Posts Tagged ‘pet tips’

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Happy National Pet Dental Health Month!

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

Do you brush your teeth every day? Well, I hope you do. Do you brush your pet’s teeth even weekly? Monthly? Ever? It’s recommended you brush your pet’s teeth two to three times a week, but many owners don’t. February is Pet Dental Health Month, which is designed to bring awareness to a big problem: dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. We think dental health is something that pet people should pay attention to all year round, but this gives us a chance to educate those who may not know how important it is!

By the age of 3, 80% of pets have some form of periodontal disease. When plaque begins to build up it is soft, but over time it becomes calcified and makes it easier for more plaque to accumulate. The bacteria and tartar eat away at the teeth and gums, causing lesions, infections, and even bone loss. Plaque then begins to build under the gum line, eroding the tooth root and other support structures. This can lead to tooth loss and abscesses which go unseen, but cause acute pain to your pet. Bacteria is swallowed and enters the bloodstream through the damaged gums, making its way to the heart and other organs. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to kidney and liver disease, and heart problems.

Symptoms of severe dental problems in your pet can include excessive drooling or licking, red or bleeding gums, pawing at the mouth, trouble chewing food, loose teeth, tumors on the gums, facial swelling (especially under the eyes), and bad breath. Your veterinarian will examine your dog or cat’s mouth and look for any problems at their regular wellness exam, but if you notice any of these signs at other times, it’s best to set an appointment to have them evaluated.

When we prepare your pet for a dental cleaning, blood tests are done to evaluate all the systems that may be affected by dental disease and to assess your pet’s suitability for anesthesia. Your veterinarian will do a full physical exam. Once sedated, all teeth are scaled and polished to prevent future plaque buildup and the dental technician charts the appearance of all teeth for future reference. Pockets in the gum, where it has separated from the tooth, are measured and we examine the teeth under the gum thoroughly, where most problems are. Dental x-rays are done to check for abscesses, bone loss, and other problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye. If any teeth need to be extracted, the veterinarian removes them and assesses the site. The vet will communicate with you and let you know of any serious findings. We also take before and after pictures, to show the severity of the problem and the improvement from cleaning.

After a dental, your pet’s doctor will advise you what aftercare you will need to provide. This may include antibiotics, anti-plaque rinses, regular brushing, a prescription diet, special treats or chews, and regular brushing. While gingivitis and infection can be reversed, bone loss and pockets cannot. Make sure to maintain your pet’s healthy teeth once they have been cleaned to avoid pain and tooth loss. Regular exams and yearly dental cleanings will keep their mouth in its best possible shape.

Here is a great video from the AVMA with Dr. Sheldon Rubin demonstrating how to brush your pet’s teeth.

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It’s COLD! Or, how to keep your pets from getting cabin fever

Monday, January 9th, 2012

cabinfever

Winter has finally arrived!  Just in time for us not to have a nice long holiday to look forward to.  How do you keep your pets active and engaged when it’s so cold?

Playing fetch and taking your dog for long walks isn’t appealing when the wind chill is 9°, but the right clothing can make a huge difference.  Get him a nice warm coat (that covers his underside, too!) or even booties for those who have trouble walking on the hard, cold ground.  And the more active you and your dog are, the warmer you’ll both be.  Off-leash play time helps get their heart rates up, but be careful if there is snow or ice on the ground – it’s harder for them to find their scent and subsequently their way back.

Indoor cats are used to being cooped up, but dogs can get into trouble if they don’t have something to do.  You can play hide and seek with your dog in a couple of ways: have your dog stay and go hide with your pockets full of treats, or hide his toys with just a piece sticking out so he can find it.  This is more mental stimulation than physical exercise, but it will keep him busy and happy!  Playing tug-of-war with a sturdy toy is another good play option.  If that’s just not cutting it for your companion, some places offer indoor training classes.  (Our puppy kindergarten classes on Sunday mornings are inside!)

Having a feather toy or laser pointer is a good way to entertain your cats.  You can also get puzzle toys for both canine and feline friends.  You hide a treat in the toy and they work out how to get to it.  This engages her both mentally and physically, giving her a nice reward for solving the puzzle.  Make her earn those treats!

Above all, make sure your pet is safe.  After spending time outside, wipe any snow, salt, or antifreeze off of their clothes or fur, and make sure you haven’t tracked any in on your shoes.  The first two can irritate their coat and skin, and antifreeze can be deadly.  Animals who spend more time out in the cold will need more calories to keep themselves warm, but don’t overdo it.  Don’t leave your pet in your car in the cold weather, just as you wouldn’t in the heat.  Bang on the top of your hood before starting your car – outdoor cats curl up in the warm space for heat, but they can be severely injured if you turn on the engine with them inside.  Make sure your pets have a nice warm bed to curl up in for naps or at bedtime.  They need their rest, and being cozy is just as important to them as it is to us!

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Why pets make terrible gifts

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

Getting a new puppy or kitten as a gift is a common wish.  You see it in movies and on TV shows frequently.  Unfortunately, it can be a short-lived joy.

If you plan to give your child a pet for Christmas, you need to make sure they are prepared to care for one.  It’s not just a cuddly gift – it’s a living being that comes with lots of responsibility.  If you want to get a pet to teach your children responsibility, you may want to start small.  Hamsters and mice are less responsibility and can teach your child how to feed and clean up after an animal.  Dogs and cats, however, are much more work.

Dogs, especially puppies, require lots of time and affection.  House training, several daily walks, and veterinary care aren’t things that can be put aside until a more convenient time.  Cats aren’t quite as much work, but they still need to be taught where their litter box is, what surfaces they’re allowed to scratch, and when breakfast or dinner time is.  If you don’t provide exercise and love for them, both can act out with bad behavior.

The holidays can be hectic too.  With travel and adjusting to different schedules pets can be overwhelmed.  When your child returns to school from the holiday, they may not have time to devote to their new pet.  Try getting one in the summer, when kids need something to fill their time.  The companionship will be welcomed by both parties.

As for giving a pet to someone other than your child, make sure that they really want one.  A good way to gift a companion animal is by writing a nice card offering to pay the adoption fee at your local shelter, and going with them to pick out a good match.  Wrapping up a food bowl, pet bed or other item they would need can also be helpful.

Make sure that you have a plan and budget for a pet before you commit to one.  Many pets are turned in to shelters once people realize that they don’t have the time or resources to care for them.  And if you do decide to welcome a furry friend into your house, remember – there are many dogs and cats who are in shelters that want nothing more than a home for the holidays!

foreverdog

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The misinformation age

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

Today’s technology and the availability of information at our fingertips is both a blessing and a curse.  Answering a burning question in a matter of seconds is fantastic, but always being connected can be exasperating.  The fact that anyone can put misinformation on the web is one of the big problems of the internet age.  Unfortunately, that can include advice about veterinary care that is less than correct.

A common bit of advice is to use an over-the-counter medicine for pain in dogs and cats.  Unfortunately, aspirin, ibuprofen/advil, and acetaminophen/tylenol can cause stomach ulcers, and kidney or liver disease.  Never give any medication to your pet unless your veterinarian advises it.  Even if given in doses correct for their weight, medicine that isn’t approved for pets can make them very ill.  Their anatomy is much different than ours and doesn’t handle things like our bodies do.

Urinary problems are commonly dismissed as being due to age.  If your pet is drinking or urinating more frequently, it can be a symptom of a number of problems.  If your cat or dog is having accidents when they’ve always been great with their house-training, they may be trying to let you know there is a problem.  Diabetes, kidney issues, urinary tract infections and bladder crystals are all underlying diseases that can present with such symptoms.  The only way to tell what is really going on is to have your vet examine, test and diagnose the cause.

Weight loss or gain is another thing that shouldn’t be ignored.  It isn’t a symptom of just getting older.  My own cat who has a voracious appetite began losing weight, even though she was still eating normally.  She was also pestering us a lot, getting in our faces and mewing. I had her bloodwork checked, and she is hyperthyroid.  She is doing well on medication, but if I hadn’t had her checked we wouldn’t know what was going on.  Diabetes, dental disease, dietary problems, and thyroid issues can cause weight fluctuations and all need to be treated as early as it can be detected.

Most of all, you know your pet.  If they are acting differently or having symptoms that are out of the ordinary, speak with your vet.  It’s best to catch any problems as soon as possible so that you can begin treatment.  Many times they will try to let us know when something is going on, whether it’s by urinating in the wrong spot or by being extra needy.  Listen to them.

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It’s fall! (Finally)

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

dog sweater 1

Now that temps have dropped and some leaves are starting to change we can relax and know that summer has bid us adieu.  Having a respite from the heat is nice, but we should keep in mind our furry friends.  Though they have coats on all the time, they still need consideration in colder weather.

Pets who like to nap on cool surfaces in the summer may not enjoy it so much now.  Make sure there is bedding available for your buddy to snuggle on when he’s tired.  Make sure that if he gets wet, he is dried quickly.  He will still need plenty of water to drink.  Just because it’s not hot, it doesn’t mean he’s not thirsty!

Antifreeze is a big danger this time of year.  Dogs and cats both think it’s a tasty treat, but it is extremely toxic.  Keep an eye on your pet when outdoors, and make sure she doesn’t drink anything from the ground that looks suspicious.  Antifreeze is a bright green color and pools where cars have parked and leaked it from their engines.  Symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning include nausea or vomiting, increased thirst, tremors or twitching, and wobbly or uncoordinated movement.  Portable heaters are also a hazard – never leave a pet unsupervised in a room with a space heater, and keep an eye on them around fireplaces too.

When the holidays come around, there is a whole new list of things to worry about!  Alcohol and chocolate are abundant, but make sure they’re all accounted for so that your best four-legged friend doesn’t regret overindulging.  Many plants are poisonous.  Poinsettias are rumored to be toxic, but aren’t as bad as they’ve been made out.  They won’t kill your plant-chewing cat, but they can cause an upset stomach.  The best rule is to keep all vegetation out of reach, so that even if they’re not poisonous you’re not cleaning up half-digested plant bits from all corners of the house.  Even when not fatal many greens cause vomiting and diarrhea, and that’s never fun for any of us.  For cats who like grass, there is cat grass and catnip which are both fine for them to nibble in moderation.  These can both be found in pet stores.

Decorations can be hazardous too.  Electric cords, candles, and glass trinkets or ornaments all bring out the mischievous side of our pets.  Tinsel can be especially bad for cats who like strings.  If eaten, it can become tangled in the stomach or intestine and require surgery to be safely removed.  Tree-climbing cats should be kept away from Christmas trees, or there could be a very large mess to clean up!

Fall and winter are great seasons.  Just keep a few things in mind, and your and your pets can enjoy them with fewer troubles.

catintree

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Less-Adoptable Pets

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

We’re right in the middle of Adopt A Less-Adoptable Pet week.  Petfinder has dedicated this week to animals who are often overlooked by potential adopters.  These include pets with chronic illnesses or handicaps, those with darker fur, and more mature animals.

Through no fault of their own, these little loves seem less desirable.  When someone is surfing the adoptees on web sites or walking past them at the shelter, the cute kittens or affectionate puppies overshadow the others.  With so many looking for homes, it’s easy to see the cuter ones and forget the ones who need us more.

Blind pets, FIV-positive cats, kittens with cerebellar hyperplasia, animals with mobility problems, older pets, and those with other disorders may take a bit more work than those without.  Often owners say that caring for these pets is more fulfilling.  Knowing that they are really and truly needed can give people a sense of purpose.  And the love that a cat or dog who is dependent on you not just for food and shelter but for smaller day-to-day tasks can feel deeper.

This week, and throughout the year, if you’re looking to adopt a pet, think about bringing home someone who will appreciate you more than you can imagine.  Adopt a cat with special needs, or a dog with black fur.  If you can give them what they need, they will certainly give you all the love they have.

Courtesy of petfinder.com

Courtesy of petfinder.com

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Comfort

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

Animals can tune in to emotions.  Often they can sense when other animals are frightened, aggressive, or otherwise upset.  In the wild, this can mean that they need to be on the alert for danger.

Companion animals may have a different way of sensing vibes in the air.  Since they aren’t in the wild, existing as a pack with other animals who are constantly on the lookout for threats, they pick up on our moods and body language.  Sometimes it seems that they know how we feel without us (knowingly) showing any outward signs.

When I was a kid, my mom’s cat didn’t like me.  That was fine, because I liked the dogs better anyway.  If I sat next to her on the couch, she’d get up, turn her back to me, and lay back down.  She also had her kittens under my bed – yuck.  But on nights when I had trouble sleeping, she would curl up behind my knees and purr.  It always made me go right to sleep.  One of our cats now always knows when I’m sad.  Even if I’ve gone to another room, she’ll come find me and demand that I pet her.  She’s very persistent about it.  My mom’s dog always curled up in my lap during thunderstorms, though I think it was more to comfort herself than me.

Some therapy dogs are trained to tune in to small signs of stress, fear, or agitation.  They can help soldiers with PTSD when they have a panic attack coming on.  Courthouse dogs comfort witnesses testifying who may be under extreme pressure.  Rosie is such a dog:  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/09/nyregion/dog-helps-rape-victim-15-testify.html?pagewanted=all.

Animals are being recognized more and more for their help in comforting humans when nothing else can.  Is it because they think we’re members of their pack that they comfort us?  Or is it out of pure love?  What have your pets done to make you feel happy when you’re down?

comfort

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First aid tips for your pets

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

When you’re faced with a veterinary emergency, time can work against you.  The most important thing is to get your pet to an animal clinic.  In some cases there are things you can do to prepare for or while transporting an injured dog or cat.

Your first priority should be the safety of yourself and your pet.  When injured, even the most loving animal may bite out of fear or pain.  Keep this in mind when trying to pick them up; a towel can be very useful to put over them for warmth and to keep your arms covered.  Wrap bandaging can also be tied gently but firmly around a dog’s mouth as a soft muzzle.  Please don’t run into traffic to help an injured animal.  If you get hit by a car too, you won’t be any help to anyone.  A few years ago, a veterinarian in Tennessee was killed trying to rescue an injured animal in traffic.

You should have your veterinarian’s number handy – Briarcliff has a technician available 24 hours a day, so that you can speak to someone even when we’re closed.  They may be able to advise you on the need for emergency care after hours.  The number for the closest 24-hour emergency clinic is also good to have on hand.

A first aid kit specifically for pets is invaluable.  Here are several essential things to include:

  • Bandaging supplies – nonstick pads, soft padding to cushion a wound, and wrap type bandage (self-sticking, such as Vetwrap, is best)
  • Scissors
  • A digital thermometer to be used rectally
  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can be used in dogs for things like bee stings – dosage is 1 mg per pound of body weight every 8 hours as needed (meaning a 25-lb. dog would get 1 25-mg. tablet, a 50-lb. dog would get 2 25 mg. tablets, etc.).
  • Water – this can be essential for cooling down a pet who has overheated.  (Don’t use ice water as it will constrict blood vessels and slow their ability to cool.)
  • The phone number for poison control.  Georgia has a free service you can call, at 404 616 9000, or 1 800 222 1222.  The ASPCA has one that is focused on animals, but there is a charge of $65: 1 888 426 4435.  There is also the Pet Poison Hotline, at 1 800 213 6680, and the cost for that is $35.  If your pet has gotten into something that was purchased, keep the packaging with you.  The hotlines and the veterinarian will have an easier time treating them if they know exactly what chemicals they’re dealing with.

Staying calm can be very hard in such a situation, but it is very important.  Our cat once sneaked into the dryer, and it was on for about a minute before we realized.  The first thing I thought to do was take his temperature – 105.  Then I panicked and was no help whatsoever.  Even though I’d seen pets with higher temps, I hadn’t seen one of mine that high.  We took him to the emergency clinic and once they cooled him down with fluids he was fine, other than a bruised tail.  He doesn’t get in the dryer anymore.  But I was upset that I got so flustered and couldn’t help.

Another useful resource is the Atlanta Animal Ambulance.  They can transport your pet to the veterinarian quickly and safely, and spare you from having to drive while emotional and upset.  Their phone number is 678 439 K911, and the website is http://frogstodogs.com/index.php?id=35.

Common sense things, such as applying pressure to a bleeding wound and not running into a busy street to help an injured pet, should also be considered.  Call the authorities if there is a situation you can’t handle, and if you are in any doubt about whether you need medical assistance, call your veterinarian’s office.  We are always happy to help!

Photo credit: christopher.woo
Photo credit: christopher.woo

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Vacationing with your pet

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

Summer’s (almost) here!  It’s already hot as can be, and the kids are out of school.  Time to go on vacation.

If you travel with your pet, it can add an extra dimension to planning a trip.  Making sure you have the right supplies for yourself and a dog or cat can be quite a task.  You also have to make sure they’ll travel in comfort, no matter the type of trip you’ll be taking.

Taking a pet on a plane trip requires more planning ahead than driving, naturally.  Airlines require a health certificate from a veterinarian, which states that your dog or cat is healthy enough to fly.  The timing for these is crucial: they usually have to be done within ten days of the flight.  That means that if you’re staying longer than ten days, you may have to acquire a health certificate at your destination before the return trip.

There are services that fly your pet for you, and you meet them at the destination: http://www.ipata.com and http://petairways.com/ are two examples.   Their flights are a bit limited now, but the search option helps you find out if they have the service you need.  Your furry family member is given more personalized attention than on a traditional flight, and I think this is a service that will become more and more popular.

Driving can pose some logistical concerns.  You have to make sure there will be places you can get out, let your dog do his business, and stretch his (and your) legs.  Cats may be uncomfortable using the litter box in a moving car, not to mention the danger of having litter flung in your eye if you have to stop suddenly.  Making a stop to let felines have a rest and potty break is crucial for long drives.

Some people like to have their pets in their lap when driving, but it’s a pretty dangerous practice.  Not only is it distracting, they can get in the way if you need to react quickly.  If you’re in a wreck and your pet isn’t secured, they could be ejected, or the airbags could severely injure them.  It’s best to keep cats in carriers and dogs harnessed to the seat belt.  There are a lot of products out there, and here are a few listings on Amazon.  Some pets are nervous when restrained in a car, but I’d take anxiety over traumatic injury any day.  Letting your dog stick his head out of the window can cause injury too, from debris getting into his eyes to the split-second decision to jump out to chase that squirrel.

Camping with dogs is lots of fun, but make sure you bring all the equipment you may need and a first aid kid especially for pets, just in case.  If you’re going to stay in a hotel, here is a good resource for finding one that is pet-friendly.

Do you take your pet on vacation?  What are your favorite place to go, and how do you prepare?

dog on beach

Photo credit: Denzil~

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Why is my dog or cat scooting?

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

You may have never heard of anal glands, but if you have a pet, you should be aware of them.  They are a pair of pockets on either side of a dog’s or cat’s anus.  Not usually visible, they are essential to your pet’s digestive health.

Anal glands have several functions.  One is to lubricate their behind, making it easier to pass stool.  They are also used to release a scent.  Some animals use it to mark their territory.  Skunks, of course, are known for the scent theirs produce.  Possums use it to convince potential predators that they are dead and rotting when they “play possum”.  The odor produced by anal glands is particularly unpleasant to humans.

The fluid inside the glands can be released when your pet is scared or stressed.  This can lead to unfortunate consequences in the veterinary industry when dealing with a frightened animal.  When I tried to explain what they smell like to my husband, I told him that it was like eau de poop – the smell of excrement, but concentrated into a very potent liquid, and easy to differentiate from stool.

If you’re fortunate, you’ll never notice your pet’s anal glands.  They can develop problems, however.  Infections and abscesses can develop if they aren’t emptying properly.  Sometimes animals need help expressing them, but may need medications if a serious problem occurs.  If you notice your pet scooting, licking their hind area excessively, or if you see any swelling or redness on either side of the anus, take them to your veterinarian.  It is better to treat them early, before an abscess develops or the infection ruptures.

Have you had any problems with your pet’s anal glands?  Are you glad you know about them, or so so sad that you had to experience such things?

scooting dog

scooting dog

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