∙SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income households with cats and dogs.

Two upcoming clinics in March are:

Wednesday, March 4th at at Albert H. Soliz Library – El Rio, 2820 Jourdan St., Oxnard, 93036 and a second one in the SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main), on Wednesday, March 18th.  Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

∙From Woman’s Day

If you’ve ever seen a Chow Chow, then you’ve probably noticed its unique blue-black tongue. Chow Chows, as well as Chinese Shar-Peis, actually require a blue-black tongue in its breed standard. And, believe it or not, these breeds aren’t the only ones who may display a tongue color other than pink. There are more than 30 dogs with black-spotted tongues, but contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t indicate Chow Chow or Shar-Pei bloodlines in their breeding.

Just like with Chow Chows, Chinese Shar-Peis, and a few other breeds, solid blue-black tongues are caused by the same thing as spotted tongues: heavy pigmentation, according to the American Kennel Club. Pigmented spots on your dog’s tongue are usually nothing to worry about. These darker spots are likely the result of microscopic melanin granules, which present themselves as flat, pigmented areas found on your dog’s tongue, just like a human may have freckles or birthmarks. Many breeds have been known to display spotted tongues, but there are six dog breeds known for their black tongues, making them extra unique.

Cesar’s Five Natural Dog Laws is this: “Energy Is Everything.” It’s how dogs — and all animals — communicate with each other and how they read our intentions and respond to us.

If you have dogs, you probably already know intuitively what their general energy level is; whether your dog is a hyper pup that needs to play all the time, or more of a couch potato that’s happy with a slow walk and then a nap. But how can you tell whether a new dog’s energy would be right?

When people ask Cesar what breed of dog they should adopt, he always steers them away from picking a specific breed, telling them instead to look for a dog with the right energy level — the same as or lower than the lowest energy level among your existing pack, whether it’s only humans or you already have dogs.

So how do you know what a dog’s energy level is? If you were a dog, you could tell immediately. But, since you’re probably human if you’re reading this, it takes a little more effort and a lot of observation. Here are five things to do to figure out a dog’s natural energy level.

Dogs see themselves as animal, species, breed, and then name, so a dog’s breed is not the most important thing about them. However, their breed or mix can give you an idea whether they might lean toward higher energy.

Every dog is different depending on where they are, who they’re with, and whether they’ve just come back from a long walk or have been cooped up all day. If the dog is at a shelter, you may only be able to visit and not take her out for a “test drive,” but try to come at least once when the shelter is very hectic and again when it’s very quiet to get an idea.

The walk is the perfect way to judge a potential dog’s energy. Again, at the shelter you may only be able to do this in a limited way, or only watch a volunteer walk the dog, but you can learn plenty. Is the dog a puller, trying to drag the human along? Or does the dog seem reluctant to go on the walk, turning back almost immediately? How long does it take to wear the dog out? This is one of the two most direct ways to judge a dog’s energy.

Find out what kind of games the dog likes to play. Some are into fetch, some are into playing with rope or squeaky toys, and others are only into playing with other dogs

Is your potential dog the one that tries to engage in play with every other dog, racing from group to group, or does she prefer to watch from the sidelines, engaging only a few dogs for a polite greeting and sniff, and not much more? When the dog does play with others, does it always turn into a game of chase, or is it more focused on play bows and wrestling that ends quickly?

Dogs that have a lot more energy than their humans often don’t get enough exercise. This is why it’s very important to know your own energy levels, then know how to figure out a dog’s energy level in order to find exactly the right one for your pack.

∙Are you committing a furry faux-pas when it comes to walking your dog? Probably, says the leader of one animal rights organization. Are you walking your dog the wrong way? PETA says you might be. Here’s how to walk your dog safely.

PETA president Ingrid Newkirk explains how.

Rule number one: Keep your pet safe.

“This is a human-dominated world. We have to look after our pets,” Ingrid said when asked if dogs should wear leashes. “I would go with a harness.”

She went on to explain that “collars can cause a lot of problems,” and reminded dog owners to “never” use a choke or prong collar.

Rule number two: Don’t rush the process.

“Let your dog sniff!” Ingrid said. “That’s their way they read the news, that’s their internet. Don’t drag them along.”

It’s important to understand that going for a walk is “more than a bathroom break” for your pet.

“It’s an excursion,” the animal rights activist explained. “That’s a very special occasion for a dog, to be outside and to smell and to look. They don’t want to be stuck in a room all day with their legs crossed, hoping to go outside.”

Don’t Overlook Dry Eye in Dogs

By Beth Mueller

Tears have an important role in keeping the eye healthy. They cover the cornea and wash away debris and infectious agents. They even have germ-fighting properties! When the eye’s tear film—the thin but complex layer of fluid coating the eye—does not contain enough tears, dogs (and people) are subject to a condition known as “dry eye.”

Dr. Bianca Martins, a board-certified ophthalmologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, says dry eye is the most common ailment she sees in dogs.

“Dogs with this condition typically have red eyes from irritation as well as some thick mucoid discharge. They will squint frequently and may blink excessively or keep their eyes closed,” Dr. Martins says. Dry eye can be painful, so the animal may paw at the eye more than normal or shy away from the area being touched. These signs often occur in both eyes.

Dry eye usually shows up in dogs that are between 4 and 6 years old, but can happen at any age. Flat-faced breeds, such as shih tzus, pugs, and Boston terriers, are more likely to develop it.

There is a qualitative form of the condition, related to underproduction of a specific type of high-quality tear, but most dogs have a quantitative form of dry eye, in which the eye simply doesn’t produce enough tears.

“Most veterinary clinics are able to perform a Schirmer tear test to diagnose dry eye. The test is performed by placing a sterile paper strip on the surface of the eye to measure how much tear is present,” Dr. Martins explains.

Scamp toon Buckles

Scamp toon MOTHER GOOSE & GRIMM

∙SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income households with cats and dogs.

Two upcoming clinics are: Wednesday, February 19th at SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main), and a second at Albert H. Soliz Library – El Rio, 2820 Jourdan St., Oxnard, 93036 on Wednesday, March 4th.

Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

∙ An appeal from Buddy Nation

We provided pet food and supplies for more than 350 people and their pets and paid veterinary bills. We find housing for people and their pets. We take calls 7 days a week, and if we couldn’t help, we referred to someone who could. We cried with people whose pets died and arranged for private cremations. We rejoiced when people got jobs or housing. We encouraged people to get into drug or alcohol programs. Sometimes we just listened and commiserated. In other words, we were good neighbors.

One of the bills which we are still paying was a $5,139 emergency bill to save the life of a tiny Maltese Terrier we have been fostering for a woman who escaped domestic violence. Without warning, little Princess started hemorrhaging. By the time we got her to Horizon ER, her eyes had rolled back in her head. They brought her back to life. She crashed again a few hours later and they saved her. She was there for 5 days, and finally she was able to eat and we knew she would survive. We put her on the phone to her Mom (who has also recovered from her trauma). In May, she will be driven across country to reunite with her person.

We are asking the community to help Buddy Nation help others. One donation can make a difference in a person’s and pet’s lives. People ask how they, as individuals, can make a difference … that is how.

Please send checks made out to Buddy Nation to 159 West Prospect Street, Ventura 93001 or to PayPal Credit/Debit Cards: [email protected] . Tax ID 81-3432620

∙ By Eric Lagatta The Columbus Dispatch

No dogs will be harmed in The Dog Aging Project as 40 scientists from across the country study 75,000 canines. Researchers are looking for ways to help people and dogs live longer, healthier lives.

They’re also looking for more dogs — all ages, breeds and mixed breeds — to participate in the study. In fact, they’re trying to find the oldest dog in America, said veterinarian Audrey Ruple.

The dogs will be studied for 10 years as they live out their lives at home, said Dr. Ruple, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at Purdue University and one of the 40 researchers working on The Dog Aging Project (dogagingproject.org). It costs nothing to participate.

This is “a citizen science project” that will collect data “to advance our understanding of how genes, lifestyle and environment influence aging.” It includes looking at how chemical exposures and noise pollution impact health and longevity. On the website, click on “nominate your dog” if you wish to participate.

Researchers want to know if the dog is neutered or spayed, frequency of veterinarian visits, and where it sleeps at night.

Going forward, owners will be asked to periodically complete online surveys. Dogs go to their own veterinarians once a year for exams. Some people will be sent kits for their vets to collect blood, urine and other samples. Veterinary records in some cases will need to be uploaded to the researchers.

“Dogs are good models for humans,” Dr. Ruple said. “They have similar genetics, share our environment, and have similar diseases and health issues. We will be asking ‘How do dogs age healthfully?’ in order to better understand how we can age healthfully, too.”

Most of the funding for The Dog Aging Project comes from the National Institute of Aging, which is part of the National Institutes of Health. Total funding so far is $22.8 million, which includes private donations. Donations are solicited on project’s website.

Co-directors of the study are Daniel Promislow and Matt Kaeberlein of the University of Washington. Chief veterinary officer is Kate E. Creevy of Texas A&M University.

∙ Kerry Kay saw the dog as he was pulling out of the Dollar General in Hilliard.

Wandering among four lanes of traffic on Hilliard-Rome Road, the pooch seemed unaware of the dangerous circumstances.

“No fear on that road,” Kay, 56, recalled of the Dec. 3 incident. “People were swerving and missing him.”

Fortunately, Kay and a few other passers-by were able to help the dog to safety.

And when the dog’s owners came rushing from a nearby home, he found out why the canine seemed confused about the situation: dementia.

Dementia in aging dogs isn’t uncommon, said Meghan Herron, associate professor in veterinary behavior at Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Some people may not realize,” Herron said. “They may think ‘Oh, he’s just old,’ but it’s actually a disease. Dogs are living longer, so we’re seeing it more,” she said.

Known clinically as cognitive dysfunction syndrome, the disease is partly attributable to improved diets and medicine, which allow pets’ bodies to outlive their brains.

28% of dogs ages 11 to 12 and 68% of dogs ages 15 to 16 showed one or more signs of cognitive impairment, according to a 2001 study by the school of veterinary medicine at the University of California, Davis. Cats, too, are prone to the disease.

“If you suspect your pet is exhibiting signs of CDS, it’s important to go to your veterinarian to determine the best course of action to take,” Morrison said.

Ohio State veterinarians will diagnosis CDS if a dog meets at least one of the so-called DISHA criteria:

Disorientation: Pets often lose their ability to navigate their home as they once did.

Interactions: Changes can include a loss of interest in greeting owners or in being petted.

Sleep changes: Among the alterations can be restlessness at night or prolonged sleep during the day.

House soiling: This becomes more prevalent as pets become incontinent or forget to signal their need to go outside.

Activity changes: They can be accompanied by decreased appetite, increased anxiety and a lessened response to stimuli.

CDS has no known cure, but treatment options are available to maintain a semblance of quality of life and slow the disease’s progression. Included, Herron said, are dietary changes, supplements, medication and environmental enrichment in the form of exercise, new toys and mental stimulation.

∙SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income households with cats and dogs.

Two upcoming clinics in February are:

Shiells Park, in the parking lot, located at 649 C St., Fillmore, 93015, on Wednesday, February 12th and a second one on Wednesday, February 19th, at SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main).

Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

∙ Poison Pills for Pets

Anyone who takes medication prescribed for someone else puts themselves at risk of illness or even death – and this applies to your pets, too! Although there are many medications used in both animals and people, the effects, doses needed, and other things aren’t always the same.

About one-quarter of all phone calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) are about human medications. Your pet can easily ingest dropped pills or may be given harmful human medications by an unknowing owner, resulting in illness, or even death, of your pet.

The APCC provided us with the 10 most common human medication complaints they receive. Here they are, in order based on the number of complaints:

Ibuprofen – Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) is the most common human medication ingested by pets.

Tramadol – Tramadol (Ultram®) is a pain reliever. Your veterinarian may prescribe it for your pet, but only at a dose that’s appropriate for your pet.

Alprazolam – Alprazolam (Xanax®) is prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication and a sleep-aid. Most pets that ingest alprazolam can become sleepy and wobbly.

Adderall® – Adderall® is a combination of four different amphetamines and is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.

Zolpidem – Zolpidem (Ambien®) is a sleep-aid for people. Pets commonly eat pills left on the bedside table.

Clonazepam – Clonazepam (Klonopin®) is used as an anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety medication. It is sometimes also prescribed as a sleep-aid. When animals ingest Clonazepam they can become sleep and wobbly.

Acetaminophen – Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is a very common pain killer found in most households. Cats are extremely sensitive to acetaminophen, but dogs can be affected too.

Naproxen – Naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®) is an over-the-counter pain reliever. Dogs and cats are very sensitive to naproxen and even small amounts can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure.

Duloxetine – Duloxetine (Cymbalta®) is prescribed as an antidepressant and anti-anxiety agent. When ingested by pets it can cause agitation, vocalization, tremors and seizures.

Venlafaxine – Venlafaxine (Effexor®) is an antidepressant. For some unknown reason, cats love to eat the capsules. Ingestion can cause agitation, vocalization, tremors and seizures.

As you can tell from this list, a medication that does one thing for people does not necessarily do the same for our pets. And although this may be the list of the medications about which the APCC receives the largest numbers of complaints, remember that any human medication could pose a risk to your pets – not just these 10.

You can keep your pets safe by following simple common-sense guidelines:

Always keep human medications away from pets unless you are specifically instructed by a veterinarian to give the medication

Do not leave pills sitting on counter or any place a pet can get to them

Do not leave pill bottles within reach of pets (You’ll be surprised how fast your dog can chew through a pill bottle.)

If you’re taking medications out of the bottle and you drop any of it, pick it up immediately so you know your pet won’t be able to eat it

Always contact your veterinarian if your pet has ingested any medication not prescribed for them

Never give your medication (or any medications prescribed for a two-legged family member) to your pet without first consulting a veterinarian

© 2020 American Veterinary Medical Association

Angel, a precious little terrier. died unexpectedly at the young age of 1 1/2. Angel was a wonderful pup who liked to run and play and then snuggle with his mom and snooze with his head on her chest. He will be sorely missed by his Mom and Dad, Heather Padgett and Bill, siblings Charlie and Jazmine and loving friends Louis, Gill and Cappi.

∙SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income households with cats and dogs.

Two upcoming clinics in January are:

Shiells Park, in the parking lot, located at 649 C St., Fillmore, 93015, on Wednesday, January 22nd and a second one on Wednesday, January 29th, at SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main).

Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

∙The American Kennel Club announced two new dog breeds: the barbet and dogo Argentino

by Leah Asmelash, CNN

This decade is off to a paws-itive start, with the recognition of two new dog breeds by the American Kennel Club.

The AKC, the world’s largest purebred dog registry, announced Tuesday that the Barbet and Dogo Argentino are joining the list of its recognized breeds.

The Barbet (pronounced “bar-BAY”) is a water dog from France and joins the “sporting” group, according to the AKC. It’s a smart and friendly dog with, most importantly, a soft, curly coat perfect for maximum petting and snuggling.

“The Barbet is loyal and loves to be near its owners,” wrote the AKC online.

The Dogo Argentino is a slightly different vibe. A hunting dog developed in Argentina, hence its name, the dog was originally developed to hunt large animals such as boars and mountain lions, according to the AKC. It’s classified in the “working” group.

“Dogos are confident, courageous, loyal and affectionate with their family,” the AKC says of the breed.

But, the organization warns, they aren’t for the new dog owner because of their “strong guarding instincts” and territorial tendencies. Described as “powerful and athletic,” the breed is perfect for the exercise-holics among us, as they require lots of daily exercise and interaction with people.

They also require a bit of maintenance — their short, white coat needs a weekly brushing, the AKC says.

For a breed to be recognized by the AKC, there must be a minimum of 300 to 400 dogs from the breed in at least 20 states, the group writes. There must also be an established breed club, consisting of owners and breeders, behind the dog. The dog breed can then be eligible to compete in the Miscellaneous Class, where dogs typically spend upwards of three years. From there, the breed can get recognized officially, which means it’s eligible to participate in AKC events and affiliated clubs.

With the addition of the Barbet and Dogo Argentino, the AKC has 195 recognized breeds.

∙Many of the 45 presidents of the United States have been animal lovers, with pet choices far beyond the ordinary run of cats and dogs. Some were given exotic pets by foreign dignitaries, with President John Quincy Adams keeping an alligator in a bathtub.

President Martin van Buren fought Congress to keep two tiger cubs.

Other presidents have bought farmyard animals to live on the grounds of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: Woodrow Wilson had a flock of sheep, and JFK’s daughter had a pony.

Many of the residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue have been animal lovers, with the hallowed presidential tradition of keeping a pet in the White House stretching back to its very first occupant, John Adams.

The most popular pet by some way is a dog, owned by 30 of the 45 presidents.

Some have even gone on to be famous in their own right — Barack Obama’s dog Bo was a frequent star of White House photo ops.

But some presidents have brought somewhat more exotic pets with them to the White House, with Theodore Roosevelt and Calvin Coolidge owning a large menagerie during their times.

∙Among the thousands of firefighters battling the catastrophic Australia bushfires, there have been four-legged furry heroes employed with a job of their own.

Dogs are being employed to rescue koalas during the fires, and with the flames expected to continue on for months, they’re only just getting started. It is estimated that a billion animals have been destroyed.

Ryan Tate and his pup Taylor searched for koalas injured in the bush fires. 4-year-old Taylor, has rescued eight koalas since September, according to Tate.

Like most detector dogs, Taylor uses her snout to sniff out koala fur. In perfect conditions, she is able to locate the koalas wherever they may be because their smell drops down from trees.

On days with difficult conditions, such as high winds, Taylor searches for koala poop to identify where they have been, and human experts can then come in and scan the appropriate trees.

Koalas are vital to Australian wildlife, but are right now on their way to becoming extinct.

Our very own (even though officially in Santa Paula)The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation said in a statement that search dogs can sniff out scents most humans can’t detect, making their noses “a critical, life-saving tool to help the koala population survive.” The Foundation trains search dogs for every possible condition and disaster.

∙About 23% of Americans polled by the Consumer Technology Association said they planned to purchase pet-related technology as a holiday gift, according to an October report, and the number of pet tech products shipped during the fourth quarter of last year was expected to be 60% higher than in the fourth quarter of 2018. Products include automatic food or water dispensers, automatic pet doors, and pet monitoring systems.

∙SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income households with cats and dogs.

Two upcoming clinics in January are:

Wednesday, January 15th at the Albert H. Soliz Library – El Rio, 2820 Jourdan St., Oxnard, 93036; and a second one is on Wednesday, January 22nd at Shiells Park, in the parking lot, located at 649 C St., Fillmore, 93015.

Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

∙A University of Illinois study finds that dog foods formulated with human-grade ingredients are highly digestible. Pet owners are increasingly treating their “fur-babies” like members of the family. In response, some pet food companies are developing diets that more closely resemble human food, incorporating human-grade meat and vegetable ingredients that pass USDA quality inspections. Until now, little research had been done on these foods. A new study from the University of Illinois shows these diets are not only highly palatable, they are more digestible than originally estimated.

The researchers tested six commercial dog foods from JustFoodForDogs, a company that claims to exclusively use USDA-certified ingredients in its diets. Their products, similar to a handful of other niche companies and subsidiaries, are formulated using minimally processed human-edible ingredients, such as rice, carrots, broccoli, chicken, lamb, and others, in a kind of casserole. Each diet is also supplemented with human-quality vitamins and minerals to ensure they qualify as complete and balanced for pets.

The researchers determined the chemical composition of the six diets, as well as their nutrient and amino acid digestibility and energy content. In order to avoid the confounding effects of gut microbial activity, they fed each diet to surgically altered roosters lacking ceca, or microbial pouches. Ultimately, all the diets were highly digestible.

.Traveling With Pets: Know the Rules

By Beth Mueller

“Most people consider pets as family members and often bring their pets with them when traveling,” says Dr. Adriana Roman-Muniz, a veterinary medical officer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services. Recently Dr. Roman-Muniz spoke with students at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine about regulations governing pet travel.

“Pets travel with their owners by car, train, air, or sea,” notes Dr. Roman-Muniz. “These travel methods have requirements established to protect people, animals, and ecosystems from the spread of diseases, pests, and invasive or injurious animals.”

The advice offered here is also provided in more detail on a USDA pet travel website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel. The regulations vary depending on whether the pet will travel within a state, between states, or internationally. For the purposes of interstate and international travel, horses are regulated differently from pets such as cats and dogs.

When traveling between states with a pet, owners should contact the state veterinarian’s office in the state of destination to learn what documentation is needed, according to Dr. Roman-Muniz.

In most cases of interstate travel, the animal must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection issued by a veterinarian. This documentation requires the animal to have a full physical examination by their primary care veterinarian shortly before the trip. The animal should have no health concerns.

Certain species are not allowed in some states. For example, ferrets and hedgehogs are not allowed in California. Owners need to research state regulations before traveling to avoid legal ramifications.

Most species traditionally kept as pets in the U.S. can travel internationally when accompanied by an international health certificate. Restrictions are determined by the country of destination.

In many cases, a country-specific health certificate is required. If a country does not have its own certificate, the APHIS pet travel website provides a standard form that may be used.

To make travel documentation easier, the Veterinary Export Health Certification System allows veterinarians accredited by the USDA to issue international health certificates electronically. In some cases, the certificate can also be endorsed electronically by APHIS Veterinary Services. Using this system can potentially save the traveler time and money.

Veterinarians play a vital role in pet travel. They assist with interstate and international movement by advising owners of requirements, completing the proper certificates, and performing required examinations, tests vaccinations, and treatments.

“Veterinarians are a resource for client education and have a responsibility for making sure animals are healthy and fit to travel and meet all travel requirements,” Dr. Roman-Muniz says. APHIS Veterinary Services is here to help owners, and the organization’s pet travel website is another great resource.

If you have any questions about traveling with your pet, contact your local veterinarian.

. Ohio State’s web page on CDS cites a 2010 study suggesting that 28 percent of felines ages 11 to 14 and 50 percent of felines ages 15 and older exhibit at least one sign of cognitive dysfunction.

The disease also manifests itself in dogs in similar ways as Alzheimer’s does in humans, Herron said. Dogs and cats with CDS show signs of confusion, memory impairment and incontinence. Dogs might forget tricks, such as how to shake; stop greeting their owners; or walk to a closet door, instead of the back door, when they want to go outside.

Diagnosis of CDS often requires veterinarians to first rule out other possible diseases, said JoAnn Morrison, senior manager of veterinary relations at Banfield Pet Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Such a process, she said, includes extensive testing — blood work and brain imaging, for instance.

With their small size, stubby faces and wide-set eyes, bulldogs, French bulldogs and Boston terriers are among the most popular of domestic dog breeds. Now researchers at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine have found the genetic basis for these dogs’ appearance, and linked it to a rare inherited syndrome in humans.

Bulldogs, French bulldogs and Boston terriers aren’t the only dogs with short, wide heads, but they do share another feature not found in other breeds: a short, kinked tail or “screwtail.”

The researchers sequenced the whole genome — the entire DNA sequence — of 100 dogs, including 10 from screwtail breeds. Graduate students Tamer Mansour and Katherine Lucot, with C. Titus Brown, associate professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Genome Center, searched through the DNA sequences to find changes associated with screwtail breeds.

From more than 12 million individual differences they were able to identify one mutation, in a gene called DISHEVELLED 2 or DVL2. This variant was found in 100 percent of the bulldogs and French bulldogs sampled, and was very common in Boston terriers.

This kind of whole genome comparison is relatively new, Bannasch said.

“Normally, we would have first had to identify a region DNA and work from there,” she said. “We could look at breed-specific traits, but not as well as we can now.”

∙SPAN is joining up with Simi Valley nonprofit spay and neuter clinic to offer $10 spays and neuters for cats and kittens. Ventura County residents can get their cats and kittens spayed or neutered for $10 for the month of January 2020 only. Cats must be eight weeks or older. No rescue groups or purchased cats please. They also offer free spays and neuters for neighborhood and feral cats.
Must call for availability and to schedule appointment (805)584-3823.

∙Recently a good Samaritan brought in a total of 18 dogs to the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) after finding them near an abandoned building near a local restaurant in Santa Paula. The dogs are of varying ages and condition. Some appear to have suffered some neglect and with long curling nails and are in dire need of grooming.

“This number of intakes is huge for us, in terms of space and in terms of resources in one day. We received more dogs than we had in the entire shelter. We are still in the process of evaluating the dogs’ health and ages.” said Tammy Adkins, Administrator, “When we receive animals like this we need to clear them medically, spay or neuter, groom and vaccinate them before we send them home. Unless an owner comes forward, most of the animals will be available for adoption starting on Friday, December 13, 2019.”

Caring for this number of animals can be unexpected expensive proposition for the non-profit that has the sheltering contract with the City of Santa Paula. Donations for the animals’ care, or adoption inquires can be made on their website www.santapaulaarc.org

The Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) is a no kill 501(c)(3) charitable organization providing animal services to the City of Santa Paula. As the municipal shelter it is our mission to build a humane community by cultivating kindness and compassion for people and their pets through progressive programs and services like low-cost spay/neuter and veterinary care, proactive adoptions and lost pet
redemption, emergency boarding and medical care, a pet food bank and wellness supplies, and a robust foster care and volunteer network.

∙Following the Nov.14 recall by Go Raw, LLC for its two-pound bags of frozen Quest Beef Cat Food because it may be contaminated with Salmonella, The J.M. Smucker Company (SJM) has issued a recall for Special Kitty wet, canned cat food due to health concerns from the quality and safety of its ingredients.

The recall affects specific lots of Special Kitty Mixed Grill Dinner Pate that is sold individually as well as in variety packs. The recalled cat food was sold in 5.5-ounce metal cans nationwide and online.

Consumers that have purchased the recalled cat food should stop feeding it to their cats and dispose of the product. Questions about the recall can be directed to the company at 1-888-569-6767, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

∙A Knoxville man is helping the nation’s war dogs when they get injured on the front line.
“My grandfather was an army officer. My uncle was an Amy officer,” said Dr. Shane Chumbler.

He followed their lead to join the army but chose a different path. “This is me still serving, but it’s just me getting additional training as a veterinarian,” explained Chumbler.

“When they need me the most I want to be able to provide the best care,” he said.

He was a part of the 463rd medical detachment.

His unit was deployed to Afghanistan where he helped take care of the military working dogs.

“During that time we did see quite a few combat-related injuries,” said Chumbler, “A lot of trauma, which in turn sparked my interest into what I’m doing now.”

“You can talk to a handler about you know how that dog has saved their life personally then you can understand better that bond that exists between that handler and that dog,” explained Chumbler.

His next goal is to train others to help dogs on the front line.

“Just to be able to take care of pets and get to do that every day it’s a great feeling for sure,” said Chumbler.

Dr. Chumbler will complete his residency in July and will continue his work overseas.

Copyright 2019 WVLT. All rights reserved.

∙Preventive Home Care
Dr. Kling says one of her goals is to prevent dental problems in her patients. She offers lots of ideas for keeping the mouths of pets healthy.

“Dogs and cats should have their teeth brushed once a day. All owners really need is an ADA-approved toothbrush and some water,” says Dr. Kling, “but the brushing needs to be consistent for it to be useful.”

She warns that human toothpaste should not be used on pets because of the ingredients used. Dr. Kling also cautions that brushing teeth is an activity that needs to be introduced slowly to a pet. “It’s similar to cutting nails; take it slowly and commit to doing it for the long run so that your pet doesn’t hate having his teeth cleaned,” she said.

Owners can supplement the process with other products designed to get plaque off the surface of the teeth. A great resource for learning about teeth-cleaning products is the Veterinary Oral Health Council website. At vohc.org, all the listed products have been tested and proven helpful. Nevertheless, Dr. Kling says it is still important to maintain a tooth-brushing regimen with your pet at least three times a week to reduce the progression of periodontal disease.

Your veterinarian will work with you on a plan for preventive dental care at home and in the clinic to keep your pet’s mouth healthy and comfortable. For more information and to schedule your pet’s annual dental examination, contact your local veterinarian.

∙SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income households with dogs and cats.

Two upcoming clinics in December are:

Shiells Park, in the parking lot, located at 649 C St., Fillmore, 93015, on Wednesday, December 11th and a second one on Wednesday, December 18th at SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main).

Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

∙Here’s a better way to convert dog years to human years, scientists say

By Virginia Morell

Our Scotch collie, Buckaroo, is just shy of 14 years old. Following the long-debunked but still popular idea that one dog year equals seven human years, he’s almost a centenarian. (This “formula” may be based on average life spans of 10 and 70 years for dogs and people, respectively.) Now, researchers say they have a new formula to convert dog years to human years—one with some actual science behind it.

The work is based on a relatively new concept in aging research: that chemical modifications to a person’s DNA over a lifetime create what is known as an epigenetic clock. Scientists have built a case that one such modification, the addition of methyl groups to specific DNA sequences, tracks human biological age—that is, the toll that disease, poor lifestyle, and genetics take on our bodies. As a result, some groups have converted a person’s DNA methylation status to an age estimate—or even a prediction of life expectancy.

Other species also undergo DNA methylation as they age. Mice, chimpanzees, wolves, and dogs, for example, all seem to have epigenetic clocks. To find out how those clocks differ from the human version, geneticist Trey Ideker of the University of California, San Diego, and colleagues started with dogs. Even though man’s best friends diverged from humans early in mammalian evolution, they’re a good group for comparison because they live in the same environments and many receive similar healthcare and hospital treatments.

All dogs—no matter the breed—follow a similar developmental trajectory, reaching puberty around 10 months and dying before age 20. But to increase their chances of finding genetic factors associated with aging, Ideker’s team focused on a single breed: Labrador retrievers.

They scanned DNA methylation patterns in the genomes of 104 dogs, ranging from 4 weeks to 16 years of age. Their analysis revealed that Labrador retrievers and humans do have similar age-related methylation of certain genomic regions with high mutation rates; those similarities were most apparent when the scientists looked at young dogs and young humans or old dogs and old humans. Most importantly, they found that certain groups of genes involved in development are similarly methylated during aging in both species.

“We already knew that dogs get the same diseases and functional declines of aging that humans do, and this work provides evidence that similar molecular changes are also occurring during aging,” says Matt Kaeberlein, a biogerontologist at the University of Washington in Seattle, who was not involved with this research. “It’s a beautiful demonstration of the conserved features of the epigenetic age clocks shared by dogs and humans.”

Based on the methylation data, dogs’ and humans’ life stages seem to match up. For example, a 7-week-old puppy would be equivalent roughly to a 9-month-old human baby, both of whom are just starting to sprout teeth. The formula also nicely matches up the average life span of Labrador retrievers (12 years) with the worldwide lifetime expectancy of humans (70 years). Overall, the canine epigentic clock ticks much faster initially than the human one—that 2-year-old Lab may still act like a puppy but it is middle-aged, the methylation-based formula suggests—and then slows down.

“They’ve shown that there’s a gradual increase in DNA methylation in both species with age,” says Steve Austad, an evolutionary biologist and aging expert at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He doesn’t find that especially surprising, but he thinks the technique could reveal far more interesting results if applied to issues like the different life spans among different dog breeds.

That’s one goal of Kaeberlein, whose group’s new Dog Aging Project (open to all breeds) will include epigenetic profiles of its canine subjects. He hopes to find out why some dogs develop disease at younger ages or die earlier than normal, whereas others live long, disease-free lives.

So, how does our Buckaroo fare? Happily, the epigenetic clock calculation goes in his favor. He’s now only 73 in human years—and a spry 73 at that.

∙ “Dogs and cats should have their teeth brushed once a day. All owners really need is an ADA-approved toothbrush and some water,” says Dr. Kling, “but the brushing needs to be consistent for it to be useful.”

Dr. Kling says most dogs and cats won’t show signs of discomfort or pain in the mouth, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t something wrong.

“Pets aren’t complainers. They can have an advanced dental disease but continue to eat and play,” says Dr. Kling. Regular dental visits are critical for detecting as well as preventing problems in your pet’s mouth.

There are many signs that it’s time for your pet to come in for a checkup. These can include bad breath and red gums. The sign that can be one of the easiest to pick out for owners would be the notorious doggy breath. Smelly breath can be something that is very noticeable and a tell-tale sign that it’s time for your pet to get her teeth cleaned.

All of these signs can be symptoms of one of the most common problems that Dr. Kling sees at the hospital. “We see periodontal disease frequently overall and especially in small breed dogs like chihuahuas and dogs with crowded teeth like pugs,” she said.

Dr. Kling explained that even though periodontal disease is more common in small breed, there are many serious problems to look out for bigger dogs, as well. “Larger breed dogs are more prone to problems related to wear and crown fractures.”

Dental procedures are performed under a light stage of anesthesia with the airway protected. Although that worries some owners, she notes that the anesthesia for dental care is lighter than what is needed for invasive surgery. Anesthesia is necessary for patient safety so that the airway is protected from water used to ultrasonically scale the teeth.

We do not take anesthetic procedures lightly but anesthesia is necessary so that the procedures can be done with minimal stress to our patients. Anesthesia allows for a full tooth by tooth exam and dental radiographs,” said Dr. Kling. Light anesthesia is required for these procedures.

∙SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income households with cats and dogs.

Three upcoming clinics in December are:

Wednesday, December 4th at the Albert H. Soliz Library – El Rio, 2820 Jourdan St., Oxnard, 93036; Wednesday, December 11th at Shiells Park, in the parking lot, located at 649 C St., Fillmore, 93015; and lastly, Wednesday, December 18th at SPAN Thrift Store parking lot, 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main).

Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

∙Diabetes is a common disease that many people live with, but many may forget that our four-legged friends could be living with this as well.

Dakota Hills Veterinary Clinic, Vet technician, Michelle Lutheran says the staff has seen an increase in pet owners coming in and not knowing their furry friends had diabetes.

Lutheran says if your pet drinks a lot and loses weight quickly, this could be a sign they may have diabetes.

Any dog can get diabetes, but Lutheran says miniature poodles, huskies, and beagles are just a few of the breeds that are more prone to the diseases.

The best thing pet owners can do is to make sure they keep their pet on a healthy diet.

“But just like us, we have to cut the calories back just a little bit. And sometimes, it’s just convenient to fill the bowl you know for the dogs and cats. Now some dogs and cats have a fast metabolism, and they can really eat whatever they want. And then others don’t. So just watching their diet is pretty important for them too,” says Lutheran.

If you notice your pet is acting different or has a few of the symptoms, the best thing to do is head to the vet.

∙ Though some breed registries accept long and short haired varieties of the Weimaraner breed, other registries disallow longhaired Weimaraners. The new research, published in the journal PLOS One, revealed the longhaired allele to be present at a 4 percent frequency.

And while only 18 breeds are officially recognized as having the potential to be tailless, researchers found 48 breeds carry the tailless gene variant — including the Dachshund.

“A breeder would certainly be surprised to see a Dachshund born without a tail,” Dreger said. “The chances are low, but our research shows that the potential is there.”

The authors of the new study say they aren’t interested in creating new definitions for dog breeds, but they hope their findings will be utilized by dog breeders and others in the dog community to reconsider their expectations for purebred dogs.

“There’s an assumption that the standards for these different breeds of dogs are set in stone,” Dreger said. “People will often make assumptions that if it doesn’t match this, it’s not purebred. This data shows that there is a lot of variation in some of these breeds, and the standards are not as concrete as we expect them to be.”

∙Please look for dog food recalls of Hill’s Science diet.

The company’s recall of its Specialty Dog Foods canned food followed a slew of earlier recalls for dry dog having elevated levels of vitamin D that began in late December. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration told CBS MoneyWatch in early February that nine companies that have issued recalls for dry food share a common contract manufacturer, and it noted that one brand had cited a “formulation error.” The FDA hasn’t identified that source, but several companies said the recalled dry food was produced by Sunshine Mills, which issued its own recall in late November. Sunshine Mills hasn’t immediately responded to a CBS MoneyWatch request for comment.

The FDA’s investigations of these two incidents — Hill’s canned-food recall and nine others involving dry food with excessive vitamin D — “revealed no connection between the firms’ sources of vitamin D,” the agency emailed Wednesday.

∙By Megan Maxwell, Ph.D. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist

“Dogs and cats should have their teeth brushed once a day. All owners really need is an ADA-approved toothbrush and some water,” says Dr. Kling, “but the brushing needs to be consistent for it to be useful.

Dr. Kling says most do and cats won’t show signs of discomfort or pain in the mouth, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t something wrong.

“Pets aren’t complainers. They can have an advanced dental disease but continue to eat and play,” says Dr. Kling. Regular dental visits are critical for detecting as well as preventing problems in your pet’s mouth.

There are many signs that it’s time for your pet to come in for a checkup. These can include bad breath and red gums. The sign that can be one of the easiest to pick out for owners would be the notorious doggy breath. Smelly breath can be something that is very noticeable and a tell-tale sign that it’s time for your pet to get her teeth cleaned.

All of these signs can be symptoms of one of the most common problems that Dr. Kling sees at the hospital. “We see periodontal disease frequently overall and especially in small breed dogs like chihuahuas and dogs with crowded teeth like pugs,” she said.

Dr. Kling explained that even though periodontal disease is more common in small breed, there are many serious problems to look out for bigger dogs, as well. “Larger breed dogs are more prone to problems related to wear and crown fractures.”

Dental procedures are performed under a light stage of anesthesia with the airway protected. Although that worries some owners, she notes that the anesthesia for dental care is lighter than what is needed for invasive surgery. Anesthesia is necessary for patient safety so that the airway is protected from water used to ultrasonically scale the teeth.

She warns that human toothpaste should not be used on pets because of the ingredients used. Dr. Kling also cautions that brushing teeth is an activity that needs to be introduced slowly to a pet. “It’s similar to cutting nails; take it slowly and commit to doing it for the long run so that your pet doesn’t hate having his teeth cleaned,” she said.

∙ With their small size, stubby faces and wide-set eyes, bulldogs, French bulldogs and Boston terriers are among the most popular of domestic dog breeds. Now researchers at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine have found the genetic basis for these dogs’ appearance and linked it to a rare inherited syndrome in humans.

Bulldogs, French bulldogs and Boston terriers aren’t the only dogs with short, wide heads, but they do share another feature not found in other breeds: a short, kinked tail or “screwtail,” said Professor Danika Bannasch, Department of Population Health and Reproduction in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. These three breeds all lack the vertebrae that make up the tail bone, she said.

Mother Goose and Grimm

Mutt

∙SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income households with cats and dogs.

Two upcoming clinics in November are:

Shiells Park, in the parking lot, located at 649 C St., Fillmore, on Wednesday, November 13th and a second one on Wednesday, November 20th, at SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main). Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

∙The Humane Society of Ventura County invites the community to Santa Paws, its annual holiday family photo shoot, on two upcoming Sundays.

The Ventura Beach Marriott will once again host the first Santa Paws event, on Sunday, Nov. 17; the Marriott is at 2055 E. Harbor Blvd. The second Santa Paws event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 1, at the HSVC shelter in Ojai, at 402 Bryant St. Both events will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

At Santa Paws at the shelter on Dec. 1, guests can not only pose for family photos but also enjoy delicious baked goods at an accompanying bake sale and take part in the fundraising Tiles for Tails program hosted by Firefly Ceramics. Tiles for Tails involves participants hand-painting tiles or imprinting paw prints from their furry friends for a $25 fee, with proceeds going to the building of a new dog kennel at the HSVC.

Santa Paws is the HSVC’s largest event of the year, bringing in nearly 300 families to celebrate the season by posing for professional-quality photographs with a holiday theme. The money raised at Santa Paws goes directly toward daily operations at the shelter.

Adults, children and pets are welcome in photos – with or without Santa. The shelter will provide a variety of festive costumes to doll up your pets. Pocket pets, reptiles, rabbits and birds are all welcome.

For a minimum donation of $30, guests will receive packages of five to 10 photographs provided onsite on USB flash drives.

For 34 years, the HSVC’s Santa Paws events have provided high-quality holiday family portraits for Ventura County residents and beyond.

As a private nonprofit, the Humane Society of Ventura County relies 100% on private donations from individuals, organizations, businesses, grants and trusts. Each year, the HSVC shelter makes contact with thousands of animals through adoptions, its low-cost spay and neuter clinic, Humane Officer visits and outreach efforts, including Humane Education.

∙The manager of a Texas processing plant has pleaded guilty in a conspiracy to sell adulterated ingredients to pet food manufacturers.

Federal prosecutors say 48-year-old William Douglas Haning pleaded guilty to two charges in U.S. District Court in St. Louis. Sentencing for Haning has not yet been scheduled.

Haning was operations manager of a Wilbur-Ellis Co. processing plant in Rosser, Texas. The company has already paid more than $4.5 million in restitution.

Federal authorities say Wilbur-Ellis substituted lower cost ingredients for chicken and turkey meal in shipments from a Texas plant to pet food manufacturers. Some shipments included ground-up feathers.

The ingredients posed no health threat to animals that ate the pet food.

by Hanna Netisingha

With winter’s dry air and cold temperatures, it’s no wonder everyone—including your furry friends—has dry skin! But unrelated to the weather, dry and itchy skin caused by allergies is a very common chronic problem in animals year-round. Dr. Clarissa Souza, a veterinarian in the dermatology service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, says pets with allergies come to the hospital every single day.

“Allergies are definitely the most common skin disease we see in dermatology,” says Dr. Souza. “Skin sores and ear infections are secondary signs commonly associated with allergies,” explains Dr. Souza.

According to Dr. Souza, the three major causes of allergies are external parasites, food allergies, and environmental allergies. When a pet is seen by the dermatology service at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, steps are taken to discover the source of the itchiness.

It is critical for owners to understand that allergies aren’t something that will just go away. “There is no cure for allergies,” states Dr. Souza. “An owner should not expect to have one single treatment and have the problem fixed.” Chronic skin problems, such as allergies, will require life-long management. However, there is hope for these patients. Even though there isn’t a definitive cure for allergies, it is a manageable skin disease.

For dogs and cats allergic to ectoparasites, the consistent administration of medications to prevent flea and tick infestations will keep these animals comfortable. If food is the allergy cause, special diets will be recommended in order to avoid flareups.

But if an environmental allergy—the most common cause of allergies in animals, unfortunately—is diagnosed, medical therapy will be discussed. Treatment options for environmental allergy include daily pills, monthly injections, or even immunotherapy (allergy shots), which are developed based on the results of a skin test.

Your fuzzy feline friend came from a long lineage of hunters and foragers. Although she may laze around now looking for beams of sunlight to sleep in and begging for treats, her life could become more enriched with a simple change: puzzles.

Purebred dogs with a different color coat than their brothers and sisters are still purebred. According to a new study, purebred dogs with uncommon traits are usually evidence of gene variants at work, not proof of breeding flaws.

When researchers at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine analyzed a dozen different genes in 212 dog breeds, they found several breeds host gene variants that yield alternate coat colors, patterns and lengths.

Scientists also found several other trait variants lurking in the genomes of popular dog breeds.

Related dogs stuck in the middle of the canine social ladder show more aggression

Ekenstedt and her colleagues compared their genetic analysis with the breed descriptions used by several American and international dog breed registries.

Genes that control coat color feature a significant amount of epistasis, which means dominant genes can drown out and mask the activity of other genes. The gene variant, or allele, that yields brown coats is accepted in Labrador Retrievers, but disallowed in Rottweilers and German Shepherds, breeds in which brown alleles exist at low frequencies.

?SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income households with cats and dogs.

Two upcoming clinics are:

Thursday, October 31st at SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main), and a second at Albert H. Soliz Library – El Rio, 2820 Jourdan St., Oxnard, 93036 on Wednesday, November 6th. Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

?As the National Weather Service issues its first Red Flag Warning of the season in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, where winds of 50-plus mph are expected to mix this week with single-digit humidity, the Humane Society of Ventura County is sounding the alarm to pet owners of an ongoing reality: Natural disasters can strike at any time, so be sure to have an emergency plan that includes your pets.

The Ventura County Fire Department also is urging people to be ready for a disaster at any time. “Being prepared in advance is greatly preferred,” said Mike Des Forges, public information officer for the VCFD, “rather than attempting to make arrangements and gather your belongings after you’ve been ordered to evacuate.”

During the devastating Thomas, Hill and Woolsey fires and floods that ripped through Ventura County in the autumns of 2017 and 2018, the Humane Society of Ventura County opened its doors 24/7 to offer assistance to families with pets evacuated in the unprecedented natural disasters. At those times, the HSVC sheltered hundreds of evacuated animals at its property in Ojai, until their owners could bring them home.

In advance of this year’s fire season, the HSVC has increased its capacity for animal intake as well as outfitting its fleet of trucks, vans and stock trailers with equipment and supplies. “It’s one of those situations where we plan for the worst but hope for the best,” said HSVC Senior Humane Officer Tracy Vail.

The HSVC offers sanctuary for displaced pets as well as temporary crates, kennels, pet food, ID tags and other supplies for those in harm’s way. “We will also send out our Equine Rescue Teams to assist with animal evacuations at the owner’s request,” said HSVC Shelter Director Jolene Hoffman. “Our primary concern is for the safety of people and their pets, so please do not hesitate to take your pets to an animal rescue center in the event of an emergency.”

Greg Cooper, director of community outreach for the HSVC, noted the obvious challenge of budgeting for disasters, since they’re impossible to predict. Ongoing financial support from the community has been crucial in helping the nonprofit HSVC offset the sudden costs incurred for its services during times of distress, he said.

“We offer disaster relief services free to those who are evacuated because we know it’s more important to find safe refuge than to worry about the cost,” Cooper said.

For more information on the Humane Society, including how to help, visit hsvc.org.

?Here’s an evacuation checklist for pet owners, from the Humane Society of Ventura County:

ID your animals: All pets should be microchipped and always have ID tags affixed to their collars with up-to-date contact information. Pet Tags Save Lives, remember that, as it is very important to keep your pet’s life safe, so they come back home to you every day.

Involve your neighbors: Plan in advance to have your neighbors assist with the evacuation of your pets in case you are away from home.

Pre-pack: Keep a go-bag for each pet, to include five days of food and water, medications and vet records, leash, collar, ID tags, harness, and photos of you and your pet together. Have available a crate or carrier – labeled with your name and contact information – to transport your animals and keep them safe. Bring litter and a disposable litter pan if you have cats and spare poop bags for your dogs.

Find a shelter: Evacuation centers often don’t allow pets, so it’s important to know the local animal shelters, rescues and county facilities that will take in pets in the event of an emergency. Find out in advance about each shelter’s requirements for taking in animals.

Be in the know: Keep informed of the happenings in your community before, during and after an emergency, through the radio, TV, computer or phone. Be prepared to adapt quickly to new information and news that could affect your personal circumstances.

Reenter slowly: After a disaster, your home and neighborhood may be very different. When you return, it’s important to keep a close eye on pets and don’t let them roam loose. The break in routine can be disorienting to your pets so be patient during their transition back to normalcy.

The American Kennel Club offers tips to keep your dog safe if disaster strikes

WHAT: Emergencies are often unexpected and happen without notice. From fires and floods to hurricanes and earthquakes, the worst can and does happen to dog owners all over the country. Just like you have a plan in place for humans, you also need a disaster plan for your dog:

• Have a pre-evacuation plan. During an evacuation, you’ll have very little time to decide what to take. The last thing you want to worry about is what your dog will need.

• Put together an evacuation checklist. Make sure anyone who watches your dog will know where to find your dog’s food, medications, medical records, leash and crate.

• Create an easily accessible and waterproof tote with emergency supplies that you can access at home, in the car, or grab-and-go if you need to evacuate.

• Remember to fill waterproof containers with a week’s supply of food, medications, and drinking water. Include a back-up leash, collar, ID tag, as well as extra food and water bowls. Have a sturdy, safe, and comfortable crate or carrier ready for easy transport.

• Have a record of your dog’s up to date medical information, especially his microchip. Make sure you have all necessary information written down and ready to go in case of an emergency. This includes vaccination and medical records, proof of ownership, veterinarian contact information and insurance information.

By Hanna Netisingha

With winter’s dry air and cold temperatures, it’s no wonder everyone-including your furry friends-has dry skin! But unrelated to the weather, dry and itchy skin caused by allergies is a very common chronic problem in animals year-round. Dr. Clarissa Souza, a veterinarian in the dermatology service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, says pets with allergies come to the hospital every single day.

According to Dr. Souza, the three major causes of allergies are external parasites, food allergies, and environmental allergies. When a pet is seen by the dermatology service at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, steps are taken to discover the source of the itchiness.

For dogs and cats allergic to ectoparasites, the consistent administration of medications to prevent flea and tick infestations will keep these animals comfortable. If food is the allergy cause, special diets will be recommended in order to avoid flareups.

Food puzzles for cats provide obstacles and encourage natural foraging behavior, according to feline researchers from UC Davis who authored a new study about the puzzles and their impact.

The puzzles can be any object that holds food and requires the cat to figure out how to get it, according to a news release from UC Davis. Food can be hidden inside a ball that has to be rolled to release a treat, or inside cups or stuck in ridges on a stationary mat, requiring the cat to use its paw to fish it out. The puzzles come in all shapes and sizes, the release said.