For Many Dogs, Summer Is Ear-Infection Season

Posted on May 11, 2017 - 4:11 am by
Ear infections in dogs

For dog owners, the only sound that epitomizes summer more than the shhh-tik-tik-tik-tik of a lawn sprinkler is the jangle of ID tags as their dogs shake their heads and scratch their ears. Why all the racket? Because summer often means ear infections for our canine companions.

WHAT CAUSES EAR INFECTIONS IN DOGS?

In dogs, ear infections are often caused by environmental allergies. When the air gets warm, pollen, mold spores and other allergens begin to thrive and waft around on the currents, causing allergies to flare up. These allergies can make the skin that lines the ear canal inflamed, opening the door for secondary bacterial and fungal infections.

And if your dog loves to swim, excess water in the ear canal can create the kind of dark, moist environment where yeast and bacteria thrive. (Food allergies can cause ear infections, too, but in these cases, the infections tend to occur all year long rather than seasonally.)

Dogs with pendulous ears, such as cocker spaniels and basset hounds, may be predisposed to ear infections because it can be harder for air to circulate in their ear canals. Health conditions such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) and tumors or masses in the ears may also lead to ear infections.

While ear infections aren’t nearly as common in cats, outdoor cats can pick up ear mites in the summer, which can irritate the ears and lead to infection.

HINTS THAT YOUR DOG HAS AN EAR INFECTION

If the musky odor emanating from your dog’s ear doesn’t tip you off to an infection, your dog may resort to rubbing their ear on the floor. Other signs may include red, inflamed skin lining your dog’s ear canal, waxy discharge, constant head shaking, ear-scratching and obvious pain. In fact, your dog may shy away from having their head touched at all.

TIME TO SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN ABOUT YOUR DOG’S EAR INFECTION

Left untreated, the skin may become cobbled or cauliflower-like in appearance and the ear canals can become swollen and permanently calcified. If the eardrum ruptures, the infection can enter the middle or inner ear and lead to hearing loss, loss of balance and neurological signs.

Your veterinarian will give your pet a full physical exam and most likely swab the ear canal for a sample. By viewing the ear debris under a microscope, they can determine if bacteria and/or yeast are involved. In some cases, they may recommend culturing the sample to identify the exact organisms and the best medications for treating them.

For some dogs, the ears may be so painful that a course of steroids may be required to help reduce swelling and inflammation before the ears can be handled. In severe cases, the dog may need to be anesthetized for a proper ear exam.

Your veterinarian may perform other diagnostics, such as blood or allergy testing to check for underlying health conditions. In some cases, X-rays or computed tomography (a CT or CAT scan) may be recommended to help determine if the middle ear is involved.

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY FOR DOGS’ EAR INFECTIONS

Treatment usually includes topical therapy with antibiotics, antifungals and/or steroids. Your veterinarian will be happy to show you how to clean your pet’s ears so the medication can reach deep inside the ear canal. In more severe cases, oral medications may be needed, and chronic cases can even require surgery.

Of course, treating the ear alone won’t solve the problem if you don’t also treat the underlying allergy or other condition that may be behind the ear infections. If your dog’s ear infections keep coming back, talk to your veterinarian about additional testing to help identify the underlying problem.

Solving an ear infection can be a big relief for your dog. Then they can get back to their favorite summer activities — like running through the sprinkler.

OTHER SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR DOGS

The dog days of summer can be tough on an unprepared pooch. To help dogs and dog owners navigate those steamy summer months, we’ve put together a Taste of the Wild Guide to helping your dog survive the summer. Inside, you’ll find summer safety tips, advice about dog diets, how to protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement, and more!

How to Walk a Cat on a Leash

Posted on April 27, 2017 - 5:13 am by
Taste of the Wild

When outdoors, a cat sure gets around. In fact, a crowd-sourced mapping project that equips cats with GPS devices has the interactive maps to prove it. The trouble is, there are lots of potential hazards along an adventurous cat’s route, including moving cars, dogs and wild animals, infectious diseases, parasites and toxins. This is why leash-walking your cat can be a safer alternative. And it may cut down on the dead bird and mouse “gifts” your cat delivers to your doorstep.

Taking cats outside, especially if they are typically only indoors, can provide added enrichment through mental stimulation and physical exercise. And exercise helps keep your feline from putting on extra weight.

Here’s how to do it.

It’s Not for Scaredy Cats

To start, you’ll want to make sure your cat is well socialized and comfortable with new people, other animals and strange noises. As with any training, it usually helps to start with young kittens, but older cats can learn too. If your cat hides under the bed when the doorbell rings, they may not be a great candidate for leash walking, but it’s worth a try.

Bring on the Treats and Praise

While helping your cat become accustomed to the harness and leash, lavish them with high-value treats and praise so they always associate training with positive rewards.

Help your cat become comfortable one small step at a time. Gradually work up to longer training sessions. If your cat becomes agitated, that’s your cue to stop the session for the day and try again tomorrow.

Get a Harness and Leash

Collars can be dangerous for cats outdoors. If your cat is frightened by something, they may squirm out of the collar or dart quickly so the collar pulls sharply against the trachea, potentially causing harm. That’s why it’s better to start with a harness. Ideally, choose a lightweight jacket harness that provides more surface area to distribute pressure than a typical strap harness.

If your cat has never worn a harness before, don’t ambush them by strapping them into it all at once. Start by placing your hand through the harness in the opposite direction than your cat would normally enter it. Place a treat in your hand to lure your cat toward you. After your cat has eaten the treat, pull your hand up and gradually move the harness down your arm, closer to your hand. Add another treat until your hand is inside the harness and your cat must place their head through the harness to get the treat. Slowly pull the harness over your cat and clip it on them. Give them lots of treats and praise for as long as they tolerate the harness.

Work Your Way Up to Indoor Walks

Allow your cat to walk around the house wearing the halter with the leash dragging behind them (make sure the leash doesn’t catch on anything and pull tight). Once they are comfortable with that, pick up the leash, keeping it slack, and lure them forward with treats.

It’s Time for the Great Outdoors

Like the rest of your training, you’ll want to get them used to the outdoors gradually. For your first outing, make sure it’s a quiet time of day and there aren’t any loose dogs in the vicinity.

Allow your cat to explore within their own comfort level. It may take them several days to work up the courage to leave the yard. During this time, just follow them rather than expecting them to follow you. Again, give them treats and praise as they gain more confidence.

Once they leave the yard, keep on the lookout for loose dogs, noisy traffic or any other distractions that may upset them, and be prepared to pick them up if need be. Eventually, you can try walking ahead of them and luring them with treats to give them the idea to follow you. If your cat never gets to that stage, that’s OK. Even a little fresh air and exercise on a regular basis can do you both some good.

Considering Greyhound Adoption? Here’s What You Should Know

Posted on April 13, 2017 - 5:40 am by
Taste of the Wild

From their long, lanky legs and lean chest to their tucked-up waist and powerful thighs, the greyhound is built for speed. As the fastest breed of dog, the greyhound can be seen tearing up race tracks across the country. But what happens when their athletic career is over?

You’ll find that retired greyhounds can make surprisingly docile and affectionate pets. So if you’ve ever contemplated dog rescue, there’s no better time to consider this breed: April is National Greyhound Adoption Month.

Because most of the available dogs come from a racing background, greyhound rescue presents some different considerations than typical dog adoption. But it’s not as daunting as you might think! Here’s what you need to know.

They Require Less Exercise Than You Think

Although greyhounds have been clocked at up to 43 miles per hour — faster than Usain Bolt — they typically only race for about 30 seconds every few days. The rest of the time, they can be found power napping, which is why the breed earned the nickname of “the 40-mile-per-hour couch potato.” Most greyhounds are content with a short leash walk once or twice a day.

They Make Great Apartment Dogs

You don’t need a big house to take in a greyhound. They have a cat-like ability to curl up in small spaces. And they’re not big barkers, so their quiet demeanor is conducive to good relationships with your neighbors.

They Tend to Be Pack Animals

Racing greyhounds have been around other greyhounds since birth, so they’re used to the constant companionship of other dogs. If your dog will be the only canine in the household, it’s understandable that it may take a little adjustment. Or it may be a good reason to adopt two dogs instead of one.

While most racing dogs have been well socialized around adults and sometimes children, they may not have been exposed to other dog breeds. So if you have another dog, it’s a good idea to make a gradual introduction in a neutral space, such as in the yard or on a walk outdoors.

They Get Cold Easily

There’s not much fat (or hair) on those lean, aerodynamic bodies. That makes it easy for greyhounds to become chilled. Help keep them warm with a thick foam bed lined with warm blankets and a dog jacket tailored to the deep-chested breed.

They Like the Thrill of the Chase

Many greyhounds have been trained to chase lures. So if they haven’t been raised around cats, their instincts may kick in when your cat darts through the room. In these cases, consider keeping the dog on a leash and using a basket muzzle while you gradually introduce them to your cat.

As sight hounds, it’s easy for greyhounds to spot a squirrel a few yards away and take off running. This instinct can be strong, so they should always be kept on a leash or in a fenced-in yard when outdoors.

They’re Often Not Used to Living in a Home

Although track greyhounds are comfortable being around people, everything about living in a home can be a new experience for them. That includes vacuum cleaners, doorbells, slippery wooden floors, carpeting, stairs, playing fetch, loud children and possibly riding in a car. They may not understand the concept of picture windows, so taping an “X” across the window may help them understand there’s a barrier there, and help prevent them from leaping through it.

By introducing these sounds and experiences to your dog gradually, you’ll find that most greyhounds can adapt well over time.

Some greyhounds may also need to be housetrained. But they’re generally used to being crated and to being on a schedule. You can start with the dog in a crate and give them regular potty breaks until they get the idea.

They Can Probably Get By with Fewer Calories

Most ex-racers can be fed a high-quality diet, but they typically need fewer calories than when they were on the track. The greyhound rescue or your veterinarian can provide you with guidance on proper pet nutrition. That said, some greyhounds might bolt their food down quickly, so you may want to invest in special bowls created to help gulping dogs slow their eating.

Of course, every dog is an individual, so work with a greyhound rescue to find the one that’s perfect for your lifestyle. For more information and suggestions on how you can help promote greyhound adoption during April, check out the Greyhound Project.

Stop Your Cat from Scratching and Answers to Other Weird Cat Behaviors

Posted on March 9, 2017 - 10:56 am by
Taste of the Wild

Few animals have inspired more internet videos than the cat. Why? Because cats keep us baffled with their oddball behaviors. Why does your cat scratch doors? Why must they always push things off the counter? And what makes them curl their upper lip and hold their mouth open as if in a daze? Well, we have some answers to your questions about Kitty’s baffling habits.

There’s a Cat at the Door

Have you been forced to banish your cat from your bedroom so you can get a good night’s sleep? Well, your cat wants in. And they are not shy about letting you know. But why do they want in so badly? It could be that your cat just wants to cuddle. Or more likely, they have learned that you feed them in the morning when you wake up, so the sooner they wake you, the sooner they feast. Logic!

The answer? Try giving them a cozy bed sprinkled with catnip in another room. Or initiate a play session before bed so they can chase a feather toy or laser pointer until they are exhausted enough to sleep through the night. You can also provide them with a food puzzle or timer box to distribute their food without bothering you.

Some cats scratch at doors simply because they like the texture. Scratching helps remove the outer sheath of their nails, allows them to mark the object with the scent glands in their paws, and it’s a great way to stretch. Give your cat a more acceptable alternative with a scratching post or climbing tree, and trim their nails regularly.

What’s Up on the Counter Must Come Down

Another popular kitty behavior is pushing pens, TV remotes and glass vases off of the counter (or any other high surface). What’s up with that? Typically, it’s a bored kitty trying to prod some object into motion, leading to a game of chase. Better yet, the sound of things shattering usually brings a human to the scene — so your cat gets attention — and the naughty behavior is reinforced.

There’s a two-part solution: (1) Ward off kitty boredom with scheduled playtime every day and (2) Try to keep them off the counters. Determine which feathered or furred toys they prefer and rotate them throughout the week to keep them interested. Then, make the counters less attractive as a perch by covering them with surfaces and textures cats typically don’t like, such as tin foil or cardboard.

Smelling with Their Mouths

Have you ever noticed your cat sniff at your shirt, then hold their mouth open with that faraway look in their eyes? It’s called the flehmen reaction, and it’s their way of getting a better whiff of the scent — with their mouth. Cats have a unique batch of sensory cells called the Jacobson’s organ, located on the roof of their mouths. By drawing a scent into their mouth and over the organ, your cat can better interpret the scent in question.

There’s no need for a solution to this, but now you know why it happens!

Your Cat Kneads You

Does your cat rhythmically paddle their front paws into you like they are kneading bread dough? Also known as “making biscuits,” it’s an instinctive behavior that usually starts when a newborn kitten kneads their mother’s chest to start the milk flowing. Cats often continue this behavior later in life as a way to calm themselves down, to mark you with the scent glands in their paw pads or just because they feel comfortable with you.

What about your cat’s other weird behaviors? That may just be their way of keeping you guessing.

Everything You Should Know About Cat Constipation

Posted on February 23, 2017 - 7:25 am by
Taste of the Wild

It’s fairly common for cats — especially older ones — to become constipated. They may strain in the litter box to no avail, or eschew the box entirely because it reminds them of the uncomfortable ordeal. So why is your cat backed up and what can you do about it?

What’s behind it? It could be anything

Stress is a factor. Some cats may stop defecating because their litter box isn’t to their liking. They may not like the litter scent or consistency. Or it’s just not tidied up often enough for them. Adding a new baby, pet or workmen to the household can also cause stress that — you guessed it — makes it hard for cats to do their business.

In older cats, diseases such as kidney failure can cause them to become dehydrated, which can lead to hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Cats with arthritis may have difficulty climbing up and down stairs to reach the litter box or have trouble squatting. Other causes include diets low in fiber, trauma (such as a fractured pelvis), certain drugs, gastrointestinal obstructions and even lack of exercise.

An interior graphic detailing six different causes of constipation in cats.

Signs of a problem

In general, healthy cats should defecate at least once a day. Cats that stop eating for any reason will obviously have less in their digestive tracts, so they may go less often. But if four to five days go by without evidence in the litter box, it’s time to be concerned.

In addition to straining in the litter box, constipated cats may often experience vomiting, loss of appetite and depression. That’s when it’s time to see your veterinarian.

How to remedy the situation

The treatment for your kitty will depend on the severity and the cause of the constipation. Obviously, if there’s an underlying health condition, such a gastrointestinal obstruction or fractures, those need to be addressed.

With mild cases of constipation, your veterinarian may recommend adding a small amount of plain canned pumpkin (not the spiced pie filling) to your kitty’s food every day for additional fiber and moisture. He or she may also recommend switching to a diet with more fiber.

Despite what you might hear online, do not give your cat mineral oil because it can cause vomiting and your cat may subsequently aspirate (inhale) the oil.

For cats that are dehydrated, providing subcutaneous fluids, encouraging drinking and/or switching to a canned diet that contains more water can help reduce the occurrence of hard, dry stools. Still other kitties may need laxatives, stool softeners or medications to improve intestinal motility. In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend an enema to loosen up and remove the “logjam.”

It could actually get worse

Cats who are chronically constipated may develop megacolon, a serious condition in which the colon diameter becomes so distended that the tissue loses its ability to move contents along. In those cases, surgery may be needed to remove that segment of the digestive tract.

That’s why it’s a good idea to keep your eye on the litter box and seek veterinary help sooner rather than later.

Is It OK to Kiss Your Dog?

Posted on February 9, 2017 - 11:22 am by
pet kisses

A kiss is a kiss… or is it? Are “licks” from dogs the same as kisses? And are there any health dangers to you from dog kisses?

Dog Kisses Can Be Signs of Affection…But Probably Not

Dog licks can have many purposes and meanings. Researchers who study wolves, coyotes and other wild canine ancestors believe that pups lick the mother’s muzzle after a hunt to compel her to regurgitate a little prey. Some dogs lick the faces of other dogs, possibly to detect if they’ve sampled any treats or as a welcoming gesture.

Dogs lick you because they like the taste of the salt or other signature flavors on your skin that make you, well, you. If dogs lick you on the mouth or lips and you praise them and deliver a kiss in return, you might encourage your pet to offer even more dog kisses.

Of course, when you’re bestowed a dog lick that is accompanied by a sweeping tail wag or a snuggle on the couch, it’s quite possible it’s out of pure affection.

Do Dog Kisses Come From a Clean Mouth or a Potty Mouth?

Have you ever heard that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s? If so, consider this: Many dogs think the litter box is an open snack bar, and dogs and cats are especially fond of gnawing on decaying vermin. They clean their nether parts with their tongues. And chances are, they’re not getting their teeth cleaned nearly as often as you are. Are pets’ mouths cleaner than humans’? Suffice it to say that the “cleaner mouths” legend simply isn’t true.

Dog Owners Could Contract Disease by Letting Dogs Lick People

In fact, pets can swap more than spit with you because their saliva can contain bacteria, yeast, viruses and parasites that can pose a risk to humans. Bacteria such as Salmonella spp., Clostridium spp., E. coli and Campylobacter spp. can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in people. And Pasteurella spp., a type of bacteria commonly found in the mouths of healthy cats and some dogs, can lead to widespread infections in humans.

Pets can even transmit parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and Giardia spp. through a kiss, although it’s not very common.

While these organisms aren’t usually absorbed through the skin if a dog licks your arm or leg, some are more easily transmitted through open wounds in the skin or the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes. The overall risks of catching something serious from kissing your pet is relatively low, but it’s best for immune-compromised people to avoid letting a dog lick hit their lips.

A Dog Lick Might Lead to Something Worse, Like a Bite

Care should also be taken when allowing young children to show affection toward pets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children 5 to 9 years of age are at greatest risk for dog bite injuries. Some pets, like people, may not appreciate being hugged or may be fearful of sudden movements around their face or head, and they may resort to biting as a way to get people to back away from them.

Better V-Day Gifts Than Dog Licking

Still, few pet owners will begrudge their pets some type of licking behavior on Valentine’s Day. Chances are, your dog may appreciate a new squeaky chew toy or catnip mouse even more than a smack on the lips. Offer a sign of affection that doesn’t encourage excessive licking!

Is It OK to Kiss Your Dog?

Sure, you can kiss your dog. Do dogs like kisses? It’s hard to say for sure, but dogs tend to understand that you’re offering affection. But letting your dog lick back, especially on your face or near your mouth, can be detrimental for both human health and pet health. As hard as it is, do what you can to discourage dog kisses and even puppy kisses. If you’re having trouble stopping your dog’s licking, it might be a good idea to consult a dog trainer. If you aren’t sure if your dog has a healthy mouth, consult your veterinarian.

Everything You Need to Know About Your Pet’s Anal Glands

Posted on January 19, 2017 - 8:25 am by
Taste of the Wild

How could that ghastly scent emanate from your lovely cat? And why does your dog shockingly splay and scoot their rear along your Berber carpet? Few people consider anal glands when they sign up for a pet, but, like it or not, they’re part of the package.

What Are Anal Glands?

Anal glands, or anal sacs, are two small pouches located under the skin at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions around the anus. Normally, when pets defecate, the pressure on the anus causes the sacs to release an oily substance with an unmistakably fishy (or other unpleasant) stench.

The prevailing theory is that your pet’s wild ancestors used these scent glands to mark their territory with a signature aroma or as a defense against predators. Although both dogs and cats still have anal glands, domestic pets generally have little need for them today. Except, of course, to sniff out messages left by other pets on the block.

How Will I Know If My Pet Has a Problem?

Occasionally, the anal gland ducts can become blocked, which can lead to impaction and rupture. Or they can become inflamed and infected. Some pets may also develop certain types of cancer associated with the anal glands.

When one or both glands don’t empty naturally, your dog may drag their rear across the carpet in an effort to hasten the process. You may catch a potent whiff of the discharge when you inadvertently startle your pet, causing them to express a bit onto your couch. Because this condition can be painful, your pet may lick or bite at the area. And if an anal gland ruptures, you may notice an ulcerated area with bloody discharge near the anus.

Any time your pet pays too much attention to the nether parts or your sweet dog becomes a stinky dog, it’s time to see your veterinarian.

How Are Anal Gland Problems Treated?

At the clinic, the doctor will manually express the anal glands and check for other problems.

If the sacs are infected, a liquid antibiotic may be infused into them. In more severe cases, your pet may need oral or injectable antibiotics, or pain (or other) medications to help reduce the swelling. Your veterinarian may also recommend warm compresses to help relieve pain and encourage fluid drainage.

Sometimes (like if cancer is discovered), surgical removal of the glands and even radiation treatment may be recommended. Anal gland removal may also be possible for pets with chronic problems, but because of the many muscles and nerves in the area, and the potential for fecal incontinence, it may be worth consulting a surgical specialist.

Can Anal Gland Problems Be Prevented?

Some pets never seem to have problems with their anal glands, while others need to have them periodically expressed. If you’d like to save a little money at the clinic, your veterinarian will be happy to show you how it’s done. However, most people eschew the mess and stink and let others don the latex gloves.

Diet may also help with this pet health problem. Switching to a high-fiber diet, or adding fiber such as psyllium to the current diet, may help produce firmer stools to encourage the glands to empty naturally during defecation. Your veterinarian can recommend a diet that’s right for your pet.

Does My Pet Really Need Flea, Tick and Heartworm Preventives in the Winter?

Posted on December 29, 2016 - 9:32 am by
Pet Preventives in Winter

Old Man Winter is here for the long haul. One benefit of the frigid temps that winter brings, you’d think, would be an end to the fleas, ticks and heartworms that plague your pets during warmer seasons. Do you really need to keep giving those parasite preventives for pets all year long?

The short answer: Yes. Believe it or not, many of these parasites are still active during the winter months, no matter how cold it may get. And year-round parasite preventives not only help safeguard your pet from disease, but they help protect your family’s health as well.

Frustrating Fleas

Outdoors, fleas can survive in temperatures in the mid-to upper-30 oF range. They can also ride out the winter on dogs and cats huddled next to the skin where it’s warm. Also, the flea eggs that fell into your carpeting and furniture last summer may develop into adult fleas in the temperate environment of your home this winter.

On dogs and cats, fleas can cause uncomfortable itching, especially in pets with flea allergy dermatitis, which results from a severe allergic reaction to flea saliva. And once fleas are in your home, it can take months to get rid of them, and you run the risk of the people in the house getting fleas as well. Because fleas can contain tapeworm larvae, pets can become infected when they accidentally ingest a flea during self-grooming, and children can also contract these tapeworms. Why risk it when monthly preventives can help protect your pet and keep your house from becoming a flea gathering place?

Tenacious Ticks

Contrary to popular belief, ticks don’t die with the first frost. Some are just less active, while others search for a new host during winter thaws when it’s above freezing. Still others can live year-round in homes and kennels.

As the deer and wild turkey populations have expanded across the U.S., they’ve carried ticks with them to more geographic areas. And ticks aren’t just limited to woody areas. Landscaping in our suburbs and cities has attracted coyotes, foxes, raccoons and other wildlife, all of which can carry ticks into the urban areas. Ticks can transmit disease-causing agents to your pets. And ticks are equal-opportunity parasites: they’re happy to share infective organisms with you, too.

Hardy Heartworms

Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states of the U.S. This potentially fatal disease affects both dogs and cats and is very preventable. Mosquitoes, which transmit heartworms, can live year-round in many parts of the country. All it takes are a few days of temperatures above 57 oF, and the heartworm larvae can develop to the infective stage within the mosquito, ready to be transferred to pets with a single mosquito bite.

These insects can also live indoors and transmit heartworms, even in the winter. In fact, approximately 30 percent of cats that get heartworm disease are described as “strictly indoors” by their owners.

Worrisome Worms

Most heartworm preventives also contain medication to help eliminate intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. Pets can become infected in the winter if they catch and eat an infected bird or mouse. Some parasite eggs, such as those from roundworms and whipworms, can survive freezing temperatures. If they’ve developed to the infective stage and the ground thaws, they can turn into larvae which pets can pick up from the environment or even at doggie daycare. If that’s not worry enough, many of these intestinal parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be spread from pets to people.

An interior graphic detailing different facts about why winter can be a wonderland for common pests like fleas, ticks, roundworm and heartworm.

While many of us have enjoyed warmer winters in the last few years, once thing’s for sure: Parasites are flourishing in the more temperate weather, too. To help safeguard your pets — and your family — talk to your veterinarian about the parasite risks in your area. He or she can recommend the right preventives to help keep everyone in your home safe and healthy, all year long.

‘Tis the Season to Avoid Pancreatitis in Pets

Posted on December 22, 2016 - 8:41 am by
Pancreatitis in pets

With all the parties, events and gatherings this holiday season, who can resist those buttery rolls or that second helping of pork roast and gravy? Certainly not most of us. Nor our pets, who cast their beseeching brown eyes at us from under the tablecloth. And the holidays are all about sharing, right?

The trouble is, too much rich food can land some pets at the veterinary clinic with gastrointestinal upset. Of course, any abrupt change in your pet’s diet can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, but some pets may succumb to a more serious condition called pancreatitis.

What is pancreatitis?

Simply put, it’s an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ tucked where the stomach attaches to the small intestine. Normally, the pancreas is responsible for making and secreting digestive enzymes and insulin. But when it becomes inflamed, the digestive enzymes can literally start digesting the organ itself, leading to inflammation and abdominal pain. Severe inflammation can lead to shock and may be life-threatening.

What are the signs of pancreatitis in pets?

In dogs, the signs can be mild and often mistaken for indigestion, such as a loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. But they can also be severe and life-threatening, including lethargy, abdominal pain and shock. Cats tend to have more subtle signs, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration and weight loss. For some pets, there may be a sudden onset of signs, while others may have chronic pancreatitis, with signs that ebb and flow.

What causes it?

In dogs, eating rich, high-fat foods is the primary cause of pancreatitis, although not the only cause. Miniature schnauzers appear to be prone to the condition, so there may also be a genetic component. Some medications, like those used to treat epilepsy, may contribute to pancreatitis as well.

In cats, high-fat foods are less of a direct cause of pancreatitis, but because it can be associated with other inflammatory conditions in the abdomen, such as inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation of the liver and/or gall bladder and fatty liver disease, it’s best to avoid sudden additions of rich or fatty table scraps. Trauma such as being hit by a car, infectious diseases such as feline distemper and some toxins and medications are also potential causes for cats.

In many cases, a specific cause may not be found. Although it can happen at any age in any pet’s life, middle-aged to older cats and dogs and those who are overweight are at higher risk for the condition.

How is it diagnosed?

Because the signs of pancreatitis can be similar to other conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. After a physical exam, your veterinarian will most likely recommend blood tests, X-rays or an abdominal ultrasound. Additional tests may also be recommended to rule out or identify other underlying conditions.

Treating pancreatitis

For mild cases of pancreatitis, your veterinarian may recommend outpatient treatment that may include anti-vomiting and/or pain medications and special food.

Pet nutrition is an important part of treatment. While it was previously believed that food should be withheld for a day or two, most veterinarians now try to encourage eating as soon as possible.

A special fat-restricted diet is generally recommended for most dogs. This can be problematic for cats, because these diets tend to replace fats with carbohydrates, which may be difficult for some cats to digest. Your veterinarian can recommend a diet that’s right for your cat.

In severe cases of pancreatitis, the pet may need to be hospitalized and put on intravenous fluids. Some cats may require feeding tubes to help make sure they receive proper nutrition. Other underlying diseases that may be contributing to pancreatitis should be treated as well.

Pets with mild cases of pancreatitis usually recover with time. Severe cases can lead to medical complications. And pets may develop diabetes later as a result of the pancreatitis.

Can it be prevented?

Certainly, you can help prevent gastrointestinal upset by keeping your pet’s diet consistent and not overindulging them with treats during the holiday season. While pancreatitis may not always be prevented, it helps to substitute high-fat holiday treats from the table with fresh vegetables, including cooked carrot and squash or steamed green beans or broccoli. And your veterinarian can always recommend a treatment specifically for your dog or cat.

So as pleading as those big eyes might be, try to avoid indulging your little helper this holiday season. The best gift of all is short- and long-term health.

Destructive Behavior in Pets: It’s Not Spite

Posted on December 8, 2016 - 2:03 pm by
Destructive behavior in pets

When you’re not home, does your pet have their way with your belongings? Are the mangled boots, the peekaboo hole in the cashmere throw, or the gnawed window frame a statement of your dog or cat’s dissatisfaction?

While it may seem like an overt case of vindictiveness, rest assured that your pet isn’t doing it out of spite. In fact, there are plenty of reasonable explanations for this kind of behavior.

Your Pet May Be Bored

To you, the hours may fly by when you’re away from home. But for a homebound pet with no source of entertainment, it can seem like never-ending hours of solitary confinement.  Chewing, scratching or other behaviors may simply serve as an activity to fill their time.

So what can you do? Think about exercising your pets before you leave. Whether it’s a brisk walk for your dog or a laser pointer chase game with your cat, a little exercise can help work off pent-up energy. You can also try leaving indestructible toys at home or food puzzles to help keep pets occupied.

If you’re away for eight hours or more, consider a doggie daycare facility where your dog can cavort with other like-minded dogs. Or hire someone to take your dog to the park or play with your cat in the middle of the day. There are even remote cameras that enable you to watch and talk to your pet remotely and dish out treats to reward good behavior.

Destructive Behavior in Pets Could Be Anxiety

Pets can become destructive if they suffer from stress and anxiety, and separation anxiety is a real issue. Here, the absence of a favorite human can cause severe distress that leads to barking, whining, trembling, potty accidents in the house and the destruction of windows, doors and, often, your possessions.

Dogs can also be afraid of loud noises such as fireworks, gunshots and thunderstorms. If a thunderstorm occurs while you’re at work, for example, a dog with a storm phobia may try to chew on a door or leap through a window in an attempt to escape. Barking, pacing and destruction of property can also be signs of noise phobias.

In both cases, dogs can physically injure themselves either from trying to escape from the house or kennel or from compulsively licking or scratching themselves. The important thing to know is that these pets are experiencing profound distress. Punishment should be avoided because it will likely make the situation worse. The best thing you can do is work with your veterinarian to identify the cause of the anxiety. Depending on the severity of the problem, your veterinarian may recommend that you take your pet to a behaviorist, or possibly prescribe medication.

For separation anxiety, behavior modification can include changing your departure cues. For example, picking up your car keys so they’re not always associated with leaving, teaching independence, providing rewards when leaving and ignoring the pet on return until they’re calm. For dogs with noise phobias, it’s about teaching them the noise doesn’t have to be frightening. Pairing a recording of thunder at low volumes with a treat and gradually increasing the volume can help some dogs learn to stay calm.

Doggie Daycare pet anxiety graphic

Compulsive Behaviors

Some pets may indulge in compulsive behaviors while you’re gone. Oriental cat breeds such as Siamese, Burmese and Birman can have a particular fondness for wool, and as a result, they may suck, chew and swallow parts of your favorite sweater or socks.

This behavior can also lead to compulsive licking of other fabrics as well as paper and plastics. In some cases, cats may also lick the hair off themselves, leaving bald patches. Swallowing large amounts of these items could lead to a gastrointestinal blockage that requires emergency surgery.

While experts believe that wool sucking may have a genetic component to it, there can also be an underlying medical condition contributing to the problem. In these cases, it’s best to work with your veterinarian to pinpoint the cause and determine the right treatment, which may include stress reduction, behavior modification and possibly medication.

Where There’s a Cause, There’s a Cure

A pet’s behavior is rarely caused by mood or emotions. There is almost always a root cause for a cat or dog’s actions, and with a little digging and a lot of compassion, you can figure out what is bothering your furry friend and take steps to fix it. And, as always, consult with your veterinarian before giving up!