Tag: pet

Movies to Watch with Your Dog This Holiday Season

Posted on December 23, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
A couple sitting on the couch holding a television remote with a dog sitting between them.

Only so much eggnog and sugar cookies can be consumed before your family eventually plops on the couch, ready to snuggle in for a traditional evening of movies. But since your dog is truly a part of your family, why not let them pick the flick this time? Here are a few dog-themed holiday movies to watch that might just keep your pooch on the edge of their seat.

A Dog Named Christmas

In this Hallmark Hall of Fame feel-good movie, a young man with a learning disability shows just how powerful the unconditional love for animals can be. When the local animal shelter launches a campaign to promote dog adoption for the holidays, the boy puts his all into convincing the people of his Midwestern town to participate. At the same time, one dog in particular captures his heart.

I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown

What kid doesn’t dream of a puppy under the tree with a red satin bow around its neck? So it goes for Linus’s little brother, Rerun. In this Peanuts’ classic, Rerun sets his sights on bringing Snoopy’s less civilized brother Spike into the family.

The Search for Santa Paws

In this heartwarming fantasy/adventure film, Santa’s head elf brings a stuffed dog to life, which Santa names Paws, and the jolly guy vows to be his best friend for life. When the pair travel to New York, Santa is hit by a cab and loses his memory. Paws teams up with a young orphan named Quinn, her friend, and a group of magical talking dogs to help save Santa and show the real meaning of the holiday.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Who doesn’t love Max, the loyal dog of the “mean one” in this holiday classic? In the live-action version, Max is actually played by six different shelter dogs who all found homes after the movie. What a happy ending!

Lady and the Tramp

While you may not instantly think of Lady and the Tramp as a holiday movie, it starts with Lady, a cocker spaniel, arriving as a Christmas gift and ends with Tramp, a stray mutt… Well, we don’t want to give away the ending, but it ends at Christmas!

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure

Beethoven, the lovable St. Bernard, returns to help save Christmas in this sequel. After Santa’s sleigh crashes and his magic toy bag goes missing, Beethoven comes to the rescue just in time. And Beethoven speaks for the first time in this movie!

What’s your favorite movie to watch while you’re cuddled up on the couch with your canine companion?

When the Temperature Plummets, Should You Feed Your Pet More?

Posted on December 16, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

With winter comes crisper temperatures, waning daylight hours and more time padding around your house in wool socks. It’s a time when we crave comfort foods bubbling with cheese, as if a primordial instinct compels us to add another layer of insulation before we hibernate for the season.

But what about your pet — do his or her nutritional needs change with the season?

Cold-weather pet food

Like people, pets may tend to eat a little less in the summer and slightly more in the winter. But any abrupt change in appetite — eating a lot more or a lot less — or any noticeable changes in weight could be the sign of an underlying health problem. In these cases, check in with your veterinarian.

Still, unless your dog is training for the Iditarod or sleeps outside, it probably spends most of the winter in the comfort of your climate-controlled home. Same goes for your cat. In these cases, there’s usually no need to increase your pet’s food intake in the winter.

When to feed less

If you live in the northern part of the United States, there’s a good chance your dog walks may be shorter (or nonexistent), compared to summer. If your pet is getting less exercise this winter but eating the same amount of food as the summer, he or she is likely to put on some extra pounds. To avoid this, talk to your veterinarian about safe ways to trim food intake.

When to feed the same amount

Even when the thermometer takes a nosedive, your pet still needs daily physical and mental stimulation.  Certain breeds and puppies, especially, need to work off excess energy. And regular exercise can help prevent behavior problems from developing out of sheer boredom. With consistent exercise, you can continue to feed your pet the same amount of food all year ‘round.

Exercising your pet, even in the winter, can help pry you off the couch, too. Consider making the most of winter by taking your dog snowshoeing or skijoring in the snow. Or explore warm, indoor activities like playtime at doggie day care. You can even set up an obstacle course in your living room. Your cat could also benefit from games of laser tag and interactive food puzzles.

When to feed more

Pets that live outdoors or spend considerable amounts of time in harsh weather will burn more calories to maintain their body temperature. These pets will need more food than they eat in the summer, a place to escape from the weather and a source of fresh water that isn’t frozen.

If your dog engages in high-energy activities in the winter, such as all-day hunting trials, with prolonged exposure to icy temperatures, they will also require additional food. As a rule of thumb, for every 10-degree drop from normal temperatures, a dog will need about 7% more calories. In either case, your veterinarian can help you determine your pet’s caloric needs.

Keeping your pet “just right”

No matter what the season, dogs and cats should be fed to maintain a healthy body condition score. That means they should have an hourglass waist when viewed from above, a tuck in the tummy when seen from the side, and ribs that can be easily felt, but aren’t visible.

Other winter comforts

If your pet spends any time outdoors in icy temperatures, consider a coat to help keep them warm and dry, especially if they have short, thin hair. For pets with longer hair, remove any hair mats, which can pull painfully against the skin, preventing the coat from providing proper insulation by allowing cold air to pass close to the skin.

Trim the hair between the footpads to prevent ice balls from accumulating there. If your dog is tolerant, consider booties, which can also prevent exposure to salt and sidewalk deicers. Any questions? Your veterinarian is the best source for tips on keeping your pet healthy this winter.

Acute vs. Chronic Pain: When Your Pet Needs Help

Posted on December 2, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Your dog or cat can feel pain in all the ways you do. Maybe it’s the throbbing of a sore tooth. The dull ache from an old knee injury. Or the sharp stab of a cut on a paw pad. The difference with pets’ pain is that they don’t always tell you when it hurts.

Like animals in the wild, pets may hide signs of pain to prevent them from appearing vulnerable to predators. That’s why it’s your job to keep close tabs on your pet and notice when something may be wrong. If your pet isn’t as active as they used to be, don’t write it off as just part of the natural aging process. Any change in your pet’s behavior could be a sign of pain.

Acute vs. chronic pain

In medicine, most pain is classified as either acute or chronic. Acute pain tends to come on suddenly or lasts for a short time, dissipating once inflammation resolves and healing occurs. It’s often brought on by trauma, surgery or an inflammatory condition, such as an illness.

If you twist your ankle, for example, you’ll probably feel immediate pain, which will improve once you prop up that leg on a pillow and allow the swelling to resolve. It’s important to recognize acute pain and treat it immediately, or acute pain can become chronic.

Compared to acute pain, chronic pain is more complicated and generally lasts longer, sometimes even for the pet’s lifetime. Osteoarthritis is one condition that can cause chronic pain, because the disease can’t be cured and tends to progress over time.

Left untreated, chronic pain can snowball. The animal’s brain can become so sensitized to pain that a nerve signal meant to relay a small amount of pain is perceived as being much more painful. Early recognition and treatment of pain is important to prevent this exaggerated form of pain perception from developing.

Acute pain may be treated by resolving the source of the problem, such as removing a fractured tooth or resting the affected area and/or a short course of veterinary pain relief medications. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is typically managed with a combination of treatments which may include medications, physical therapy and other interventions.

Signs of pain in pets

Sometimes, it can be obvious that your pet is in pain. Maybe they’re limping on a bad foot or pawing at a broken tooth. But since pets often will try to hide pain, the signs can be subtle. Since you know your pet better than anyone, you’re the best person to recognize when your dog or cat is a little “off.”

Possible signs of pain (both acute and chronic) include:

    • Whining, whimpering or groaning (dogs)
    • Meowing, hissing or even purring (cats)
    • Decreased appetite
    • Withdrawal or hiding
    • Obsessively licking or biting at a body part
    • Restlessness
    • Reluctance to move
    • No longer jumping up or using the stairs
    • Seeking affection more than usual
    • Dilated (enlarged) pupils
    • Flattened ears
    • Aggression in a normally friendly pet
    • Guarding a body part

How to help your pet

  • Schedule a veterinary exam as soon as possible — The doctor will try to determine the source of the pain and possible treatment.
  • Give veterinary prescriptions as directed — Try not to miss a dose and call your veterinarian if your pet shows evidence of any side effects.
  • Keep a pain journal — Note how often your pet seems to be in pain, and if possible, videotape the painful behavior for your veterinarian to observe.
  • Make your pet more comfortable at home — Depending on the source of your pet’s pain, small changes can be made to help your pet’s well-being. For example, pets with arthritis may benefit from a padded bed and ramps to make it easier to get into the car or onto furniture.
  • Don’t give your pet any human medications — Some can be dangerous for pets, so always consult your veterinarian first.
  • Keep your pet at a healthy weight — Extra pounds can put additional stress on painful, arthritic joints.

Whether it’s acute or chronic pain your pet is dealing with, if you pay attention to the signs, there’s almost always something you can do to make them feel better.

Help Homeless Pets Celebrate Thanksgiving

Posted on November 18, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Many families extend a Thanksgiving invitation to friends who don’t have family nearby. Since dogs and cats are part of the family, shouldn’t we offer the same courtesy to animals in the same predicament? In other words, why not share some Thanksgiving love with shelter and rescue dogs and cats?

Here are a few ways you can give thanks for pets by helping those without families this holiday season:

Foster a homeless pet for the holidays. Shelter and rescue facilities can be full of sights, sounds and smells that are unfamiliar and even scary for dogs and cats. Many of these organizations are looking for temporary homes for animals for a week or more. When you foster a pet, you can provide a quiet and loving home for these pets during the holiday season.

Put together a care package. Rescues and shelters are always in need of supplies, from dry and canned dog or cat food to toys and treats, kitty litter and large, gently used towels. Why not bring homeless pets a gift basket from your family? You can always call your favorite local rescue and ask what items are especially needed at this time of year.

Feed a homeless person’s pet. For someone living on the streets, it can be hard enough to find a nutritious meal for yourself, let alone for your dog. The nonprofit organization Pets of the Homeless lists drop-off centers for pet food or donations for emergency veterinary care. This organization is linked with food banks, homeless shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens that can deliver the pet food to those who really need it.

Volunteer your time at the shelter. Plenty of animals could use some one-on-one time with a human being. And what human couldn’t use another dog or cat fix? Many shelter and rescue organizations are looking for a people who can help walk dogs, exercise small critters, socialize cats and scrub kennels. It won’t cost you a thing, but it’ll sure make some animals feel good.

Participate in Giving Tuesday. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, people all over the world will make donations to their favorite nonprofit organizations. It’s your chance to support a cause that’s close to your heart, like your local shelter or rescue. You can even specify where you’d like the money to go, such as a fund for those animals who are sick and need medical or surgical care.

The best gift of all: adoption. Do you have room in your heart and home for a new pet? There are plenty of dogs and cats who would love nothing better than a forever home. It’s a tremendous kindness to a lonely dog or cat. But it’s also a gift to yourself — and one that truly keeps on giving.

What Strikes Fear into the Hearts of Pets?

Posted on October 28, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

With Halloween around the corner, friends and neighbors will do their best to send a shiver down your spine. But have you ever wondered what frightens dogs and cats?

Pets can develop fears and the exaggerated fears known as phobias. But unlike the make-believe ghosts and goblins of Halloween, some pets’ fears are so real that they can cause anxiety and lead to behavior problems, aggression or even property destruction and self-injury.

Fears can develop in an animal for many, many reasons, from traumatic experiences to genetics. But in pets, many common fears can be traced back to the ever-important socialization period of a pet’s early life. Fears may develop because of lack of exposure to people, places and situations during that socialization period, which is the first 12 weeks of life for dogs and the first 9 weeks for cats.

Common dog and cat fears

Both dogs and cats can develop a fear of just about anything. It may be rational, such as a pet that howls in fear during car rides after previous episodes of motion sickness. Or it can be apparently irrational, like the dog who shrieks every time the silverware drawer is opened.

Some pets are afraid of strangers and may bolt out of the room when the doorbell rings. Or they may come unglued when they meet a baby, a child, or a man in a uniform. Other pets may be frightened of other animals or of a specific breed of dog.

Certain situations, like a trip to the veterinary clinic or groomer, or a walk on slippery hardwood floors, can make pets shake in their paws. Pets can even be frightened by an unfamiliar object in the house, such as a new fan.

Common phobias in dogs include noise phobia, thunderstorm phobia and separation anxiety. Pets can also suffer from more than one phobia. In fact, many pets with thunderstorm phobia also have separation anxiety.

Signs of fear and anxiety

Fearful pets often feel anxiety, or a sense of unease in anticipation of a threat, that may be mild or severe.

Anxious dogs may pace, pant, drool and tremble. They often lick their lips and yawn. Cats can hiss and arch their backs, or they may nervously overgroom, resulting in hairless patches.

Both dogs and cats may freeze in place, hide, cower or try to make themselves appear small by curling into a ball, tucking their tails close and pinning their ears against their heads. Pupils are often dilated (enlarged), the hair on their spine may stand up and they may whimper or yowl. They may lose their appetites or become aggressive. Some may empty their anal glands or eliminate inappropriately.

These are all signs of a distressed pet, and under no circumstances should the pet be punished, which usually only exacerbates the pet’s fear and anxiety.

Overcoming Fears

The best way to help a fearful pet is to make an appointment with your veterinarian or a veterinary behavior specialist as soon as possible. They can work with you to help identify what’s causing your pet’s fear. They’ll also give your pet a thorough physical to make sure there aren’t any underlying medical problems that might contribute to the behavior. Typically, your veterinarian will recommend a combination of treatments, which may include behavior modification, environmental changes or, if needed, medications.

For the pet that runs when the doorbell rings, for example, you might start by changing the doorbell chime so it’s less likely to cause anxiety in your pet. Then, gradually desensitize the pet to the doorbell cue by asking family members to ring the bell and enter, so the pet recognizes that the sound results in a positive event. As your pet becomes more comfortable, provide a treat or toy each time they remain calm after the doorbell.

Then you can place your pet on a leash and gradually have other people your pet may be familiar with enter the door. Ask these people to ignore your pet and avoid eye contact. Treats may be tossed toward the pet to invite them to approach the person. In this way, work to gradually reduce the space between the person and the pet. Once your pet is comfortable with this, try having strangers come to the door, all the while rewarding your pet for non-fearful behavior.

Helping your pet overcome fears requires time, patience and positive reinforcement for every advancement he or she makes. But helping relieve anxieties can improve their quality of life, which makes it all worth it.

Snakes Alive! What to Do About Snake Bites on Dogs

Posted on September 2, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
A close-up of a dog sniffing a small snake.

Most snakes are happy to go about their business, keeping the local population of pesky rodents and insects under control, but some dogs just can’t leave well enough alone. Just like a bee sting, hopefully it will never happen to your dog, but if it does, this article will help you know what to do if your dog gets bitten by a snake.

Venomous Snakes Do Bite Dogs

About 150,000 dogs and cats are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year. In the U.S., snakes that are venomous include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasins) and coral snakes. If a venomous snake encounters your dog and bites them, it can be a life-threatening medical emergency.

What Does a Snake Bite Look Like on a Dog?

Much like bee stings, a snake bite on a dog’s legs or face is most common. You may or may not see fang marks because swelling around the bite wound can hide them. The severity of the bite depends on a number of factors: the type of snake, the bite site, the size of the dog, how much venom is injected by the fangs and the amount of time between when the bite occurs and when medical treatment is started. Therefore, assume the snake was venomous and immediately seek veterinary care to treat snake bites, even if your dog has received the snake bite vaccine.

Dog Snake Bite Symptoms

Bites from nonvenomous snakes may cause pain, bruising and swelling around the bite site. Puncture wounds (fang marks) may be visible. A nonvenomous snake bite on a dog’s body may become infected; otherwise, for most dogs, swelling resolves in a few days.

The signs of a venomous bite can vary, but may include pronounced swelling, which may spread quickly. Due to this swelling, fang marks may not be obvious. The dog may have severe pain, muscle tremors or respiratory distress (trouble breathing), and may go into shock, which is why immediate veterinary assistance is important.

What to Do If Your Dog Is Bitten by a Snake

  • Move yourself and your dog away from the snake immediately. If possible, take a photo of the snake to aid in identification.
  • Try to calm your dog and keep them from moving. If you need to get your dog to the car, carry them (if possible); too much movement can increase the spread of venom in the body.
  • Remove their collar and muzzle your dog. Dogs that are frightened or in pain may bite, so wrap a bandana or leash around their muzzle to protect yourself.
  • Keep the body part with the bite wound at or below the heart. If the snake was venomous, this may help slow the distribution of venom.
  • See a veterinarian as soon as possible. Dog snake bites can be a medical emergency. Don’t waste time trying to determine if the snake is venomous or not. If it’s after hours, go to the nearest emergency vet clinic.

What NOT to Do If Your Dog Is Bitten by a Snake

  • Don’t try to kill or capture the snake. This could put you at risk of a bite.
  • Don’t slice over the bite wounds and try to suck out venom. What may be a good idea in movies is not a good idea in real life.
  • Do not apply a tourniquet, pressure bandage or ice pack. While these tactics can help slow the venom from moving to other parts of the body, if the venom is sequestered, it can cause tissue damage.
  • Don’t administer any medications. Only give medications under the guidance of a vet.

Treatment for Venomous Snake Bites on Dogs

Hospitalization is often required for snake bites. For venomous bites, like rattlesnake bites, antivenin (antivenom) specific to the type of snake venom injected may be administered intravenously if it’s available — that’s why it’s helpful to have a photo of the offending snake. This treatment can be very expensive, especially for large dogs, and some dogs may have side effects. Pain medications, intravenous fluids, antibiotics to treat an infection and other treatments may also be recommended.

How to Prevent Snake Bites in Dogs

It’s better to try and avoid an emergency trip to the hospital. Take these steps to help prevent your dog from a nonvenomous or venomous snake bite:

  • Know the snakes that are common in your region or the area you will be visiting with your dog.
  • On hikes, stay on open paths and keep your dog on a leash.
  • Avoid off-trail hiking and areas where snakes are commonly found, such as rock formations and high grass.
  • Hike during the day (rattlers are nocturnal) or during cooler months when snakes may not be as active.
  • Don’t let your dog sniff at dying or injured snakes — they can still bite and inject venom.
  • If you live in or are visiting an area where rattlesnakes are common, talk to your vet about the rattlesnake vaccine for dogs. It is approved for use in dogs, however the jury is still out on its efficacy.

Let the Snake Slither Away

If snakes are common in your area, especially venomous ones, ask your veterinarian about snake avoidance training classes that teach your dog how to avoid the smell, sound and sight of snakes. If you do encounter a snake, stop and give it a chance to slither away on its own; most snakes aren’t aggressive and would rather not deal with people or dogs.

Lymphoma in Dogs

Posted on May 13, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
A brown dog sitting down next to text that reads, ‘Understanding Lymphoma’.

Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, nutrition and good daily care from owners like you, dogs are living longer than ever before. But unfortunately, pets can be diagnosed with cancer, especially as grey creeps into the fur around their faces.

One of the most common pet cancers is lymphoma in dogs. As you might know, cancer occurs when there is uncontrolled division (and proliferation) of abnormal cells. In the case of dog lymphoma, a group of cells in the immune system called lymphocytes go haywire and continue to multiply.

Lymphoma can affect dogs of any breed and any age, but it’s more frequently diagnosed in middle-aged and older dogs.

RISK FACTORS

No one is sure what, exactly, causes lymphoma in dogs.

Since certain breeds, such as golden retrievers, tend to be more affected than others, it’s possible there’s a genetic component to lymphoma in dogs.

SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

Because lymphocytes can travel anywhere in the body, dog lymphoma may be widespread, or it can be localized to particular organs, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, spleen, liver, bone marrow, skin, central nervous system or other organs. As a result, the signs can vary, depending on what part of the body is affected. Some pets may just show general signs that they don’t feel well, such as lethargy and loss of appetite.

For lymphoma in dogs, it’s common to have one or more firm, swollen lymph nodes that can be seen or felt in locations such as the neck and behind the knee. The lymph nodes can enlarge quickly and potentially press against other body parts, compromising function. Lymph nodes in the neck, for example, can compress the trachea, making it difficult for the dog to breathe.

LYMPHOMA DIAGNOSIS IN DOGS

The diagnosis is usually made by taking a sample of the malignant cells, either through a fine-needle aspirate or a biopsy of an affected organ. By analyzing a biopsy sample, a specialist can determine whether the cancer is low, intermediate or high grade, depending on how rapidly the cells appear to be dividing. High-grade lymphoma in dogs is typically considered more malignant, but in some cases may be more responsive to treatment.

Other tests may be recommended such as blood tests (including feline leukemia testing in cats) and a urinalysis, to assess the pet’s overall health.

Once a diagnosis is made, dog lymphoma is typically classified by the anatomic area affected, type of lymphocyte (T-cell or B-cell) and by stages, to determine the extent of the disease, potential treatments and prognosis and to monitor response to therapy. Other tests may be needed, including a bone marrow biopsy, X-rays and an ultrasound.

The stages range from I to V, with a single lymph node involvement in stage I to bone marrow or other organ involvement in stage V. Each stage also has a substage, depending on whether the animal is showing signs of illness. Dogs may progress from one stage to the next over time.

PROGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The prognosis for pets with lymphoma depends on a number of factors including overall health, stage of the disease and type of tumor.

Your veterinarian or a veterinary oncologist (a cancer specialist) can outline treatments that can help your pet feel more comfortable and potentially put the cancer in remission, although this is usually temporary.

Because dog lymphoma is generally considered a systemic disease, some type of chemotherapy is usually recommended. Dogs typically tolerate chemotherapy fairly well, without as many side effects as humans. If the cancer is localized to a specific area, surgery or radiation therapy may be options. Your veterinarian can help you decide the right approach for you and your pet.

What’s the Right Way to Remove a Tick?

Posted on April 8, 2021 - 3:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Only you know that special hollow, at the base of your dog’s neck, where you can scritch and send a hind paw banging on the floor, scratching at a phantom itch. But wait… what’s this? You part the hair. Eeewww, it’s a bloated tick.

If it’s an adult deer tick, it can latch on with a tenacity unmatched by most other ticks. First, the tick inserts its long mouthparts, which are barbed to firmly anchor it to the host. Then, the tick secretes a cement-like substance that bonds it to the skin until it’s satiated and ready to drop off.

Still, a deer tick must feed for 24 to 48 hours before it can transmit the organisms responsible for Lyme disease. Removing the tick as soon as you find it reduces your dog’s risk for Lyme or other tick-borne diseases. As part of Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month, we’re sharing the right — and not-so-right — ways to remove a tick.

Avoid these tick removal methods

There’s a lot of misinformation on the internet, including the following tick removal suggestions, which should be filed under “Bad ideas”:

  • Pinch the tick between your thumb and forefinger and pull it out — Many (but not all) ticks are infected with pathogens, or disease-causing agents. Pressing on the tick body may actually force pathogens in the tick gut into your pet.
  • Burn the tick with a lit match or lighter — Some claim applying heat to the tick body will make it back out of the skin. In reality, heat may cause the tick to regurgitate gut contents into the bite. And chances are good that you could burn your pet’s skin or hair.
  • Suffocate the tick with petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, alcohol or essential oils. Ticks generally only breathe between 1 and 15 times an hour out of spiracles, or openings on the sides of their bodies. While the tick may back out to escape the irritating solution, it will probably disgorge gut contents into the pet first.

So how to you get the darn thing off?

Tick removal the right way

If your dog is covered with hundreds of ticks, call your veterinarian. He or she can recommend a fast-acting tick-killing product for the majority of ticks, and the remaining ticks can be removed manually.

If you’ve only found a few ticks on your dog, removing them is relatively easy:

An interior graphic detailing eight tips for safely removing a tick from your pet.

Not all ticks carry disease-causing agents, but it’s a good idea to watch your dog for signs of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease for a few weeks after tick removal. Signs of Lyme disease may include lethargy, loss of appetite and shifting-leg lameness. Remember, flea and tick prevention is always important. Your veterinarian can also recommend tick preventives to help kill ticks that come in contact with your dog.