Mountain Views News          Saturday, September 10, 2016

11

JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS

Mountain Views-News Saturday, September 10, 2016 


HEARTWORM TESTING: WHAT EVERY DOG OWNER 
NEEDS TO KNOW

HOME 

ALONE

Happy Tails

by Chris Leclerc

(StatePoint) Your dog is your best friend, and you take good 
care of him, making sure he gets quality food and exercise, 
immunizations and heartworm medication. Why, then, 
does your veterinarian also insist on a yearly heartworm 
test?

 Chances are, your veterinarian is following the advice of 
the American Heartworm Society (AHS), whose mission 
it is to lead the veterinary profession and the public in the 
understanding of heartworm 
disease.

 “The AHS recommends 
annual testing for all 
dogs,” explains veterinary 
parasitologist and AHS board 
member Dr. Patricia Payne. 
“Heartworm is a devastating 
disease. It is preventable and 
can be treated in dogs, but early 
detection is essential.”

Unprotected Dogs are at Risk

 Along with testing, the 
AHS recommends year-round 
administration of heartworm 
preventives. Unfortunately, says Dr. Payne, far too many 
dogs do not receive this measure of care.

 Almost two-thirds of dogs in the U.S. that are seen by 
veterinarians are given no preventives at all, according 
to studies conducted by heartworm medication 
manufacturers.

 Among those on prevention medication, far too many 
are only given medication in spring, summer and fall, 
when the mosquitoes that transmit heartworm larvae 
are active. Because weather is unpredictable and hardy 
mosquitoes can survive indoors as well as outdoors 
in protected areas, so-called “seasonal” usage creates 
ample opportunity for animals to unintentionally 
become infected.

Mistakes Can Happen

 Another factor is human -- and animal -- error. “Pet owners 
who give heartworm medications year-round and on time are 
to be commended,” says Dr. Payne. “Even so, it is still possible 
for heartworm infection to occur.

The following are three scenarios that make heartworm 
testing a necessity for all dogs:

 • Even the most diligent owner can forget a dose now and 
then. “If you have medication 
left when your veterinarian 
reminds you that it’s time to 
purchase more preventive, it’s a 
pretty clear sign that you missed 
a dose or two,” says Dr. Payne.

• Not all pills are swallowed, 
and not all topical medications 
are properly applied. If your 
dog vomits or spits out a pill 
when you aren’t looking -- or 
if a topical medication isn’t 
absorbed completely -- a pet 
may be less protected than you 
think.

• Heartworm resistance is rare 
but real. “Owners can rest assured that heartworm medications 
are highly effective, but a few cases of heartworm strains that 
are resistant to common preventives have been documented,” 
explains Dr. Payne, adding that the issue is being studied by 
the AHS.

Test Annually

The good news for owners is that heartworm testing is simple 
and inexpensive. “Your veterinarian can easily conduct this 
simple blood test during a dog’s annual or semiannual wellness 
visit,” assures Dr. Payne. “If your dog tests positive, treatment 
can begin. With a negative test result, an owner has the peace 
of mind of knowing that his or her pet has been protected for 
another year.”

I have a darling dog named Molly who has, over the 
years, learned to be happy when she’s home alone. But 
it hasn’t always been that way with Molly. In fact, back 
in the day when we first got her, she would literally 
loose it when we tried to leave her alone, even for a 
short period of time.

 I adopted Molly 4 years ago when her original owner 
passed away rather suddenly. I had never before had a 
pet that was fearful of being left home alone, so at first 
I assumed I was among a limited few who’ve had to 
deal with such a scenario. However, I later learned that 
canine separation anxiety is actually a pretty common 
problem.

 Typical signs of the canine condition known as 
pet separation anxiety include constant under-the-
fence dirt-digging or scratching at doors, windows 
and walls, incessant whining or howling, destructive 
chewing, urinating or defecating indoors by a house-
trained dog, and effusive frantic greeting upon the 
return of the pet‘s people. Molly displayed every one of 
these behavioral traits from the day I adopted her, so it 
was quite clear that she suffered from a chronic case of 
canine separation anxiety.

 What causes a typically easy-going, confident 
canine companion to suddenly become over-the-top 
anxious and frantically fearful when left alone? There 
are numerous theories as to why domestic pets fret in 
the absence of their humans. Among the most agreed 
upon causes is that the affected animal may have 
experienced some sort of trauma in the past, leaving 
an imprinted memory of abandonment resulting 
in a lack of trust in the humans’ promise to return. 
Another potential reason is that the dog was indeed 
abandoned as a puppy and left to fend for itself, even 
coming close to the point of starvation before finally 
being rescued and loved by a forever friend.

 One example of obvious post traumatic separation 
anxiety was seen in an adult dog who lived in a 
comfortable home with his loving owner for many 
years. The dog had access to the house and yard all his 
life with no history of stress, abuse or neglect. Then one 
day the owner suddenly passed away in the house and 
the dog was trapped inside. A week went by before a 
neighbor became concerned that there had been no 
activity next door, and decided to investigate.

 The neighbor knocked on the door and received 
no response but he could hear the 
dog crying inside so he contacted 
the family. They came immediately, 
rescued the dog and dealt with all 
that went along with the tragic loss 
of their son. One can only imagine 
what that poor dog went through 
during that week, but he panicked 
any time the family attempted to 
leave him in their home alone. No 
doubt, the fear of abandonment was 
deeply imprinted in his mind. 

 What can be done to help heal the 
rooted reasons for a pet’s destructive 
behavior resulting from separation anxiety? I learned 
a lot in my quest to do what I could to help my Molly 
get past her fear of being left alone. First of all, it is 
important to tend to the animal’s emotional needs. 
Paying lots of undivided attention to a fretful pet is 
most definitely in order.

 Positive reinforcement techniques should include 
tons of tender-loving care and plenty of pampering 
and petting. Special treats for good behavior always 
helps as well. Up-lifting verbiage that dogs understand 
such as “I love you”, “You are so precious.” and “I 
am so proud of you.” should also be included in a 
regimen of healing the heart of a fearful four-footed 
friend.

 Animal psychology research has proven that 
there are certain spoken terms of endearment that 
can have a very positive impact on domestic animal 
behavior. Even if you are pessimistic about whether 
talking to your dog will do any good, do it anyway. 
It might help lift your own spirits to speak words 
of encouragement, even if no one else hears or 
understands you.

 In addition to common-sense therapeutic relationship 
remedies for comforting pets dealing with ‘lonesome 
alone syndrome‘, there are products on the market that 
can be purchased to help lower the level of anxiety. I 
bought a natural stress-relief product for Molly called 
Rescue Remedy and it really seemed to help. I heard about 
it from a client who used it occasionally to help calm her 
dogs while she was away at work. 

 Another purchasable product designed to help 
minimize pet separation anxiety is a calming collar. 
There are a few different brands and a variety of types 
out there, so be sure to shop for the right one that 
works best for your pet. I never pursued this means of 
resolving the problem with Molly, but I’ve heard good 
things from others who have.

 I wish all the best to anyone whose dog is afraid of 
being left home alone, and I am more than willing to 
share what I’ve learned if it will be of benefit to another 
person and their pet. If there is one thing I have learned 
over the years, it’s that when it comes to caring for our 
pets, a little information can go a long way. To keep it, 
sometimes you’ve got to share it! Love and let live.

 
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LOOKING FOR A BEST FRIEND?


Luna Lovegood is a beautiful American Staffordshire 
terrier, about 3 years old, weighing around 60 pounds. 
Her short coat of black fur with white highlights is easy 
to care for and her grooming requirements are minimal.

 If you are looking for some good loving, Luna 
Lovegood might be just the girl for you! She is full of 
love and affection for people. She is respectful when 
volunteers enter her kennel, and is patient while 
she is harnessed to go for a walk. She has a medium 
energy level and enjoys going for walks. Although she 
is a strong dog, she does not pull much and is easy to 
redirect. 

 Luna is curious about other dogs, but has not been 
reactive to them. Luna knows some basic commands, 
like “sit” and “down” and is eager to learn more. She is 
happy to take a break on her walk to roll on her back 
in the grass while she gets a belly rub and shares some 
affection with her handler. 

 If you are ready to share your home and life with a big 
bundle of love, please consider meeting Luna Lovegood. 
She deserves to be an honored family member, and will 
return your affection and loyalty many times over. Her 
adoption fee is $145, which includes spay 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 Luna Lovegood. 
She currently resides at the San Gabriel Valley Humane 
Society located at 851 E. Grand Avenue in San Gabriel 
which is located off San Gabriel Blvd, north of Mission 
and south of Las Tunas Drive. To arrange a ‘Meet and 
Greet’ with Luna Lovegood, please stop by any time 
from 10:30am to 4:30 pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Website:www.sgvhumane.org. 

 Go to smile.amazon.com and find the San Gabriel 
Valley Humane Society and every time you buy 
something 0.5% will be donated to the shelter! It’s easy 
to do and helps the shelter with every purchase you 
make! Let your friends know about this simple way to 
make a difference!


PET OF THE WEEK: LADY: ANIMAL ID #A4985576

Lady (A4985576) is an angelic 7-year-old red-
with-white long-haired Chihuahua who came to 
the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center on August 
22nd as an owner surrender with no reason given. 
Weighing 8 lbs, Lady simply couldn’t be sweeter. She 
is a born lap dog. She walks okay on leash, but has 
some weakness going on in her back legs (volunteers 
don’t know what it is) that adds to her love of being 
carried and cuddled. She adores people and turns 
to them for comfort, and she loves just hanging out, 
getting chin and neck scratches, eating treats (roast 
beef and turkey are two favorites), and snuggling 
(which she did a lot of at the photo shoot). The shelter 
is no place for this dainty little girl -- if you’re looking 
for your perfect little snuggle buddy, she’s waiting for 
you right now. To watch a video of Lady, please visit 
the following link: https://youtu.be/IwFW2dSxd5E
If you are interested in Lady, please contact her volunteer 
UHA adoption coordinator, Viri, at 626-318-2038 or 
at vfloera@gmail.com. To learn more about United 
Hope for Animals’ partnership with the Baldwin Park 
Shelter, as well as the many dogs of all breeds, ages, and 
sizes available for adoption in local shelters, visit the 
following link: http://www.unitedhope4animals.org/
about-us/shelter-support-program/.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com