PetTales

MESSENGER POST MEDIA

SUMMER EDITION

Advertising supplement for June 23, 2016

2 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

Preparing for a visit to a

VETERINARY EMERGENCY HOSPITAL

Jocelyn Wichtel, DVM

Veterinary Specialists
& Emergency Services
Monroe Veterinary Associates

A veterinary emergency hospital provides24houremergency servicesand care to critically-ill

patients. This means that ahighly-trainedteam
of board-certified specialists, emergency
veterinarians,licensedveterinarytechnicians,
trained animal care assistants and dedicated
client service representatives, are available when
your pet is experiencing an emergency, night or
day.A visit to an emergency veterinary hospital
is hopefully something most pet owners never
experience. But emergencies can happen at any
time and at any place. Its important to know what
differentiates a visit to an emergency hospital from
a visit to your veterinarian, as well as understand
how an emergency hospital operates.

Should I schedule an appointment?

Emergency hospitals are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are prepared
for truly urgent situations that need immediate care from the moment they
walk through the doors.As most of these situations are unpredictable, making
an appointment ahead of timeis not expected or required.However, it is helpful
to call ahead so the hospital staff can be optimally preparedwhen you arrive.

Inability to urinate or pass feces (stool), or obvious pain

associated with urinating or passing stool
Injuries to your pets eye(s)
You suspect or know your pet has eaten something poisonous
(such as antifreeze, Xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
Seizures and/or staggering
Fractured bones, severe lameness or inability to move leg(s)
Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
Heat stress or heatstroke
Severe vomiting or diarrhea more than two episodes in a
24-hour period, or either of these combined with obvious illness
or any of the other problems listed here
Refusal toeator drink for 24 hours or more
Unconsciousness

Why do they whisk my pet away from me?

If your pet is experiencing an emergency, he or she needs to be stabilized as quickly

as possible.Taking your pet into the treatment room where all the equipment is
locatedis the quickest, most efficient way of ensuring your pet gets the medical
attention he or she needs.
The staff at an emergency hospital is trained specifically to hold and restrain
Why is the wait so long?
animals so that procedures can be performed quickly and easily with less stress
Similar toahumanemergency room, wait times vary depending on the severity to your animal. Having trained animal care assistants also makes it safer for the
ofa patients illness. Eachanimal is triaged, or prioritized, based on their need veterinarian to examine the patient. Interestingly,manyanimals behave better and
for immediate medical treatment on arrival by a trained veterinary professional. are less anxious when they are not in the presence of their owners.
Eachpetisassigned a color (green, blue or red) based on how life-threatening
theirconditionis.Ared patient(an unstable dog who has been hit by a car)isa Why does a trip to an emergency hospital cost more
priority andwill be seen immediately upon arrival. While the red patientisbeing than a trip to my veterinarians office?
assessed, more stable blue and green patients (an unregulated diabeticor anear Whenyourpet isinjured, or suddenly developsan acute, life-threatening disease,
infection) willoften need towaita bit longer for medical attention. It can be he or she will need immediate emergency care. In addition to the initialemergency
frustrating to visit the hospital and have to wait several hours to see a doctor, treatment, many daysof intensive caremay be needed forrecovery.
buttriaging patients isthemethod allemergency hospitalsuse toensurethat
Emergency veterinary facilities are comprised of highly-trained individuals who
the most critical patients aregiven timely life-saving care.
specialize in serving animals and the people who love them,as well as supporting
What is considered a medical emergency?
the local veterinary community atany time of the day or night. Even though it
It can be hard to judge whetheror not your pet is having a medical emergency. can be an emotional visit and costs can be high, your pet is receivingthe highest
Some conditions are not emergencies and can wait to be seen by yourveterinarian standard of care and your local emergency veterinary hospital is therefor you when
during regular business hours. These conditions include ear infections, nail trims, you need themthemost.
deworming, vaccinations, fly bites, minor rashes, minor cuts and bruises. The Even though the staff at an emergency hospital typically sees a patient only once,
emergency facility will be happy to see your pet regardless of the condition, but close relationships are maintained with all local veterinarians as continuity of care
longer wait times should be expected for non-urgent cases.
and your pets long-term interests are very important.
An emergency facility will focus on your pets mostlife-threateningcondition.For Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services (VSES) is the only 24-hour emergency
example, if your pet is bleeding from a largewound, the goal of the emergency care and specialty hospital in the greater Rochester area. Emergency veterinarians,
facility is to stabilize the patient, control the bleeding and repair the wound.After board-certified veterinary specialists and dedicated animal care support staff
your pet is stable enough to be released, your pet will return to the care of provide 24-hour urgent veterinary care when your pets are in crisis. VSES is the
your veterinarian for furthertreatmentand monitoring. Emergency hospitals perfect complement to your primary care veterinarian for those times when more
generallydonotdeal with routine vaccinations or stablelong-termconditions advanced intervention is needed or immediate intensive medical attention is
that are being monitoredbyyour pets veterinarian. The records from your visit required.
will be forwarded to your veterinarianso they can seamlessly take overcase
Dr. Jocelyn Wichtel is a veterinarian at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services.
management. Here are some examples of true emergencies:
She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Atlantic Veterinary College
Severe bleeding,or bleeding that doesnt stop within five minutes
in 2015. While there, she received the Dr. Lawrence E. Heider Leadership Award and
Choking, difficulty breathing,or nonstop coughing and gagging
the Roy and Margaret Crosby Memorial Award. Her professional interests include
neurology, rehabilitation and emergency medicine.
Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, coughing up blood, or blood in urine

PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

Tips for a PETRIOTIC CELEBRATION

Americas birthday is just around the corner. As you celebrate the
long weekend, and throughout the summer, with barbecues,
parades and fireworks, be sure to take a few precautionary
measures to ensure a safe and happy holiday for you and your pets:
Beat the heat! Remember, if youre overheated, your dog is
definitely overheated too. Try to save strenuous outdoor activities
for the cooler time of day and carry water with you for your dog.
If he or she starts to display signs of heat stress excessive
panting, weakness, dark coloration of the gums immediately
wet your dogs coat, place him in a cool area with a fan blowing on
him, apply ice to the foot pads and call your veterinarian.
Be cool near the pool. Dont leave pets unsupervised
around a pool or lake not all dogs are expert swimmers! Also,
pools arent large water bowls they contain chlorine and other
toxic chemicals that can cause stomach problems.
Keep your pet on the wagon. Since alcohol is poisonous
to pets, place all wine, beer and spirits well out of paws way.
Avoid scraps from the grill. Stick with your pets normal
diet any change, even for a day, can result in stomach upset.
Certain foods like onions, avocado, chocolate, grapes and raisins
are especially toxic to pets. And be sure to clean up everything
after grilling! Dogs will eat anything that has grease or drippings
on it (charcoal, napkins, foil and plastic!)
Beware of bugs! Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are in full
swing during the summer, and spending a lot of time outdoors
for the holiday can put your pet at risk. Flea bites result in itching
and all of your dogs scratching can result in skin ulcerations and
secondary infections. Ticks are carriers of Lyme disease, Rocky
Mountain spotted fever and other infectious diseases. Mosquitoes
can transmit heartworm disease if your pet is not on a monthly
preventative. The best treatment is prevention, and there are
plenty of great products available! Ask your veterinarian what
product will work best for your pets lifestyle.
Skip the SPF! Avoid lathering your pet with any insect
repellent or sunscreen not intended for those with four legs.
Ingestion can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive
thirst and lethargy. Ask your veterinarian what brands are best to
keep your pet safe from the sun and insects.
Travel like a pro! If youre travelling with your pet for the
holiday or at any point throughout the warm season
NEVER leave him or her in the car, even if the windows are open. If
you must stop in your travels, either have someone stay with your
pet inside the car with the air conditioning on, have someone stay
with your dog outside, or make the smart decision and leave your
pet at home. If you do travel with your pet, be sure to have them
microchipped before you leave! This will give you the greatest
chance for reconciliation should you and your furry friend become
separated during your adventures!
Stay fire-smart. Keep your pet away from fireworks,
matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can
irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system. If your pet
has any noise phobias or anxieties, contact your veterinarian for
medications to help them get through the noisy celebrations with
minimal stress!

Leash the beast! There are more bites, dog fights, and pets
getting hit by cars during the summer. To avoid accidental injury to
you and your furry friend, keep him or her under close supervision
at all times when enjoying the outdoors, especially when you are
distracted or not focused on them.
As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something
poisonous, please contact your veterinarian or Veterinary Specialists
& Emergency Services at 585-424-1277. Also, be mindful that more
pets get lost on the Fourth of July than any other holiday. With all
of the outdoor activities and loud noises, your pet may become
frightened and run away. If you know your pet is afraid of fireworks,
Linda Banks, DVM keep him or her inside with a treat that takes time to consume, like
Stone Ridge
a pig ear or a treat in a Kong toy, and leave gentle music playing to
Veterinary Hospital
Monroe Veterinary Associates help cover the sound of the fireworks. You can also try exercising
your pet earlier in the day to tire him or her out for the night.
In case the unthinkable happens, be sure to have a current photo of your pet and outfit him or her
with an identification tag attached to the collar. For more information regarding locating a lost
pet, read Locating a Lost Pet on page 11.
Dr. Linda Banks is the hospital director at Stone Ridge Veterinary Hospital. She has cared for pets at
the hospital since 1994 and enjoys working with the pets, clients and staff members that make up
the Stone Ridge Family. Dr. Banks attended Cornell University and received her Bachelors Degree
in Animal Science in 1985. She continued her education at the University of Florida College of
Veterinary Medicine and was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. She went on to
complete an internship at the Animal Hospital of Pittsford and remained there as a staff veterinarian
for four years before moving to Stone Ridge.
When shes not busy with her many duties at the hospital, Dr. Banks enjoys spending time with her
husband, two sons and their furry children.

4 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

The gift that lasts a lifetime

Rochester Hope for Pets invites you to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to honor a
family member, pet, special occasion or significant event with a commemorative brick that will
be laid within the memorial garden located at the front north-east side of Veterinary Specialists
& Emergency Services.
By purchasing a personalized brick (available in two sizes and engraved using state-of-the-art
laser technology) you can honor your loved one for a lifetime. You may also display your business
or organizations name as a way to show your support of Rochester Hope for Pets.
All proceeds from the Commemorative Brick Campaign and Memorial Garden go directly
into helping Rochester Hope for Pets continue its mission to improve the quality of life for
companion animals in the greater Rochester area. Through the award process, they offer financial
assistance toward veterinary care costs to pet owners during times of need. Through Duncans
Fund, they provide continuing education courses, and upgraded equipment and technology
for local veterinarians. They also partner with other local non-profits to improve the welfare of
animals in our community.

Email rochesterhopeforpets@gmail.com
or call (585) 271-2733 x189
to reserve your bricks today.

PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

THE LOSS of a PET its never easy

Dealing with the loss of a pet, a beloved part of the
family, can be very difficult. Grief comes in various forms
and emotions, and is as individual as the person. There
are several stages to the grieving process. First is denial
and isolation, we may not want to believe our pet has a
terminal illness or has passed away. The next step is often
anger, your anger can be directed towards anyone involved
with your pet, whether it is friends and family, or even
your veterinarian. You may also feel guilty about what you
did or did not do, for not recognizing the illness earlier,
not being able to afford the care and treatment your pet
needed, or for allowing your pet to be injured. You may
also experience depression, we have a hard time speaking
of our beloved pet without breaking down or we may have
a difficult time getting on with our lives. The final stage is
acceptance, knowing we have done what is best for our
pet. Getting through the grieving process is challenging,
the goal is to accept what has happened. They gave us
many happy memories and it is our job as their caretaker
to make sure they are no longer suffering.
Whether your pet is young or old, losing a faithful friend is
very difficult. As a veterinarian, we can help you through
such a difficult decision and make it easier. Grief is a
normal and natural healing response to loss. There is no
right or wrong way to grieve. While grief is a personal
experience, you need not face your loss alone. Many forms
of support are available, including pet-bereavement
counseling services, pet-loss support hotlines, local
or online pet-bereavement groups, books, videos and
articles. In addition to these services, here are a few
suggestions to help you cope:
Acknowledge your grief and give yourself
Andrea Straka, VMD
permission to express it
Irondequoit Animal Hospital
Surround yourself with people who understand
Monroe Veterinary Associates
that it was not just a pet, but an integral part
of your family and life
Memorialize your pet in a meaningful way
Take time for yourself and identify what
coping mechanisms are most helpful to you
If children are involved, talk with them about loss,

emotions and coping skills. The loss

of a pet may be your childs first
experience with death. Expressing
your own grief may reassure your
child that sadness is okay and it
may help them work through these
feelings of grief. There are also
several books for children involving
the loss of a pet. Reading with your
children can help ease the loss and
open doors for discussion.
Many times we feel guilty. Living
with guilt can prevent us from
moving forward in our grieving
process. At times we may feel we
did not do enough for our pet, this
is a normal response for everyone.
As long as the decision was made
from the deep love for your pet,
know you did the best at that time.

Custom Paw Portraits

products for your

Sandys two loves are animals and painting by

watercolor with quality paint and paper. As
she paints, she enjoys watching each pet come
to life on paper, capturing the appearance
and personality of your pet. Send a photo
and description of the made to order painting
you would like. Price may
vary by size or intricate
background work. Ships
in 2-3 weeks. www.etsy.
com/listing/236981009.

Losing a pet is never easy and

moving through the grieving
process takes time. Remember to
allow yourself to experience these
emotions and work through the
grieving process at your own pace.
Cherish all the wonderful memories
your pet provided throughout his or
her life. May you come to accept the
loss and celebrate your pet and all
the love they gave us!
Dr. Andrea Straka was awarded her
Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris
in 1997 from the University of
Pennsylvania. As a general small
animal practitioner, she has a
professional interest in behavior. She
joined Irondequoit Animal Hospital
in 1997 and has been there ever
since.

6 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

Ask a Vet...

Dear Doc,
I have been the proud owner of Biscuit for the
last seven months. I cant wait for my family
to spend the summer making memories with
him at our lake house. Ive already purchased
a doggie life jacket and Im assuming thats
all I really have to do. I mean theres a reason
its called the doggie paddle, right?

into the water. Many dogs arent prepared

for the motion of the waves.
Watch out for rip currents, which are most dangerous
during high surf conditions. A strong current can quickly
carry a swimming dog away from shore.
Learn about marine life native to the area youre visiting.
Jellyfish, lionfish, stingrays and other animals on the shore
or in the water can be dangerous to both unwitting
people and dogs.
Sincerely, Biscuits water-logged owner
If your dog has light-colored, short fur, she may
Dear Biscuits water-logged owner,
Heidi
Licata,
DVM
sunburn easily. Areas with sparse fur, like the face and head,
Many pet owners are surprised to learn that not all dogs can swim.
East River Veterinary Hospital are most susceptible. Before spending the day at the lake,
While some take to water naturally, others dont. Small dogs, Monroe Veterinary Associates
ask your dogs vet about dog-safe sunscreen you can use.
especially, may need some extra help from their owners to learn
Provide frequent periods of rest for your pooch in the shade.
how to swim and to safely enjoy their time in the water.
Even if your dog is a great swimmer and a day at the beach, lake, river or pool is on While swimming is an excellent form of exercise for dogs,
the agenda, here are a few safety basics you should know in order to safely enjoy it is important to protect your dog from heat exhaustion
and dehydration.
the water with your pet:
Keep these basic tips in mind and your pet can enjoy all the benefits of water
Dont leave pets unsupervised around a pool or body of water.
activities while staying safe and happy!
Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure
Sincerely, Dr. Heidi Licata
pets wear flotation devices while on boats.
Dr. Heidi Aguiar Licata is the director of East River Veterinary Hospital, where she
Rinse your dogs coat with clean water after spending time
has been since August 2011. She joined the Monroe Veterinary Associates family
in the water. Chlorine, salt and algae left on the coat
in December 2007. A native of Fall River, MA, Dr. Licata attended the University of
can lead to skin irritation and infection.
Massachusetts-Dartmouth and received her Bachelors Degree in Biology in 1999. She
Keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine
continued her veterinary education at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.
and was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Acupuncture and
exotic animal medicine are just a few of Dr. Licatas many professional interests. She
Keep an eye out for snakes. Even if theyre not poisonous,
completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society course in 2006 and is a
snakes can deliver nasty bites if curious dogs get too close.
certified veterinary acupuncturist.
If youre visiting the beach, supervise your dog closely when venturing

A dog will teach you unconditional love. If you can have that in your life,
things wont be too bad. Robert Wagner

PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

Put a spring into your PETS STEP

A pedicure isnt just a summer
essential for people preparing
their feet for sandals, flip-flops
or just going barefoot on the
beach. Your dogs paws also
need extra care during the dog
days of summer. Below are
some great tips to help keep
your dogs paws from barking:

Your dog will be forever grateful for

the extra TLC!

Slow and steady

wins the race
Start slow if youre about to begin a
new exercise program with your dog.
Paws may become sensitive, chaffed
or cracked, particularly when starting
your dog out on hikes and runs.

Is it time for a snip

and trim?

Beware of hot pavement

Remember your dogs paws feel heat
extremes, just like you. If you wouldnt
walk barefoot on hot pavement, your
pet shouldnt either. To prevent burns
and blisters, avoid walking your dog on
hot pavement or sand. Signs include
blisters, loose flaps of skin and red,
ulcerated patches. If you suspect you
dog has burns or blisters on its paws,
please contact your veterinarian.

Your dogs nails should just

about touch the ground when
he/she walks. If you hear your
dogs nails clicking on the
floor, its time to cut the nails.
To avoid matting, which can
be painful, comb out paw hair,
especially from between the
toes and trim even with the
pads.

Watch where your

pooch walks

Take a peek at
the paws
Regularly check between
toes for pebbles, small bits
of broken glass and other debris. These items can become
stuck in your dogs pads or your dog could cut their paws from
accidentally stepping on these items. Contact your veterinarian
for information about caring for wounds on your dogs paws.
And be sure to keep your dog from licking any cuts because it
keeps the wound open.

Moisturize those paws

A dogs pads can become cracked and dry during the summer.
Ask your veterinarian for a pad moisturizer that is safe for use on
dogs and use as directed.

Pamper your pooch

Relax your dog with a paw rub. Start by rubbing between the
pads on the bottom of the paw, and then rub between each toe.

Janine Ashton, DVM

Pittsford Animal Hospital

Monroe Veterinary Associates

Be conscious to avoid hazards such as

broken glass and other debris when
walking your dog. Check your yard and home for any items that
could injure your dog. And keep this simple tip in mind if you
wouldnt like to walk on it barefoot, neither will your dog!
Dr. Janine Ashton has cared for pets as a general practitioner at
the Animal Hospital of Pittsford since 2008. She was awarded her
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2007 from Ross University. Dr.
Ashton also holds a Masters Degree in Toxicology.
When shes not busy with her duties at the hospital, Dr. Ashton
enjoys spending time outdoors and can often be found skiing and
fishing. Her hobbies also include cooking and baking. Most of all,
she enjoys spending time with her husband Ken Scheider, DVM,
director at Perinton Veterinary Hospital and their two sons. They
share their home with three dogs, Jasper, Lafonda and Tiki, and
two cats, Jeter and Jaks.

Freezy Pups Kit

products for your

Make your dog cool, refreshing organic treats! Great for hot
summer days. This kit has everything you need! Just mix a
packet of one of the amazing recipes with water, freeze in the
bone-shaped tray and serve.
Sample packets include (White Cheddar
Cheese, Banana Honey, Sweet Potato
n Maple and Chicken
Soup). Each makes 14
tasty treats! The tray is
made from non toxic,
food grade, recyclable
materials.

Made in the USA. Kit $20, refills $9

at www.callingalldogs.com.

8 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

the whole

Dental health top

issue for cats, dogs

to infection elsewhere in the body.

Most pets simply do not receive proper, regular
mouth care.
They also tend to break their teeth and injure the
soft tissues of their mouth catching balls and playing,
said Stone, who is also working on an alternate track
residency in veterinary dentistry.
Owners should learn to brush their pets teeth with
toothpaste and monitor their pets mouths, teeth
and gums for any pain or bleeding, Stone said.
Flavored toothpastes formulated for animals are
available to make the job easier.
Although daily toothbrushing is advised for dogs and
cats, only two percent of dog owners follow through.
In addition, 65 percent of dogs with stage one
periodontal disease often go untreated.

BY MELISSA ERICKSON
MORE CONTENT NOW

If your pets breath smells sour, your sweet pooch or

kitty-cat may be experiencing poor dental health, a
serious issue thats much more troublesome than bad
breath.
Periodontal disease is extremely common with dogs
and cats, most of whom have evidence of a tooth,
mouth or gum issue by the age of 3, according to the
American Veterinary Dental College. Signs of poor
dental health include bad breath, a change in eating
or chewing habits, pawing at the face and mouth,
and depression.
Periodontal disease is the No. 1 health issue
in dogs and cats, said veterinarian Amy Stone,
service chief of the Primary Care and Dentistry
Service at the University of Florida College of
Veterinary Medicine Small Animal Hospital.
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum
disease, is the most common oral disease in dogs
and cats. Most experts agree that two-thirds to
three-fourths of all adult dogs and cats have some
level of periodontal disease, said Curt R. Coffman,
chairman of the American Veterinary Dental College
Public Relations Committee. If untreated, it can
progress causing pain, infection and tooth loss.
Dogs and cats also suffer from broken or worn
teeth, and cats commonly have a condition called
tooth resorption.

Dental health is very

important, and a comfortable,
healthy mouth is vital to a
pet being able to chew
and eat a proper diet.
Curt R. Coffman

Care tips
Because its the way pets interact with their entire
world, dental health is essential.
Dental health is very important, and a comfortable,
healthy mouth is vital to a pet being able to chew and eat
a proper diet, Coffman said. Dental infection can also lead

Katherine Johnson | Flicker

When to see the vet

If teeth appear dirty, stained or discolored, and
the gums are red or inflamed, pets should see the
vet, Coffman said.
Your pets dental health should be evaluated at
each physical exam, Stone said. Your veterinarian
can make recommendations as to how often your
dog or cat may need to have treatment for any
disease present.
Chews and treats can help with oral hygiene, but
many of these products have little research to back
the manufacturers claims of improved oral hygiene,
Coffman said.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (vhoc.org)
offers unbiased reviews of some oral heath care
products, he said.
Products approved by this organization are going to
be safe (nontoxic and not likely to break their teeth)
and the most effective ones on the market, Stone said.
The most important thing that people should know is
that they should be asking their veterinarians about
their pets teeth.

PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

YOUR PETS and FIRE SAFETY

July 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day

If you are a pet owner, July 15th is a good day to review your
bulb instead of a real flame, or candle warmers instead.
household fire safety and emergency plans for the entire
Supervise pets around other open flames such as fireplaces, fire
household including your pets.
pits and barbecue grills. Curious pets can easily get burned when
One of the most fundamental elements of fire safety is to have
they come too close to any open flame. It is best to restrict a pets
working smoke detectors throughout your residence. Smoke
access to these areas.
detectors can quickly alert occupants to a fire so that they can
Keep electrical cords out of reach of pets who may chew
escape. That said, pets are frequently home alone and unable
them. Puppies and kittens are notorious for getting into trouble
to escape a house fire on their own. Consider using a monitoring
with this. Chewing electrical cords can cause serious electrocution
company so that firefighters are alerted more quickly, thereby
injuries and potentially start a fire. Access to electrical cords
increasing the likelihood that pets can be rescued from the fire.
should be restricted, especially when pets are unsupervised.
Practicing Exit Drills in the Home (EDITH), can help families Carolyn Fisher, DVM Crating puppies is highly recommended to eliminate this and
identify emergency escape routes when there is a fire. When Suburban Animal Hospital other hazards.
doing these drills identify places in the home near exits where Monroe Veterinary Associates Cover stove knobs if you have a dog who tends to be a counter
leashes and cat carriers could be stored for easy access. Decide on a
surfer. There have been a number of house fires started when a
holding area outside of the home such as a car where animals could temporarily pet inadvertently turns on the stove while jumping up to steal food off the stove
be safely confined. Be sure all pets are properly identified with collars and tags top. Reduce the temptation. Do not leave food on top of the stove and consider
or microchips so that they can be reunited with their owners if they escape restricting your dogs access to the kitchen or crate your curious pup when you
during the commotion of a fire. Have a plan for a place the pets can stay if you are not home.
are unable to return home right away. This preparation and training can increase
With a little preparation you can successfully reduce the chances that your pet
the chances that you and your pets will get out safely should there be a fire.
will accidentally start a fire or be injured by fire. This July 15th take some time to
Never re-enter a burning building to save your pets. Please leave this to review your households fire safety and prevention plans and be sure to include
professional firefighters. The use of pet alert window stickers can help rescuers your pets.
know how many and what kind of pets need to be rescued. It is important to
keep these updated so that this information is as accurate as possible. Free Dr. Carolyn Fisher is the hospital director of Suburban Animal Hospital, where she
has cared for pets since 1997. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and
stickers are available from the ASPCA at www.ASPCA.org.
particularly likes observing and experiencing the special bonds people and their
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 500,000 animals are pets share.
affected by fires and about 1,000 fires are started by pets each year. Here are
some ways you can reduce the chance that your pet will inadvertently start a A native of Rochester, Dr. Fisher attended the SUNY Geneseo. She received her
Bachelors Degree in Biology in 1993 and went on to attend the Cornell University
fire or be burned:
College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Fisher is a member of numerous professional
Use caution with candles because pets, especially cats, can easily knock over organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Genesee
a candle and start a fire. Pets can also be burned by candles. Always extinguish a Valley Veterinary Medical Association and the Cornell Feline Health Center.
candle that will be unattended. Consider using flameless candles, that use a light

10 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

LOST IN SUBURBIA

hair of the dog

that smelled bad

Are you free for coffee tomorrow? I asked a friend over the phone.
No, sorry, she replied. I have to take Tyra for a wash, cut and blowout.
If I hadnt known this person very well, I would have assumed she was talking
about her daughter or mother.
But she was not.
She was talking about her dog.
I had forgotten that Tyra had a standing appointment at the poodle parlor
every four weeks to get groomed. She had her own stylist who understood all
the nuances of Tyras coat, which, I was informed, was made of hair, not fur,
and therefore required a specialized level of dog beautification. I found this
exceptionally amusing since I dont even have a standing appointment at the
salon for myself, much less my dog.
Typically, I dont even realize my dog needs to be groomed until he starts to smell
so bad we wonder if there is something rotting in the fridge, and even then,
Ill just spray him with air freshener for a couple of days until we cant stand it
anymore.
My thought is, if wolves dont take bubble baths in the wild, why should my dog?
Of course, this philosophy only lasts as long as it takes for the smell of my dog
to get so strong it starts to cause the paint to peel from the walls. And while this
isnt a problem for the dog, it is for me, our family and our walls. My dog definitely
prefers smelling like garbage than lavender. Pretty much the minute he comes
home from the groomers, he will dash outside to find the nastiest pile of muck to
roll in to obliterate the smell of perfumed pooch. And if by luck he happens to find

something dead outside to rub against, he will be in stinky dog heaven.

Tyra, the well-primped poodle, is apparently no different. Although she puts up
with her once monthly grooming, as soon as she gets home she will do her best
to undo the work of her style team and return herself to a more natural doggie
state. While she may play the part of a pampered pooch, at heart she is a dog of
the earth, and routinely has the earth in her coat to prove it.
Meanwhile, back at Smelly Dog Central, my dog Monty was clearly beginning
to ripen and I realized the time had come to de-stinkify him before the board of
health condemned his dog bed, and quite possibly, our house.
Since Tyras owner seemed so happy with the level of service she was getting from
her doggie salon, I decided to try them out and let them work their magic on
Monty.
However, as soon as we arrived, I realized that the place might not be a good fit
for my dog.
Would you like a rose, eucalyptus, or lemon-scented spa bath for Monty? they
inquired as I signed Monty in.
I glanced down at my dog. He had his head between his legs and was busy giving
himself a bath where the sun dont shine.
I rolled my eyes.
Actually, I wondered. Do you have anything that smells like dirt?
For more Lost in Suburbia, Follow Tracy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
LostinSuburbiaFanPage.

PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

11

TIPS for LOCATING a LOST PET

Steps to take to help increase the chance
of being reunited with your lost pet
You may have already read that more pets get lost on the Fourth of July than any
other holiday, but did you know that The Humane Society of the United States
(HSUS) estimates 6-8 million animals enter shelters each year? Only 30 percent
of dogs and less than 5 percent of cats that enter shelters are reunited with their
owners.
Greece Residents Assisting Stray Pets (GRASP) recommends following these steps
to help increase the chance that you and your pet will be reunited if the unthinkable ever happens and your pet becomes lost:

Contact animal agencies.

Call all humane societies, animal care and control agencies and animal protection
organizations within a large radius to file a report. Dont assume your pet has
been stolen. More cats and dogs stray from home than are stolen.

Search the neighborhood.

Walk and/or drive through your neighborhood several times a day. Early morning
and sunset are prime times. Talk to anyone whom may have seen your cat or dog,
such as joggers, delivery people and mail/newspaper carriers.

Notify others.
Call your veterinary clinics, especially those who offer boarding for cats and dogs.
Injured pets are often taken to a veterinarian for care prior to transfer to an animal
shelter.

Cat have
you curious?
Use the power of scent.
Place a recently-worn article of clothing in your yard; for litter box trained cats
place their box outside. Familiar scents can bring your cat or dog home.

Pooch have
you puzzled?
Want answers to your questions?
Email your questions to
marketingmva@yahoo.com!

Advertise.
Post fliers all around your neighborhood, including major intersections and at all
public places. Place an ad in the classified section of your local paper (see reference to D&C below). Offer a reward. Contact WVIN 98.3 to list with their Pet Patrol.

Dont give up!

Keep searching even when you have little hope left. Cats and dogs that have been
lost for months have been reunited with their owners.
A peteven an indoor pethas a better chance of being returned if he/she
always wears a collar and an ID tag with your name, address and telephone number. Ask your veterinarian about a microchip for your pet. Microchips are a safe,
simple way to help avoid the tragedy of losing your beloved furry family member.

12 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

Heal your pet with

THERAPEUTIC LASER TREATMENT

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Periodontal
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Acute &
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Gingivitis
Stomatitis
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Perinton Veterinary Hospital 11 LaSalle Parkway Victor 585-248-5566 perintonvet.com

Cystitis

PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

13

Portraits ofLove

Each week, Lollypop Farm receives letters and emails filled with
happy endings for animals who have been adopted from our shelter.
Pictures help to tell these wonderful stories.

Diesel

Josiah

DIESEL was adopted

by Adam in 2014

JOSIAH was adopted

by Shane in 2016

Tessa
TESSA was
adopted by
Deanna in 2016.

Pit Bull:
The Battle over
an American Icon
by Bronwen Dickey

The hugely illuminating story of how a popular

breed of dog became the most demonized
and supposedly the most dangerous of
dogs, and what role humans have played in
the transformation. When Bronwen Dickey
brought her new dog home, she saw no traces
of the infamous viciousness in her affectionate,
timid pit bull. Which made her wonder: How
had the breed beloved by Teddy Roosevelt,
Helen Keller and others, come to be known
as a brutal fighter? Whether through love or
fear, hatred or devotion, humans are bound
to the history of the pit bull. With unfailing
thoughtfulness, compassion and scientific
fact, Dickey offers us a clear-eyed portrait of
this extraordinary breed and an insightful
view of Americans relationship with their
dogs. Priced from $16.55 on amazon.com.

14 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

KITTENS:
TOO MUCH OF A CUTE THING?

ASHLEY ZEH | COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

LOLLYPOP FARM, HUMANE SOCIETY OF GREATER ROCHESTER
Each spring and summer, hundreds of thousands of kittens will be born across
the U.S. And while the image may make you think of adorable little balls of fluff
running around in the sunshine, for people working in animal welfare its all but
cute. In fact, this can be one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year.
Each year, animal shelters like Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater
Rochester, will be challenged to handle the influx of newborn, homeless kittens.
And with this many cats born each year, they will be hard pressed to find new
homes for all of them. Only with the support of the entire community, can we
start to alleviate some of the problems created by the time of year affectionately
known as kitten season.

What is kitten season?

Kitten season typically starts in early spring and peaking in the summer and goes
right through to fall. Its a time of year when cats start to produce their kittens
in abundance. This includes unfixed free-roaming pets, friendly strays or feral cats
called community cats of which only 2% are spayed or neutered. According
to the Humane Society of the United States, there are roughly 30 to 40 million
community cats in the U.S. So, considering that just one female cat can have up to
12 kittens each year, the kittens start adding up rather quickly. In fact, 80% of the
kittens born each year are from the community cat population. With nowhere to
go, the majority of these kittens will make their way to shelters and rescue groups.

So, whats the problem?

These droves of kittens create a number of problems. Motherless, newborn kittens
require a great deal of time and extensive care. Many kittens brought to the shelter
without their mothers are just days to weeks old. They havent been weaned yet
and arent able to eat solid food, says animal outreach manager Jennifer Stolt of
Lollypop Farm. They require foster care from dedicated volunteers willing to take
them in for regular bottle feeding. On average these kittens require feeding every
few hours, and on top of that need to be stimulated to go to the bathroom and
cleaned. Kittens this young arent able to regulate their temperature and need
heating pads to ensure they dont get too cold or hot. As they get older, there is a
lot of care to ensure they are healthy, gaining weight and litter trained. Lollypop
Farm is fortunate to have a growing network of 200 foster care volunteers, and
even then we are often challenged to find someone who can take on the huge
responsibility of care each time a litter of kittens comes in, says Stolt.
At about eight weeks old, kittens are able to eat solid food and have a good
transition into their new home. At this point, the veterinary clinic can spay or
neuter the cats in an effort to head off the continuing problem and then they
can be made available for adoption. Unfortunately, mother cats and other older
cats are overlooked by adopters taken in by the cute kittens and there may be not
enough room in the shelter for all the incoming kittens. Weve seen as many as
70 cats and kittens in one day alone, says Stolt. With this many cats, it can be hard
for shelters to care for and find homes for everyone.

offers assistance for low-income pet owners.

Help support local shelters during kitten season. It takes a lot of supplies
and other resources to help care for all the kittens. Donations of supplies and
money are greatly appreciated to help support the staff and volunteers looking
help save these little lives.
Help care for community cat populations. You can become a colony
caretaker and through Lollypop Farms Feral Cat Program you can ensure they are
given rabies and distemper vaccinations. Cats are altered, and also ear-tipped to
indicate they have been surgically altered.
Become a foster volunteer. Volunteers help care for kittens coming in from the
community. By providing bottle feedings and compassionate care in their home
How can you help?
until the kittens are old enough to be adopted. These volunteers are helping
No one person or organization can do it alone. It takes a community that is actively more cats find homes. Lollypop Farm provides training and supplies for foster
volunteers.
engaged to help prevent and provide care during kitten season.
Spay or neuter your cats. Cats can become pregnant at as young as five months Adopt a cat. Choosing to adopt not only means you will be providing a home for
of age. Fortunately, kittens as young as two months can be safely altered. If you your new feline friend, you are making space for another cat to find a safe haven
cant afford the procedure, you can look into Lollypop Farms S.N.I.P. program that in the shelter when its needed.

PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

PetTales

15

MESSENGER POST MEDIA

73 Buffalo Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424

585.394.0770

SPEAK!

We welcome our readers letters.

Please write to:
Pet Tales c/o Darlyn Reddy
73 Buffalo Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424
email: dreddy@messengerpostmedia.com
Correspondence may be edited
for length and clarity. Please include
your name, address, daytime telephone
and e-mail address.

We provide kind,
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when you need it the most.

www.monroevets.com
Thank you to Pet Tales
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Monroe Veterinary Associates was founded
in 1969 as a single hospital and has grown to
include 14 full-service veterinary hospitals,
a 24-hour emergency and specialty practice,
and a full-service reference laboratory, all of
which are located in or around Rochester.
Monroe Veterinary Associates contributes
actively to the community in a variety of ways.
MVA provides financial support to Rochester
Hope for Pets, Rochester Animal Services, the
Seneca Park Zoo and the Humane Society at
Lollypop Farm. MVA veterinarians and staff
members volunteer countless hours toward
helping animals in the community. For
example, veterinarians donate their time to
Friends of Ferals, which works to help decrease
the feral cat population in the Rochester area.
Also, MVAs personnel are active in local
educational initiatives, including classroom
presentations, student shadow programs and
student externships.
Find out more about the many services that
Monroe Veterinary Associates offers or to find
a location near you, visit monroevets.com. You
can also follow us on Twitter @MonroeVets or
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Monroe Veterinary Associates

BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Income-Qualified
Spay/Neuter
Surgeries and
Out-Patient Clinic

ROCHESTER
COMMUNITY
ANIMAL CLINIC
985 Bay Street
Rochester, NY 14609
585.288.0600
rochestercommunity
animalclinic.com

24 Hour
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VETERINARY
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825 White Spruce Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14623
585.424.1277
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5152 East River Road
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585.227.7100
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315.597.4567
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VETERINARY
SPECIALISTS &
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SERVICES
825 White Spruce Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14623
585.424.1260
vetspecialistsofrochester.com
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16 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2016

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