Patrick the Pit Bull in His Initial Stages of Recovery with Physical Therapist Susan Davis

It’s nearly the one year anniversary of the world’s introduction to Patrick the Pit Bull, a dog who’s sheer will to overcome unfortunate circumstances propelled him to notoriety as the sweet-faced poster boy for animal neglect and abuse.

Working for many years in emergency veterinary medicine, I have treated severely traumatized animals like Patrick before. The Pit Bull Terrier breed is highly desired by some people for its fierce appearance and tough reputation. When properly trained and appropriately treated, however, Pit Bulls are gentle companions to both dogs and people.

During my internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., I encountered hundreds of urban dwellers who were incapable of sufficiently handling or being financially accountable for their “Pits.” I really feel for the dogs in these situations, as they are the true victims of owner irresponsibility.

This was the regrettable case with Patrick. His owner, Kisha Curtis, was incapable of providing for his physical and emotional needs. Curtis faces felony charges of animal neglect and abuse for her alleged role in Patrick’s situation.

Through the help of countless humane advocates and health providers, Patrick has recovered and now leads a good quality of life. In the first of three parts, I will tell Patrick’s story from the point of view of one of his main caregivers, New Jersey based physical therapist Susan Davis, who, with Joycare Onsite, was substantially involved in Patrick’s treatment and recovery.

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On March 16, 2011, a maintenance worker for the high-rise Garden Spires apartment building in Newark, NJ was emptying the garbage bin at the bottom of a 22 story garbage chute when he saw one of the trash bags move. What he saw upon looking inside was shocking: a dog that had been starved to near death, stuffed into a plastic trash bag and thrown down a garbage chute from over 20 stories. It was a staggering find, but the worker had the presence of mind to immediately call Animal Control.

This emaciated remnant of a dog was taken to Associated Humane Societies (AHS) in Newark, where he was assessed by Dr. Lisa Bongiovanni. Dr. Lisa, as she is known, had to make a quick and critical decision to stabilize or euthanize Patrick, as he appeared to be minutes away from death.

While the simple choice may have been to relieve this dog from another minute of agony, Dr. Lisa must have sensed something that prompted her to believe that he had a chance of survival. She decided to prolong support for an hour or so to see if he would stabilize.

As the staff worked together to rehydrate the dog with intravenous support and increase his body temperature with warm blankets, Dr. Lisa’s sanguine call and this yet-unknown dog’s indomitable spirit worked together; within the hour he showed signs of improvement. Within two hours, he was being transported to Garden State Veterinary Specialists, a 24-hour facility staffed by critical care and emergency specialists. There, he was treated with a transfusion of dog blood, fluids, antibiotics, and other life-saving interventions.

(A photo of Patrick in his initial state, as well as updates on his progress, can be found on the Associated Humane Societies and Popcorn Park Zoo website. Caution: The images are graphic and may be disturbing to some readers.)

By the morning of March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, it was clear that this dog might survive. In honor of the holiday, he was given the name Patrick. Within three weeks Patrick was medically stable, but still very emaciated and weak. He could barely walk, or even stand. His atrophied muscles would shake with fatigue at his every effort.

I was contacted to provide physical therapy for him through the AHS, an organization to which I have been providing pro bono services since 2008. As I prepared myself to meet Patrick, I recalled some of my experiences working with abused and neglected animals. I expected a lack of eye contact, possible aggression or timidity, tactile defensiveness, and other behavioral characteristics associated with abuse. I met not one of these symptoms.

Patrick was a lovely, friendly boy who wanted to be held and touched. As he made eye contact with me, his sparkling eyes seemed to say, “I know where I came from, but now I am eager to see what lies ahead.” I knew then that this dog was extraordinary and I felt such gratitude to those who had given him a chance to pull through. I couldn’t wait to start Patrick’s physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Thank you for reading my article. To receive my next article via email, sign up by following this link.

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by friending Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2012) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

How Physical Rehabilitation Aided Patrick the Pit Bull’s Remarkable Recovery From Abuse and Neglect- Part 1 is a post from: Dr. Patrick Mahaney

Dr Patrick Mahaney and Cardiff Hike in Palm Springs Above the Bob Hope House

Now that the New Year’s Eve dust has settled, it’s time to officially set the tone for a positive 2012 by incorporating more exercise into your and your pet’s daily regimen (see Make 2012 Your Pet’s Best Ever, With Three Reasonable New Year’s Resolutions).

Some of you may think, “who has the time to exercise when our days are spent working and taking care of our families and pets?” Actually, we all have the same 24 hours each day to better our health. Unfortunately, “under-exercisers” don’t prioritize physical activity as highly as those of us who have experienced the life changing effects brought about by consistent exercise.

I live my life abiding by the holistic health principles of a whole food based diet, daily exercise, and elimination of known toxic substances. This message translates into my veterinary practice, as I strive to educate my clients on the benefits of creating wholesome diet and weight management strategies for their pets.

How severe is the obesity epidemic in our animal companions? An estimated 51 percent of dogs and cats (roughly 89 million pets) in the United States are overweight or obese according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). Life altering afflictions that affect the cardiovascular (hypertension, etc.), immune (chronic inflammation and infection), and musculoskeletal (arthritis, traumatic injuries, etc.) systems are common sequelae of carrying excess weight.

The evolution of my commitment to fitness stems back to childhood. My “still-kicking” parents are my role models, as they regularly exercised and motivated my brother, sister and me to do the same. As a kid focused on playing with my Star Wars action figures, I was not always receptive to their seeming fitness fanaticism; I vividly recall my sister dragging me kicking and screaming during a one mile “fun run” when I was around six years old. Needless to say, I didn’t yet appreciate the healthful habits my parents were striving to instill in me.

Initially, their push to be active had the opposite effect, as I was a chunky child, into early adolescence, with moderate self-esteem. More choice childhood memories include the afternoons my mother and I spent shopping for husky-sized Toughskin corduroys in a variety of seasonally appropriate colors. I didn’t like the plus-size connotation, which gradually fostered the impetus for change.

Inside my slightly corpulent exterior was a fit person ready to emerge. I gravitated toward sports to which I felt a natural connection. Playing mid-field on my soccer team during intermediate school motivated me to get fitter, so I started running regularly in the mornings with my mother, shaped up, and performed better during games.

During non soccer season, I discovered tennis. I loved the individual nature of the sport and played competitively during my high school years. Upon moving to New Jersey during my junior year, I found myself giving into the Garden State’s tempting bagels slathered with cream cheese. I was still very active, but my bagel weight slowed me down on the court. I finally realized the effects diet had on my fitness level and ability to compete.

My burgeoning interest in animal rights and the inception of my plan to become a veterinarian motivated me to go lacto-ovo-vegetarian. Armed with a healthier (i.e., reduced bagel) diet and consistent runs or Nordic Track sessions, I quickly slimmed down.

The results were astounding; I felt physically better and experienced improved self esteem. I dedicated myself to staying fit and healthy regardless of my busy academic or work schedule, or the various challenges life presents. If extenuating circumstances interfere with exercise plans, I focus more highly on eating fresh produce and being observant of portion size. I don’t count calories or deprive myself of occasional treats (I love a glass of Resveratrol-rich red wine, as I am 50 percent French).

How does my journey apply to you and your pets? The principles are astoundingly similar and as practical for humans as for our canine or feline companions.

1. Dedicate time to exercise with your pet every day and make the subsequent day’s session unique and slightly more challenging. Wake up an hour earlier to complete your activity before the busy day gets in the way.

2. Reduce the portion size of your pet’s meals to decrease total daily calories consumed. Provide an appropriate volume of food divided into two or three feedings.

3. Incorporate moisture, fiber, and nutrient rich produce into every meal. Both dogs and cats can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables under the guidelines of your veterinarian.

4. Keep a mental or written record of your active versus less active days. Monitor progress by noting positive physical or behavioral changes in you and your pet at seven day intervals.

Prioritizing health and fitness every day will have innumerable long term benefits for all participating human and animal household members. If you are striving for a healthier lifestyle, make a sustainable plan and bring your pets along for the experience.

Thank you for reading my article. To receive my next article via email, sign up by following this link.

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by friending Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2012) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

How My Personal Journey from Fat to Fit Applies to You and Your Pets is a post from: Dr. Patrick Mahaney

Are you on Twitter? I’m such a Twitter-phile that I have multiple handles. Follow me via @PatrickMahaney and @CelebrityPetNws (no “e” in News).

Recently, I participated in my first Twitterview, which is basically a Twitter-based interview. I teamed with SeaYu, the San Francisco based company that brings you Clean+Green fragrance free, biodegradable, pet safe, USA made products. We decided #GreenPetChat was the title of our Twitterview, with focus on training your pet to urinate and defecate in the appropriate locations and what to do when they don’t.

What follow is the complete summary of our Twitterview, hashtags (#s) and all.
SeaYu’s Clean+Green proposes the questions to me (hence the .@PatrickMahaneyQ1, Q2, etc at the start of the questions).
.@CleanAndGreenA1, A2, etc designates the start of my answer.
Enjoy! More pet-focused Twitterview chats are in the works.

@CleanAndGreen Twitterview with @PatrickMahaney

.@PatrickMahaney Lets get started – thanks so much for joining us today, Dr. Patrick! #greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaneyQ1 Housetraining – everyone does it differently! What are your best tips for housetraining a new #pet? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreenA1 My tips for #housetraining are create consistent patterns & reward good bathroom behavior w/praise/treats. #greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaneyQ2 Gr8 advice! What do you hear from clients are their biggest issues with housetraining their pets? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreenA2 Clients report greatest #housetrainingchallenge is not knowing how to train #pets from positive perspective#greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaneyQ3 It can be frustrating! When should a #petowner be concerned about their pet “going” in the house?#greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreenA3 Owner should be concerned if #pet fails on path to appropriate #housetraining by having consistent bad days.#greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaneyQ4 How can you tell when it is just a behavioral issue (vs. a medical issue)? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreenA4 Behavioral issues are diagnosis of exclusion when #medical problems are ruled out (fecal & urine testing).#greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaneyQ5 What are some of the reasons for this type of behavior? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreenA5 #Pet owners not making time/effort to establish#housetraining patterns, refusing to crate train, etc #greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaneyQ6 What are some ways to get the behavior to stop? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreenA6 Give praise/food treat to positively reinforce urinating & defecating in desired location (OUTSIDE). #greenpetchat#vet

.@PatrickMahaneyQ7 For the millions of us who have #cats - what are some of the concerns around housetraining a #kitten ?#greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreenA7 Fortunately, #cat have instinct to urinate/defecate in private locations, like litter box, & to cover waste.#greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaneyQ8 Do #cats have similar issues to #dogs in terms of how behavior issues affect their “housetrained” status?#greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreenA8 Yes, #cats have #behavior probs causing#housetraining #fail. Infrequent litter box cleaning, overcrowding#greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaneyQ9 What are some of the medical issues at play when a #pet has trouble with #housetraining ? #greenpetchat

.CleanAndGreenA9 #Medical reasons #pet #housetraining #failinclude gastrointestinal #parasites, food intolerance, urinary AbNs#greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaneyQ10 Are there different issues for #cats than there are for #dogs? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreenA10 Yes, #cats/#dogs have different reasons for#housetraining #fail, but also can have similar/identical prob.#greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaneyQ11 What can pet owners do to help address those issues? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreenA11 Schedule an exam w/#veterinarian, perform diagnostic testing, explore medical/behavioral treatment options.#greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaneyQ12 Is there anything owners of younger #petscan do to help curb these problems early on? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreenA12 Yes, owners of juvenile #pets should start#housetraining ASAP & be consistent with commands & praise#greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaneyQ13 Some of us have older pets, what are some of the causes around incontinence? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreenA13 Urinary & fecal incontinence can be caused by loss of muscle strength/control, generalized weakness, arthritis pain, etc#greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaneyQ14 One of our team members has a dog with a weak bladder who leaks. What can they do to help the problem?#greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreenA14 Female spayed #dogs having #urinaryincontinence can benefit from #veterinary prescribed meds (DES, PPA). #greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaneyQ15 If u could tell everyone that is reading one thing to watch out for with housetraining, what would it be?#greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreenA15 Re: #housetraining, if #pet repeat urinate/defecate in undesirable location, there’s often #medicalreason! #greenpetchat

.@PatrickMahaney I believe you have saved some good boys and girls some scolding! Thanks so much for your time, Dr. Patrick!#greenpetchat

.@cleanandgreen My pleasure! Anything to help #dog & #cats have better relationship w/owners. I love @CleanAndGreen products.#GreenPetChat

.@PatrickMahaney Thank you so much! Have a wonderful day. #greenpetchat

Thank you for reading my article. To receive my next article via email, sign up by following this link.

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by friending Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2012) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

Check out my #GreenPetChat Twitterview on Best Pet Training Practices with Clean+Green Products from SeaYu is a post from: Dr. Patrick Mahaney

These are exciting time for pet loving people due to the plethora of available informative media options based on entertaining and educational content. According to the Time magazine Technology section article ‘The Beast with a Billion Eyes’, YouTube has grown to an impressive “more than four billion page views per day”. With YouTube being so omnipresent (I even have a hyperlink to my YouTube page on PatrickMahaney.com), I often speculate what is going to be the ‘next big thing’.

Well, the answer appears to be Petsami from Fishbowl Media. Petsami is the first entertainment network for geared toward and presented by pets.

Celebrity dog trainer, Laura Nativo, will provide the Petsami audience with an evolving and entertaining series of animal-centric topics shared from our beloved dogs’ perspective. Nativo’s canine companion, Preston Casanova, will be integrally involved and states “I’m honored to join the Petsami menagerie. I’m excited to work with my sister, Penelope, to create a show that will make people laugh and inspire humans to provide the best pet care possible.”

Nativo gives us insight as to the vision behind Petsami and what audiences can expect at the January 23, 2012 site launch.

“Petsami is the first entertainment network for pets, by pets.  I am thrilled to be working with YouTube, Fishbowl Media, and legendary television producer Vin Di Bona (America’s Funniest Home Videos) on this exciting new channel of original programming, and hilarious animal clips sourced from the epic America’s Funniest Home Video UGC library.  I am honored to join the Petsami family as Creative Director, producing content that we hope will not only move pet lovers to tears (of laughter), but inspire pet parents to help their four-legged loves live the happiest, healthiest lives possible and become further involved in the animal wellness community”.

Nativo and Preston Casanova would love for you join the Petsami pets network. Just sign up via email on the site by looking for the link on Petsami looks like this:

Thank you for reading my article. To receive my next article via email, sign up by following this link.

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by friending Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2012) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

Petsami and Laura Nativo Offer an Insightfully Interactive Pet Media Experience is a post from: Dr. Patrick Mahaney

Transitioning from one year to the next always permits reflection on my current place in life, especially regarding the relationship I have with my canine companion, Cardiff. We had a sad end to 2011 in losing our friend and neighbor Nike, the German Shepherd Dog.

Nike was a truly amazing girl. I first got to know Nike as a patient three years ago and always enjoyed my opportunity to work on her from an acupuncture standpoint in attempt to improve her gradually degenerating hind limb mobility. As Nike continued to decline, her human mother gave Nike the gift of wheels, which greatly facilitated her mobility on our streets’ sidewalks.

Very few dogs have such care taking guardians who will completely rearrange their lives to make the most of their pet’s last few months of life. Nike moved from West Hollywood to Manhattan beach where she spent her time basking in the southern California sun. When encountering beach terrain too challenging for her wheels to access, Nike was provided a custom cart to accompany her owner for afternoon lounging in the sand.

Nike peacefully left this world in her owner’s arms while laying on the beach. Rarely do I hear of a pet being given the gift of such a peaceful exit from their earthly existence.

Here are the words of Nike’s caretaker, which reflect just how much Nike meant to her;

She was the true love of my life.  She was my soul mate and my everything.  She inspired me (as well as so many others) on a daily basis. She made me laugh and taught me what was important in life and what was not.  She was a pillar of strength and exuded the most positive energy and light to all those around her.
 
I desperately miss my Nike girl but know that I was blessed to have the most magnificent gift in my lifetime.
 

Cardiff and I miss you Nike.

Thank you for reading my article. To receive my next article via email, sign up by following this link.

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by friending Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2012) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

Memorial for Nike the German Shepherd Dog is a post from: Dr. Patrick Mahaney

This article appeared on petMD as part of Dr Mahaney’s The Daily Vet series.

Upon hearing a family or individual discuss a plan to give the gift of canine life as a holiday present, I experience an unusual psychic shift: I am transported out of my body into a dreamscape reminiscent of a scene from Inception; I get stuck running in place while trying to get to a veterinary school final exam; Patti Page’s (How Much Is That) Doggy in the Window echoes repeatedly in the background.

I’m then jostled back into reality when I hear the claim that the dog will be primarily tended to by a less than responsible adult or child. The urge to help both my patient and client motivates the sudden return of my lucid care-giving skills.

When a dog is given as a gift, the process may be well planned out or impulsive. Each scenario has the potential for developing into to a positive long term relationship between human and canine companion.

Unfortunately for the innocent pooch, less than well planned adoptions often do not guarantee the best outcome for the adoptee. The dog may be improperly trained to assimilate into the family dynamic, suffer from neglect or abuse, be dropped off at a shelter, or encounter a variety of life threatening scenarios (set free, euthanized, etc.).

As domesticated dogs are expected to abide by the unfamiliar rules and regulations established by society and the newly adoptive owner, a significant learning curve exists. Without owner motivated consistency and positive reinforcement for appropriate bathroom behavior, a dog will merely act on the biological urge to void wherever the impetus strikes.

Failure for a dog to be completely housebroken creates a variety of problems within the household. The owner feels frustration from repeatedly having to clean up waste deposited in an undesirable location. General lack of trust of a new canine companion inhibits the development of a positive human-animal bond. Valid concerns for disease transmission (parasites, bacteria, viruses, etc.) among people and other pets from contact with excrement tainted surfaces raise doubt regarding the dog’s long term role as a family member.

Housebreaking issues are more likely to occur in households lacking a carefully considered training plan, such as when a new dog is brought home as a holiday gift. When adequate efforts are made in educating all family members about the housebreaking process and a productive strategy is implemented, success is more likely.

Yet even the best laid out efforts at teaching bathroom behaviors can fail due to underlying medical problems. This is why a veterinary exam within the first 24 hours post-adoption is a smart practice.

I have been in the care-providing role of this scenario innumerable times during my veterinary career. A new puppy or adult canine coming from the breeder, shelter, or the street presents with varying degrees of illnesses secondary to infection, nutritional imbalances, metabolic diseases, or other health abnormalities.

Besides the physical examination, performing fecal testing on a newly adopted dog is an integral component of a wellness evaluation. I have diagnosed Giardia on innumerable dogs having no reported changes in bowel movement appearance or pattern. Diagnosing and treating an infectious organism before the home environment is contaminated and before other pets or people are infected promotes better public health.

After all, in accepting a pet into your home, you have signed up for numerous ownership responsibilities. Adequately addressing a new companion’s needs is one of the primary challenges facing new pet owners (see Prepare Yourself for the Evolving Challenge of Dog Ownership). Failure to provide proper medical care is one form of neglect of which no pet owner wants to be accused.

Unfortunately, many animals suffer varying degrees of neglect even when they have been brought into a planned adoptive home. Owners may lack adequate finances, permit personal and professional schedules to intervene with regular exercise or preventive care, or intentionally disregard a pet’s presence. All situations point in the direction of a less than ideal circumstance for the innocent pet.

Before you consider acquiring a new pet or giving one as a gift, seriously consider the required lifestyle changes you will face regarding time management, personal space and economics. Returning that ill fitting and unflattering piece of clothing you received this holiday season is simple. Determining what to do with a pet for which you are unprepared to provide adequate care for is an entirely different scenario.

Thank you for reading my article. To receive my next article via email, sign up by following this link.

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by friending Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2012) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

How Proper Planning, Veterinary Exams, and Fecal Testing Facilitate Successful Canine Adoption is a post from: Dr. Patrick Mahaney

This article appeared on petMD as part of Dr Mahaney’s The Daily Vet series.

Few dogs can express their intellectual capacity in a manner that will produce a piece of written work. Bugsy, a Goldendoodle who served as a constant companion to his family and as the brand mascot for Lucky Dog Cuisine (LDC), was one of those special dogs.

Although Bugsy passed away in 2011, his message lives on through Educating Humans on life from a dog’s point of view, an endearing and amusing collection of life lessons for other dogs and their care-taking humans. Here are a few of my favorites.

On Car Rides
Bugsy holds the popular canine perspective that car rides are great, since “we [dogs] never know where we are going.” Even if the trip’s destination is the veterinarian’s office, the ride is likely reminiscent of other outings until the final turn into the hospital’s parking lot.

As modern life is scheduled with numerous responsibilities dictating every waking moment, I appreciate Bugsy’s openness to uncertainty. The simpler existence most dogs lead permits the outlook that each experience is novel and potentially rewarding.

As part of my efforts to live more simply in 2012, I am striving to embody Bugsy’s positive perspective. I’ll start by taking more spontaneous car outings to the adventuresome places enjoyed by my dog, Cardiff. Perhaps a new beach or hiking trail will serve as our uncharted destination.

On Training
Bugsy hails the merits of early, consistent, and positive reinforcement based training. I agree with and embody Bugsy’s directives with Cardiff well into his adulthood. After all, good behavior strengthens the bond between humans and their canine companions.

Bugsy also notes dogs’ ability to direct human behaviors typically benefitting dogs’ desires. “When I pace back and forth at 5:30, you know it is dinnertime” is reminiscent of Cardiff’s habit of strategically placing a paw onto the person responsible for provision of his food.

On Computers
Bugsy shows remarkable dedication to writing “while [his] peers are all fetching, running in the park, and peeing on hydrants.”

Besides being governed by primordial behaviors, Bugsy lists “The Top 20 Reasons Dogs Do Not Use Computers” (courtesy of TopFive.com). My top five favorites are:
5. Too difficult to “mark” every website they visit
4. Three words: Carpal Paw Syndrome
3. Can’t stick their heads out of Windows ’95
2. Can’t keep attacking the screen when they hear “You’ve Got Mail”
1. Butt-sniffing [is] more direct and less deceiving than online chat rooms

On Pizza
Bugsy shares his impressive knowledge of canine anatomy by describing a dog’s ability to detect pizza’s scent via the vomeronasal (Jacobson) organ. This tiny sensory structure is housed in the roof of the mouth just behind the nose and contributes to a characteristic behavior called the flehmen response.

Dogs and other animals exhibit the flehmen response upon detecting substances that stimulate their olfactory (smell) senses, such as pheromone drenched urine. Flehmen distributes the scent across the vomeronasal organ and appears as simultaneous licking, sniffing, and chewing.

I appreciate Bugsy’s instinctual attraction to pizza and frequently strive to maximize my intake of the delicious aroma.

On Spaying and Neutering
Bugsy shares an intriguing perspective that spaying all female dogs would negate the need to neuter male dogs. Such holds true when considering the situation exclusively from a population control perspective.

As a veterinarian, I am always prioritizing the best interest of my patients’ health, so I must mention that intact male dogs are more prone to testicular and prostate tumors and urethral impinging prostate enlargement than neutered male dogs.

Sorry Bugsy, but I think that we must consider both male and female sterilization when it comes to restricting reproduction and prioritizing canine health.

On Vegas
I completely agree with Bugsy’s disdain for Vegas. I just don’t connect with the appeal of “Sin City” (anymore) and the endless options for shenanigans that purportedly stay there.

As most Vegas buildings have “no grass, no windows, and not much room for running…” I feel compelled to make a run for the nearest open field or beach, preferably accompanied by an activity seeking pooch.

On Oprah
Bugsy had the “caninitarian” goal of channeling the power of Oprah to promote better canine health. If only Bugsy had met Oprah and inspired her to proclaim to her devoted legions, “don’t tether your dog, make sure you walk them every day, and feed them whole foods rather than commercial dog food.”

As most commercial dog foods contain highly processed, pet grade ingredients deemed unfit for human consumption, I passionately share in Bugsy’s message of whole food feeding as a means of promoting better health.

Why would any pet loving people feed a dog any form of provision that they would not consume themselves? Does Oprah eat her dogs’ food? If they ate Lucky Dog Cuisine, then she’d likely be willing to take a taste.

Thank you, Bugsy, for sharing your insightful perspective. If all humans appreciated your life lessons, the world would be a better place.

Thank you for reading my article. To receive my next article via email, sign up by following this link.

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by friending Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2012) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

Dr. Mahaney’s Musings on Bugsy Wonderdog’s Textual Mutterings in Educating Humans is a post from: Dr. Patrick Mahaney

What 2012 New Year’s resolutions are you making for yourself? This year, I’m pledging to spend more unscheduled play time with my dog, Cardiff, in commemoration of two healthy years since his last episode of Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (see I Am So Thankful for the Health of My Dog).

How about New Year’s resolutions for your pet? As pets are incapable of carrying out lifestyle changes themselves, you must proactively promote the best possible quality of life for them.

This year, initiate change for your pet by integrating healthful habits into everyday life.

Focus on Food
As many pet owners show love through food, obesity often results from ignorance of, or lack of, commitment to recommended feeding guidelines. Excessive intake plus deficient activity equals an overweight pet.

Obesity is the number one nutritional disease affecting American pets (see Pet Obesity: Health Implications, Recognition, and Weight Management). The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) estimates that 51 per of dogs and cats (approximately 89 million pets) in the United States are overweight or obese. Serious and life altering ailments, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and reduced immune system functioning, can result from carrying too much weight.

Consult with your veterinarian about your pet’s body condition score (BCS). In my clinical practice, I refer to Purina’s BCS scale of 1-9. The ideal BCS is 5. 1 is the extreme of thinness and 9 is the extreme of obesity. Pets with a BCS over 5, yet less than 7, are considered overweight. A BCS greater than 7 classifies a pet as obese.

Ask your veterinarian to create dietary guidelines tailored to your pet’s energetic needs promoting BCS improvements. My general suggestions for paunchy pets include:

Decrease portion size by 25-33 percent

Increase frequency of feeding, such as three to four smaller portions per 24 hours

Reduce consumption of highly processed dry pet foods by incorporating moisture, fiber, and nutrient filled whole foods

Commit to Daily Exercise
Set sustainable activity goals for yourself and your pet. Participate in some form of mood and heart rate enhancing physical activity on a daily basis. If your current fitness plan has gotten stagnant, start fresh for 2012. Walk your dog a longer distance around your neighborhood or choose a more vigorous hiking trail.

Pet exercise isn’t exclusive to dogs. If you have a corpulent kitty, create an indoor activity program using a laser pointer or feather toy to entice movement. Elevate the food bowl to a height that requires jumping or climbing to achieve a meal. Divide dry food feedings into many individual portions, then toss the kibble a distance that motivates natural predatory behavior and redirection.

Before starting on an exercise program with your cat or dog, arrange for a veterinary exam to ensure your pet is healthy enough for physical activity.

Pledge to Readily Resolve Illness
Does your pet receive an annual wellness exam with a veterinarian? He or she should, as wellness exams create the opportunity for your veterinarian to observe illness trends, establish a diagnosis, and swiftly recommend treatment.

Geriatric pets (greater than seven years of age), and those with any ongoing health issues (including arthritis, endocrine disease, cancer, and allergic skin disease), should be examined more frequently.

Commit to readily resolving recognized health problems before irreversible damage occurs. Besides obesity, periodontal disease is a preventable condition I proactively address in my clinical practice. The oral cavity is a source of infection and inflammation that can adversely affect the health of internal organs (kidneys, liver, heart, pancreas, etc.) and the immune system. Dr. Jan Bellows, Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College, defines periodontal disease as “the disease process that begins with gingivitis (inflammation of gingiva, i.e., gum tissue) and progresses to periodontitis (erosion of the teeth’s supporting structures) when left untreated.” According to a study done by Larry Glickman, professor of epidemiology at the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, a statistically increased incidence of heart disease in dogs is associated with an increased severity of periodontal disease.

Your pet will benefit from habitual teeth brushing along with regular teeth cleaning under the guidance of your veterinarian.

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Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by friending Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2011) is owned by Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr. Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr. Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

Make 2012 Your Pet’s Best Ever With Three Reasonable New Year’s Resolutions is a post from: Dr. Patrick Mahaney

It’s been a while since I last made a post on Cardiff’s Blog. I have to chalk this up to my dad hogging his computer, as he has been so busy with his client correspondence and writing a regular column for petMD’s The Daily Vet.

I had so many adventures in 2012, thanks to the ongoing maintenance of my health. It has been two years since my last episode of Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), and I’m feeling better than ever (knock on wood).

What’s my secret? Well, my dads both take exceptional care of me. My vet dad feels it is a combination of reduced stress and less exposure to toxins and infectious organisms, regular doses of immune system supporting nutraceuticals and medication, and my human grade Lucky Dog Cuisine. Considering I just turned six and had my first of three IMHA episodes when I was two and a half, the combination of healthy lifestyle and food speaks for itself.

At the close of 2011, I want to reflect on all the good times I had with my canine buddies all over the country. I look forward to seeing more of you in 2012.

My neighbor and girlfriend Lucia

Napping near Dylan

Sniffing Dylan’s brother, Riley, who is no longer with us (see Memorial for Riley the Golden Retriever)


Hiking Vasquez Rocks with Mercury

Conquering Mandeville Canyon with Preston Cassanova and company

Giving Cute Face with Scooter

Feeling the wind in my face with cousin Zoe

Thank you for reading my dog blog. For email delivery of future canine creative writing, or my dad’s veterinary blog, please click here.

Cardiff

Reflections On Good Times With My Dog Buddies During 2011 is a post from: Dr. Patrick Mahaney

See this article’s original posting as a slide show on petMD Top Five Pet Safety Tips

Considering the media promotion and retail sales galore, our country’s collective conscience seems single mindedly focused on Christmas. We must not forget to consider pet safety around Christmas’ proverbial step-cousin, Hanukkah. Plan ahead and use common sense to keep Fido and Fluffy safe over Hanukkah and other holiday festivities.

Menorah

The Menorah is a quintessential Hanukkah symbol. Over eight successive days, the candles are ignited until the Menorah is fully ablaze. That can pose potential life threatening danger for both pets and humans, since tradition dictates the candles burn themselves out, creating a fire hazard for the entire household.

Confine your pet away from the room containing a lit Menorah, or update your Hanukkah observance by creating a pet-safe glow using battery operated candles.

Dreidel

The whirling excitement of this four sided top may attract the interest of curious pets. Avoid dangerous gastrointestinal foreign body obstructions by preventing your pet from participating in the festivities. Additionally, keep the dreidel and other holiday game pieces out of your pet’s reach when not in use.

Chocolate Gold Coins

Each Hanukkah, children eagerly wait to receive coin-shaped chocolates wrapped in gold or silver colored foil. Careless placement of these tasty treats could permit a curious pet to taste the precious bounty.

As chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine (both methylxanthine stimulants), a dog’s consumption of the faux denomination can cause severe toxicity. Also, the metallic foil wrapper, sugar, and fat all can cause gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.

Latkes

Latkes are a savory Hanukkah treat harboring considerable toxic potential for pets. Potato and egg are combined with onion, fried in oil, and slathered with sour cream and/or applesauce. Fresh grated onion, one of the Latke’s three main ingredients, causes Heinz body anemia in both dogs and cats. Besides onion’s toxicity, Latkes are high in fat and carbohydrates, which are likely to upset your pet’s digestive tract.

Doughnuts

Doughnuts, also known as sufganiyot, are made of a fried dough filled with artificially colored red custard or jelly, and then sprinkled with powdered sugar. This celebratory pastry sounds tasty, yet is heavy on calories, fat, and sugar.

A pet’s ingestion of Hanukkah doughnuts could lead to gastrointestinal signs, including vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Severe endocrine conditions, such as pancreatitis, can also ensue from your pet’s inappropriate sufganiyah consumption.

Have a safe and happy Hanukkah or other holiday celebration! Look out for my upcoming article about New Year’s resolutions for your pets.

Photo Credit Tosh.O/Comedy Central

Thank you for reading my article. To receive my next article via email, sign up by following this link.

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by friending Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2011) is owned by Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr. Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr. Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

Top Five Pet Safety Tips for Hanukkah is a post from: Dr. Patrick Mahaney