PetTales

MESSENGER POST MEDIA

AUTUMN EDITION Advertising supplement for September 20, 2018

2 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018
 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018 3

camping with your dog

BY MEGAN POHL | MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR | MONROE VETERINARY ASSOCIATES

On a gorgeous fall weekend there is nothing quite like

camping with ‘man’s best friend.’ The colorful leaves,
pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds make it the
perfect time to get away.
Here are some tips to keep camping trips with your dog
safe and enjoyable for both of you.
Before you leave, remember to check that your
campground is pet friendly and your pup is current on all
of his vaccinations as he will be encountering all sorts of
new and wonderful things.
Your dog should always wear identification in case he
manages to escape your watch and decides to explore
one of those new and wonderful things.
Keep a copy of his vaccinations and other medical records
on hand in case one of those wonderful things turns out
to be a little less wonderful.
You and your pup came on this trip together, so you should
stick together. Don’t leave him alone at the campsite.
Long walks and hikes can be exhilarating for your dog and
have the added benefit of tiring him out so he is more
relaxed when you return to your campsite to cook or get
ready for bed.
When preparing for walks, you should always bring food
(dry is best, as it won’t go bad) and water for both you and
your pet in case you are out longer then you expected. Even
for shorter hikes, make sure both of you stay hydrated.
Don’t forget bags — the ‘leave no trace’ policy applies
to your pup as well, so you need to make sure you clean
up after him.
Upon returning from a hike, check your dog over for ticks
and other small hazards or irritants including thorns and
burrs. You should also check over their paws for any scrapes
or irritations.
Food, including pet food, should be stored away and out
of reach of wildlife. Towels are great to have on hand to wipe muddy paws or even just to keep those paws off the seats of
Have water available for your dog, but be sure to check it your car. A collapsible water bowl and some boots are great for hikes. Your dog may need a jacket to stay
frequently for leaves, dirt, insects or other contaminations warm if he is small or has a thinner coat.
and replace with fresh water if necessary. Finally, enjoy exploring the great outdoors with your pet and be sure to take lots of pictures!
Keep your dog on a leash or tie-out so he can’t wander off Megan Pohl is the Marketing Communications Coordinator at Monroe Veterinary Associates. She grew up
after some interesting smell, creature or person. in Fairport and is happy to have returned home after going to school at Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA,
If you feel like going all out, there is some additional gear where she studied marketing, communications and graphic design. In her free time she loves to read, paint
you might consider packing for your trip. and spend time with her dog Ceasar.

“When the Man waked up he said, ‘What is Wild Dog doing here?’
And the Woman said, ‘His name is not Wild Dog any more, but the First Friend,
because he will be our friend for always and always and always.’”
— Rudyard Kipling
4 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018

Tiger: A Tail of Hope

PROVIDED BY ROCHESTER HOPE FOR PETS
Tiger was adopted by his loving family right at the beginning
of his life. He had been born with a deformity to his left paw
that required the leg to be amputated, but he thrived as
a three-legged cat. His family included humans, dogs and
cats, and he lived a happy cat life for many years.
Sadly, in the winter of 2017, his dog sister, Lola, passed
away. A few months later, the family decided to welcome
a new pup into their lives and rescued a four-year-old dog
from a local animal shelter.
Despite careful introductions, the new dog attacked Tiger
soon after arriving. His family rushed Tiger to Penfield
Veterinary Hospital, where the veterinarian told them Tiger
had five broken ribs and many puncture wounds.
Afraid and unsure of how they would cover the cost of
hospitalization, the family turned to Rochester Hope for
Pets. Tiger would end up spending 10 days in the hospital,
receiving multiple treatments that saved his life.
The financial award from Rochester Hope for Pets helped
to cover a portion of the total cost, alleviating a lot of the
family’s financial stress. They were able to focus on helping
Tiger recover, and soon he was on his way back to his happy,
healthy self!

Established in 2008, we are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization funded by the generosity of private
donors. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for pets living in the Greater Rochester area. We do this
by: Offering financial assistance toward veterinary care costs to pet owners during times of need; Assisting
veterinary healthcare teams with continuing education and technology, while allowing them to use the most
up-to-date veterinary medicine techniques, including the most current reference literature for veterinary health
professionals who practice in Monroe and surrounding counties; Enhancing the care and treatment of Pets at
facilities in our region; And partnering with other animal related non-profit organizations.
We encourage you to learn more about our organization through our website, especially our Tails of Hope section,
where we share stories of pets we have been able to help. Sign up to become a volunteer brand enthusiast, and
help us to enhance the care, support, and education in the greater Rochester area.
Rochester Hope for Pets • 524 White Spruce Blvd. • Rochester, NY 14623 • 585-271-2733 x189 • rochesterhopeforpets.org

Bark Party On! Hats

Hats off to you for throwing a party
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perfect fit, not to mention a killer
products for your game of tug. Small: 8”14” for extra
small dogs $8, medium: 11”-17” for
small-medium dogs $10, large: 14”-
21” for large-extra large dogs, $12.
barkshop.com.
 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018 5

Animal OBESITY

Do you have a chubby cat or a pudgy pooch? Chances are you becomes overworked and stops producing insulin. These are the
might. More than half of all canine and feline pets are overweight instances in which your pet becomes diabetic. For more detailed
or obese. information concerning metabolic conditions associated with
The majority of our four-legged friends are overweight, and most obesity please consult your veterinarian.
pet owners aren’t aware of the problem. In fact, 60% of U.S. cats Sometimes the biggest problem is simply not knowing there
and 56% of dogs were overweight according to results from the is a problem at all. Many people assume they are feeding the
tenth annual survey of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention appropriate amount because they are following the instructions
(APOP). printed on the label of the bag. Unfortunately, those labels
While the chubby puppy may seem cute when rolling over for can often be misleading and overestimate how much your pet
belly rubs or begging for a treat, that puppy is also in danger. actually needs to eat. Your family veterinarian can provide you
These problems can be painful, stressful (on both pets and with the appropriate amount of food you should be feeding your
owners), expensive and ultimately fatal. Obesity makes animals Elisabeth Brown, DVM pet. Be careful of treats, as these will quickly whittle away at the
prone to mobility problems, injury and disease. Veterinary Specialists total amount of daily food intake and are often a big downfall of
& Emergency Services any pet’s diet.
Joints, bones and muscles are all worked harder when animals Monroe Veterinary Associates
are overweight or obese. Common problems include arthritis, Animal obesity is a growing problem in our world. We love our
muscle strain and ligament or tendon tears. As the body weight increases so pets and want to include them in all aspects of our lives. In order to do this, care
does the strain and pressure on bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. Cranial needs to be taken to protect their weight. It is important to include healthy eating
cruciate ligament tears (CCLR) are an extremely common example. CCLRs require and exercise habits in your pet’s daily life. Each pet may need a different amount
expensive and extensive surgical correction and therapy to correct. In addition, of exercise to maintain a healthy weight. If you are experiencing trouble with
decreased mobility can impair the ability to properly groom. Poor hygiene can exercising your pet consult your veterinarian. He or she may have some helpful
lead to rashes, sores, and infections. Preventable diseases will be able to spread tips to encourage your best friend. A yearly wellness visit is the perfect way to
much more rapidly. If sores or wounds go unnoticed and untreated, parasites update vaccines, check your pet’s weight progress, ask questions and refill yearly
can infect these wounds. Maggots are a prime example of these opportunistic preventative medications.
parasites. Dr. Elisabeth Brown is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services.
As with people, obesity is strongly associated with many metabolic and endocrine She is originally from Laingsburg, Michigan where she attended Lansing Community
diseases. Diabetes, hypothyroidism and heart disease are a few examples. Most of College. Later she earned her Bachelor’s of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan
these diseases are manageable but not curable. Each body system works in highly State University and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan
specific means to maintain functions for the body. For example, the pancreas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. During this time she earned a Gold
releases insulin to metabolize the glucose your pet eats to allow individual cells Certificate through the Veterinary Business Management Association. Dr. Brown’s
to survive. When your pet eats too much for the body to use, that sugar is stored professional interests include surgery, orthopedics, physical therapy and rehab,
as fat. In some cases the pancreas releases so much insulin that the rest of the working dogs, business management and marketing. She has a Greyhound named
body stops responding appropriately to the insulin. In other cases, the pancreas Kudlow and in her free time enjoys crafts, needlework, vinyl collecting, hiking,
camping, fishing and softball.

“Of all God’s creatures, there is only one that cannot be made slave of the lash. That one is the cat.
If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve the man, but it would deteriorate the cat.”
— Mark Twain
6 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018

what to know about

pet hedgehogs
BY MELISSA ERICKSON | MORE CONTENT NOW

Spiny and exotic, roly-poly and athletic, 10- or 20-gallon aquarium without any other “Do not handle a hedgehog or items that come
hedgehogs can make good yet challenging pets. opportunity to explore and run, this doesn’t into contact with a hedgehog in the kitchen or
“Hedgehogs are delightful animals to have as seem like a great life for your hedgehog to live. while eating, and do not allow the hedgehog to
a part of the human family, but require some A better alternative would be to provide a large roam in areas of the home that are difficult to
special considerations for their health, husbandry plastic container with smooth sides and a hiding sanitize,” Keller said.
and hygiene,” said Dr. Krista Keller, a veterinarian spot for sleeping as the main habitat. Allow your Visit the vet
at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching pet hedgehog access to a larger space, such as a “Unfortunately, hedgehogs suffer from a variety
Hospital in Urbana. bathroom or bathtub, at least one to two times a of health issues, many of them including cancers
All night long week to be able to explore and run around. of the mouth, skin and internal organs,” Keller
African pygmy hedgehogs are nocturnal and very Keep it clean said. “The good news is your veterinarian can
active at night. Hedgehogs can carry and spread salmonella help. We recommend having a veterinary
to human family members, so they are not the consultation when you first obtain your hedgehog
“This should be a major deterrent of housing to ensure they are healthy and not suffering from
them in a bedroom or area where their nightly right pet for children too young to understand
the basics of hygiene. any parasites, and then semiannual or twice-
activities could keep human family members yearly visits to the vet for a checkup.”
from getting a full night’s sleep,” Keller said. Many hedgehogs can be carriers of salmonella
without ever showing any clinical signs, and they Check the law
The best time to interact with your hedgehog is
not earlier in the day but when it is waking up spread the bacteria through their feces. You cannot legally own a hedgehog in
from its daily slumber, such as after dinner. Reduce the risk of becoming infected by washing California, New York City, Georgia, Pennsylvania,
hands with warm soapy water after handling. Washington, D.C., or Hawaii, according to
Hedgehogs are also solitary creatures and should hedgehogcentral.com.
be housed separately.
Temperature control
While hedgehogs are warm-blooded, they
have limited capability for regulating their
body temperature. Their habitat requires strict
temperature control.
For the African pygmy hedgehog, the ideal
temperature range is 75 to 85 degrees. More
specifically, the coolest part of their enclosure
should be no cooler than 75 degrees and
the warmest part of their enclosure
should be no warmer than 85 degrees.
Room to roam
In the wild, African pygmy
hedgehogs are extremely active
and have a large range where
they run, explore and even swim.
Often, the captive environments
that we provide for them pale in
comparison.
Before getting an African pygmy
hedgehog, consider the amount
of space that you can provide
for it. If you can only provide a
 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018 7

XYLITOL TOXICITY in small animal patients

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is used as a More extensive diagnostics such as abdominal ultrasound
sweetener in many human foods, dietary supplements and even and coagulation panels can be performed as well if needed,
toothpaste. It is commonly found in human sugar-free foods that depending on the case.
are diabetic friendly, since they do not tend to cause blood sugar The treatment for xylitol toxicity heavily relies on a rapid
fluctuations. Unfortunately for our small animal patients, xylitol recognition of symptoms in order to ensure a more favorable
is highly toxic and can severely impact blood sugar levels. In dogs prognosis. If the patient is presented within 1-2 hours of xylitol
and cats, xylitol ingestion can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood ingestion, then the first step is always attempting to induce
sugar,) liver failure and in some cases, death. vomiting. This is the best way to ensure that more xylitol is not
Dogs are most commonly affected by xylitol ingestion when they absorbed from the stomach.
get into things they shouldn’t (or when someone inadvertently If xylitol ingestion is not noticed for 1-2 hours, we can attempt
gives them food containing xylitol.) Sugar-free chewing gum to induce vomiting, but it is likely some of it has already begun
and sugar-free peanut butter are the most common culprits that Meghan Seymour, DVM to pass into the small intestine. Unlike some other common toxic
Veterinary Specialists
cause canine xylitol toxicity. substances, therapy with activated charcoal is not indicated
& Emergency Services
Xylitol is rapidly absorbed after ingestion, leading to visible Monroe Veterinary Associates because xylitol is not bound by charcoal.
clinical signs in as few as 10 minutes. These clinical signs are The mainstays of treatment are aggressive blood glucose monitoring and
initially due to profound hypoglycemia, including depression, weakness, dextrose supplementation. It is also common to administer medications
collapse, vomiting, tremors, stumbling and seizures. Hypoglycemia can be seen which can help protect the liver as well, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC.) NAC
with doses as low as 0.1 grams of xylitol per kilogram of bodyweight. works to scavenge free radicals and can increase the breakdown of xylitol.
Hepatic necrosis, a condition which causes liver failure, is a consequence of Gastrointestinal signs are common with xylitol ingestion as well, which can be
higher doses of xylitol (0.5 grams of xylitol per kilogram of bodyweight) and mediated with anti-nausea and gastroprotectant medication.
can ultimately lead to death. This serious clinical manifestation can be seen as When it is recognized promptly, the treatment for xylitol intoxication can be
early as 1-2 hours after xylitol ingestion, although most dogs will begin to show initiated quickly and carries a favorable prognosis, especially when lower doses
signs later (between 9 and 12 hours after ingestion). have been consumed. However, the larger the dose the worse the prognosis
The reason why xylitol is so harmful to dogs and cats is because of the effect becomes, so it is important to keep xylitol products out of reach and contact a
it has on the pancreas — one of the organs responsible for controlling blood veterinarian as soon as possible if accidental ingestion occurs.
sugar. In our small animal patients, xylitol causes a release of insulin from the Dr. Meghan Seymour is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency
pancreas, which normally promotes the storage of glucose. However, this insulin Services. Originally from Jupiter, FL, she completed her undergraduate studies at
concentration spike can cause an excessive amount of glucose to be pulled out of the University of Central Florida, receiving a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. She
the bloodstream for deposition into cells, causing profound hypoglycemia. The then went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Cummings School
mechanism by which xylitol causes hepatic necrosis is not entirely understood, of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. During her time in vet school, she was
but the leading theory indicates the depletion of cellular energy sources and the an active member of Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) and
production of free radicals may be to blame. through this involvement, earned the Gold Certificate. Her professional interests
This diagnosis is most often made by obtaining a thorough history and knowing include emergency medicine as well as general practice. In her free time she enjoys
that the patient gained access to food containing xylitol. Blood work is done riding and spending time with her 26-year-old chestnut Quarter Horse, Tink, as
to check the blood glucose level and assess the liver for any potential damage. well as anything outdoors. In Florida, she enjoyed going to the beach, boating,
and fishing. Since moving up North, she has taken up hiking and snowshoeing.
8 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018

PET MEMORIALS

The gift that lasts a lifetime

Rochester Hope for Pets is an organization that works towards improving the quality of life for pets
living in our area. In 2016 Rochester Hope for Pets partnered with Monroe Veterinary Associates
to create a memorial garden to serve as a place of peace and reflection for our community.
The Memorial Brick Garden was created to be a retreat that calms and comforts grieving pet
owners. It features a round planter, which symbolizes the circle of life. Much of the garden’s
greenery was chosen specifically because it symbolizes peace, life and love. This space offers pet
parents and others the chance to honor their pets or individuals who have made an impact on
their lives and to memorialize those we have lost. The garden also serves as an escape for those
who have a pet being treated by the committed and compassionate healthcare team at Veterinary
Specialists & Emergency Services, which is located right next door. It also serves as a place for the
staff to reflect and decompress from all of the stress involved with caring for critically ill patients.
Bricks can be purchased and are engraved with custom text and images, then are installed in the
brick pathway that runs throughout the garden. In turn, all proceeds from bricks in the garden
go directly toward helping our organization continue its mission to improve the quality of life for
companion animals in the greater Rochester area.
4” x 8” stone ($100), 8’ x 8” stone ($250) and
8” x 8” with a graphic ($300.) To order a brick
visit rochesterhopeforpets.org/memorialbrick.
 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018 9

ALLERGIES in a companion animal

Allergic skin disease can be one of the
most frustrating disease processes to
manage, both for the pet owner and the
veterinarian. They are frustrating because
they aren’t always straightforward in
regards to treatment/management and
oftentimes diagnosis involves months of
vigorous trial and error.
Allergies often begin a cycle of chronic
irritation, leading to incessant licking and
scratching and predisposing the pet to
Arianne Archee, DVM micro-abrasions, which are susceptible to
Veterinary Specialists becoming infected.
& Emergency Services
Monroe Veterinary Associates The severity of lesions can range from a mild
licking (causing discolouration of the fur to
painful self-mutilation (involving bleeding sores, ulcers and blisters.)
Secondary infections can develop, having either a bacterial or fungal
component, which are even more pruritic (itchy) than the initial inciting
cause. This requires a course of systemic antibiotics or antifungal
medications to rid of the surface itch; before the root cause can be tackled
subsequently. If not, the cycle of itch begins again.
There are two types of allergies that may be ailing your pet. Adverse food
reactions (food allergy) and atopic dermatitis (environmental allergy.)
Food allergies can develop at any age in life (it does not only manifest at
a young age as one would think.) The typical signs/symptoms of adverse
food reactions include recurrent ear infections, or a generalized truncal
alopecia. Signs are typically non-seasonal, meaning they do not wax and
wane with the seasons. scratch the ventral abdomen (belly) and tend to have recurrent skin/ear infections.
The most common food allergens include chicken, beef (including Environmental allergies are typically seasonal, however they can also be year round if
venison,) dairy, lamb, wheat, corn and rice. There are blood and saliva the allergen is consistently in the environment (such as household dust mites.) The most
tests available to check for food allergies in pets. However, the accuracy common environmental allergens include dust mites, mold, grass, trees, wheat, insects
of the test to truly determine what your pet is allergic to is low. In order and pollen.
to determine whether or not your pet has a food allergy, extensive food In order to ascertain the root cause, an intradermal allergy test can be performed, which
trials must be pursued. The results are only valid if trials are in place for involves small injections of the most common allergens transdermally into the pet’s
a minimum of two months, and there is a strict restriction to foods being skin. This information would then be used to develop an allergy serum to desensitize
fed. The reasoning behind this is that it takes 1-2 months for the hair the immune system to the allergens that your pet is most reactive to. Results can be
to complete a full hair cycle before the full effect of an allergen can be seen from anywhere between six months to two years. During this time your pet would
assessed. be managed on medications as well and gradually weaned down.
A limited ingredient diet (typically one with a novel protein source and Allergies can be extremely frustrating to manage and can severely impact a pet’s quality
a single vegetable source) or a hydrolyzed diet (diets in which food of life. The goal of treatment is to manage any pet with minimal medications and to
molecules have been processed to a size in which they no longer cross achieve a good quality of life with minimal to no pharmaceutical side effects.
react with the allergy receptors) is typically recommended. While there are Your vet might prescribe a variety of therapeutics to gain control over the symptoms
various limited ingredient diets available in commercial stores, it is often that your pet is experiencing. From antibiotics to antifungals, to anti-inflammatories
recommended to use a veterinary prescription limited ingredient diet or to immune system suppressors, to changes in diet or desensitizing serums. In either
hydrolyzed diet as they have strict regulations in order to guarantee the scenario, your pet might benefit from a referral consultation with a boarded veterinary
purity of the product. Commercial limited ingredient diets often have trace dermatologist (DACVD) for their expertise in dermatologic conditions.
amounts of top allergens (enough to react with allergy receptors), thus
defeating the purpose of the food trial. Adequate novel proteins include Dr. Arianne Archee is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services.
protein sources such as pork, kangaroo, crocodile or rabbit. The ingredients Originally from the greater Toronto area, Dr. Archee completed her undergraduate studies
of the diet must be from a food source that the animal has never been with honors at McMaster University with a Bachelors of Science and minors in Biology
exposed to before. and Psychology. She later received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ontario
Veterinary College. Dr. Archee’s professional interests include emergency medicine and
Atopic dermatitis (environmental allegies) typically begin anywhere exotics. During her free time, she enjoys canoeing, kayaking, camping, binge watching TV,
between the ages of six months to five years in dogs, and in any age in reading and dragon boat racing. She has a 12-year-old shih-poo mix (Turk,) a three-year-
cats. Animals with environmental allergies are seen to lick at their paws, old Goldendoodle (Colby) and a two-year-old bearded dragon (Mushu.)
10 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018

dressing up your pet for halloween BY MONROE VETERINARY ASSOCIATES

Dressing up your pet for Halloween can be great fun, but it comes
with some safety hazards that pet owners should keep in mind.
Remember that costumes might not be for every pet. Seniors and
young pets should avoid costumes as they may not have the range of
motion or coordination needed to wear a costume safely.
If your pet does not enjoy wearing a costume, do not force them.
Some pets may love being dressed, but for those that don’t it
can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. Be aware of their body
language so you know if your pet is uncomfortable with the costume.
Some signs of stress may include pacing or shaking, vocalization or
panting, yawning with a tense face, drooling or excessive licking of
nose or lips and changes in posture.
The costume should fit your pet appropriately, anything too tight
may restrict their movement or breathing. Ensure their mouth and
noses are not covered, it needs to be light and breathable and should
never obstruct any of the senses. Keep their eyes, ears and whiskers
free. Consider the type of material the costume is made out of, is
it soft and stretchy or is it stiff and scratchy? If it’s not a fabric you
would want to wear, it won’t be comfortable for your pet. You should
regularly check the fit of the costume to be sure it’s not too tight and
no parts have come loose.
Don’t leave your pet alone while they are dressed up. Wearing a new
outfit presents many ways for your pet to become stuck or otherwise
injured if they are not supervised.
Also be aware of any choking hazards the costume may have
including buttons, ribbons, or other small parts. These parts are easy
to swallow and should not be a part of the costume even if the pet is
properly supervised.
Spend some time before you want your pet to wear their new finally slowly try it on piece by piece. Remember pets don’t have to wear a full costume.
costume to get them used to it. Remove any packaging in advance, Maybe they are comfortable in the hat but hate the shirt. If there are parts of a costume that
so you give the fabric the chance to air out and absorb familiar scents. your pet won’t wear, that’s ok. You know your pet’s temperament best and in the end should
Introduce the costume slowly, let them see it, smell it, feel it, and just use your best judgment to ensure they are safe, comfortable and having fun.

“You really should advertise in the next issue of Pet Tales...”

It’s easy, call 585.394.0770 today!

 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018 11

reducing stress
and anxiety during
veterinary visits
BY SUBURBAN ANIMAL HOSPITAL
MONROE VETERINARY ASSOCIATES

Suburban Animal Hospital recently earned their Fear Free Practice Certification,
making them one of 36 animal hospitals in the United States to earn this
designation.
Fear Free is a program designed to reduce the feelings of stress, resulting in a
better experience for all involved, including pets, owners and veterinary health
care teams. Built on a foundation of being more conscientious of the relationship
between an animal’s emotional and physical well being, it aims to eliminate
things in the vet’s office that cause fear, anxiety and stress to dogs and cats.
Shannon Drazkowski, Suburban’s Hospital Manager, says “The Fear Free approach
has been a revival to the purpose of my career. Myself and Suburban Animal
Hospital feel we have always provided compassionate meaningful care to our
patients, but being more attentive to the emotional well being of our patients has
opened a door to a deeper understanding and connection with each one of them.”
Stress and fear can lead animals to hide the very symptoms that prompted their
vet visit, and even have the ability to alter their test results. This is one of the many
reasons veterinarians have been moving towards fear free methods.
“Practicing patience and taking the time to get to know their likes and dislikes,
needs and stressors, and preferences allow us to perform simple to complicated
procedures and improve patient compliance to treatments. By doing this, we can
improve outcomes and quality of life for them and their families.”
One of the most obvious changes, Shannon said, is that clients would notice the The most important tools that Shannon identified for Fear Free methods to be a
use of varied and sometimes unique treats, from traditional treats and catnip success, are communication and education. “Communicating and educating our
to baby food, peanut butter and squeeze cheese, as well as toys such as tennis clients on how to recognize the signs of fear, anxiety and stress (FAS) in their pet,
balls and squeaky toys to engage the patient, all of which have been an instant the goals and purpose for asking particular questions, and what and why we are
success for patients allowing examinations and treatments. changing the way we carry out the care of their pet. This comes in the form of pre-
appointment questionnaires, handouts, discussions during appointments, referrals
Other tools that have been implemented include, but are not limited to, the use to additional resources, and more.”
of pheromones, music, strategic appointment times and non-traditional patient
management. For example, allowing a patient to dictate where their care takes Nobody should dread a trip to the vet. Not the pet and not the pet owner.
place whether it’s outside, in their carrier, on the floor, in a lap, swaddled in a towel For more information about the Fear Free approach or Suburban Animal Hospital, please
or waiting outside instead of in the lobby with or without the clients present. visit suburbanvet.com.

The Cat’s Guide to Human Behavior

As told to Xina Marie Uhl
At last, the mysteries of humans’ strange habits and bizarre
desires are revealed in this clever, timely guide for the modern
cat. Discover answers to timeless feline questions such as: Why
does my human refuse to groom herself with her tongue? For
decades felines have been meowing for such a guidebook —
don’t deny them any longer!
Xina Marie Uhl is an animal lover, freelance writer and history
instructor living in Southern California. Her fantasy novels
include Necropolis and The Gauntlet trilogy. $3.99 kindle,
$10.99 paperback at amazon.com.
12 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018

FALL GREAT INTO

DENTAL HABITS
Bacteria can move from the gums
to the liver, heart and kidneys.

Your pet needs professional cleanings (just like you!)

to truly rid their mouth of harmful bacteria.

Signs of dental disease include

pawing at the mouth, drooling,
trouble chewing and bad breath.

85% of pets have periodontal disease

(caused by harmful bacteria in plaque)
by age 3.

Ask your veterinarian about a plaque preventing

product. This is applied to create a barrier on the
teeth weekly to slow plaque buildup.
 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018 13

walking
your dog
in the dark
BY MEGAN POHL
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
MONROE VETERINARY ASSOCIATES

As the days get shorter and sunset arrives earlier and earlier, it is important
to remember to stay safe when walking your dog in the dark.
You should always walk your dog on a leash — especially at night. Your dog
is likely to be weary of different sounds when they can’t see what is producing
them. This may manifest itself in an increased likelihood to charge after and
investigate the noise if your dog is more adventurous, or run in the opposite
direction if they tend to be more timid.
When walking in the dark — be prepared
Dress your dog in reflective gear. This could be a coat that will also keep out
the dropping autumn temperatures, or a reflective collar and leash. These
will ensure that any passing traffic is aware of you and your pup. However,
passing cars aren’t the only ones that need to see hazards, you should bring a
flashlight to illuminate your path and show any obstacles ahead. A headlamp
is a great option to keep your hands free so you can easily deal with any
necessary cleanup.
Safety is of the upmost importance
Take a familiar route so you know where you are going and what hazards you with a thinner coat may be comfortable in an insulated jacket. Paws can be protected
may encounter. Keep alert and be aware of your surroundings by choosing not with boots that also provide increased traction on slick surfaces. Without boots, keep
to use headphones while walking. Stick to sidewalks when possible, moving your dogs nails trimmed to prevent slipping. Keeping these tips in mind will keep you
against traffic, so you can see cars and they can see you. Have your phone on and your pet safe while still enjoying the great outdoors this fall!
you in case of an emergency and a backup light source.
Megan Pohl is the Marketing Communications Coordinator at Monroe Veterinary Associates.
Changing weather She grew up in Fairport and is happy to have returned home after going to school at
The weather is changing and as temperatures drop some precautions should Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA, where she studied marketing, communications and
be taken to keep you and your dog safe and comfortable. Smaller dogs or dogs graphic design. In her free time she loves to read, paint and spend time with her dog Ceasar.

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14 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018

Ask a Vet... quality of food

I recently saw on the news that a Wisconsin man had his hands and
legs amputated because bacteria spread through animal saliva and
that this bacteria was linked to two other Wisconsin cases in recent
years, including the death of a Milwaukee County woman. I realize
that this happened in Wisconsin, but what is the likelihood that
something similar could happen in Rochester?
Dear Concerned Reader,
Thanks you for your great question! Your concern is understandable, but rest
assured, the risk of this happening on a wide spread basis is very low.
The cases you’ve seen recently in the news about animals causing these
devastating injuries are very rare. The culprit is a bacteria, Capnocytophaga
canimorsus, which is a normal bacteria found in the mouths of cats, dogs
and people (although it is a different strain in humans). The chances of an
individual contracting a serious or fatal infection can be increased if they
have an unhealthy or compromised immune system (something seen in the
very old, the very young, those undergoing chemotherapy or those ill from
diseases that affect the person’s immunity/ ability to fight off diseases). People
in this category should be very careful not to allow pets to lick wounds/
broken skin, and to contact their physicians if they receive any pet bites, or
if they feel ill after interacting with an animal. There are some individuals
who could be super sensitive to this bacteria and react in an abnormal way,
but thankfully this is also very rare. The majority of people will not have any
problems when exposed to the saliva of dogs and cats, and should not be
overly concerned.
I hope this has calmed your fears, and allows you to have a long, enjoyable
relationship with your furry family member!
Linda Banks, DVM, Hospital Director
Stone Ridge Veterinary Hospital | Monroe Veterinary Associates
Cat have
you curious?
Pooch have
you puzzled?
Want answers to your questions?
Email your questions to
marketing@monroevets.com
rising to
meet demand
BY MELISSA ERICKSON | MORE CONTENT NOW
Home-delivered meals, clear nutrition labels and better ingredients.
No, that doesn’t refer to what we eat, but what our pets are eating.
The pet industry is booming, and Americans spend more on food ($29
billion) than on vet care and medicines, grooming and boarding and
even live animal purchases, according to the American Pet Products
Association.
“Just like we have seen a trend in human food toward more natural,
less processed and ‘clean eating,’ we have recently seen the same
thing in pet food,” said Gabby Slome, co-founder of Ollie, a canine
meal service that provides freshly cooked, human-grade food for dogs.
“People are increasingly caring more about what is in their food and
where it comes from. There’s more awareness around what ingredients
mean and all the fillers that are in many dog foods, and as a result are
demanding cleaner labels with real ingredients,” Slome said.
The natural trend is nothing new, but now people are paying even
closer attention to ingredients, sourcing and food preparation.
“Both online and in stores you are seeing more fresh and frozen pet
food options,” Slome said. “People are really looking for protein as
the first ingredient. They are also looking to ensure there isn’t wheat,
gluten or soy. Shorter ingredient lists and words they can pronounce
will become increasingly important.”
Pet parents are also seeking pet foods with health benefits.
“Consumers are absolutely starting to recognize food as preventative
health for their dogs,” Slome said. “Being thoughtful about what you
eat — high-quality proteins, fruits and vegetables and not having
processed, artificial foods — is the best thing you can do.”
Consumers are opting for foods that target specific ailments, such as
foods with fewer ingredients for pets with allergies, foods with fish
oils for skin and coat health, or with glucosamine for hip and joint
health, Slome said.
 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018 15

PetTales
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major sponsor! Rochester, NY 14623 3388 Chili Avenue
585.424.1277 HOSPITAL
Rochester, NY 14604
Monroe Veterinary Associates was founded 11 LaSalle Parkway
vsesrochester.com 585.889.2300
in 1969 as a single hospital and has grown to Victor, NY 14564
chilianimalcare.com
include 14 full-service veterinary hospitals, Veterinary 585.248.5566
a 24-hour emergency and specialty practice, perintonvet.com GREECE
and a full-service reference laboratory, all of Hospitals
Offering ANIMAL HOSPITAL
which are located in or around Rochester. STONE RIDGE
3180 Latta Road, Suite 800
Monroe Veterinary Associates contributes Boarding VETERINARY
Rochester, NY 14612
actively to the community in a variety of ways. ANIMAL HOSPITAL HOSPITAL
585.227.7100
MVA provides financial support to Rochester OF PITTSFORD 550 Center Place Drive
greecenanimalhospital.com
Hope for Pets, Rochester Animal Services, 2816 Monroe Avenue Rochester, NY 14615
the Seneca Park Zoo and the Humane Society Rochester, NY 14618 585.227.4990 PALMYRA
at Lollypop Farm. MVA veterinarians and 585.271.7700 stoneridgevethosp.com ANIMAL HOSPITAL
staff members volunteer countless hours pittsfordvet.com 1215 Canandaigua Road
toward helping animals in the community. SUBURBAN
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For example, veterinarians donate their COMPANION ANIMAL HOSPITAL
315.597.4567
time to Friends of Ferals, which works to ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2495 East Henrietta Road
palmyravet.com
help decrease the feral cat population in 2800 West Henrietta Road Rochester, NY 14623
the Rochester area. Also, MVA’s personnel Rochester, NY 14623 585.334.4230
are active in local educational initiatives, 585.424.2900 suburbanvet.com
including classroom presentations, student companionvethosp.com
shadow programs and student externships. All Monroe Veterinary Associates
Find out more about the many services that
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find a location near you, visit monroevets.
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16 PET TALES • AUTUMN EDITION 2018

Offering the best care...

for your best friend.