From Nose to Tail: The Importance of a Healthy Skin & Coat

By Kimberly Konopka, ’07, BS, AS, CVT, ESM

Originally published in the September 23, 2022, edition of the Valley Advantage

https://www.thevalleyadvantage.com/community-columns/from-nose-to-tail-the-importance-of-a-healthy-skin-coat/article_5de9b29c-284a-5348-8c90-306effae7281.html

Did you know that the largest organ in cats and dogs is their skin and hair coat? It makes up close to 10 to 15% of their total body weight.

It is important for pet owners to help keep this organ in top shape because it is vital in performing many basic functions in keeping their pets healthy. These functions include:

Defense and Immunity — The skin and coat provide protection, acting as a shield to the internal organs from outside stressors such as chemicals, UV light or other environmental threats. The nerves within the skin also aid in sensing temperature variation, pain or pressure. Compromised skin health may lead to harmful bacteria causing diseases and infections.

Thermoregulation — Dogs and cats do not have sweat glands, so a healthy hair coat helps to maintain proper body temperatures and acts as an insulation layer. The movement of the hair follicles brings the hairs closer together to insulate against the cold, or the opposite allows air to move freely between the looser hairs to allow for a cooling effect.

Storage — The skin acts as a warehouse for storing several vital proteins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and collagen fibers. Many of these are necessary for cellular production and maintenance of those cells, along with various other functions.

So, how can you, a pet owner, contribute to skin and coat health?

The pet’s diet is the first influence on skin and coat health. As the saying goes, “you are what you eat,” and this also holds true for animals. Good quality pet food lays the foundation for proper pet health. These diets contain omega-3s, good sources of quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and provide the appropriate number of calories to meet the pet’s energy needs. To be sure you’re feeding your pet the right food, ask your veterinarian. Some pets do require additional supplements or have special dietary needs.

Proper grooming and bathing are also essential factors in maintaining healthy skin and coat. Some pets can’t or don’t groom themselves well and may need a little assistance keeping themselves less disheveled. Grooming your pet on a regular basis helps remove any dirt, debris, and dead skin cells.

As a pet owner, this is also an opportunity to closely examine your pet’s skin for abnormalities or parasites. The frequency of bathing will be dependent on the pet’s needs. Different hair coat types, such as heavy undercoats compared to the hairless varieties of dogs and cats, will have very different bathing schedules and shampoo requirements. Of course, the pet’s lifestyle will also influence bathing or grooming needs. Pets should only be bathed utilizing a shampoo formulated for the specific species. Pets are not small humans, and the pH of their skin varies significantly from ours. Human shampoos, including baby formula shampoo, should not be used on your pet as it is too harsh for their skin. If you are concerned about your pet’s hair coat, discuss the concern with your veterinarian, as there may be an underlying nutritional deficit or medical condition.

Ever wonder why your pet is so itchy?

There are many causes of itchy skin in pets, both external and internal. Unfortunately, it may be a very frustrating and time-consuming process to determine what is causing the condition.

External causes of acute or chronic itching include, but are not limited to, dry winter air or lack of humidity, environmental allergens such as grass or pollen from trees, or even an allergy to fleas or other biting insects.

Internal causes may include a food sensitivity/allergy or a systemic disease process.

Any of these concerns can cause skin problems such as hair loss, a greasy coat, excessive dandruff, rashes, odorous/dirty ears, or even open sores. Chronic itchy skin requires veterinary attention and generally serious detective work on the owner’s part. Keeping a journal of occurrences and possible triggers may help the veterinarian determine the cause. The veterinarian may arrive at a diagnosis and treatment quickly, but sometimes it may be very challenging and even require special care from a veterinary dermatologist. Occasionally, a food trial is necessary to eliminate a possible food allergy or sensitivity. Food trials require much effort and patience on the part of the pet owner, take a minimum of 90 days to complete and need a veterinary prescribed diet to be the only food source during this time.

Your pet’s skin and hair coat are a good indicator of their overall health. If the coat or skin becomes something other than smooth, shiny, and dandruff free, you may want to contact your veterinary care professional.

Kimberly Konopka, ’07, BS, AS, CVT, ESMT, is the program director of the Veterinary Nursing program at Johnson College. She has been in the field of veterinary medicine for 15 years.

Peoples Security Bank & Trust Pledges $150,000 to Innovation at Work Capital Campaign  

Peoples Security Bank & Trust has pledged $150,000 to Johnson College in support of its $5 million comprehensive, five-year capital campaign, Innovation at Work.

Peoples Security Bank & Trust has provided continued support for student programs and scholarships at Johnson College through its monetary contributions.  

“Peoples Security Bank & Trust is inspired by Johnson College’s vision to be an innovative, experiential, and multi-disciplinary technical hub for the next generation of trailblazing leaders across all industry sectors,” said J. Patrick Dietz, Johnson College Board Chair and Senior Vice President of Peoples Security Bank and Trust. “The college has an extensive history of both nurturing and advancing the career paths of some of the brightest young minds, and the Bank is pleased to bestow a gift that will help to unlock the full potential of the Innovation at Work capital campaign, broadening access to valuable resources and programming for all students.”

The Innovation at Work campaign consists of four components that will create an environment for continued growth and success: the construction of Ideal Saldi Hall, a new gateway building that will become the official entrance to the campus and include new lab and classroom spaces; the expansion of Woolworth Hall, which houses on-campus lab space for programs including Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning and Electrical Construction Technology; the creation of a Transportation Education Center; and support of the College’s Annual Fund and student scholarships. For more details about the Innovation at Work campaign, visit johnson.edu/innovationatwork.

Pictured left to right: Joseph Ferretti, Executive Vice President, Peoples Security Bank & Trust; Karen Baker, Senior Director of College Advancement, Johnson College; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; and J. Patrick Dietz, Johnson College Board Chair and Senior Vice President, Peoples Security Bank and Trust.

Johnson College Automotive Technology Program Receives Reaccreditation from ASE Education Foundation

The Automotive Technology program at Johnson College received reaccreditation by the ASE Education Foundation, formerly known as NATEF, and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The program has been reaccredited in the following areas: Engine Repair; Automatic Transmission/Transaxle; Manual Transmission and Drive Axles; Suspension and Steering; Brakes; Electrical/Electronic Systems; Heating and Air Conditioning; Engine Performance.

In order to achieve this renewed recognition, the College’s Automotive Technology program underwent rigorous evaluation by the ASE Education Foundation using nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment. Through the endeavors of both our program instructors and the ASE Education Foundation, Johnson College can more successfully bridge the gap between the needs of industry and classroom training to assure that students enter the workforce as well-prepared technicians.

Johnson College’s Automotive Technology program is an Associate of Applied Science degree program that prepares students as entry-level technicians in the automobile and diesel industries. Upon completion, graduates can expect to work for employers in career fields such as automotive, truck, farm and earthmoving equipment dealerships; truck, power generation and construction companies; automotive service centers; engine repair/machine shops; automotive equipment distributors; independent service garages; automotive parts manufacturers; sales representation; as well as auto insurance companies. They may also work with brake systems, transmissions, alignments and repairs; be representatives in claims, sales, and service; or become truck/fleet maintenance technicians.

To learn more about this program, visit: johnson.edu/divisions-of-study/transportation/automotive-technology.

Pictured left to right: Jim Williams ’00, Automotive Technology Instructor; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO; Mark Kozemko ’79, Automotive Technology Program Director.

Johnson College Announces Record-Setting Enrollment for Fourth Consecutive Year

Johnson College has announced a record-setting enrollment for the 2022-2023 academic year. The College outpaced its enrollment for 2021-2022 with nearly 600 students including 273 incoming first-year students and 250 continuing students.

In addition to a record number of incoming first-year and returning Johnson College also welcomed its largest Dual Enrollment-Industry Fast Track class to date. There are 57 students from around the area who have enrolled either part-time or full-time with Johnson College for college credits while also earning their high school diplomas. The College also welcomes 16 students to campus through the RISE (Readiness in Skilled Employment) program.   

With a record number of students enrolled for the fourth year in a row, Johnson College works hard to fill the skills gap in today’s job marketplace – making the College’s recruitment and programmatic focus more on workforce development.

“Year over year, we continue to see an increase in demand for a technical, hands-on approach to education,” said Bill Burke, M.S., Johnson College’s Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “In two years or less, our graduates are prepared for a lifetime of opportunities with an extremely high return on investment. The community, industry partners, and area school districts continue to see that value year in and year out as the demand for a Johnson College education grows.”

Net Credit Union Announced as Sponsor of Johnson College’s First-Ever Cornhole Tournament

Johnson College announces NET Credit Union as the sponsor of its first-ever cornhole tournament. This tournament will take place during the College’s inaugural Fall Fest event on October 1, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Johnson College campus in Scranton, PA.

The tournament will feature both Social ($20/team) and Competitive ($40/team) divisions with double elimination. A team will consist of two players, and anyone from beginners to pros can play. Prizes for the Social division will include: 1st place, $100 cash; 2nd place, $50 in gift cards. Prizes for the Competitive division will include: 1st place, $300 cash; 2nd place, $150 cash. There will be food and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Teams can pre-register online at johnson.edu/cornhole-registration-form/ or register at the door from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

About NET Credit Union

A Credit Union is a place to do your banking. NET is a not-for-profit financial institution, and we operate like a bank except we don’t issue stock on Wall St. Since we don’t have to pay stockholders, we use our income to provide lower loan rates, higher deposit rates, reinvest in our community, give to charities (#netcares), and keep our fees low. There’s so much more you get when you bank on NET.

About Johnson College

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s premier technical college, offering 17 associate degrees and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-teacher ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on instruction. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

Photo Caption:

Left to right: Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson; Lauren Pabst, Marketing Manager, Net Credit Union; and Jill Eidenberg, Associate Director of Development, Johnson College, discuss plans for Johnson College’s first-ever cornhole tournament sponsored by NET Credit Union. This event will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, during the Johnson College Fall Fest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the College’s campus in Scranton, PA.

From Nose to Tail: The Benefits of Pet Ownership

  • BY DR. MEG VARNER-SODEN, DVM

Originally published in the August 26, 2022, edition of the Valley Advantage – https://www.thevalleyadvantage.com/community-columns/from-nose-to-tail-the-benefits-of-pet-ownership/article_4415116e-0511-588c-a884-fbcf2ee5886b.html

If you take the time to read this monthly column, you must be an animal lover. Well, you are not alone! A National Pet Owners Survey performed by the American Pet Products Association for 2021-2022 estimated that approximately 70% of US households own at least one pet. The breakdown showed that about 69 million families own dogs, 45 million own cats, 3.5 million households have a horse and 10 million have pet birds.

Those of us who worked in the “trenches” of small animal general practices throughout the early course of the COVID-19 pandemic saw an absolute eruption of puppies and kittens being introduced to households.

Like the term Baby Boomer generation, we now have a generation of dogs and cats that will be known, at least by the veterinary community, as COVID puppies and kittens. Many cases we cared for were first-time pet owners who finally found themselves with enough time and desire to raise a pet while stuck at home. People found themselves greatly drawn to the comfort, engagement, and companionship pets provide.

Regardless of our exact circumstances, most of us were uneasy and anxious about the unknown during the first two years of the pandemic. What better stress relief was there than a warm, furry baby cuddling on your lap or jogging by your side?

Our first question is, “What is the human-animal bond?”

The American Veterinary Medical Association defines the human-animal bond as a “mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors essential to the health and wellbeing of both.”

A national survey conducted in 2021 by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute showed us that the COVID pandemic has led to a significant increase in the daily hours that owners spend with their pets. Sixty-four percent of these respondents stated that they are now more likely to devote more time to their pets after the pandemic.

While a majority of pet owners reported that their health improved due to owning a pet, 87% of respondents acknowledged that their mental health improved the most. Many of these pet owners have even reported discussing the benefits of their human-animal bond with their doctors and/or therapists. This survey also found that human practitioners are increasingly recommending pet ownership to their patients!

“What are some of the proven health benefits of owning a pet?” is our second question.

Research studies and surveys reveal a plethora of physical and emotional health benefits that pets provide to us.

According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, these include, but are not limited to:

• Reduction of stress.

• Reduction in feelings of depression and/or anxiety.

• Grief support.

• Improvement in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder severity.

• Support of healthier aging (including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia situations).

• Improvements in autism spectrum disorder.

• Improved cardiovascular health parameters due to increased exercise.

• Improvement in childhood allergy, eczema, and asthma parameters.

The proposed scientific basis behind the magic of the Human-Animal Bond has much to do with its effect on our physiologic responses, such as influencing our hormone levels of oxytocin, cortisol, and epinephrine. Studies have also correlated prenatal and adolescent exposure to pets with a more robust adult immune system. We have also found dogs to have incredible senses that can detect pre-seizure situations and low blood sugar, among other ailments.

Our last question is, “are there ever any negative impacts of owning a pet?”

Surely not 100% of pet ownership is positive at all times. Responsible pet ownership comes with emotional, financial, and sometimes even physical impacts. Pets can develop diseases, suffer from mental health disorders such as aggression and/or anxiety, and also zoonotic diseases, which are a subset of diseases we could contract from pets. Some examples include rabies, ringworm, roundworms, and leptospirosis.

The CDC is an excellent resource for learning more about zoonotic diseases. You can protect yourself and your pet from many of these conditions by being educated and proactive with their wellness care.

So, no matter what type of pet or pets you have, love and care for them as much as they love and care for you. You both will be better for it.

Dr. Meg Varner-Soden, DVM, is the veterinarian at the Johnson College Animal Care Center as well as an instructor for the Johnson College Veterinary Nursing Program. She has been practicing veterinary medicine for 12 years.

PNC Bank Announced as Presenting Sponsor of Johnson College’s Fall Fest Community Event

Johnson College announces PNC Bank as the presenting sponsor of its inaugural Fall Fest. This free-admission community event will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the College’s campus in Scranton, PA.

The event will feature a variety of activities for all ages. Families can enjoy live music, games, pumpkin decorating, and face painting, and browse an array of items from over 25 local artisan, craft, and food vendors. There will also be an all-ages scavenger hunt and program displays for attendees to learn more about what the College has to offer.

Johnson College alumni can catch up with each other in the alumni tent, which will feature special giveaways.

The Fall Fest will also feature the College’s first-ever Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by NET Credit Union and in partnership with NEPA Cornhole. The tournament will feature both Social ($20/team) and Competitive ($40/team) divisions with double elimination. A team will consist of two players, and anyone from beginners to pros can play. Prizes for the Social division will include: 1st place, $100 cash; 2nd place, $50 in gift cards. Prizes for the Competitive division will include: 1st place, $300 cash; 2nd place, $150 cash. There will be food and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Teams can pre-register online at https://johnson.edu/cornhole-registration-form/ or register at the door from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Additional sponsors for Fall Fest include Lamar Advertising, Sweda Advertising, Fastenal, Commonwealth Charter Academy, Highmark, L.R. Costanzo Co, Inc., NRG Controls North, Inc., Onvo, Troy Mechanical, Gibbons Ford, Mesko Glass & Mirror, Shea Industries, ShopRite, Lace Works Tap & Grill, Walmart Dickson City, Carpenter’s Local Union 445, Citizens Savings Bank, FNCB Bank, IBEW Local Union #81, and Topp Business Solutions.

More details can be found at johnson.edu/FallFest. Proceeds from Fall Fest, presented by PNC Bank, will benefit the Johnson College Annual Fund, which helps to maintain important scholarships, programs, and facilities to continue providing hands-on learning to Johnson College students.

About PNC Bank

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

About Johnson College

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s premier technical college, offering 17 associate degrees and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-teacher ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on instruction. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

Photo Caption

Left to right: Nicole Costanzo, Senior Vice President, PNC Bank; Michael Dennen, Senior Vice President, PNC Bank; and Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College review plans for Johnson College’s upcoming inaugural, on-campus community event, Fall Fest presented by PNC Bank. This event will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the College’s campus in Scranton., PA.

Johnson College Receives Grant from PPL Foundation For Stem Outreach Program

Johnson College is pleased to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support a STEM outreach program to teach 75 high school students about renewable energy and build their own solar cell phone chargers. 

The goal of the workshop is to introduce participants to solar power concepts with an object that is suitable for everyday use.  Participants will build a solar-powered cell phone charger and learn about solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, and various electronic modules that construct a cell phone charger. The workshop gives the participant an understanding of all the components required to produce a portable solar-powered cell phone charger. The program also introduces the students to occupations in Electrical Engineering and Electrical Construction.

“The PPL Foundation grant gives local high school students the opportunity to experience the real-world, hands-on learning Johnson College is known to provide its students,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, Johnson College President & CEO. “Our STEM Outreach Program provides local students an introduction to in-demand careers within essential industries throughout our region and beyond.” 

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. 

About Johnson College: Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s premier technical college, offering 17 associate degrees and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-teacher ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on instruction. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

About the PPL Foundation: Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports organizations working to create vibrant, sustainable communities; promote diversity, equity, and inclusion; and empower each citizen to fulfill her or his potential. The PPL Foundation contributes more to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations in eastern and central Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit pplcares.com.

Photo Caption: Johnson College receives a $5,000 grant from the PPL Foundation to teach high school students about the benefits of STEM-related programs. Left to right: Alana Roberts, Regional Affairs Director, PPL Electric Utilities; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; Kellyn Williams, Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs, Johnson College.

Gibbons Ford Contributes $10,000 to Johnson College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign   

Johnson College received a $10,000 contribution from Gibbons Ford in support of the College’s comprehensive, five-year capital campaign, Innovation at Work.

Gibbons Ford is a long-standing industry partner with Johnson College. They support the College and its students by making monetary and in-kind contributions, participating in the Automotive Technology program advisory committee, hosting student interns, and inviting students to participate in live program labs inside their dealership in Dickson City, PA.

“The best thing we can invest in is our future and the students at Johnson College are that future,” said Darryl Jayne, General Manager, Gibbons Ford.

“Generous contributions to our capital campaign from industry partners like Gibbons Ford, help the College continue to deliver to students the real-world, hands-on experience for which we are known,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College. “Working with industry gives our students a competitive edge in the workplace as they are exposed daily to new technologies, emerging fields of study, and the most sophisticated equipment.”

The Innovation at Work campaign consists of four components that will create an environment for continued growth and success: the construction of Ideal Saldi Hall, a new gateway building that will become the official entrance to the campus and include new lab and classroom spaces; the expansion of Woolworth Hall, which houses on-campus lab space for programs including Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning and Electrical Construction Technology; the creation of a Transportation Education Center; and support of the College’s Annual Fund and student scholarships. For more details about the “Innovation at Work” campaign, visit johnson.edu/innovationatwork.

Photo Caption: Left to right: Darryl Jayne, General Manager, Gibbons Ford, Ashley Bechaver, IT & Human Resources, Gibbons Ford, John Grow, Dealer Principal, Gibbons Ford, Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College, and Karen Baker, Sr. Director of College Advancement, Johnson College.