March / April 2013 Issue #2

Choosing the

Perfect Pet

• Paw it Forward• Heart Worms and Year Round Prevention

• The Nose Knows

How Eddy

saves the day

EDDIE SAVES THE DAY!

One icy Monday, Eddy and his human Mom were

traveling down Chancellor Drive. They saw a small Yorkie mix puppy loose and running wildly around. The puppy ran in front of several cars coming and going, almost getting hit. Eddy’s mom slowed down and watched the pup as it began running alongside of them with a wild eyed look. There was a man trying to catch it, but everytime he got close

the puppy ran farther away and fast. Eddy and his mom pulled into PetAgreed’s parking lot, thinking the best way to catch a running dog is another dog. Eddy got on his leash and they made their way to the field outside of PetAgreed. Eddy gave a specific bark and immediately caught the pup’s attention. Eddy barked again and the pup made its way towards Eddy. They began sniffing each other, tails wagging in a playful manner. Eddy’s mom was able to pick the pup up from behind and give the pup back to the man. He was very happy as it was his boss’ puppy. The guy said, “Your dog just saved my boss’ puppy’s life!” Here at PetAgreed and the Cedar Valley, Eddy is our Hero!

EditorKaren Anderson and Paul Keller.

Mission StatementTo provide a local resource for dogs and their parents. To bring the canine community together and to educate and promote responsible pet ownership.

Back cover of this magazine is to promote rescue and adoption.

If you know of a rescue that would like to be in this newsletter please

email Karen Anderson at: petagreed@gmail.com

If you are interested in advertising or submitting an article please email

Karen Anderson at petagreed@gmail.com

THE NOSE KNOWS: by Karen Anderson

Did you know:Each dog has a unique nose print like humans do with fingerprints.

Did you knowHound dogs with long ears use their ears to help them smell!

6109 Chancellor Drive Cedar Falls | 319-277-7320 | petagreed@gmail.com | www.petagreed.co

CHOOSING THE PERFECT PETFOR YOUR CHILDREN

By: Karen Anderson - PetAgreed Canine Academy

The key to creating a true “family pet” One who is gentle, loyal and loving to both animals and people – is to treat the animal as a beloved family member and to provide the training and care he deserves. It’s not enough to get a pet “for the kids.” A pet is not a temporary playmate for children, but a lifelong family member who depends on the entire family, especially adults.

How old should my child be before we get a pet? You are the best judge of your child’s maturity. Your child should exhibit self control and understand (and obey) the word “no.” Try introducing your child your friends’ well-behaved pets so you can observe your child’s behavior around them.

How old should the pet be? Puppies and kittens are fragile, they require extra time and care, and are prone to play-related scratching and biting, which may not be appropriate for a family with young children. Adopting a friendly, calm adult animal who has a known history of getting along with young children may be the best choice for your family. Before making a choice, talk it over with a professional dog trainer to assist you in your pet selection. Here at PetAgreed, we offer this as a complementary service. What kind of dog is best with children? All dogs have the potential to bite, and a dog’s breed is only one of many factors that affect temperament and behavior. The best dogs for children are those who receive proper socialization, humane training, exercise and attention; who are given adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care; who are sterilized; and who are safely confined. How should my child interact with pets?To protect both your child and your pet, it’s critical that an adult supervise all pet-child

interactions. It’s also important to help your child see the world through your pet’s eyes. Ask your child how she would feel if someone poked at her eyes or pulled her ears. Explain that even the most docile pet has limits, and that all animals must be treated with caution and respect. Help your child understand that pets need space and may not always welcome human attention, especially when eating, playing with their toys, resting or sleeping. How can I make my pet feel safe? Pets need time to adjust to new surroundings, like we do. They need time to themselves to be calm and take it all in. You should provide your pet with his own “bedroom” such as a crate; wire crates should have a blanket or crate cover over it. Set your dog up to succeed and don’t put your pet in situations where they feel threatened. Dogs left alone in yards can be accidentally or intentionally teased by neighborhood children. Being in the back yard alone for long periods of time can also lead to “out of control” behavior and boredom. Pets live longer, healthier and safer lives when kept indoors with the family. What ways can the kids help with pet care? Always use age appropriate tasks for your child. Set your child up to succeed as well as your dog. Let your child feed your dog at meal times, let her carry a dog food can or treats. Let your kids help pick out the dog’s collar or harness, bed, toys etc. Find a certified dog trainer that includes the whole family. We recommend local certified dog trainer with PetAgreed Canine Academy, Karen Anderson

How can I teach children to care for pets? By being a responsible care giver yourself. Set up realistic expectations from the beginning. Take steps to pick out the right pet for your family at the right time. Involve your kids in pet training activities. This will teach them how to communicate more effectively and teach them about humane treatment. All training is done for your family’s future relationship with your pet. A well-mannered pet will enjoy life more.

Crate Exercise:

1. While holding onto your dog’s leash open the crate door.

2. Toss 2-3 treats in the crate with one hand while holding onto your dog’s leash with the other hand. (don’t pull or yank on your dog’s leash)

3. Your dog should try to run in after the treats; keep holding him by the leash. After your dog stops pulling to get in, re-lease your dog while saying “kennel up.”

4. When he runs in to eat the treats make sure you say “good” while closing the kennel door (don’t lock it, hold it closed with your hand).

5. When your dog is done eating the treats he should be right back at the front of the kennel.

6. Open the kennel up while saying “free” and release your dog from the kennel.

7. Repeat 10 times in a row for 1-2 minutes, a few times a day. If your dog whines or shows any signs of stress you might be going too fast. Instead, let him be unleashed. Take off the kennel’s front door and let him wander in there while you’re standing far enough away. When you see him in the crate, make sure to praise lavishly with attention and treats.

6109 Chancellor Drive Cedar Falls | 319-277-7320 | petagreed@gmail.com | www.petagreed.co

HEARTWORM TESTING & YEAR ROUND PREVENTION

By: Dr. Lindsey Keller - Compassionate Care Veterinary Clinic

Why should I use year-round heartworm prevention?There are different climates in the United States,

including micro-climates such as irrigated fields, backyard ponds and man-made golf courses, which affect the sever-ity and duration of the mosquito season. We also know that some areas can have heartworm infections in wild species such as coyotes. These infected wild animals can be a source of infection to your dog or cat. Despite the fact that heartworm disease may not be diagnosed as often in some areas as in others, it is definitely present. The Ameri-can Heartworm Society is now recommending year-round prevention. Also, if your dog or cat travels out of state with you they may be at higher risk of exposure. One of the many reasons to use year-round heart worm prevention is that many of the preventatives today also include intestinal parasite control for roundworms, whipworms, and tape-worms. Your dog and family should be protected against intestinal parasites at all times as many intestinal parasites can infect humans as well as pets.

Why test your pet yearly for Heartworm Disease?Annual testing, even if your pet is on year

round heartworm prevention, is recommended for several important reasons. First, many of us do not take our own medications as directed let alone medicate our pets as recommended. We’re busy… we forget… we miss a dose here and there. Second, even if you never miss a dose there is noth-ing to prevent your dog from vomiting up the medi-cation you just gave without your knowledge. Your pet could be without protection for an entire month. Third, if your pet accidentally became infected with heartworms, your veterinarian needs to detect it as soon as possible before irreversible heart and lung damage occur. Early detection and treatment are always best. Finally, some heartworm tests now monitor for other significant diseases such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis. With annual testing, you know your pet is heartworm free and not infected with these serious tick-borne diseases, some of which could harm family members. The tests are quick and accurate and insure your pet is free from infection. Annual testing provides peace of mind in knowing that your pet is free of heartworms, and should your pet be infected, it assures you of early diagnosis.

Dr. Keller and her girl Gracie.

The American Heartworm Society is now recommending year-round prevention.“ ”

2020A 3rd Ave NW Waverly, IA | (319) 483-5049 | compassionatecarewaverly.com

The most important thing you can do to get your pet ready for grooming is for the pet to be accepting of being touched everywhere. Areas that are especially sensitive are around the eyes and feet. Make sure that all interactions are slow, firm and confident. Get your pet used to brushing, combing and being restrained at home. When your pet comes to the groomer all brushed out with no tangles or large mats, then brushing at the groomer is a pleasant experience. Using a folding table or top of the clothes dryer is a great place to do at home maintenance. The pet is out of their territory and realizes it is time to "work". Allow your pet to become used to being in a crate. The vast majority of groomers kennel the pets when

they are not being worked on. This keeps the pets safe. If the pet is used to being kenneled they won't be upset over the small amount of time they are in a holding pen at the groomer.

During the grooming process electric clippers and large high velocity dryers are used. Run the vacuum around your pet on a regular basis. Getting them used to loud rhythmic noises takes the fear out of the new experience of being dried and clipped.

Socialize your pet. Take them places; let them meet new people and other pets in a fun friendly environment. Trips in the car to places other than just the veterinarian and the groomer prevents pre-visit anxiety for the pet.

Your pet picks up on your feelings, so when you bring your pet to the groomer be calm and confident. Trust the people you are leaving your pet with. Groomers are educated animal lovers that enjoy making your pet feel their best. We have the pet's best interest in mind and want it to be a pleasant experience.

When bringing your pet into the groomer it is best to have only one person drop them off. More people will increase the feeling of anxiety about being left without their people.

Be sure to exercise your pet and make sure to take them potty before coming into the groomer. The need to "go" will make sitting still for grooming almost impossible.

It is best to hold off feeding time until after grooming.

Start having your pet go to a professional groomer as young as possible. Groomers like to see puppies in for the first time at around 12 weeks of age or after two puppy immunizations, whichever is first. The younger the better.

Consulting a canine behaviorist is a good idea for those dogs needing emotional or behavioral help.

Preparing Your Pet for the Groomer

By Sarah Bebee - Shear Bliss Pet Salon

824 Ansborough Ave Waterloo, IA 50701 (319) 235-9851 www.shearblisspetsalon.com

Caring all-breed dog grooming by experienced professionals. Evening

appointments available.

Zwanziger and Boe Orthodontics provides quality orthodontic care for

adults and children in Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Waverly, and Iowa Falls

(319) 277-6976

Dog Daycare–Academy Style

Training; Group, Private or In-home; Canine Yoga/Pilates; Boarding 6109 Chancellor Dr., Cedar Falls

www.petagreed.co 319-277-7320 petagreed@gmail.com

Salon Elite 5901 University Ave Cedar

Falls, IA 50613 (319) 277-2501

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

Shear Bliss Pet Salon 824 Ansborough Ave.

Waterloo, IA 319-235-9851

Sara Bebee- Owner

We care for all hair types; Straight, curly, damaged,

colored and new hair.

Walk-ins Welcome

11 W 2nd Street Cedar Falls, IA 50613

(319) 266-2150

2020A 3rd Ave. NW; Waverly, IA 50677 319.483.5049 Medical; Surgical; Grooming; Daycare; Training

Ginger Thai Cuisine

Our Cedar Valley

Eddy our hero!

Brin

Riley & Roz

Rex

Tre

Dogs

Sherman

Joy & Hope

Ike Bruce

Daci

Bella

Bubba

Peaches

Axel

Marnie

PAWS Humane Society is a private

nonprofit organization which serves as a sanctuary of hope and second chances

for animals in need. 303 Shaw Avenue - Charles City, IA 641-257-0766

www.pawsonline.org

PO Box 291 Waverly, Iowa 50677

waverlypetrescue@mchsi.com

1166 West Airline Highway Waterloo, IA 50703-9634

p. 319-232-6887 Open Tues. - Sun., 10am - 5pm

Closed on Mondays

Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota

Suite 120, 5800 Baker Road Minnetonka, MN 55345

rescue@ragom.org

Our Mission:

ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program provides benefits to individuals with disabilities through animal assisted activities and outreach programs.

8100 Kimball Ave Waterloo, IA 50701 (319) 296-0964

PAW IT FORWARD by Bailey Bartels

Instead of a birthday gift, “Paw it Forward” donate money to one of your favorite rescues. Selling paw it forward bracelets $3.00 each at PetAgreed Canine Academy.

All proceeds are donated to your favorite rescue.

RECYCLE; ADOPT FROM YOUR

LOCAL RESCUE OR HUMANE SOCIETY.