Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Expert Information on medicine, behavior and health from a world leader In veterinary medicine Vol 1~ No.5 ':' May 2013

Short Takes 2 Slowing Canine Cognitive Decline Cornell seeks Vizslas' DNA to study Mental and physical exercise and antioxidant-rich diets genetically mapping mast cell cancer. The Peril of Hot, Closed Cars 3 often improve the quality oflife for both owners and dogs Temperatures can spike even on dvances in vet­ often improve the qual­ amild day, leading to heatstroke. Aerinary medicine ity oflife for both owners 'An Itchy Dog Feels Miserable' 4 are keeping our dogs and dogs. An infestation of parasitic mites can alive longer, giving us Before any regi­ cause hair loss and infected sores. precious extra years to men is instituted, a spend with them. Sad­ thorough veterinary Ask the Experts 8 ly, extended lifespans exam is essential. "No Ayoung Poodle struggles with house also bring geriatric dis­ ~ pre-mortem tests exist training to alitter pan and paper. orders such as canine ~ to determine whether cognitive dysfunction \ ~ a dog has the disease," IN THE NEWS ... (CCD), similar to hu­ says Katherine A. Fi rst rule out Olher med ica condirions. man Alzheimer's in Houpt, VMD, Ph.D., Pacemaker placement its symptoms. former president of the determines its success Like Alzheimer's, CCD has no cure. But American College of Veterinary Behavior­ Although pacemakers have been drugs and special antioxidant-rich diets, in ists and emeritus James Law Professor of an option for dogs since the '60s, addition to mental and physical exercise, (continued on page 6) some patients stili develop congestive hea rt fai lure after pace maker implantation. Evidence indicates The Biggest Mistake in Giving Treats pacemaker stimulation of the right side of the hear t, a common site for It's failing to count their calories - giving a slice of placement. can harm the heart Now University of Florida researchers are cheese, for example, is equivalent to your eating seven slices conducting a clinical trial to determine the ideal location for implantation. In reats provide welcome rewards for good Q: Do all treats need to be nutritionally sound most cases, cardiologists no longer Tbehavior, but their overly generous use or can dogs have junk food once in a while? implant pacemakers by opening the can lead to obeSity. One reason is that owners It depends on who you talk to. Some chest cavity. They usually in sert the often don't count treats as calories. "But the treats are nutritionally sound, and a little bit generator (with the battery and other bigger problem is a multiple-person house­ ofjunk food is good for the soul, but treats devices) beneath the skin of the neck hold in which every time someone walks should account for no more than 70 percent and the stimula in g wiresare passed by, they give the dog a treat," says Joseph ofdaily calories, through the jugular vein to the heart. Wakshlag, DVM, Ph.D., Associate Professor In th e study of 23 patient s, UF of Nutrition at the Cornell University College Q: How can owners figure out that 10 percent resea rchers have found placing of Veterinary Medicine. of their dog's daily caloric intake? the wires in the left sid e of the "Then they think, 'Wow, we went through Usually manufacturers have calories listed heart or on both the ri ght and treats pretty quick. Let's get another bag: The on the side ofthe bag. Consider the size of left simultaneously may be more solution is to put a certain number of treats in a the dog. A medium-sized Milk Bone has 70 to successful. The technique was container every day, and then don't refill it until 75 calories, the jumbo has 725, and the really successfu l in dogs weighi ng more the next morning." small ones are about 20. Pig ears, pizzle sticks than 33 pounds bu t less so in sma ller Dr. Wakshlag gives the skinny on dog treats and rawhide tend to be higher in calories as breeds, research ers say. •:. and more in this Q & A: (co ntinued Oil page 5) DOGWatch SHORTTAKES

EDITOR IN CHIEF DNA Sought for Study William H. Miller. Jr., VMD, Dipl ACVD, Professor, of Mast Cell Cancer lioica! Sciences A growing number of veterinary EDITOR Betty Liddick research projects today focus on identifying the genes that cause ART DIRECTOR Mary Francis McGavic diseases, and equally important, ADVISORY BOARD how to prevent or cure them, James A. Flanders, DVM, In one effort, the Cornell Uni­ DipJACVS , AssociatE' Pro[esso:, Cllnilal Sci _n ~es versity College of Veterinary Medi ­ cine is seeking DNA samples from Katherine A. Houpt, VMD, PhD, Dipl A(VB, FrnPfiluS 100 Vizslas to genetically map Professor of Behavior Medirlne mast cell cancer in the breed, Joseph Wakshlag, MS, DVM, PhD, Working with the Vizsla Club of Dipl ACVN, A soeiate Professor, Clinic I Nullillon America Welfare Foundation, Cor­ The Vizsla is known as a dual dog - capable ot power and Marc 5. Kraus, DVrvi. DipJA CVIM, nell ve terinarians say the goal is endurance in the field and affection at home, Lecturer, Cllmcal Sciences to deve lop a genetic test to allow Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, ow ners and breeders to detect Dipl ACVIM, DACVR, Prote~so r of Oncology their dogs' susceptibil ity to this deadly dis­ information on the Viz sla Club of America John Parker, BVMS, PIID, ease before making breeding decisions. We lfare Founda tion Look under the heading Ass eiale Professol of Virology Dogs diagnosed with mast ce ll cancer are "Welfare" at http://vcaweb.org . Andrea N. Johnston, DV needed, as well as non-affected Vizlas who DiplACVIM will be in a control group. Breeders and own­ CHF also seeks DNA OinicallnSlruclor Clinica l Sciences ers would work with primary ca re veterinar­ The AKC Canine Health Foundation is al so

Cornell University ians to collect and submit samples. Dogs in asking for participation in studies, announci ng -= College of the control group must be at least 8 years old that, "You and your dog may be able to help I) Veterinary Medicine and free of the disease. move research forwa rd by providing a DN A Cancer is cons istently in the top 10 con­ sample or enrolling in a clinical triaL" For informaliofl on pet health. visl the Cornell University cerns breed clubs report to the Canine Health Unlike DNA sa mples, which involve li ttle College of Vet ri na ry Medldne Foundation, sa ys Marta Castelhano, DVM, more than a draw of blood, enrolling in a website at wwwveLco rnelLedu, Re se arch Associate with the Medical Genetics clinical trial brings a commitment to follow and Pediatrics Service at the Cornell Unive rsi­ through on therapies and testing, the CHF ty Hospita l for Animals. "The late onset of the says, adding that, "The benefi ts ca n include type of skin cancer we are studying - mast access to cutting-edge medici ne and the cell tumor - means that, most of the time, chance to help future generations of dogs," clinical detection of the cancer doesn't occur The foundation's requests for participation DogWarch" (I~SN: 1098 _ 2639) is published until the dog has been bred," include: _ monthly for S39 per year Mast cell tumors account for approximate­ • DNA samples from cl eft lip/ palate-affected :]_ by Belvoir Medra Group, LLC,800 c.onnectiCul ly 20 percent of skin tumors in dogs, accord­ dogs and re latives, BeivOl r Ave, Norwalk,G06854­ ing to CornelL The tumo rs va ry in appearance 1631, nober Englander, • DNA samples from Boxers and French ChaJrlTlan and CEO, Timothy Heole, from single lumps or masses to ul ce rated Bu lldogs with granulomatous colitis and Executive VICe Preslden •Editorial Director; Phllip L Penny, Chief Operat.r Ig lumps, The cause is unknown. healthy Boxers and French Bulldogs. Olficer; Greg King, Execu ive Vice President. Nlarketing Director, Ron DNA blood samples in the Vizsla project • A clinical trial for dogs with immune medi­ Goldberg,Chief Financial Officer; Tom will be added to Cornell's Medical Genetics ated polya rthropathy, a Joint condition that CanAeld,VIce President,Orculation, ()2011 Belvoir Media Group, LLC DN A Bank, a resource for clinicians and pre­ can cause systemic illness and cartilage, Postmaster: Send add ress correctronsto cl inical sci entists around the world, "Research­ and bone destruction. DogWatch, PO Box 8535, Big Sandy, TX ers will be able to use the genetic material • A clinical trial for experimental therapy to 75755-8535 to develop better diagnostic methods, more preve nt diabetic ca taracts, For Customer Service or Subscription information, iSi! effective treatments and new drugs for other The CHF is also asking for blood and www.dogwarchnewsle!ter. com/cs or call toll free: 800 -829-5574, conditions," Dr. Castelhano says, urine samples fr om dogs w ith leptospirosis To participate in the study, please email A complete list of studies needing participa­ Express written permi ssi on is required 0 re produce, in any dna bank@corneILedu, For more information tion is avai lable at www.akcc hf. using the manner, the conten of hiS Is sue, ei her in full or In part. For more www.vet.comell,edu/ research /dnabank/ For keyword "parti ci pation ," .:. in ormation, wri e to Permissions, DogWatch', 800 Conne lieu! Ave" Norwalk, ConneClicut 06854-1631, 2 DOGWatch MA Y 20 13 SAFETY The Peril of Hot, Closed Cars Temperatures can spike even on a mild day, leading to heatstroke

ummer offers the promise of shared are relatively transparent to the sun's rapid heart rate, drooling and lethargy S fun - outdoor games, longer walks, shortwave radiation and warmed little, may progress to full-blown heatstroke. romps on the beach - but high tem­ the energy can heat objects, the study Some of the classic signs are obvious peratures can also put your dog at risk found, adding that a dark dashboard or and constitute a medical emergency: for threats to his health. The most seri­ seat can reach 180 to over 200 degrees. • Weakness ous is heatstroke, says Gretchen Schoef­ (The study, published in the journal • Vomiting fler, DVM, Section Chief of Emergency Pediatrics, concerned the death of chil­ • Disorientation and dizziness and Critical Care at Cornell's Hospital dren left in hot cars.) • Diarrhea that may contain for Companion Animals. Puppies, geriatric and dark-coated red blood "Heatstroke is usually due to ex­ dogs are especially vulnerable to heat­ • Tremors cessive or even moderate exercise in stroke. "Some breeds are also predis­ a poorly conditioned dog, or it can be posed - those who cannot dissipate In addition, a dog may have bright due to an excessively hot environment heat as efficiently, for example, brachyce­ red gu ms and eyes, and exhibit spon­ - a closed ca r is classic." phalic breeds," Dr. Schoeffler says. These taneous bruiSing on the inside thighs, short-nosed dogs include Bulldogs, gums, ears and abdomen, Dr. Schoef­ The Critical Elements. A dog's Pugs, Pekingese and Boston Terriers. fler says. In some cases, a dog will chances ofsurvival: "It depends on how "Overweight or poorly conditioned collapse and go into a coma. Ifyou're severely he is affected and the length of dogs are also predisposed, as are dogs with worried your dog is overheated, you time to treatment," Dr. Schoeffler says. diseases that impair their ability to dis­ should douse him with tepid, room­ Time and temperature are the critical sipate heat, such as heart disease, laryngeal temperature water - not cold - and elements when a dog is in a closed car. paralysis and tracheal collapse," she says. seek immediate veterinary care. When it's 75 degrees outside, it takes only Dogs are at a disadvantage in warm Prompt, aggressive treatment at the 10 minutes for the temperature inside to weather. They cool themselves by pant­ clinic can include lowering the core body reach 94 degrees. Ten minutes later, the ing and, to a lesser degree, by sweating temperature, giving fluids to correct interior temperature can reach 104, ac­ through their footpads. Their normal inadequate Circulating or blood volume, cording to a study by Stanford University temperature ranges between 101 and and managing secondary complications. and meteorologist Jan Null, a lecturer in 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit. If their extreme weather at San Francisco State. temperature reaches 106 degrees and Guarded Prognosis. The prognosis "The study shows that vehicles can higher, however, multiple organ failure for heatstroke varies and depends on the very rapidly reach life-threatening tem­ can develop, resulting in death. duration of exposure, rapidity oftreat­ peratures even on mild days," Null says. If left untreated, the early signs of ment and maximal core body tempera­ While the atmosphere and car windows overheating such as heavy panting, ture achieved, as well as the presence of pre-existing conditions and Estimated Vehicle Interior Air Temperature v. Elapsed Time development of complica­ tions. Elapsed Outside Air Temperature (F) The most important Time 70 75 80 85 90 95 advice for owners: "Pay attention to your dog," Dr. ominutes 70 75 80 85 90 95 ~ Schoeffler says. "When he 10 minutes 89 94 99 104 109 114 sits or lies down to take a ~ 20 minutes 99 104 109 114 119 124 ;: break, do not coax or en­ « 30 minutes 104 109 114 119 124 129 ;:: courage him to keep going. ~ Ahvays have water avail­ 40 minutes 128 133 \.? 108 113 118 123 z able - port it when hiking 50 minutes 111 116 121 126 131 136 ~ or away from home. And " 60 minutes 113 118 123 128 133 138 ~. never leave your dog unat­ i tended in the car or other > 1 hour 115 120 125 130 135 140 z ~ such space." .:.

MA Y 2013 www. dogwatchnews letter.{om 3 HEALTH 'An Itchy Dog Feels Miserable' An infestation ofparasitic mites can cause hair loss, dandruff and infected sores, and also be contagious

ogs with mange look scruffy, with by contact and can take up residence D missing patches ofhair or oozing in a dog's ears. Cheyletiella can also be sores where they've scratched or bitten transmitted between species. Products themselves trying to tame the itch. But that kill fleas and tickets keep this mite mange is more than unsightly. "An itchy under control, so the frequency of the dog feels miserable," says William H. Mill­ disease has decreased. Dogs on a sound er, VMD, Medical Director of the Cornell flea-preventive program with a product University Hospital for Animals. What's that kills both fleas and ticks should more, the disease can cause skin condi­ not have problems with Cheyletiella. An Elizabethan collar revents mis dog be­ tions ranging from dandruffto hair loss to inq Ireated for Ii severe Cdse of <1Y'in\1e 'rop, infected sores. A New Species. Demodex injae, a new ratching hlmSt'lr The types of mites that cause prob­ species of hair follicle mite, causes skin to lems in dogs are Demodex, Sarcoptic be itchy and greasy on the face , feet and (scabies), Cheyletiella and Otodectes body. It's sometimes mistaken for an al­ Suspect Cheyletiella if your dog (ear mites). The type a dog contracts lergy. Demodex canis causes itching, hair itches or has dandruff along his spine, depends on genetics, immune health, loss and pustules. Signs may be limited where mites tend to feed. He may have environment, preventive treatment and to the head, neck and ears, known as a dark-brown discharge that fills the contact with infected animals. localized demodicosis. "True localized ear canal. We think of Otodectes as an For instance, the cigar-shaped De­ demodicosis typically is a self-curing dis­ ear disease, but the mites can live and modex mites, which can't be seen by the ease that isn't too much ofa big deal," Dr. feed outside the ear, in rare cases caus­ naked eye, live normally in hair follicles. Miller says. ing signs elsewhere on the body. They cause problems only when they Generalized demodicosis is a big­ In severe cases of a ny infestation, multiply because the immune system is ger concern. It has two forms. The adult itching is so intense dogs can't get any weak or abnormal. A genetic basis for form is usually triggered by a serious relief. They may lose weight from con­ deodectic mange exists in many dogs. underlying metabolic or neoplastic (ab­ stant scratching or biting at the skin, normal mass) disease. Dogs with the or develop pain ful. crusty sores from Spread By Contact. Scabies, ear mites juvenile-onset form may have a genetic the self-inflicted wounds. Bacterial and Cheyletiella are contagious. They predisposition. "It tends to occur in infections of the sores can be a com­ spread through contact with an infected certain purebred dogs more often than plicating factor. animal or environment. "Most mites die mixed breeds," Dr. Miller says. "The When treating generalized demo­ off in the environment within 24 hours, breed predisposition can vary depend­ dectic mange, medicated sha mpoos but they could last longer in dens and ing on the part of the country you're in, and dips can help but take up to a year bedding," Dr. Miller says. but the Bulldog, Pit Bull and various ter­ to be effective. The coat may need to be Dogs can spread scabies to each rier breeds are seen across the country." shaved or clipped to ensure the medica­ other, people and other animals such Dogs with juvenile-onset demodico­ tion reaches the skin effectively. as cats, although this is uncommon. sis shouldn't be bred to prevent passing Treatment for most other mites is Scabies is common in areas with foxes the tendency to puppies. easy and quick, Dr. Miller says. Dips, and coyotes. Domestic dogs don't play drops or topical treatments kill the with their wild cousins, but if they find Tormenting Itch. Signs ofscabies mites. After taking a skin scraping and the den of an infested fox or the body are severe itching on the head, neck examining it microscopically to iden­ of a fox or coyote that has died of the or front feet, hair loss, and red, raw or tify the type of mite, the veterinarian disease, they can pick up the mites crusty skin. Affected dogs will scratch, will choose the treatment based on the through contact. lick or bite until the fur comes off in mite's species, your dog's age, and any Some mites move between species. patches. They may have difficulty sleep­ other health issues he may have. In Otodectes are most common in cats ing through the night because they're most cases, the problem resolves within (especially kittens), but they're spread tormented by the itch. a month, .:-

DOGWatch MAY 2013 NUTRITION

TREATS.. .(co lltinued/rom th e cover) Q: What fat percentage is acceptable Q: Should vegetables be steamed well as in fat and protein. Asmall rawhide for dogs? because of dogs' shorter gastrointesti­ chip has 70 calories, and it's over 200 for Stick with the calorie percentage rather nal tracts or is raw OK? the big rawhide with a knot on each end. than the fat. The higher the fat, the higher We should cook vegetables to some That 's a lot ofcalories. Ifyou give a big the calories. degree to liberate the nutrition in many one to a 45-pound dog, it's a quarter of cases. Raw vegetables don't have any the daily caloric intake. Q: Are there any ingredients to avoid? advantage except that they may not be Yes. Toxins, raisin, grapes, avocado, quite as calorie dense. For ease ofprepara­ Q: Is rawhide acceptable for dogs? onions and garlic should be avoided. It's tion, using canned or frozen vegetables is Not from astrict veterinary view­ the table foods people don't think about. a great option for weight loss. Vegetables point, but in all reality very few dogs Let's say you give your Cocker Spaniel a are typically bulky and have fewer calories choke on them every year compared to slice of cheese with a pill. For him, that than traditional treats. As far as treats, the number consumed. slice ofcheese is equal to your eating some dogs go crazy for vegetables. seven of them. I have not checked the Q: Are organic treats preferable? calories in Greenie's Pill Pockets, but it's Q: What treats do you give your dogs? There is no proof that organic does the same principle and they are better for My dogs get Greenies sometimes, the anything for you except cost more. your pet than cheese. dental chew rawhide treats and occa­ Because the foods made from organic sionally sweet potato jerky. I've not fed vegetable and fruit sources tend to be Q: What, if any, treats should be avoided? my pets any jerky from China - why risk smaller, they can be a bit more nutrient Bones can cause dental problems, as they it? Nobody can identify the problem with dense. Organic is more about exposure to can fracture teeth. Also, if the dog eats an Chinese jerky treats, but toxicologists pesticides than nutrition. entire pig knuckle, it doesn't pass very well. have been working on it. [While the FDA hasn't confirmed a link between chicken jerky treats from China and illness in (HECK OUT CALORIES WITH THE MANUFACTURERS animals, according to reports filed with federal veterinary officials, 501 dogs and Pet treats are a S2 .3-billion-a-year in dustry in the U.s., with production one cat may have died as a result ofeat­ ing the treats, or it may be a coincidental ranging from food manufacturers employing thousands around the world association with a number ofdogs hav­ to neighborhood mom an d pop dog bakeries. The li st below is a sma ll ing renal problems.} sampling of companies marketing pet treats . Their websites have informa ­ ti on about ingredients and contacts for consumer affairs to check on ca lo­ Q: Should fiber content be a consider­ ation or only for dogs with constipa­ rie counts if they're not on the tion issues? product label: ; The feed industry is going in the right direction by adding fiber, but it's ----- + canidae.com a small step. • delmontefoods.com Q: Is there any nutritional benefit to • pedigree.com premium treats compared to those at the grocery store? pg.com (Procter & Gamble • •My opinion is ifyou're looking for includes lams among its health benefits, give vegetables and a brands.) little bit offruit like apple, pear or banana. Dogs like carrots, sliced up apples, and • ma rs.com they are probably the better treats to give in the long run. Ifyou win the battle of the mi lkbone.com • bulge, you get to eat more. nestle.com (Includes Purina • Dogs love them, and they're effective reinforc­ Q: Is it better to make homemade treats? among its brands.) ers For good behaVIor, but treats should make . I don't think so, other than feeling up no more than 10 percent of dally calories vvaggersdogtreats.com good about doing something nice for • your dog . •:­

MAY 2013 www.dogwatchnews letter.com MEDICINE

CCD... (continued from rIle cover) HOUSE TRAINING ACCIDENTS COULD Animal Behavior at the Cornell BE ASIGN OF AMEDICAL CONDITION University College of Veterinary Medicine. "It's important to rule out Several medical conditions mimic the signs of canine cognitive dysfunction: other medical conditions that may • Cushing's disease, caused by the overproduction of the hormone cortisol cause similar symptoms." (Please by the adrenal glands, may lead to an increase in th irst and, in turn, house see sidebar.) tra ining accidents. • Hearing problems or dizziness resulting from inner ear infections may Typical Symptoms. Post-mortem make a dog appear disoriented. examinations have shown beta­ amyloid (a type of protein) plaques in • Blindness caused by cataracts or glaucoma, especia lly If the onset is sud­ the brains of senior dogs with CCD, den, creates confusion. similar to those in the brains of Al­ • A urinary tract Infection may cause more frequent urination. zheimer's patients. The plaques de­ stroy brain cells, particularly in areas • Arthritis can cause reduced activity. associated with memory and learning. • Pain 0 any kind m y cau se aggression, a change in behavior un haracter­ The resulting typical symptoms are iSlic of CCO but often mistakenly a tributed LO the syndrome. summarized in an acronym DISHA: A brain tumor, a possibility in a dog 12 years or older, can resemble aI/the • Disorientation: Dogs initially show signs of CCO because it can affect the same areas of the brain.Owners don't signs like stand ing in corners, staring necessarily have to go to the expense of an MRI ifa brain tumor is suspected, off into space, being unable to figure says behaviorist Katherine Houpt. VMO. Ph.D., at Cornell. out how to use the doggie door or be­ coming lost in the yard. They can hear A large dose of corticosteroids may shrink a benign or malignant tumor, at but don't always recognize the direc­ least tempora rily, and the dog's symptoms will abate. "In that case you might go for an MRI to conArm the diagnosis," she says. Although a geriatric dog tion a sound is coming from. In later may not be a good candidate for brain su rgery, i is important to know that a stages, a dog may get into a closet and tumor exists so (hat the owner won't expect a response to CCO treatments. be unable to find his way out or paw at sofa coverings, as if trying to escape. • Interaction changes: Your dog may were former favorite playmates or, barking, howling or sometimes wak­ not wa nt to interact as much with more disheartening, interact with you ing you numerous times to indicate he other dogs as and other family members. Dogs who wants to go outside, whether or not he previously, once loved being petted may shy away. really has to urinate. Dr. Houpt notes including Conversely, some formerly indepen­ that this is probably the hardest on those dent pets become Velcro dogs, never the owner, no matter how emotionally who wanting to leave their owner's side. difficult the other symptoms. "If your • Sleep -wake cycle disruption: The dog wakes you up six times a night, ability to distinguish between night that can be very bad, especially if you and day may be lost. Your dog have to work the next day," she says. may sleep more during the Sleeping medications for your dog day and be wakefu I at may eventually be indicated. night, pacing, • House soilillg; Dogs may forget their house training and lift their legs to urinate or squat to defecate in­ side the home in view of their owners. Dr. Houpt empha­ sizes that this is not the same as incontinence, where your dog can't help himself. With

Exerci se is key, whether it's main­ raining a schedule of walks to match your dog's physical abilities or get ting him involved in ~ho rt games of chase.

6 DOGWatch MAY 2013 MEDICINE

CCD, a dog retains bowel and bladder 15 percent have two control, but forgets where he needs to signs. By age 16, 70 exercise it . percent have at least • Activity changes: Dogs with CCD one sign, 30 percent often lie around more than they did at least two. previously. Alternatively, their activ­ The drug Anip­ ity may become aimless. Instead of ryl (also known as purposeful actions, such as seeking selegiline HCL or L­ out their owners for food or attention, deprenyl), developed they may wander and pace. to treat Parkinson's disease in humans, It's useful to keep a journal of the was approved by the dog's behavior over a few weeks to d is­ FDA in 1999 for use cuss with his veterinarian. An exami­ as a treatment for nation can include blood work, urinal­ CCD. In some dogs, ysiS and possibly X-rays to eliminate the drug results in other possibilities before a diagnosis of dramatic improve­ CCD is made. ment of symptoms Studies have not produced any evi­ in a matter of days dence that some breeds are more prone or weeks. Some dogs to CCD than others. Even more sur­ have milder respons­ prising, Dr. Houpt says, the dog's size es, and others show makes no difference. "You wouldn't no improvement. expect this, because large-breed dogs Interactive food dispensing toys like Dog Spinny can help are more short-lived, but that's not Brain Health. Nu­ lhe motivate a dog to continue to use his mental skills. the case." There's one exception to the tritional changes can general rule of not being able to pre­ be as effective as ­ dict the disease: Intact male dogs are or perhaps even more effective than motivate a dog to use his mental skills. at a lower risk for CCD. - Anipryl. A study on canine brain And maintaining training exercises Not all the signs of CCD will ap­ aging published in the journal Neu­ - even if the results aren't the same pear in every dog, and not all dogs robiology ofAging in 2002 concluded as when your dog was younger - is develop the same signs. However, Dr. that, "A diet enriched in antioxidants helpful. RedUcing your expectations Houpt points out that about 30 per­ reduces cognitive dysfunction." As a and rewarding the small successes will cent of dogs have at least one sign of result of such studies, Hill's bid diet keep both you and your dog from be­ cognitive dysfunction by age 12, and was formulated with extra antioxi­ coming frustrated. dants, alon with other vita­ Exercise is important, whether mins, to promote bra-in health it's keeping up a schedule of walks to in older dogs. It often takes a match your dog's physical abilities or few months for the diet to take getting him involved in short games of effect, Dr. Houpt says, but in chase. Maintaining a healthy weight many cases the changes can be is necessary at this stage to keep him Tahle.. quite Significant. mobile. rf:# lUI_ doop ttMt w~,,,,,"" ""I11,,,,", " "IW--"" She notes that if your dog All in all, Dr. Houpt says, "Even if

a.....f...,_,...... ~·lIIIh 'If" ...... ,...... has a medical condition for your dog is old and rickety, don't just which the ingredients in Hill's leave him lying in the corner. Try to I bhsr., pi ck 130 r.oll/.lIl " bid are contraindicated, antiox­ include him in activities." idant supplements such as Neu­ While you can't avoid the inevi­ tricks and Senelife are options. table, you can take consolation in the Keeping your dog mentally fact you kept your dog in sllch good and physically active is another health that he became a senior. And Anipryl can result in dramatic improvement in key to slowing the progress of you can continue to do the best you some dogs with cognitive dysfunction while others have a mild response and srill others show no improvement. CCD. Interactive food dispens­ can to maintain a good quality of life ing toys, for exampJe, can help for both you and your dog. •:.

MAY 2013 www.dogwatchnewsleller.com ASK THE EXPERTS

Training a Pup to Use right after they eat, especially if they are eating dry food. Ifyou have been feeding her free choice, a Litter Pan or Paper you should switch to scheduled meals to help her I have a Poodle, Mika, with house to be regular, and you to be able to predict when breaking problems. I am 74 and have she should have to eliminate. Q trained more dogs than I can remem­ I would guess you are most interested in ber. I am trying to litter-box train her as well teaching Mika to use a litter pan for urination. as take her out. Although she sometimes Dogs usually do not have to jump into an area uses the paper by the litter box, she never to eliminate so it is unnatural behavior. Purina uses the box. If I take the paper away, she markets a litter box (Secondnature) for dogs uses the floor. Using the paper might be that features a cut-away side for easy entrance. OK, except she urinates by the edge, and so Mika now has a location preference because, urine runs under it. ifyou remove the papers, she still uses the same I got her at 3 months and she is S months spot on the floor. It would be harder ifshe elimi­ now. She is otherwise a great joy, full of love nated randomly. You can put down plastic and Katherine A. Houpt, for everything and life itself. Any suggestions then paper with the plastic extending beyond the VMD, PhD., diplomate of the American Co llege would be appreciated. papers, so it will catch any urine that misses the of Veterinary Behaviorists paper. Now you have a proper elimination area. ar d c'l1)p ritus James The next step is to encourage Mika to use it. Lav'l Protessor of Animal You are just my age - the prime of life. Prepare to be observant. Reward her for urinat­ Behavior at Cornell Unlver~i y College of House breaking is a problem for many ing on the paper. Use a special treat she really erefinary Medicine, people. Actually, I hate the term "house loves and give it to her only for using the paper. provided the answer breaking" because it implies that one has to To encourage her to stand in the middle of the on this page. break or punish the dog for eliminating in the paper instead of on the edge, give a bigger Please Share Your Quest/ons house. I prefer "house training." piece of the delicious food for hitting the paper. W" wekome qupsrioflS t You are to be commended for getting a puppy In case you aren't right beside her, pair a sound qene1dl IIllf',e"", rpailh and house training her yourself rather than obtain­ with that treat. You can use a clicker or just medicine and behJvlor Wi: 'egrl- . \10We'V'·', thaI ing an older dog to save your­ simply cluck because you we (,mnc" LO" men! 011 self the task. The older dog, always have your tongue ,pellfic oroduc', and because he has been forced to with you. I ,ior n lilqnost:\. P'eas" IDogs usually do not selin corresronden~ ' 10: leave his original home, may First pair the treat with have a host ofproblems. have to jump into an the cluck a few dozen times, DogW()!ch Ed,rar 000 Connec ICUI Avl. You are asking Mika to learn area to eliminate, so and then cluck when she Norwalk. CT 0685,1 to use two different substrates squats in the right place. That wI emml Jogwarchemrorp, using the litter box is for urination - outside on (ornell.edu. will "mark" the behavior so grass or concrete, and inside an unnatural behavior.' she knows why she ;) veiny COMING UP .•• on paper. Dogs usually have rewarded. Give her the treat definite preferences for def­ as soon as you can after the ecation substrates - grass, concrete wood chips cluck. Ifyou are having a hard time catching her (kennel-raised dogs often are accustomed to in the act, keep her on a leash attached to you wood chips) - and less pronounced preferences and pay attention to signs her bladder is full. for substrates on which to urinate. Most small Some dogs pant, some walk strangely, some dogs don't like to defecate on snow because their stare at you, etc. Take her to the paper when rumps are so close to the cold. she shows these signs or when it has been four Keep a record ofhow often and when Mika uri­ hours (or whatever time frame your records indi­ nates and defecates. Defecation usually occurs 30 cate) since her last urination. Reward when she minutes or so after a meal, and most dogs drink uses the paper. Good luck. -:.

CORRESPONDENCE SU BSCRIPTIONS For subscription and customer service The Editor $39 per yea, (U.s.) information, visit www.dogwatchnewsletter. DogWatch' $49 per year (Canada) comics or write to: DogWatch, P.O. Box 8535, 800 Connecticut Ave. Big Sandy, TX 7577-8535. Norwalk, CT 06854 Single copies ofback issues are available [email protected] fOf $5 each. (aI/8oo·571·1555 OR CALL TOLL FREE: 800-829-5574

8 DOGWatch MAY 2013