Halloween and Pets

It’s not uncommon to get our pets involved with Halloween. But, it is important to note that not all activities are safe for pets.

Treats to Avoid:
• Chocolate
• Gum
• Chewy candy
• Hard candy balls
• Treats with foil or plastic wrapper

Keep to treats such as carrot sticks, pet cookies, or apple slices.

Decoration Dangers:
• Lighted jack-o-lanterns
• Spooky fog
• Stringed festive lights
• Electrical cords

Dressing up your pet:
• Avoid clothing that is too tight (this can choke your pet or stop circulation)
• Do not dress your pet up if they are nervous or seem agitated
• Never leave your pet with a costume unattended

Tear Stains

Dog breeds such as the shih tzu, poodle, maltese, french bull dog, and cavalier, can commonly get a red discoloration under their eyes. This is tear staining and although the staining may be unsightly, the staining is not a medical concern. What may be a concern is whether your pet has an eye condition that has resulted in excessive tears. Examples of eye diseases include conjunctivitis, glaucoma, blocked tear ducts, and dry eye.

If your pet has suddenly developed excessive tears, always have their eyes checked by the veterinarian.

If your pet has excessive tears due to the breed, gentle cleaning daily with warm water can help reduce the staining.

Can houseflies spread Ringworm?

A recent study examined the role of the housefly in spreading ringworm. And, although the fly does not actively spread ringworm in its excretions, it could carry it on its surface and transmit it to other animals and people as a mechanical vehicle.

For this reason, it is especially important to control the housefly particularly when the household is occupied by people or pets with a lowered immune system and to practice good hygiene.

Ringworm is a fungus that causes skin disease. A open skin wound is necessary for an infection to occur. Washing our hand frequently after playing with your pet and covering up skin wounds will help prevent disease.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (F.I.P.)

FIP is caused by the virus, coronavirus. It causes no or mild disease, usually diarrhea. The virus is widespread and occurs worldwide and is transmitted through contaminated feces. Once infected, the cat will shed the virus before dying.

Diagnosis relies on a good history of the pet as cats often succumb to the virus several weeks after a stressful episode such as surgery, adoption, or trauma, and are usually from multi-cat environments. Cats often present with weight loss, fever, and a poor appetite. Younger cats under 1 year of age, older cats or purebred cats are at a higher risk.

For more information about the prevalence in your area and the best way to prevent the virus, contact your local veterinarian.

Walking Dandruff

This condition of walking dandruff is due to a mite called Cheyletiella yasguri. It can cause itchiness and dandruff. These mites live on the surface of a dog’s, cat’s, or rabbit’s skin. And as they travel around the pet, dandruff attaches to their back giving the illusion that the dandruff is walking.

Not only can these mites cause problems to our pets. They can also bite humans, causing lesions on our skin. These mites can be found in dog bedding, dust particles around the house and can occasionally be picked up by our pets from places like dog day care. Because of this, it is important that the environment is cleaned regularly through vacuuming. And that early signs of itching or dandruff are examined by the vet.

Pets as blood donors

Just like humans, pets can qualify to become pet blood donors. Emergency and critical-care hospitals can transfuse up to 20-30 pets per week. So, its no wonder there is a need for dog and cat donors.

Not all pets qualify. It takes a very calm pet to lie still with a needle inserted into their jugular vein in the neck.

Requirements:
Dogs:
• 50 pounds or more
• 1-8 years of age
• Current vaccinations

Cats:
• 10 pounds or more
• 1-8 years of age
• Current vaccinations
• FeLV/FIV negative

Ask your local vet hospital or critical care center to see if your pet qualifies.

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure can result from many different heart conditions such as valve disease. It results in the heart not being able to effectively pump the blood to the rest of the body. Early signs in dogs may start with a subtle cough or exercise intolerance.

Certain breeds are at higher risk including the:
• Cavalier,
• poodle,
• Chihuahua,
• Great Dane,
• Boxer.

Treatment often includes medications to help relieve the chest of fluid build up and to help the heart pump effectively.

Caring for a Senior Cat

The American Association of Feline Practitioners recently published their senior care guidelines. Cats were classified into the following categories:

• middle-aged 7-10 years
• senior 11-14 years
• geriatric 15+ years

With the improvement of cat care, the percentage of older cats has increased with many cats living into their 20s. It’s with regular visits to the vet – twice a year – that we can ensure that cats live a healthy long life.

Cats are very good at disguising pain or illness until it is severe. Early health changes occur at the middle-age range and full vet examinations with blood tests can often pick up these early problems.

One thing that you can do at home is to monitor your cat for early behavioral problems. Studies have found that behavior problems increase with age – nearly 30% of cats between 11-14 years develop at least one behavioral problem and increases to 50% for cats 15+ years.

Examples of behaviors that may change:
• Interaction with people or other pets
• Grooming
• Sleep habits
• Exercise
• Vocalization
• Toileting

Aggression

Dog aggression is a problem that can appear in many different forms and should be taken seriously: guarding toys or food, play biting, barking at owner.

If your dog is showing any of these examples:
• Seek veterinary attention immediately
• Consult an animal behaviourist or specialist trainer
• Do not put your dog into a situation where they can be harmful to people or other animals until the issues are resolved

Food Allergies

Food allergies are a common problem in our pets.

Common food allergies
Dogs: Beef, Cow’s milk, chicken, eggs, wheat, soy, corn
Cats: Fish, chicken, beef

Problems food allergies causes include gastro and itchy skin.

Elimination diets whereby you remove these common problems for at least 8-12 weeks can help determine if food allergies are really a problem. Otherwise, veterinary prescription diets can also be used for this time.

Improved responses can be seen 1-9 weeks of the changed diet if you are dealing with a food allergy.

What to feed your rabbit

Rabbits require a diet high in fibre and roughage.

One of the most common problems encountered in rabbit medicine is dental disease. Rabbits have teeth that are continually growing so they need to be worn down when eating.

Feed a good quality fresh hay or fresh grass. Avoid feeding lucern hay as it is too high in calcium.

You can also offer your rabbit fresh leafy greens and vegetables such as brocoli, cabbage, spinach leaves, brussel sprouts

Do not feed a sole diet of rabbit pellets or mixes.

Blindness in Dogs

Common causes:
Cataracts
Dry eye
Ulcers
Tumors
Infection
Glaucoma
Retinal problems (atrophy and detachment)
Lens luxation

Glaucoma
This eye disorder is characterized by an increase in eye pressure and can result in blindness. Glaucoma is thought to affect approximately 2% of dogs.

Signs of glaucoma
Enlarged eye
Slightly dilated pupil
Inflammation of conjunctiva

Breeds predisposed to glaucoma
Bouviers des Flandres
Dandie Dinmont Terriers
Welsh Terriers
Basset Hounds

Cataracts
Cataracts are an opacity of the lens.

Breeds commonly affected by inherited cataracts (onset of cataracts ~1 year of age)
Afghan
American Cocker Spaniel
Bichon Frise
German Shepherd
Golden and Labrador Retrievers
Siberian Husky

Preventing Dog Bites

Nearly 1 million Americans require medical attention annually following dog bite inuries.

Most of these injuries occur in children aged between 5-9 years and a significantly higher incidence in boys than girls.






It is important to teach children basic safety and dog behaviour so they can avoid being bitten.
• Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Do not run from a dog and scream.
• Remain still if approached by an unfamiliar dog.
• If knocked over by a dog, be still and quiet.
• Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
• Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
• Avoid staring into the eyes of a dog.
• Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or nursing puppies.
• Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
• If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.

Further statistics at CDC

Weight Loss Plan

Obesity is a major health issue in the world. And unfortunately for our pets, they follow in our footsteps of overindulgence and poor activity. According to the Journal of American Medical Association, it is estimated that:
• 7.2 million dogs are obese
• 26 million dogs are overweight
• 15.7 million cats are obese
• 35 million cats are overweight
• Over half of these pets are older than 7 years of age.

Signs that suggest your pet may be overweight:
• the collar is getting too tight
• you cannot feel your pet's ribs
• your pet has no waist
• your pet has a broad flat back

Obesity can cause many other unwanted problems such as
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Liver disease
• Heart problems

Overweight pets can be expensive pets: a diabetic emergency can cost up to $1500 for one visit, and a cruciate ligament repair can cost up to $5000 for surgery.

Tips to Weight Loss
• Feed your pet only at meal times i.e. once or twice daily
• Do not use treats for training unless they are healthy e.g. carrots;
• Reward with hugs and positive attention
• Do not vary the diet too much as this encourages fussiness
• Do not allow for ‘begging’ behaviour
• Allocate feeding to one household member to avoid your pet being fed twice
• Measure or weigh your pet’s food
• Consider veterinary recommended weight loss diets
• Keep the food in a secure, out-of-reach area
• Do not feed table scraps
• Increase your pet’s exercise

Your veterinarian can help you calculate the amount of calories your pets need a day and also advise you on the types of exercise that is right for your pet.

Why the average pet owner should not breed their pets

Being a professional dog or cat breeder requires a lot of experience and knowledge. If you are seriously considering becoming a breeder professional, contact the local breed association for advice.

Things to think about:
• Too many pets end up in shelters
• Development of genetic disorders
• It requires a lot of time and effort in selecting the right mates – it’s a profession
• It requires knowledge of the breed as well as genetics
• You need to put in place the appropriate disease preventive measures
• You need knowledge of the mating and whelping process
• You need to understand diet requirements

Fractured Teeth

A fractured tooth is one that has a crack or break in the crown or root of the tooth.

The treatment options include:
- extraction,
- dentinal bonding
- root canal.

Broken teeth can be uncomfortable as they can be associated with exposed pulp where the nerves and blood vessels are found.

Your local veterinarian will be able to assess the damage and determine what the best treatment is. In severe cases, your pet will be referred to a dental specialist.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a behavioral condition that occurs when dogs are separated from their owner. Dogs can demonstrate destructive behavior such as chewing furniture, barking, escaping from the home, digging through doors, urinating or defecating in the home when left alone.

It is estimated that 17% or 10.7 million dogs in the US suffer from Separation Anxiety.

How to prevent separation anxiety:
• From a young age teach your pet to be comfortable with alone time
• Leave your pet something to play with such as toys or other play mates
• Leave the music or radio on at home
• Avoid over-enthusiastic hellos and goodbyes
• Reward your pet when they are behaving calm

If your pet is showing signs of separation anxiety, contact your local veterinarian for specific tips for your pet. In worst case scenarios, medication may be prescribed to accompany behaviour modification techniques.

The Annual Dental Cleaning

Everytime your pet has a dental exam and cleaning, a dental record is completed.

Your veterinarian will determine:
- are there any teeth missing,
- are there any extra teeth,
- is there tartar present,
- are the gums inflamed (gingivitis),
- are there any broken teeth or mobile teeth,
- are their any deep pockets surounding the tooth.

There are various techniques and products that can help reduce tartar build up. Talk to your local veterinarian about what is suitable for your pet.

The Perfect Grooming Tools

Good health, diet and grooming are all important in getting the perfect coat on your pet. However, grooming tools can make all the difference.

Soft-bristle brush
All purpose brush on any pet
Broad head and supple bristles

Metal Comb
Largest, stiff, sturdy tines are best for removing mats

Grooming Glove
Good alternative for pets that don’t like to be brushed

De-matting tool
Tapered metal tines at an angle to work out mats in long-haired breeds

Tangle Splitter
For use on the toughest mats

Slicker Brush
Short, metal bristles for removing loose hair and dirt

Flea Comb
Narrow tines to help extract fleas
Make sure you have a tub of soapy water to put the fleas into immediately.

Can Dogs Improve Mental Health?

A recent study researched women and their relationship with their dog. It was found that companion dogs do contribute to improvement in emotional, mental and physical health.

Mental health was described as an ability to live a full and productive life. This study showed that a deep emotional relationship existed between owners and dogs and this increased mental stability.

Women described their dog as making them “feel safe”, “loved”, and “worthwhile”.

How to Reduce Visits to the Groomer

For pet owners who have long-haired dogs, visits every 4-6 weeks to the groomer can get very expensive.

Here are some tips to lengthen the time between visits:
1. Brush your pet weekly
2. Shampoo, condition, and blow-dry monthly
3. Trim nails and paw-pad hair
4. Keep ears clean, dry, and free of hair
5. Trim the rear end to help keep it clean

Getting Rid of that Urine Odor

Urine smells especially from intact males can permanently seep into all types of surfaces: wood, rubber, and metal. Domestic Engineering has a great idea on cleaning up these surfaces:

1. Use a black light to see exactly where the urine is
2. Mix equal parts of club soda and white vinegar in a bucket
3. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle
4. Spray onto the urine stained area on the surface
5. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes
6. Rinse thoroughly with clear water
7. Dry the surface with an absorbent cloth

*Vinegar may harm some surfaces so you may want to test a spot first.

Dying your Dog’s Hair

Occasionally we may come across a poodle with pink or purple hair. It’s important to know that these pets have been professionally groomed with non-toxic hair dye. Human hair dye must NOT be used on our pets as most are toxic and extremely harmful to our pets coat.

If you are thinking of changing your pet’s coat color as a fashion statement, you must seek a professional groomer who has experience with pet coat dye.

Bored Cat Syndrome

If your cat spends all day, every day indoors, it could be at risk of Bored Cat Syndrome. As cat people, we need to make sure that our home is enriched with fund things for our cats to do all day. Keeping our cat active and stimulated will also prevent boredom and obesity.

Here are some fun things to add to your home to entertain a cat all day:
• Tall cat trees with shelves
• Carpeted shelving
• Runways around the rooms
• Window perches
• Hanging toys for your cat to try and catch
• Treat balls
• Hide a couple of healthy treats around he house (always find them when you get back to avoid rotten treats around the house)

Common Poisonous Garden Fruits & Seeds

Gardens can contain toxins that cause disease in our pets. Some commons ones are listed here. It’s important to check our yards for offending plants and prevent our pets from getting access on walks.

Gastro
• Acorn
• Asparagus
• Chili Peppers
• Holly
• Honey Suckle
• Candle nut

Respiratory Failure
• Deadly Nightshade
• Heavenly Bamboo

Heart Failure
• Yew

Liver Disease
• Cycad

Mammary or Breast Cancer

Breast cancer represent approximately 25-50% of all tumors in dogs and are the 2nd most frequent class of cancer after skin tumors. In cats, breast tumors are the 3rd most common cancer.

Dogs:
The average age for dogs is 10 years with females being the most affected over males. Unfortunately for males, if they do have these tumors they are usually highly malignant (spread to other body tissues). Tumor size plays a significant role in determining the prognosis of your pet. Therefore, the earlier the tumor is removed and the smaller it is, the better chance your pet has of surviving.

Cats:
Unfortunately, cats that present with mammary masses have a 80-90% chance of being highly malignant. The average age is 10-12 years. Therefore it is important to take your pet to the vet as soon as you feel a lump.

Treatment:
Surgery
Neutering
+/- radiation therapy
+/- chemotherapy
+/- hormone therapy

The Exercise Program for the Fat Cat

Obesity is an excess in body fat and is one of the most common disease in cats. Excess fat can also lead to a number of other diseases that can reduce the quality and quantity of life. Alterations in lifestyle are needed to reduce body fat and include: increasing physical activity, and changing the diet.

Increasing activity should be a gradual process:
• Increase play time
• Provide toys that encourage the cat to play itself
• Increase your cats movement through the use of food

Good cat toys are those that encourage rapid movement, give out sound, are small to represent prey and have the ability to supply small treats as a reward. Examples of toys include the fishing rod toy, climbing toys, dangling toys and hollow toys that small amounts of kibble can be placed into.

Acupuncture for pets

Acupuncture was first practiced nearly 3000 years ago. IT is the act of using needles to stimulate acupuncture points to:
Relieve pain
Improve animal body function

Acupuncture points are areas of high numbers of nerve endings, nerve bundles, and vessels.

Some studies have shown improved treatment outcomes when combined with veterinary acupuncture:
• Pain (hip dysplasia, spondylosis, joint disease)
• Healing of chronic wounds
• Cancer patients
• Immune mediated disease
• Skin disease
• Seizures

If you are interested in seeking acupuncture as a means to improving your pet’s quality of life, be sure to find a qualified veterinarian through the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture

Pet heart murmurs – should I be worried?

Heart murmurs are a common finding in routine veterinary examinations. But, the stethoscope alone cannot determine the underlying cause. Once diagnosed, it is not uncommon to have a million questions running through your mind. This article will shed some light on the more common questions such as:
1. why does my pet have a heart murmur?
2. how will the murmur affect my pet’s life?
3. what tests are necessary and why?
4. does my pet need medication?
5. does my pet need a lifestyle change?

Pets younger than 3 years of age can be affected by birth heart defects. Many congenital heart disorders follow specific breeds. Some younger pets will live comfortably with few problems for their whole life. New murmurs found in older pets are usually caused by heart valve problems or heart muscle problems. Other causes may be due to infections, anemia or hypertension.

Some murmurs maybe accompanied by moderate to severe clinical signs such as lethargy, poor growth or respiratory problems. In these cases, a full heart examination with or without medication, and a change in exercise and diet is often recommended.

Once a murmur is diagnosed, it is highly recommended that these pets undergo a complete cardiac assessment – radiographs, ECG, ultrasound. This will help determine the treatment plan.

X-rays vs Ultrasound

X-rays, otherwise known as radiographs are often taken at veterinary hospitals to help diagnose problems. Historically, this was the first choice of diagnostics among all other imaging techniques. They help find chest problems, bone injuries, tumors or bladder stone detection.

The downside of radiography is safety concerns when dealing with radiation, inability to take a good picture and the difficulty in finding the problem.

Today, many practices own an ultrasound. Ultrasounds are safe, portable, and can give the vet an idea about body function, motion and flow. They are often the first choice when diagnosing heart problems, organ disease, or pregnancy. The difficulty is that to use an ultrasound takes a lot of practice and can lead to a misdiagnosis when handled by an inexperienced technician.

At times, it may not be clear as to what is going on. In this case, both imaging techniques may be required.

Soft Rawhide Reduces Calculus

A recent study looked at the use of soft rawhide given daily to dogs to help reduce dental calculus. Calculus is the hard tartar found on teeth and is made up of bacteria, saliva minerals, and food. Brushing teeth is considered the gold standard in veterinary medicine to help reduce plaque and tartar build up. It’s important to do this daily as within minutes new bacteria start to build up on the teeth. Within 3 days, plaque can solidify into tartar making it very difficult to remove.

Unfortunately, some dogs will not allow their teeth to be brushed and some pet owners cannot brush their pets daily (although highly recommended!). So, based on this one study, it appears that feeding a soft rawhide can actually help reduce dental calculus by nearly 30% within a month and may actually be beneficial between teeth brushing.

Source: J Vet Dent 26(2); 82-85, 2009

Epilepsy in Dogs

Watching your pet seizure can be extremely distressing, particularly for the first time. It’s always important when your pet is seizuring to remove anything around them that can cause harm. Do not try to caress your pet during a seizure as you can be accidentally bitten.

Once your pet’s seizure has subsided, seek veterinary attention when it occurs for the first time. It is important to have a full workup to ensure that there is nothing serious such as poisons causing the problem.

Seizures are one of the most common problems seen at a veterinary hospital. Epilepsy describes the condition of frequent seizures where an underlying cause is not found. 25-40% of dogs with seizures are diagnosed with epilepsy. These dogs are generally between 1-5 years of age with 70-80% of all dogs managed successfully on long term medication.

Treatment is assessed on seizure frequency and blood drug levels.

ASK THE VET: At-Home Cleaning of Itchy, Smelly Ears

Itchiness, smelliness, and redness can definitely be signs of an inflamed and/or infected ear.

The most common Causes of ear problems include:
1. Yeast infections
2. Food Allergies – often both ears and accompanied by itchy feet and belly
3. Fox tails/Grass Seeds – often accompanied by head shaking or pawing into the ear
4. Parasites - mites (demodex), fleas, ticks
5. Hypothyroidism – often both ears

The following can be done to determine the cause:
• Ear swabs can help determine if there is an infection
• Allergy testing can be done to rule out allergies
• Fox tails can be ruled out with examination of the ear canal usually under anaesthetic
• Parasites can be controlled with regular preventive medicines
• Blood tests can rule out hypothyroidism

When dealing with ear problems, especially infections, it is extremely important to have the ear checked by a veterinarian before using any cleaning solutions. Ear infections can cause an ear drum to rupture and using cleaning solutions whilst an ear drum is ruptured can cause serious harm to your pet.

Cleaning tips:
• Use mild ear cleansers such as Saline or Saline plus povidone iodine (diluted) when the health of the ear drum is unknown
• Moisten a ear pad or gauze swab and place a few drops of saline into the ears and massage the base of the ear (where the ear joins the head)
• Massage in an upward motion as if to expel the fluid from the ear canal
• Ensure that all liquid is gently removed from the ear once flushed.
• Avoid using Q-tips as this can push the infectious material deeper into the ear canal and also rupture the ear drum

Always, ask your local veterinarians if you are unsure.

Top 10 Ways Pets Break Bones

Veterinary Pet Insurance recently reviewed their database to find the Top 10 ways pets break bones.

1. Hit By Car
2. Jumping
3. Falling
4. Fight With Other Pet or Animal
5. Running and Slipped
6. Hit or Struck With Object
7. Caught in or Between Object
8. Running into Object
9. Stepped On
10. Injured in Car Accident

In 2008, VPI had over 5000 claims for fractures – 40% from car accidents!

This is an important reminder to:
• Keep our pets secure within the home as to not run onto the road or behind our car
• Always know where your pet is
• Keep the windows and doors closed at all times
• Keep pets off tables, tall beds, and high chairs where they can fall from

Why Does Dog Urine Stain the Lawn?

As with humans, animals have high levels of nitrogen in their urine. This high nitrogen can burn and kill grass.

The safest way to minimise urine stain is to:
Provide a gravel area and train your dog to toilet there; or
Pouring water over the urine immediately after your dog has gone. This will dilute the nitrogen effects.

Holistic additives that are fed to pets to reduce the urine staining can be detrimental to some pets, causing crystals or stones to build up in the bladder.

Average Medical Costs per Dog Breed

Veterinary Pet Insurance recently reviewed their database to find the Top 10 insured dog breeds.

Breed Number Insured Average Medical Costs Per Year
1. Labrador retriever $287
2. Golden retriever $279
3. Yorkshire terrier $245
4. Shih Tzu $207
5. Boxer $295
6. German shepherd $296
7. Chihuahua $215
8. Maltese $241
9. Pug $249
10. Cocker spaniel $252

Do Cats Always Land Naturally On Their Feet?

Cats, on most occasions do appear to land on their feet when pouncing from tall heights. The reasons for this are:

1. Terminal Velocity
They reach terminal velocity (constant speed of falling) at a much faster rate than humans when skydiving. It is estimated that they reach terminal velocity at 5-storeys.

2. Strong “righting” reflexes
They can easily twist their bodies until they are the correct side up.

3. Flexibility
They have the ability to extend their legs to increase their surface area to minimise the fall.

But in saying all this, it is important that we prevent our cats from being in a position of falling from great heights as not all cats can land on their feet.

Tips:
• Always close your windows when your cat is around
• Always know where your cat is
• Prevent your cat from being on a balcony
• Always close your doors

Most Common Medical Conditions

Veterinary Pet Insurance recently released their top 10 medical conditions sorting through nearly 340,000 claims.

Top Pet Medical Conditions of 2008

Top Canine Claims
1. Ear Infections
2. Skin Allergies
3. Pyoderma/Hot Spots
4. Gastritis/Vomiting
5. Enteritis/Diarrhea
6. Urinary Tract Infections
7. Benign Skin Tumors
8. Osteoarthritis
9. Eye Inflammation
10. Hypothyroidism

Top Feline Claims
1. Lower Urinary Tract Disease
2. Gastritis/Stomach Upsets
3. Chronic Renal Failure
4. Enteritis/Diarrhea
5. Diabetes Mellitus
6. Skin Allergies
7. Hyperthyroidism
8. Ear Infections
9. Upper Respiratory Virus
10. Eye Inflammation

Why Do Dogs Kick Out Their Back Legs after Toileting?

Does your pet kick their back legs out, as if to kick grass over their toilets?

Although thought by many to be a way of covering up their doings, it is actually a way of further marking their territory after they urinate or defecate. Dogs have scent glands in their paw pads and the act of kicking out their back legs helps to mark their territory.

This action is predominantly a trait of entire males, but neutered males and occasionally females will be seen doing this too.

Can Diet Increase the Life of Our Cats?

Nestle-Purina recently undertook a study to determine whether diet could in fact increase the life of a cat. They looked 3 different diets:
1. complete and balanced senior diet
2. complete and balanced senior diet + antioxidants
3. complete and balanced senior diet + antioxidants + oils + prebiotic

Results showed that diet 3:
• improved the quality of life,
• showed fewer decreases in lean muscle,
• improve clinical blood measurements,
• increased the life span, decreased disease incidences,
• improved body weight.




Cupp CJ, Philippe C, Wendell WK, et al. Effect of nutritional interventions on longevity of senior cats. Intl J Appl Res Vet Med 2006;4:34-50.
Cupp CJ, Kerr WW, Jean-Philippe C, et al. The role of nutritional interventions in the longevity and maintenance of long-term health in aging cats. Intl J Appl Res Vet Med 2008;6:69-81.

Kitten-Proofing your Home

Kittens can get up to a lot of mischief and explore all ends of the house. It’s important to make sure that the house is free from the following common dangers:
1. Keep cupboards closed
2. Close any potential crawlspaces
3. Close fireplaces
4. Cover air vents
5. Close toilet lids
6. Remove any choking hazards such as rubber bands, buttons, paperclips
7. Remove string, wool, ribbon, shoe laces
8. Remove electrical cords or cover with plastic tubing
9. Lock away poisons
10. Prevent access to the garage
11. Remove potential toxic plants
12. Lock away medicines

Chihuahuas – Most likely to Bite the Vet!

A recent study run by the Coalition for Living Safely with Dogs and the CVMA showed that:
• Chihuahuas are the most likely to bite
• Siberian Huskies and Australian Shepherds were the next most likely to bite
• Lhasa Apsos inflicted the worst injuries
• 40% of all dog bites were from mixed breeds

Grooming and veterinary care only made up about 2% of all incidents.

This study is a good reminder to all pet owners to ensure that their pets are well socialized as puppies, well trained and adequately exercised in order to prevent these types of bite injuries.

Dog Knee Reconstructions or Cruciate Surgery

Unfortunately, many of us aware of the knee reconstruction surgery in dogs. In the veterinary world it is referred to as an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) surgery. Surgeries can get up to as much at $5000. So, it’s often best to prevent it from happening.

Prevention:
• Prevent obesity as this can lead to strained joints
• Provide regular exercise to strengthen the muscles around the knee
• Stick to exercise that does not require a lot of twisting action or sudden stopping
• Always warm up before strenuous exercise such as long hikes, running etc

Predispositions:
• Large and giant breeds are at higher risk than small breeds.
• Young, active dogs are at higher risk
• Overweight dogs suffer higher levels of stress on their joints
• Dogs that are hit by cars, attacked by other dogs, or that suffer other forms of trauma may incur a cruciate ligament injury
• Dogs that have previously injured a cruciate ligament in one knee are at increased risk of injuring the ligament in the other knee at a later date.
• Dogs with relatively long legs are at increased risk of cruciate ligament injury.
• Dogs that are spayed or neutered at a very young age may be at relatively higher risk of cruciate ligament injury.

Symptoms
• Sudden, severe limping on one rear leg
• Dog bears no weight on the leg after injury.
• Dogs with partial cruciate ligament tears may experience milder or intermittent limping.
• Swelling of the knee may occur

Cats Hiding Illness

Cats are notorious for hiding illness and have developed this from their wild counterparts. Subtle signs can exist but you often need a keen eye to be able to pick them up. Early signs are important to be picked up so that early disease prevention programs can be initiated.

Early signs:
• Changes in chewing, eating and drinking habits
• Weight loss or gain
• Changes in social interaction
• Avoids petting
• Increased vocalization
• Increased urinating
• Urine accidents
• Straining to urinate or defecate
• Grooming less or more

As cats get older, it is important to take them to the vet twice a year and sooner if you detect any early changes.

Brushing Your Pet's Teeth

When allowed by your pet, brushing your pet’s teeth daily is highly recommended by all veterinarians. It helps reduce the build up of plaque and tartar which contains nasty bacteria. Chronic dental disease can result in kidney failure, heart disease and severe jaw-bone infections.

Here are some tips:

1. Brush daily and make it a happy experience
2. Gently lift the lips and massage the gums and teeth. Praise your pet for allowing this.
3. Choose a suitable soft brush.
5. Use pet approved toothpaste. These are safe and are flavoured for added enjoyment. Never use human toothpaste.
6. Brush in a circular action, emphasizing the brush stroke away from the gums. Brush all four sides of each tooth for 1-2 minutes.

To watch a good video on how to brush, click here: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-brush-your-pets-teeth

Skin Problems

There are many causes of skin problems in pets. Skin problems are often diagnosed by clinical signs such as hair loss, redness, scratching, pustules etc.

Here is a list of the 5 most common causes of skin problems:

1. Parasites
• e.g. fleas, mites
• Diagnosis: on history, skin scrapings, treatment trial
• Treatment: effective parasite control, regular treatment, medication

2. Food
• e.g. soy, beef
• Diagnosis: history, 8-week diet trial
• Treatment: hypoallergenic diet, removal of all other food sources, medication

3. Environmental agents
• e.g. wandering dew, pollen
• Diagnosis: history, specific allergen testing
• Treatment: allergen-specific immunotherapy, environmental modification, medication

4. Bacteria
• e.g. staph
• Diagnosis: cytology, culture and sensitivity
• Treatment: antibiotics and topical treatment

5. Yeast
• e.g. malassezia
• Diagnosis: cytology
• Treatment: antifungals, medication

Tips to reduce Pet Hair Everywhere

The following tips are for pets that shed hair regularly and evenly. For those pets that have suddenly had a loss of hair in a particular area or have become thin in the coat all over, seek medical attention.

1. Stop Hair at the Source
Brushing daily means that you will remove most of the hair before it has the chance of falling into the environment or onto you. Natural-bristle brushes are often the most effective. If your pet will allow it, brush in all directions. Regular bathing no more frequent that every two weeks will also help to reduce the shedding.

2. Environmental Cleaning
Vacuuming regularly will also reduce the environmental clumps of hair. Roller brushes will also help to remove hair off clothing and furniture.

Dogs and Cancer

The sense of smell is a dog’s primary sense. Sniffing allows dogs to take in air quickly to specifically identify the odor several meters away. Their sense of smell is extremely sensitive with over 220 million smell-sensitive cells within their nose compared to only 5 million in humans.

For this reason, dogs readily assist us in the community to track everything from people to drugs to explosives.

It's no surprise that dogs may have a use in human medicine. It has been fairly well documented that dogs can detect low blood sugar in diabetics. A recent study by the Pine Street Foundation in California has demonstrated a dog’s ability to detect lung and breast cancer in humans based on breath samples.

Choosing Cat Litter

If you have a healthy cat, but they are having toilet accidents, it could be a litter problem. Various studies have been done to look at a cat’s preference for litter.

Here is a summary of some of the findings.
• Number of litter boxes:
- Too few litter boxes for the number of cats can cause problems
• Type of litter box
- Hooded boxes are avoided by some cats
• Size of litter box
- Larger litter boxes are preferable than medium or smaller ones
• Litter Type
- Heavily scented or deodorized litter (e.g. citrus) are often avoided by cats.
- Cedar scents tend to be more tolerated by cats.
• Odor control
- activated carbon can be found in some litter brands to help reduce odor. Studies have shown that cats may prefer litter with activated carbon.
• Recently changed litter brand
- cats hate change
• Is the litter too dusty?
• Clumping or not clumping
- studies suggest cats prefer clumping litter
• Dirty litter box
– is it dirty? Is it cleaned with chemicals that are too strong?
• Poor location
- choose a secluded area
• Litter box liners
• Litter box side height

Generally, all cats have their own preference. If you have a cat that is happy with its litter, don't change it. Cats hate change!

How can we tell if our pet is in pain?

Pets show pain in many different ways. Change in behavior or activity are certainly early signs of a problem and should not be ignored. Here are some signs that may indicate to you that your pet is in pain

Physical Signs:
• Increased heart rate
• Increased respiratory rate
• Enlarged pupils
• Slowed reflexes

Behavioral Signs:
• Reduced appetite
• Difficulty rising or sitting
• Restlessness
• Quiet
• Personality change
• Licking or biting at itself
• Irritability

Causes of Dog Aggression

The conclusions of a recent study at the University of Cordoba suggest the following factors as causes of dog aggression:
• First-time ownership
• Lack of obedience training
• Spoiling the dog
• Receiving the dog as a gift
• Buying a dog on impulse
• Buying a guard dog
• Spaying female dogs
• Leaving constant supply of food
• Spending little time with the dog

Other factors such as breed, male sex, small sized dogs and the ages between 5-7 years have also been associated with a greater risk of aggression. However, this study concluded that breed had less influence.

This study should remind us of the importance of training and dog obedience and that dogs that are trained well are less likely to retain any inherent aggression.

Journal reference: Pérez-Guisado, Joaquín; Muñoz-Serrano, Andrés. Factors Linked to Dominance Aggression in Dogs. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8(2): 336-342, 2009

Pain medication

Pets are often prescribed pain medication (anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs) to help relieve the pain following surgery, dentals or long term for pets with chronic conditions such as arthritis. These products can provide very effective pain relief, but are not advised for pets with kidney, liver, or stomach issues. Your veterinarian can run tests to help choose the right pain medication for your pet.

If your pet has been prescribed anti-inflammatories, it is important to monitor your pet closely for any side effects such as:
- vomiting
- diarrhea (with or without blood)
- inappetence
- tense abdomen
- black stools
- drinking a lot
- urinating a lot
- pale gums

Notify your veterinary hospital immediately if you notice any of these signs.

NEVER:
- use human NSAIDs on your pets
- increase the dose without consultation with your vet – more medication does not necessarily mean more pain relief and can often increase the chance of side effects

Pets and Elderly People

Each year, approximately 8 million people are admitted into the emergency room due to fall-injuries in the US. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) recently undertook a study to determine the relationship between dogs and cats and fall-injuries.

Nearly 90,000 falls were associated with cats or dogs. 88% of injuries were related to dogs. Female owners were 2.1 times more likely to be injured than males.

Prevention:
1. Be aware of your pet and their toys at all times
2. Ensure your dog undergoes obedience training
a. Make sure your pet can walk calmly on a leash
b. Do not jump up on people
c. Teach pets to “sit”, “stay” and “relax”
3. Discourage pets from lying at the foot of the bed or chairs
4. Discourage over-excitement

Check out the full report at CDC

Barking Dogs

All dogs have vocals whether it is barking, howling or yapping and some breeds vocalize more often than others. It’s important to choose the dog that’s right for your situation. As with any bad behavior, excessive barking can be managed, if controlled early.

Dog Breeds That Bark A Lot
Beagle
Yorkshire Terrier
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Chihuahua

Always reward your pet for quiet behavior.

Treats for Pets

Treats are a great way to help with positive reinforcement for good behavior. So, it is important to choose the right treats and to give them in moderation. Each treat adds to the daily calories for your pet.

Good Treats:
Dried liver treats
Dog-approved biscuits for dogs
Dog dry food for dogs
Cat-approved biscuits for cats
Cat dry food for cats
Natural popped popcorn
Puffed rice

Bad treats:
Candy
Fatty foods such as chips or hotdogs

Poisonous treats:
Chocolate
Grapes
Raisins

Don’t forget that hugs and pets are just as effective and appreciated as an alternative to food treats.

Dogs Most likely to Bite

The Coalition for Living Safely with Dogs and the CVMA recently reviewed a survey of 188 dog bites.

The top 5 breeds were:
1. Pit Bulls
2. Labrador Retrievers
3. German Shepherds
4. Rottweilers
5. Chow-Chows

Situations for when bites occurred included pets protecting the property, play biting, grooming, kenneling, and veterinary visits

The most severe injuries came from the American bulldog, Calmatian, Standard Dachshund, English Bulldog and Lhasa Apsos.

This study highlights the importance of:
• Professional dog training
• Adequate pet exercise
• Supervision of children when playing with pets
• Appropriate education for children on how to play with pets

Further details on the study can be found at www.livingsafelywithdogs.org

ASK THE VET: Cat with Bloody Stools

Seeing fresh blood in a pet’s stools means it is coming from the lower intestines (colon or rectum). Fresh blood in a cat’s stool can occur for a number of reasons. The most common cause is due to hard or dry stools. If this is the case, identifying the reasons for the hard stools and fixing this, will often resolve the problem. Feeding diets with higher moisture content such as canned foods rather than all dry food may help. Changing your cat’s diet to a commercial ‘high fiber’ diet may also help. Feeding more fiber such as a tablespoon of bran, with whole grains (barley, oats, or whole wheat) may help. For older cats (10+ years) it is often a good idea to get them checked by a veterinarian 1-2 times a year to make sure there is nothing more serious going on.

Other more serious reasons include:
• Infectious agents, such as bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and intestinal parasites
• Dietary intolerance/allergy/indiscretion
• Cancer (neoplasia) of the lower bowel
• Polyps (benign masses) in the colon or rectum
• Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as colitis
• Trauma to the lower bowel or anal area
• Clotting disorders (coagulopathy)
• Intussusception (the telescoping of one part of the bowel into another)
• Miscellaneous diseases of the anus, rectum and colon

Top Dog-Friendly Beaches

Petside have ranked the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in the US.

Check them out here:

1. CAPE SAN BLAS (PORT ST. JOE, FLORIDA)
2. QUIET WATERS PARK (ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND)
3. BLOCK ISLAND (RHODE ISLAND)
4. CANNON BEACH (CANNON BEACH, OREGON)
5. FORT DE SOTO PARK (ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA)
6. CARMEL CITY BEACH (CARMEL, CALIFORNIA)
7. JEKYLL ISLAND (GEORGIA)
8. CORONADO (SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA)
9. STEWART BEACH (GALVESTON, TEXAS)
10. MONTROSE DOG BEACH (CHICAGO, ILLINOIS)

If you have a special dog beach that you would like to share – post it here!

Understanding the Cat Purr

Cats purr for different reasons – when they are content and when they are stressed. It is thought that purring releases endorphins, a natural stress reliever, to reduce pain during a time of healing.

Recent studies have also shown that the purr of a hungry cat is one of a higher-pitched sound – likened to a more urgent baby cry or meow. It is a behavior that some cats have picked up to get the attention of their owners.

What type of purr does your cat have?

Dog Friendly Cars

Honda announced its dog friendly Honda element concept car at the New York Auto Show this year. It features:
• Dog restraints
• Hardy fabrics
• Access ramps
• Cushioned bed
• Spill-resistant water bowl
• Doggy cooling system

This is a great reminder for pet safety and pet care when traveling with your furry friends by car.

Top 10 Wildlife Threats to your Pet

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) recently released the most common wildlife attack claims on pets for 2008.

1. Snakes
2. Coyotes
3. Raccoons
4. Squirrels
5. Scorpions
6. Javelina or Collared Peccary (Pig-like mammal)
7. Porcupine
8. Groundhog
9. Skunk
10. Rat

Wildlife are not only a source of attack on our pets, they can also be a source of disease such as rabies, fleas, ticks, worms. For this reason, it is important that we do as much as we can to prevent wildlife coming onto our property or having access to our pets.

Top 10 Wildlife Threats to your Pet

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) recently released the most common wildlife attack claims on pets for 2008.

1. Snakes
2. Coyotes
3. Raccoons
4. Squirrels
5. Scorpions
6. Javelina or Collared Peccary (Pig-like mammal)
7. Porcupine
8. Groundhog
9. Skunk
10. Rat

Ask the Vet: Pet Air Travel

Air travel for pets can always be stressful for both pets and people when traveling long distances. The best airlines to travel with as those that have specific policies for pet travel. Small pets can often be taken on board. Large animals are usually restricted to the cargo.

Safe pet travel is unrealistically flawless. Air travel consumer report provides updated information on air travel incidents here . These reports detail animal death, injury or loss per airline every month.

Doing your research on air travel and preparing in advance will help you make sure your travel is as problem-free as possible.

When traveling keep in mind:
• Airlines should be contacted in advance for their pet travel policy
• Examples of Policies: 1, 2
• Pets must be 8 weeks or older
• Pets must be healthy at time of travel
• Carry all pet documentation on board – health certificates, vaccination records
• Pets should NOT be sedated
• Label the crate well – “live animal – this side up” with contact details
• Place an old towel or toy in with the pet
• Do not feed just before a flight
• Bring water for your pet or ice cubes

Pet airways recently launched a pet specific airline. But, currently have limited destinations.

I open it up to the readers to share their specific experiences with air travel.

What is Catnip?

Catnip is a plant from within the mint family. The plant contains a chemical nepetalactone which cats go crazy about—whiskers twitching, head butting, body rolling and generally having fun. But, not all cats are susceptible to the plants charms. Only two thirds of cats have inherited the gene.

Catnip is nontoxic to cats but can have these effects on cats for up to 15 minutes. After this time they often are calm and content.

Chewing

Chewing can occur for a number of reasons – teething, boredom, or anxiety. Most dogs have all their adult teeth by 2 years of age. Teething should definitely stop by this age. If teething is a problem, give your pet ice cubes to help alleviate any discomfort that they may be experiencing.



Bored dogs need to be exercised more or given chew toys to help entertain them throughout the day. If you work, consider dog day care or a dog walker to help alleviate any boredom your pet may experience during the day.



Anxious dogs can chew everything and anything when left alone. If a pet is to be left for long periods of time it is important that they are left with chew-proof toys. Exercise and training can help reduce anxiety. Making sure that you do not make a big deal about leaving and returning will also help your pet to remain calm.

Mounting

Male dogs and less commonly female dogs can get into a bad habit of mounting. The two most common reasons for this are dominance and misplaced sexual energy. Mounting can be used by males to demonstrate dominance over another dog. If this is the case then slowly introduce the dog on a leash to other dogs to restrict their ability to mount another dog.



If it is due to misplaced sexual energy, it is important to immediately stop the behavior and put them into a quiet area or on a leash for “time out”. Once your dog is calm and behaving, reward positively with hugs and treats.



Unfortunately, neutering has not been shown to reduce this bad behavior once instilled in the dog. However, early neutering has been shown to prevent this from becoming a bad behavior.

When is my cat a senior?

Like people, cats age at a different rate depending on breed, history and environment. Cats are considered ‘middle-aged’ when they reach 7 years. From 10+ years they are considered ‘senior’.

It’s from the middle-aged years that we should become more vigilant for early changes. Diseases can begin during these years and it often not until their senior years that the disease progresses to a point where the condition can become life threatening. Early detection is important.

Common conditions:

1. Hyperthyroidism

Thyroid gland overworks

Clinical signs include irritability, increased appetite, weight loss, poor coat, drinking more.



2. Chronic Kidney Disease

Kidneys do not function as well

Clinical signs: drinking more, urinating more, sudden weight loss, vomiting, off-food



3. Hypertension

High blood pressure

Can cause seizures, behavioral changes, strokes, blindness



4. Arthritis

Inflammation of the joints

Clinical signs: decreased grooming, less mobility, sleeping more, off-food, lameness



5. Obesity

Can cause other health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, urinary problems, respiratory and heart problems.

Hearing Loss in Senior Dogs

It’s not unusual for a dog’s hearing to deteriorate with age. You may notice your pet not responding to your call, sleeping longer, or your pet not being alerted to sounds they would normally hear.



Tips:

· Teach your pet hand signals with verbal signals

· Avoid sudden movements

· Use the ground for sending vibrations

· Keep to a strict routine – meals and toileting

Cat Aggression

Cats are very social pets when well socialized from a young age. Studies have shown that cat personality appears to be linked to the personality of the father. A male cat that is adventurous, friendly and outgoing is more likely to have friendly kittens than that of an unfriendly, timid cat. There also appears to be genetically-programmed, timid and unfriendly cats that remain this way no matter how much training. Needless to say, most cats respond extremely well to early experience and exposure as a kitten.



Between the age of 12-14 weeks, kittens start to show predatory play behavior – hunting, scratching, fighting, spraying etc. Rewarding good behavior and soft play and ignoring bad behavior is essential from this age and earlier. Without this, aggression can develop.



Treatment of Aggressive Behavior:

Use food rewards for good behavior

Avoidance for bad behavior

Medical intervention if severe

Signs of Mental Aging in Senior Dogs

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome describes the aging of our pet’s mental state. Treatment options do exist for pet’s demonstrating these signs:

· Pacing

· Wandering aimlessly

· Increased vocalization – whining

· Confusion

· Seems lost

· Refusing food

· Inappropriate toileting

· Changes in interaction with people



Treatment options:

· Prescription medication

· Early behavioral modification

· Dietary intervention

Mouth Tumors

Unfortunately, the mouth is a common site for tumors in dogs and accounts for about 7% of all cancers. The most common mouth tumor is the melanoma then squamous cell carcinoma and fibrosarcoma.

Common Breeds
Mouth tumors can occurs in any breed of dog. However, certain breeds have been diagnosed
Melanomas - smaller breeds such as cocker spaniels and poodles
Squamous cell carcinomas - large breed dogs such as Labrador Retrievers and Samoyeds.

Age
• Melanomas – 12 years
• Squamous Cell Carcinomas – 10 years
• Fibrosarcomas – 9 years

Treatment Options
• Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy

“Hot Spots” – Pyotraumatic Dermatitis

Hot spots refer to skin infections that occur due to an overgrowth in bacteria causing a nasty moist, infection that usually spreads under the coat. Some breeds are more prone to these types of infections such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.

These skin lesions are often very painful and require a complete treatment program to ensure they heal appropriately.

Treatment:
- often begins with sedation and clipping of the hair over the affected area
- the area is then cleaned
- e-collar is placed
- pain medication for a few days
- antibiotics for 14-30+ days
- home care of daily washing with an antibacterial shampoo
- cool compress to help reduce the itchiness

Hair loss in Cats

Causes:
1. Failure to produce hair
- rare, but can occur in specific breeds such as Sphinx
2. Loss of existing hair
- skin infections – bacterial, fungal, parasitic
3. Self-trauma or behavioral
- excessive grooming, stress-related, injuries

Treatment depends on cause and can range from
• Flea control
• Mite control
• Antibiotics for bacterial infection
• Elimination diets for allergies

Could you per be suffering from allergies?

Pets show signs of allergies in very different ways to our typical signs of sneezing and coughing. So, it’s important for us to be able to detect signs of allergies in pets:
1. excessive licking
2. general odor
3. ear inflammation or discharge
4. copper-stained paws
5. hair loss
6. circular crusty skin lesions
7. red pimples
8. greasy skin
9. dandruff
10. thickened skin

Veterinarians can perform various tests including:
• Skin smears
• Skin scrapings
• Cultures
• Urine tests
• Blood tests
• Allergy testing

Weight gain after neutering

Having your pet spayed or castrated is indisputably beneficial to your pet as it can control pet populations and help prevent disease. However, studies have shown that within 48 hours of surgery, appetite can increase and metabolism can slow in cats. This can ultimately lead to weight gain and diseases such as arthritis, diabetes and urinary tract problems.

This highlights the importance of nutritional changes and exercise modification following neutering. Talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate diet and exercise regime for your pet.

Brushing your pets teeth

Dental disease is not necessarily a disease of our senior pets. Early dental problems can occur in younger pets. The American Veterinary Dental Society estimates that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by age 3 years.

Gum disease is caused by the buildup of bacteria within plaque on the tooth surface. Bad breath, red gums, tartar and plaque are signs of a dental problem.

Regular teeth brushing are the gold standard in pet dental care. Various products exist to help maintain the health of our pet’s mouth. Talk to your veterinarian about the best options for you. Not all pets will allow this procedure, so it’s always best to start when your pet is young.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis is a fungal infection that can affect dogs and people. Fungal spores are found in sandy, acidic soil near fresh water. Studies have shown that large breed, male, dogs of 2-4 years of age are at greater risk of the disease.

Route of infection: inhalation of spores

Clinical Signs:
Cough
Difficulty breathing
Enlarged lymph nodes
Eye infections
Skin ulcers
Lameness

Treatment:
Antifungal drugs

When appropriate treatment is prescribed for the correct duration, it has been reported that 70-80% of dogs completely recover. Dogs with severe cases of lung involvement and neurological signs have a poor prognosis.

Ask the Vet - Fever

A fever is an increase in body temperature: in dogs it is a temperature >104.0°F and in cats >103.0°F. Some animals, particularly cats can increase their body temperature with stress. But, any temperature over 104.0°F is unlikely to be due to stress. As body temperatures rise about 104.0°F, serious harm can occur to the pet’s internal organs.

Causes of fever include:
· Infectious disease (viral or bacterial)
· Immune mediated disease
· Cancer
· Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) in young dogs.

Your veterinarian may need to run various tests in order to determine the cause of the fever. Tests include bloods, x-rays, and ultrasound examinations.

Feline Asthma Medical Options

Feline Asthma is the general term used to describe inflammation of the lower airways which restricts airflow through the lungs. Signs include wheezing and respiratory distress.

Feline asthma can be diagnosed by your local veterinarian and has various treatment options. Inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators have demonstrated fewer side effects than medications given orally. But, can be more difficult to administer.

Long term steroids
· Most effective long term treatment, however, are associated with many side effects.

Bronchodilators
· Administered as an inhalant and opens airways within 15 minutes in cats and lasts 3-4 hours.

If your cat has been diagnosed with feline asthma, talk to your veterinarian about the treatment options.

Open Windows

It’s not all that uncommon for pets to accidentally fall from a building or car out of an open window. Unfortunately, our pets do not quite understand the concept of open windows and the consequences of jumping out. Although cats are known for their ability to land on their feet “cat righting reflex”, they are not invincible when it comes to high-rise apartments and moving cars.

Prevention:
Secure your pets if you are to open a window
• Pet crates
• Pet barriers
• Car seat belts

Fly Strike

Fly season peaks mid to late Summer. These unpleasant pests look for injured tissue on living animals to lay their eggs. The maggots then hatch out to feast on the damaged flesh. Common areas of attack include open wounds, around the eye, and around the anus. It takes about 8-12 hours for the egg to hatch into the maggot form. Infestations are not only irritating, but they can cause serious damage and death.

Prevention:
• Bathe and groom your pets regularly
• Check your pet’s skin for wounds or dermatitis daily
• Treat any conditions such as diarrhea
• Clean any skin folds
• Control flies in the home environment

Garden Fertilizers

As we prepare our gardens for the perfect bloom, care must be taken when using fertilizers around our pets. Fertilizer can contain many different ingredients; some of which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation to death if ingested by our pets.

Blood meal
Dried and ground blood that contains 12% nitrogen. If ingested, can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.

Bone meal
Dried and ground animal bones. This ingredient makes fertiliser extremely inviting to our dogs. Large consumption can result in constipation or gastrointestinal blockage.

Iron
Commonly added to fertilizer and also found in vitamin supplements. Iron toxicity can result in stomach ulcers, liver disease, heart damage.

Common Household Poisons

Without toys and exercise, pets can become bored and start looking around the house for something to play with. There are various household items that should be securely stored. Most insecticides, pesticides and cleaning agents contain poisonous chemicals.

Examples:
• Ant Poisons
• Antifreeze
• Battery acid
• Bleach
• Brake Fluid
• Cleaning Products
• Crayons
• Deodorants
• Drain Cleaner
• Dye
• Fertilizer
• Flea Products
• Heavy Metals (Lead, Zinc)
• Insecticides
• Matches
• Paint Remover and Thinner
• Perfume
• Rat Bait

Choosing the Right Dog Toy

There are many different types of toys to choose for our pet. It's important to choose the right toy for the right situation and the right size of dog or cat.

Training Toys: used to teach your dog what is ok to chew on.

Interactive Toys: toys that can be enjoyed by owner and dog i.e. tug of war or fetch

Durable Play Toys: toys that can be safely chewed on by your pet all day

Comfort Soft Toys: toys that your pet can bond with or sleep with i.e. plush toy

Treat-dispenser Toys: toys that provide mental stimulation for your pet i.e. KONGs that allow you to put food in the center

If your unsure, ask your vet to recommend the right toy for your pet.

Dog and Cat Blood Types

Human blood types fall into the categories of A, B, AB and O.

Cats:
Cats are similar with A (majority), B, and AB (rare). There is no O type. It's important to know what blood type your cat is in case of an emergency. Cats that receive the incorrect blood type can have severe and potentially fatal reactions.

Dogs:
There are many different blood types in dogs. Approximately 13 different groups are recognised with many new groups being discovered.

Your local veterinarian can perform various tests to determine what blood type your cat or dog is.

Discolored Teeth

A discolored tooth is often a dead tooth. It is important to get these teeth examined by your veterinarian. These teeth require extraction or a root cancl in order to prevent it from forming an abscess (infection).

Is Your Pet Ignoring You?

If your dog chooses to ignore you when you call their name, it could be because they associate their name with a punishment. Think about the last time your dog toileted in the house or did something bad. Did you call him/her by their name before scolding them?

This is just one reason for why your pet may not come to their name. But, it’s not too late to re-train them.

Over the next few weeks, practice calling your pet enthusiastically followed by the word “Come!”. As soon as your pet runs towards you, call out praise such as “Good Boy/Girl!” and reward with a big hug. Try this in a confined area first before using it in open areas.

Things to Consider Before You Get a Dog

Choosing the right dog for you is a step that shouldn't be taken lightly.
• If you are considering a pedigree, consult with your veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder to learn about suitable breeds of dogs for your household.
• Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with children.
• If a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog and, delay acquiring a dog.
• Always spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it.
• Introduce a dog to a home with extreme caution. Never leave a child alone with a
dog.
• Spay/neuter all dogs unless planning to breed with them
• Do not play aggressive games with your dog such as chasing, wrestling
• Socialize and train any dog entering the household.
• Teach the dog basic behaviours such as “sit”, “stay”, relax”, “come” Promote
submissive behaviors such as rolling over to expose abdomen and relinquishing food
without growling
• Immediately seek professional advice from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or
responsible breeders if your dog shows any aggressive or fearful behaviour.
• Avoid buying a puppy from a pet shop as most the time the history of the pet is unknown.
• Avoid buying a dog that was advertise in the paper.
• A registered pedigree will always have papers and are printed on official paper.
• Ensure your puppy comes with an official vaccination record by the veterinarian

How to introduce a new cat to the household

Just like us, cats have their own unique personality. It’s important to introduce them slowly to a new household to avoid any unwanted drama. As in the wild, new cats are not welcomed and are often chased away. They can gain acceptance through gradually moving closer to the pack in a non-threatening manner.

Tips for introducing a new cat:
1. Don’t let them meet at first
2. Confine the new cat to a room to get to know the smells of the house
3. Rotate the rooms so each cat gets to learn of the new cat
4. Allow them to then listen to each other through a door
5. After a week, slowly introduce them for small periods of time

Any unwanted behavior such as hissing or growling means you start all over again until they finally approve of each other. They may not even be the best of friends, but they may be able to tolerate each other.

Tips for Flying with Pets

Traveling pets has become increasingly popular. With the introduction of pet-specific airlines, it is important for us to know how to prepare our pet for safe air travel.

• Restrict food for 12 hours before a flight
• Provide only small amounts of water
• Exercise your pet just before the flight
• Train the pet to see the crate as a positive experience by allowing it to sleep in there at home, giving praise and treats
• Use puppy pads or small litter box for the trip to help with any accidents
• Stay as calm as possible to your pet doesn’t pick up on your concerns

How to Select a Crate

There are many different types of dog crates to service every need: big or small, solid or collapsing, hard-wearing or light-weight, large for roaming around or compact for travel.

When looking for a new dog crate its important to consider the following:
• Is your dog big or small?
• Will you be traveling with the crate?
• How sociable is your dog?
• What is the budget?
• Does your pet chew?

Clicker Training

Clicker training is widely used by behaviorists and trainers. It was originally used for the training of dolphins and is based on positive reinforcement methods. The sound of the clicker or whistle immediately after a good behavior acts as positive reinforcement. The clicker can then be followed by hugs or a treat.

This type of training can be used for all ages. The younger the pet the quicker they will become accustomed to the clicker.

Consult your veterinarian or behavior specialist to see if this is ideal for your pet.

Further information at

Dog Parks

A dog park is a great place for dogs to socialize and exercise. They usually have wide-open spaces, climbing structures, eating areas, tubes and occasionally a beach.

When considering a dog park ensure:
• Your dog is up to date with all vaccinations including the annual kennel cough vaccine
• Your pet is well socialized with other dogs, people, children and bikes
• Your pet does not have any injuries that could be exacerbated by running around or chasing e.g. arthritis, old cruciate repair.

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Cool Games in the Sun

A perfect time to bond with your pet is when the sun is out. But, it is important to ensure that your pets stay cool.

Here are some tips:
• Wading Pools: create a shallow wading pool for your pet to play in.
• Frozen Treats: Dogs often like to play with ice blocks. For those fussy pets,
add a bit of chicken or beef stock before freezing them.
• Kong Fun: Add some frozen treats to the Kong and watch your pet play for hours
• Beach or Lake Fun: go swimming in the water and bring along a pet lifejacket for
those pets that are not the best at swimming

And don’t forget the sunscreen! Pet sunscreen are often the best protection and important to put on the nose and ears. Avoid human sunscreen as they can be toxic if ingested. Peaked hats are also a good option.

Why Our Pets Should Be Desexed

Surgical desexing or neutering involves the removal of the male or female reproductive organs so that they can no longer have puppies or kittens. The female procedure is referred to as a spey (spay) and the male procedure is referred to as a castration.

Desexing is highly recommended around the age of 6 months because:
• It prevents unwanted pregnancies
• It reduces the risk of some cancers
• It prevents life threatening infections in females such as the pyometra (uterine infection)
• It reduces unwanted behaviours that can occur in male dogs e.g. inappropriate urinating, aggression

Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Testing

Anaesthetics have come a long way in terms of safety and recovery times. However, it is not without risk. As our pets are unable to tell us whether they are unwell, the veterinarian relies on the blood test to give us clues as to what is going on. Anaesthetic protocols can be altered according results.

The blood test can test for various problems such as diabetes, kidney or liver failure, thyroid problems and anemia.

It is essential in older dogs (> 7 years) that blood testing is done annually and prior to anaesthetics so that any problems are picked up early.

Finding the Right Vet for your Pet

The right veterinarian is one that will take time to get to know you and your pet. They focus on preventive medicine and education. Recommendations from friends, neighbours, family and animal shelters are a good place to start.

When you call to set up a visit, always enquire about:
• Office hours
• Emergency care
• Fees and payment
• Services
• Specialties or Special interests
• Staff
• Hospital tours
• Veterinarians and whether you will see the same vet each time or will it change

Important Socialization for your Puppy

Socialization is an extremely important aspect of raising a happy dog. It is important to expose our dog to many different positive experiences with humans, animals and different environments. Intense socialization should occur from the time you adopt them until 14 weeks of age. Socialization continues throughout adulthood too.

Puppies should be exposed to positive people experiences with infants, the elderly, people with physical disabilities (wheelchairs, walking sticks), and people with facial hair, glasses and hats, people who ride bikes, jog or skateboard, people with umbrellas or in uniform.

Puppies should be exposed to positive animal experiences wish dogs of all sizes, ages, appearances, cats, rabbits, sheep, horses.

Puppies should be exposed to positive environmental experiences with the television, vacuum, the car, traffic, veterinary hospitals and washing machine.

A well-adjusted puppy that has been exposed to all these people, animal and environment experiences will be a happy puppy.

House Soiling - Cats

House soiling is one of the most common causes for complaint by cat owners. There are many medical reasons for why this may occur including:
• Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
• Diabetes
• Kidney Disease
• Hyperthyroidism

If your veterinarian determines your cat to be healthy, it is important to look at other reasons for this behavioural problem, such as:
• Litter problems
• Poor location of litter box i.e. hallway, walkway - choose a secluded area
• New Pets – have you introduced a new pet? intercat aggression?
• New Neighbors – are there new pets in the neighborhood or stray cats that are scaring your cat?

Cats are extremely sensitive. Any change in routine or to the environment can cause them to stress. House soiling is just one example of how cats show they are stressed. Here are some tips on how to prepare your cat for change,
click here

Diabetes in cats and dogs

According to Abbott Animal Health, 1.4 million dogs and cats have diabetes in the US. Diabetes is a complex disease that requires exceptional veterinary and home care in order to achieve a stable patient.

Predisposing Factors:
Dogs:
• Genetics
• Immune mediated problems
• Pancreas problems
• Obesity
• Kidney disease
• Urinary tract problems

Cats:
• Obesity
• High carbohydrate diet
• Inactivity
• Pancreas problems
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Genetics (e.g. Burmese)

Treatment often requires numerous types of lifestyle changes such as medical and dietary changes. Regular visits to the veterinarian, blood tests and urine tests are required.

Tips for Handling an Injured Pet

If your pet is injured or you come across an injured pet, it’s important to know the basics of handling in order to prevent harm to yourself and further harm to your pet. Even the most gentle of pets can be unpredictable when in pain.

• Call your veterinarian immediately to explain the situation
• If you suspect a fracture, muzzle your pet
• If your pet is vomiting, do not use a muzzle
• If you are unable to get your pet into a carrier, use a thick blanket as a stretcher to carry your pet into the car

Atopy - Inhaled Allergens

Atopy refers to allergies in pets that are caused by inhaled allergens. It is often diagnosed between 6 months and 3 years of age. And characterized by itchy feet, face, ears, belly and under arms.

Common breeds
• Shar Peis
• Fox Terriers
• Golden Retrievers
• Dalmations
• Boxers
• Boston Terriers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Lhasa Apsos
• Scottish Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• West Highland White Terriers

Diagnosis is based on:
• history
• physical exam
• ruling out food allergies
• parasites
• ruling out contact allergies

Control
1. Avoidance of allergen
2. Symptomatic therapy (anti-histamines, corticosteroids etc)
3. Desensitization from allergy testing and shots

Joint Disease in Cats

Osteoarthritis is a form of joint disease in cats. It affects cats of all ages but predominantly cats >10 years.

Signs:
• Inappropriate toileting
• Decreased grooming and poor coat
• Reluctance to jump
• Sleeping more
• Withdrawing from human interaction
• Hiding
• Decreased appetite

If your cat is showing any of these signs, seek veterinary attention.

Is Your Pet Afraid of a Storm?

It’s not uncommon for pets to be afraid of a storm. Dogs can hide, try to escape or show destructive behavior. Panting, pacing, trembling, increased salivation, barking, indoor toileting and self-trauma are signs of distress.

Treatment options:
1. Medical
a. Depending on the age and health of your pet, veterinarians can prescribe low dose anti-anxiety medications.

2. Behavioral
a. Do not reward distressed behavior
b. Engage in fun activity during a storm
c. Desensitize your pet to storm noises through the use of CDs from a young age

3. Environmental
a. Take your dog into a room that blocks any storm visuals or audios

Treadmill Therapy

Treadmill therapy is becoming increasingly popular at veterinary hospitals as a way to enhance rehabilitation, provide pain relief, facilitate muscle relaxation, and provide cardiovascular endurance in a buoyant environment.

Indications:
• Early return to function
• Improve muscle strength
• Improve range of motion
• Athletic conditioning
• Weight management

Contraindications:
• Pets that are fearful of water
• Pets that have heart or lung disease
• Some spinal injuries
• Pets with open wounds or sutures

How to Stop Puppy Biting

It is normal for puppies to bite as they often use their mouth to explore and play. Biting is considered an undesirable behavior and can be prevented through appropriate training. Physical correction should never be used as this can result in fear and aggression.

Always get your puppy checked first to ensure that there is no medical reason for their biting.

Tips:
• Teach your pup basic commands such as sit, stay and come
• Exercise your pup in a set routine
• Avoid wrestling and rough play
• Frequently leash-walk your pet (ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date)
• Provide chew toys
• Isolate the pup when it starts to play bite
• Reward your pup for good, calm behavior
• Enroll your pup into puppy classes from 6-14 weeks of age

Poisonous Palms

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has recently seen an increase in reports of Palm plant poisonings in dogs. The Sago of Cycad palms are decorative indoor plants often found in households in tropical areas. The seeds contain the most toxins, but the leaves, stem and roots are also toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal problems in dogs, sheep, cattle and humans.

Signs of poisoning:
• Vomiting
• Inappetence
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Liver failure

If you have these plants, ensure they are in areas out of reach of pets. If you are concerned your pet may have ingested this plant, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Deadly Parvo

Parvo is a severe gastrointestinal disorder that can affect dogs, but predominantly puppies. It is highly contagious and contracted through contaminated feces. The reason is can become such a problem is that the virus itself is highly resistant and can remain in the environment such as parks, malls, boarding kennels, for any unprotected pet.

Clinical Signs Include:
• Vomiting
• Severe, bloody diarrhea
• Depression or lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Death as quick as 48-72 hours after onset of signs

As with most infectious disease, prevention is better than treatment. Highly effective vaccines exist for dogs starting from a pup at 6 weeks of age, every 3 weeks up to 16 weeks of age. They will then need continued protection with a vaccination one year later and every three years after that.

Ear Infections

Common Causes:
1. Yeast
2. Food Allergies
3. Fox tails/Grass Seeds
4. Parasites - mites (demodex), fleas, ticks
5. Hypothyroidism

Presdipositions
1. Narrow ear canal e.g. Shar Peis
2. Defective drainage
3. Ear Conformation
4. Self Trauma - dog or cat scratching at it or rough cleaning
5. over treatment
6. obstruction e.g. tumour or polyp

Safety Tips When Exercising Your Pet

• Check with your local veterinarian to choose which exercise is right for your pet
• Always keep your dog on a leash unless in an enclosed supervised area such as dog day care
• Always have an adult with you when exercising outside your home
• Know exactly where your dog is at all times
• Check the path in which you walk the dog to ensure there are no hazards
• Do not tie the leash to your wrist
• Do not exercise when the weather is too hot
• Bring water and a travel bowl for your pet

Appropriate Play Tips for Children

There is estimated to be 400 million dogs in the world. Exposure to dogs is inevitable so it is important to ensure our children and pets have a positive experience.

If it is a dog you know and you have been given permission from an adult to approach the dog, here are some tips:
• Be Gentle: Gently stroke the pet on the chest and shoulders: avoid the neck, face, feet and tail.
• Approach Slowly: Move slowly around a pet.
• Be quiet and confident around the dog.
• Do not approach a dog when it is eating or sleeping.

How to Train Your Pet to "Sit"

• Use a treat and hold is directly above your pet’s head.
• Move the treat so that your pet follows it with it’s eyes.
• As you move the treat forward, your pet’s legs should start to fold under
• You may need to give a gentle push if your pet does not start to bend the legs
• As this begins to happen, say “Sit”
• When the dog fully sits, give the treat or praise
• Practice, practice, practice

Grass Seeds or Foxtails

Grass seeds, although small, can be fatal to our pets. These small seeds can bury their way through skin and organs and usually enter through the toes and ears.

Prevention tips:
• Avoid walking in long grass
• Check your pet around the ears and toes after every walk
• Remove any with tweezers gently
• Keep your pet groomed – short haired pets are less likely to trap grass seeds in
their coat.

If you suspect your pet has a grass seed, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies

Some animals have a tendency to eat non food items or "foreign bodies". Sometimes the foreign bodies may pass through the gut without causing a problem but frequently they become lodged in the stomach or small intestines creating an obstruction. An obstruction is a surgical emergency!

Some of the common foreign bodies removed from animal gastrointestinal tracts include:

• corn cobs
• stones from fruit such as nectarines and peaches
• plastic and string packaging around meat products
• fish hooks
• string/wool (cats)

The common symptoms of obstruction include:

• poor appetite
• vomiting
• lethargy
• weight loss
• pain

If you are concerned your pet may have eaten a foreign body or is displaying any of these symptoms, seek veterinary advice immediately as surgery may be required.

Aerosols and Pets

Unfortunately I saw a case recently of fatal pneumonia in a cat after a pair of shoes were sprayed with a water repellant aerosol in the same room as the cat.

Aerosols may contain substances that can be toxic to your pets when inhaled. Domestic pets are likely to be more severely affected than people due to their smaller body sizes and lung volumes.


Here's some simple tips to follow if you are unsure if your aerosol may be harmful:

• Try to use the aerosol outdoors if possible
• Never use the aerosol in the same room as your pet
• Ventilate the room well before allowing your pets back into the room

Is My Cat Pregnant?

If your cat is an outdoor cat and is not desexed, it has a very high chance of becoming pregnant.

Signs that could indicate your cat is pregnant:
• Swollen nipples: pregnant cat nipples are enlarged and pink
• Increased appetite: appetite increases about 1.5 times during pregnancy
• Weight gain: the abdominal area enlarges with pregnancy
• Mood change: pregnant cats can become quiet and friendlier

If your cat is showing these signs, book her in to see the veterinarian for a pregnancy test.

If it is not pregnant, you should consider booking her in for desexing ASAP.

Avoiding Heatstroke

As the weather warms up and we start traveling with our pets, it’s important to know the signs of early heatstroke to avoid serious injury.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke
• Increased respiratory rate – panting
• Bright red tongue and gums
• Thick saliva
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Instability
• Vomiting

Prevention
• Never leave your pet in the car.
• Never leave your pet in the sun. Always provide a shaded area.
• If your pet is showing early signs of heatstroke, wet your pet with cool water and place cool wet towels for your pet to lie on (change the towel every few minutes with fresh cool water)
• Seek veterinary care immediately if you pet continues to show symptoms

Finding the Perfect Pet for your Children

Research has shown that pets are extremely beneficial in the social development of a child. Having a family pet is a wonderful experience for call. There are many things to consider when choosing a pet. I have listed a few of those things:

• Temperament: Always choose a breed or a breed mix that is known for their great interaction with children.

• Energy Levels: For families that lead active lifestyles, choose a dog that is able to participate in outdoor activities. For families that tend to stay home a lot, choose a pet that does not require as much exercise.

• Size: How much room will your pet have at the home? Smaller areas will require smaller dogs or dogs with low energy

• Grooming: Some breeds require a lot of grooming. Who will be devoted to grooming your pet or taking your pet to the groomer regularly?

• Age: Puppies require a lot of training whilst older dogs may have already been exposed to children. Determine how much time and who will be responsible for training.

• Health: Your pet will requires frequent visits to the veterinarian at the start. Some breeds have hereditary problems that may develop over time. Will you be able to look after an unhealthy pet?

Caring for a Rabbit

Rabbits are small mammals that can make great pets if give the right amount of care and attention. They can range from 2 pounds to 16 pounds depending on the breed. And they live to 8-12 years.

Routine Care:
• Need fresh water and food every day
• Need supervised play every day
• Brushed every day
• Litter box cleaned daily
• Once a week they need their cage cleaned and disinfected
• Annual vet check
• Toys
• Fresh bedding regularly

Dandruff

Dandruff or seborrhea occurs commonly in Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, West Highland White Terries, Dobermans, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and Daschunds.

Common Causes:
• Allergies e.g. atopy, food, flea, contact
• Parasites e.g. flea, mites, lice
• Endocrine disorders e.g. hypothyroidism
• Autoimmune disease
• Neoplastic disorders
• Environmental factors e.g. low humidity

Treatment can vary depending on the cause. Antibacterial and antifungal shampoos can help where they are allowed to soak the skin for 10 to 15 minutes.

Lick Granulomas

Does your dog lick excessively at one spot on its leg?

Lick Granulomas or Acral Lick Dermatitis is a common condition that affects a single area on a limb. It is thought to be most commonly caused by boredom, separation anxiety or confinement. Other noted causes include allergies, trauma, parasites or pain (e.g. arthritis). The area is often moist due to the excessive licking, raised and inflamed.

Depending on the underlying cause, treatment can vary. Resolution can vary between dogs. The smaller the lesion and the quicker the diagnosis, the better the prognosis.

Commonly Affected Breeds:
• Boxer
• Doberman
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Great Dane
• Labrador Retriever

How to Reduce Shedding

The following tips are for pets that shed hair regularly and evenly. For those pets that have suddenly had a loss of hair in a particular area or have become thin in the coat all over, seek medical attention.

1. Stop Hair at the Source
Brushing daily means that you will remove most of the hair before it has the chance of falling into the environment or onto you. Natural-bristle brushes are often the most effective. If your pet will allow it, brush in all directions. Regular bathing no more frequent that every two weeks will also help to reduce the shedding.

2. Environmental Cleaning
Vacuuming regularly will also reduce the environmental clumps of hair. Roller brushes will also help to remove hair off clothing and furniture.

5 Most Common Causes of Skin Diseases

1. Parasites
• e.g. fleas, mites
• Diagnosis: on history, skin scrapings, treatment trial
• Treatment: effective parasite control, regular treatment, medication

2. Food
• e.g. soy, beef
• Diagnosis: history, 8-week diet trial
• Treatment: hypoallergenic diet, removal of all other food sources, medication

3. Environmental agents
• e.g. wandering dew, pollen
• Diagnosis: history, specific allergen testing
• Treatment: allergen-specific immunotherapy, environmental modification, medication

4. Bacteria
• e.g. staph
• Diagnosis: cytology, culture and sensitivity
• Treatment: antibiotics and topical treatment

5. Yeast
• e.g. malassezia
• Diagnosis: cytology
• Treatment: antifungals, medication

Tapeworms

The tapeworm is an intestinal parasite that affects cats and dogs when an infected flea is ingested. The prevalence is up at 60% in some areas. Signs of tapeworms in your pet include segments on the hair coat or bedding, excessive licking at the backend or scooting. Treatment from your veterinarian will help the situation but will not prevent it from happening again. So, prevention is important.

Prevention:
• Effective flea control used regularly
• Pest control (rodents can act as intermediate hosts)

Ever Considered a Pet Pig?

The thought of a pet pig does seem quite novel and they are so cute. However, there is a lot to think about before owning a pig. Every year, many pet pigs are abandoned to shelters because their owners did not fully understand what they were getting into. Pet pigs are very high maintenance, plus, your council may not even allow them.

Pigs will be pigs. Just as in the wild, pet pigs will explore everything with their snout. Your home or yard can be turned upside down in a short period of time. Being omnivores they will eat almost anything but a special diet is needed in order for them to remain healthy. They need to be taken to a veterinarian regularly for vaccines and health checks. And, you need to find a veterinarian who is experienced in treating a pet pig.

Pet pigs can be trained on the leash and to go to the toilet in the right area like a dog. But, they tend to be territorial so training and discipline is key.

What happens during a bird exam?

Like cats and dogs, birds should be checked by the veterinarian every year. If possible, it’s always a good idea to bring the bird to the veterinarian’s in its cage. Do not clean the cage before bringing it in as the cage will say a lot about the bird's health.

The veterinarian can learn a lot about your bird by it’s home environment. They will be looking at the:
- environment,
- food,
- feeding arrangement
- droppings on the bottom of the cage

The bird will then be securely restrained to prevent injury to person or pet and examined in depth physically. Any abnormal changes in the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin, feathers, wings, legs, vent, chest or abdomen will be noted.

Common Household Medications

It’s never easy watching your pet suffer. Unfortunately, looking to our own medicine cabinet is not a good idea. Drugs commonly used for human ailments can be poisonous to pets.

If a pet is unwell, it is important that you seek veterinary attention immediately. Human medications such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories should not be used on pets.

Common Household Medicines that can be poisonous to our pets:
- acetaminophen (PARACETAMOL, TYLENOL),
- aspirin,
- ibuprofen,
- naproxen

If your pet accidentally ingests these products, seek veterinary care immediately.