Are there real holiday hazards? Photo credit C.W. Russell However, there are some truly toxic plants that can cause more severe illness in our curious dogs and cats.
Traditional holiday plants to keep out of reach:
Beware that some decorations can be dangerous:
Foods: While we're enjoying some extra treats this month, keep the following ingredients out of your pets' reach to avoid a trip to the vet:
If you have any concerns about what your pet just got into, call ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
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 Photo credit: Sheila Sund No one likes coming home to find a mess - whether that's an object torn to shreds, furniture damaged, or pee or poop to clean up. But chances are, your dog (or, very rarely, cat) isn't actually out to get you. He or she is more likely to be scared or nervous, and the mess is the symptom of that anxiety. It's normal for pets to be unhappy when their owners leave. But most pets can settle down to nap while their owners are away. So what is separation anxiety? Separation anxiety is a medical condition where your dog experiences distress when left alone. These pets may cause harm to themselves or their environment in their need to escape or their drive to comfort themselves.  Signs of separation anxiety include:
What triggers separation anxiety? Any change in routine can trigger anxious behavior. This can include absence of a family member, like a new work or school schedule or a trip. The absence doesn't have to be long, and some pets will start to show anxious behaviors before the person even leaves. Moving is another stressful even that can trigger anxious behavior. Puppies can show anxiety when separated from their littermates, and senior dogs can develop anxiety in their old age. How do you treat separation anxiety? The first thing to do is consult your veterinarian. Your pet may have a medical condition that is causing the behavior change, and treating the problem may fix the behavior. Some examples include pets who are uncomfortable from arthritis, drinking, urinating, and panting more than usual because of Cushing's disease, or are hyperactive or aggressive from an overactive thyroid (cats). Once medical issues are ruled out, training starts. Many pets will also benefit from calming supplements and/or medications to allow their anxiety to subside enough that learning can occur. The first step in training is to provide your pet with proper exercise. A bored pet is more likely to get into trouble. A tired pet is more likely to rest until you come home. Make sure to stimulate your pet's mind as well as body with new games and activities.  Now, start training your pet to "settle". This is a command that you train, just like "sit" or "stay". It means your pet goes to a designated spot like a bed or a crate and relaxes in place. At first, your pet will settle for a very short time. Gradually increase the length of time and the distance you move away before releasing your pet from the command. Use treats and positive reinforcement to keep teaching this command stress-free. Be patient! Once you can leave the room for a short time and return without your pet moving from their settle, you are ready to leave the house for a short time. When you come home, great your pet with the release word and a calm demeanor.  Severely affected pets need additional help beyond training.
Solliquin or Zylkene are calming supplements that decrease the fight-or-flight response and allow learning to occur. Some pets will also respond well to hemp-based supplements - but be careful to avoid any THC, which is extremely toxic to dogs and cats. Anti-depressants like fluoxetine or clomipramine are also very helpful to get the process started for some pets. Start with an appointment with your veterinarian to get your pet the help they need.  It's blazing hot outside, so it's time to take a moment to make sure our four-legged friends are safe and comfortable. A new study of almost a million dogs in Britain confirmed what veterinarians have long suspected - older dogs, overweight dogs, and certain breeds are at increased risk of heat-related illness. Which breeds are at most risk?
Working dogs can also succumb to heat stroke because they are so eager to please. They will often continue running to the point of collapse rather than stopping to take the break they need. Older dogs can be more susceptible because of underlying lung or heart conditions that may be mild or asymptomatic during temperate weather and only show up in hot weather. Overweight dogs are also more prone to overheating because their airways are narrowed by the excess fat and the excess weight acts like a marine mammal's blubber, trapping body heat inside. Rabbits are also very susceptible to the heat. They can tolerate cold temperatures much more easily. Rabbits kept outdoors should have a shaded hutch, a fan to move air and open hutch sides to allow a breeze, and a frozen water bottle to lay on in addition to fresh drinking water.  So how do you prevent heat exhaustion?
If you have a dog or cat who is at risk of heat-related illness, avoidance is the key.
Notice the signs of heat exhaustion early:
If you think your pet is too hot:
 photo credit Enrique Dans www.flickr.com When is a mosquito bite more than just an itchy annoyance for your dog, cat, or ferret? When that mosquito is carrying a parasite called heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis). Found in all 50 states but most prevalent in the South and Midwest, heartworms are transmitted from one pet to the next by a mosquito. Heartworms start as tiny microfilaria that can only be seen under a microscope. Over the next 6 months they lodge in the vessels of the heart and lungs and grow to be over a foot long. Adult heartworms can live in your pet for up to 7 years, and create thousands of baby heartworms that will be transmitted to other pets through new mosquitoes.  2020 Heartworm Incidence Map Heartworm disease is the syndrome caused by these worms living inside your pet. At the beginning, your dog will not show any signs of illness. Early signs of illness can include decreased activity, decreased appetite, weight loss, and/or mild cough. Over time, the heartworms can cause heart failure, kidney failure, or sudden death. Cats and ferrets can get severe disease from just a couple worms, and unfortunately there is no treatment for heartworm in these pets. Dogs can be treated for heartworms with a medication called immiticide. This kills the adult heartworms and then your dog's immune system will gradually break down the worms. Treating heartworm is a very time-consuming and expensive process. It must be done gradually, because the dead worms can cause potentially fatal clots. Your dog is absolutely NOT allowed to run during the months of treatment because exercise can dislodge a worm and cause sudden death. In order to decrease this risk, we start with a month of an antibiotic to weaken the worms prior to the immiticide and steroids to decrease the inflammation in the lungs following the American Heartworm Society Guidelines. So, that's all the bad news. What's the good news? The good news is that heartworm disease is completely preventable. There are many preventive medications available that stop the baby heartworms from developing into adult disease-causing worms. Adding in mosquito repellent provides another layer of protection.
 Photo credit Krzysztof Belczynski www.flickr.com  Photo credit: Lee Haywood It's hard to concentrate in the midst of a global pandemic, but spring is bringing back all the usual pests and our pets need protection. So to keep your pets safe from disease-carrying fleas and ticks, here's what you need to know - we've put it into the mnemonic that's top of mind these days.  So by following the tips above you can keep your pets free of fleas and ticks this year - and give yourself one less thing to stress over. Questions about your particular pet? Just give us a call at 513-791-7912 and we'll be happy to discuss the best product for your individual situation.
COVID-19 has swept the globe and changed our lives.
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 originated in a wild animal market in China in December 2019 and has rapidly traversed the globe, causing over 2 million human illnesses to date. Many countries have implemented stay-at-home orders to distance us from each other to slow the transmission and save lives. For some pets, this is the best time of their lives. They have you home all day and are getting all the extra attention and playtime they've always wanted. For others, they are overwhelmed and desperately in need of their mid-day naps. They sense our anxiety but can't understand the cause. So first, take a moment to pause and observe your pets' behavior. If you see signs of stress - lack of appetite, pacing, panting, destructive behaviors, change to play, loss of training - follow these tips to soothe your pet.
Can pets get COVID-19? Research is ongoing, but at this time there is no evidence that our pets can get seriously ill from this coronavirus. The virus that causes Covid-19 can infect cats and ferrets, but this is only happening rarely. The tigers and lions at the Bronx Zoo in New York displayed mild respiratory signs after their exposure from an asymptomatic person who had contact with them. Researchers have also shown that cats can spread the virus to other cats, but at this time there is no evidence that a cat can give the virus to a person. So there is no reason to isolate yourself from your cat or ferret during this pandemic. (Update 5/7/20 - there are a couple dogs who have also tested positive for Covid-19 and displayed mild respiratory signs. So far the dogs do not seem to be contagious to other dogs, nor are they able to spread it back to a person.) If you are well, continue to interact with your pets just as you normally would, practicing good hygiene and handwashing. If you are ill with Covid-19, it is prudent to ask another person to take over care of your pet. This is mostly because your pet can act as a vector to carry the virus to another person. If you have a service animal or are the sole caretaker, avoid kissing or hugging your pet while you are ill. Wash your hands before and after feeding or interacting with your pet and wear a facemask to limit the spread of virus particles when you cough. More information can be found at these sites: Covid-19 FAQs for pet owners from the AVMA For human health: The State of Ohio's coronavirus page The Center for Disease Control Covid-19 page Old age can cause challenges whether you have 2 legs or 4. Here are some simple steps you can take to make your older pet's daily life more comfortable and maximize the enjoyable moments.
Maintain a healthy weight Being over- or under-weight can both be a problem for the senior pet. Work with us to adjust your pets' feeding schedule so that we can optimize lean muscle mass, decrease the stress of obesity on joints, and make sure your pet has the reserves he or she needs to fight illness.   The novel coronavirus outbreak has many people worried for their health and the health of their families and pets. Concerned owners in China have even started putting face masks on their cats when outdoors to minimize the risk of exposure. Should you be worried about your pet? In a word, no. The current outbreak is caused by a novel coronavirus named Sars-CoV-2, that causes a disease known as COVID-19. As of February 18, the World Health Organization reports it has infected over 73,000 people and caused almost 1900 deaths. That's a lot of people, but let's put it in perspective: the CDC estimates that there have been at least 26,000,000 (yes, million) cases of influenza since October 2019 and at least 14,000 deaths this season here in the United States alone. Companion animals like cats and dogs don't become ill from COVID-19, but it is conceivable that they could carry the virus from one person to another. So a person infected with COVID-19 should minimize contact with their pets to protect other people in the household. The best protection against viruses is to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your nose and mouth, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers after touching public objects (like doorknobs). Stay home if you are ill, and if you are coughing or sneezing in public cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow to minimize the spray.  But what about other coronaviruses? |
| Dog Coronavirus Infections:
| Cat Coronavirus Infection:
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So as we all practice social distancing to slow the human spread of COVID-19, there's no reason to panic for our pets. Practicing good hygiene and limiting exposure to sick people and animals are reasonable precautions, but there's no need to fit your cat with a mask. (A disappointing fact: surgical masks don't actually block virus particles. Only properly fitted N95 masks can do that, and those should be reserved for medical personnel caring for sick people. Paper surgical masks will remind you not to touch your mouth and nose while you're wearing them, and do block most of the droplets from spreading to others when you cough or sneeze. So they're the considerate thing to wear if you are feeling ill and don't want to share your infection with others.)
Show us your best dog or cat grin - are those teeth pearly white? Is that breath fresh? The answer should be yes to both!
You can't have a healthy body without a healthy mouth. Rotten teeth cause pain in our pets, even though they won't show it. Very few animals will stop eating due to oral pain. They will mostly just slow down, or perhaps change the amount of time they spend with toys.
First step: a comprehensive oral exam and treatment. Because our patients won't open wide and say 'aah', this must be done under sedation. Just like a fear-free human dentist uses medications to relax those of us who are dental-phobes, a light anesthesia relaxes your pet so they aren't stressed and don't experience any pain during the procedure. As an AAHA-accredited practice, you can be sure that we have your pet's safety top of mind at all times. Each patient is continuously monitored by a dedicated team member from the moment of induction through to recovery.
What will we find?
We like to find healthy teeth under a small amount of tartar, with healthy gums that are pink and sharp-edged. Dental xrays will show us healthy roots and bone. These procedures are the shortest and least invasive, and our pets wake refreshed with healthy mouths and fresh breath. An optional dental sealant provides up to 6 months of extra protection against periodontal disease.
We like to find healthy teeth under a small amount of tartar, with healthy gums that are pink and sharp-edged. Dental xrays will show us healthy roots and bone. These procedures are the shortest and least invasive, and our pets wake refreshed with healthy mouths and fresh breath. An optional dental sealant provides up to 6 months of extra protection against periodontal disease.
What else can we find? Unfortunately, most of our dental procedures reveal disease of some kind.
After we've done our job, it's up to you. Daily home care will keep your pet's mouth healthy.
- gingivitis: swollen red gums
- pockets: when infection travels along the tooth root under the gum line
- root exposure: chronic infection leads to loss of gum and bone
- loose teeth: this is the end stage of periodontal disease, when the supporting structures around the tooth have been destroyed by infection
- tongue or cheek ulcers or wounds
- growths: lumps inside the mouth can be either cancerous or non-cancerous, and biopsy is required to tell the best course of treatment
- swollen tonsils or lymph nodes
- foreign objects: we've removed hair, pieces of acorn, and even sticks!
- laryngeal changes: some patients develop problems with the soft tissues around their larynx as they age, leading to swallowing or breathing changes
After we've done our job, it's up to you. Daily home care will keep your pet's mouth healthy.
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- Dental diets: Hill's T/D is specially created so that each kibble mechanically scrapes the teeth rather than shattering as your pet chews
- Dental chews: There are many available brands. Look for the VOHC seal on the packaging and always watch your pet while they enjoy their chew. We recommend CET HEXtra chews, CET Veggiedent chews, or Oravet dental hygiene chews.
- Daily brushing: Brush your dog or cat's teeth every day with an enzymatic toothpaste like the CET enzymatic toothpaste. Learn how - click on the video!
What are your New Year's resolutions for 2020? Are you still on track? According to the American Medical Association, roughly half of all Americans make resolutions, but less than a quarter are still committed by the end of January. But what about focusing on your pet? Small goals are easier to achieve than lofty ones, and having a buddy to care for can be more motivating than focusing on yourself.
| Resolution #1: 5 more minutes of play Even just 5 extra minutes of active play makes a difference in your pet's mental and physical health. Throwing a ball, taking a walk or teaching a new trick are good ways to engage your dog. Cats may not retrieve toys but will usually walk to eat kibble tossed in front of them at mealtimes (one piece at a time, folks). Laser pointers, feather dancers, and toys that move on their own can be stimulating for cats. Birds will enjoy paper boxes to shred and foraging toys. Extra bonus - you'll move yourself as well as your pet, and get those creative juices flowing to keep them engaged. |  Photo credit Tambako the Jaguar www.flickr.com |
Resolution #2: Feed to your pet's calorie needs
You'll need a measuring cup and 5 minutes to start this one. I hate to break it to you, but those labels on the back of the food bags usually overestimate the amount of food your pet needs. A basic rule of thumb is that a healthy weight spayed or neutered indoor cat or small dog needs roughly 20 calories per pound. Talk to us about your pet's specific needs, because our pets are individuals and the estimates are only starting points. Overweight sedentary pets may need significantly fewer calories while active pets will need more. Carefully monitor weight and body condition after changing the diet to ensure that your pet is fed properly. Check out the Pet Nutrional Alliance calculators or look at the tables by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association for dogs or cats to get the number of calories to start with. Your pet's food should have a calories per cup or can somewhere on the bag, usually near the ingredients. Then you can do the math. If you like giving treats, here's permission: 10% of the calories can come from treats. For example:
You'll need a measuring cup and 5 minutes to start this one. I hate to break it to you, but those labels on the back of the food bags usually overestimate the amount of food your pet needs. A basic rule of thumb is that a healthy weight spayed or neutered indoor cat or small dog needs roughly 20 calories per pound. Talk to us about your pet's specific needs, because our pets are individuals and the estimates are only starting points. Overweight sedentary pets may need significantly fewer calories while active pets will need more. Carefully monitor weight and body condition after changing the diet to ensure that your pet is fed properly. Check out the Pet Nutrional Alliance calculators or look at the tables by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association for dogs or cats to get the number of calories to start with. Your pet's food should have a calories per cup or can somewhere on the bag, usually near the ingredients. Then you can do the math. If you like giving treats, here's permission: 10% of the calories can come from treats. For example:
- my 60lb dog needs roughly 1000 calories according to the chart, or 1167 according to the calculator
- my Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet DRM is 418 calories/cup
- 1000 / 418 = 2.4 cups or 1176 / 418 = 2.75 cups - this is your starting point
- I have been feeding Cooper 2.5 cups per day, or 1,045 calories of kibble, with a 190 calorie dental chew 3 days/week. Don't forget to add in dental chew calories - as you can see, a single chew is more than Cooper's 10% treat allowance! I balance that by not using one every day. Since Cooper is maintaining his weight and muscle mass, I know that I have his calorie needs in balance
- I ignore the bag, which recommended 2.75-3.5 cups per day for a 60lb dog
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 Photo credit Eli Christman www.flickr.com | Resolution #3: Weekly once-overs Think of this as petting with purpose, and a chance to bond with your pet. Once a week, run your hands over your pet's entire body. You're feeling for anything out of the ordinary or asymmetric. This is your chance to find anything from a mat in the fur to a new skin bump to realizing that one leg more muscle than the other or that a joint is swollen. Lift the ear flaps to look and smell - any brown gunk or odor? Clean off any eye goobers, using a wet washcloth to moisten dried out crusts so you don't rip the fur. Lift the lips and look at the teeth - any red angry gumlines, lumps, or brown tartar? Here is your chance to catch little things while they're still little and easier to fix. |
These resolutions aren't big by themselves, but they can add up to a better relationship with your pet and a healthier, longer life over time. Here's your chance to start the new decade with some small goals, and beat the odds of making them stick. Your pet will thank you.
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