Kennel Cough

What Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a term loosely used to describe a complex of infections—both viral and bacterial—that causes inflammation of a dog’s voice box and windpipe. It’s a form of bronchitis and is similar to a chest cold in humans. Though it usually clears up on its own, kennel cough is highly contagious to other dogs.

What Are the General Symptoms of Kennel Cough?

A persistent dry cough with a “honking” sound is the main clue your dog’s caught kennel cough. In most cases, she’ll appear healthy except for the cough. Her appetite and activity level usually won't change, but don’t be alarmed if she gags and coughs up a white, foamy phlegm—these signs are often worse after exercise, or if she’s excited or pulls against her collar. Some dogs may also develop a fever and nasal discharge.

What Should I Do if I Think My Dog Has Kennel Cough?

If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, immediately isolate her from all other dogs and call your veterinarian.

How Did My Dog Catch Kennel Cough?

Dogs can catch kennel cough in several ways. It can spread through aerosols in the air, directly from dog to dog, or through germs on contaminated objects. Kennel cough is often spread in enclosed areas with poor air circulation—while boarding in a kennel or an animal shelter, for example, or through direct contact while sitting in a vaccination clinic, training class or dog-grooming facility.

Kennel cough is so contagious that your pet might even catch it from sharing a water dish at the dog park or by simply greeting another dog. Most kennels will not board your pet without proof of a recent vaccination against parainfluenza and bordetella, two of the main causes of kennel cough.

Which Dogs Are Prone to Kennel Cough?

Most often, dogs who have frequent contact with other dogs, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, are most prone to becoming infected. Young and unvaccinated dogs are also at higher risk.

How Is Kennel Cough Prevented?

The best way to prevent kennel cough is to prevent exposure. Vaccinations are also available for several of the agents known to be involved in kennel cough, including parainfluenza, bordetella and adenovirus-2. Ask your vet if these are recommended, and how often—but please keep in mind that vaccinations aren’t useful if a dog has already caught the virus.

How Is Kennel Cough Treated?

It’s smart to see your veterinarian if your dog develops a cough. In some cases, you may be advised to simply let kennel cough run its course and heed the following:

• Dogs with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs.
• A humidifier or vaporizer can provide some relief. You can also allow your dog into the bathroom while you shower. The steam will help soothe her irritated breathing passages.
• Avoid exposing her to cigarette smoke or other noxious, irritating fumes.
• A cough suppressant or antimicrobial may be described. Your vet can be able to determine if they would be helpful to your dog.
• If your dog pulls against her collar while being walked, replace it with a harness until the coughing subsides.
• Supportive care is very important—be sure your dog is eating, drinking and in a stress-free environment.

How Long Does Kennel Cough Last?

In most cases, the signs of kennel cough gradually decrease and disappear after three weeks. Young puppies, elderly dogs and other immunocompromised animals may take up to six weeks or more to recover. In some cases, animals may remain infectious for long periods of time even after the symptoms have cleared up.

When Is It Time To See The Vet Again?

You should see some improvement in your dog’s condition within one week of treatment, but be alert to how long the symptoms last. If your dog has nasal discharge, is breathing rapidly, refuses to eat or seems lethargic, take her to the veterinarian right away. Serious cases of kennel cough can lead to pneumonia if left untreated.

Dog compatibility

By Jennifer Angel of the NY Daily News

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/horoscopes/dog-compatibility-dog-perfect-match-article-1.985920#ixzz1fgkXkiTE

Dogs are great. They provide unconditional love no matter how poor, ugly, out of shape or goofy we are. Their tails still wag even when the world crashes down around them. They teach us patience, compassion, joy and consistency with a humble virtue, and only ask for a few pats on the head in return.

Dogs may be God’s gift to mankind, but which dog is right for your lifestyle? Being a responsible dog owner takes time and effort. Before you run out and get a pup, ask yourself if you are ready to make a commitment for the next ten years at least. Consider your current lifestyle and whether you are willing to change it to meet your dog’s needs.

Single lads and lasses

Single, active lifestyles can be a precarious situation for a dog.  Many singles are still young and put in extra hours at the office or to socialize. Dogs require an extreme amount of care, including many daily trips to potty, rigorous exercise and hefty vet bills. Some singles devote their entire life and paycheck to care for their canine, which is admirable, but not everyone is prepared to do this. If a dog is a commitment you are ready to make, consider your living situation and the amount of time you can devote to a doggy before you bring one home.

Size does matter

Most people operate under the false assumption that a small dog doesn’t need to exercise as frequently as a large dog. It actually works the opposite way. Small dogs come with endless energy to burn and a bladder to match their body size. Many smaller breeds are also very difficult to train and require constant reinforcement to avoid behavioral issues. The stature of a small dog may make it fit better physically in an apartment or condo, but their activity level sure does not. Many breeds of large dog on the other hand, are absolute couch potatoes, happy to sleep all day long. Although they may take up more space, they may also require less effort.

Family-friendly Fido

Almost all children beg their parents for a dog. Problems occur when parents do not have the time to care for a pup and their children, or choose the wrong breed for their family.  Research is one of the keys to happy dog ownership and choosing the right dog for you. Read up on different breeds and their behavior with children. Some breeds seem to be better suited to live with kids than others. Many toy and small breed dogs are not the best option for families with small children. The smaller the size of the dog, the more fragile it is, making little, no yet coordinated children a bad fit. Some smaller breeds also have a tendency to be aggressive; little teeth and little children are also a bad combination. Activity level is also a major consideration for families who look to bring a pet into their home.  Although your children seem to have endless energy, it is doubtful they will spend it entertaining Fido at all times. Since you will more than likely be the dog’s primary care giver, ensure you have the time to spend in order to meet his needs.

Expand your options

Most people think ‘puppy’ when they consider adding a family member. There are other options though, than to purchase a puppy. First off, most puppies you purchase at a pet store come from puppy mills. Generally these pups are prone to medical issues due to poor breeding practices and should be avoided.  Your local animal shelter has a plethora of pets of every age ready to share their love.  If you are interested in a specific breed of dog, look up a local breed rescue organization and contact them to see if you qualify to rescue one of their dogs. The beauty of adopting an older dog is many come trained! If you don’t have the time for a puppy, consider adopting a mature dog. They have just as much love to give as a pup, but usually need a home more desperately.

Yet another option

If you are still not quite sure if you can be a good dog mommy or daddy, there is another option. Most rescue organizations whether they are breed specific or not, are in dire need of foster homes. Take a trial run at dog ownership and help a needy pet at the same time. Most foster situations last a few days to a few weeks and can give you an opportunity to test your dog parenting skills.  If you are already sure you’d make an excellent parent for a pooch, fostering is a great way to narrow down the breed, size and sex right for you.

In the end

Welcoming a dog into your family can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, if done correctly. Keep in mind a dog is a living, breathing creature, not an accessory. They need a ton of attention and care you must provide. If you can provide this, your world and theirs will be much more enjoyable. There are some great websites out there that will assist you in finding the right pooch for you. Petfinder.org has a wealth of resources as well as shelter listings and rescue organizations to help in your search.

A second dog may not be right for you.

A Second Dog May Not Be Right For You
By Susan Hatfield
http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2011/nov/27/a-second-dog-may-not-be-right-for-you/

Last week, I visited with a family who wanted to adopt a second dog. I asked why, and they said because they didn’t have enough time to spend with the dog they already had and wanted a playmate to keep him company. Of course, the last thing they needed was another dog. After some counseling on the phone regarding priorities, they realized adopting a second dog was not the answer. The family decided to ask our help in finding a more appropriate home for the dog they already had as no one in the family really had any time to devote to the animal in the first place.

Unfortunately, we receive many calls like this one. Families need to carefully consider all the pros and cons of adopting a second dog. First of all, are you looking for a puppy or an older dog? Puppies usually adapt more quickly whereas older dogs could take a bit longer to adjust. You need to be aware of “alpha,” or dominant, dogs. You certainly don’t want a situation where fighting could occur.

Consult with your veterinarian about any questions you have regarding canine behavior and tips on adopting a second dog. Some prefer a neutered male and spayed female as they feel two spayed females or two neutered males might not get along. I have to say, in my experience, I’ve never found a firm combination I could recommend. I think it just depends on the breed, characteristics, age, behavior traits, sex and taking the time to see which combination will work with your existing companion.

If you think you’ve found that special dog, I suggest the following tips:

• Introduce the dogs outside on leashes on neutral ground, so you won’t have territorial issues. They will sniff and could possibly growl at first. Always use a positive voice and watch for those wagging tails. Walk around the area with the dogs still on leashes. Keep a short distance between the dogs so they can still sniff and see each other but cannot become tangled in the leashes should things become volatile.
• If you think the first meeting went well, during the second meeting, let the dogs run together in an enclosed area while supervised. I think the most important aspect is patience. Have several meetings with both dogs to determine if it could be a long-term relationship. Take your time in selecting your second dog. If the two are “just not hitting it off,” then you might want to rethink that particular dog. There are many wonderful dogs just waiting to be adopted.
• When you find the right dog, you, and your pets, will be a wonderful combination. Make sure not to favor one over the other. Feed them at the same time but in different dishes and, sometimes, different locations. If you’ve selected a puppy and have an older dog, make sure you give the older dog some quiet time away from all the rowdiness of the young pup.
• Most important, spend time with them. Take them on walks and to the dog park. Play ball with them outside and let them snuggle up with the kids as they watch TV on Saturday morning. Make them a part of your family. Having two dogs gives you double the love, so enjoy.

5 ways to help your pet live longer

We all want our pets to live long, healthy lives – and we'd all do just about anything to ensure that our cats and dogs can stay with us as long as possible. What five things can you do to keep your pet safe, happy, and by your side longer? We've listed them below, and chances are, you're probably on top of them already.

But one hint may surprise you…

Keep your furry friend indoors
Staying inside, or at least on a leash, protects your pet from all kinds of dangers. Indoor living shields cats from infectious diseases; digestive upset caused by snacking on poisonous plants or other foreign objects; fights with other cats, dogs, wild animals, or mean humans; and speeding cars.

And as pets age, they can't regulate their body temperatures as effectively, making them more prone to serious weather-related ailments like heat stroke if they're outdoors too long.

Of course it's fine to walk your dog, and the occasional (closely supervised) feline foray into the yard isn't the end of the world. But it's particularly important for cats to do their toileting inside; that way, the humans can monitor them for signs of tummy upset, urinary-tract issues, and so on.

Putting a "catio" in your window for bird-watching purposes, and planting cat grass in pots, can bring the outside in -- without compromising Fluffy's health.

Watch his weight
Obesity in dogs and cats causes the same serious health problems that it does in humans – high blood pressure, breathing problems, diabetes, and joint pain. It's not easy to put a portly pet on a diet, but NOT doing so could shorten his lifespan (and from a practical – and more selfish – standpoint, you really don't want to have to give a cat daily insulin injections).

If your dog or cat is on the spherical side, enlist your vet's help to change his diet. Invest in new toys for your cat that will get him more active, and try switching from "free feeding" to controlled portions at specific meal times. Take dogs for longer or more frequent walks, and get strict about table scraps and extra biscuits.

Aging pets who have maintained normal weights for years may start to plump up as their metabolisms slow down. Changing your senior dog or cat's regular food to a formula that's higher in protein and lower in fat may help, and dogs may benefit from "nutriceutical" supplements. Again, consult with your vet.

Don't skip vet appointments
It's tempting to bail on the vet if your pet seems healthy – the exams, shots, and treatments can add up to a big yearly bill if you don't have pet insurance. But our pets can't tell us when they don't feel quite right, or whether that diarrhea is a passing thing or a symptom of something more serious. The vet CAN tell you – sometimes just by looking into your dog's eyes! 

As your pet ages, you may need to bring her in more frequently – every six months, instead of every year – for senior-wellness check-ups. Your vet is trained to spot conditions and concerns you can't see, and catching geriatric diseases or cancer early is the best way to find a treatment that time – quality time – to your pet's life.

Dental health is overall health
Most of these tips are common sense – but the importance of taking care of your pet's teeth may come as a surprise. It's the most common major health problem affecting cats and dogs, actually; the bacteria from dental and gum disease can travel elsewhere in their bodies, causing more serious issues.

With that said, we understand that you feel ridiculous brushing your cat's teeth. (And your cat feels even more ridiculous.) But it might seem less absurd if it adds years to your kitty's life. Check your pet's teeth and gums about once a week, if you can. Feed kibble and treats that promote dental health, and keep an eye out for signs of dental or gum disease, including bad breath, lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, and facial swelling. Call the vet if you think your cat or dog is having trouble eating due to mouth or tooth pain.

And yes, brush your pet's teeth – using specially formulated brushes and pastes, not "people products." Some pets grow to love the fish-flavored toothpaste; others will fight you tooth and nail. (Forgive the pun.) Even if it's a battle, remind yourself that it's worth fighting – bad teeth can reduce your dog's lifespan 2-4 years in some cases.

Spay and neuter your pets
Spaying or neutering your pet doesn't just prevent overpopulation. It can protect your pet down the line from various reproductive cancers  – of the prostate and ovaries, for instance. And some studies have shown that fixed pets live longer than "intact" pets, although scientists aren't quite sure why. 

We all love an adorable pile of puppies – but coo at pictures online, and get your pet spayed or neutered.

Scrap Table Feeding

I don't feed my dog table scraps every day, but I do like to treat him around the holidays. Is that so bad?

As a general rule, giving animals too much people food sours their appetite for pet food, which is designed to contain all the nutrients they need to stay fit and healthy. If more than 10 percent of your dogs diet consists of table food, you may be inadvertently training him to beg and putting him at risk of weight gain, diabetes, and joint, cardiac and digestive problems. The current obesity epidemic in pets can be partly attributed to people's tendency to feed their animals treats. That said, I do "spoil" my own dog, Rusty, on special occasions with small portions of animal-friendly foods like boneless chicken, hamburger, or hot dogs - and he hasn't come to expect these treats at regular mealtimes. Indulge your pet sensibly with the following guidelines:

Choose carefully. Never give your dog or cat bones or fat trimmings: Cooked bones may splinter and either perforate or obstruct their intestines: raw bones carry bacteria that can cause infection. And fat can contribute to pancreatitis, a painful and dangerous condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed and unable to produce the enzymes that break down food. Other foods to keep your dog away from at holiday time are chocolate, cocoa, tea and some colas which all contain theobromine and can make dogs fatally ill; onions and garlic can cause anemia; grapes and raisins can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and lethargy; and macademia nuts, which can cause muscle swelling, pain and general distress. Your best bets are small pieces of boneless meat or vegetables.

Pick a better treat. Opt for freeze-dried liver or chicken jerky from the pet store. They're a healthier option, and some dogs may actually preferthem to table food.

Train him right. If your pet does start begging for food, you can break the habit: Arrange the chairs to block easy access to the table while you're eating. Don't leave food where your dog can reach it. Remember if your dog "steals" the sandwich you left on the coffee table that's your fault, not his. So rather than punishign him, maybe you need a swat on the nose as a reminder! Dogs will be dogs!

By Nicholas H. Dodman, B.V.M.S

Cat Body Language

Cat Body Language



Cats talk with their bodies all the time - some cats much more so than with their voices. You've probably noticed certain kinds of cat behavior that your Kitty often displays - maybe twitching his tail, stretching out on his back, slowly blinking at you... Do these all mean something? Definitely! This page goes through common body language behaviors that cats display, and tells you what they usually mean.

1) Cat body language: Tail

• Swishing. A swishing tail (i.e. the whole tail slowly and gently moving from side to side) usually means Kitty is alert, curious and interested in his environment.
• Lashing. A lashing tail (i.e. the whole tail moving from side to side in a fast, aggressive way) means Kitty is agitated and annoyed. Sometimes when Kitty is doing this he'll adopt a generally aggressive stance (more on this below.) The hair on his tail may also stand on end, giving it a bushy appearance. If he's doing this, leave him alone or you're likely to become the victim of an attack.
• Twitching. If Kitty is twitching his tail at the tip, this usually indicates he's interested in something he's seen. However, it may also be the first sign of aggression - e.g. if another cat has just invaded his patch - and in this case it could turn to a lashing tail and aggression.
• Quivering. Cats will quiver their tails at the base as part of cat spraying behavior. However, they may also do this when they rub up against you, or when you stroke their backs, especially near their tail, when they're standing up. In this instance, the quivering is a sign of great affection for you.
• Tail bolt upright. With some cats, if their tail is upright (i.e. pointing towards the sky) when they're walking, it means they're happy and confident. The rest of their body language (e.g. the way they walk, the way they look around) will also reflect this.
• Tail half tucked between legs. This usually means the cat is scared, unhappy or feeling threatened. The rest of his body language will confirm this (e.g. head down, ears back, body low to the ground.)

2) Cat body language: Ears

• Pricked up ears. This is a sign of Kitty being interested in what he can hear around him. You may have noticed cats can also turn their pricked up ears round so they can listen to what's going on behind them without moving their heads...
• Ears turned back. If Kitty's ears are flattened towards his head and turned back, this usually means he's being threatened and is turning his ears away to protect them.
  

3) Cat body language: Head and whiskers

• Raised head.
In a stand-off with another cat, a lowered head indicates submissiveness. In other circumstances, it can just indicate sleepiness, contentment or boredom.
• Lowered head.
Whiskers can act as a measure of a cat's mood. If his whiskers are in a forward position, he's relaxed, happy or curious. If they're pulled back, he's defensive or aggressive.
• Cat whiskers.
The meaning of this varies depending on the circumstances. If Kitty is happy, a raised head indicates curiosity and confidence, and is usually associated with pricked up ears. On the other hand, if he's in a stand-off with another cat, a raised head can indicate dominance and in this case his ears will often be turned back for protection.

4) Cat body language: Eyes

• Wide, staring eyes. This is usually seen before and during a cat fight, or before a cat attacks another animal or a human. They stare to try to scare the other cat / animal / human away.
This means the opposite of above - the cat is saying he's happy with the other cat / animal / human and that he trusts them. If you've ever wondered why cats make a beeline for the one person in the room who doesn't like cats, eyes are the reason. The cat lovers in the room will stare at Kitty, which will make him feel threatened, so he'll want to stay away from them. The person who doesn't like cats won't look at him because she's sincerely hoping he won't go anywhere near her. He sees her as the only non-threatening person in the room, so guess who he heads towards?!
• Narrow, slowly blinking eyes.

5) Cat body language: Body

• Rubbing against your legs. When Kitty does this, he's leaving his scent on you, effectively marking you as "his territory." It's a sign of affection.
Kitty is being submissive. He's paying you a compliment, saying he likes and trusts you.
• Bent / straight legs. If all Kitty's legs are straight and he has an upright posture, raised head and pricked ears, he's happy, curious and confident. In a stand-off, bent front legs and stretched back legs show that Kitty would rather avoid a fight, but that he will defend himself if he has to.
• Arched back. In kittens, this is usually a playful stance - they're wanting a play fight. In adult cats, however, it usually indicates that Kitty is preparing for a real fight. Accompanying things may be ears turned back, wide eyes and hair on the back and tail standing on end. This is a sign of affection, comfort and contentment.

When you're trying to interpret cat body language, it's important to look at Kitty's whole body, not just one particular part. I've told you what individual behaviors and some combined behaviors usually mean, but these should be taken into consideration along with everything else Kitty's doing - and with what he's verbally communicating. I hope you have fun trying to figure him out!

The Importance of Heartworm Prevention

The Importance of Giving Heartworm Prevention All Year Round

Mosquitoes transmit heartworm disease, which affects both dogs and cats. Due to our temperate climate in Florida, mosquitoes can be seen at various times all year long. I have swatted mosquitoes in my home in January and February, which shows how resilient these insects can be. Even slightly above freezing temperatures will cause otherwise dormant mosquito eggs and pupae to hatch and become active.

When a mosquito bites an animal, the larva, or immature form of the heartworm is deposited on the skin, and from there makes a journey to the bloodstream, which takes 30 days, eventually taking it to the heart, where it will mature to an adult heartworm. This is the reason that heartworm preventatives can be given once per month…they kill the immature heartworm that is migrating through the skin. But, once the larva reaches the bloodstream, the preventative is ineffective. Therefore, it is very important to give the heartworm medication on a strict monthly schedule.

Heartworm disease can be hidden for a long time, sometimes taking years before symptoms appear. One of the first things that dog owners will notice is a decrease in exercise tolerance, which means there is a shorter period before the dog gets tired and stops playing or running. As the disease progresses, a chronic cough may be heard and an even greater exercise intolerance may be noticed. Other symptoms may include weight loss, lethargy due to pneumonia, and signs associated with congestive heart disease. Cats will have episodes of sneezing and coughing, and may eat less and become more isolated from their owners.

Annual heartworm testing for dogs is very important, even if you are giving heartworm preventative every month of the year. Sometimes the preventative will be given late or incorrectly applied to the skin, as in the case of topical products. This is why a heartworm test should be performed yearly in conjunction with a check up and vaccinations.

Treatment for active heartworm infection in dogs consists of a series of injections given in the muscle of the back. This is usually a painful procedure but the pain can be controlled with analgesics and other medications that are given at the time of treatment and at home for several days afterwards. Unfortunately, at this time the injectable medication used for heartworm treatment is on back order. This means that even if a pet is diagnosed as heartworm positive, DPC will be unable to treat for an undetermined amount of time. Now, more than ever, owners need to be diligent about giving their pet's heartworm prevention monthly without interruption.

There are many types of heartworm preventatives available; in both pill and topical liquid form. These products include - Interceptor, Tri-Heart, Advantage Multi, and Trifexis. All of which are available at DPC Veterinary Hospital or via our online pharmacy on our website. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on what is the best product for your pet. Remember, heartworm prevention is a prescription so a current exam, heartworm test and doctor-patient relationship within our facility is required in order to purchase through us.

Giving heartworm preventative all year is very important for the health of your pet due to the prevalence of mosquitoes and other parasites in Florida. Yearly testing for dogs is also necessary to ensure that treatment will never have to be a necessity for these important companions and family members. If you would like to discuss heartworm prevention or make an appointment please call 954-989-9879 today!

Heat Stroke in Dogs

Heat Stroke in Dogs

You know it stays hot even through September and people find all sorts of ways to keep cool, but what about our animals? How should we keep them cool? Yes, even into the fall thousands of dogs find their way into the family veterinary office or even the emergency room after spending just a few hours in the hot sun. For those of us in warm states, such as Florida.. we see these cases nearly all year 'round. DPC Veterinary Hospital wants to make sure all of our clients are fully informed on the symptoms and dangers of heat stroke in dogs.

As most people know, dogs don’t sweat like we do; they most often cool themselves by panting. Anything that inhibits that natural cooling system can lead to heat stroke. Normally a dog’s temperature ranges from 100 to 102.5. In cases of heat stroke, temperatures over 106 degrees are considered to be an emergency, and temperatures over 110 degrees can be fatal in less than 15 minutes.

Here are the symptoms you need to watch for:

*Vigorous panting
*The inability to stand or weakness while standing
*Thick, ropey saliva, literally foaming at the mouth
*Bright red mucous membranes, although some dogs may show pale or even muddy gums

Use cool, not cold, tap water on the extremities. This will help effectively lower the body temperature. Do not use ice or extremely cold water. While this may seem logical, extreme cold water will cause the surface blood vessels to contract, forming an insulated area that traps heat in the body and literally stops the cooling of these vital internal organs. Without these life savings steps, many dogs could lose their lives to a simple hot day. Then load you pet carefully into the car quickly and get your pet to the veterinarian office.


If your pet is displaying any of these symptoms, please call us at 954-989-9879 immediately!

The Dangers of Pet's Riding In A Flatbed

The Dangers of Letting Dogs Ride in the Bed of a Truck

We have all seen it, a happy dog standing with his front legs on the side of the bed of a moving truck. Sure, he has the cool breeze running over his face, and the “freedom” to look around and enjoy the outside air, but just how dangerous can this ride be?

A truck bed is an open box with four metal sides, a metal floor, and no lid that is made to haul strapped-down inanimate objects - not your best friend. Pets that are riding in the bed of pick-ups may seem to be enjoying themselves, noses in the air, running around the truck barking and wagging their tails; but imagine the first fast stop, pot hole, or worse yet, a car accident.

According the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA):

“A survey of veterinarians in Massachusetts found 141 practitioners (71% of those surveyed) had treated a total of 592 dogs that year that were injured as a result of riding in a truck bed.”

All 592 of the ejected dogs could have avoided these injuries had their guardians not placed them in the bed of the pickups.

Some of the dangers a pet may experience while riding in an open bed of a pickup are:

• flying debris
• slipping around
• slamming into the cab of the truck
• other animals
• falling out of the bed
• jumping out of the bed
• ejection from a sudden stop or accident
• being hit by another vehicle after leaving the pickup bed
• temperatures can dehydrate or burn (summer heat) your pet or cause hypothermia and wind injuries (winter cold)

All of these terrible incidents can be avoided by simply not putting your four-legged friend in the bed of a pickup.

When you have your best friend traveling with you, at the very least, keep him in the cab. Best case would be your dog in the cab wearing his seatbelt harness so he cannot move around thereby protecting him in the event of an accident. Any time an animal is traveling with you in a vehicle, make sure he is wearing a seatbelt that has been properly fitted to his body type. A dog jumping around in the car or truck is a hazard to your dog, yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on and around the road.

If you simply “must” put your best friend in the bed of a pick-up, place him in a well fitted travel kennel that has been securely fastened down to the bed of the pick-up.  Keep in mind, the elements will still be affecting him in the bed. Summer heat and winter cold can devastate your four legged friend and cause him great harm as well.

Keeping your best friend safe and at home with his loving family is the number one priority of DPC and your help is greatly appreciated.

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Many of our clients may recall that we had a pet staying with us in late 2010/early 2011 for several months. She had three legs and liked to spend time with us behind the front counter during our work days.

Her name was Lyka, and this is her story.

Lyka was presented to DPC in October of 2010 after riding in the flatbed of her owner's truck. She jumped from the moving vehicle, even though she had never done so before, and severely injured her leg. She came in for treatment that included wound care (she had "road rash") and radiographs, as she was limping noticably. It was discovered thereafter by Dr. Bawa that her femur was fractured.

She underwent femoral fracture repair surgery and the owners were informed thereafter that in order to save her limb she would need strict cage rest. After a few weeks she was brought back in and it was evident that the owners had disregarded the post-operative care instructions and her leg was in bad shape. Her limp had worsened and she was in visible pain. New x-rays revealed that the bone had not set properly, the pin was protruding from it's former location, and she was suffering from an infection. She was then surrendered to us and DPC assumed responsibility for her and her care.

She was treated for the infection and waited several grueling weeks for the surgery she needed. The leg was irrepairable at that time she required amputation. She stayed with us through a long recuperation that took several months, and totaled over $5,000 additional to her first surgery and initial care. The total was rapidly nearing $10,000 due to one incident of riding in the flatbed and suffering injury, which her owners said "could never happen."...

Lyka eventually healed and went to a new, loving home. She was three-legged but happy. Lucky for her the ending was happy but prior to her adoption she dealt with quite a bit - Several surgeries, alot of pain and the loss of the family and home she knew and loved. It's such a sad series of events, as it was easily preventable.. Please, please make sure your pet rides carefully at all times! Here's a photo of our beloved Lyka before she left us..

I found a stray - What do I do now?!

I found a stray and I need Help!

Not all strays are abandoned animals or the victim of an uncaring owner. Accidents happen and there may be an owner out there who is desperately trying to find their animal. There is no sure way to tell if a cat or dog has been lost or abandoned. Appearances can be deceiving. Many lost animals quickly take on the classic behaviors, and appearances associated with abandonment such as being skittish, traumatized, underweight, and matted or disheveled. PETS 911 makes the following recommendations for trying to locate a pet’s owner. However, please note, if there are physical signs that the animal has been abused, call your local animal care and control agency immediately for assistance.

1. Always handle the animal carefully. A frightened or hurt animal may behave unpredictably. Do not put yourself or the animal at risk of injury. If in doubt, call your local animal control agency and let the professionals do what they are trained to do.
2. If the animal has license or ID tags, contact the telephone number listed or the issuing agency for license or microchip tags. Either way, this is a good sign that there is an owner out there who is probably anxious to find their pet.
3. Check inside the animal’s ears, on its gums, or the inner surface of the hind legs for tattoos.
4. Contact your local animal care and control agency and report that you have found the pet. Hopefully, the owner has contacted them too. In some municipalities, you must by law turn in a stray pet.

• People who have lost their pets visit local shelters every day. Taking the found pet to the shelter may be the best thing you can do for it. If it is there, the owners can reclaim it. If you want to keep the pet at your home if no one claims it, you can always ask to be notified if the pet is not reclaimed. Once notified, however, you will want to pick it up right away. In some areas, all found pets must be surrendered to the authorities. Check the laws in your town.
• If you do elect to keep the pet at your home, please provide all local shelters with a descriptive flyer with multiple photos of the pet. Make identifying the pet easy for the workers and for the owner. Be sure to provide your contact information.

5. Have the animal scanned for a microchip. Some Humane Societies and vets offer this service for free or for a small fee.
6. If the animal appears to be a purebred, contact the nearest breed club to seek help from club members who may be on the lookout for a lost pet.
7. Search the lost pet listings on www.Pets911.com . If you do not find a match, post a found pet listing with a picture of the animal if possible. Always hold back a few details or identifying characteristics from any listings or ads.
If everyone posted to a centralized source, like PETS911, the number of pets who find their way home would skyrocket! More and more people are using the internet for daily tasks and lost and found pets are no exception. We receive wonderful stories of families being reunited every day. PETS911 works!
8. Register the animal with local humane societies and rescue groups offering lost and found services.
9. Check the “Lost” sections of local newspapers and place your own “Found” ad. Many newspapers will offer these ads for free or for a reduced fee.
10. Post found pet flyers in the area where you found the animal. If possible, include a picture and large lettering on the flyer with your phone number and post it at eye level for passing traffic. Also, post it on area supermarket bulletin boards, vet hospitals, groomers, and shopping areas.
11. Talk to area delivery people, postal people, and children. Children often know all of the neighborhood pets. Ask them if they recognize the stray or know of a family that recently lost a pet.

Someone called and claims that the stray is their lost pet. Now what?

It is easy to be swept up in the excitement that your efforts have been rewarded and your foundling is going home. Most likely everything is in order. However, there are unscrupulous people that appear to be loving and concerned pet owners; but instead sell animals for research, as bait for fighting dogs, or as a breeder for puppy and kitten mills. Here are some tips to ensure that the person claiming the animal is legitimate.
1. Ask for identification. When someone calls in response to your postings, ask for the caller’s name and telephone number and tell him/her you will call back right away. If they will not give you this information – Beware!
2. Ask for a description of the animal. An owner should be able to give you details about the animal not mentioned in any of your ads or flyers.
3. If you are satisfied that this is the legitimate owner, arrange to meet at a neutral public location. Ask the owner to bring identifying materials along such as photographs of the animal, AKC papers, veterinary records, as well as their own ID. Most loving pet owners can easily provide this information and will be happy that you are taking such care with their pet.

Nobody has claimed your stray. What are your options?

Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, a stray’s owner sometimes cannot be found. In this event, you will have some decisions to make.
1. You could keep the animal as a permanent part of your family. Often the stray bonds with its rescuer and integrates nicely into its temporary home. Consult your local animal care agency though, to make sure that you have satisfied state and/or local requirements so that you can claim ownership of the stray animal.
2. You could try to find a home for your rescued stray. There are several things you can do to ensure that you find a good permanent home for the dog or cat you found.

• Talk to friends and neighbors who might be willing and able to give the animal the loving care and companionship it deserves. This is a great solution as it allows you to be able to follow up to ensure the animal’s well being.
• Seek help from Animal Rescues, Shelters, and Humane Societies. Check to see if they have room to take in your stray. Ask them for their guidance and help in placing your foundling in a new permanent home. Even if they are not willing to take them in, perhaps they would agree to post him as an adoptable pet along with their rescued pets on www.Pets911.com.
• You can take your stray to an animal shelter. Most shelters and animal control agencies have limitations due to the sad fact that there are more dogs and cats than available homes. Shelters also often suffer from space limitations and funding limitations. This means that they cannot accept every animal that is brought to them and sometimes animals are euthanized to make room for new arrivals. “No Kill” shelters often do not have room and will only be able to take an animal due to a dire emergency. To be certain that you understand what most likely will happen to the animal; ask questions about the shelter’s policies. Ask about the size of cages and runs, adoption screenings, and the circumstances that allow animals to be euthanized.
• Run ads, place flyers at veterinary offices, grocery stores, etc. Ask a local rescue or shelter to allow you to use one of their adoption applications to help you to screen a potential adopter. Be sure to also ask lots of questions including: Have they had pets in the past? If so, where are the pets now? Who is/will be their veterinarian? Are they willing and able to cover veterinary care and unforeseen medical expenses? Get all of their contact information including name, address, and telephone number. Get personal references and check them. Get promises that the animal will be allowed to live inside the home. Ask for a fee of at minimum $25.00. If a person balks at paying this fee, it is a sign that they would not pay for needed care for the animal. There should also be a provision in the agreement, allowing you to come and visit the animal three or four weeks after placement.

Tricks to giving your pet medication.

Tricks for Giving Pet Meds

It’s hard enough for a veterinarian or a trained team member to give pet medications, let alone your average pet owner.

Pet owners struggle to follow the vet’s orders to give their pets medication, and we know the pets need the medication but they don’t want to take it, and just like with toddlers, we have to give pets a prescription they don’t like.

There’s a recent study that shows that only 10% of cat owners and 30% of dog owners succeeded in medicating their pets correctly. What this means, is that prescriptions sent home by the veterinarians often end up in the cupboard or on the person, and not in the pet. And what happens, is that the pet owner is too embarrassed or hesitant to go back to the veterinarian and admit failure.

One trick is to use Pill Pockets. Rather than giving one Pill Pocket as recommended with the medication, you give three. The first one is an empty Pill Pocket as a tease. The second one is the Pill Pocket with the medication. The third one is the chaser.

And for the animal that won’t take any medication, they seem to spit everything out, try a compounding pharmacy. There are several companies out there, FlavoRX is one of them, and they will make your pet’s medication into pet flavors, such as Salty Bacon, Atlantic Salmon, Angus Beef and Bubblegum. Some companies will even send you samples to find out which flavor your pet prefers. About 70% of dogs and cats will lick this medication right out of the spoon. You can do this with both pills and liquids.

And, if nothing else works for your cat, there is the new transdermal system. The medication is put into something that is simply absorbed into the skin, so you wipe put the medication in the cat’s ear. While not all medications can administered this way, many of the common medications can.

However, if your pets takes pills easily, be aware that many pills can be lodged in the esophagus up to five minutes later. While this is uncomfortable for your pet, it can also lead to inflammation and can cause severe problems long term. So, for both dogs and cats, if you are not using something that is chewable, give a water chaser. When you give the water to help flush the pill down, simply grab the corner of their lip, tip their head back, and squirt it in the corner of their mouth, and it will act like a funnel and run down behind the back of their teeth and right down their esophagus. If you try to put the water on their tongue, they will just spit it up right back on you.

10 Common Pet Misconceptions

Ten Most Common Pet Misconceptions

You’ve all heard them. Things you should and shouldn’t do with your pets. But, how many of them are true and how many or misconceptions? Dr. Debbie White, Lone Mountain Animal Hospital, explains the 10 most common misconceptions we have with our pets today and why they aren’t true.

 

1. A cat will always land on their feet after a fall.
Cat’s do have a keen sense of balance and often seem acrobatic and land foot side down, however they can be badly injured from falls of varying heights. Cats that fall from high elevations in large urban areas are commonly diagnosed with an injury called High Rise Syndrome. Pet owners should monitor cats on outdoor balconies and keep window screens secure.

2. A dog’s mouth is sterile and licking their wounds is a way to help heal wounds.
A dog’s mouth is a verifiable sewer of bacteria. Repeated licking on wounds can actually inhibit healing in the area.

3. Cats need milk.Cats LIKE milk, but no they do not NEED milk. In fact, many kitties will display digestive upset with diarrhea after drinking milk.

4. Cats can do just fine on a tuna diet.
Feeding an all tuna diet is actually DANGEROUS for your cat. Tuna is nutritionally deficient for cats and feeding an exclusive tuna diet will leave your cat at risk of many nutritionally driven diseases. (Problems include: Thiaminase in tuna is an enzyme that destroys an important B vitamin resulting in a Thiamine deficiency, the risk for a dangerous disease called pansteatitis , and high Magnesium levels in tuna can increase risk of Lower Urinary Tract Disease, as well as other nutritional deficiencies of vitamins and minerals such as calcium.

5. When dogs eat feces it is a sign of worms.While disgusting, this behavior is not a direct sign of worms, although it can increase the potential for ingesting and acquiring parasites from this feces tasting behavior. This behavior is called coprophagy, and is a behavior that is commonly displayed by mother dogs as she cleans the waste from the newborns. Puppies and adult dogs may continue this behavior forming a bad habit and some dogs will even do it for attention getting from their human companions.

6. When a dog scoots it’s rear end on the ground, it means he/she has worms.While some dogs with tapeworms can have itchiness on the anal area, the butt scotching behavior is not a direct indicator for intestinal worms. Actually, the most common cause of butt scooting can be problems with anal sacs, but also diarrhea or even allergies.

7. If a cat’s whiskers are cut off then they loose their balance.
Cats whiskers act more as “‘feelers” and are not involved in maintaining balance.

8. Female dogs should have a litter or go through a heat before getting spayed.There is no sound basis for this old wives tale. There is no behavior benefit to letting a female dog have a litter. In fact, shelters are overfilled with dogs and cats - many of who may have been offspring of such unnecessary breedings. Also, waiting on getting your dog spayed can actually increase its risk of mammary cancer. If a female dog is spayed BEFORE she ever goes into heat, the risk of breast cancer is almost zero. The risk of breast cancer in dogs goes up with each subsequent heat for several years.

9. If your dog eats grass then he/she is sick.Dogs often will eat grass and then vomit, however the fact that your dog nibbles on grass doesn’t necessarily mean he/she is ill. Many dogs just nibble on grass for fun our out of boredom. Some veterinary nutritionists believe that grass and vegetation have some necessary nutritional need.

10. A warm, dry nose is a sign of illness and a cold, wet nose-is a sign of health.
From day to day the appearance of a pet’s nose can change. It can be influenced by activity, climate, and overall behaviors of your pet. Healthy pets occasionally have a dry, warm nose, so unless it is accompanied by signs of illness, then no need to worry. Pet owners shouldn’t rely on this rule to evaluate when its time to see your veterinarian. Consider overall activity, appetite, and other signs of illness when deciding if your pet needs a visit to the doctor.

Popular Dog Myths – Fact or Fiction?

-Dogs have night vision

Actually, dogs do not have “night vision,” but they do see better than humans in the dark. The main reason dogs see better than humans in the dark is that their eyes come equipped with a Tapetum. A Tapetum is a mirror-like structure in the back of the canine eye that reflects light back to the retina allowing the dog to have a second view of an object in dimmer situations. A Tapetum also causes the dog’s eyes to seem like they are glowing. Even though dogs can see much better than humans in darker conditions, they do not truly have night vision.

-Dogs should have a litter prior to being spayed and neutered

Research has shown time and time again that a dog having a litter does not help her in any way. In fact, unaltered dogs are actually more susceptible to cancer and urinary tract infections and unaltered dogs are known to have shorter life spans than altered dogs.  Find a spay and neuter clinic or low cost spay and neuter services near you.

-Only male dogs “hump” because they are trying to mate

This is actually very wrong. While male dogs do mount females for procreation, they can also demonstrate this behavior to show dominance. Female dogs may demonstrate this behavior when trying to show dominance as well. The dog being mounted will then learn to be submissive to the mounting dog (Alpha Dog.)

-Purebred dogs are healthier than mutts

This myth has many people talking for years. There is no scientific evidence proving that purebred dogs are healthier than mutts, in fact, it may be the opposite. Purebred dogs have been in-bred for many years, thereby creating, as well as passing along, detrimental traits. Simply put, the dog is passing on its bad traits with the breeder’s sought after “breed standard” traits. This is not to say that a mutt will not have these detrimental traits as well, but it less likely because the dog was probably from unrelated parents.

-A dog’s nose can tell if he is sick

For many years, “old wives” tales have said that a dog’s nose can tell if he is sick. There is actually no research to back this myth up. In fact, a dog’s nose may be wet, cool, dry, or warm at any given time. This does not apply to sunburned noses or raw noses. If you’re worried about him, take your dog to the veterinarian.

-You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

Any dog has the ability to learn, young and old. Remember, an older dog will already have a few set ways that he may be used to, but with a little work and training, he can learn as much as any other dog. Remember, when considering adopting a new dog, that many older dogs come housetrained.

-Dogs have cleaner mouths than humans

Serious bugs can exist in both human and dog mouths as part of the normal flora in a mammal body. Consider the last time you brushed Fido’s teeth. Has he been outside eating feces, bugs, dead birds, and who knows what? Even though Fido’s mouth has different bacteria than humans, his mouth is not necessarily cleaner.

-Some breeds, like Pit Bulls, have the ability to “lock their jaws”

There have been studies on canine jaw function and hinging, and although the dog may have a strong grip, he does not have a “lockable jaw.”

-Dogs can’t learn their names, they just come when they need something

This is false as well. In fact, trainers recommend that one of the first steps toward a well behaved dog is to teach him his name. A dog’s name is a good platform to build new tricks and further train your dog.

-An aggressive dog is a good watch dog

This may seem true if your dog barks at everything and tries to attack people or other animals, but in reality, aggressive dogs do not know if the person nearing them is a friend or an enemy. This can confuse the dog and he may end up biting the wrong person. Many people mistake aggressiveness for protection, and end up getting hurt by the family pet.  If your pet is showing signs of aggression, please take steps to train your dog and to socialize your dog.

-Dogs do not have feelings

Completely and utterly false. Dogs have the ability to move face muscles to show expression. Think about when your dog is upset (mad.) He will adjust his ears, squint his eyes, and even show his teeth to let other know he is upset. This is a good way of telling that a dog is upset. Some dogs have even been known to pout and not make eye contact when they have their feelings hurt.

University of Wisconsin - Madison (2007, November 9).
“How Well Do Dogs See At Night?” ScienceDaily.com
PetPlace.com

OTC Drugs & Your Pet

Many pet owners believe that there's no harm in using human, over-the-counter, medications when their pet seems to be under the weather. It seems a fairly rational thought that if your pet is limping, you can just give it an Ibuprofen. Right? Wrong. We need to be very careful what medication is used for our pets. You may actually be doing more harm than good.

For instance, Tylenol or acetaminophen can never be given to cats. Cats cannot metabolize acetaminophen and this can lead to liver failure. Therefore even small amounts can prove lethal to cats. Aspirin use is also not recommended in cats because they cannot metabolize aspirin and this can lead to overdosing.

Antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and ChlorTrimeton (Chlorpheniramine) can be used to treat allergic reactions for pets, or in some cases for sedation purposes. It is okay to use these medications by themselves but you always want to consult your veterinarian before giving them to your pet to ensure you are giving the correct dosage. You also do not want to give them long term. If you are finding yourself constantly giving your pet Benadryl there may be something going on that needs further care, and/or prescription medication. Also, I cannot stress enough that pet owners must be CAUTIOUS about combination products which often contain Tylenol or aspirin components. Alot of over the counter cold and allergy medications containing diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine also contain Tylenol or aspirin. You also do NOT want to give your pet anything additional (even Benadryl) if your pet is on prescription medications or has any ongoing medical conditions. Always, always, check with your pet's doctor before doing this to verify it is safe to give.

Dog owners need to be cautious about using over the counter medications as well - such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) and naprosyn (Aleve) to treat pain. Dogs are more sensitive to gastrointestinal side effects with these medications. NSAID's like Advil or Motrin can cause kidney failure in dogs. It is very important that owners only use veterinarian-approved medications, prescribed for the specific pet it is given to, for pain relief.

ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN BEFORE GIVING YOUR PET ANY OTC HUMAN MEDICATION, PRESCRIPTION OR NON-PRESCRIPTION.Alot of items inside your home can pose potential risks for your pet. Soap, sun block, and toothpaste for example can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Mothballs if ingested can cause liver, kidney and respiratory damage. If your pet ingests anything in your home, ESPECIALLY HUMAN MEDICATION, please make sure to call poison control and/or your veterinarian immediately.

You can contact the Animal Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 to report any accidental overdose or possible poisoning.

Stay tuned for a post by us about household hazards and what to keep your pet away from!

Planning for Your Pets in your Will.

Who will care for your furry babies?

It’s a sobering thought, but do you know who will take care of your pets if you should die? Many people assume that family members will keep their pets, but shelter volunteers see numerous pets surrendered because of the owner’s death. If plans aren’t carefully made, your pets may not be where you’d hoped. Whether your death turns out to be unexpected or not, planning for your pets' care can give you peace of mind.

No matter what we think of our pets, legally they are property, and unless specific arrangements are made, they will be treated like property after your death. 
Several sources can assist you in ensuring the results you want. Sadly, it’s not as simple as stating in a will "I want my dogs to be taken care of," or "the cats should go to my niece, Katie." What if Katie doesn’t want them, or is undergoing unseen financial misfortune when the time for transfer arrives? 

Several states have pet trust laws in place, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin, and Utah. The laws are not the same in each state. In states without such laws, a trust becomes an honorary system. Without a pet trust, your only option is to designate a caretaker.

A book by Lisa Rogak, titled PerPETual Care: Who Will Look After Your Pets If You’re Not Around?, (published by Litterature) outlines some steps you can take, and mentions why certain approaches may not work but others will. Rogak states, "The law will regard the clause in your will where you bequeath money or property to your pets after death as the equivalent of leaving your car to your washing machine."  She discusses how to avoid challenges from relatives who don’t love pets, and explains how to make a workable, legal plan for your pets in the event of your death or disability. It’s not as straightforward as it sounds.

A new company called PetGuardian estimates that 500,000 pets are euthanized at shelters and veterinary offices each year because their owners have died. PetGuardian offers pet trust plans. In conjunction with the Best Friends Animal Society, which operates the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, it has created the Best Friends Backup Service in which Best Friends will find a "backup caregiver" to ensure that pets are placed in good homes if the designated caregivers are unable to accept the pet. PetGuardian Pet Trust Plans have been created with the help of legal experts, estate planners, and animal care professionals. Veterinary Partner doesn't endorse PetGuardian, but we feel that you should be aware of its services.

Another option to using a service like PetGuardian is to talk to your attorney. While having an attorney create a trust is more expensive than a service like PetGuardian, the attorney will set up a  trust to take care of all your assets, not just pets. These trusts are aimed at reducing probate tax (the so-called "death tax"), but language regarding your pet would simply be included. There would be no additional fee for including pets as you pay for the service as a whole. It's really an issue of telling your attorney what your exact wishes are regarding your pets; this is especially true in states that have pet trust laws in place.

Not all veterinary colleges provide legacy/bequest services, but many do. In a legacy service, your pet will be adopted by a veterinary student, who will care for it for the rest of its life. Ask your veterinarian for names and addresses of veterinary colleges, and check into this fantastic program.

Gina Spadafori, whose Pet Connection column appears in Veterinary Partner, is well aware of these issues. She explains how she has prepared for her pets. Two of the dogs will be returned to breeders, the pocket pets will go back to the rescue groups they came from, the parrot will go to his avian veterinarian (a good friend of Gina’s), and her remaining dogs go to friends who have agreed to keep them. "With each pet will go a sum of money," says Gina.

Being prepared for the worst, or at least the inevitable, can ease some of the concern at that time when everyone is upset and no one is sure what to do. Outlining exactly what you want to happen makes a big difference. 

Source: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=26&A=1674&S=0

Bufo Toad Poisoning

Bufo Toad Poisoning

A common threat to south Florida dogs is poisoning from Bufo marinus,
the giant or cane toad.  This species of toad produces a pasty yellow-
white toxin in the parotid glands, which extend from the head backward
over the shoulder region and is released through pinhole openings in the
skin.  When a dog mouths or bites a Bufo toad the toxin is released and
rapidly absorbed across the mucus membranes of the mouth.
Symptoms of Bufo poisoning occur suddenly and may include profuse
salivation, vocalizing and pawing at the mouth, brick-red gums,
incoordination or a stiff gait, difficulty breathing and the intoxication can
rapidly progress to seizures and death.

The severity of the poisoning depends on the size of the dog and the
amount of toxin absorbed into the blood stream. Puppies and small
breed dogs such as Dachshunds, Mini-Pins, Jack Russell Terriers and
miniature Schnauzers are more seriously affected because they get "more
poison per pound" than a large breed dog.

Bufo toads are most active in the spring and summer months when it is
warm and moist outside.  They are also nocturnal, therefore most
poisonings occur in the evening, late-night or early-morning hours.  
Poisonings can happen very quickly and even dogs being leash-walked
have been known to grab a toad and be poisoned.


WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS POISONED BY A BUFO TOAD.

Step 1) DO NOT PANIC!!! You need to be able to think clearly and act
quickly to help save your pet.  Panicking will only keep you from acting
properly!


Step 2) IMMEDIATELY rinse the dog’s mouth out with a large amount
of water using either a hose, kitchen sink sprayer, shower sprayer or
water bottle.  Rinse the mouth from side to side. DO NOT DROWN
THE ANIMAL BY FORCING WATER DOWN ITS THROAT.  The
toxin is very sticky and may need to be gently rubbed off of the mucus
membranes of the mouth.  Be very careful so as not to get bit by your
pet.  Even the gentlest animal may bite if it is scared, in pain or having a
seizure.


Step 3) Calmly transport the dog to your veterinarian for further care.  
PLAN AHEAD!  Save time in an emergency by preparing now.  Keep the
phone number of your veterinarian by the telephone.  Since most
poisonings occur at night CALL FIRST to make sure that the hospital is
open, don’t waste time driving to a closed facility.  Keep the phone
number and address of a nearby emergency clinic near the phone too, in
case your regular veterinarian is not available.

There is no specific antidote for Bufo-toxin and treatment consists mainly
of supportive care.  The toxin can affect the heart causing it to beat in an
irregular pattern and hyperthermia (body temperature greater than 105
degrees) may develop from seizuring.  Intravenous fluids, cool-water
baths and anti-arrhythmic drugs are all used in the treatment of Bufo
intoxication.

So what can you do to prevent your pet from being poisoned?  First of
all, learn to recognize what a Bufo toad looks like.  Adults can be as large
as 6 to 9 inches in length and have brown, or gray-brown warty skin.  
Younger toads are much smaller but just as dangerous.  Bufo toads are
ground dwelling animals.  Do not confuse them with tree frogs, which
have suction-cup feet and may be found crawling up the side of your
house.

Bufo toads live near water such as ponds, canals and swimming pools.  
Search your yard in the late evening for them.  If you have just moved to
a new neighborhood, ask a neighbor if the toads inhabit the area.

In addition to eating insects, small animals, snakes and vegetation, Bufo
toads are especially fond of pet food.  You can avoid attracting toads to
your yard by not leaving bowls of dog or cat food down on the ground.
If you live in an area inhabited by Bufo toads, you need to be especially
careful.  Direct supervision while your pet is outside is crucial and may
prevent a tragedy.  If you have a fenced-in yard you can make it harder
for the toads to get through the links by putting chicken-wire fencing
along the bottom edge.

Learning to recognize and minimizing the risk of Bufo toads living in
and around your yard are the best ways to prevent your dog from being
poisoned.  But knowing what to do in case of an emergency is the most
important factor in helping your pet to survive.  Rinsing the mouth out
with large amounts of water is the single most important step you can
take.  It will remove excess poison and may actually prevent a minor
intoxication from progressing into a life-threatening one.  Next, call
ahead to your veterinarian’s office to confirm that a doctor is present, and
then calmly and safely transport your pet to the facility.

Why Pet Dental Health Is So Important!

Why Pet Dental Health Is So Important

Imagine rolling over in the morning and having your puppy or kitten waiting to start the day with you.  Perhaps they are cleaning your face excitedly just because they can’t stand another minute without you. Imagine the warm puppy breath or the raspy lick and how it makes you smile.

Now imagine a few years down the road your loving pet is still just as excited to start the day with you but suddenly your turning away and making sounds of disgust because you can’t stand the smell of their breath.  Your pet is confused, they don’t know what they did wrong and what was a wonderful morning experience is now confusing and sad for them.

Pet dental health is extremely important for overall health and maintaining close relationships.  Many people simply don’t realize this importance and don’t develop a plan to care for thier pet’s teeth. Even a milligram of plaque has over 10 billion bacteria in it and as these bacteria sit on teeth they produce tartar and work their way under the gums.  This is how gingivitis occurs.  The gums become angry and bring blood to the surface in an attempt to remove the calculus.  The bacteria then take a ride into the blood stream where their is lots of food for them to gorge on and multiply.

The following systems are affected when pet dental health is poor and are targeted for damage when bacteria enter the blood stream.

• Mouth – Oral disease causes abscesses, the gums to lift off the teeth, teeth to loosen and perhaps even fall out and of course that horrible bad breath that causes you to turn your head away.
  
• Heart – Bacteria travel along and attach to the valves inside of the heart that are responsible for keeping blood flowing in the right direction. The bacteria then cause a similar reaction that happens to the gums and the valves become malformed.  This is called bacterial endocarditis.  The bacteria also build up in plaques on the valves and then peel away in large chunks to wander around and get stuck in other places.

• Lungs – As all of your blood gets pumped through your lungs; and the bacteria can ride in and sets up shop in the smallest of blood vessels called capillaries.  Leading to bacterial pneumonia and inflammation that can cause chronic oppressive pulmonary disease.

• Kidneys – These organs have very small capillaries that run along tubules that are responsible for getting rid of the wastes and keeping what the body needs.  When bacteria flood the kidneys they are no longer able to differentiate as well and tend to just get rid of everything.  Early stages of this sort of kidney disease can sometimes be detected by looking for micro-proteins in the urine and if they are present then frequently a dental cleaning can get rid of the source of infection and allow the kidneys to clear it.  There are even rare cases of abscesses in the kidneys originating from bacteria that entered via the gums.

• Liver – As the liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood stream it is particularly stressed by the byproducts of bacteria living within.  The most common finding when the liver is infected is a general blah feeling and vomiting or micro abscesses in the liver itself.

With this in mind please take some time to consider your pet’s dental health and what you will do to help keep them healthy.  What is needed to best care for your pets teeth is dependant on what type of animal they are.  Cats, dogs, and ferrets all benefit from daily tooth brushing while rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, and rats need a proper diet that grinds down teeth which are constantly growing. Plan how you will handle pet dental health in your household and don’t let this important factor slip through the cracks. They will live better for it.

DPC offers dental care services 7-days a week. We perform dental cleanings with anesthesia and scale/polish your pet's teeth safely and painlessly. At that time we can also perform whatever extractions are needed to ensure that your pet's oral health is in it's best possible state. Routine home care will dramatically decrease the need for future dental work; and non-anesthetic dentals will become an option for you in the future.

Non-anesthetic dentals are performed in our office several times per year. An outside source, mobile care team Pet Friendly Dental, come in and perform a beautiful scaling & polishing procedure without the need for a sedative. If your pet's teeth have been cared for and you simply want a maintenance cleaning performed - this is certainly an option for you! Here's some introductory information from their website:

Our highly skilled technicians thoroughly clean all the surfaces of your pet's teeth. This includes the lingual, palatal, and sublingual surfaces. We use a variety of different tools to help us accomplish our procedure. This includes but is not limited to curettes, scalars, probes, explorers, and machine polishers.

We use very similar techniques used in pediatric dentistry to help calm the pet while we ensure every surface is cleaned and polished to perfection. They use a series of proprietary holds to maintain your pets calm relaxed manor during the procedure. Clients are usually amazed at how well pets tolerate the cleanings.

With the smaller breeds or cats, they use a soft blanket to wrap the pet securely, (many people compare it to a papoose or swaddle for an infant calming technique). The larger dogs lay on an orthopedic mat comfortably with their head propped up in the technicians lap. Our first priority during the procedure is your pets comfort. - Pet Friendly Dental Care (http://www.pfdcare.com/)

Pet Friendly Non-Anesthetic Dentals will be performed at DPC on September 9th and 19th. Call the office to hear about a 20% off special! 954-989-9879