PetTales

MESSENGER POST MEDIA

AUTUMN EDITION Advertising supplement for September 21, 2017

2 PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017
 PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017 3

PREGNANCY and your pet

If you have a pet, youve already had a taste of what its like If your pet bites or scratches you, its important that you seek
raising a child. You know what it is like to have someone that prompt medical attention, as bite or scratch wounds can
depends on you for everything and anything. Remember become severely infected very quickly.
that time your kitten made a mess on your new carpet? Well, When the baby arrives, you can help integrate your new
just wait until your newborn has their first explosive poop all bundle of joy to your household and with your pet by bringing
over that same carpet. Remember the last time your puppys home clothing or sheets that your baby has touched for your
barking woke you up in the middle of the night? Well, get pet to smell. Also, spend quality time alone with your pet.
used to that because a babys cry is especially good at This can be as little as half an hour, but it helps make your
getting you up at all hours of the night as well. pet feel as though theyre still important, just like you would
While expanding your family and having a new baby is do with an older child.
exciting, its important to keep your pet in mind during your Never leave your baby alone with your pet. If your animals
pregnancy and when the baby arrives. You should monitor behavior is unpredictable, especially around children, try to
your pets behavior and interaction with your new family consult a behaviorist as soon as possible to get their behavior
member, and take preventative care to avoid zoonotic risks. under control. If your pet seems nervous once you bring your
Zoonotic risks are disease agents that can be transmitted baby home, contact your veterinarian immediately to figure
between animals and humans, including parasites, bacteria, Sara Heslop, DVM out the issue.
fungi and viruses. Anyone can catch a zoonotic infection, Pittsford Animal Hospital
Monroe Veterinary Associates In general, animals often adjust quickly to new babies in the
however young children and older people are at greater risk. household. As long as you take the necessary precautions,
The most important preventative step against zoonotic disease is to take your pet your new family member and your old companion will get along perfectly.
to the veterinarian for their regular check-ups and vaccinations. Also, make sure Dr. Sara Heslop is an associate veterinarian at Pittsford Animal Hospital. She received
you feed your pet a safe, balanced diet. Raw food diets or prey items are ways that her bachelors degree in biology from Cornell University before being awarded her
parasites can infect your pet. doctorate of veterinary medicine from Tufts University in 2011. She completed an
One of the most common zoonotic parasites concerning to expectant mothers is internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital in New
toxoplasmosis, a parasite that can be found in undercooked meat, soil or cat feces. Jersey. Her professional interests include conservation, zoo, wildlife medicine and the
The parasite can cause serious birth defects. The CDC recommends that all women One Health approach to the intersection of human and animal medicine. She has
who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant should talk to their OB/GYN two cats, Darwin and Gibson, as well as two mixed breed dogs, Odin and Pheobe.
about exposure to toxoplasmosis.

If you think dogs cant count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket
and then give him only two of them. Phil Pastore, author
4 PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017

fear free
TAKING THE PET OUT OF PETRIFIED:
WHAT THE FEAR-FREE MOVEMENT MEANS FOR YOUR PET
BY JOSHUA PIETZOLD | MONROE VETERINARY ASSOCIATES

Luring your cat into a carrier with a treat, telling a white lie to your dog about
going to the park, and the look of terror in their eyes when they realize where
youve taken them are all an unfortunate reality of trying to take your pet to the
veterinarian.
Now, picture an alternate reality your dog eagerly wagging their tail as they
drag you toward the front door of the office, or your cat happily head-butting you
during their examination. In this reality, going to the vet stops being a chore, and
you regularly bring your companion into the hospital not just at times of illness
or injury but for wellness visits and preventive care.
This reality isnt the product of an overactive imagination it can be achieved
with Fear Free certification and training.
Fear free, for me, is any kind of handling or care that doesnt exploit pain,
fear, or coercion to get the work done. We can condition animals to not merely
tolerate, but to enjoy and participate in their care; and this benefits veterinary
staff, owners, and the animals, local dog trainer and client of Perinton Veterinary
Hospital, Lisa Skavienski, CTC, CSAT, said.
Staff members at Perinton Veterinary Hospital recently completed this
certification, which includes an eight-module online course that teaches
veterinarians and clinic staff to identify signs of fear in pets and to reduce or
remove anxiety triggers in the hospital environment.
Tactics include using scents like pheromones especially for cats playing
relaxing music, warming the exam table, examining the pet on a mat on the
ground, rewarding with treats and utilizing mild sedation and analgesics for To know that youre sending your animal to a vet that will handle them with care
potentially painful or scary procedures. and compassion is invaluable as a pet owner, Skavienski said. Using methods
Theres absolutely a difference dealing with a doctor whos trained in fear- that involve fear, like pain or shock collars, only conditions and lead dogs to have
free handling and one who isnt. The reports back from people Ive referred to more fear.
doctors who are Fear Free-certified have been unbelievably positive, Skavienski Fear-Free practitioners can be found at several of Monroe Veterinary Associates
explained. hospitals including Perinton Veterinary Hospital, Suburban Animal Hospital,
Combined, all the techniques, protocols and products taught or recommended Bayview Animal Hospital, East River Veterinary Hospital and Stone Ridge Veterinary
in Fear Free training work to reduce fear, anxiety and stress. This leads to a more Hospital. For more information on the fear free initiative, please visit fearfreepets.
cooperative patient as well as safer and more efficient treatment. com.

Fresh Patch
Why Real Grass? There are many reasons to
embrace the hydroponically grown, dirt-
free grass in Fresh Patch. Real grass training
pads are all-natural and completely safe to
use inside your home. Dogs instinctively
products for your want to go on real grass, so training is
easy. The living grass absorbs liquids and
controls odors naturally, turning puppy
potty training into an easy and stress-free
experience. No cleaning or maintenance
needed because the entire unit is fully
disposable. $29.95 and up. www.freshpatch.
com
 PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017 5

tangled

UPRIDDING YOUR CATS FUR OF MATS

BY MELISSA ERICKSON | MORE CONTENT NOW

If youre a long-haired cat, life can get tangled. If youre a pet owner, removing
mats in your cats hair can bring all kinds of trouble, from an unhappy cat to an
owner who may get scratched or bitten trying to remove those nasty clumps
of hair.
First of all, long-haired cats should be considered high-maintenance cats and be
cared for just like the little dogs who need grooming appointments every six to
eight weeks, said veterinarian Krista Magnifico, founder and chief creative officer
of Pawbly.com, a social network for pet people. They should be held, petted and
examined for mats and poor coats daily. They also need to be watched for evidence
of hairballs, as grooming long hair may put them at an increased chance of them.
As cats get older, develop arthritis or become overweight or obese, the chances
of developing matted hair increase, said Ingrid Johnson, a certified cat behavior
consultant and co-director of Paw Project Georgia (pawproject.com).
It comes down to logistics. They just can reach their backs, thighs and other body
parts to groom, Johnson said.
Other cats have had dental care and tooth extractions, which make it more difficult
to groom themselves.
Cats use their teeth, particularly their sharp front incisors, to chew and groom
matted hair. If those teeth are gone, its more difficult for the cat to take care of
its own hair, Johnson said.
Some cats find it painful to groom. This may be due to dental disease, pain or
masses in the mouth, joint pain or not feeling well due to almost any kind of
disease or condition, Magnifico said.
Some cats are just born with more hair than they can take care of, including
Persians and other smushed-nose breeds, Johnson said.
More than unsightly
In addition to looking unruly, matted hair is uncomfortable for cats and can cause
skin irritation, Magnifico said.
There are plenty of products on the market to help owners ease out tangles.
Johnson likes to start with a dematting comb that has two rows of teeth set
wide apart.
This lifts out the knots and tangles, she said.
For her long-haired feline clients Magnifico recommends the Furminator.
Just like combing a childs hair, start at the bottom and work in small sections.
Use one hand (or another persons help) to hold the fur down near the mat to
avoid pulling the cats skin.
Do not wet the mats or give a cat with matted hair a bath before brushing. That
will only make the tangle more difficult to remove, Johnson said.
Never use scissors
I see accidental cuts all the time. Its never worth risking cutting the cat,
Magnifico said.
A safer option is to use a set of quiet, cordless clippers.
Lift the knot and simply zip off the tangle, Johnson said.
When to groom
How often do cats need to be brushed?
Young, active, content cats may never need grooming. Older debilitated cats may
need it daily. Long-haired brachycephalic (flat-headed) cats may need professional
grooming a few times a year. And, cats who get lots of TLC at home with parents
who pet them often typically have the healthiest coats of all, Magnifico said.

Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know

by Alexandra Horowitz
The answers will surprise and delight you as Horowitz, a cognitive scientist, explains
how dogs perceive their daily world, each other and quirky humans. Introducing
readers to dogs perceptual and cognitive abilities she then draws a picture of what it
might be like to be a dog. This book has practical applications for dog lovers interested
in understanding why their dogs do what they do. With a light touch and the weight of
science behind her, Alexandra Horowitz examines the animal we think we know best
but may actually understand the least. This book is as close as you can get to knowing
about dogs without being a dog yourself. amazon.com
6 PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017

BEHIND THE SCENES:

how a veterinary hospital

stays running day-to-day
BY JOSHUA PIETZOLD | MONROE VETERINARY ASSOCIATES

Its six-o-clock on a normal Monday morning. The sky is a muted shade of blue,
birds chirp, alarm clocks blare and Megan McLaughlin is busy at work.
Theres still two hours until the hospital doors open for clients and their animal
companions, but McLaughlins job needs her there early to make sure everything
is ready for the upcoming day. As the Administrative Client Service Representative
(CSR) for Irondequoit Animal Hospital, the entire hospital relies on her to make
sure things run smoothly.
She begins the day by taking inventory. The early hours of the morning are the
easiest time for her to get an accurate count because no one is pulling things off
of the shelves or otherwise using supplies.
Inventory can be stressful because the hospital relies on having the necessary
supplies to run efficiently. If were trying to find something or were out of
something, its not good, McLaughlin explains.
After taking inventory and checking mail, the rest of McLaughlins team begins
to arrive, along with a new delivery of supplies, and she moves on to whats
next on her agenda.
I like to split up my work, so certain things Ill do on certain days, she says. I
do a lot of my more in-depth stuff on Mondays.
On a typical Monday, McLaughlin can be found in her office working on a variety
of tasks. She could be reviewing new client forms, working on employee files
or time-cards, ordering more inventory and food, logging the use of controlled
substances for the state, checking the doctors schedules or monitoring the
hospitals Facebook page.
My wheels are always turning and Im always doing something, McLaughlin
laughs. I dont really work with the clients as much as a regular CSR would, Im
more behind the scenes. The day kind of comes and goes, and I just deal with
whatever happens as it happens.
Besides her many administrative duties, McLaughlin also helps out her team
whenever they need her. close personal network. After being unable to work for ten weeks last year, Ruster
If I walk through the treatment room and theyre in need of an extra set of hands, didnt think that Christmas would happen for her family, but the hospital team had
I always say, I can help or pitch in where needed, she explains. a surprise for her.
Shes been working at the hospital for 10 years, and the job has evolved throughout My coworkers at Irondequoit Animal Hospital made Christmas possible for my family
her time there. by pooling a bunch of money among themselves. They enabled me to go shopping
When we went over to being more computer-based and paperless there was for my kids and have a Christmas tree I felt very much appreciated and very
kind of a question about what I would be doing, because a lot of my time was cared for, she says.
spent working with paper files. Thats when I picked up doing inventory and other McLaughlin makes sure her office is open for any of her team members to talk about
odd jobs around the hospital as needed, she said. something thats bothering them or going on in their lives.
During her 10 years working, she has developed a close and familiar relationship People come up to me to talk, and my chair lends itself to a lot of personal
with her team of CSRs and the doctors working at the hospital. conversations when they come up and are having a bad day, she says, Its kind of
We truly have a lot of fun here. Were serious when we need to be serious, but a therapy chair.
weve all been around each other for quite a long time. Were a very functional At the end of the day, when the work is finished, McLaughlin is grateful for her job
family, we can all make each other laugh and we all have fun. I can be myself, and the people she works with.
she said. I always feel like I go home and Im appreciated. And not too many people can say
Colleen Ruster, one of the CSRs working at the hospital, can attest to the teams that, she says, smiling. I look forward to coming to work every day.
 PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017 7

The benefits of CANINE SOCIALIZATION

What is socialization?
Socialization specifically refers to
the learning process associated with
interactions between individuals of the
same species. In canine behavior this term
is often generalized to include interactions
with humans, objects, new environments
and other animals. Dogs begin learning
how to interpret their surroundings from
a very young age and this will shape how
they respond to similar situations in the
future.
Marissa Quinlan, DVM
Why is socialization important? Veterinary Specialists &
It is vital for all creatures to learn how to Emergency Services
Monroe Veterinary Associates
interpret their environment and those in
it so that they can know how to respond
appropriately. When a young dog is properly socialized, he or she should feel
comfortable exploring new places and meeting new people and other dogs.
Without adequate socialization, a dog is more likely to become fearful or
nervous in these situations and may react inappropriately. This is undesirable for
two very important reasons. First, we do not want our dogs to suffer from fear or
anxiety as this has a severe impact on their welfare and quality of life. Second,
we want to avoid injury to our dogs and ourselves. Poorly socialized dogs are
more likely to become aggressive and can seriously hurt a person or other dog
if put in a situation that causes them to feel fearful. Behavioral issues are the
number one cause of relinquishment to shelters as well as the number one cause
of death among pets under three years of age. Socialization at a young age can known to be friendly, up to date on vaccines and free of disease. The best way
act as a vaccine of sorts to help prevent these tragic conditions in adulthood. to start the socialization process is to find a reliable trainer that offers puppy
When is the best time to socialize your dog? kindergarten classes where your puppy will be able to play with others and you
can learn how to incorporate these principles into all of your puppy outings. Ask
One thing that makes dogs uniquely able to bond so closely with humans is your veterinarian for recommendations on good trainers in your area that use
that neurodevelopment of their frontal lobes is delayed until weeks after birth. positive, science-based methods to help your puppy achieve greatness.
When puppies are born, only certain components of the nervous system are
fully developed in order to allow basic movements and sensations. There is a Should socialization begin before or after vaccination?
transition period from 13 to 20 days of age in which puppies open their eyes, Historically, veterinarians have recommended waiting until a puppy has finished
become more coordinated and start to respond to sound. Puppies adapt easily all of his or her puppy vaccines before interacting with other dogs outside of the
to human observers at three weeks of age, but may need time to warm up home. Now that we understand the critical windows of socialization, it is clear
to people if not exposed to them until seven weeks of age. Puppies that are that waiting until four months of age is simply too late. The American Veterinary
isolated until 12 weeks of age are more fearful and less accepting of strangers. Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Veterinary Society of Animal
Based on these observations, a critical sensitive period has been described as Behavior (AVSAB) agree that socialization outside of the home should begin
beginning at three weeks of age and ending around 12 weeks of age. This means after the first vaccination at around eight weeks of age. Of course, it is still vital
that socialization should ideally begin with the breeder or rescue and continue that all puppies receive appropriate vaccinations in order to prevent infectious
immediately upon adoption after eight weeks of age. Socialization activities disease. A puppy should get the first set of vaccines and one deworming at least
should not stop at the end of the sensitive period as most dogs benefit from seven days prior to his or her first puppy class and should be kept up to date
continued positive exposure during their first year and throughout life. throughout the class. As long as your puppy and those he or she interacts with
How do you socialize your dog? are on schedule for their vaccinations, there is a much lower risk of developing
one of these illnesses. This minimal risk is far outweighed by the benefit of
Many people are aware of the importance of socialization, but it is just as proper socialization for the development of a happy, friendly and interactive
important to understand how to do it properly. Intentional socialization should companion.
be structured in a way that sets a puppy up for a positive experience that will help
them learn not to be fearful. It is extremely important that these interactions Dr. Quinlan is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services.
are positive, relaxed and fun. Socialization is best done in short periods, with She completed her undergraduate studies at the State University of New York
only a few new things, and with plenty of high value rewards such as treats, at Geneseo with a bachelors degree in biology and a minor in psychology. She
toys and praise. Owners are encouraged to expose their puppies to as many new received her doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Prince Edward
people, places, other animals and experiences as is practical. Dog parks should Island. Dr. Quinlan has two cats named Andromeda (Andy) and Cassiopeia (Cassie)
be avoided for young puppies, as they should only be introduced to dogs that are as well as a black Labrador retriever named Perseus (Percy).
8 PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017
 PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017 9

Five reasons you should ADOPT A SENIOR DOG

BY MONROE VETERINARY ASSOCIATES

When looking for a dog to adopt, many people go straight for the puppies. While
puppies are cute and lovable, theres another kind of dog waiting for the right
home too. It may not be your first thought - but a senior dog could be the right
choice for you and your household.
A senior dog is any canine over the age of seven. For many dogs, though, especially
smaller breeds, they havent even hit their prime by that age. But because theyre
labeled as senior, people may think that theres something wrong with them Senior dogs have generally mellowed out from all the pent-up puppy energy and
or feel as though theres less of a reward involved compared to getting a puppy.
The truth is that most senior dogs are not given up because there is something
wrong with them. More commonly, they find themselves in shelters after the
death of an owner, their family moves to a place where dogs arent allowed, their
owner loses their job, etc.
Luckily for you, though, this means that you can be their second chance to live out
the rest of their golden years.
So why should you adopt a senior dog?
1. Youll know some/all of the dogs medical
and behavioral issues
One of the biggest differences between getting a puppy and a senior is that youll
know the full extent of a seniors behavior or health issues. With a puppy, these
issues may develop or present themselves later on. But if you know what youre
dealing with upfront, youll be better equipped to care for your new companion.
2. Senior dogs a usually housebroken
Another perk is that you wont have to spend the better part of a few months
training a senior dog where to go to the bathroom theyll already know the
ropes.
3. Senior dog have lower exercise requirements
constant moving that comes with it. While they still enjoy going out for a walk,
theyre also content to spend the night on the couch with you.
4. Theyre already trained, but still trainable
The saying isnt true you can very much teach an old dog new tricks. Many
older dogs in shelters are already obedience trained. Older dogs are also still able
and ready to learn and have a higher attention span than puppies.
5. Ready to love
Some senior dogs may have had a troubled past. Perhaps they had an abusive
previous owner, or they were a stray for awhile, or maybe they were ignored by
a family that didnt have time for them. But dogs are experts at forgiving and
forgetting. Whatever their story, senior dogs are so often ready to put the past
behind them and enjoy love and cuddles for the rest of their days.
November is National Adopt a Senior Dog Month. If youve been looking for a
canine companion, be sure to visit your local shelter and meet the senior dogs
looking for their second chance.

A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another,
may hide their feelings, but a cat does not. Ernest Hemingway, author
10 PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017
house soiling in cats
CAUSES, PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT
Why is it important?
Inappropriate urination in cats (peeing outside
of the litterbox) is one of the main reasons why
cats are relinquished to shelters. In addition, it
can be incredibly frustrating for pet owners!
What causes it?
There are many potential causes of house
soiling in cats. Some possible causes can
include:
Medical problems
Allison Collier, DVM
Veterinary Specialists Feline idiopathic cystitis
& Emergency Services
Environmental conditions
Monroe Veterinary Associates
Therefore, seeking veterinary attention to
rule out possible medical conditions is an
important step.
Possible medical conditions
A complete physical examination, blood work and urinalysis are recommended
often medical conditions in cats can initially present as house soiling
behaviors. It is important to rule out conditions such as:
Urinary tract infection
Bladder stones
What is FELINE IDIOPATHIC
CYSTITIS (FIC)?
FIC is an inflammatory condition of the
lower urinary tract that is frequently seen
in male cats. Cats with FIC will often show
the following clinical signs:
Straining to urinate
Urinating in unusual places
Bloody urine
Urinary blockage
The exact cause of this condition is not
known, but a portion of patients appear
to have a stress-response disorder that
results in enhanced sensitization of the
stress response syndrome. It is a chronic
condition that will require lifelong
environmental changes.
Kidney disease
Diabetes
Hyperthyroidism
Arthritis
If a medical condition is present, it is important to diagnose it and appropriately
treat it!
Environmental factors
After potential medical conditions have been ruled out, there are various
environmental changes that can help you encourage your cat to use the litter box.
HELPFUL TIPS
Number of litter boxes: It is recommended that there be at least one more
litter box than the number of cats (ex: in a two cat household, there should be at
least three litter boxes.)
Managing the litter box: The litter box should ideally be cleaned once per
day, and washed out every 1-4 weeks. No cat wants to use a dirty litter box!
When cleaning, try not to use strong scents that could deter your cat.
Type of litter: Some cats have different preferences for different types of litter.
Use the type of litter that your cat tends to prefer. Unscented, clumping litter is
often a preference!
Easy access: Make sure it is easy for your cat to access the litter box, and that
Continued on next page...
 PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017 11

Tails of Hope - Barleys Story

PROVIDED BY ROCHESTER HOPE FOR PETS

Michelle fell in love with Barley despite his imperfections. Barley was
born with genu recurvatum, a rare genetic condition that prevented
his back legs from bending at any of the joints. Michelle and her family
admired his dogged determination to overcome his handicap, quickly
adopting him and seeking veterinary help. When they went to the
vet, scans showed that his condition had caused his bones to become
deformed.
They proceeded with corrective surgeries over the course of several
months, and along the way there were some unexpected and scary
complications. One of Barleys hind limbs was inflicted with deep vein
thrombosis, making amputation necessary. Rochester Hope For Pets
was able to relieve some of the burden of the cost of the amputation for
Michelles Family.
The award is aptly named, because it brought a sense of hope and some
relief during an extremely stressful and heart-wrenching time as our
sweet rescue puppy Barley was in the ICU fighting for his life, Michelle
said. Now, Barley no longer has leg pain, and has a normal stance in
his remaining hind limb. Hes able to enjoy going on walks, running on
trails and going to swim therapy every week to help keep him strong.
Throughout it all, Barley continues to wag and be (over)eager to greet
everyone he sees, especially his beloved medical team. His spirit and
determination are such an inspiration he is our hero! Michelle said.

Rochester Hope for Pets is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 2008 with the mission
to improve the quality of life for companion animals in the greater Rochester area. Through their
award process, they offer financial assistance toward veterinary care costs to pet owners during
times of need. Through Duncans Fund for Education, they provide continuing education courses,
upgraded equipment and technology, and the most current reference literature for veterinary
health professionals who practice in Monroe and surrounding counties. This training and knowledge
serves to enhance the care and treatment of pets at facilities in our region. Rochester Hope for Pets
also partners with other local nonprofits to improve the welfare of animals.

Rochester Hope for Pets 524 White Spruce Blvd. Rochester, NY 14623 585-271-2733 x189 RochesterHopeForPets@gmail.com

Continued from page 10...
it isnt near anything noisy/scary that could spook your cat away from using the
litter box.
Size of litter box: Litter boxes should be approximately 1.5 times the length of
the cat.
Husbandry changes
Helping to reduce stress and fully enriching your cats life is an important part of
management of inappropriate elimination and feline idiopathic cystitis. Certain
husbandry changes could include:
Place Feliway diffusers in all rooms to reduce stress
Ensure your cats have frequent opportunities for play time with you
High perches (such as cat trees) can help reduce stress
Ensure your cat has an area they can retreat to if they feel threatened
Try not to place food and water close to the litter box
Ensure litter boxes are kept in separate locations
and different levels of your house (if applicable)
In summary, inappropriate urination in cats should not be ignored! Please
mention to your veterinarian if your cat is inappropriately urinating, as it could be
a sign of a more serious medical condition. Your veterinarian can work with you to
develop strategies to help treat this problem.
Dr. Collier is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services. She
completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph with a bachelors
degree in biomedical science. She also received her doctorate of veterinary medicine
from the University of Guelph. Dr. Collier has a 13-year-old rabbit named Ben, a
16-year-old dachshund named Pounce and a four-year-old black Labrador retriever
named Keira.
12 PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017

Ask a Vet...
HEIDI is my six-year-old Persian, and she has recently
been sliding her bottom on the floor. Why does she
do this and how can I make her stop?
Melissa L., Perinton, NY
Melissa, HEIDI is showing a behavior commonly referred to
as scooting, and there a few common and easily treatable
causes for this. One of the more common causes in long
haired cats is the collection of fecal matter in the fur around
the anus. In cats that may be a bit overweight, it can become
difficult for them to keep themselves clean after having
a bowel movement, and their stool gets stuck and they are
unable to clean it without assistance, so will scoot to try to
get themselves clean. Keeping the fur clipped short around
the anal area will help prevent this from happening. You can
also invest in a box of baby wipes and wipe the area clean after
she uses the litterbox, as needed.
Another cause of scooting, again something seen more
commonly in overweight female cats, is the inability to keep
the skin around the vulva clean. This collection of dirt, urine,
stool and debris can lead to a perivulvar dermatitis, which
causes the skin to become red, irritated and often infected,
and can be quite itchy and sometimes painful if left untreated.
You should definitely see your veterinarian if you see these
signs in HEIDI, and if she is a bit overweight, ask your doctor
for some tips on how to help her lose the excess pounds, as
this could prevent her from having chronic problems in the
future.
The third most common cause of scooting in cats is the
irritation felt when the anal glands become too full. Anal
glands are normal scent glands used for marking purposes,
Cat have
and are located at about 4:00 and 8:00 around the inside
opening of the anus. They are usually emptied regularly when you curious?
your cat has a bowel movement. Sometimes the material is too
thick to come out, or the pets stools are too soft, or they are
constipated and not pooping often enough, and the glands get
too full. When this happens, they get itchy, or they can even
develop an infection inside the gland, causing irritation which
leads to scooting. Again, the treatment for this is best left in
the hands of your veterinarian, who can empty or express the
glands, or treat any infection that may be present. This would
also be an excellent time for them to examine a stool sample
to make sure HEIDI doesnt have intestinal parasites, another
Pooch have
potential cause for scooting.
Good luck with your kitty, and thanks for the great question!
you puzzled?
Linda A. Banks, DVM Want answers to your questions?
Stone Ridge Veterinary Hospital Email your questions to
Monroe Veterinary Associates marketing@monroevets.com

SAFE HOUSEPLANTS
for dogs and cats
BY MELISSA ERICKSON | MORE CONTENT NOW
A surprising amount of ornamental plants are both beautiful and
dangerous to pets. Puppies and kittens, as well as grown pets, will
chew on a variety of indoor plants, and pet parents need to make
sure they wont cause the cats or dogs harm.
Pet owners should always be mindful of what they bring into the
household, said Christine R. Rutter, clinical assistant professor, College
of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University.
Toxic plants can cause anything from gastrointestinal-tract or oral
irritation and upset stomach to major organ failure, leading to death.
Plant ingestions dont typically cause allergic reactions. Vomiting,
oral pain, diarrhea, anorexia and lethargy are common after a
plant toxin ingestion, Rutter said.
Eating certain houseplants can also cause pets to act drunk or
agitated, Rutter said.
Some plants lilies, specifically are toxic enough to cats that
even their pollen (can) cause acute kidney failure, which may not cause
clinical signs in your pet for two to three days. Even benign plants like
wheatgrass marketed as pet grass can make some pets vomit, she
said.
A pet-friendly house doesnt have to be plant-free. There are plenty
of non-toxic houseplants available at garden centers and big-box
stores, said veterinarian Justine A. Lee, an emergency critical care
specialist and chief executive officer of VetGirl (vetgirlontherun.com).
Here are some of her pet-friendly favorites:
Spider plant
Theres a lot to love about the classic spider plant. Its easy to grow
and care for and does well in low-light conditions. Cats are going
to chew on it. They love to play with the fronds. As long as they
dont eat too much they wont vomit. Even if they do, its non-
toxic, Lee said.
Cats possess so many of the same qualities as some people that it is often hard
to tell the people and the cats apart. P.J. ORourke, author
PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017 13
Succulents
Some succulents will not harm pets if eaten, including hens and
chicks, echeveria and rosettes. One friendly choice is donkeys (or
burros) tail, a graceful indoor plant with small, thick blue-green
leaves that appear to be woven. It will provide interesting texture in a
succulent container or fall gracefully from a hanging basket. Donkeys
tail will thrive indoors with sunshine, gritty soil and good drainage.
Ferns
The Boston fern is one non-toxic varieties, but other ferns can be
dangerous, so be sure to check before adding one to your home.
A great houseplant as long as you remember to keep it watered,
the Boston fern can grow quite large with frilly leaves and long,
hanging fronds.
Prayer plant
An easy houseplant to care for, the prayer plant (also know as calathea,
peacock plant or rattlesnake plant), curls up its leaves at night like a pair
of praying hands. This hardy indoor plant has fun variegated foliage
and is often found in hanging baskets or growing horizontally across
furniture.
For more information on whether a plant is toxic to your pet, consult
the ASPCAs poisonous plant database: www.aspca.org/pet-care/
animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants.
There is a fee associated with consultation, but the website is free. If a pet
ingests a plant of questionable toxicity, owners should get toxin infor-
mation from their veterinarian and/or ASPCA Animal Poison Control
immediately, Rutter said. With some of the more severe toxins,
clinical signs may not be apparent for two to three days, which
may be too late to save the pet.
[GRAPHICS BY VECTEEZY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS IMAGES]
14 PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017
 PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017 15

PetTales
MESSENGER POST MEDIA

73 Buffalo Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 Monroe Veterinary Associates

BUSINESS DIRECTORY
585.394.0770

SPEAK!
We welcome our readers letters. Income-Qualified FAIRVIEW CANANDAIGUA
Please write to: Spay/Neuter VETERINARY VETERINARY
Pet Tales c/o Darlyn Reddy Surgeries and HOSPITAL HOSPITAL
6735 Pittsford Palmyra Road 4410 County Road 50
73 Buffalo Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 Out-Patient Clinic Fairport, NY 14450 Canandaigua, NY 14424
email: dreddy@messengerpostmedia.com ROCHESTER 585.223.0940 585.394.3340
Correspondence may be edited COMMUNITY fairviewvet.com canandaiguavet.com
for length and clarity. Please include ANIMAL CLINIC
985 Bay Street IRONDEQUOIT CATS & CRITTERS
your name, address, daytime telephone ANIMAL HOSPITAL 32 Somerton Street
Rochester, NY 14609
and e-mail address. 2150 Hudson Avenue Rochester, NY 14607
585.288.0600
rochestercommunity Rochester, NY 14617 585.442.4373
animalclinic.com 585.266.8020 catsandcritters.com
irondequoitanimalhospital.com
We provide kind, 24 Hour EAST RIVER
PENFIELD VETERINARY
compassionate care, Emergency VETERINARY HOSPITAL
when you need it the most. Services HOSPITAL 5152 East River Road
VETERINARY 1672 Penfield Road West Henrietta, NY 14586
SPECIALISTS & Rochester, NY 14625 585.334.3110
EMERGENCY 585.381.2441 eastrivervet.com
SERVICES penfieldvet.com
825 White Spruce Blvd. GREECE
www.monroevets.com Rochester, NY 14623 PERINTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL
585.424.1277 VETERINARY 3180 Latta Road, Suite 800
Thank you to Pet Tales animalemergencyservices.com HOSPITAL Rochester, NY 14612
major sponsor! 11 LaSalle Parkway 585.227.7100
Monroe Veterinary Associates was founded Veterinary Victor, NY 14564 greecenanimalhospital.com
in 1969 as a single hospital and has grown to Hospitals 585.248.5566
PALMYRA
include 14 full-service veterinary hospitals, Offering perintonvet.com
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
a 24-hour emergency and specialty practice, Boarding STONE RIDGE 1215 Canandaigua Road
and a full-service reference laboratory, all of VETERINARY Palmyra, NY 14522
which are located in or around Rochester.
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
OF PITTSFORD HOSPITAL 315.597.4567
Monroe Veterinary Associates contributes 2816 Monroe Avenue 550 Center Place Drive palmyravet.com
actively to the community in a variety of ways. Rochester, NY 14618 Rochester, NY 14615
MVA provides financial support to Rochester 585.271.7700 585.227.4990 VETERINARY
Hope for Pets, Rochester Animal Services, the pittsfordvet.com stoneridgevethosp.com SPECIALISTS &
Seneca Park Zoo and the Humane Society at EMERGENCY
Lollypop Farm. MVA veterinarians and staff COMPANION SUBURBAN SERVICES
members volunteer countless hours toward ANIMAL HOSPITAL ANIMAL HOSPITAL 825 White Spruce Blvd.
helping animals in the community. For 2800 West Henrietta Road 2495 East Henrietta Road Rochester, NY 14623
example, veterinarians donate their time to Rochester, NY 14623 Rochester, NY 14623 585.424.1260
Friends of Ferals, which works to help decrease 585.424.2900 585.334.4230 vetspecialistsofrochester.com
the feral cat population in the Rochester area. companionvethosp.com suburbanvet.com
Also, MVAs personnel are active in local
educational initiatives, including classroom Veterinary All Monroe Veterinary
presentations, student shadow programs and Hospitals
student externships. Associates hospitals
BAYVIEW are on Facebook.
Find out more about the many services that ANIMAL HOSPITAL Find and
Monroe Veterinary Associates offers or to find 1217 Bay Road, Suite #1A like us today!
a location near you, visit monroevets.com. You
Webster, NY 14580
can also follow us on Twitter @MonroeVets or
like us on Facebook. 585.671.3120
bayviewanimalhosp.com
16 PET TALES AUTUMN EDITION 2017

Offering the
best care...
for your
best friend.