenza. Dr. Lindi Kopecko is a graduate of the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities College of Veterinary Medicine. She practices at Carter Animal Hospital in Cathedral City and offers veterinary care for cats, dogs, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. 760-324-8811

Spring 2011

Carter Animal Hospital • Large and Small Animal Medicine and Surgery • House Calls • After Hour Emergency • Independently Owned Office / Emergency:

760-324-8811

68-766 Perez Road Cathedral City, CA 92234 Steven Carter, DVM Lindi Kopecko, DVM Sonya Wilsterman, DVM, MS Mirona Petrus, DVM

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To Breed, Or Not To Breed? Susan Powell, DVM, Country Club Animal Clinic

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ou have just become the proud owners of a beautiful puppy and she is perfect in every way. She is gorgeous and has the best personality of any dog you have ever owned. During your vet visit for her final puppy shots, your vet recommends that you plan on spaying her when she is about 6 months of age. However, because she is so special, you really would like to breed her and let her have at least one litter. In addition, your kids are of an age that you want them to experience the miracle of birth so you tell your vet that you will hold off spaying her for now. But first here are just a few things that you need to consider before going down this road. First, the myth that letting a female dog have one litter makes her a better dog is not true. How she is raised as a puppy, with proper training and socialization, will make her a better dog. More importantly, dogs that are spayed before their first heat have almost zero risk of later developing mammary (breast) cancer. Spaying after the first heat but before the second increases the risk a small amount, but spaying after the second heat does not offer any protection. Every time a dog comes into heat - twice yearly for most breeds - puts her at risk for developing a uterine infection called pyometra. This can be fatal. Treatment involves an emer24 Desert Pet Companion

gency hysterectomy, substantially increasing the cost compared to a routine spay. Even in a normal birth one or more puppies may be stillborn. Not all dogs are good mothers; some will actually kill the puppies as they are born. Other dogs will reject one or more of the puppies, so are you willing to bottle feed puppies every 2 hours for several weeks? Bracycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs and Boston Terriers, frequently require C-Sections as they have difficulty giving birth naturally. This can be a significant, added expense. This almost always occurs on a weekend or the middle of the night when your regular vet is closed. In addition, puppies may require supplemental feedings and care until the mother is feeling better, which may be hours to days after the surgery. Now factor in the cost for worming medicine, an initial vet visit, and at least the first set of vaccines in addition to the cost of vet care should any of the puppies get sick. You should expect to spend a MINIMUM of $500 for routine health care for the litter. Most purebred dogs have at least a few genetic conditions associated with that breed such as hip dysplasia, skin allergies, hypothyroidism (low thyroid), and heart and eye problems, to name just a few. Knowing

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Some Things You Need to Know Before You Experience the “Miracle of Birth” what genetic disease the breed is prone to and doing screening tests to make sure the parent does not carry these traits is extremely important. It would be unethical to breed a dog with a known (or unknown but not tested) genetic condition and not fair to the puppies that have to suffer the consequences. Some of this testing can be quite expensive. Knowing what genetic conditions the breed is predisposed to AND knowing the medical history of the parents and grandparents is essential as some conditions, such as some cancers, allergies, and heart disease don’t have a specific genetic test but can be passed on to the offspring. Whether you own a male or a female dog, genetic testing should

be done before breeding. Are you prepared to keep the puppies indefinitely should you not be able to find good homes for them? It is not fair to just take the puppies to the shelter when you can’t find homes for them. Animal shelters are already full of adoptable dogs and millions are euthanized yearly. If after considering all these factors, and knowing that your expenses can easily exceed $1000-$2000, you still decide that puppies are in your dog’s future, make sure to consult with your veterinarian, and if possible an experienced breeder, so that you can make sure that you and your dog are adequately prepared, physically, emotionally and most importantly, financially. Dr. Susan Powell, DVM recently joined Country Club Animal Clinic which is located at 36869 Cook Street, in Palm Desert. www.countryclubdvm.com

Welcomes

Susan Powell, DVM! Together, she and Dr. Lillian Roberts provide experienced, compassionate veterinary care to the pets of the Coachella Valley. Now with expanded hours of operation.

760-776-7555

36869 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211

Spring 2011

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Acupuncture for Pets

By Dr. Kevin M. Fenton, DVM, VCA - All Creatures Animal Hospital cupuncture as a complementary modality adds another tool to our toolbox of treatment possibilities. I think this is the key to treatment success because we can use the best of multiple worlds to improve the health of our patients. The conditions that would be considered for acupuncture treatment include musculoskeletal problems like hip dysplasia, degenerative joint disease and chronic pain syndromes. Neck and back pain caused by intervertebral disc compression that results in weakness and inability to walk has been helped dramatically with acupuncture. Cases that are not amenable to surgery due to age, costs or a poor prognosis can sometimes be helped very significantly. A classic scenario would be the paralyzed Dachshund who is unable to use his hind legs. Needle placement in multiple points in the back, neck and feet allow the restoration of normal Qi flow. Weekly treatments for 4-6 weeks have helped many of the dogs who were facing euthanasia to walk again. You would be amazed at how well animal patients respond to acupuncture. Needle placement is non stressful, and often by the second treatment the animal realizes he feels better and seems to enjoy it! It is not uncommon for patients to almost fall asleep during treatment due to release of endorphins, one of the body’s natural pain killers. Treatment plans include massage techniques and acupressure that the animal’s caretakers can perform at home. Cats, rabbits and even reptiles can be treated with acupuncture. Kidney disease can be slowed, chronic indigestion and digestive disturbances can be helped. Many animals cannot handle the effects of certain drugs like cortisone or pain killers, and acupuncture offers a non-drug based way to help them feel better. 26 Desert Pet Companion

Geriatric weakness and cognitive dysfunction (Animal Alzheimer’s) can be helped with a combination of acupuncture and nutritional supplementation, allowing our elder friends a much better quality of life. In summary, Acupuncture offers an alternative approach to both acute and chronic diseases in dogs, cats, pocket pets and horses. As an adjunct therapy it can help bridge the recovery from acute traumatic conditions like car accidents and trauma, to the enhancement of quality of life in aging animals or those with terminal conditions like cancer. -Dr. Kevin M. Fenton, D.V.M , VCA All Creatures Animal Hospital, is located at 78-359 Highway 111, La Quinta, CA, (760) 564-1154

Acupuncture Basics

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cupuncture is the placement of very fine needles into particular anatomical points on the body to achieve a therapeutic and healing effect. Developed 4,000 years ago in China, it is one of the earliest and most fundamental healing modalities utilized by mankind. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes Acupuncture, massage and specific herbs (plants) all used together in a cohesive system to improve and maintain health. The fundamental tenet of this medical philosophy is to treat the entire patient on a “wholistic” level, both physically and emotionally. Based on a simple yet profound philosophy of health and healing, it seeks to balance the core energy or life force of the patient. The Chinese call this energy Qi (Chee). The smooth and unhampered circulation of this energy is the basis of good health.

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The body is divided into 12 paired and 2 unpaired meridians through which Qi flows. Acupuncture points are strategically situated along these meridians and, depending on which meridian and where, particular effects and responses are elicited from needle placement. For example, the Stomach meridian runs up the lateral aspect of the back leg and there is a point on the outside of the knee (Stomach 36) that influences the movement and motility of the stomach, soothing it when it’s upset and improving digestion. This point is frequently chosen for ulcer conditions, vomiting and the classical “belly ache”. The placement of the needles has both a neurological effect by activating nerve impulses and a humoral (hormonal) effect causing the release of substances into the blood stream that can calm down an overactive painful stomach or turn on an under-acting bloated stomach. This is another facet of TCM, the concept of Yin and Yang, light and dark, hot and cold,

Spring 2011

control and relaxation. All true health is a balance of opposing forces; sometimes a muscle must be tight and contracted, other times relaxed. At times certain hormonal levels must be higher, other times lower, to keep the body moving at an even keel. Blockages and disturbances in the flow of Qi throughout the body are the root of “disease” and acupuncture allows us to restore unimpeded movement and true balance which is the essence of health. I believe that Acupuncture offers great promise in the treatment of chronic diseases, particularly those that are minimally responsive to our current treatment capabilities. I thank God for the technological medical advances that we have made in the treatment of severe trauma and life saving surgical interventions. But, sadly, the chronic diseases of aging and related degenerative processes like arthritis, kidney disease and cancers are not as treatable as we would like.

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-Dr. Kevin M. Fenton

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Paws & Hearts – Animal Assisted Therapy

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esert Pet Companion met with Richard Waxman, founder and executive director of Paws & Hearts, a local, non-profit Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) organization. Richard introduced his Canine Ambassadors, Lucky and Scruffy, who accompany him on his volunteer visits. As we settled down to chat, Richard asked if it was okay for Lucky to sit on my lap. Once the approval was given, Lucky hopped up and settled into a comfortable resting position. Throughout the interview, Lucky instilled a sense of warmth, companionship, calmness and well-being. It was impossible not to stroke his fur and derive great pleasure from Lucky’s presence. No wonder AAT is embraced as a helpful therapy. Eisenhower Medical Center, the Lucy Curci Cancer Center and Desert Regional Medical Center are some of the facilities in the Coachella Valley that welcome AAT teams to visit patients and clients. As studies have found, animal therapy help soothe anxiety, lower blood pressure, lift depression and provide comfort. Richard Waxman describes AAT as “the ultimate, most heart-felt form of therapeutic care that a patient in a hospital or long term care facility can receive. When a patient is in pain or lost in their own world, what better way to feel connected, and renew one’s spirit than experiencing the attention and unconditional love of a visiting 4-footed furry therapist!” The Paws & Hearts Canine Ambassador teams visit area hospitals, long-term care facilities, cancer centers and Alzheimer’s facilities. A Canine Ambassador team consists of a human volunteer (or chauffeur, as Paws & Hearts refers to the handler), and a canine. The Canine Ambassadors visit assigned facilities weekly and spend one-onone time with residents in the facilities. Small dogs are usually invited to sit on resident’s beds for petting, hugging and personal attention, while larger dogs generally place their 28 Desert Pet Companion

Paws & Hearts” Canine Ambassadors, Lucky and Scruffy

heads on beds or in laps, offering canine comfort. Long-term residents look forward to visits, and short-term residents remember the visit long after their stay has ended. Richard recounts visiting with a cancer patient at Eisenhower recently, “I was moved by a patient’s interaction with Lucky. It was apparent this woman was in pain, but she was so enjoying having Lucky up on the bed with her that she began to cry. Trying to hide her tears she exclaimed, ‘Your dog took the pain away for a few minutes.’ “ Paws & Hearts currently has 45 teams but is always looking for volunteers – twoand four-legged. Dogs go through temperament testing to make sure they would be a good Canine Ambassador. Dogs must take to strangers immediately and like being petted, hugged and loved. Dogs must also be well mannered and trained, not startle easily and have to be spayed/neutered and current on all vaccines. The human handlers commit to visiting a facility weekly, and to being good listeners. Once the Canine team has been evaluated and trained, they are assigned to a facility that matches their personality and interest. A Children’s Literacy program, Paws to Read, has been in place for five years at the Thousand Palms Library. This project pairs a child with a Canine Ambassador team. The child reads aloud to the dog while the

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handler gently assists the child with hard to pronounce words. Reading aloud to the canine reduces the anxiety of reading aloud in a classroom setting, and helps build a child’s self-esteem. Paws & Hearts, going on its eleventh year here in the Valley has two major fundraisers since the organization is funded strictly through donations and receives no government funding. “The Annual Dog Walk” is held

the first Saturday of every December at the Westin Mission Hills Resort, and “Take Your Dog to the Movies” in April is held at the Cinemas Palme D’or. For more information about how you and your canine can become involved as a Ambassadors or donors, visit the website at, www.pawsandhearts.org or contact Richard, “Lucky” or “Scruffy” Waxman at 760-836-1406.

“My World” by Elvira Halstead, therapy dog

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hen I walk in the room, all eyes are on me. I am the center of attention, and I like it that way! I’m told I’m “beautiful”, that I’m “very well mannered”, and “how smart I must be because they can see it in my eyes”. My name is Elvira and I have the best job in the world. I am one of almost 80 dogs and their volunteer owners who serve the Coachella Valley as an Animal Assisted Therapy dog with Animal Samaritans, SPCA. Several times a week my owner, Sherri Halstead, takes me to visit at a local hospital, either Stroke Recovery Center or one of the many special needs classrooms in the Coachella Valley. Other dogs and handlers also visit nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living facilities. I would like to share a few of my classroom visits with you. There are so many special friends at the different schools I visit, but one of my favorites is in high school. I’ll call her “Mary”. She has Multiple Sclerosis and can only move her right arm. She can’t talk, but she makes excited noises when I walk into the room and she gives me the biggest smiles you have ever seen. I like to lie on the exercise mat with her, while she pets me and holds my leash real tight. I often lay my head in her lap and we both take a little nap. Then there is my eight-year-old friend I’ll call “Bob”. He is severely Autistic and has extremely limited vision. He didn’t like me at first. You see, Bob did not like to touch people Spring 2011

or to be touched, so my big hair sure felt funny to him. One day, he was sitting on the floor and I sat next to him. He accidentally touched my leg, and then touched it again on purpose with both hands. Next he leaned over to me and began to smell me all over! The teacher, the aids and his nurse got all excited and I heard them say he had never interacted with anything like this before! Now we tell him the woof-woof is here, he puts his hand out and I walk under it for him to pet me. He is also saying my name. And my name isn’t easy to say!” Special needs classrooms include children, and sometimes adults, with various levels and types of disabilities. All of the school districts in the Valley have special needs programs, from pre-school through high school age and special 18-22 year-old groups. Depending on the level of disability, we provide different

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services. We work with mildly disabled (learning disabilities), moderately disabled (issues like Autism, ADD, physical disabilities, Down Syndrome, etc.) and profoundly disabled (very little cognitive and/or physical ability, feeding tubes, all in wheel chairs, no verbal communication, etc.). Our special needs program is in 18 schools serving 60+ individual classrooms. We also visit Canyon Springs and work with the ARC Foundation. There are 22 dogs that visit with special needs. We are the bigger dogs who have very sound temperaments, have a high tolerance for stress and tons of patience! We get pushed around sometimes, hear lots of yelling and loud noises, and have to be used to 5-6 kids petting us all at once. Sometimes it really wears us out. I also was in the emergency room of one of the hospitals when a nurse asked us to visit a patient who was very anxious. When we walked in the room he was hooked up to a lot of machines and my owner told me it was to measure his blood pressure and heart rate. His pulse was racing at 126 beats per minute. After I sat with him and he stroked my head for 10 minutes, his pulse rate dropped to 70! The nurse said I was just the medicine he needed.” I hope my stories have helped you walk in our world. A special connection takes place between therapy dogs and their patients. As quoted in the book, “Working as a Therapy Dog” by Lorna Stanart: “they feel my soft fur, yes, but more important than that, they feel my breathing, my peace. The essence of my being meets theirs and for a time, we just are….this is the time when depression and loneliness lift off the patient. The blanket of peace that I bring to them, wraps also around them, as we are together. I give my warm affection to a patient for a few minutes, but the love that comes with it lasts much longer.” If you have a dog that you think would be a good candidate for Animal Assisted Therapy work, contact Leslie Cyphers at Animal Samaritans, 760-396-7313. All therapy dogs must have a Canine Good Citizen title and pass Animal Samaritans temperament test before placement in the program. 30 Desert Pet Companion

Local Businesses This local business directory is compiled from our advertisers. To be included in this list if you are not an advertiser, please contact sales@ DesertPetCompanion.com. List participation is fee-based.

Aquariums & Ponds Aquarium Odyssey 73950 Hwy. 111, Palm Desert, 760-837-1868 www.aquariumodyssey.com CoachellaValley’s premier fish store. Offering the largest selection of Fresh and Salt water fish in the greater Palm Springs area. Please see coupon on page 16. Vicious Fishes 760-347-8717 www.viciousfishes.biz, Aquarium and pond design, installation and maintenance, since 1991. Please see ad on page 9. Grooming and Pet Dental The Grooming Shop 41-750 Las Palmas Dr. Bldg J-2, Rancho Mirage 760-341-0990, Family-owned and operated since 1998,The Grooming Shop expertly grooms your cat or dog. Please see ad on page 21 & coupon on page 17. Four Paws and Tail 73-873 Higway 111, Palm Desert 760-568-0557 Professional grooming, affordable rates, plenty of “LUV”. Please see ad on page 4 & coupon on page 16. Furbulous Dog™ Foaming Dog Shampoo www.furbulousdogshampoo.com USDA Organic dog shampoo, sold locally. Please see ad on page 22. Gentle Dental Coachella Valley, www.gentledentalforpets.com 800-264-3094, Providing mobile anesthesia-free teeth cleaning for pets in the comfort of their home since 1998. Please see ad on page 11. Grooming with Love 34-116 Date Palm Dr. #7, Cathedral City, 760-328-4523, All breed dog and cat grooming. Please see ad on page 8. The Pet Spaw 73-905 Frontage Rd. Hwy 111, Palm Desert 760-346-3461, Best in theValley for over 32 years.Take advantage of our AllYear Round special prices on our “Comfort Baths.” Please see ad on page 23. Super Mutts of El Paseo 73-722 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 760-776-9201 www.supermuttsofelpaseo.com Please see coupon on page 17. Pet Fashions The Critter Tote 760-325-5660 www.CritterStuff.biz, Locally created and independently owned, fashions for your pets. Outfits, totes and more! Please see ad on page 10. Pet Psychic & Communicator Cheri Vergini 818-577-5247 www.cheriev.com, Local pet psychic offers pet sessions by phone or in person. Please see ad on page 11.

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2011

Pet Resorts & Boarding The Grand Paw 51750 Jackson St., Vista Santa Rosa, 760-398-9900 www. TheGrandPaw.com, VotedValley’s Best Pet Resort for 5 years,The Grand Paw is an upscale, fun-filled resort offering doggie daycamp, luxury boarding, expert training and professional grooming. Please see ad on page 5 & coupon on page 16. Pet Sitters, Taxi & Pet Food Delivery, Pet Waste Removal Service Got Dooky? 866-229-9289, www.gotdooky.com, Got Dooky is the Desert’s premier service for residential and commercial - pet waste removal. Serving the entire desert since 2007. Please see ad on page 14

Dream Dogs, Lori Wainio-Carman 760-899-7272, www.dreamdogs.com, Dream Dogs uses positive training techniques to build proper relationships between dog and owner to achieve maximum results. Group, in-residence,and private training available. Please see ad on page 19 & coupons page 17. The Pet Mentor, Sara McNutt 760-851-5975, www.ThePetMentor.com, Positive reinforcement training for dogs, cats, and all pets! Private in-home lessons, group classes. Manners, obedience, tricks, Canine Good Citizen, problem solving. Please see ad on pages 7 & 14.

Lucky Puppy 760-409-2221 www.LuckyPuppyDelivery.com Lucky Puppy is a home delivery service providing only the best food choices for your pet. Please see ad on page 12 & coupon on page 17.

Veterinarians Country Club Animal Clinic 36869 Cook St., Palm Desert, 760-776-7555 www.countryclubdvm.com, Country Club Animal Clinic provides exceptional care and service to pets and their people. “Your pet’s health is our business!” Please see ad on pages 3 & 25 & coupon on page 17.

Precious-N-Purrfect Pampered Pets Kim Sherman & Melinda Law, 760-202-8939 www.preciousnpurrfect.com, Serving the desert since 2001, Precious-N-Purrfect Pampered Pets has acquired the experience to care for your young new addition to your most senior pets. Please see ad on page 8.

Carter Animal Hospital 68-766 Perez Road, Cathedral City, 760-324-8811 Carter Animal Hospital is an independently owned, full service hospital that treats dogs, cats, horses and livestock.They offer house/ranch calls and after-hours emergency care. Please see ad on page 23.

Photography Karen Buxbaum Photography 760-770-6865, www.KarenBuxbaumPhotography.com Animals fill my heart. They live life in the moment, sharing joy and humor. They make our lives more meaningful. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture the essence of your loved one in a photograph to treasure for your lifetime. Please see ad back cover.

VCA - All Creatures Animal Hospital 78359 Hwy. 111, La Quinta, 760-564-1154 www.vcahospitals.com/all-creatures Providing comprehensive veterinary care for all species of critter. Please see coupon on page 17.

Gregg Felsen Photography 1775 E. Palm Canyon #110-150, Palm Springs 612-396-7878, http://gallery.me.com/neslef On-site or on-location pet photography. Retail & Pet Stores Ambrosia Pet Deli 73131 Country Club Dr. C3, Palm Desert 760-568-1177, www.ambrosiapetdeliofca.com Our mission is to keep pets healthy and to live long by providing the healthiest and safest dog and cat food I can find. Please see ad on page 5 & coupon on page 16. Bones-n-Scones 577 E. Sunny Dunes Rd. Ste. 8, Palm Springs 760-864-1133 www.bonesnscones.com Yes, we’ll answer any questions about your pet’s diet! Raw, dehydrated, grain-free & fresh foods, also an on-site bakery offering treats & specialty cakes. Ask about FREE delivery! Please see ad on page 21 & coupon on page 16. Cold Nose Warm Heart 189 S. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs 760-327-7747 www.coldnosewarmheart.com, Cold Nose Warm Heart is an upscale pet boutique in the heart of Palm Springs Village. Please see ad on page 13. Training Best Paw Forward, Valerie Masi 760-855-9450, www.BestPawForwardDogTraining.com Offering individual consultation, custom training and behavior modification to fit the dog and owner. Group training classes also available. Please see ad on page 4.

Spring 2011

VCA - Desert Animal Hospital 4299 E. Ramon Rd., Palm Springs, 760-778-9999 www.vcahospitals.com/desert, Expert staff offering quality care and treatment for your pets. Upscale boarding facility too. Please see coupon on page 16. VCA - Rancho Mirage 71-075 Hwy. 111, Rancho Mirage, 760-346-6103 www.vcahospitals.com/rancho-mirage Providing you—and your pet—with the highest quality of care and attention. Please see coupon on page 16. VCA - Valley Animal Medical Center 46920 Jefferson St., Indio, 760-342-4711 www.vcahospitals.com/valley-emergency 24/7 General and Emergency practice. Please see coupon on page 17. Village Park Animal Hospital 77895 Ave. Montezuma, La Quinta 760-564-3833 www.VillageParkAnimalHospital.com Village Park Animal Hospital is a full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care for the life of your pet. Please see ad page 20 and coupon on page 16.

Visit our website for additional business listings. www.DesertPetCompanion.com

www.DesertPetCompanion.com

Desert Pet Companion 31

karmindy@mac.com www.karenbuxbaumphotography.com

760.770.6865

Karen Buxbaum

Portraits of you and your pet

Karen Buxbaum Photography

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