Mountain Views News          Saturday, October 19, 2013

A10

JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS

 Mountain Views News Saturday, October 19, 2013 


PET OF THE WEEK

ANIMALS AND ALLERGIES

 
Most of the pets I have owned throughout my 
life have been mixed breeds or what some like to 
call “mutts”, which is actually quite appropriate 
considering the fact that I myself come from a 
very eclectic genetic line of ancestry. I do not have 
a problem with so-called “mutts“ bcause, more 
often than not, mixed breeds are less apt to have 
the physical conditions and inherent diseases that 
seem to prevail in the health of a pure bred.

 However, it just so happens that my current 
closest canine companion, Tatertotts,is indeed a 
pure bred bloodhound, born of parents who come 
from a long line of blue-blood sire hounds, with 
a tight English family tree that traces all the way 
back to the turn of the 20th century. In jest, I call 
Tater an “in-bred re-tread”, mostly because she was 
born with some really strong behavioral traits, and 
she struggles with some intense ear and eye health 
issues that are all clearly inherent to her line of in-
breeding. I call her that as a term of endearment, 
and by no means do I mean it as an insult, because 
I love her with all my heart. Let’s put it this way, 
that bitch thinks she is the only dog on the face of 
the earth, and because of that she is not the most 
social creature you will ever meet, yet her body 
refuses to cooperate with the tiara she thinks she’s 
wearing!

 Although I would never breed dogs intentionally 
myself, I do appreciate what is considered to be 
“art form” of breeding the “ideal specimen” of a 
given species and I enjoy seeing a dog whose traits, 
marks and characteristics fit the need for a specific 
purpose. Furthermore, most pure bred dogs seem 
to enjoy pleasing their masters by performing the 
“job” for which they were bred.

 In spite of the social and health challenges I 
face with my dog, when I look at her I can’t help 
thinking how gorgeous she is and how fortunate 
I am to have her. I adopted Tater from a breeder/
handler who bred her for the show ring. One of 4 
siblings, Tater’s brothers and sister were apparently 
quite successful at show, however at the age of 1 ½ 
years, when Tater proved less-than-promising for 
winning “best-in-show”, the owner was forced to 
give her up. Lucky me! Tatertotts is different from 
any other dog I have ever owned.

 Like I said, most pets of mine have been “combo-
spawn”; the result of a neighboring dog jumping 
the fence and having his way with the dog next 
door, or an adoption through a local SPCA agency. 
I have never before owned a dog that required so 
many trips to the vet, but Tatertotts is a major part 
of my life, so she is definitely worth it. Fortunately, 
I have an excellent veterinarian whom I trust with 
regard to Tater’s health needs. Dr. Sylvia Domotor 
(Animal House in Monrovia) has been a godsend. 
She is knowledgeable about the unique needs of a 
bloodhound, and she cuts right to the chase with 
what must be done to keep Tater healthy.

 What surprised me most, was to find out that the 
majority of Tater’s symptoms are related to allergic 
reactions! At first I had a hard time understanding 
that the dark goop growing in her ears, and the odd 
blotchy spots that sometimes appear on the surface 
of her under belly and between the massive folds 
of skin beneath her neck are the result of allergies. 
It seemed so foreign of a concept to me. However, 
now that I know what the problem is, I can get 
proper treatment to control it, and avoid more 
chronic conditions that may occur otherwise.

 What I have also come to know is that allergies 
are apparently very common among dogs, skin 
reactions are the most common symptoms, and 
certain breeds are more susceptible than others. 
Many allergens that effect dogs are the same ones 
that effect humans. To help identify and control 
symptoms, dog allergies are often categorized as 
inhalant, food, or parasite-related.

 Like humans, dogs can be allergic to air-borne 
particles that cause reactions such as sneezing, 
coughing, runny nose and watery eyes. Allergic 
reactions to certain foods are also common for 
the canine, and as most of us know all too well, 
parasites such as fleas and mites can cause chronic 
skin problems for our beloved pets. There are 
some home remedies for dog allergy symptoms, 
and fortunately veterinarians are well prepared to 
treat symptoms that cannot be remedied at home.

 Antihistamines found in the pharmacy aisle of 
our local grocery store can be efficient in treating 
some dog allergies. Common sense also tells 
us that when an allergen is removed from the 
dog’s environment, symptoms will decrease, so 
keeping the dog indoors when airborne pollen 
is potentially high can make a huge difference. 
Laundering the dog’s bedding and bathing the dog 
on a regular basis also helps. Be sure to use a mild, 
non-caustic soap product and take dry the dog off 
well afterwards.

 As for food allergies, most reactions are due to 
wheat or gluten ingredients used as fillers in dog 
food products. Check the label on the package, and 
try to stick with products that show meat as the 
main ingredient, versus grains or other fillers. If 
your dog continues to show symptoms of allergic 
reaction, consult your veterinarian in a timely 
manner. The good side of the story is the fact that 
when a pet is not feeling well, it doesn’t mean he 
is actually sick. It may just be a reaction to an 
allergen in his environment, and something that 
is easily remedied. Keep a close eye on your canine 
companion, and if you do detect symptoms, 
hopefully you will be as surprised as I was to find 
out it’s just an allergy that can be easily treated!

 Whatever breed of pet you may own, please 
remember that it is not their fault if they foster 
health problems or social issues. Our domestic 
pets are the salt of the earth, in my opinion, and 
we humans must come to grips with the fact that 
if they have problems, it is most likely because we 
caused them. For that reason we must also take 
responsibility by getting them the proper treatment 
and giving them lots of love and attention to help 
them overcome the challenges they contend with. 
And of course, above all, remember we humans 
are the ones who can make a difference in the lives 
of all living things. Don’t forget to love and let live!

HERMAN: ANIMAL ID #A4640270

Meet the most fun pup at the shelter, Herman 
(A4640270)! Herman is a “plug and play” eleven month 
old brown and black neutered male German Shepherd/
Shar Pei/Baldwin Park Kissing Dog mix puppy who was 
brought to the Baldwin Park Shelter on October 6th. 
Weighing approximately forty pounds this happy puppy 
walks okay on the leash and is very well socialized. 
Playful with other dogs and good with children, this 
staff favorite passed his shelter given temperament test 
with perfect marks! Herman is a sensational indoor pet 
for an active family living in a private home! To watch 
a video of Herman please visit: www.youtube.com/
watch?v=wtHhKx0lmRU

To meet Herman in person, please see him at the 
Baldwin Park Shelter, located at 4275 N. Elton, Baldwin 
Park, CA 91706 (Phone: 626-430-2378 or 626-962-
3577). He is currently available now. For any inquiries 
about Herman, please reference his animal ID number: 
A4640270. The shelter is open seven days a week, 12 
pm-7 pm Monday-Thursday and 10am-5pm Friday-
Sunday. This is a high-intake shelter with a great need 
for adoptions. For more information about Herman 
or the adoption process, contact United Hope for 
Animals Volunteer Adoption Coordinator Samantha at 
Samantha@hope4animals.org. To learn more about United Hope for Animals’ partnership with the 
Baldwin Park Shelter through its Shelter Support Program, as well as the many dogs of all breeds, 
ages, and sizes available for adoption in local shelters, visit http://www.unitedhope4animals.org/
about-us/shelter-support-program/

Happy Tails

by Chris Leclerc


LOOKING FOR A FELINE FRIEND??

So is Blix! He is a real “gentle giant”, 
and is the reigning feather teaser 
jump champion! He’s looking for a 
buddy that will appreciate his love 
and affection. Won’t you please come 
by Meow Manor for a visit and get to 
know this very handsome boy? He is 
neutered, up to date with all routine 
shots and ready to move in. Please 
stop in and consider making Blix part 
of your family!

He currently resides at the San Gabriel 
Valley Humane Society located at 851 
E. Grand Avenue in San Gabriel in 
Meow Manor. We are located off San 
Gabriel Blvd., north of Mission and 
south of Las Tunas. 

To arrange to meet Blix (aka….. 
AZ75758), please stop by any time 
from 10:00am to 4:30pm Tuesday 
thru Sunday. His adoption fee is $99 
which includes his neuter surgery, a 
microchip, first vaccinations and a free 
wellness check-up at a participating 
veterinarian. Feel free to call us at 
(626) 286-1159 for more information 
on Blix. 

See our website at www.sgvhumane.org for information and photos of all our available pets.