Expert advice

Pet Grooming: Without Leaving Home

Keeping your pet well-groomed is part of responsible pet ownership. But for many animals, a trip to the groomer is no walk in the park, making it a stressful experience for pet and owner alike.

“Most dogs and cats are stressed when they have to leave home to visit a grooming facility,” says Daniel Quinn, co-owner of the Aussie Pet Mobile franchise on Long Island. “They’re surrounded by other anxious animals—an uncomfortable situation even for the calmest pet.”

What’s a pet parent to do? “By using a mobile groomer, your pet can stay near its home environment and receive the finest personal service without the stress,” says Joseph Cocomero, Quinn’s partner. “Most vans have windows all around, so your pet will feel comfortable in familiar surroundings.”

Mobile grooming has advantages for every pet, regardless of age, but it’s particularly beneficial for senior pets and pets who don’t get along with other animals. “Older animals are happier close to home, with no car trips,” says Quinn.

In addition, mobile groomers never cage their pet customers, and most dry them by hand.

Other advantages of mobile grooming: No need to leave home; no direct exposure to your pet from other animals that may have parasites or other diseases; and personalized service.

Says Cocomero, “It’s a more comfortable situation in every sense—for both you and your beloved pets.”

Grooming For Health

“There are many benefits to regular groom-ing,” says Irene Rabinowitz, owner of Barks-n-Bubbles Boutique, a self-serve pet wash which also provides full-service grooming. “Grooming not only develops a stronger bond between you and your pet, but it allows you to spot any health risks, such as allergies, skin conditions, infections, or fleas and ticks.” Frequent grooming (every four to six weeks) also helps remove excess hair and spread natural oils throughout the coat, thus reducing shedding. Grooming should not be stressful for you or your pet, says Rabinowitz. “A self-serve facility helps simplify the chore and removes anxiety.” And there’s the hug factor, too. “A well-groomed pet receives more cuddles and provides the emotional benefit to humans and our pets.”

Find Your Perfect Pet At An Animal Shelter

It’s a sad statistic. Each year, up to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States. The good news: You can do something to make a difference. “If you’re thinking of adopting, there’s no need to buy from a breeder to find the perfect pet for you,” explains Cindy Iacopella, Director of Adoptions and Resident Care at Bidawee, one of the nation’s leading animal welfare organizations. “When you adopt from a shelter, you’ll not only find a pet that will enrich your life for years to come, you’ll also save a life.”

Many people don’t realize that shelters like Bideawee have numerous kittens, puppies and purebreds, not just older mixed-breed animals. “We do a complete health and temperament evaluation of each pet,” says Iacopella. “This not only ensures that you adopt a healthy companion animal, but that it’s the right pet for your family’s lifestyle.” Bideawee, along with many of the best shelters, offers free services including spay and neuter, training/obedience classes and microchipping, to locate your pet if he/she gets lost. Bideawee also has a full-service veterinary hospital and pet memorial park. Iacopella advises that you meet with the shelter’s adoption counselor before bringing home a new pet. “Never buy from a source where the puppies come from a puppy mill,” she emphasizes. “A shelter is truly the humane, smart way to go.”

Holistic Medicine For Your Pet

The benefits reaped by combining conventional medicine with alternative or complementary care aren’t for humans only. Treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage and Chinese herbal medicine are part of veterinary care. “Although people think of them as new, many of these therapies have been around for thousands of years,” says Dr. Lisa Donato, a veterinarian who specializes in alternative care at The Center for Specialized Veterinary Care. “Combining the best approaches of both conventional and holistic medicine will lead to healthier, happier pets.” The list of conditions that can be helped with alternative therapies is lengthy: cancer, arthritis, neurological conditions including disc disease and seizures, internal medical disorders like liver and kidney problems, allergies, skin disease—even behavioral problems. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment in dogs, cats, horses and other pets, and is approved by the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. “It’s an especially good technique to help older animals with arthritis and back pain,” says Dr. Donato. When considering the use of alternative treatments, see a veterinarian who is specifically trained to perform that service and gives your pet a complete medical exam. “With these modalities, the pet’s caretaker plays a more vital role in maintaining the pet’s health, such as holding them during treatments, cooking special diets, and learning daily massage techniques. This creates a stronger human-animal bond that is extremely important for the healing process.”

Smile And Say “Woof!”

Want to do something special with all those digital photos you’ve taken of your pet? Whether your special friend is a dog, cat, reptile, bird or any other animal, there are tons of great options for creating photos that are suitable for framing. “So many people take photos of their pets on their digital cameras, upload them on their computers, and never do anything with them,” says Jim Rossi, owner of Color Concepts by Charlie, which creates online, large-format fine art print reproductions on 100% cotton canvas, as well as glossy, matte and fine artist papers. “All it takes is the click of your mouse—computer mouse, that is—to receive photos that you’ll be proud to display.”

The Well-Groomed Dog

Just like a hair salon, not every grooming salon is the same. Before choosing a groomer, take some tips from Mike Carmody, President of Cozy Pet of Babylon Village, which offers high-quality grooming, as well as all-natural pet food and supplies. Don’t use grooming shops that pack your pets in crates and cage dry. Visit the facility and use only certified groomers and members of the National Dog Groomers Association of America, as at Cozy Pet. (Nationwide, less than 1 percent of groomers continue their education.) Concludes Carmody, “If you don’t see your groomer’s certifications, can’t see your pet being groomed due to closed doors, can’t stay and watch, or see crates with cage dryers, choose another grooming facility!”

Detecting Disease Painlessly

Thermography. It’s an ancient Greek term referring to “temperature” and “image.” But today, the technology is as modern as it comes, and it’s on the leading edge of detecting inflammation and disease in pets. Thermography is a noninvasive imaging technique that measures and graphically displays skin temperature patterns much the same way weather maps display temperatures across the country in color patterns. “Using a special camera, we can detect ‘hot spots’ in your pet, where the skin shows a rise in temperature that may indicate an underlying condition,” explains Dr. Dominic Marino, Veterinary Surgeon at Long Island Veterinary Specialists.

Early thermographic imaging systems were introduced to the medical community in 1959 and were used to assess human arthritic joints. Over the years, both the equipment and technology have become more sophisticated, delivering both greater accuracy and resolution. A recent study performed at Long Island Veterinary Specialists successfully documented reproducible “normal” thermal patterns in dogs. Several studies are currently in progress evaluating the ability of this technology to detect abnormal thermal patterns in dogs with elbow dysplasia, cancer and arthritis, and in cats with thyroid tumors. This noninvasive, inexpensive technique of “imaging” your pet requires no sedation and holds great promise in localizing many types of diseases.

The next time your pet isn’t well, your veterinarian may refer you for thermography to determine “where it hurts.”

MRI Made Easier For Your Pet

It’s a technology that could save your pet’s life. A recent study asking physicians to rank the most important medical innovations of the past 25 years reported MRI, for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, at the top of the list. Recent improvements in MRI are most notable in two areas: magnet size and imaging techniques.

“These larger magnets allow systems to image patients with improved resolution, especially as patient size increases,” says Dr. Dominic Marino, Veterinary Surgeon at Long Island Veterinary Specialists, which operates the largest magnet MRI available for veterinary patients in the country.

Marino recommends using a dual approach, with MRI and MR angiography (MRA), a special imaging study that provides detailed images of blood vessels without using any contrast material. “This is important because our patients can be a ferret with a slipped disk or a Bull Mastiff with a brain tumor,” says Dr. Marino.

By using both MRI and MRA, a full-body, high-resolution image can be achieved in a matter of just 10 or 15 minutes. “This is most critical in veterinary patients because sedation is a requirement for veterinary MR imaging, and the shortest possible scan time is most desirable,” explains Dr. Marino. With specialized MR-compatible monitoring equipment and the shortest scan times possible, MRI has become a very safe imaging choice for many patients with neurological disease or cancer.

Hip Surgery Makes Huge Strides For The Smallest Pets

Arthritis is not only a human ailment: Animals can also suffer from the debilitating effects of this painful disease.

One typical cause of arthritis in pets is a condition known as hip dysplasia, a hereditary disease that, in its most severe form, can cause crippling lameness and osteoarthritis.

“Although larger breed dogs are more susceptible to hip dysplasia, it also occurs in small dogs and cats,” says Dr. Dominic Marino, Chief of Staff at Long Island Veterinary Specialists in Plainview. “One thing is certain: For most pets, the condition will worsen until even normal activities cause pain. Some animals end up unable to walk.”

For many years, surgery to alleviate hip dysplasia, or any other hip-related injury or illness, was only available for large-breed dogs weighing at least 50 pounds. But the latest technological advances have meant the procedure is available for dogs and cats as small as five pounds.

“Companies have mastered the art of ‘micro-hip’ modular parts, which means they can be custom-fit to the patient,” explains Dr. Marino. “There used to be just three sizes, and we had to make it work. Now, we can create such precise matches that the success rate has skyrocketed.”

To find out if your pet is a candidate, ask your veterinarian. Says Dr. Marino, “There’s no need for any animal to suffer from this condition.”

Protecting Your Pet In An Emergency

Most people have first-aid kits on hand for their family, but what about your animals? Pet care experts at North Shore Animal League America recommend having a pet first-aid kit handy in case of an animal emergency. You can buy pre-assembled kits or assemble your own. Keep kits in various locations: at home, in the car, office, vacation home—wherever your pet spends time. If customizing your own, use a sturdy, waterproof container that contains the following:

Phone numbers/addresses: Veterinarian, Emergency Vet, Poison Control
Basic pet first-aid book
Photocopies of your pet’s medical records, vaccinations, etc.
Medical gloves
Scissors
Bottled water
Mild antibacterial soap
Paper towels
Gauze pads and rolls, which can also be used as a temporary muzzle
Alcohol prep pads (to sterilize equipment, not for use on wounds)
Self-adhesive/flexible bandages to wrap and stabilize injuries •A large cloth towel to wrap animal
Hydrogen peroxide
Eyewash, such as contact lens solution or water in a squeeze bottle, to gently flush out wounds on eyes
Antibiotic ointment for cuts and abrasions (never for eyes) •Cotton swabs
Tweezers to remove foreign objects from skin and paws, and for tick removal.

Always read directions before applying any medications to your pet. In any emergency, contact your veterinarian for further instructions.

Treating Arthritis With The Latest Techniques

It’s a fact of life, not just for people but for our companion animals, too: Arthritis and other joint pain problems can create serious disability. Luckily, there are a whole host of new treatments that can control the problem, often without surgery, explains Dr. Arnold Lesser VMD, a board-certified veterinary surgeon specializing in small-animal general, orthopedic and neurosurgery at New York Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center.

“Treatment for conditions including hip dysplasia, arthritis and tendonitis vary from case to case,” he says. “While surgery is sometimes necessary, there are many non-invasive approaches that provide relief.” Drs. Lesser, Carb and staff at NYVSC utilize treatments such as fat-derived stem cell injection and shockwave therapy. “Stem cells are the pet’s own natural healing cells that are capable of differentiating into a variety of tissue types including tendons, ligaments, bone and others,” he says. Shockwaves, which are focused sound waves, speed the healing of a number of conditions, including bone fractures, ligament injuries and arthritis. Dr. Lesser also recommends and provides sophisticated veterinary rehabilitation therapy, which can provide relief not only for arthritis, but also for pets who’ve undergone surgery or suffered an injury. “Using a hydro treadmill means dogs can return to normal muscle strength much earlier and safer than other types of rehabilitation, plus the treadmill’s warm water helps soothe and enhance the healing process.”

Preparing Fido Or Fifi For The Spotlight!

Whether for yourself or for a family member, a beautifully done photographic portrait of your pet is a wonderful gift that will be treasured for all time.

Richard Schwartz, owner of Pets Photography Studio, has been taking photographs of pets for many years, and has a wealth of knowledge on how to prepare your pet for his time in the spotlight.

“First, make sure that you choose a photographer who not only has the latest equipment, but also has expertise in photographing companion animals,” says Schwartz, who, as a former veterinary technician and dog trainer, has many years of experience working closely with animals. Next, he advises that you take your pet for a walk before bringing him in for his portrait. “Getting some exercise or playtime will help keep your pet calm during the process.” Also, bring along your furry friend’s favorite toy or treat, to help soothe any stage fright.

Remember, to help your pet relax, you need to stay as calm as possible yourself. “There’s no need to get frustrated if your pet keeps moving,” assures Schwartz, whose staff of photographers works in more than 70 locations across the tri-state area. “Professional pet photographers are used to this, and we can take quality pictures even if the animals are a little fidgety.” Finally, Schwartz says, bring your kids along. “Make it a family portrait!”

The Perfect Gift For Pet Lovers

Americans sure do love their dogs, with some 50 million U.S. households blessed with a beloved pooch. When you begin your holiday shopping (and it’s never too early), keep your dog-loving friends in mind and consider purchasing a pet-themed gift.

“Humans and dogs have an an intimate and wonderful bond,” says Marion O. Celenza, a former secondary school teacher and author of The Poetry of Dogs, a spiral-bound book of original poetry and photography about dogs that also contains a bonus address book. “There’s no better gift you can give canine fans than something that celebrates the special relationship they have with their dogs.”

With such a huge range of pet-related items on the market, there is no limit to what you can choose. If your best friend is a Labrador fan, consider a book about this most loyal of breeds (virtually every breed has its own book, calendar or other line of products). Celenza is also the author of two cookbooks—one of which, the recently released Lunch Is In the Bag! A Celebration of the Midday Meal, even contains a dog treat recipe. Her dog poetry is easily inspired by observing her dogs in canine obedience and hunt trials around Long Island. Celenza highly recommends an essay counterpart into the personalities of dogs: The Hidden Life of Dogs, by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas.

Safe Eating For Pets

It seems to happen every year: Several pet food brands were recently recalled because of potential contamination. You love your pets dearly, so how can you make sure your pet’s food is the safest and healthiest possible? “Know the ingredients,” says Dana DeMeo, owner of The Precious Paw and distributor of Flint River Ranch holistic pet food. “Just because a food claims to be ‘all-natural’ doesn’t mean it’s healthy.”

DeMeo warns against buying food with meat by-products or bone meal. “Pet food is allowed to contain meat deemed unfit for human consumption, along with other potentially harmful ingredients,” he says. His advice: Buy products that are certified as human-grade. “It’s the right thing to do for the pets who are part of your family.”

The Joy Of Cats

Nearly one-third of U.S. households are blessed to have a cat as part of their family. Cats and their owners share a unique bond, according to Joan, from Purrsonals.com, a website where cat lovers share videos, find information, and meet like minded-people. The site was started as a dating community for cat-loving singles, but it’s now a social network for all to enjoy.

“Cat owners are truly finicky in their lives and loves,” says Joan, who devotes much time and energy to helping cats by encouraging adoption and rescue.

“But once a cat becomes part of your life, that relationship is one that you will treasure forever.”

Help Save Our Wolves

Did you know that wolves are an endangered species? These ancestors of the domestic dog are truly misunderstood, says Teresa DeMaio, Wolf/Wildlife Educator of Running With The Wolves Inc., which offers educational programs at schools and other locations. “Wolves by nature are shy, gentle and very playful, yet they’ve been hunted to the brink of extinction,” says DeMaio, whose organization also hosts fundraisers for wolf rescue groups across the U.S. “A wolf pack is a family unit with an intense bond,” adds DeMaio, but they should never be pets; they’re still wild animals and guided by their instincts. In addition to helping with Wolf Rescue & Conservation, her organization teaches Pet First Aid/Pet CPR workshops at schools.

Personalized Pet Gifts, Given With A Hug

With the advent of advanced digital photography, many pet lovers have forsaken the old-fashioned method of pet portraiture: a painting done with pastels on paper, or acrylics or oil on canvas. But there are many inventive ways of creating personalized, one-of-a-kind depictions of the animals we bring into our families.

“A beautiful memento of your pet is such a wonderful tribute, especially after the pet has passed away,” says Mary Mieszkowski, who, as owner of 3D Pet Portraits.Com, specializes in taking a picture of your pet and transforming it into a life-sized reproduction on a hand-painted pillow. “By putting the pillow on the couch, floor or on your bed, you get the feeling that your pet is truly there with you.”

Unlike a canvas portrait, a pillow can be hugged; it can also be placed where the pet usually slept, which will give the owner comfort and solace as they think about their beloved pet who has left this world. Of course, gifts such as these unique pillows are a wonderful way to celebrate your pets while they’re still here, adds Mieszkowski, whose passion for animals is revealed in her work. “I love animals, and that love is captured when I create a painting, a sculpture or a pillow of an animal.” Mieszkowski is also very active with cat rescue, and counts 11 cats as family members.

Round-The-Clock Pet Care

Do you know who to call if your pet faces an emergency when your vet’s office is closed? “It’s vitally important that you know how to find immediate care around the clock,” says Dr. Robert Composto, DVM Director of the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, a 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital. “You need to be prepared before a situation arises.”

The first step: Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation to a 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital in your area: “Post that information in a visible spot, along with the animal poison control hotline.” (The ASPCA Hotline is 888-426-4435; a fee applies.)

How do you know if your pet is facing a real emergency? “If something seems wrong, take action,” says Dr. Composto. “In an emergency, early medical intervention offers your pet the best possible outcome.”

Some warning signs: bleeding from any body cavity/orifice; bloody diarrhea; distended abdomen, retching or belching; exposure to severe heat or cold; foaming or bleeding from the mouth; hit by an automobile or otherwise subjected to physical trauma; open-mouth breathing (especially in cats); pacing; pale, blue or purple gums; repetitious vomiting; toxic ingestion (human medication, rat poison, antifreeze, motor oil or any suspicious substance); unconscious, unresponsive or lethargic.

“If your pet suffers trauma but seems fine, there still may be internal damage,” says Dr. Composto. “It’s better to be overly cautious than to wait and have disastrous results.”

Medical Specialists: Not Just For People Anymore

Has your family veterinarian ever referred you to a veterinary specialist? As veterinary medicine becomes more advanced, your family veterinarian may send you to see a specialist for advanced diagnostics and 24-hour care.“Just as with human doctors, the animal world has its own specialists who have intensive training in their particular areas of expertise,” explains Dr. Robert Composto, Director of the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, a state-of-the-art, 24-hour emergency and multi-specialty referral practice. Currently there are veterinary specialists in Surgery, Internal Medicine, Emergency, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Avian and Exotics, Dermatology, Neurology and several other areas. “When a general practice veterinarian determines that your pet would benefit from the skills, advanced training and equipment of a veterinary specialist, they have more options today than ever before,” says Dr. Composto. These specialists undergo extensive training through internships and residency programs and must pass rigorous certification requirements to become accredited in their specialty. “Veterinary specialists are here to support your family vet,” Dr. Composto adds. “We do not do any routine wellness care or vaccines.”

Often, specialists can provide expert consultation, procedures and advanced services that may not be available to your veterinarian, such as endoscopy, laparoscopy, ultrasound, CT and MRI imaging. If you think your pet would benefit from the services of a veterinary specialist, talk to your family veterinarian for a recommendation.

The Ultimate In Pet Accommodations

Pet lovers face a dilemma when it’s time to go away for vacation. Where can they leave their beloved animals and know they are safe and happy? “When you go on vacation, so should your pet,” says Marc Rosenzweig, owner of Willow Pet Hotel in Deer Park, an upscale pet boarding establishment that was the first of its kind on Long Island.

Before choosing a facility, be sure to visit in person, says Rosenzweig, whose father founded Willow Pet Hotel in 1969. “That way, you can see for yourself what the rooms and amenities are like. And just as important, you’ll meet the staff that will be caring for your pet.”

Today’s premier boarding facilities provide services well beyond the typical kennel. “Your pet should have access to an outdoor play area, so he/she can exercise,” says Rosenzweig, whose facility offers that amenity, in addition to tiled indoor rooms, a modern kitchen to cater to special dietary needs, central air conditioning and heating, and separate exercise areas for dogs and cats. Many of these modern facilities, including Willow Pet Hotel, offer extra services such as daycare, training and pick up and delivery.

“When you see the kinds of accommodations that are available these days,” says Rosenzweig, “you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation knowing your pet will have as good a time as you will while you’re gone.”

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