tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81312054233287008442024-03-13T07:16:02.435-07:00Animal Clinic NorthviewAnimal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-63711009019277509972016-06-09T07:10:00.003-07:002016-06-09T07:10:41.739-07:00Feeding Your Older Cat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q39tVi6D50w/V1l4x28VTXI/AAAAAAAAAP0/ugUFJ1ZHoQAxSVrBwKh2SWQxxGm0jYbrgCLcB/s1600/iStock_84116117_MEDIUM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q39tVi6D50w/V1l4x28VTXI/AAAAAAAAAP0/ugUFJ1ZHoQAxSVrBwKh2SWQxxGm0jYbrgCLcB/s320/iStock_84116117_MEDIUM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Cats:
They’re notoriously mysterious. They hide their illnesses well, often rule the
home, and only want affection when they’re in the mood for it. Some cat breeds
have average lifespans of nearly 20 years, while others might only live for 10.
Most cats will begin to show visible age-related changes between 7 and 12 years
of age. There are metabolic, immunologic, and body composition changes, too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">While
some age-related changes are unavoidable, some can be managed with diet. It’s
beneficial to start your cat on a senior diet at about 7 years old. Why? Foods
specifically designed for senior cats help to maintain health and optimum body
weight, slow or prevent the development of chronic disease, and minimize or
improve clinical signs of diseases that may already be present.<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">As
your cat ages, he or she will be more susceptible to particular health issues,
including: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Deterioration
of skin and coat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Loss
of muscle mass<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">More
frequent intestinal problems<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Arthritis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Obesity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Dental
problems<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Decreased
ability to fight off infection<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Just
like humans, cats who receive regular preventive health care and eat healthy
diets will be less likely to suffer from age-related health conditions. Not
sure what to feed your feline to help him or her age gracefully? Ask us—we’d be
happy to help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-13039925139161274082016-05-11T09:20:00.003-07:002016-05-11T09:20:25.936-07:00Celebrate Pet Safety this Memorial Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4oZwH4Zoxk/VzNbv1ILvZI/AAAAAAAAAPg/OumOWM3IwsUP1YIDIlkeZHdF2w5iFumQACLcB/s1600/iStock_000067971051_Medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4oZwH4Zoxk/VzNbv1ILvZI/AAAAAAAAAPg/OumOWM3IwsUP1YIDIlkeZHdF2w5iFumQACLcB/s320/iStock_000067971051_Medium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">As the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day is a great excuse
to get outdoors. But whether you’re partying, barbecuing, or just soaking up
some rays, it’s important to keep your pet’s safety in mind at all times. To
prevent any Memorial Day mishaps, we’ve put together some tips to help protect
animals during the “Dog Days” of the season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Party Smart <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Barbecuing is one of the best parts of
Memorial Day, but remember that the food and drink you serve your guests may be
poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from animals, and remind
guests not to give them any table scraps or snacks. Raisins, grapes, onions,
chocolate, and avocado are all common at barbecues—and they’re all especially
toxic to animals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Be Cool Near the Pool <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Don’t leave pets unsupervised around a
pool or lake—not all dogs are expert swimmers! Introduce your pets to water
gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Also, try to
keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains potentially dangerous
chemicals like chlorine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Skip the Spray <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Unless specifically designed for animals,
insect repellent and sunscreen can be toxic to pets. Signs of repellent
toxicity include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and lethargy.
DEET, a common insecticide in products for humans, may cause neurological
issues in dogs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Made in the Shade <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so if
you’re spending time outside, give them plenty of fresh, clean water and make
sure they have a shady place to get out of the sun. Note that animals with flat
faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since
they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the
overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in
air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. IDs, Please Time spent outdoors
comes with the added risk of pets escaping. Make sure that your pet is fitted
with a microchip or ID tag with identifying information, or both. It’s always
better to be safe than sorry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Opt for a Humane <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Holiday Everyone loves a Memorial Day
barbecue, but for those who eat meat, eggs or dairy, avoiding the worst
factory-farmed products can be tricky. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> SOURCE:
http://www.aspca.org/news/celebrate-pet-safety-memorial-day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 20.25pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-79530817473543996542016-04-13T09:12:00.000-07:002016-04-13T09:12:05.353-07:00Top 10 Cat Emergencies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rllFEwkLfgo/Vw5vz9AHWrI/AAAAAAAAAPI/ROf9K3DdPVYsrkRy76w5EW-4Jwg0JWSGQCLcB/s1600/iStock_000066351037_Medium%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rllFEwkLfgo/Vw5vz9AHWrI/AAAAAAAAAPI/ROf9K3DdPVYsrkRy76w5EW-4Jwg0JWSGQCLcB/s320/iStock_000066351037_Medium%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Cats
often become reclusive and hide when they are not feeling well, which makes
knowing when they need to be seen by your veterinarian a challenge. They have
unique signs of emergency conditions that often go unrecognized by owners. Some
injuries are obvious, such as a cat with an open wound, while others have more
subtle signs that can be equally dangerous if left untreated. Knowing signs of
illness is crucial in determining when to seek emergency care for your cat.
Below is a list of some of the most common cat emergencies and their signs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Urethral
Obstruction<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a condition in which a cat,
usually male, is unable to urinate due to a blockage in the urethra (the tube
leading from the urinary bladder to the outside environment).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Cats will show a sudden onset of
restless behavior, which includes frequent trips in and out of the litter box.
They will often attempt to urinate in unusual places such as in a bath tub or
on a plastic bag. You may notice a very small stream of urine that contains
blood. More often than not, despite a cat’s straining, there may be no urine or
even just a drop produced. In later stages of the obstruction, cats may cry
loudly, vomit, and become lethargic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You should consider these signs a
serious emergency and seek veterinary care immediately. There are reports of
cats developing kidney failure and dying within 12 hours after the onset of
signs. Expect your cat to be hospitalized at least 36 hours for treatment of
this condition. Veterinary treatments may include a urinary catheter,
intravenous fluids, and pain management. Female cats are less likely to become
obstructed due to their wider urinary tract.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Toxicities
(Poisoning)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The combination of their curious nature
and unique metabolism (the way their body breaks down chemicals) makes cats
vulnerable to toxins. Owners are often unaware that their home contains
multiple products that are poisonous to felines. The most common cat toxins
include antifreeze, Tylenol, and rat or mouse poison.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The signs your cat displays depends on the
type of poison he or she has encountered. Antifreeze will often cause
wobbliness or a drunken appearance first, then progresses to vomiting/weakness
as the kidneys fail. Tylenol may cause an unusual swelling of the head and
changes the cat’s blood color from red to chocolate brown. Rat or mouse poison
interferes with blood clotting so you may see weakness from internal blood loss
or visible blood in the urine or stool.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Breathing
Problems<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Often, cats hide the signs of breathing
problems by simply decreasing their activity. By the time an owner notices
changes in the cat’s breathing, it may be late in the progression of the cat’s
lung disease. There are several causes of breathing changes, but the most
common are feline asthma, heart disease, or lung disease.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Foreign
Object Ingestion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Many cats love to play with strings or
string-like objects (such as dental floss, holiday tinsel, or ribbon), but
those strings can be dangerous for your cat. When a string is ingested by a cat,
one end may become lodged or “fixed” in place, often under the cat’s tongue,
while the rest of the string passes further into the intestine. With each
intestinal contraction, the string see-saws back and forth actually cutting into
the intestine and damaging the blood supply.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Signs that your cat has eaten a foreign
object may include vomiting, lack of appetite, diarrhea, and weakness.
Occasionally owners will actually see part of a string coming from the mouth or
anal area. You should never pull on any part of the string that is visible;
instead, call your veterinary health care team immediately. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Surgery is usually necessary to remove
the foreign object and any damaged sections of intestine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Bite
Wounds<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Cats are notorious for both inflicting
and suffering bite wounds during encounters with other cats. Because the tips
of their canine, or “fang,” teeth are so small and pointed, bites are often not
noticed until infection sets in, which is usually several days after the
initial injury.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Cats may develop a fever and become
lethargic 48 to 72 hours after experiencing a penetrating bite wound. They may
be tender or painful at the site. If the wound becomes infected or abscessed,
swelling and foul-smelling drainage may develop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You should seek emergency care for bite
wounds so your veterinarian can thoroughly clean the area and prescribe appropriate
antibiotics. Occasionally, the wounds can develop large pockets called
abscesses under the skin that require surgical placement of a drain to aid in
healing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Hit
By Car<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Cats that spend time outdoors are at a
much greater risk for ending up in the emergency room. Being hit by a car is
one of the most common causes of traumatic injuries, such as broken bones, lung
injuries, and head trauma. You should always seek emergency care if your cat
has been hit by a vehicle, even if he or she appears normal, because many
injuries can develop or worsen over the following few hours.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Increased
Thirst and Urination<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sudden changes in your cat’s thirst and
urine volume are important clues to underlying disease. The two most common
causes of these changes are kidney disease and diabetes mellitus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Your veterinarian will need to check
blood and urine samples to determine the cause of your cat’s change in thirst
and urine. Having your pet seen on an emergency basis for these signs is
important because prompt treatment increases chances for recovery. Exposure to
certain toxins, such as antifreeze or lilies, will show similar signs, and
delaying veterinary care can be fatal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Sudden
Inability to Use the Hind Legs <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Cats with some forms of heart disease
are at risk for developing blood clots. These clots can sometimes lodge in a
large blood vessel—the aorta—where they can prevent normal blood flow to the
hind legs. If your cat experiences such a blood clotting episode (often called
a saddle thrombus or thromboembolic episode), you will likely see a sudden loss
of the use of his or her hind legs, painful crying, and breathing changes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
On arrival at the emergency room, your cat
will receive pain management and oxygen support. Tests will be done to evaluate
the cat’s heart and determine if there is any heart failure (fluid accumulation
in the lungs). Sadly, such an episode is often the first clue for an owner that
his or her cat has severe heart disease. In most cases, with time and support,
the blood clot can resolve, but the cat’s heart disease will require lifelong
treatment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Upper
Respiratory Infections<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Cats and kittens can experience a
variety of upper respiratory diseases caused by a combination of bacteria or
viruses. An upper respiratory infections, or URI, can cause sneezing, runny
nose, runny eyes, lack of appetite, and fever. In severe cases, it can cause
ulcers in the mouth, on the tongue, and on the eyes. More often than not,
severe cases are seen in cats that have recently been in multiple-cat
environments, such as shelters. Small kittens, or kittens struggling to thrive,
are also easily infected and may develop more severe complications, such as low
blood sugar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Sudden
Blindness<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
A sudden loss of vision is most likely
to occur in an older cat. The most common cause is increased blood pressure
(hypertension), which may be due to changes in thyroid function
(hyperthyroidism) or kidney disease. There are some cats that appear to have
hypertension with no other underlying disease.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sudden blindness should be treated as
an emergency and your veterinarian will measure your cat’s blood pressure,
check blood tests, and start medications to lower the pressure and restore
vision.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If you notice a change in your cat’s
eyes, whether he or she loses vision or not, you should consider this an
emergency have your pet seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Disclaimer: This website is not
intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a
licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary-related advice, contact
your veterinarian promptly. Information at cathealth.com is exclusively of a
general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment
as a result of accessing information at this site.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
SOURCE:
<a href="http://www.cathealth.com/safety/top-ten-emergencies-in-cats"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.cathealth.com/safety/top-ten-emergencies-in-cats</span></a> <o:p></o:p></div>
Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-27740217673248960652016-03-01T08:28:00.001-08:002016-03-01T08:31:26.931-08:00Easter Pet Poisons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8vuVoSonvw/VtXDGnJdlsI/AAAAAAAAAO0/3a2sDr8WBQQ/s1600/iStock_000019070337_Medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8vuVoSonvw/VtXDGnJdlsI/AAAAAAAAAO0/3a2sDr8WBQQ/s320/iStock_000019070337_Medium.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
The veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline receive hundreds of calls this time of year from pet owners and veterinarians concerning cats that have ingested Easter lilies.
“Unbeknownst to many pet owners, Easter lilies are highly toxic to cats,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline. “All parts of the Easter lily plant are poisonous – the petals, the leaves, the stem and even the pollen. Cats that ingest as few as one or two leaves, or even a small amount of pollen while grooming their fur, can suffer severe kidney failure.”
In most situations, symptoms of poisoning will develop within six to 12 hours of exposure. Early signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and dehydration. Symptoms worsen as kidney failure develops.<br />
<br />
Some cats will experience disorientation, staggering and seizures.
“There is no effective antidote to counteract lily poisoning, so the sooner you can get your cat to the veterinarian, the better his chances of survival will be,” said Brutlag. “If you see your cat licking or eating any part of an Easter lily, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately. If left untreated, his chances of survival are low.”
Treatment includes inducing vomiting, administering drugs like activated charcoal (to bind the poison in the stomach and intestines), intravenous fluid therapy to flush out the kidneys, and monitoring of kidney function through blood testing.<br />
<br />
The prognosis and the cost – both financially and physically – to the pet owner and cat, are best when treated immediately.
There are several other types of lilies that are toxic to cats as well. They are of the Lilium and Hemerocallis species and commonly referred to as Tiger lilies, Day lilies and Asiatic lilies. Popular in many gardens and yards, they can also result in severe acute kidney failure. These lilies are commonly found in florist bouquets, so it is imperative to check for poisonous flowers before bringing bouquets into the household. Other types of lilies – such as the Peace, Peruvian and Calla lilies – are usually not a problem for cats and may cause only minor drooling.
Thankfully, lily poisoning does not occur in dogs or people. However, if a large amount is ingested, it can result in mild gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Other Dangers to Pets at Easter Time </b><br />
Pet Poison Helpline also receives calls concerning pets that have ingested Easter grass and chocolate.
Usually green or yellow in color, Easter grass is the fake grass that often accompanies Easter baskets. When your cat or dog ingests something “stringy” like Easter grass, it can become anchored around the base of the tongue or stomach, rendering it unable to pass through the intestines. It can result in a linear foreign body and cause severe damage to the intestinal tract, often requiring expensive abdominal surgery.
Lastly, during the week of Easter, calls to Pet Poison Helpline concerning dogs that have been poisoned by chocolate increase by nearly 200 percent.<br />
<br />
While the occasional chocolate chip in one cookie may not be an issue, certain types of chocolate are very toxic to dogs. In general, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the greater the danger. Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate pose the biggest problem. The chemical toxicity is due to methylxanthines (a relative of caffeine) and results in vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and possibly death. Other sources include chewable chocolate flavored multi-vitamins, baked goods, or chocolate-covered espresso beans. If you suspect that your dog ate chocolate, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately.
Spring is in the air and Easter is a wonderful holiday. Remember that your pets will be curious about new items you bring into your household like Easter lilies, Easter grass and chocolate. Keep them a safe distance away from your pets’ reach and enjoy the holiday and the season.<br />
<br />
SOURCE: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/seasons/easter/Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-67820474038257637452015-12-22T10:46:00.000-08:002015-12-22T10:46:03.719-08:00Holiday Pet Safety<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVR-4psp0hM/VnmaVm0RRVI/AAAAAAAAAOc/G3FwUxFuGQI/s1600/iStock_000074926569_Medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVR-4psp0hM/VnmaVm0RRVI/AAAAAAAAAOc/G3FwUxFuGQI/s320/iStock_000074926569_Medium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“My pet
would never eat food off the table!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“My pet
would never knock over the Christmas tree!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“My pet
would never bite someone!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We all
know our pets pretty well, but what we don’t always realize is that stress can
make anybody do crazy things! When you have holiday guests or flashing
Christmas lights or loud holiday music—or all of the above—at your house all at
once, your pet may get stressed and frustrated, causing them to act out in
unexpected ways. Most pet accidents are met with the statement, “He’s never
done anything like that before!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We
recommend always making sure that your pet has a safe place to sit and relax
during your holidays parties. Just like some people, pets need to get away from
the action and de-stress, but most of the time they don’t know how to ask for
their space. If your pet is comfortable in their crate, we recommend moving it
into a quiet room and letting them spend some time resting during your holiday
get-togethers. Your pet will be happier, and by extension, you and your guests
will be happier! And holidays disasters will be prevented. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-74035343334769746712015-11-20T08:16:00.002-08:002015-11-20T08:17:20.887-08:00Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBMssNcNJbM/Vk9HMA6AgOI/AAAAAAAAAOI/yR8qRghr8f8/s1600/iStock_000035510620_Medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBMssNcNJbM/Vk9HMA6AgOI/AAAAAAAAAOI/yR8qRghr8f8/s320/iStock_000035510620_Medium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.
Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.<br />
<br />
Talkin’ Turkey<br />
If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.<br />
<br />
Sage Advice<br />
Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.<br />
<br />
No Bread Dough<br />
Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.<br />
<br />
Don't Let Them Eat Cake<br />
If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.<br />
<br />
Too Much of a Good Thing<br />
A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.<br />
<br />
A Feast Fit for a Kong<br />
While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.<br />
<br />
Source: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/thanksgiving-safety-tipsAnimal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-8046061320470285162015-09-17T08:27:00.001-07:002015-09-17T08:27:40.868-07:00Annual Veterinary Exams & Preventive Health Care for Dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KiTZGYSk4uM/Vfrb1NkLgEI/AAAAAAAAANo/orDYylB3Vw4/s1600/462435907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KiTZGYSk4uM/Vfrb1NkLgEI/AAAAAAAAANo/orDYylB3Vw4/s320/462435907.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We all know that
preventing disease or catching it in its early stages is far better than
treating it once it has had time to progress to a more severe stage. Preventive
health care on a regular basis will help you do just that, and save you and
your pet from needless suffering and a larger financial burden. This article
explains what preventive measures you can take to keep your dog healthy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">ANNUAL PHYSICAL
EXAM </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Just as annual physical
exams are recommended for humans, they are recommended for our pets as well. If
your dog is older or has medical problems, he may need even more frequent
examinations. A year is a long time in a dog's life. Assuming our pets will
live to their early teens, receiving a yearly exam means they will only have
about thirteen exams in a lifetime. That is not very many when you think about
it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> During your dog's
annual physical exam you should review these aspects of your dog's health with
your veterinarian: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Vaccination status
Parasite control for intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks, mites, and
heartworms <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Dental health – care you
give at home; any mouth odors, pain, or other signs of disease you may have
observed <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Nutrition – including
what your dog eats, how often, what supplements and treats are given, and
changes in water consumption, weight, or appetite <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Exercise – how much
exercise your dog receives including how often and what kind; and any changes
in your dog's ability to exercise <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Ears and Eyes – any
discharge, redness, or itching Stomach and intestines – any vomiting, diarrhea,
constipation, gas, belching, or abnormal stools <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Breathing – any
coughing, shortness of breath, sneezing, or nasal discharge <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Behavior – any behavior
problems such as barking, 'accidents,' or changes in temperament <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Feet and legs – any
limping, weakness, toenail problems <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Coat and skin – any hair
loss, pigment changes, lumps, itchy spots, shedding, mats, oranal sac
problems <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Urogenital – any
discharges, heats, changes in mammary glands, urination difficulties or
changes, neutering if it has not already been performed <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Blood tests – especially
for geriatric dogs, those with medical problems, and those who are receiving
medications <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">VACCINATIONS </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> How often? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">You may have heard about
the current controversies regarding vaccinating dogs and cats. Some researchers
believe we do not need to vaccinate annually for most diseases. But how often
we should vaccinate for each specific disease in adult animals has not yet been
determined. We do not know how long the protection from a vaccine lasts. It may
be 5 years for one disease and 3 years for another, and less than 2 years for
another. Almost all researchers agree that for puppies we need to continue to
give at least three combination vaccinations and repeat these at one year of
age. They also agree that rabies vaccinations must continue to be given
according to local ordinances. Against what diseases? Experts generally agree
that the core vaccines for dogs include distemper,canine adenovirus-2
(hepatitis and respiratory disease), canine parvovirus-2, and rabies. Noncore
vaccines include leptospirosis, coronavirus, canine parainfluenza andBordetella
bronchiseptica (both are causes of 'kennel cough'), and Borrelia burgdorferi
(causes Lyme Disease). Consult with your veterinarian to select the proper
vaccines for your dog or puppy. Researchers at the Veterinary Schools at the
University of Minnesota, Colorado State University, and University of Wisconsin
suggest alternating vaccinations in dogs from year to year. Instead of using
combination vaccines (vaccines against more than one disease), they recommend
using vaccines with only one component, e.g., a vaccine that only contains
parvovirus. So, one year your dog would be vaccinated against distemper, the
next year against canine adenovirus-2, and the third year against parvovirus.
Then the cycle would repeat itself. Other researchers believe we may not have
enough information to recommend only vaccinating every 3 years. As with cat
vaccines, manufacturers of dog vaccines have not changed their labeling which
recommends annual vaccinations. Again, each dog owner must make an informed
choice of when to vaccinate, and with what. Consult with your veterinarian to
help you make the decision. For more information on vaccines, see Vaccines,
Vaccination, and the Immune System of Dogs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">HEARTWORM TESTING </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">When and how often pets
should be tested for heartworm infection is also a matter of debate. In making
a decision on when to test, we must consider how common heartworm disease is
where the pet lives, what heartworm preventive the pet is receiving, and how
long the mosquito season lasts. The American Heartworm Society (AHS) advises
all adult dogs being started on a heartworm preventive for the first time
should be tested. In addition, all dogs should be tested annually for heartworm
infection. In the past, if a dog had been on preventive methods routinely, it
was not considered necessary to test every year, perhaps only every two to
three years. Because of reports of animals on preventives that still contracted
heartworms, the AHS recommends a more conservative testing routine. It may be
too difficult to document when an animal hasn't been checked in three years,
and therefore, annual testing will ensure that an infection is caught in plenty
of time to effectively manage it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">CONTROL OF INTESTINAL PARASITES</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">As with vaccinations and
heartworm testing, you will find different opinions on when or if fecal
examinations should be performed and when or if pets should receive regular
'dewormings.' Decisions on testing and worming should be based on circumstances
such as: the age of your dog the likelihood your dog is exposed to feces from
other animals whether your dog is on a heartworm preventive that also controls
intestinal parasites if your dog has been previously infected if you plan to
breed your female dog if there are children who play with the dog Regular
deworming is recommended by the American Association of Veterinary
Parasitologists (AAVP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
and the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). Puppies* Initiate treatment
at 2 weeks; repeat at 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age, and then put on a monthly
heartworm preventive that also controls intestinal parasites. Using a
year-round heartworm preventive/intestinal parasite combination product
decreases the risk of parasites. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If not using such a
product, worm at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age and then monthly until 6 months of
age. Nursing Dams Treat at the same time as puppies. Adult Dogs If on a
year-round heartworm preventive/intestinal parasite combination product, have a
fecal test performed 1-2 times per year and treat appropriately. If not on a
year-round heartworm preventive/intestinal parasite combination product, have a
fecal test performed 2-4 times per year and treat appropriately. Also monitor
and eliminate parasites in pet's environment. Newly Acquired Animals Worm
immediately, after 2 weeks, and then follow above recommendations. * Drs.
Foster and Smith suggest that owners of newly acquired puppies should obtain
the deworming history of their new pet and contact their veterinarian to
determine if additional deworming is needed. Roundworms and hookworms of dogs
can cause serious disease in people, especially children who may not have good
hygiene habits. Treating your dog for worms is important for your pet's health
as well as your own. Many veterinarians would agree that at a minimum, dogs
should have an annual fecal examination performed. Fecal examinations are
advantageous. By having a fecal examination performed, you will know if your
dog has intestinal parasites. If she does, you may need to change her environment
and access to other animals. You will also know what type of parasites she has
so the proper medication will be selected to kill all of them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">GERIATRIC OR 'SENIOR'
SCREENING </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Many veterinarians are
starting to recommend screening tests for our older pets. Just as we have our
cholesterol and blood pressure checked more often as we grow older, it is
suggested our older pets need some routine checks too. Diabetes mellitus,
kidney disease, and some hormonal diseases occur much more frequently in older
animals. To test for these conditions and identify them before severe and/or
irreversible damage is done, blood tests and sometimes radiographs are helpful.
An abnormal result means we can diagnose and treat the condition early. Normal
results are helpful in giving us a baseline with which we can compare future
results. Many of our older animals are also on medications and may require
tests to evaluate the medication level and/or potential harmful effects on
various organs. Oral health is also extremely important in our older pets, so
they may require more frequent dental check-ups. If you have an older dog,
discuss these options with your veterinarian. In summary, annual exams along
with recommended blood screening in older animals, vaccinations, heartworm testing,
and parasite control will help your dog live a happier and longer life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">SOURCE: </span><a href="http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2116&aid=229"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2116&aid=229</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-56772494330185418532015-08-06T08:28:00.002-07:002015-08-06T08:28:37.875-07:00Time to Clean Your Pet's Ears?<div class="MsoNormal">
Veterinarians see a lot of patients with ear infections. In
fact, it's the second most common reason for a client visit, according to pet
health insurer, VPI Pet Insurance. With ear problems prompting so many trips to
the vet, should ear cleaning be a necessary part of grooming your pet?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ra1IuT7faDU/VcN9HCC4NbI/AAAAAAAAANI/Hcu8hpmVnvw/s1600/174970868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ra1IuT7faDU/VcN9HCC4NbI/AAAAAAAAANI/Hcu8hpmVnvw/s320/174970868.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Generally, cleaning a
dog's ears on a routine basis is not necessary, according to Leonard Jonas,
DVM, MS, DACVIM, a veterinarian with Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital in Wheat
Ridge, Colo. That's because animals have a naturally occurring self-cleansing
process. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I've had pets my whole
life," Jonas said. "I don't remember ever routinely cleaning out
their ears." <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, that doesn't mean pet owners
should never take notice of their dog's ears. Certain breeds, lifestyles and
physical characteristics will make a dog more prone to what Jonas calls
"abnormal situations," in which the pet's normal homeostasis is
disrupted. This is when something, either systemically or locally in the ear,
interferes with the normal surface barrier defense system and the normal
cleaning process that keeps bacteria and yeast under control.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are signs to
watch for if your pet is having an issue with its ears. These, according to
Jonas, include: <o:p></o:p></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Shaking its head<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Flapping its ears<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Rubbing at its ears, either with a paw or by rubbing
against furniture or carpet<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Self-massaging the ear to ease itch, pain or irritation<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Debris and/or redness inside the ear<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Sores inside the ear<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Odor in the ear due to abnormal oils and bacteria <o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"If you [the pet owner] look in
the ear, you can see sometimes a lot of debris," said Jonas, explaining
what an ear with an infection or problem may look like. "Then [you] see
redness on the ear flaps (inside) or sores developing. And then there's also
odor that occurs when you have an abnormal ear." <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Breeds to watch</b><br />
There are certain breeds of dogs—such as Shar Peis, bulldogs and poodles—that
have narrow ear canals and have a higher chance of incurring ear issues.
Poodles, especially, have more hair in the canals, Jonas explained. "The
hair itself is not a problem, but if they've got something abnormal with their
whole defense system, all that extra hair in there makes it difficult." <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cocker spaniels are notorious for ear
problems, Jonas added. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When to clean your pet's ears</b><br />
According to Jonas, it's best to consult your veterinarian before going forward
with an ear-cleaning regimen. Unlike cleaning the teeth, cleaning the ears does
not need be done regularly. If a pet owner suspects that something may be wrong
with the ear, it's advised to visit the veterinarian and establish whether the
dog's ear needs to be cleaned by the owner either routinely or for an
instructed period of time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleaning the dog's ears without first
seeing a veterinarian is not a good idea, Jonas said, "because you don't
know what's going on inside. You don't know if there has been a ruptured ear
drum; you don't know if there's a stick or a stone or something stuck down
inside the ear that needs to be fished out by a veterinarian." <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A veterinarian can diagnose the problem
and make the proper recommendations, which may be cleaning and/or medication. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Typically, there are two situations for
which a dog's ears would need to be cleaned regularly. The first is when a
veterinarian instructs for it to be done, and the second is when the dog is
frequently in water. "Water in their ears disrupts the normal defense
barrier system in that ear, and can make them prone to getting infections and
irritation and inflammation," Jonas said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>If there needs to be ear cleaning</b><br />
A veterinarian should show the owner how to properly clean the dog's ears
because "there are a lot of different techniques, and it depends on what
the problem is," Jonas advised. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a couple of precautions to
always remember, according to Jonas. First, never use a Q-tip, because it tends
to push the wax and debris further into the ear. Second, be sure a groomer does
not pluck the hair out of the dog's ears, unless that hair is contributing to
an ear problem; Jonas believes that doing so may cause irritation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing pet owners should also
consider is that if the dog has an ear infection, it could be very painful for
them. Forcing the dog to get its ears cleaned or putting medication in them can
be a dangerous situation for the owner and the dog. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"If your pet doesn't want you to
do it, don't, because it hurts," Jonas said. "You're just going to
create a problem, and you need to look to alternatives."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Originally
published by </span><a href="http://www.healthypet.com/petcare/PetsMatter/ReadMore.aspx?volume=July_August_2013&title=Time_Clean_Your_Pets_Ears&type=HP"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Healthy Pet</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-49183433477171961012015-07-27T06:56:00.000-07:002015-07-27T06:56:11.220-07:00Health Warning: Prevent Heat Stroke in Pets <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aLJT_5dTgI/VbY4XGDppEI/AAAAAAAAAMk/11k50IIkVeI/s1600/163174999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aLJT_5dTgI/VbY4XGDppEI/AAAAAAAAAMk/11k50IIkVeI/s320/163174999.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pets and parents alike look forward to
spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors, but being overeager in hot
weather can spell danger, warn ASPCA experts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Even the healthiest pets can suffer
from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if overexposed to the heat,” says Dr.
Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, “and heat stroke can
be fatal if not treated promptly.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Watch out for the following symptoms of
overheating in pets: excessive panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, mild
weakness, stupor and even collapse. Pets can also suffer from seizures, bloody
diarrhea and vomiting, along with an elevated body temperature of over 104
degrees. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take these simple precautions, provided
by ASPCA experts, to help prevent your pet from overheating. And if you suspect
your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian
immediately. <o:p></o:p></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><a href="http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-dehydration.aspx">Avoid dehydration</a> by always having fresh, clean
water available and lots of shady places where pets can cool off. When the
weather’s extremely hot, keep your pets indoors. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Give your dog a light summer haircut to help prevent
overheating. Shave the hair to a one-inch length, but never down to the
skin, as fur offers protection from the sun. Brushing your cat more often
than usual can also help prevent problems caused by excessive heat. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">When using sunscreen or insect repellent, be sure the
product is labeled specifically for use on animals. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Never leave an animal alone in a parked vehicle. “On a
hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time—even with the
windows open—which could lead to fatal heat stroke,” says Dr. Louise
Murray, Director of Medicine at ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. <o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Originally published by the </span><a href="http://www.aspca.org/Blog/health-warning-prevent-heat-stroke-in-pets.aspx"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">ASPCA</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-22711972346206728562015-06-12T09:01:00.001-07:002015-06-12T09:01:23.384-07:00Hot Weather Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7lp6iamrcwY/VXsCRaa5WvI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/ImWpD7a1UPE/s1600/78748219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7lp6iamrcwY/VXsCRaa5WvI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/ImWpD7a1UPE/s320/78748219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Most people love to spend the warmer days enjoying the outdoors with
friends and family, but it is important to remember that some activities can be
dangerous for our pets," said Dr. Camille DeClementi, Senior Toxicologist
at the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center. "By following a few simple
rules, it is easy to keep your pet safe while still having fun in the
sun."<o:p></o:p><br />
Take these simple precautions, provided by ASPCA experts, to help prevent
your pet from overheating. And if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat
stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong>Visit the Vet </strong><br />
A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must.
Make sure your pets get tested for <a href="http://www.aspca.org/blog/aspca-vets-warn-about-heartworm">heartworm</a>
if they aren't on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your
animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe flea and tick control
program. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong>Made in the Shade</strong><br />
Pets can get <a href="http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-dehydration">dehydrated</a>
quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot outdoors. Make
sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful to not <a href="http://www.aspca.org/Get-Involved/transcripts/summer-safety-tips-chat-transcript">over-exercise</a>
them, and keep them indoors when it's extremely hot. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong>Know the Warning Signs </strong><br />
Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty
breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness,
stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and
vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with
flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since
they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the
overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in
air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong>No Parking!</strong><br />
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. "On a hot day, a
parked car can become a furnace in no time-even with the windows open-which
could lead to fatal heat stroke," says Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President
of ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. Also, leaving pets unattended in cars
in extreme weather is illegal in several states. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong>Make a Safe Splash</strong><br />
Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers.
Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear <a href="http://www.aspcaonlinestore.com/products/101512-pet-saver-life-jacket?utm_source=aspcastore_hotweathertips&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=aspcastore_hotweathertips">flotation
devices</a> when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine
or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which
contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong>Screen Test </strong><br />
"During warmer months, the ASPCA sees an increase in injured animals as a
result of <a href="http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/cat-care/high-rise-syndrome">High-Rise
Syndrome</a>, which occurs when pets-mostly cats-fall out of windows or doors
and are seriously or fatally injured," says Dr. Murray. "Pet owners
need to know that this is completely preventable if they take simple
precautions." Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and
make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong>Summer Style</strong><br />
Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog: The layers
of dogs' coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more
often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure
that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled
specifically for use on animals. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong>Street Smarts </strong><br />
When the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt.
Being so close the ground, your pooch's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive
paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong>Avoid Chemicals </strong><br />
Commonly used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and
lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so
keep them out of reach. When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you
suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Keep citronella
candles, oil products and insect coils out of pets' reach as well. Call your
veterinarian or the <a href="http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control">ASPCA
Animal Poison Control Center</a> at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect your animal
has ingested a poisonous substance. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong>Party Animals</strong><br />
Taking Fido to a backyard barbeque or party? Remember that the food and drink
offered to guests may be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from
pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas. Similarly, remember
that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your
pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe
digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with
the sweetener xylitol.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong>Fireworks Aren't Very Pet-riotic</strong><br />
Please leave pets at home when you head out to <a href="http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/pet-care-tips/july-4th">Fourth of July
celebrations</a>, and never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lit
fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma to curious pets, and
even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Many types of fireworks contain
potentially toxic substances such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates,
arsenic and other heavy metals.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Article originally published by the <a href="http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/hot-weather-tips.aspx">ASPCA</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-75053401968704530012015-05-13T07:27:00.002-07:002015-05-13T07:30:50.609-07:00Protecting Pets from Poisons in the Yard and GardenAfter an unseasonably warm winter, many gardens and yards around the country are growing and blossoming well ahead of schedule. Outdoor enthusiasts who are also pet owners are delighted with the early onset of spring, enjoying their outdoor living spaces while watching their pets run and play.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3PQrgeBk3M/VVNgFSpAALI/AAAAAAAAALs/5mcjRhD5rZg/s1600/iStock_000055234896_Medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3PQrgeBk3M/VVNgFSpAALI/AAAAAAAAALs/5mcjRhD5rZg/s320/iStock_000055234896_Medium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The veterinary and toxicology experts at
Pet Poison Helpline would like to keep pets safe this spring and summer by informing pet owners of potentially harmful substances, flowers and plants that are dangerous to dogs and cats.
“Many of the calls that we receive at Pet Poison Helpline this time of year involve pet ingestions of yard and garden products that may have harmful chemicals or ingredients,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline. “Additional yard-related emergencies involve pets that have dug into and ingested the contents of compost piles, or consumed various plants and flowers that can be poisonous.”
Some of the most common potentially harmful dangers for pets that reside in many yards and gardens are listed below.<br />
<br />
Mulch Products<br />
Cocoa bean mulch is made of discarded hulls or shells of the cocoa bean, which are by-products of chocolate production. The tempting “chocolate-like” smell often attracts dogs and may encourage them to eat the mulch. Processed cocoa bean hulls can contain theobromine and caffeine, the two toxins of concern in chocolate. Unfortunately, determining the amount of toxins in mulch can be difficult as it varies greatly from product to product. Many varieties contain very low amounts of the toxins and are not as dangerous as dog owners are often led to believe; however, varieties with higher toxin concentrations can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and in extreme cases, death. Since it is not usually apparent how much of the toxin the mulch contains, it’s best to keep dogs a safe distance away, to always supervise your pet while outside, or to not use the mulch at all.<br />
<br />
Fertilizers, Soil Additives and Pesticides<br />
While fertilizers are typically fairly safe for pets, those that contain blood meal, bone meal, feather meal and iron may be especially tasty – and dangerous to dogs. Large ingestions of the meal-containing products can form a concretion in the stomach, potentially obstructing the gastrointestinal tract and causing severe pancreatitis, and those that contain iron may result in iron poisoning. Also, ingestion of pesticides and insecticides, especially if they contain organophosphates (often found in systemic rose care products), can be life-threatening, even when ingested in small amounts.
Slug and Snail Baits
Available in a variety of forms (pellets, granular, powder and liquid), slug and snail baits contain the active ingredient metaldehyde, which is highly poisonous to dogs and cats. When ingested, metaldehyde produces clinical signs of distress within one to two hours, including salivation, restlessness, vomiting, tremors, seizures, and life-threateningly high body temperature. These baits are highly toxic and without immediate veterinary attention, symptoms can last for several days and can be fatal.
Compost
Gardeners love their compost; however, it can be toxic to pets and wildlife so please keep it fenced off. As the organic matter decomposes, it is common for molds to grow, some of which produce hazardous tremorgenic mycotoxins. When consumed by an animal, moldy food or compost ingestion can result in sickness and physical distress in as little as 30 minutes. Symptoms include agitation, panting, drooling, vomiting, tremors and seizures. Prompt veterinary treatment with appropriate supportive care usually results in a good prognosis.<br />
<br />
Flowers and Plants<br />
Some of the most dangerous spring and summertime threats to pets in the yard are common flowers and plants.
Sago Palm: Popular in warmer climates, this outdoor and indoor plant can be extremely harmful to pets. All parts of the plant, including the fronds/leaves, nuts and seeds are especially poisonous to dogs. Ingesting even a small amount can cause severe vomiting, bloody stools, damage to the stomach lining, severe liver failure and, in some cases, death. This plant is considered one of the most deadly in dogs and long-term survival is poor; only 50% of dogs who ingest is often survive this dangerous plant, even with veterinary treatment. Without treatment, sago palm poisoning can result in severe, irreversible liver failure. Prompt treatment is always needed for the best prognosis.
Lily of the Valley: An early springtime favorite, the Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) contains cardiac glycosides, which are also used in many human heart medications. When eaten by dogs or cats, this common perennial can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly seizures. Any pet with a known exposure should be examined and evaluated by a veterinarian and treated symptomatically.<br />
<br />
Crocuses: There are two types of crocus plants: one blooms in the spring and the other in the fall. The spring plants (Crocus spp.) are more common and cause only gastrointestinal upset accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. However, the fall crocus (Meadow Saffron or Colchicum autumnale) is highly toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, and multisystem organ failure with bone marrow suppression. Symptoms may be seen immediately but can be delayed for days. If you witness your pet eating a crocus and you are not sure what variety it is, seek veterinary care immediately.<br />
<br />
Lilies: Cat owners beware of lilies! While some types, such as the Peace (Spathiphyllum spp.), Peruvian (Alstroemeria spp.) and Calla (Zantedeschia spp.), cause only minor symptoms when eaten, other varieties of the true lily family (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) are deadly and highly toxic to cats, including Tiger, Asiatic, Easter, Japanese Show and Day lilies. Ingesting very small amounts – eating as little as two petals or leaves, orexposure to the pollen – can result in severe kidney failure. Even the water in a vase containing true lilies is considered highly poisonous, as the toxin in the plant is water-soluble. If a cat consumes any part of these lilies, he or she needs immediate veterinary care to prevent kidney failure.<br />
<br />
Pet Poison Helpline’s new iPhone application contains an extensive database of plants, chemicals, foods and drugs that are poisonous to pets. Always available with or without Internet access or cell phone service, the iPhone app has full-color photos for identifying poisonous plants, and a powerful indexing feature that allows users to search for toxins, cross-referencing them by common and scientific terms. For emergencies, it has a direct dial feature to the veterinary experts at Pet Poison Helpline. Called Pet Poison Help, the iPhone app costs $0.99 and is available on iTunes. More information is available here.<br />
<br />
While enjoying the beautiful gardens and flowers this spring and summer, have the knowledge to keep your pets safe. If, however, you think a pet may have ingested something harmful, take action immediately. Contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680. Pet Poison Helpline is the most cost-effective animal poison control center in North America charging only $39 per call, including unlimited follow-up consultations.<br />
<br />
Source:<br />
http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2012/05/protecting-pets-from-poisons-in-the-yard-and-garden/
Published on May 7, 2012Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-39753514926642377902015-03-11T06:59:00.001-07:002015-03-11T07:00:05.353-07:00Reasons To Act More Like Your Pet<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13.5pt;">Pets aren’t always easy to take care of, and they often require a
substantial time commitment (something you’re all too aware of at, say, 3 a.m.,
when Bing Clawsby is finally ready to go outside and do his business). But pets
provide an amazing return on that time investment, especially when it comes to
your health. Case in point: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and
triglyceride levels than non-pet owners. But that’s not all. Pets also model
many surprisingly healthy behaviors that humans would do well to emulate. Here
are just a few, according to veterinarians, dog trainers, and other pet
experts. </span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">1. They focus on what matters most. You may get grumpy after a bad
day at the office, but your pooch never does. “Companion animals mostly care
about food, love, and shelter (not always in that order). As long as they have
those things, they don’t need much else,” Mary Gardner, DVM, a veterinarian and
cofounder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice tells Yahoo Health. “Pets also
don’t complain much at all. People believe they hide their pain; I simply think
they manage it differently.” If humans could model these behaviors, Gardner
adds, we’d be healthier, happier, “and more people would want to be around
us.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">2. They practice portion control (even if not by choice). Snowball
might not want to limit her kibble intake any more than you want to limit your
tortilla-chip intake. Nonetheless, she typically eats reasonably sized helpings
of nutritionally balanced food — and never gets to eat straight out of the bag.
Follow her lead. “Both animals and people need structure and regulation when it
comes to portion size,” says Jme Thomas, executive director of Motley Zoo
Animal Rescue based in Redmond, Washington. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">3. They know how to de-stress. Your pooch doesn’t pour a glass of
cabernet when the going gets rough (though, yes, it would make a very popular
YouTube video if she did). She may, however, start begging for a walk or to
play a game. Smart dog! “Actively seeking healthy activities — that function as
de-stressors when stress levels are high — helps to reset people as well as dogs,
and bring us back to a productive and functional status, from which many things
feel a lot more ‘do-able,’” Marisa Scully, a certified dog behavior specialist
in Philadelphia, tells Yahoo Health. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">4. They hit the hay. People don’t get enough sleep: According to a
2014 survey by the National Sleep Foundation, 45 percent of Americans said that
a lack of sleep had impaired their activities at least once in the previous
week. Learn from your cat or dog, who knows just how important it is to get
enough shut-eye, says Jeff Werber, VVM, president and chief veterinarian of
Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles. “Whether it’s a lazy dog day
afternoon, or a quick cat nap, you won’t find them burning the candles at both
ends.” 5. They stretch! There’s a reason one of the most common yoga moves is
named downward dog. Dogs (and cats) stretch constantly — and we should do the
same, notes certified dog behavior consultant Russell Hartstein. Why?
Stretching can improve flexibility and reduce your risk of injury. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">6. They’re open to new things. Animals are naturally curious.
“Open a box or empty a bag and before you know it, your cat will have climbed
in to investigate. Walk your dog past a gardener planting flowers and chances
are she will check it out before moving on,” Werber says. “And they’re always
up for some fun. A game of catch, a walk, a visit — bring it on.” Since
research has found that seeking out new experiences can keep people feeling
young and healthy, we’d do well to follow suit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">7. They’re comfortable getting zen. Numerous studies have found a
correlation between mindful meditation and reduced stress, decreased heart
disease, and a stronger immune response — and that’s something your cat already
knows how to do instinctively. “Each morning I sit on the sofa with my cat,
Turtle, while I drink my first cup of coffee,” says Kristen Levine, a pet
living expert. “We spend about 10 minutes together, her getting neck and head
rubs, me enjoying her purring and having a few meditative moments at the start
of the day.It sounds simple, and it can be, but depending on the activity, it
can have a powerfully relaxing or invigorating effect for both human and
critter.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Source: </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/health/7-health-lessons-our-pets-teach-us-112252958927.html"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">https://www.yahoo.com/health/7-health-lessons-our-pets-teach-us-112252958927.html</span></a></span>Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-2879178269611135732015-02-10T06:11:00.000-08:002015-02-10T06:12:51.622-08:00E-Cigarettes and Pets Do Not Mix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2EcIStyIHl8/VNoRU9nCleI/AAAAAAAAAK8/zqYSX3J3wPg/s1600/iStock_000029128034_Medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2EcIStyIHl8/VNoRU9nCleI/AAAAAAAAAK8/zqYSX3J3wPg/s1600/iStock_000029128034_Medium.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
E-cigarettes are sparking heated debates as lawmakers, medical professionals and industry grapple over the relative safety of the nicotine-delivering devices. But for pet owners, there is no debate. Nicotine poses a serious threat of poisoning to dogs and cats, and e-cigarettes back a powerful punch. The problem is that many pet owners don’t realize it.<br />
<br />
Pet Poison Helpline has encountered a sharp uptick in calls concerning cases of nicotine poisoning in pets that ingested e-cigarettes or liquid nicotine refill solution. In fact, over the past six months, cases have more than doubled, indicating that along with their increased popularity, the nicotine-delivering devices are becoming a more significant threat to pets. While dogs account for the majority of cases, nicotine in e-cigarettes and liquid refill solution is toxic to cats as well.
“We’ve handled cases for pets poisoned by eating traditional cigarettes or tobacco products containing nicotine for many years,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT and associate director of veterinary services at Pet Poison Helpline. “But, as the use of e-cigarettes has become more widespread, our call volume for cases involving them has increased considerably.”
In an effort to educate pet owners before an accident occurs, Pet Poison Helpline offers this important safety information.<br />
<br />
What are e-cigarettes?<br />
E-cigarettes are simply another way of delivering nicotine. Designed to resemble traditional cigarettes, the battery operated devices atomize liquid that contains nicotine, turning it into a vapor that can be inhaled. The most recent craze is flavored e-cigarettes, which are available in an array of flavors from peppermint to banana cream pie, and everything in between.<br />
<br />
What makes e-cigarettes toxic to pets?<br />
The aroma of liquid nicotine in e-cigarettes can be alluring to dogs, and flavored e-cigarettes could be even more enticing. The issue is the amount of nicotine in each cartridge, which is between 6 mg and 24 mg. So, each cartridge contains the nicotine equivalent of one to two traditional cigarettes, but purchase packs of five to 100 cartridges multiply that amount many times over, posing a serious threat to pets who chew them. For example, if a single cartridge is ingested by a 50-pound dog, clinical signs of poisoning are likely to occur. But if a dog that weighs 10 pounds ingests the same amount, death is possible. Dogs of any weight that ingest multiple e-cigarette cartridges are at risk for severe poisoning and even death. In addition to the toxicity of nicotine, the actual e-cigarette casing can result in oral injury when chewed, and can cause gastrointestinal upset with the risk of a foreign body obstruction.
Some e-cigarette users buy vials of liquid nicotine solution for refilling e-cigarette cartridges. The solution is commonly referred to as “e-liquid” or “e-juice.” The small bottles hold enough liquid to fill multiple cartridges, meaning they contain a considerable amount of nicotine. Pet owners should be very careful to store them out of the reach of pets.<br />
<br />
What happens when e-cigarettes are ingested by pets?<br />
Nicotine poisoning in pets has a rapid onset of symptoms – generally within 15 to 60 minutes following ingestion. Symptoms for dogs and cats include vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, elevations in heart rate and respiration rate, depression, tremors, ataxia, weakness, seizures, cyanosis, coma, and cardiac arrest.<br />
<br />
What to do if a pet is exposed?<br />
Because nicotine poisoning can happen so rapidly following ingestion, prompt veterinary care can mean the difference between life and death for a pet. Home care is not generally possible with nicotine exposure due to the severity of poisoning, even in small doses. Take action immediately by contacting a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680.
As always, prevention is the best medicine. E-cigarettes, cartridges and vials of refilling solution should always be kept out of the reach of pets and children.
<br />
<br />
SOURCE: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2014/09/e-cigarettes-pets-mix/
Published on September 2, 2014Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-78762267930680675832014-11-18T07:31:00.004-08:002014-11-18T07:34:57.044-08:00Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opDtQwLc05Q/VGtl8ogiw2I/AAAAAAAAAKs/J420IuAT8Tk/s1600/iStock_000009833655_Medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opDtQwLc05Q/VGtl8ogiw2I/AAAAAAAAAKs/J420IuAT8Tk/s1600/iStock_000009833655_Medium.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.
Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.<br />
<br />
Talkin’ Turkey
<br />
If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.<br />
<br />
Sage Advice<br />
Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.<br />
<br />
No Bread Dough<br />
Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.<br />
<br />
Don't Let Them Eat Cake<br />
If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.<br />
<br />
Too Much of a Good Thing<br />
A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.<br />
<br />
A Feast Fit for a Kong<br />
While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.<br />
<br />
SOURCE: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/thanksgiving-safety-tips
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-opDtQwLc05Q%2FVGtl8ogiw2I%2FAAAAAAAAAKs%2FJ420IuAT8Tk%2Fs1600%2FiStock_000009833655_Medium.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opDtQwLc05Q/VGtl8ogiw2I/AAAAAAAAAKs/J420IuAT8Tk/s1600/iStock_000009833655_Medium.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opDtQwLc05Q/VGtl8ogiw2I/AAAAAAAAAKs/J420IuAT8Tk/s1600/iStock_000009833655_Medium.jpg" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opDtQwLc05Q/VGtl8ogiw2I/AAAAAAAAAKs/J420IuAT8Tk/s1600/iStock_000009833655_Medium.jpg" -->Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-58270533423682930122014-10-14T07:23:00.001-07:002014-10-14T07:26:16.727-07:00Obesity in Dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wkb-vUAUVDw/VD0xwILEtXI/AAAAAAAAAKY/TwAfcj6NKlo/s1600/100693547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wkb-vUAUVDw/VD0xwILEtXI/AAAAAAAAAKY/TwAfcj6NKlo/s1600/100693547.jpg" height="320" width="293" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Definition<br />
· Obesity (the storage of excess fat) is usually caused by excessive food intake and insufficient exercise.<br />
· Estimates show that 40% to 50% of dogs are overweight and 25% of dogs are obese.<br />
· Dogs can develop many obesity-related health problems.<br />
· By examining your dog, veterinarians determine whether he or she is overweight or obese and help you create a weight-loss program.<br />
· The most effective weight-loss plans involve increasing activity and feeding fewer calories.
Causes
Obesity (the storage of excess fat) is typically caused by excessive food intake and insufficient exercise.<br />
<br />
According to estimates, 40% to 50% of dogs are overweight and 25% are obese. Obesity is more common in older, less active pets. Dogs that are fed homemade meals, table scraps and snacks are more likely to be overweight than dogs eating only a high-quality commercial pet food.<br />
<br />
Diagnosis and treatment<br />
There are many obesity-related health problems, and some medical conditions can lead to obesity. So it’s important to take your dog in for annual checkups. Remember, you can’t judge if your dog is overweight merely by putting him or her on a scale. By examining your dog, veterinarians can use weight, overall body condition, and other indicators to tell you whether he or she is overweight or obese, what the probable cause is, and what the best weight-loss regimen is.
Don’t feel bad if you are told your dog is too heavy.<br />
<br />
Everyone knows that dieting can be challenging. But losing weight can help your dog live longer, avoid disease and feel better, so it is well worth the effort.
Get veterinary advice before changing your dog’s eating and exercise habits. Veterinarians are trained to recommend an appropriate diet and exercise program for safe weight loss. When helping your dog lose weight, slower is safer. “Crash” diets or intense workouts aren’t appropriate for inactive dogs. If your dog gained the weight slowly, he or she can lose it slowly.
The most effective weight-loss plans involve increasing activity and feeding fewer calories. The more convenient you make it, the better the chance of sticking with it.
When on a weight-loss program, your dog should lose 2% or less of its initial body weight per week. For example, a 100-pound dog should lose no more than 2 pounds every week. A successful weight-loss program may take a year or longer.<br />
<br />
Diet<br />
There are several dietary strategies for helping your dog lose weight. One or more of the following may be recommended by your veterinary hospital. For all of these methods, it’s important to use an actual measuring cup (not an old coffee mug or drinking cup) to keep track of how much you’re feeding your dog.
Feed your dog smaller meals more often. This helps your dog burn more calories and should help minimize begging for food. However, don’t feed more food per day. Instead, divide your dog’s daily ration into three or more feedings.
Feed your dog less of its regular food per day. This strategy is most effective with increased activity. But check first with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog will receive the right amount of nutrients.
Instead of feeding your dog less, gradually switch him or her to a lower-calorie food recommended by your veterinarian. The change should be gradual; a sudden switch could upset your dog’s stomach.<br />
<br />
Combine the new food with your dog’s usual food in larger and larger proportions over several weeks until you are only providing the new food.
Give treats only on special occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, or good visits to the veterinarian. Offer low-calorie treats and limit or eliminate fattening ones.<br />
<br />
Exercise<br />
You can help your dog become more active and lose weight by scheduling regular play times and walks. Consult your veterinarian before beginning an exercise program for your dog. Not all games/exercise are appropriate for all breeds or medical conditions. For walks, start out slowly to give your dog a chance to adapt to an exercise routine. Work up to a brisk 10- to 20-minute walk or jog once or twice a day. On hot or cold days, go easy or rest. If you don’t have time to walk your dog, hire a dog walker. Doggy day care centers can also help ensure that your dog gets plenty of exercise throughout the day.
Here are some calorie-burning activities for your dog:<br />
<br />
· Fetch<br />
· Keep away<br />
· Playing with other pets<br />
· Walking or jogging<br />
· Running off leash in a restricted area<br />
· Swimming (great for arthritic dogs)<br />
· Tricks for low-calorie treats<br />
· Tug of war<br />
<br />
SOURCE: https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/dog_care/diseases_conditions/obesity.aspxAnimal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-73977277970658416472014-09-25T06:12:00.001-07:002014-09-25T06:13:48.274-07:00Is Your Cat Missing the Litter Box?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1sww76CFdJU/VCQUvSCr_jI/AAAAAAAAAKI/qUsCVoCDwsk/s1600/492403919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1sww76CFdJU/VCQUvSCr_jI/AAAAAAAAAKI/qUsCVoCDwsk/s1600/492403919.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
You have a problem. Your cat is thinking outside the box, and not in a good way. You may be wondering what you did to inspire so much “creative expression.” Is your cat punishing you? Is Fluffy just “bad”? No, and no. House soiling and missing the litter box is a sign that your cat needs some help.
According to the Winn Feline Foundation, house soiling is the number one complaint among cat owners.<br />
<br />
The good news is that it is very treatable.
An accredited veterinarian can help you determine if the problem is medical or related to social or environmental stressors. In addition to a complete physical exam, the doctor will ask you specific “where and when” questions.
Health factors
Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, a specialist in feline urinary disorders at The Ohio State University, and founder of the Indoor Cat Initiative says that many veterinarians recommend a urine test for every cat with a house soiling problem. The urinalysis will determine if blood, bacteria, or urinary crystals are present — signs that your cat might have feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).<br />
<br />
FLUTD is very common and can cause painful urination. Cats that begin to associate the litter box with pain will avoid it. Other medical possibilities include hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis and muscle or nerve disorders that might prevent your cat from getting to the litter box in time.
Environmental factors
If there is no medical cause, the next step is to look at environmental factors. Start with the litter box.<br />
<br />
Your cat might be avoiding the litter box because it is not cleaned well enough, you’ve changed the type of litter you use, or there is only one box for multiple cats.
Another possibility is that your cat is “marking” — spraying urine, typically on vertical objects such as walls and furniture, or in “socially significant” areas near doors or windows. Both male and female cats mark. The most common offenders are cats that have not been spayed or neutered.
Buffington says that stress can cause elimination problems too. For example, subtle aggression or harassment by other house cats or neighborhood cats may be an issue.<br />
<br />
Indoor Cat Initiative<br />
Even unremarkable changes in your home can make your cat anxious or fearful. Look around. Did anything change right before your cat started having problems? Did you get a new pet? A new couch? Maybe you just moved the old couch to a different part of the room, or had a dinner party. Cats are sensitive creatures and changes that seem small to you can throw your cat off his game. Check with your veterinarian about finding solutions that work for both you and your cat.<br />
<br />
Source: http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/cat_care/behavior/missing_the_litter_box.aspxAnimal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-23495504186830798762014-08-07T06:15:00.004-07:002014-08-07T06:15:50.501-07:00Back to School Separation Anxiety <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5Qsmyp5dss/U-N7-Mh6T4I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/l_BVtELaEf0/s1600/91401955+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5Qsmyp5dss/U-N7-Mh6T4I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/l_BVtELaEf0/s1600/91401955+(2).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
With all the excitement of the kids going back to school, many families may not think about what it means to the dog or cat. What you may notice are changes in behavior, a sad dog or cat, who mopes around or sleeps a lot more. Or your dog may suddenly started chewing things he shouldn't, or your cat does a lot more meowing. And you may not even connect the unusual cat or dog behavior with back-to-school time.
Dogs and cats love routine, it makes them feel secure. They like knowing that certain things happen at about the same time each day, and they know where they want to be when it happens. If the kids have been around all summer, playing outside with the dog, or giving kitty extra love and snuggles, and suddenly they’re gone all day, it's upsetting. For some pets, they just feel sad and confused, and others feel real separation anxiety and may act up.<br />
<br />
Kids can help your pet through the back-to-school blues
The first thing to note is that this is a family matter, and a good opportunity for the kids to take more responsibility for the care of their pets. Let your kids know that their dog or cat is going to miss them when they're gone all day, and discuss what they can do to help their pets through it.
One of the best ways for a pet to get over the loss of one routine is to replace it with another. Your pet may be sad all day at first, but if he knows that at 3:45 your kids will be home from school and will actively play with him soon after each day, your pet has something new to look forward to. If your child has a set time to do homework or read, that's an excellent time for the dog or cat to curl up next to her and "help" with studying. Ask your kids to think of other ways to include their pets in their routines.<br />
<br />
More than just sad, it’s separation anxiety
If your pet exhibits true separation anxiety, as in, he goes crazy when he sees your kids put on their backpacks to leave for school, or is destructive when everyone is gone, you'll have to do some gentle training to ease his stress. Your kids may feel sorry for their pet and do a long sad goodbye. This only reinforces your pet’s fears and builds up the anxiety.
It’s better to make the goodbye upbeat and brief, or eliminate it completely. Depending on your pet, he may respond well to a goodbye petting, a little goodbye treat, or simply leaving with a cheerful "good boy!" as your kids go out the door. This should happen before your pet gets upset. If your pet is freaking out, absolutely do not reward with anything. If you can get your pet to calm down â“ if it’s a dog, a simple "sit!" command may help. Then reward with petting and telling him he's ok once he’s calm.
If your pet gets upset just by the backpacks or car keys being picked up, pick those items up and walk around the house with them several times a day, but don't leave. Your pet will learn not to associate those items with the pending doom of your kids leaving.<br />
<br />
When back-to-school means an empty house
If everyone is gone all day, both parents included, your pets are going to be bored on top of being upset. It's important to leave them some interactive toys to help them pass the time. Eventually, they will get used to the new reality, and will likely sleep most of the day.
You can balance the boredom by providing vigorous exercise each day when you or your kids are home. Remember, you and your kids may have had a very busy day, but your pet has done virtually nothing, unless there is evidence to the contrary, as in a shredded or chewed up sofa. Providing your dog or cat active, vigorous play each day will help them burn up their pent up energy.
Take your dog for a run or go outside and throw a ball or flying disk. For your cat, run around the house with a little toy on the end of a string. You may also want to consider getting your pet a little buddy to keep him company when no one is home. Even an aloof adult cat is likely to accept a kitten into her life, and the kitten will entice the older cat to play. And dogs, being true social animals, nearly always accept another dog to play with.
Remember, your pets can get nervous, upset, anxious or lonely just like people, only they don't have the benefit of knowing that you’ll be back when you leave. It's up to you and your kids to make your pets feel secure in ways they understand.<br />
<br />
Source: http://www.petcentric.com/08-24-2009/your-pets-view-of-kids-going-back-to-school
Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-69500526700836107752014-07-29T06:01:00.001-07:002014-07-29T06:01:12.853-07:00Car Sickness In Pets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEZjtrZ--Fk/U9ebDLtcugI/AAAAAAAAAJk/xOOoSBsjWEA/s1600/188096361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEZjtrZ--Fk/U9ebDLtcugI/AAAAAAAAAJk/xOOoSBsjWEA/s1600/188096361.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Does your dog throw up in the car when you go for rides? He may be
experiencing typical motion sickness, just like some people do. Motion sickness
usually begins very shortly after starting the car ride. The dog will begin to
drool and then vomit. It’s not serious, but certainly not something that we
like to clean up! To solve the problem, first try acclimating the dog to car
rides. Do this by simply putting him in the car for a few minutes each day
without going anywhere. Then try just going down the driveway and back, and the
next day going around the block. Gradually build up the distance and time the
dog rides in the car. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> Sometimes this will help to decrease the dog’s anxiety over
riding in the car and may help to decrease vomiting. If that doesn’t work,
there are some over-the-counter medications you can try. The medication will
need to be given about an hour before the car ride. Ask your veterinarian for a
recommendation as to what drug to try and the dosage for your pet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">(Never give any medications to your pet without your
veterinarian’s advice!) These drugs are safe, with drowsiness usually the only
major side effect. But since your dog isn’t driving the car, that shouldn’t be
a problem! If over-the-counter drugs don’t work, your veterinarian may be able
to suggest another method for curing the car sickness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Source: </span><a href="http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/dog_care/general_health/car_sickness.aspx"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/dog_care/general_health/car_sickness.aspx</span></a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 19.15pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-61146552311380081052014-07-11T06:12:00.002-07:002014-07-11T06:12:56.351-07:00Dogs HATE the Internet!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eDBKvnwmLOU?rel=0" width="460"></iframe>Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-61881082593604146442014-06-23T09:26:00.000-07:002014-06-23T09:26:08.025-07:00Hot Weather Tips to Help Your Pet Stay Cool This SummerSummer means enjoying the weather, and for most, with your pet! Remember to keep your pet healthy this summer by keeping them safe in the summer’s high temperatures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb-43APdPoM/U6hU-BuNUkI/AAAAAAAAAJU/-kuAGkhSris/s1600/459903291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb-43APdPoM/U6hU-BuNUkI/AAAAAAAAAJU/-kuAGkhSris/s1600/459903291.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here are just some of the ways you can help ensure your pets have a safe summer:<br />
<br />
Visit the Vet. A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. Pets should also be given a blood test for heartworm every year in the early spring. The deadly parasite is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it is recommended that dogs and cats be on a monthly preventive medication year-round.<br />
<br />
Keep Cool. Dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly, so give your pets plenty of water when it is hot outdoors. Also make sure your pet has a shady place to escape the sun, and when the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt.<br />
<br />
Know the Symptoms. Some symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, seizures, and an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
Summertime is the perfect time for a backyard barbeque or party, but remember to keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression, comas, or even death. Similarly, remember that the snacks you serve your friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments.” Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol.<br />
<br />
Water Safety is Pet-friendly. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool, as not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure pets wear flotation devices while on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.<br />
<br />
Source: http://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/aspca-offers-hot-weather-safety-tips-help-pets-beat-heat-during-dog-and-catAnimal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-68028575972680731152014-06-03T06:09:00.001-07:002014-06-03T06:09:45.793-07:00It’s Pet Appreciation Week! <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our pets appreciate us every single day as they
depend on us for food, water, shelter, and love. Let’s show our pets some extra
appreciation this week!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1LWVOaDyrXk/U43JC-uqO1I/AAAAAAAAAJE/esC5WETaP3o/s1600/480747727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1LWVOaDyrXk/U43JC-uqO1I/AAAAAAAAAJE/esC5WETaP3o/s1600/480747727.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-51836607513726000912014-05-15T06:31:00.001-07:002014-05-15T06:32:15.301-07:00Dog Safety Tips for Memorial Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jAoKntH2yc/U3TBoSKKz-I/AAAAAAAAAI0/B450cAB8UtU/s1600/92572326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jAoKntH2yc/U3TBoSKKz-I/AAAAAAAAAI0/B450cAB8UtU/s1600/92572326.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Like many Americans, you may be planning a festive Memorial Day, complete with barbecue and fireworks. It’s important to remember, fireworks and dogs don't mix.
Unlike people, dogs won’t associate the noise, flashes, and burning smell of pyrotechnics with a celebration.<br />
<br />
Fireworks will often cause panic and anxiety in dogs. It’s important to remember that dogs panic at the sound of fireworks and flee into the night, often winding up lost, injured, or killed.<br />
<br />
1. Keep your pet indoors at all times, if possible.<br />
<br />
2. Use Pet Friendly Repellent.<br />
<br />
3. Don’t give your pet table food.
Source: http://tiny.cc/4x14ex
Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-81257931980319203352014-03-24T07:05:00.000-07:002014-03-24T07:06:13.554-07:00Spring Plants Poisonous to Dogs Some spring plants may be poisonous to dogs in spring. Dogs like to eat plants because they may crave greens or because they are curious or bored. Dogs will sniff, chew and eat almost anything, especially when they are puppies.
What does a pet-loving gardener need to know about plants poisonous to dogs? These 9 plants are among the most poisonous to dogs:<br />
<br />
*1 Grapes -It is said that grapes are poisonous to dogs. How they are toxic is not known, however as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be poisonous to dogs.
Raisins are much more concentrated and that is why are more dangerous.
Grapes cause kidney failure in dogs if it gets inside their system. After the kidney fails, the dog is naturally unable to urinate and the situation turns serious soon if not treated quickly.
The color of the grapes is irrelevant, both dark and green grapes are poisonous to dogs .
If large amounts of grapes are ingested by the dog, symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting can be observed. Activated charcoal will absorb the toxins in the dog’s body, so it should be given to the dog.
Rush to your vet as soon as the symptoms are seen.<br />
<br />
*2. Mushrooms. Dogs and mushrooms don’t mix. These fungi can contain a variety of different substances that can be poisonous to dogs. They affect an animal’s gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, kidney, liver and even their red blood.
They shouldn’t eat the ones that grow wild in your yard. This can make them really sick and could even result in death.
If you see your dog eat a mushroom – induce vomiting immediately. Use a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and get it out of dog’s system.. It could save life.<br />
<br />
*3. Lilies. The peace lily, calla lily, amaryllis, lily of the valley, autumn crocus are all poisonous to dogs. They contain oxalic acid, which is poisonous to dogs, cats and rabbits (probably others too). The most dangerous part is the root.
The toxins cause burning in the mouth and throat, nausea and vomiting, depression and tremors.<br />
<br />
*4. Azalea. Azalea plants are poisonous to dogs. They contain toxic substances known as grayanotoxins. These toxins can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even a depression of the central nervous system.
Severe poisoning from azaleas can lead to coma and death caused by cardiovascular collapse.<br />
<br />
*5. Castor bean. The poisonous ingredient in Castor beans is called ricin. Ricin is a highly toxic protein that can cause drooling, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, excessive thirst, loss of appetite, and weakness.
Severe poisoning from Castor beans can cause muscle twitching, seizures, tremors, dehydration, coma, and even death.<br />
<br />
*6. Daffodils. The bulbs are the most dangerous part of the plant.They contain poisonous alkaloids that can cause vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, tremors and heart problems.
The lethal dose can be as little as just one bulb!<br />
<br />
*7. Chrysanthemum. These flowers contain something called pyrethrins that if eaten can cause diarrhea, drooling, and vomiting. If enough of the plant is consumed, it can cause depression and loss of coordination.<br />
<br />
*8. Onions and Garlic.They contain the toxic ingredients sulfoxides and disulfides can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia.
Onions are more of a danger. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic.<br />
<br />
*9. Morning Glory
This annual climbing plant contains 4 toxic chemicals which cause hallucinations, disorientation and diarrhea. The seeds of the morning glory have the potential to be the most poisonous to dogs.<br />
<br />
*10. Christmas Tree Pine Needles. Pine needles are not considered poisonous to dogs.But they can be irritating to the mouth and stomachs of dogs. The needles can puncture stomach and intestines.
Many dogs will vomit after eating the needles.
If you already have some of these plants poisonous to dogs, consider creating a fenced-in run to keep your dog away from your gardens.
Wheat grass and catnip are not the plants that are poisonous to dogs. They are healthy and even recommended, so you may grow these in the garden for your dog.<br />
<br />
Source: Author: Polly – Organic Gardener<br />
<a href="http://yourorganicgardeningblog.com/growing-spring-dangers-plants-poisonous-to-dogs/">http://yourorganicgardeningblog.com/growing-spring-dangers-plants-poisonous-to-dogs/ </a>Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-64556566069494996442014-02-05T06:33:00.003-08:002014-02-05T06:33:25.947-08:00How To Brush Your Pet's Teeth<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wB3GIAgrTPE?list=FLrk3bnVH2lGMYEPE20eDf2w" width="460"></iframe>Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8131205423328700844.post-17452763784342112272013-12-17T06:35:00.003-08:002013-12-17T06:36:28.078-08:00Christmas Pet Safety<div class="MsoNormal">
“My pet would
never eat food off the table!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My pet would
never knock over the Christmas tree!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My pet would
never bite someone!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cCj_9CgzatA/UrBhJ5Yi2nI/AAAAAAAAAIc/_NgseKKu8NA/s1600/181567702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cCj_9CgzatA/UrBhJ5Yi2nI/AAAAAAAAAIc/_NgseKKu8NA/s320/181567702.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all know our
pets pretty well, but what we don’t always realize is that stress can make
anybody do crazy things! When you have holiday guests or flashing Christmas lights
or loud holiday music—or all of the above—at your house all at once, your pet
may get stressed and frustrated, causing them to act out in unexpected ways.
Most pet accidents are met with the statement, “He’s never done anything like
that before!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We recommend
always making sure that your pet has a safe place to sit and relax during your
holidays parties. Just like some people, pets need to get away from the action
and de-stress, but most of the time they don’t know how to ask for their space.
If your pet is comfortable in their crate, we recommend moving it into a quiet
room and letting them spend some time resting during your holiday
get-togethers. Your pet will be happier, and by extension, you and your guests
will be happier! And holiday disasters will be prevented. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8131205423328700844" name="_GoBack"></a> <o:p></o:p></div>
Animal Clinic Northviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322204741921582139noreply@blogger.com0