Visiting wineries this summer? Don’t be surprised to meet a host dog or to find that your own dog is a welcome guest

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Rosie loves to spend time in the vineyard, especially during harvest season. In the evening, she relaxes with her friend Julia. Together, they give a “sniffspection” to a glass of wine. Rosie doesn’t drink, but Julia says she has a great nose.

Julia Cattrall, the winemaker for Duck Pond Cellars in Oregon, grew up with wine and with dogs, starting with Saint Bernards and a golden retriever-cocker spaniel mix named Luke when she was a kid. Rosie, adopted from the Great Pyrenees Rescue Society in Texas (greatpyreneesrescuesociety.org), is her third Great Pyrenees, a breed she first acquired as an adult to protect the chickens on her farm from coyotes. The large white guardian dogs enjoy being outdoors, are protective of their property and people, and have a laid-back energy level.

“The more I read about the guardian breeds, the more it really appealed to me, the idea of having a dog that had a sense of purpose around being present,” Cattrall says.

Rosie’s life is a little different than that of the dogs Cattrall grew up with. Those farm dogs were “dogs about town,” going off on their own and spending their days as they pleased. That lifestyle seems impossible to imagine now.

While Rosie still lives in the country and has plenty of space to sniff around, her territory is defined by a fence. “She doesn’t get to wander aimlessly,” Cattrall says.

Does Cattrall worry that Rosie will nibble on vineyard grapes, which, like all grapes, are toxic to dogs? Rosie doesn’t seem to be interested.

“We don’t let her out in the vineyard on her own very often,” Cattrall says. “I have known some dogs that will go for grapes, but she has not. I’ve never seen her try, but I can imagine for some dogs that have a sweet tooth, that could be an issue.”

As well as having and welcoming dogs on the premises, Cattrall has poured her love of dogs into her winemaking. Rascal Wines, one line created by Duck Pond, not only feature a dog on the label, every purchase gives back to animal welfare organizations -- more than $100,000 over the years.

“We’re definitely a team of animal lovers,” Cattrall says. “It’s always been an idea that has resonated with us and as an organization to have these brands have a higher purpose. The different brands each have their own area of focus. For the Rascal brand, because it is representative of our love for our animals, it’s the Humane Society and other animal organizations.”

Cattrall also sees dogs as a metaphor for the wine she wants to make. Her goal is to produce wines that are drinkable at the time of purchase -- expressive and friendly, much like a golden retriever. She knows that for many people, a Rascal wine might be someone’s first experience with an Oregon pinot noir. “I hope to be a good representative of the state, just like you might make friends with somebody because their golden retriever comes up and smiles at you in the park.”

Rosie isn’t the only dog at Duck Pond Cellars. In the tasting room, visiting guests will meet Steinbeck, a hound mix belonging to hospitality lead Ray. Tasters can also bring their own well-behaved dogs.

“We have a great outdoor space set up for tasting,” says Cattrall, “and they’re welcome inside the tasting room as well, as long as they behave themselves.”

Some wineries are known for distinctive architecture, expansive views or showplace cellars. Cattrall says Duck Pond has a more cozy feel going for it, a warmth and openness and friendliness signaling that everyone is welcome: dogs, kids, tasters and all.

“The dog-friendly nature both contributes to that and kind of flows from it,” she says. “Even if you don’t drink, there’s something for everyone. I think it’s a place where everyone can find something that works for them and that feels very much in the spirit of the golden retriever on the label.”

Q&A

What to know about

storing pet food

Q: What's the best way to store pet food, and how can I know if it has gone bad?

A: Pet foods contain preservatives to help ensure that food stays fresh, but once you open a can or a bag, the freshness level starts to decrease. You can take several steps to help food stay fresh and to know if it's time to replace it.

-- Check the "best by" date before buying. Don't buy the food if you don't think you'll be able to use it all before the date given.

-- Once you open a bag of dry food, use it all within four to six weeks.

-- If you feed dry food, keep it in the original bag instead of pouring it into another container. The fat in the food forms a film on the container, and you'll need to clean it regularly with soap and water to prevent the food from becoming rancid. It's better to place the original bag inside an airtight container to help it stay fresh and prevent raids by bugs or mice.

-- Store dry food in a cool, dry place under 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat can cause fat in food to go rancid more quickly.

-- If your pet doesn't eat an entire can of food at one meal, refrigerate the remainder in a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. The food will keep better that way than if you leave it in the can covered with a plastic lid or aluminum foil.

-- Use your nose. Give dry food a good sniff to make sure it doesn't smell stale. And even if it smells all right to you, trust your pet's sniffer. If he turns up his nose at the food or eats with less enthusiasm, it may be time to replace it. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

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

THE BUZZ

Reptiles can be

good companions

-- Reptiles have a number of advantages as pets. They're quiet, can have long life spans, require little to no exercise, usually don't need to be fed daily and their waste is easy to remove. They even have personalities and form bonds with their people. Many are active and curious, making them interesting to watch as they explore their habitat. Depending on the species, reptiles can be good choices for both children and adults. Good "beginner" reptiles include ball pythons, bearded dragons, corn snakes and small box turtles or tortoises. Whatever you choose, do your homework to make sure you understand and can meet the animal's needs. Talk to an accredited expert before acquiring a reptile. That can be a veterinarian who specializes in exotics or someone who does reptile education for a rescue group or other organization.

-- If you see a dog who resembles a retriever with a curly coat, don't assume he's a Labradoodle. He may be an unusual breed called a curly-coated retriever. The curly, as he's nicknamed, was developed in the 18th century and is one of the oldest of the retrieving breeds. Bred to hunt pheasant, quail and grouse and retrieve waterfowl, the curly is a wickedly smart, independent thinker. His coat has small, tight, crisp curls. (Don't blow-dry it unless you want him to look like a Chia Pet.) The coat sheds a little year-round, with a heavier shed twice a year.

-- Do you smoke around your pet? You could be threatening his health -- and even his life. Secondhand smoke can cause malignant lymphoma in cats, lung and nasal cancer in dogs, and respiratory problems and allergies in both species. Other potential side effects include inflammation and pulmonary cancers. E-cigarettes aren't any safer: Pets can be poisoned if they eat the nicotine cartridges. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Westerners are all too familiar with wildfire smoke, but now other North Americans, including pets, are getting a taste of it

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Are you and your pet finding it hard to breathe? Smoke from wildfires in Canada is moving hundreds of miles into the United States, making air quality unhealthy -- or very unhealthy -- in areas ranging from the mid-Atlantic to the Northeast to parts of the Upper Great Lakes. At the time of this writing, it was pushing south and west.

Veterinarian Diane Walker lives west of Ottawa, Canada, and says that the day before we communicated, her area experienced the worst air quality in North America, the orange sky filled with choking, stinky air.

No matter where you live, you’re likely to experience poor air quality in the next few months as drought-triggered wildfires spread smoke, leading to deteriorating air quality. Even if it lasts only a couple of days, it’s important to protect pets of all species from the effects. Microscopic particulates can be inhaled, entering the lungs and bloodstream and causing serious health problems.

Walker says the animals at greatest risk are birds; cats and dogs with flat faces, such as Persians, pugs and bulldogs; senior pets; and pets with heart, respiratory or lung conditions.

Poor air quality affects pets with flat muzzles because they typically have narrow nostrils, enlarged tonsils, smaller-diameter tracheas and elongated soft palates. All of those conditions make it more difficult for them to draw in air. You may notice that flat-faced, or brachycephalic, pets breathe more easily through their mouths than their noses.

Toy breeds such as Walker’s 5-pound Chihuahua, Remy, may be at increased risk as well due to their small size and tiny lung capacity. Animals being managed for cancer and underlying immune system problems, such as hemolytic anemia and asthma, must also be carefully monitored. They should go out only for quick bathroom breaks. “This is where pee pad training can be helpful,” Walker says. “These dogs need to be kept inside as much as possible.”

Take at-risk pets out only for brief, on-leash potty breaks. Walker recommends keeping windows closed as much as possible and using HEPA filters or other air purifiers.

The same advice applies to cats with asthma or breathing issues such as chronic upper respiratory disease, as well as to breeds such as exotics (shorthaired Persians), British shorthairs, Himalayans and Scottish folds, all of which are known for their brachycephalic facial anatomy.

Larger dogs in good health or with longer muzzles can take short, slow walks of 10 to 15 minutes. “Unless longer walks are necessary, they should be avoided during air-quality alert warnings,” Walker says. “You will want to time any necessary walks to mornings or evenings when air is cooler, as this may be helpful.”

Avoid strenuous activity such as jogging or biking, playing fetch or swimming when air quality is poor, even if your dog doesn’t seem to be affected.

Walker warns as well that the smell of smoke may cause some dogs to become anxious or stressed. They may associate the odor or the darkened skies with fireworks or storms. Talk to your veterinarian about potential calming products that may help such as ThunderShirts, nutraceuticals like Anxitane or Zylkene or pharmaceuticals.

At Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City, veterinarians advise keeping pets indoors as much as possible, keeping doors and windows closed and contacting your veterinarian if your pet is coughing, gagging or having trouble breathing.

Pet birds are especially vulnerable and should not be allowed outdoors.

“If they and we can stay indoors, at least until the air quality changes favorably, we all will be better off,” says avian veterinary specialist Brian Speer, DVM, who practices in California.

Q&A

Money-saving

pet tips

Q: I love my dog, but caring for him is more expensive than I realized. Do you have any tips on saving money?

A: I understand, and your concerns are shared by other dog lovers. The following tips may help.

-- Prevent accidents -- and save on vet bills -- by pet-proofing your home. Keep human and pet medications, poisons, trash and toxic plants out of dog reach. Get down on your hands and knees to see what might look interesting to him, and either put it away or prevent access to it.

-- “Yearly shots” are no longer recommended. Studies have shown that immunity provided by vaccinations lasts for at least three years. Work with your veterinarian to tailor vaccines to your pet’s needs. Most dogs now get “core” vaccines -- distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza and rabies -- on a three-year cycle (fearfreehappyhomes.com/when-does-your-dog-need-shots-our-timeline-tells-all). Other vaccines may depend on a dog's breed, size, location or lifestyle. Go over the options with your veterinarian.

-- Spend a little to save a lot, especially if your dog is young. Veterinary medicine advances include stem cell treatments, complex orthopedic surgeries, monoclonal antibody therapy and chemotherapy, but all of that costs big bucks. Purchasing a pet health insurance policy can help you afford to take advantage of the amazing care available in the event your pet experiences an expensive accident or illness.

-- You can save money on pet care without shortchanging your pet. While you shouldn't skip wellness exams (they can spot a problem when it's still easier and less expensive to treat) or lower the quality of your dog's food (good nutrition means good health), you can save money by price shopping for prescription medications (but give your veterinarian the option of matching prices), buying items in bulk and sharing with others and keeping your pet at a healthy weight. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Winning dog

books announced

-- The Dog Writers Association of America recently announced the winners of its communications contest. If you’re looking for a dog-centric summer read, here are the winners of the book categories: “Extraordinary Old Dogs,” by Laura Greaves; “Returned,” by Amy Victoria Gilvary; “A Dog Show Companion,” by Leila Grandemange; “Doggie Language,” by Lili Chin; “Solomon: One Dog’s Improbable Two-Year, Thousand-Mile Journey to Find Home,” by Gail Gilmore; “Beware of Dog: How Media Portrays the Aggressive Canine,” by Melissa Crawley; “The Hiding Place,” by Paula Munier. On the kid side, winners are “Dog Says, Cat Says,” by Marilyn Singer; “Rats in the White House,” by Judith Ann Tabler; “Dog Daycare,” by Kathryn Kazoleas; and “Color Me Canine (Terrier),” a coloring book for all ages by Sandy Bergstrom Mesmer.

-- It’s a common misconception that cats aren’t affectionate and don’t need attention. On the whole, cats like it better when their people are around. It’s not unusual for cats to follow their humans around like furry shadows and to hop into a lap as soon as one is available. Cats can even develop separation anxiety if they are left alone too frequently or for long periods (learn more here: fearfreehappyhomes.com/kit/separation-anxiety/#blog_link1). If you must be gone, arrange for a pet sitter to come in daily to clean the litter box, make sure they’re eating and provide some companionship until you return.

-- Like aging humans and other animals, senior birds can develop cataracts. Surgical options can restore vision in some older birds with cataracts, but if that’s not a possibility, birds who are otherwise healthy can get along fine with diminished or lost eyesight. When approaching, speak or whistle so they can use their hearing and other senses to determine where you are. That ensures they don’t bite out of fear. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Hold the guac when pets are present. Depending on the animal, avocado isn’t always safe for them to eat

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

You’ve probably read on one of the many lists of foods to avoid giving animals that avocados are toxic to pets. But how toxic are they, what symptoms do they cause and do they affect pets differently? I spoke to Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, a board-certified veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline to get the answers.

While dogs might come to mind first, bunnies and birds -- horses, too -- are at greatest risk if they ingest avocado meat or any part of an avocado plant, including stems and leaves. Both species can experience cardiac changes such as heart rhythm abnormalities and pulmonary edema -- fluid buildup in the lungs.

“It can be highly fatal to rabbits, especially if it’s not caught early enough,” Schmid says.

In rabbits who are nursing kits, the toxic component, called persin, can cause an inflammation of the mammary glands. Persin can also cause rapid death in birds.

If your rabbit or bird nibbles on an avocado plant or eats some of the fruit, call your veterinarian immediately. If exposure occurs after clinic hours, take your pet to an emergency facility for treatment.

“Medications can be given, we'll give activated charcoal or we might try to decontaminate them to try to remove some of the avocado material and monitor them closely so that if any symptoms or signs do develop, they can start therapy right away,” Schmid says. “A lot of times, even with aggressive care, these can be fatal, so the sooner, the better. It's definitely not a wait-and-see type of exposure.”

Fortunately, rabbits often live in a habitat where they can’t easily access avocado plants or fruits, and most bird owners know not to give the delicious green flesh to their feathered friends.

Avocado toxicity is less of a concern in dogs and cats. Dogs are more at risk of swallowing the pit and developing a foreign body obstruction. And avocados are high in fat. While for humans it’s a healthy fat, in dogs it could potentially cause pancreatitis to develop, Schmid says. For the most part, though, ingesting avocado flesh isn’t a serious canine crime.

If your dog swallows an avocado pit, what you do next depends on the size of the dog and the size of the pit. A small pit, the size of a marble, for instance, may pass on its own, especially in a dog the size of a Labrador or golden retriever. In that case, watch for vomiting, appetite loss, abdominal pain and lethargy -- all potential signs of an obstruction. Your dog needs to see the vet and may need surgery to remove the pit.

A small or medium-size dog, such as a beagle, is at higher risk for a foreign body obstruction. In those cases, Schmid recommends taking the dog to the veterinarian as shortly after ingestion as possible rather than taking a wait-and-see attitude.

Cats, of course, can be more finicky than dogs about what they eat. It seems unlikely that they would dip into the guacamole, but it could happen. They might develop a little gastrointestinal upset, but persin holds little risk for them. Of more concern is whether the guac contains onions, garlic or garlic powder, which are toxic to cats and dogs.

“Cats are more sensitive than dogs,” Schmid says. “A dog would probably have to eat quite a bit of guacamole with those ingredients for it to be a problem, but if you have a cat with a real love of guacamole, that could be a concern.” Keep it out of reach or make a special (and small) cat-safe serving.

To keep your pet safe, bear in mind that just because a particular food is good for humans doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for animals.

“Always talk with a veterinarian first to make sure it’s something that would be safe for your animal before giving it,” Schmid says.

Q&A

Sugar glider

pros, cons

Q: What the heck is a sugar glider, and how do you take care of them? My kid wants one.

A: Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are interesting animals. The small arboreal nocturnal marsupials are native to New Guinea and Australia. Sugar gliders are cute, bearing a strong resemblance to Baby Yoda, but there are pros and cons to keeping them as pets.

In a lecture at the North American Veterinary Conference earlier this year, my colleague Grayson A. Doss, DVM, a zoological medicine specialist, described them as “tiny but ferocious flyers.” In the wild, they live in groups, so they need at least one companion. Their lifespan is 10 to 14 years. Here are some additional things to know about them.

Playful, smart and curious, well-socialized sugar gliders can enjoy cuddling and attention. Plan to spend time with them in the evening, when they’re active.

While they can bond closely to family members, sugar gliders don’t give strangers a warm welcome, responding to handling with biting; vocalizations such as barking, hissing or screeching; and urination.

The ability to squeeze through tiny openings makes them escape artists.

Sugar gliders enjoy chewing and need tough toys that they can’t tear apart and swallow.

In their natural habitat, they are insectivores. In a pet home, a commercial pelleted food accompanied by fruits and vegetables, properly gut-loaded feeder insects and regular calcium and multivitamin supplements is the best choice. Obesity is a common problem in the species, so it’s important to avoid giving them excessive amounts of fruit, high in sugar, and insects, high in fat.

As in so many species, male sugar gliders are usually larger than females. Males should be neutered to avoid self-mutilation.

Sugar gliders readily bite, so they must be handled carefully and appropriately by children, adults and veterinary professionals. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Run with the

shelter dogs

-- Minnesota joggers can get their run on and help shelter dogs at the same time. Minneapolis Animal Care and Control has a running club that allows trained volunteers to take shelter dogs for a run, giving them some much-needed exercise and time away from their kennel. The activity helps them to release pent-up energy and relieve stress, ensuring that they can put their best paw forward when meeting potential adopters. If you’re not in the Twin Cities, check to see if your own local shelter has a dog-walking or running club. Cuddling kittens more your speed? Lots of shelters have that type of program, too.

-- A social life is important to canine longevity, reports Dog Aging Project researchers. In a study published online last month in the journal Evolution, Medicine & Public Health, factors such as living with other dogs were associated with better canine health after controlling for age and weight. The effect of social support was five times stronger than financial factors. Brianah McCoy, a Ph.D. candidate at Arizona State University and one of the study’s lead authors, said, “This does show that even for our companion dogs, having those strong social connections and social companions is important. Overall, it’s good for your dog to have social support in the form of other people and other dogs.”

-- A cat’s normal body temperature is 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, with an acceptable variance of one degree lower or higher. If your cat seems unwell but doesn’t have any signs of illness, take their temperature. Call your veterinarian if the temperature is below 100 degrees or is 103 degrees or higher. A high temperature can signal an infection or heatstroke. Low body temperature can also indicate a serious health problem. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.