Free to Readers APRIL ‘09

DOES YOUR DOG COWER DURING STORMS? 10

BUYING A PET FRIENDLY VEHICLE 18
ASK THE VET 31
 APRIL 2009

6 10 14 26
Feature Articles In Every Issue
6 A Tribute to Daisy 4 Welcome Pet Lovers
This bunny was an inspiration to many students. Springtime is here! See you at the Pet Expo.

10 Do April Showers Make Your 8 Dog Horoscopes

Dog Cower? Do you really know your dog?
Here are some tips to calm your pet during storms.
17 How Cute is Your Pet?
13 5th Annual KC Pet Expo This month’s winners of the metropetmag.com contest.
Visit these advertiser’s at booths at the KC Pet Expo on
24 Cat Horoscopes
April 18 & 19 at the American Royal.
How well do you know your cat?
14 Walk this Way
Springtime pulls you outside — be a good canine citizen. 28 Ask the Groomer
Understanding your pet and how to
18 Is Your Dog Your Co-Pilot prepare for a vist to the groomer.
Statistics show 47% of dog owners think of their dog when
buying a vehicle. 31 Ask the Vet
Options for allergies and arthritis.
22 Adopt... Don’t Shop!
Be a champion and adopt a pet from a shelter! 32 Ask the Trainer
Improve your relationships with your pet.
26 Grain Free Natural Nutrition
Learn how the food you feed your pet affects them. 34 Upcoming Events

34 Ad Index
MetroPet Resource
33 Lee’s Summit Subaru

A PRIL 2009 • MetroPetMag.com 3

 Staff &
Publisher’s Message
Contacts
Publisher
Happy Spring! Barbara Riedel
info@metropetmag.com
April will be a busy month for MetroPet! We will be exhibit-
ing at the 2009 Pet Expo, along with many of our advertisers.
Additional details can be found on page 13 or on the web at
Editor/Production
kcpetexpo.com . In addition, there are several other events Manager
— check out the event listing on page 34. Dan O'Leary
editor@metropetmag.com
SPRINGTIME — AN ACTIVE TIME FOR ALL!
Springtime is a very active season. Not only do we get back outside and enjoy the Layout/Graphic
fresh air and events around town, but we can face weather changes. While we can
watch the weather forecasts, our pets only have their senses to rely upon. In many
Design
cases, the weather can be frightening to our furry companions. Check out the ideas Alison Fieber
and tips in the articles on pages 10 and 32. info@metropetmag.com

LOOKING FOR A RESOURCE? Web Master

Jon Dunn
Need a day care provider? Going out of town and need a place to board your pet or
info@metropetmag.com
want to hire a pet sitter? Need a trainer, pet hospital or a veterinarian? What about a
carpet cleaner, a pooper scooper or even a new vehicle? Check out the advertisers in
this issue of MetroPet magazine. Our goal is to provide you with trusted resources.
Advertising Sales
These advertisers offer great products and services and have hundreds of satisfied adsales@metropetmag.com
customers. When you call them, tell them you saw their ad in MetroPet magazine.
This tells them their ad is working. Contributing Authors
J.C. Burcham, DVM
WHAT IS NEXT? Laura Duclos, Ph.D
Jennifer Fisher
During the next few months you will continue to hear MetroPet on the radio (Mix
Pat Hennessy
93.3, 94.1 KFKF, Star 102 and Q104). These ads will announce upcoming events and
Suezanne Law
pet care tips. In addition, you will see us at both pet and non-pet events. Check out
Pat Riha
event listings at metropetmag.com.
Dani Rouse
Micheal Tarrant, DVM, CVA
Cheryl Wyrick
Barbara Riedel, Publisher
Photographer
P.S. This magazine is FREE to you — because of our advertisers Dan O'Leary
support. Please tell them you saw their ad in MetroPet. See you
at the Pet Expo! Contact MetroPet
PO Box 480065
Kansas City, MO 64148
Phone: 913.548.1433
Fax: 816.941.4655
Publishing Policy: Articles printed in the MetroPet
Magazine express the opinions of the individual authors and do
not necessarily represent the formal position of MetroPet
Magazine. Acceptance of advertising does not necessarily consti-
tute endorsement by MetroPet Magazine.
Articles: Readers are invited to submit articles for consideration
for publication to editor@metropetmag.com. All materials are sub-
ject to editorial review.
© 2009 MetroPet Magazine. All rights reserved. Request
reprint permissions at info@metropetmag.com.
MetroPet Magazine is owned and published by ROI Marketing
4 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009 Services, all rights reserved.
 A Tribute to Daisy
An Inspiration to Many Students tearfully asked me to put Daisy to sleep. “She’s
scared, Dr. Burcham. She’s never frightened of
anything. All the noises and movements my
students make — it never scares her.” I
learned that Daisy intuitively knew what the
students needed. If she sat in a student’s lap,
and the child moved suddenly, she wouldn’t
startle — she would snuggle closer. One autis-
tic child who had trouble communicating
learned that if he made a special kind of
sound, Daisy would come running to him. This
allowed the teacher to work with him in other
ways to produce consistent sounds to convey
meaning.

She loved being cuddled

and syringe fed, and she
even tried valiantly to
groom herself.
A BUNNY WITH PURPOSE
by J. C. Burcham, DVM I couldn’t give up on Daisy, not yet. I couldn’t
give up on the bunny that clearly had a pur-
pose, a job that wasn’t finished yet. “Let me
W hen the 3 year-old pearly gray rabbit arrived Monday morning, I knew I
had to get her back to her classroom as soon as possible. Her owner, Miko, was
try one more thing,” I pleaded with her
owner. “It’s a last-ditch effort, but we have
nothing to lose.” I wanted to try prednisone,
a teacher for children with severe physical disabilities and behavior challenges, known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects
and Daisy was the classroom pet. Her job — one she was very good at, I would in the dog and cat world, but often regarded
come to find out — was to help calm and engage challenging students. as dangerous and questionable in rabbit med-
icine. If it was going to be of any benefit, we
EARLY SIGNS OF TROUBLE should be able to tell within the next 24
But Daisy was in trouble. She was lying on her side, and any attempt to make hours.
herself right-side-up resulted in flailing and struggling until she gave up. She was
suffering from otitis interna, a severe ear infection that caused her to lose her bal- AN OVERWHELMING DESIRE
ance and rendered her completely helpless. Treatment of otitis interna consists of The next day, Thursday, was my day off, so I
antibiotics, supportive care (such as syringe feeding three times a day), and time. had the hospital call me with an update.
“She’s not eating as well today,” I was told. I
HOPING FOR THE BEST feared that it may be time to euthanize her. I
I felt optimistic early on. Other than her severe head tilt and vertigo, Daisy stopped by the hospital to assess her, and in
seemed relatively alert and content. She loved being cuddled and syringe fed, and my overwhelming desire to see any sign of
she even tried valiantly to groom herself. hope, I determined that she needed more flu-
As the week wore on, we could see she wasn’t getting better. In fact, she was get- ids, and that perhaps increasing her fluid
ting worse. Her owner came to visit her faithfully every day. After three days of intake would brighten her attitude. We would
intensive care in our hospital, the owner held the trembling bunny in her arms and persevere another day.

6 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009

NOT READY TO GIVE UP
Friday arrived, and she was no better. But we hadn’t exhausted all our
options. Perhaps surgery — a myringotomy or total ear canal ablation
might give her a chance. Too many people needed Daisy, and I still wasn’t
ready to give up on her. “I can’t put her through that,” replied her owner.
By that afternoon, I knew she was right. It was time.
I gave Daisy a sedative, a strong pain medication, so her last half-hour
would be a comfortable one. Her owner held her,
wrapped in a blanket, as we sat together on the
couch, tears in our eyes as we waited for the
sedative to relax her.

A STORY OF INSPIRATION
“Do you have time for a story?” she asked. “I
want to tell you about one of my students. Daisy
has had a special impact on her.” The student’s
name was Allie. She was born a normal, healthy
girl, but was struck with a devastating brain dis-
ease in early childhood that left her completely
immobile, bound to a wheelchair. When Daisy
first met her, the girl couldn’t even lift her head
up. “One day, I noticed Allie raise her head in
Daisy’s direction and tracked Daisy with her eyes.
So I picked Daisy up and set her on her lap.”
Sensing the girl’s needs, Daisy settled easily into
her lap, and continued to visit with her in this
way every day. Several months later, as Daisy was
brought towards her, Allie lifted her head up and
smiled. It was her first smile since the onset of
her devastating disease. Soon, she was lifting her
head and smiling at her dad when he came to
pick her up from school. Her dad had been like
her hero before her illness — she would light up
as soon as she saw him. But since she had gotten
sick, she was unable to acknowledge him until
she met Daisy.

ONE-OF-A-KIND BUNNY
And there were others who had been impacted by
Daisy in an immeasurable way. As I gave Daisy the
final injection, tears blurred my vision as I cried for
all the people who will never get to meet this one-of-
a-kind animal who knew her place in life and provid-
ed comfort and therapy for those who needed it most.
She still had work to do.
Dr. J.C. Burcham received her
B.S. from the University of
Minnesota and her DVM from Iowa
State University. Dr. Burcham loves
to be involved in the community
and she actively supports local ani-
mal shelters.
Note: The names have been changed to protect the identity of the
parties named in this article.

A PRIL 2009 MetroPetMag.com 7

 Canine Signs
Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19) Leader of the Pack Most canines who fall
under the jurisdiction of Aries are completely intolerant of other dogs, constantly
getting into scraps and trying to dominate each and every other pet (and person)
within the household. The type of Aries Dog that appears to thrive best under the
influence of this constellation are Gun Dogs, Whippets, Lurchers and those of the
hunting variety.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21) Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)
The Yapper It takes the strength of personality
The Boss-Dog Fiercely loyal, this canine would rather
found in a Leo native to help the Gemini Dog
die while protecting an owner than allow that owner to
become more decisive, and a natural sympathy
come to any harm. The Leo Dog makes for an exception-
between the two usually ensures compatibility.
al guard dog but has one strange eccentricity...he or she
Aquarius owners, being broad-minded enough to
is often deathly afraid of cats.
allow things to follow their natural course, will also
find the Gemini Dog to be a suitable pet. Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)
The Helper Generally, sheep dogs and working dogs
Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
governed by Virgo thrive very nicely, working from dusk
The Home-Lover About once a month, the pull of
until dawn and content in the productive nature of his or
the Moon will fill the Cancer Dog with a feeling of
her employment. Since Virgo traditionally rules small
restlessness, urging him or her to spend the night in
animals, however, even toy dogs such as chihuahuas
the garden, where he or she will howl until daybreak.
tend to flourish under this sign. All Virgo Dogs are loyal
However, that having been said, the Cancer Dog
and expect the same steadfastness from any owner. It
basically makes for a delightful and lovely pet, being
should be noted, however, that this dog does not take
loyal and faithful no matter how he or she might be
kindly to small children.
treated by an owner.

8 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)
The Shop-Steward This canine is remarkably persua-
sive...some might say even manipulative. They can
also be ridiculously stubborn...for example, if the Libra
Dog does not want to go for “walkies,” then he or she
will refuse to budge. Since the Libra Dog models their
life on that of the owner, if things go wrong then the
owner only has themselves to blame.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
The Paragon Thus, an owner should be able to keep
on top of things and, by so doing, will discover that
the Scorpio Dog is basically an affectionate
canine...beneath their prickly exterior. This dog has a
tendency to overweight in middle age, so any owner
would be well-advised to take great care over the diet
while this canine is still a puppy.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
The Problem Dog The Sagittarius Dog will either take
to an owner or not, based purely and solely on that
owner’s merits as a person. If this canine does not find
an owner to suit their particular taste, then that owner
will be treated in the same manner as any other casu-
al acquaintance...with polite aloofness.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20)
The Social Climber Ideally, this canine would prefer to
be in a favored position enjoyed by such dogs as the
Queen of England’s Royal Corgis...in other words, right
at the top. When found in an average sort of house-
hold, the Capricorn Dog will begin to work on better-
ment of the current situation and, without the owner
even realizing, this canine will gently nudge their
human along (for example, they will make the house
appear so small that a larger one is sought).
Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 18)
The Friend Natives of both Gemini and Libra will
greatly intrigue the Aquarius Dog. The airy mental atti-
tude inherent in these Zodiac Signs toward life makes
a perfect foil for the Aquarius Dog, serving to calm this
canine to some extent and making them stop to think
occasionally before leaping to conclusions.
Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)
The Interpreter Generally, the life of a Pisces Dog
will be spent by putting his or her paw into it, while
the other half will be concerned with trying to mend
the situation. Forceful and pushy one minute, this
dog is gentle, retiring and loving the next.
Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20)
The Strong Silent Type The owner must be prepared
for the Taurus Dog to sit in front of the refrigerator and
mournfully stare. Second only to this canine’s love of
food is love of music. The Taurus Dog will happily sit
for hours listening to the classic composers, such as
Beethoven, and may even howl along to the orches-
tration.
A PRIL 2009 • MetroPetMag.com 9
 tion during early development that cre-

April Do
ates insecurity. It could be due to having
had a bad experience during a storm, for
example a dog that had to survive on his

Showers
own in the elements. It could be a
learned reinforced response due to get-
ting “extra” attention, and especially
seen in dogs that are highly attached to
Make Your their people. Regardless of the reason,

Dog Cower?
there are tools and techniques to give
your dog a new experience and alter the
behavior.

PLAY A CD
A common recommendation is to try
desensitizing your dog to storms, for
example play a CD of storm sounds while
you offer him something enjoyable dur-
ing that time, such as a game of fetch or
a kong stuffed with treats. This may work
for some dogs, but often the fear of
storms is not just a noise aversion but is
triggered by multiple stimuli, such
as the electrical charge in
the atmosphere or the
barometric pressure
change.

REDUCING
by Pat Hennessy
ANXIETY
Behavior mod-
ification is defi-

You just sat down, got com-

fortable, and turned on your favorite
nitely needed, but
fear inhibits the abil-
ity to focus. If you can
show with your sweet little bundle of fur lower the anxiety level, then
by your side. Next thing you know Roxie gets learning can take place. The first
up, starts pacing, then whining, then nudging you. choice for reducing anxiety would be
“What’s wrong, girl?” you say. “Do you need out?” She paws at you and non-pharmaceutical methods, such as
wants to climb in your lap. You pet her for a minute and go back to TTouch™ or Alpha-Stim™, which influ-
watching your show. Roxie continues to paw at you and pushes in ence the nervous system to provide a
calming effect and can be cumulative.
behind you. A few moments later you hear a distant rumble. “Oh, that’s
what’s bothering you.” You hadn’t seen a storm on the horizon, but TTouch communicates to the nervous
system through a gentle technique of
Roxie can predict it better than Doppler radar, and you know that you
specific touches, much lighter than mas-
have an hour or more of whimpering, scratching, panting and pacing. sage, and relaxes you and your dog
If this scenario is all too familiar — attempting to calm your dog, turning up together. Another tool in the TTouch
the TV, or finding her burrowed in the closet — there is hope for both you and your toolbox is the Body Wrap, a technique
canine companion to get through the spring without trauma. We don’t usually know utilizing a stretchy fabric (like an Ace
why our dogs are afraid of storms. It could be from a lack of exposure and socializa- bandage), that you place around your

10 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009

dog. It works like swaddling a baby. If you don’t have a
stretch fabric, you can substitute a t-shirt and adjust
the fitting so that it is not too loose or too tight. Wraps
or t-shirts should only be used with supervision.
Another version of this technique is the Anxiety-Wrap
(www.anxietywrap.com), a combination of a shirt and
a wrap (the best of both worlds).
Alpha-Stim is an electro-therapy technique using low-
grade variable frequencies which foster the flow of
energy through the body, especially to areas that can be
shut down due to fear or pain.
MODERATE TO INTENSE STORM PHOBIA
If your dog has a moderate to intense storm phobia,
additional tools you can try in conjunction with behav-
ior modification and non-pharmaceutical techniques,
would be:
• Calming supplements, such as ProQuiet® made with
L-tryptophan or Calmazon a blend of Amazon
Rainforest herbs
• Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) diffusers (that
come as a plug-in unit or a spray to use on bedding
or add to a scarf around the neck)
Alpha-Stim is an electro-therapy
technique using low-grade variable
frequencies which foster the flow
of energy through the body,
especially to areas that can be
shut down due to fear or pain.
• Aromatherapy, such as lavender oil, can have a calming
effect
• Flower essences, such as Rescue Remedy which is available
at most health food stores, are a blend of flowers infused
with water — used to help restore balance (several animal
blends are available at www.greenhopeessences.com)
• Soft soothing music can help balance body rhythms
(www.rhythmicmedicine.com)
• Calming Cap, is a nylon mask-like item that attaches to your
dog’s collar and goes over his face. Be very observant on this
one to make sure that your dog really relaxes, often times he
will just “shut down” but it will appear that he is calm. If that
is the case, he is really not “learning” how to relax during a
storm.

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A PRIL 2009 • MetroPetMag.com 11


SEVERE STORM PHOBIA
If your dog has a more severe case of storm phobia and you want to
avoid pharmaceuticals, consult a veterinarian that offers alternative tech-
niques such as acupuncture, acupressure, or homeopathy. If you and your
12 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009
veterinarian feel that you are down to the pharmaceu-
tical options, be aware of the side effects. With some
drugs it can appear that your dog is relaxed but she is
still experiencing fear; she just can’t react due to the
sedative effect. This can actually make her fear worse.
If your vet determines medication is necessary, you
can still use TTouch™, DAP, music, and aromathera-
py as complimentary techniques.
There are many ways to approach the storm phobia
problem. You need to assess the level of anxiety and apply
the appropriate tools. The next time that the thunder rolls
in, you can be ready before the lightning strikes.
Pat Hennessy, is the founder of N2paws,
LLC, an organization that provides compan-
ion animal attunement through behavior
analysis, energy work, and Tellington
TTouch. Pat is a certified TTouch practition-
er and member of the Association of Pet Dog
Trainers (APDT), the International
Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
(IAABC), and Animal Wellness Association (AWA). You may contact
N2Paws via email pat@n2paws.com, phone 816-522-7005, or visit
the website www.n2paws.com.
 5th Annual

KC PetApril
Expo18 & 19
by Pat Riha

P ets are an integral part of life. Whether it’s traditional dogs and cats,
or more exotic lizards and fish, pet ownership is at an all time high. As more Wanna Go?
species of animals have become readily available as pets, it is important that What: 5th Annual Kansas City Pet Expo
information, products and services become available for the health, welfare
Who: The KC Pet Expo was founded in
and care of these animals.
2005 by consumer tradeshow pro-
The goal of the The Kansas City Pet Expo is to provide the public with an
ducers Patrick and Kate Riha.
opportunity to learn about both common and not-so-common animals that
are found as pets, and the products and services that are available to pro- When: April 18 & 19 2009
vide optimal care for these animals. Where: American Royal Center
No More Homeless Pets KC, the presenting sponsor for the 2009 Kansas
City Pet Expo, is a coalition of veterinarians, humane societies, municipal Cost: $8.50 for adults, $6.00 for children
shelters, rescue groups, spay/neuter groups, and individuals who are work- 6 - 12 years of age; children 5 and
ing toward a time when there will be No More Homeless Pets Kansas City. under are free.
The Pet Expo benefits Animal Haven, the Humane Society of Greater Kansas Details: Visit www.kcpetexpo.com or call
City, K.C. Animal Health & Public Safety, and Wayside Waifs. 816-931-4686
NOTE: For health and safety reasons the public will not be allowed to bring A $1 discount per ticket is available
any animals into the The Kansas City Pet Expo except for animals with a Price Chopper Shopper Card.
assisting the disabled.

Visit These Advertisers at Pet Expo Booths!

Heart of America
Invisible Fence
List accurate as of March 17, 2009.

A PRIL 2009 • MetroPetMag.com 13


Wa l k
this Wa y
by Suezanne Law
I t is as though my dogs’ souls awaken with
the greening of the year. At the first breath of
spring they arise and shake off the restfulness of
the winter months, unfurl their bodies like curl-
ing shoots, and seek out the sun. I am wise
enough to follow.
In Kansas we must take our good weather when
we can get it. As I write this, one month before
publication, yesterday’s high was near 70° F and
tonight we are expecting snow; which only means
that on any given day, the sidewalks and walking
trails of our city may be populous or nearly aban-
14 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009
doned. On the lonesome days, when the skies are
dull and the wind worries at hair and fur, it is easy
to imagine ownership of the paths we walk. My
dogs zig-zag their way down familiar avenues of
sight and sound and scent. I lose myself in their
joy. We are alone, and the city is ours.
But on the other days, the sunny, beckoning,
amiable days of spring, our walks take on a more
complicated purview. No longer free agents, roam-
ing the world at will, we become its citizens,
ambassadors brokering a peace between our two
nations: human and canine. It isn’t always easy,
and my dogs are not perfect. In fact, with trainers’
dogs it is often the case of the cobbler’s kids having
no shoes. But though I may at times follow their
natural rhythms of idleness and activity, in a busy
human landscape, it is I who must lead; they must
follow or lose their tenuous rights of residency. It is
not my law. It is society’s. And so, as any good
diplomat, I help my canine expatriates negotiate a
culture at times antipodal to their own.
CANINE GOOD CITIZENS
Every interaction you have with your dog, his
whole life-long, he is learning something from you
— whether you are mindful of that fact or not. He
is learning what you expect and what he can get
away with, what you notice and what you ignore.
So whatever the weather, make
sure that your interactions with
Two universes mosey your dog provide him with the
down the street knowledge and skills necessary to
Connected by love and pass muster in a human world.
a leash and nothing else.
Mostly I look at lamplight
The American
through the leaves
Kennel Club
While he mooches along
recommends that
with tail up and snout down, every dog know five
Getting a secret knowledge basic cues:
through the nose
Sit
Almost entirely hidden from
Stay
my sight.
Down
From the poem
Heel
Walking the Dog
Come
by Howard Nemerov
 Practicing these behaviors with your dog in
your home will give him a good start towards
learning to get along well in human society. But
dogs often have trouble applying what they learn
in one situation to how they must behave in • Challenge your dog’s skills, but remember to help him remain successful, too!
other situations. Sometimes, families feel that MOVE OVER ROVER
dogs who behave well at home but not in public
But good citizenship involves more than good behavior: you must also have the foresight
are being stubborn. Instead, the dog’s misbehav-
and courtesy to share space with your cohabitants so that all may benefit and thrive.
ior is usually due to not having adequately prac-
ticed this new skill: behaving well in the face of WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR SHOW ON THE ROAD
distractions. When poop happens, pick it up. The old adage “poop rolls down hill” is true both literally
and figuratively, your dog’s waste litters the world’s playground, contaminates our waterways,

To begin teaching your dog

to apply the skills he learns at
home to the many situations
he faces in public, practice
the following exercises:
• Gradually increase the level of distraction
present during your training exercises with
your dog.
• Practice in every room of your home, and
both inside and outside.
• Carry an item of interest to your dog while
you train.
• Change your body position and tone of voice
frequently during your practice.
• Enroll in a group dog training class to make
sure your dog can behave well in the pres-
ence of other dogs.
• Practice training exercises at corners while
walking your dog.
• Take your show on the road: train every-
where you go with your dog.
A PRIL 2009 • MetroPetMag.com 15
 Does not play well with others: Some dogs do well at the
Springtime salads may be slimming but dog park; other dogs do not. If your dog belongs to the latter
pilfered plants can be poisonous! Watch group, do not take him to the dog park to “socialize” him. A
trip to the dog park can be a risky proposition for even the most
out for your dog around these common resilient dog, and one negative experience can color a dog’s
garden dangers : perception of his fellow four-legged for life. Do yourself, your
Daffodils Holly dog, and your community a favor and find a more socially
Tulips Azalea
responsible way to exercise your dog. Ask a trainer if you need
help.
Onion Yucca
Clematis Dieffenbachia
Rhododendron
Besides teaching your dog
Lily of the Valley the Basic Five, here are more
English Ivy Morning Glory training exercises you may
For a comprehensive list, please visit find helpful in the coming
www.aspca.org/toxicplants months:
Leave It — prevents your dog from enjoying the jelly
beans, chocolate bunnies, and other springtime delicacies
and spreads disease, all of which endanger our ability to keep our loyal just a little too much.
companions. Scoop! Drop It — saves your dog from tummy trouble associ-
Space invaders Everyone loves a well-socialized dog, right? Not so fast, ated with munching mulch (and keeps that game of fetch
compadre. While many people love dogs (and in fact approximately 33% of going, too).
American families live with one or more dogs), your little four-legged, Tricks — a great way to include your dog and provide
waggy-tailed social butterfly may not be always welcome. I, for instance, love entertainment during warm-weather get-togethers with
dogs — but I have a dog who does not. And while I may appreciate your friends.
compliments as he is performing yet another perfect sit-stay on the side of
the path while you and your dog pass by, a visit I do not need. Keep your
flexi-lead locked and your feet moving, and always ask before you approach.
LASSIE, COME HOME!
And finally, before you and your dog go “hopping
down the bunny trail” this spring, be sure to practice
his “recall” so he’ll come hopping home again!
The Recall should always mean good things for
your dog: always associate his name and the word
“Come” with happiness and fun!
Play “The Name Game” often so that your dog
responds instantly and enthusiastically to his name!
Hide-and-Go-Seek is terrific mental and physical
stimulation for your dog — and it’s a great way to
strengthen his Recall, too!

Suezanne M. Law is a canine-

human relationship counselor and
accredited dog trainer. She opened
Sympawtico Dog Training, LLC to
better tailor her training curriculum
to the needs of her community. Visit
her at www.sympawtico.com.

16 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009

How Cute is Your Pet?
Enter your pet in our contest!
Submit your pet’s photo at MetroPetMag.com

The Crazy Cat — This cat is

insane — he is just like a dog. He
pants and he even plays fetch! He
wants to be on someone’s lap all
the time, and if he can, he will
carry his favorite mouse on a stick
around. One of the weirdest things
he’s ever done was when we left
him alone in the bedroom for
about two minutes with two rolls of ENTER THE ONLINE
toilet paper, he had chewed both P H O T O C O N T E S T AT
rolls of toilet paper and was just
looking at us like “what”. He is the W W W .M E T R O P E T M A G . C O M
funniest cat in the world.
Submitted by Claire Rainey.

Five Musketeers — All five went to the Wyatt — This is my baby,

beauty shop and were all clean and beautiful
with their scarves the groomer put on them. I
thought a family photo was in order. So here
are the five musketeers — Apache, Snickers,
Scarlet, Mia and Lucy! Submitted by Susie Jean
Wyatt. He’s a 3.5 lbs. long hair
chihuahua who thinks he owns
the world. Submitted by Isabel
Clements
 when we go places, and not just to pet stores but
when we go out to eat (you will see dog bowls on
restaurant and coffee shop patios), go for a run or
walk on a trail, or even go to work.

THINK ABOUT IT
Statistics show that 47% of dog owners think of
their dog when purchasing a vehicle. People not
only want space and functionality in their vehicle,
but they want real utility: Will two crates fit in the
back? Can I fit three or four dogs easily (along with
all our gear)? Do I have a place to attach a leash or
bungee (for a crate) in the
back? You can look at both
pet and auto trends to see
that people take their pets
with them a lot.
• If your car can’t accom-
modate a crate or you don’t
want to take the crate in and
out, you can use a harness
style seat belt to keep your

I s Yo u r D o g dog safe ( check out

www.petautosafety.com).

Statistics show that 47%

Yo u r C o - P i l o t ? of dog owners think
of their dog when
Finding the Canine Compatible Car
purchasing a vehicle.
by Pat Hennessy
• If you have an older dog that is dealing with
arthritis and is challenged with getting in and out of

Y ou’ve got spring fever. You are itching to get out and do some-
thing. You know you need to get started on the yard but you need to go
the car, or a dog recovering from a recent surgery,
there are ramps designed to fit the back or sides of
vehicles to make it easier on Rex.
look at landscaping places. And, you’re starting to feel hungry. You grab
• For our smaller animal companions, there are
your shoes and immediately you have three dogs dancing around you.
booster seats available so that they can look out the
They know what shoes mean — you’re going somewhere. They are hop-
window and enjoy the ride.
ing it means they get to go too. “Can we go?” “C’mon…please; we’ll be
good doggies.” “Well, ok,” you say. “You can go.” You head out to the
TOP TWO AUTOS FOR PET LOVERS
car, pop the hatch; the dogs hop in to their places and away you go. Such
is the life for your canine companions. The top two autos for pet lovers are in the sport
utility family. One is the Honda Element and the
When shopping for a family car not only do you consider the safety rat-
other is the Subaru Outback.
ing and available options, such as front wheel drive, extra cargo space or
luxury items like heated seats or GPS, but you evaluate the vehicle for The Honda Element is four-wheel drive and
compatibility with your pets. After all, your pets are important members comes with wide-open side doors, washable
of the family and it is the family car. We frequently take our pets with us flooring and with its box-like style has config-

18 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009

urable seating and a versatile cargo design.
The Element would certainly function as a Dog
Taxi.
SUBARU OUTBACK
If you were looking for something a bit lower to
the ground, more like a car, then you should
consider the Subaru Outback. The Outback is all
wheel drive and comes with hooks in the back
for attaching leashes or bungee cords (to
crates). Rubber matting and metal dog barriers
are available as options. The Forester is a bit
smaller version of the Outback and comes with
the same options available (and fits three large
dogs easily as I can attest to). Sixty percent of
Subaru owners share their lives with pets and
several dealerships throughout the U.S. feature a
pet friendly waiting area with dog bowls and
treats ( check out Lee’s Summit Subaru
www.leessummitsubaru.com ). Subaru just had a
promotion called “Share the Love” where they
donated $250 to the ASPCA, the National Wildlife
SPRING FLING BLOCK PARTY
On April 25 from 10am-2pm Subaru of Lee’s Summit, Pete & Mac’s
Recreational Resort and Animal Emergency Referral Hospital (AERH) will
host a Spring Fling Block Party focusing on safety.
The event will feature the Forester from Lee’s Summit Subaru, #2 rated
safest pet vehicle in America. Pete & Mac’s Recreational Resort for Pets
and AERH will cover safety theme for pets, and children with pets. The
day will include CPR Red Cross and First Aid demos and an agility demon-
stration at 1:00 pm.
The event will be held at the Lee’s Summit Pete & Mac’s Recreational
Resort for Pets at 600 NE Pavestone Dr., LS, MO. There will be many gifts
presented for the raffle drawing and a luncheon. All proceeds benefit The
Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, who will be on hand with their big
RV offering adoptions. There will be also be live feed with 93.3 The Mix.
For more details visit www.petemac.com (816-246-1116),
www.aerh-kc.com (816-554-4990) or www.leessummitsubaru.com
(816 251-8600).
COME JOIN US FOR ALL THE FUN!
A PRIL 2009 • MetroPetMag.com 19
SHARE THE LOVE
This unique marketing campaign based on the
love Subaru owners have for their vehicles and
their desire to help worthy causes. The campaign
ran from November 24 - January 2 and allowed
Subaru new vehicle customers to select one of
five charities (Boys and Girls Clubs of America,
Habitat for Humanity International, Meals on
Wheels, the National Wildlife Federation and the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals), to receive a $250 donation from
Subaru of America, following the lease or pur-
chase of a new Subaru.
Patrick Steiner, GSM of Lee’s Summit Subaru
points out that in our economic downtime, dona-
tions to charities are one of the first to suffer.
The 4.6 million dollars that was handed over was
one of the factors that contributed to Subaru’s
sales success in 2008, as the only volume brand
to post a sales increase in the U.S.

Federation, or other charities, with the purchase of a new car. They

care about your pets and the planet.

THE SEAL OF APPROVAL

Whatever car you have, or choose, your dog will give it the seal of
approval just as long as he gets to go with you. If your dog (or cat)
doesn’t travel well and you would like to take him with you more
often there are a few things you can do to make it a more enjoyable
experience. There are techniques you can use with light touch and
wraps to make him feel more comfortable physiologically (dealing
with equilibrium and anxiety), while building a positive association
to being in the car. You would use these techniques on short car
rides and build from there. Next thing you know you will have him
dancing at your feet when you put your shoes on too.
As spring fever hits, take the opportunity to journey out with your ani-
mal companion. They love to be by your side whether it is at home or on
the road.

Pat Hennessy, is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organiza-

tion that provides companion animal attunement through
behavior analysis, energy work, and Tellington TTouch. Pat is
a certified TTouch practitioner and member of the Association
of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), the International Association of
Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and Animal Wellness
Association (AWA). She recently purchased a Subaru because
of its pet friendly features. You may contact N2Paws via email
pat@n2paws.com, phone 816-522-7005, or visit the website www.n2paws.com.

20 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009

Basic Travel Tips for Pets
USE SOME TYPE OF RESTRAINT
Animals need some form of safety restraint when in the car. If you use a crate it should be well ventilat-
ed, have a secure door and latch and be large enough so your animal can sit and lie down. You can make
the carrier more comfortable by lining the
bottom with a blanket. An alternative to the
crate is a restraining harness that can con-
nect a dog to safety belts, preventing him
from flying forward during sudden braking
or impact. The dog can stand, sit or lie
down, but not get loose.

KEEP DOGS SAFE IN TRUCKS

Dogs love trucks; but it’s estimated that
more than 100,000 dogs die because of falls
from pickup trucks. Bumps in the road or
quick swerving motions can throw the dog
out of the truck bed, injuring or killing him
as well as causing accidents as other drivers
swerve to avoid the dog. Dogs can also jump
out — sometimes because the bed becomes
too hot for their paws. According to the
Humane Society of the United States there is
no harness or leash that will keep a dog safe
in the back of a pickup truck — in fact, it
could strangle or drag him if he's thrown.
Instead, place the dog in a carrier in the
back of an extended or crew cab. If you
must put a dog in the bed, get a crate made
especially for that purpose — and tie it
down tight.

NO DOGGY IN THE WINDOW

Dogs absolutely love to stick their heads
out the window. Though it’s sad to deprive
them of this enjoyment, many dogs are
injured when road debris or insects fly into
their eyes, nostrils or windpipe. They can
also become ill by having cold air forced
into their lungs. What’s more, dogs have
accidentally strangulated themselves by step-
ping on the electric window control. So keep
the dog inside.

NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET ALONE IN

THE CAR
In the summer, the car’s internal tempera-
ture can rise to fatal levels very quickly, even
with the windows ajar. If you need to run
into a store or stop for a bite to eat, take
your pet with you if possible.
A PRIL 2009 • MetroPetMag.com 21
 The Chance To Be A Champion
Adopt…
Don’t Shop!
acknowledging their inherent right not to be killed. Their life is
dependent solely on the generous act of people choosing to
adopt from a shelter.

Adopting a pet from a shelter won’t

change the world, but it will change the
world for that one pet.

BENEFITS OF ADOPTING FROM

SHELTERS
Local animal shelters are your very best source when looking
for a new pet. Every shelter will have a great selection of animals
in just about every size, shape, color and type — kittens, cats,
puppies, dogs and sometimes even those not-so-mainstream
animals like birds or rabbits! And for those who are set on find-
ing a pure bred animal, according to the Humane Society of the
United States, up to 25-30% of a shelter’s population at any
given time consists of pure bred animals. If you don’t find what
you’re looking for during your first visit, make a second.
Shelters receive new animals every single day and may also be
willing to put you on a contact list when a certain type of animal
comes into the facility.

by Jennifer Fisher
W ebster defines champion as “one that does battle for
another’s rights or honor.” What better description is there for
someone who saves a life by adopting an animal from a shelter?
Each act of adopting from a shelter not only saves a life but is
22 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009
A HEAD-START
Shelter animals typically have a “head-start” in that many of
them are already housebroken and trained and have some
understanding of what living with a family is like and how to fit
in. Shelter pets are grateful to have a second chance at a happy
life. They can and do bond with their new owners and become
the most devoted and loving of family pets.
LESS MONEY OUT OF YOUR POCKET
Another benefit is that adopting from a shelter is usually less
expensive than buying from a store or a breeder. Adoption fees will
typically include vaccinations, deworming,
spay/neuter services as well as microchip
identification. You will also receive litera-
ture on caring for your new family
member and assistance from
adoption counselors should
you have questions.
It is estimat-
ed that
4-5 million ani-
mals will be euthanized in shel-
ters throughout the United States in 2008.
The great majority of those animals are
perfectly healthy and adoptable. They
are typically euthanized simply to
make space for additional animals
coming into the system. The
imbalance between the num-
ber of incoming animals to
shelters and the number of
adoptions can be resolved. The two most effective
tools to achieve that balance is to increase the
number of shelter adoptions and implement-
ing affordable spay/neuter services.
HOMELESSNESS AND EUTHANASIA
It has been estimated by the No Kill Advocacy
Center that if we increase the number of shelter
adoptions across the country by just 5%, the need-
less euthanasia would end. The simple act of spay-
ing or neutering an animal prevents unwanted lit-
ters from being born; litters that could very well end
up in a shelter. Making spay/neuter services afford-
able to every pet owner is paramount to ending needless
euthanasia.
The holiday season has just passed and more animals were
adopted than at any other time of the year. If you gave or received an
animal, have it spayed or neutered. In the future, if you are looking to
add a pet to your family, adopt… don’t shop! These two acts alone can vir-
tually eliminate the needless euthanasia of homeless pets in our country.
Adopting a pet from a shelter won’t change the world, but it will change the world
for that one pet.
Jennifer Fisher contributed this article for No More Homeless Pets KC. For more
information about No More Homeless Pets KC please call 816-333-PETS or visit
www.NoMoreHomelessPetsKC.org.
A PRIL 2009 • MetroPetMag.com 23
 Feline Signs
Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19) The Stray Cat
The Aries Cat has no desire to spend evenings in a mutual haze of “stroke and purr” with his or her
owner and a well-balanced, two-sided partnership between human and cat will never be within the
range of this creature. Basically a loner, if forcibly confined to the lap of one who feels the need for
company, the Aries Cat will quickly convert from a feline to a writhing bundle of needle-ridden fur.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof Being exceptionally bright
creatures, the Gemini Cat will soon learn how to
open any cat-flap. This cat views the home as one
glorious adventure playground created especially
for its enjoyment. This feline will cavort endlessly,
sliding down banisters and climbing up curtains,
but hardly ever sits still long enough for a cuddle.
Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
The Crazy Cat There may possibly even be a
feeling of togetherness as this cat sleeps
through the day in the middle of the kitchen, but
it is important not be too easily fooled. Should
the necessity arise to move residence, the
Cancer Cat is likely to refuse to follow...humans
simply do not mean that much to this feline.
This cat has the uncanny ability to melt a human
heart with its constant desire for affection.
The Top Cat This cat is intensely loyal (in its
own way) and equally as faithful as it is self-
opinionated. In fact, as cats go, this feline can
be quite a friendly soul. However, being inher-
ently jealous by nature, the Leo Cat does not
care to be in a houseful of other animals who
will doubtless compete for attention. Although a
confident creature, this cat is proud and easily
embarrassed, with surprisingly fragile feelings.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)
The Kitten Cat Outside, with nature at paw’s
reach, this feline will forget all his or her prob-
lems and hang-ups. Birdwatching or other type
of nature study will quickly relax the Virgo Cat,
while giving the owner some breathing space at
the same time. However, it would truly be fool-
ish to expect this feline to catch any mice.

24 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)
The Copy-Cat The Libra Cat will be a truly lov-
ing and devoted feline. An inherent urge for unity
with others will make it natural for this cat to cre-
ate an atmosphere of harmonious relationships
with home companions...and of dire importance
to this feline is to be among people who are sym-
pathetically inclined.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
The Cat’s Pajamas The Scorpio Cat is always
strangely drawn to those unfortunate humans
who are not fond of cats. If such an individual is
invited into the home and tries to banish the
Scorpio Cat, it will fail to work.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
The Stable Cat It can help if there are other ani-
mals in the household, as this provides practical
stimulation for the Sagittarius Cat, who is fond of
feline companionship and delighted to allow
another cat (or even more than one) to share
home and family. Still, the true love of this feline’s
life will always be horses.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan 20)
The Cat Burglar The Capricorn Cat prefers city
life to country living. In the beginning, the
Capricorn kitten appears to be fitting-in quickly.
They will be house-trained almost overnight and
may only once make the mistake of jumping onto
the kitchen table.
Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 18)
The Hip Cat Contact with humans (albeit from a
distance) is more important to an Aquarius Cat
than the time spent with other felines and his or
her best friends are likely to be birds. This cat will
attract people with an incredibly strange allure
until he or she has a battery of acquaintances of
all shapes and sizes, from all walks of life.
Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)
The Ship’s Cat Natives of Cancer and Scorpio
tend to get on best with the economic “two for
the price of one” bundle which is the Pisces Cat.
Cancer subjects possess a big enough sense of
humor to actually enjoy this feline’s many quirks
and peculiarities, while Scorpio subjects will
combine their psychic powers with that of the
Pisces Cat, making for something of a psyche-
dlic atmosphere at times.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
The Earth Mother It will be necessary to vacu-
um, dust and step around this feline. This cat
sleeps most of time and during slumber, nothing
will awaken it. This cat rarely allows paws or
torso to lose contact with a solid surface
because it will be too heavy to move very far.
A PRIL 2009 • MetroPetMag.com 25
 Grain-Free:
Natural Nutrition for Carnivores
by Laura Duclos, Ph.D
N utrition for companion animals has blossomed within the past
few years. Pet owners have a seemingly overwhelming number of
choices when it comes to selecting food for their dogs and cats; store
shelves are lined with a plethora of brands and an array of flavors and
food styles within each brand. Adding to this confusion are diets tai-
lored to specific breeds, lifestages, or medical conditions.
Cats are strict carnivores and dogs, while technically omnivores, are
carnivores by choice. Both types of pets require predominantly meat-
26 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009
However, while the number and
variety of food choices has
changed over time, the digestive
physiology and nutritional
requirements of dogs and cats
have remained the same.
based diets and truly thrive when their diet is rotated
between food styles and flavors. Ideally, dogs and cats
should be fed a commercially prepared grain-free raw
meat diet that has been carefully formulated to mimic
prey consumed in the wild. Importantly, the diet should
supply essential nutrients and have passed AAFCO feeding
trials.
WHAT IS GRAIN-FREE?
Grain is defined as “a food product harvested from
cereal grasses.” Wheat, rye, corn, oat, rice, and millet are
common examples of cereal grasses. These plants have
been cultivated and selectively bred by humans to
enhance the starch producing ability. They were never a
nutritional component in the diets of ancestral dogs and
cats. It is not surprising then, that cats have difficulty
digesting grains and that many dogs develop severe aller-
gies to corn and wheat. Moreover, over 40% of pets are
obese contributing to the rise in diabetes, a condition
aggravated by high-grain diets. Grain-free nutrition is a
dietary option that excludes problematic cereal grains
and provides pets with instinctive nutrition — more
meat.
DOES GRAIN-FREE MEAN CARBOHYDRATE
FREE?
Not all grain-free diets are carbohydrate-free. It is
important to read labels and ask about carbohydrate con-
tent. Carbohydrates — chains of sugar units held togeth-
 It is important to remember that
just like protein sources, not all
grain-free starch sources are
equally digestible.

er with various bonds — are found in fruits,

vegetables, and other starches. Within the small
intestine, enzymes produced by the pancreas
break apart the carbohydrate chains into single
sugar units such as glucose. Dogs have fairly
active enzymes whereas cats do not; cats should
be fed low carbohydrate diets.
Selecting raw frozen and canned diets offer
the best choice for a grain-free, low carbohy-
drate diet. These food styles are typically <5%
carbohydrate. Grain-free kibble is also avail-
able, yet this food style will contain between 12-
25% carbohydrate because the manufacturing
process requires starch to bind the kibble
together. Potato starch and tapioca are two
grain-free starch options harvested from veg-
etable tubers (roots). It is important to remem-
ber that just like protein sources, not all grain-
free starch sources are equally digestible. For
example, tapioca is 90-95% digestible whereas
potato is only 50-70% digestible with approxi-
mately 30% passing out in the feces.

DECIDING TO FEED GRAIN-FREE

Grain-free nutrition is instinctive nutrition that
helps pets thrive. It is paramount to read labels and
ask questions. Ideally, raw frozen diets should be
fed and rotated with grain-free canned and kibble.
It is best to buy a commercially prepared raw frozen
diet from a reputable company because homemade
raw diets can be insufficient to meet the nutrition-
al requirements of dogs and cats. Homemade raw
diets should only be fed under the guidance of a
veterinary nutritionist. Remember, dogs and cats
are meat eaters by natures, and it is beneficial to
feed them accordingly.
Dr. Duclos is the head of Research and Development
at Nature’s Variety. She has a degree in animal nutri-
tion, a Vet tech degree, and her PHD is in biological
nutrition. Learn more about this brand of pet food at
www.naturesvariety.com.

A PRIL 2009 • MetroPetMag.com 27

 Ask The Groomer
Understanding your pets better

If your groomers have men-

tioned behavior problems,
make sure your dog has gone
for a long walk and is tired
for his appt. Sometimes vis-
iting the groomers once a
week just for treats may
recondition the dog and
change its expectations.
Routine grooming at home,
like brushing for ten min-
utes every night on a table
will definitely make the pro-
fessional grooming experi-
ence more routine and not
so foreign. Talk to your
groomer about your con-
cerns and try different
things to help your pet with
his anxiety so he can have
fun and look great too.

by Cheryl Wyrick
Q Why does my white poodle have dark
stains under her eyes?

Q Why does my little dog act so frightened when I

leave him at the groomers?
A Grooming should be a wonderful part of a pet’s life. If
taken to the groomers on a regular basis, your pet
should enjoy the experience and feel pampered every time.
There are many factors that determine why the dog is fearful.
I think some dogs act as though they are arriving at the vet.
Most only see the vet when they need shots or are sick. They
rarely get to have a good experience. My salon used to be in a
vet clinic and I saw a huge difference in the attitude of the
dogs when I moved out and into my separate space. Some dogs
only see the groomers when they have matted hair and it hurts
to detangle or shave a matted coat. Also, if your pet never
leaves the house it may be scared anywhere you go, especially
if you leave him with new people. Socializing is a great con-
tribution to creating a well balanced pet. Groomers groom
dogs because they love what they do and want it to be positive.
28 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009
A There can be many reasons why the dark
color is there. Sometimes it is an allergic
reaction to food, grass or household chemicals.
In older dogs it can become a sore with a scab
that is difficult to remove without causing pain.
Sometimes a bad tooth can be the problem. If
there are no major medical problems, there are
things you can do to help control the stain.
Provide a high quality healthy diet, and avoid
artificial coloring or high grain levels. People tell
me bottled or filtered drinking water makes a
noticeable difference. For some, it can be as
simple as using a warm wet washcloth to clean
the area daily. The spot is a stain from the
drainage and if it is kept clean it might not
stain. There are plenty of products on the market
designed for this problem. In my opinion, most
don’t work. The special shampoos for the face do
work if they are used on a regular basis. Keeping the hair cut
short under the eyes help too. Some dogs have to have antibi-
otics or surgery if there is a medical problem. Discuss your
concerns with your groomer and/or your veterinarian.

Q Can my dog have fleas in the winter?

A Yes, it is possible to have fleas on your pet in the win-

ter. Seventy degrees in your home is a perfect envi-
ronment for fleas. On a warm day, a flea can jump on your
pet during a walk or a trip to the park. People think that cold
weather kills the fleas. In fact they can lie dormant for
months waiting for the right temperature to wake up. It is
important to spray the yard in the fall to avoid having an
infestation in the house or in the spring. Keep preventative
on your pet until the ground freezes. There are several prod-
ucts on the market to choose from. Many that are sold at gro-
cery stores or pet supply places have not been through ade-
quate research and may not be safe or effective. I do not rec-
ommend flea collars or dips because of the dangerous level
of chemicals. Never put more than one flea product on your
pet at a time. An overdose of chemicals can be toxic. Routine
grooming in itself is a form of prevention. Talk to your vet
or groomer about your options.

Q I have a golden doodle and the breeder said it

didn’t need grooming when I bought it, why does it
get matted and have to get a
short haircut?

A The popular ‘designer’ dogs like

golden/standard poodle mixes are
extremely difficult to predict what kind of
coat they will have when they grow up.
Some breeders advertise that they don’t
shed or they do not need grooming. Any
time you mix two breeds together it is a
gamble of temperament, coat, and some-
times size. Any time you are considering a
new pet, please be sure to do your research.
It is a good idea to ask a groomer what
those breeds require before choosing a pet.
Most of the ‘doodles’ we see at the salon are
very thick poodle type coats which do
demand high maintenance and routine
professional grooming. Some have more of
a golden coat and are abundant shedders.
It is similar to when you adopt a homeless
puppy from a rescue or shelter, you take a
chance and “get what you get”. If the puppy
grows a long fluffy coat, it will need to be
brushed on a regular basis at home, maybe
even daily, along with professional groom-
ing. If the coats goes without proper care it
will become matted and have to be clipped

A PRIL 2009 • MetroPetMag.com 29

very short. Make sure you have the tools to do some grooming
at home. A professional brush can make a world of difference.
As soon as you get a new dog, or puppy go to the groomer and
ask what kind of hair care it needs.
Q How can I save money and still take good care of
my “Princess?”
A There are numerous ways to control your spending on
your pet and still provide proper grooming, and pam-
per her.
• Schedule your grooming in advance when it is most con-
venient financially (right after paydays?)
• Invest in a good brush and comb to do some of the main-
tenance at home to spread the visits out a bit more. This
will also prevent mat fees.
• Try a shorter haircut to make it last longer, even in the
winter, if she is a house dog.
• Ask your groomer if you can get a discount for schedul-
ing a “standing appointment.”
• If you dog has a double coat and sheds, try to brush more
at home to save money when you do have a bath or the
“shedless” treatment at the groomers.
30 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009
Q Can you groom a cat?
A Yes, cats can be groomed. We see a variety of pets
including cats, rabbits and an occasional guinea
pig. Many groomers do not choose to groom cats because
of personal preference or lack of training. Some of us
have a “calling” for the furry felines.
The short haired cats need to be brushed to help with shed-
ding. Long haired cats will get mats if the coat is not combed.
We can shave it to look like a lion. Grooming can control the
amount of hair in your home. We can give a cat a bath to
help with human allergies We can even do a quick brush out
and toe nail trim to help with maintenance, if that is all it
needs. Cats get groomed all the time. Check with your
groomer and see if she (or he) is qualified to groom your cat.
Cheryl Wyrick has been grooming in Waldo
since 1989. She currently manages Pampered
Paws Grooming, Inc. Wyrick can be reached at
816-333-2522 or by email: Pamperedinkc
@sbcglobal.net or at
Pamperedpawsgroominginc.com
 Ask the Vet by Michael Tarrant, DVM, CVA

Q. My dog has allergies

and my vet put her on
steroids, are there any
other things I can do
for her?
A. Yes, there are many alternatives to using
steroids for allergies. There are antihistamines, sham-
poos, conditioners and lotions for the skin. There are
also things like providing a good quality diet, omega
fatty acids, supplements, herbal medicine, acupunc-
ture and homeopathy. Most of the time a combination
of these things works best.

Q. My dog has arthritis

— what options do I
have to treat her pain?
A. There are many things that can help animals
with arthritis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(similar to Aspirin), joint supplements such as
Glucosamine/Chondroiton/MSM and different types of
pain medications can be used. There are also injec-
tions that help with the joint fluid and there are ther-
apies such as changes in diet, acupuncture, herbal
medicine, homeopathy, and chiropractic treatments
that help the body heal itself by reducing pain and
inflammation through changes in blood flow, hor-
mone levels, the release of endorphins (the body’s own
pain killers), and re-programming the nervous system
pain signals.
Mike Tarrant grew up in a small farming in Oklahoma
where he gained invaluable
experience working with all
types of animals. He attended
the University of Kansas and
Oklahoma State University,
where he graduated in 2003 as
a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
(DVM). You can reach Dr.
Michael Tarrant at Arbor Creek
Animal Hospital, by calling 913-764-9000 or by visiting
www.acanimalhospital.com. See ad at right.

A PRIL 2009 • MetroPetMag.com 31

 Q&A
Ask the Trainer
by Dani Rouse
When people find out that I work with
dogs, they ask questions about their dog’s
behavior. These questions vary. Since
spring is upon us, these are some of the
more popular questions for this time of
year.

Q My dog barks at people walking down our street

and even the mailman and he comes everyday.
How can I get him to stop? A Your dog is a pack animal and he will bark but you can
manage it so he is not continually barking. When a dog
barks, he is alerting you that he “perceives” a danger to his
pack and his barking is to alert you. As the leader of your pack,
you let him know that you acknowledge his alert but that as the
leader it is not something to worry about. With the PAWS™
method, we teach that you simply do this by saying “Thank
You” to your dog as calmly as you can. If your dog continues to
bark, then make sure the dog sees you looking at the “danger”
and repeat “Thank You.” If the dog continues to bark, then you
must isolate the dog. If you are inside, just take the dog to a
room and shut the door. Wait for the dog to quit barking. Once
the dog quits, count to 10 and then let the dog out. No eye con-
tact or voice contact when the dog returns, just calmly let the
dog back “into the pack/family”. If you are outside, bring the
dog into the house. You will need to consistently and calmly
repeat these steps until the dog learns that you are OK with this
and that the initial warning is all you need.

Q My dog is afraid of thunderstorms. How can I con-

sole my dog or help him with his fears

A As humans we will cuddle or talk to our dogs to “soothe”

them as that is what we do as humans. With our dogs, we
need to look at this from their perspective. When we cuddle
them or try to get them out from under the table or bed, we are
making the problem worse because we are thinking “human”
instead of “canine”. We are stressed because we are worried
about them and they pick up on our stress and this makes them
more agitated. What we need to do is “Make Nothing of
Something.” So when we start hearing the thunder, we need to
act like nothing is happening. We don't fear the thunder and we
show our dogs that we don't fear it by going on with our busi-
32 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009
ness. Even if your dog should hide, just go about your business. Take a deep breath if you have to but keep
your stress level down. For my clients, I suggest that they watch TV, read a book, clean a room, but do not
acknowledge the dog's actions. Acting as the leader, you don’t fear the thunder. By going about your busi-
ness, you are letting your dog know that they don't need to fear it either. This is not an overnight fix, but
by doing this calmly and consistently during
every storm, your dog will start to relax
quicker with each incident.

Q I really don’t walk my dog. I feel

we are going out drag racing and
my dog is the driver. How can I
have a more relaxing walk?

A With my clients, I suggest practicing

your walking skills at home where the
dog is most comfortable. You can practice in
your home or in your backyard if it is a nice
day. How does the dog react when you get
out the leash for the walk? I ask him to wait
until he calms down and you can hook the
leash with one hand. The dog can be sitting
or standing but it needs to be calm on its
own. No commands, just wait patiently until
he is calm. Once the leash is attached, do not
move until the dog leaves slack in the leash.
You want to be leading the walk — not the
dog. So anytime that the lead is taut, then
you stop. It doesn’t matter if the dog is M ETRO P ET R ESOURCE
ahead or behind you, just that you have
slack in the leash and you are leading the WHO? LEE’S SUMMIT SUBARU
walk. Anytime the dog pulls the leash taut,
you stop. You’ll need to take a lot of time to WHERE?
practice this at home before you go “out into 2101 NE Independence Ave, Lee’s
the world”. But by practicing at home, you Summit, MO
teach your dog that you lead the walk and if Phone 816-251-8600
he tries to take on that job by pulling the Fax: 816-251-8617
leash tight, you will stop the walk. After a www.leessummitsubaru.com
few days and you feel your dog is no longer email: patrick@leessummitsubaru.com
pulling more than following you, you can try
small walks from home. As you calmly and HOW LONG IN BUSINESS? Since April, 2007
consistently practice this, you will gradually
be able to lengthen your walks. WHY ARE YOU DIFFERENT?
K9 Instincts shows people The relationships we form with our clients. Our clear intent is to have them last
how to gain the willing cooper- forever. We also offer a pet friendly service department! We service most vehicles
ation of their dogs without the and you can enjoy time with your pet, while your vehicle is being serviced.
use of force, gadgets, or frustra-
tion! You will learn how to “lis- BENEFITS OF LEE’S SUMMIT SUBARU
ten” to your dog’s signals and Of course our great service, selection and pricing. But if I had to pick
use their natural instincts so
one word, it would be “FUN!” Our clients have fun doing business with us. The
they will want to cooperate with
you. K9 Instincts will come into not the “norm” at car dealerships.
your home to demonstrate there is no magic or mystery REASONS CUSTOMERS COME BACK!
to listening and communicating with your dog.
Lifetime back-up service is included for no extra They know we genuinely care about them and their needs. We WOW them from
charge. You can reach Dani Rouse at 816-322-4133, on the first visit because that's our everyday standard.
the web at www.k9-instincts.com or by email at
doglistener@K9-instincts.com
See our ad on pg. 19
A PRIL 2009 • MetroPetMag.com 33
 UpcomingEvents ADVERTISER INDEX
AERH (Animal Emergency Referral Hospital)
aerh-kc.com • Inside Front Cover
Egg-Stravaganza Arbor Creek Animal Hospital
Sunday, April 5, 1:30 - 4 pm acanimalhospital.com • Pg. 31
at Woof’s Play & Stay Aussie Pet Mobile aussiepetmobile.com • Pg. 16
Brookside Pet Concierge brooksidepet.com • Pg. 12
Sponsored by:
Camp Bow Wow Olathe campbowwow.com/olathe • Pg. 33
Woof’s Play & Stay ChemDry chem-dry.net//allcare.mo • Pg. 11
Precious Pets Memorial Center Critter Sitter Connection crittersitters.com • Pg. 20
For more info call 913-403-WOOF or 913-685-PETS Dog’s World of Fun dogsworldoffun.com • Pg. 5
Heart of America Invisible Fence
816.941.7700 • 913.722.9948 • Pg. 5
Pet Expo Invisible Fence of Kansas City
Sat - Sun invisiblefence.com • Pg. 23
Homestead Pet Resort and Spa
April 18-19
homesteadpetresort.com • Pg. 17
American Royal K9-Instincts k9instincts.com • Pg. 32
Center Lee’s Summit Subaru leessummitsubaru.com • Pg. 19
Call 816-931-4686 or visit www.kcpetexpo.org Mariposa Veterinary Center
mariposavet.com • Pg. 9
N2 Paws N2paws.com • Inside Front Cover
Spring Fling Block Party Nature’s Varity naturesvariety.com • Back Cover
Saturday, April 25, 10 am - 2 pm No More Homeless Pets nmhpkc.org • Pg. 11
at Pete and Mac’s, Lee’s Summit Pampered Paws Grooming
Sponsored by: pamperedpawsgroominginc.com • Pg. 29
Pet Expo kcpetexpo.com • Pg. 30
AERH 816-554-4990
Pete And Mac’s petemac.com • Inside Back Cover
Pete and Mac’s 816-246-1116 Precious Pets Memorial Center
Lee’s Summit Subaru 816-251-8600 preciouspetsmemorialcenter.com • Pg. 7, 21
ROI Marketing Services 816.942.1600 • Pg. 7
Rolling Acers Memorial Gardens
WoofStock visitrollingacres.com • Pg. 29
Sunday April 26 Scoopy the Poo scoopythepoo.com • Pg. 15
8 am - 12 pm Stinkies scoopkc.com • Pg. 31
at Zona Rosa Northland Sydney’s Pet Spa sydneyspetspa.com • Pg. 27
Animal Welfare Society Sympawtico sympawtico.com • Pg. 9
Tails R’ Waggin tailsrwaggin.com • Pg. 21
A family friendly festival in the
Northland. Dog fashion show; Woof ’s Play and Stay woofsplaystay.com • Pg. 25
dog singing contest; 5 mile run Wilks Radio Group
and 1 mile walk; rescue animal demonstrations. Raffle KMXV-FM, Mix 93.3 • mix93.com • Pg. 8, 24
prizes and much more! Register at www.pcnaws.com. KFKF-FM, 94.1 • kfkf.com • Pg. 8, 24
KCKC-FM 102.1 • star102.com • Pg. 8, 24
34 MetroPet Magazine A PRIL 2009 KBEQ-FM 104.3 • q104kc.com • Pg. 8, 24