Tag: health

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.