What you don’t know about rabies law can be a matter of life and death for your pet

Andrews McMeel Syndication

You probably know that your dog is required by law to have a rabies vaccination either annually or triennially (every three years). Most states allow owners to decide how often to give the vaccine. But there’s more to rabies-related law than frequency of vaccination. Here’s what you -- and your veterinarian -- should know.

Most of us assume that our pets are considered vaccinated for rabies once that needle enters the body. Not so. Pets are not considered “currently vaccinated” until 28 days after the initial injection, says Richard Ford, DVM, an internal medicine specialist and immunology expert who spoke at last month’s American Veterinary Medical Association conference in Indianapolis.

Your pet is considered overdue for a booster vaccine one day beyond the one-year or three-year date following the initial vaccination. By law, a pet is not considered immunized beyond that date, even though generally the only difference between a one-year and a three-year rabies vaccine is what it says on the label. In other words, even though a one-year vaccine generally offers the same protection as a three-year vaccine, in law there is no tolerance. Once your pet is revaccinated, though, he returns immediately to “currently vaccinated” status, regardless of the amount of time that has elapsed since the vaccine was due.

Are cats required to have rabies vaccinations? At least nine states do not mandate rabies vaccinations for cats. In fact, Missouri, Kansas and Ohio have no state laws mandating rabies vaccinations for any pets. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to have it done, especially if you allow your pet to go outdoors. In 2015, 244 cases of rabies involving cats were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s 58 percent of all reported cases involving domestic animals that year.

If your pet is currently unvaccinated and bites or scratches someone -- the usual routes of exposure -- it’s not an automatic death sentence for your pet. It’s sometimes assumed that euthanasia followed by testing of the brain for rabies is required, but that’s not so. Whether a pet is currently vaccinated, the law in the majority of states calls for a 10-day quarantine in the owner’s home, followed by revaccination of the pet.

Pets who have been exposed to rabies -- and the definition of “exposure” varies from state to state -- face a stiffer quarantine of 45 days at home. That’s only if they are considered to be currently vaccinated, however. Pet owners must generally be able to document that the rabies vaccination is current.

An unvaccinated pet who is exposed is generally subject to a four-month strict quarantine at a facility for that purpose. That can cost several thousand dollars. The pet must be vaccinated at the time of entry and sometimes within 96 hours of exposure.

Pets who are not up to date on their rabies vaccinations and bite someone may, however, face euthanasia if the person who was bitten isn’t willing to wait for the animal to complete the 10-day home quarantine. Dr. Ford cited the case of a dog who was two months late for a rabies booster vaccine. The dog bit the child next door, and the parent insisted that the dog be euthanized and tested immediately. The public health department concurred, and the dog lost his life. Examination of brain tissue determined that he was not infected with rabies.

Some pet owners would like to skip rabies vaccinations for animals who are old or have illnesses that could put them at greater risk of a vaccine reaction. They wonder if a rabies titer test can be used to establish immunity.

The answer is no. In law, a rabies titer is not recognized as a valid index of protection. Only 16 states allow veterinarians to exempt pets from rabies vaccinations for health reasons.

More information on rabies requirements is available at rabiesaware.org.

Q&A

Can an old cat

learn new tricks?

Q: Can an older cat be taught the sit and come commands? -- via email

A: Absolutely! With the right motivation, which might be food treats or play with a favorite toy, cats of any age can learn sit, come and much more. Cat expert Janiss Garza taught her cat Binga to walk on a leash at 15 and to do a high-five at 16.

Sit is a great cue to teach cats so they will sit on the scale at the veterinary clinic or receive petting or treats from a friend. To teach your cat to sit, hold a treat just above his head. As his nose goes up to sniff it, his rear automatically goes down, right into a sit position. The instant he’s in a sit, click and give him the treat. You should also click and treat any time you see your cat sitting, whether you’ve asked him to or not. As you do so, give a name to the action -- “sit” -- and praise him for it -- “Good sit!” Once your cat learns the sit cue, you can use it to reward him for things like sitting at your feet instead of lying across the papers on your desk.

Teaching cats to come is easy-peasy. At every mealtime, as you set down your cat’s food, whistle a particular tune, ring a bell, jingle your keys or make some other noise that’s easy to reproduce. (Don’t use a clicker; your cat should only associate the clicking sound with the promise of a reward for a particular action.) Your cat will quickly learn to associate that sound with mealtime and will respond instantly to it. Always praise and reward your cat for coming, and never call him to come for anything unpleasant. -- Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

AVMA Humane Award

goes to Joan Miller

-- Cat advocate Joan Miller received the American Veterinary Medical Association's 2017 Humane Award last month at the AVMA convention in Indianapolis. Miller is a giant in the cat world, known for her significant contributions to feline well-being through education and outreach. All cats, from pedigreed show cats to free-roaming ferals, have benefited from her efforts over more than 30 years. “Joan is an iconic leader in animal health and welfare who’s been a champion of all cats,” says Jane Brunt, DVM. “Her collaborative and sustained activities in the pedigreed cat community, legislative arenas and Cat Writers Association, coupled with her support of Winn Feline Foundation promoting research to advance feline health and her involvement in the animal shelter community, have made the world a much better place for cats.”

-- Has your pet had a problem related to ingestion or use of a food, drug, product or device? Here’s how to report it. If necessary, first contact your veterinarian so your pet can be properly cared for. For medications or vaccines, your veterinarian can file an adverse event report. For foods, call 888-332-8387 or look online at fda.gov. For EPA-approved flea and tick products or other pesticides, call 800-858-7378. Also report problems with foods, drugs, products or devices to the manufacturer. You can find contact information on the packaging or the company’s website.

-- Designer dogs and mixed breeds have a reputation for being free or relatively free of genetic disease, but that’s not true, says Kari Ekenstedt, DVM, an assistant professor who researches canine genetics at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Nor are purebred dogs automatically less healthy than mutts. Cross-bred and random-bred dogs and cats can have the same genetic disorders as purebreds, and most genetic disorders are caused by ancient genetic mutations that occurred long before breeds were developed. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

It’s a dog’s life in the French capital of art and style

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

The French don’t push pets in strollers. Stares, pointing, odd expressions and sometimes even laughter followed us as we rolled our Top Paw over cobblestoned walkways in Paris and Versailles, our cavalier King Charles spaniel Harper riding in stately splendor.

Harper was in a stroller because she was recuperating from heart surgery, but of course onlookers didn’t know that. They just thought we were crazy Americans with a spoiled dog.

Cultural contrasts between American and European pet owners touch all areas, including acceptance in public places, health care and even potty rules. As a traveler, especially one accompanied by a dog, it’s fascinating to experience the differences firsthand -- even when someone stops to tell me that people are laughing at my dog in a stroller.

On the plus side, Harper enjoyed dining with us at Chez Michel, one of our favorite Paris restaurants. Even though I had emailed in advance to ensure that she would be welcome there, I was a little hesitant as I walked in to claim our reservation. But the hostess showed us right to our table and brought a bowl of water for Harper. To other diners, she was obviously nothing out of the ordinary; they paid her no attention. At home, when we’re seated outdoors at restaurants, passersby can’t resist stopping to pet her as she mugs for attention. In Paris, she adopted Gallic savoir faire and refrained from trying to visit people at other tables.

Some things are the same in France and the U.S. Dogs aren’t allowed in grocery stores or bakeries, for instance. Usually farmers markets are a "non non," as well. But Harper has ridden public transportation in both San Francisco and Paris. In both cities, well-behaved dogs are permitted on subways, although there is sometimes a requirement for the dog to be in a carrier or to be muzzled. Department stores, boutiques and businesses in both countries may or may not allow dogs, depending on the typical clientele and the attitudes of owners.

Parks are a different matter entirely. In the U.S., dogs frequent most grassy, open spaces, or even have parks devoted solely to them. Not so in France. Park areas are strictly for humans, with signs at entrances reading “chiens interdit” (“no dogs allowed”). Rare exceptions include Parc Montsouris in the 14th arrondissement, the north end of the Tuileries and the south end of the Luxembourg Gardens.

Dogs are expected to do their business in the street, not in park grass. You may have heard that French sidewalks are a minefield of dog poop, but that is less the case these days, thanks to hefty fines for people who don’t pick up.

Dogs must wear a leash in most public places. Identification is required as well, in the form of a tattoo or microchip.

French veterinary hospitals -- at least the one we went to -- are much the same as those in the U.S. Pet owners sit with their German shepherds, Labs, Brittanys or cats in the lobby, waiting to be seen. On the walls are posters about parasites, and shelves are filled with bags and cans of name-brand pet foods. Interestingly, some pet food brands are sold in shops that carry nothing else -- no toys, treats or other pet paraphernalia. Pet boutiques in Paris include BHV La Niche, Moustaches and one known simply as Dog Store.

Regardless of differences in laws, culture or philosophy of pet lovers at home and abroad, French and American animal aficionados share one thing in common: Their humans love and dote on them, even if it’s expressed in different ways.

Vive la difference!

Q&A

Altitude can

affect pets

Q: Can pets get altitude sickness? What are the signs?

A: Yes, they can. It’s not especially common, but it does occur.

For more details, I asked an expert for more information: Karen Sanderson, DVM, a veterinary cardiologist at Rocky Mountain Veterinary Cardiology in Boulder, Colorado. She says the pets she sees who typically have a problem are those who experience severe rises in pulmonary artery pressures. Problems may be seen at elevations of 6,000 feet and higher.

“The decrease in oxygen tension here causes the pulmonary arteries to constrict,” Dr. Sanderson says. “If the pet already has some pulmonary hypertension, the additional constriction may push them into the severe category and cause clinical symptoms.”

Not surprisingly, the breeds at highest risk are brachycephalic dogs such as boxers, bulldogs and pugs. Dr. Sanderson also sees cases in small-breed dogs such as Chihuahuas. Pets who may have mild pulmonary hypertension at sea level can become worse at altitude. Senior dogs may be at risk as well. It’s not a seasonal problem, but many of the cases Dr. Sanderson sees are in summer because people are on vacation during that time.

Signs include labored breathing and fainting. Pets may also vomit or have diarrhea or lose their appetite. If you are moving or you take your pet on vacation to an area at high altitude, such as certain parts of Colorado or New Mexico, your pet will likely be fine, but if you notice those signs, take him to the nearest emergency clinic for oxygen and medical support. Most animals recover well after treatment and returning to their normal altitude.

“Pets without known heart disease should do fine,” Dr. Sanderson says. “The rare times they experience problems would be difficult to anticipate.” -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Why do we say

“dog days of summer”?

-- The sweltering heat of August brings what’s known as the “dog days” of summer. It harks back to ancient Rome, when the Latin phrase “caniculares dies,” or “days of the dogs,” was used to refer to the period between the first week in July and the second week in August. The reference is to Sirius, known as the Dog Star because of its association with Canis Major, part of the constellation known as Orion the Hunter. Although Sirius isn’t visible in the summer night sky, it was so bright at other times that Roman astronomers believed it contributed to the heat of the sun during those hot midsummer days. We know today that Sirius is too far away to affect temperatures on Earth, but the phrase remains as a colorful part of our language.

-- Age and progression of myxomatous mitral valve disease and heart failure in dogs brings changes in circulating exosome microRNA. That discovery, published in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles by researchers at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, may improve the monitoring of dogs and humans with heart disease. Veterinary cardiologist Vicky Yang, the study’s lead author, believes the finding “could open doors to novel molecular targets to slow or halt the progression of mitral valve disease to heart failure.”

-- Journalists, authors, bloggers, poets, photographers and illustrators still have time to enter the annual writing contest of the Dog Writers Association of America. Beyond the Maxwell Medallion, awarded to winners in such categories as health, behavior or training articles, graphics, poetry, short fiction and more, entrants can compete for a total of $14,000 in special awards. The largest are two $2,000 awards sponsored by Fear Free LLC. The deadline for entries is Sept. 8. For more information and entry forms, go to dogwriters.org. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Riding with your dog can be the source of many happy memories throughout your life

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Together, dogs and horses can be a human’s best partners. From Dalmatians running alongside coach horses to fox terriers riding in saddlebags during the hunt to cow dogs and quarter horses teaming up to drive livestock, dogs and horses have a long history of friendly and fruitful interactions in partnership with people. If you want your dog to be your riding buddy, here’s how to get started.

Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh corgis, Jack Russell terriers and Australian shepherds are commonly seen at stables, but most dogs can learn to safely run alongside or interact with horses, just as most horses can become used to dogs. Both animals should have a calm, quiet and sensible character. With that as a foundation, you can teach each to behave politely and safely in the presence of the other.

Before you bring him around a horse, your dog should respond reliably to the verbal cues "sit," "down" (including at a distance), "stay" and "come," whether he’s on or off his leash. You shouldn’t have to repeat yourself multiple times before he obeys. Schedule a refresher training session if he needs to brush up on his skills.

When you’re comfortable with his behavior, take your dog to the barn with you while you feed the horses or muck out stalls. Practice obedience skills there so your dog becomes comfortable performing them while the horse is nearby. At the same time, your horse can learn to watch out for the dog. A kick from a horse can cause a fractured skull, broken leg or ribs, or even kill a dog.

Two herding cues that can be helpful are “come by” (clockwise) and “way to me” (counterclockwise), which tell the dog to move out and in which direction. If necessary, work with a trainer who has experience in herding to teach these cues.

Teach your dog to sit while you mount and not to cross in front of the horse while she’s moving. It’s best to ride in an area where it’s safe for the dog to be off-leash. Trying to use a long line while riding can end with horse or dog becoming dangerously tangled.

While mounted, practice cues such as "down," "sit" or "wait" until your dog responds instantly. It could save his life if you encounter wildlife, livestock, loose dogs or a farmer with a gun. Always remain alert for potential dangers.

To keep track of your dog if he runs ahead or is hidden by high grass, attach a small bell to his collar so you can hear where he is. It’s good practice to call him back to you regularly so you can keep tabs on him.

Is there a perfect “horse dog”? Some dogs are better than others when it comes to being around horses. Herding breeds such as Australian cattle dogs, border collies, English shepherds and German shepherds have a heritage of working around large animals, but it’s important to teach them not to nip at horses’ heels unless they are aiding you in loading the horse into a trailer.

Retriever and pointer breeds such as Labradors, German shorthairs, Weimaraners and Brittanys can also make excellent riding companions. Beagles, foxhounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, bassets and other hound breeds tend to be mellow around horses. Among the working group breeds, Doberman pinschers have a reputation for getting along with horses. Smooth and wire fox terriers and Airedales are among the terrier breeds often seen with horses.

Even smaller dogs such as cavalier King Charles spaniels, dachshunds, rat terriers and miniature poodles can make good riding companions. Bonus: If they get tired, you can just plop them in a saddlebag.

Q&A

Understanding the

canine genome

Q: I’m always seeing articles about new discoveries related to the canine genome. What exactly is the genome, and what does it tell us?

A: The canine genome is, well, what makes a dog a dog. A genome is the set of chromosomes found in every cell of every organism. The chromosomes contain the heritable genetic material that directs an organism’s development. The genetic material that makes up chromosomes is called DNA, short for deoxyribonucleic acid. The job of DNA is to code genetic information to transmit hereditary traits, such as eye color, coat color or size, to name just a few. This is done through genes, units of hereditary information that are found at fixed positions on a chromosome.

Scientists first sequenced the canine genome in 2004, using genetic material from a boxer named Tasha. But even before Tasha, they had a partial sequence of a poodle. To date, the genomes of more than 1,300 dogs have been sequenced, as have the genomes of wild dogs, such as wolves and coyotes.

The canine genome is important for a number of reasons. For one, dogs and humans share many of the same diseases. Comparisons of dog and human genomic maps have helped researchers to better study diseases that occur in both species, such as heart disease, deafness, cancer, blindness, diabetes, epilepsy and autoimmune diseases. They have also been able to develop diagnostic tests to help reduce or eliminate the incidence of genetic disease in dogs. Among the genetic disorders that have been mapped are narcolepsy and progressive retinal atrophy, a type of hereditary blindness. Scientists have even been able to trace the spread of certain diseases through the canine population.

Knowledge of the canine genome has also helped us learn why dogs do the things they do and where they come from. That’s fascinating! -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

How to help

kittens grow up

-- Kitten rental plan? Why not? The Humane Society of Silicon Valley in California thinks at least one thing in the Bay Area should be affordable. If you love kittens but aren’t sure you’re ready to commit to a cat, a kitten rental plan, er, fostering is the way to go. Kittens -- they usually come in small groups -- and all the supplies needed to care for them are free with a two-hour orientation to teach you the ropes of feeding and raising them until they’re ready to go back to the shelter for adoption. And if you fall in love? Talk to the shelter about a lifetime ownership plan. Silicon Valley isn’t the only place with kitten fostering programs. Check your local shelter and take home a kitten entertainment unit today.

-- If you love pointers, retrievers, spaniels or setters and find yourself in Tennessee, don’t miss the National Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction, just 50 miles east of Memphis. The 25,000-square-foot museum is home to sporting dog art, photography, trophies and historical artifacts relating to more than 40 breeds of bird dogs. It’s also the seat of the Field Trial Hall of Fame, which honors the sport’s greats, both canine and human. Leashed dogs are welcome, and guided tours are available.

-- Dental disease is a common health problem in pet rabbits. Veterinarians commonly see tooth fractures, overgrown teeth, teeth with sharp edges ("Bunnicula," anyone?), infected tooth roots and gums, and tooth root abscesses. If your bunny isn’t eating or is losing weight, it might be related to a painful mouth problem. Bunnies can be born with dental problems, but other causes include a poor diet or chewing on inappropriate items. If your rabbit prefers only soft foods, drops food often, has difficulty closing his mouth or drools frequently, take him to the veterinarian. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.