Pet Health Related Articles – Page 2

Flexible Scheduling for Pet Waste Removal: Finding the Right Scoop for Your Needs

Pet Health Articles

When it comes to keeping your yard clean and safe, pet waste removal isn’t just about convenience — it’s about consistency. At Pet Butler, we know every pet owner’s routine is different. That’s why our scheduling options are designed with flexibility in mind, making it easier than ever to stay on top of yard cleanup without the stress.

Whether you need weekly visits, seasonal cleanups, or a one-time scoop before a big event, our goal is to provide a service that works around your lifestyle, not the other way around.

Why Scheduling Matters in Pet Waste Removal

Pet waste is more than a nuisance. Left on the ground, it can harm your lawn, attract pests, and spread bacteria and parasites. According to the CDC, dog waste is a significant source of harmful pathogens that can make both pets and people sick. Regular removal helps protect your family, your pets, and your yard.

That’s where scheduling comes in. A consistent service plan ensures that your lawn stays clean, odor-free, and safe for playtime. By tailoring your pickup schedule to your household’s needs, Pet Butler helps you maintain a healthier and more enjoyable outdoor space.

How Scheduling Works at Pet Butler

To make sure every yard gets reliable service, each zip code is assigned a regular service day. When you sign up, our system automatically shows you what day we service your area, so you’ll know exactly when to expect us.

Most new customers are scheduled for their first visit on their next available service day — for example, if your zip code is serviced on Fridays and you sign up on Monday, your first visit would be that same Friday.

If you need service sooner, our Call Center team (1-800-PET-BUTLER) will do their best to check with local Field Operators to see if an earlier visit is possible. While this isn’t always guaranteed, we’ll always try to find a solution that works for you.

Flexible Scheduling to Fit Every Lifestyle

No two pet owners are the same, so why should your service be? At Pet Butler, you can choose the schedule that works best for you:

Twice-a-week service – Ideal for households with multiple dogs or busy yards.

Weekly service – Our most popular choice, ensuring consistent maintenance.

Bi-weekly or monthly service – For smaller households or budget-conscious schedules.

Our services offer true flexibility—you can start, stop, or adjust your service whenever you like, with no long-term contracts required. And of course, if your needs change—like welcoming a new puppy or adjusting travel plans—you can modify your schedule with ease.

Woman from the Pet Butler call center smiling while wearing a headset and looking at her computer.

One-Time Cleanups: Season, Special Occasions and More!

While many pet owners prefer the consistency of scheduled service, sometimes all you need is a one-time pet waste cleanup. At Pet Butler, our one-time offering is designed to give you flexibility when life doesn’t follow a routine.

One-time cleanups are perfect for:

Seasonal refreshes – After a long winter or before the heat of summer, a one-time visit helps reset your yard for the season ahead.

Special occasions – Hosting a barbecue, graduation, birthday, or even a wedding in your backyard? We’ll handle the waste removal so you can focus on entertaining.

Real estate showings – First impressions matter. A spotless lawn makes your property more appealing to buyers.

Post-vacation returns – Coming home to days or weeks of waste can be overwhelming. A one-time scoop takes the stress away.

Quick-turnaround needs – While we don’t offer traditional “on-demand” service, many Pet Butler locations can provide cleanups within “X” hours, depending on technician availability. Think of it as “on-demand” peace of mind, with transparent scheduling.

With a one-time poop scoop, you get the same thorough, professional service as our recurring plans—just without the ongoing commitment. It’s a flexible solution that works around your lifestyle, whenever you need it.

Why Choose Pet Butler?

Pet Butler has been providing reliable, professional pet waste removal for over 30 years. With a nationwide franchise network, we combine local service with a trusted brand reputation. Every location shares the same mission: to take the dirty work off your hands so you can enjoy more time with your pets.

When you choose Pet Butler, you get:

Trained and insured technicians.

A scheduling system that keeps your services reliable.

Flexible service options, including ongoing programs and one-time cleanups.

The confidence of working with an experienced team dedicated to customer satisfaction.

If this sounds like a good fit for you and your pup, we’d love to welcome you to the Pet Butler family.

Pet Butler learn more about our services banner. We offer the following pet services: pet waste removal, pet care, and commercial services. Image is of a Pet Butler employee smiling and laughing hugging a white Labrador retriever dog.

FAQs About Scheduling Pet Waste Removal

How flexible is scheduling?

Very! Pet Butler offers weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or custom schedules, depending on what works best for you. Our system automatically assigns you to a service day based on your zip code, and you can pause or adjust service as your needs change.

Do I need to be home during service?

Nope! As long as your yard is accessible, our technicians can complete your service whether you’re home or away. Many customers love this convenience — it’s one less thing to worry about.

Can I change my schedule later?

Absolutely. If you ever need to move or skip a service, just give us a call at 800-PET-BUTLER at least 48 hours in advance. Whether you’re heading out on vacation or your pup won’t be around, we’ll gladly pause your service. We’ll return on your next scheduled visit—or whenever you let us know you’re ready to resume.

What if I need a last-minute cleanup?

Because service is routed by zip code, same-day or 24-hour turnaround is not standard. If you sign up mid-week, your first cleanup will typically occur on your assigned service day (e.g., sign up Monday, service Friday). In some cases, the call center may be able to check with field operators to see if an earlier cleanup is possible, but this depends on technician availability.

The Final Scoop

A cleaner yard isn’t just nicer — it’s healthier for your pets, your family, and the environment. With Pet Butler’s flexible scheduling options, you can choose between consistent weekly visits or one-time cleanups that fit your lifestyle.

From seasonal refreshes to routine maintenance, Pet Butler makes it easy to enjoy your outdoor space — without the mess.

Because a clean yard means more time for what matters most: enjoying life with your pets.

Understanding Rabies: Vaccine, Transmission, and Prevention

Pet Health Articles

The rabies vaccine is legally required for dogs, cats, and ferrets in most states. Rabies is fatal to humans and a serious worldwide public health concern. The vaccine, unlike others, is 100% protective if administered according to label directions. Most puppies and kittens receive their first dose between 12-16 weeks old, depending on local ordinances, and it must be administered by a licensed veterinarian.

If the vaccine is 100% effective, why do we still have over 59,000 human deaths worldwide and 1-2 human deaths annually in the US? The answer is multifactorial, and it will help to understand a little about the virus, its transmission, and host populations that perpetuate this deadly disease.

Transmission

Rabies virus is transmitted via the saliva of an infected mammal through a bite wound that breaks the skin. Important reservoirs for infection include stray or unvaccinated dogs and cats, bats, skunks, and raccoons. The virus quickly reproduces and uses the peripheral nervous system and spinal cord as a conduit to reach the brain, finally spreading to the salivary glands and other organs in the infected individual.

The incubation period, or time it takes to see clinical signs of the virus, takes anywhere between 10 days to approximately 4 months in dogs. This information guides veterinary recommendations for assessment, observation, and isolation if a bite wound has occurred. Signs in other species can take up to a year or more to develop, depending on the amount of virus that was transmitted via the bite, the site of infection, and severity of the bite.

Symptoms

Ultimately, infection with rabies virus leads to brain injury and death. The signs of infection depend on the species. For dogs, personality change is common (from fear or depression to aggression), followed by insatiable appetite, paralysis including face or limbs, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, and seizures.

In humans infected with rabies, early symptoms are nonspecific, consisting of fever, headache, and general malaise. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of symptoms.

Transmission Over Time

Over the last 100 years and with the onset of vaccinations and education, the CDC has seen a dramatic reduction in the transmission of rabies. Prior to 1960, most reported rabies cases in the U.S. were in domestic animals such as dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, and cattle. Now, over 90% of confirmed cases are from wildlife hosts such as bats (6% of the bat population carries rabies), skunks, raccoons, coyotes, and foxes. 70% of human acquired infections result from bat bites which can be difficult to detect as bite wounds can be miniscule and often occur without the victim’s knowledge.

Unfortunately, the only way to confirm a diagnosis of rabies in a suspected animal is to microscopically test brain tissue after death. Therefore, it’s important to contain the suspected animal, if alive, for observation, isolation, or humane euthanasia, or keep it until animal control can retrieve it for testing.

What to Do If You or Your Pet Is Bitten

If you or your pet is bitten or scratched by an animal that might carry rabies, even if the animal is not showing signs of illness, call your physician or veterinarian and animal control immediately. These professionals will work with the public health department to determine what follow-up care and testing is needed. If the bite occurred from an owned dog or cat, ask the pet parent for vaccine records to see if the pet was vaccinated and obtain contact information.

Wash any affected wounds with soap and water. Other treatments may consist of a post-bite serum containing anti-rabies antibodies and post-exposure rabies vaccines which work to stimulate the body’s immune system. There is no effective cure once clinical signs occur.

Prevention

Identification and vaccination of stray dog populations, minimizing contact with wildlife hosts, and spaying and neutering pets to decrease roaming behaviors all contribute to a reduction in rabies cases. Vaccination of pets, as well as supporting wildlife management initiatives like vaccinating raccoons via food baits, may help to eradicate this disease.

People in high-risk occupations such as animal control officers and veterinarians can obtain a prophylactic rabies vaccine intended to protect themselves should they be bitten by a rabid animal. With continued best practices and prevention, rabies can one day be a thing of the past.

View our Pet Wellness Videos for more expert pet advice.

At Pet Butler, we want you and your pet to live your best and healthiest lives, which is why we offer Pet Waste Removal and Pet Care services year-round. We offer weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and one-time clean-up services to meet your schedule and needs.

Puppy Mills: Profits Over Dogs’ Well-Being

Pet Health Articles

Do you ever wonder where all those cute puppies sold in pet stores come from? More than likely, they were bred in a facility with hundreds of other dogs in inhumane conditions — commonly known as puppy mills.

What Are Puppy Mills?

Approximately 2.6 million puppies are sold in over 10,000 puppy mills every year, making their way to consumers through pet stores, internet ads, flea markets, and “breeders.” Puppy mills prioritize profit over sanitation, socialization, medical care, and the health of overbred female dogs and their puppies. These puppies and their moms are commodities to be sold for the highest price and raised with the least amount of investment.

Puppy Mill Conditions

Dogs in these mills are often housed on top of each other in crates that offer limited space and are filled with urine and fecal matter. These dogs lack exercise, grooming, medical care, and human contact. Even necessities like clean water and food are strictly rationed, causing many dogs to perish as a result. Genetic diseases among puppy mill puppies are common and infectious diseases such as parvovirus and distemper spread rampantly. Psychological trauma and behavioral issues stem from abrupt separations during transport and a lack of socialization.

Are Puppy Mills Legal?

Puppy mills can be found across the United States, but the level of enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, along with state and local laws, varies. Only seven states have banned puppy mills sales from pet stores. States like Missouri and Arkansas are known for having lax regulations when it comes to puppy mill operations.

Legal definitions of cruelty, neglect, welfare, and breeding kennels are ambiguous. A lack of public awareness and resources to enforce laws ensures the profitability and propagation of puppy mills. Most puppy mills are considered legal when registered as breeding kennels that can house hundreds of dogs and multiple breeds in inhumane conditions for their entire lives, as long as the dogs are given the basics of food, water, and shelter.

Prosecution requires documentation of cruelty and neglect which can be difficult if a facility is federally licensed and protected as a kennel and private business, as inspections by the USDA are infrequent. In 2023, the USDA recorded Animal Welfare Act violations involving over 400 commercial dog dealers but acted against only four. Breeders who operate puppy mills that sell animals face-to-face with buyers aren’t regulated in the same way commercial facilities that resell puppies are. It can be a lawless landscape.

Consumer litigation against pet stores and awareness campaigns are making strides, but the battle is far from over.

What Can We Do?

Adoption: A big way to curb puppy mill activity is to adopt pets through local shelters and breed-specific rescues instead of purchasing a pet online or in a store. Encourage others to adopt and spread the word about puppy mills.
If you choose to get a puppy from a breeder, ensure they’re following ethical practices. Good breeders are dedicated to one breed and are forthcoming in providing pedigree information, medical records, and genetic testing for their dogs. They allow buyers to visit their hygienic, humane kennels and the parents of puppies whose lifetime reproduction is limited for their health and safety. Reputable breeders provide social enrichment, exercise, grooming, and good nutrition for moms and pups, as well as have a strong relationship with a veterinarian for ongoing medical care.
Education: Educate yourself by reading up on local ordinances regarding animal welfare and standards of breeding kennels. The HSUS, Best Friends Society, and the ASPCA offer educational resources and opportunities to get involved as animal advocates and participate in fundraisers.
Advocacy: Lobby your local government officials for stricter breeding standards and prohibition of online and pet store puppy sales. Report any concerns regarding animal welfare to local authorities such as animal control or a police department, news outlets, and the USDA Animal Control Division.

Puppy mills will continue to prioritize profit over the well-being of millions of dogs. Adoption, education, and advocacy are crucial to limiting the power of puppy mills going forward.

View our Pet Wellness Videos for more expert pet advice.

A Guide to Your Pet’s Diet

Pet Health Articles

As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry friends, and feeding them a nutritious, balanced diet is crucial for their well-being. American pet owners spend nearly $60 billion a year on pet food. Owners have many pet food options, and flashy packaging, commercials and marketing jargon can make the decision overwhelming.

But What Is the Best Diet for Your Dog?

It’s not a simple black-and-white answer. Factors like your dog’s age, breed, existing health conditions, activity level, environment, preferences, and your budget all play a role in selecting their food.

Making an Informed Decision

It’s essential to look beyond the marketing and understand the nutritional needs of your dog. Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can eat meat and plants to meet their nutritional needs, if the sources are of good quality and highly digestible. Dogs need a combination of amino acids as protein, essential fatty acids from fats, carbohydrates from recognizable whole foods, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Scientific research by veterinary nutritionists shows the minimum nutrient requirements necessary for optimal health at various life stages. These minimum standards have been established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Commercially prepared diets recognized by AAFCO reflect the minimum amounts of protein and fat and maximums for water and fiber. When buying pet food, it’s essential to read the label and ensure that it’s backed by AAFCO standards. Information regarding specific levels of nutrients found in various dog food should be readily available from the manufacturers.

Quality Matters

The quality and source of ingredients in pet foods matter. Reputable manufacturers invest in research, formulation, and feeding trials to ensure their diets meet high standards of digestibility.

Different Dogs Have Different Needs

Different dogs have different energy requirements. Puppies, nursing mothers, dogs recovering from procedures and working dogs typically need higher energy diets. Senior dogs need fewer calories but still require specific nutrients. A diet labeled for senior dogs should contain lower calories, higher protein, lower carbohydrates, pre and probiotics, and certain fatty acids and antioxidants to address issues associated with aging. Consulting your veterinarian is crucial to determine your pet’s specific nutritional needs. For most adult dogs, two measured meals a day is optimal.

Dry vs. Wet Food

Both dry and wet commercial diets can provide balanced nutrition. Dry food is generally more budget-friendly and convenient, while wet food can increase sensory appeal and provide hydration. Some dry foods are also formulated to mechanically remove dental tartar.

Alternative Diets

While some dogs may benefit from a home-cooked diet, it’s essential to ensure that essential vitamins and minerals are added. Pets with food allergies may benefit from home cooking, though only under veterinary supervision and with appropriate supplementation. Bland diets such as chicken and rice can be fed for short-term digestive upset, though it is not a complete and balanced meal. Transitioning a pet from one diet to another requires slowly mixing foods for about a week.

Raw diets are not recommended due to the risk of bacterial contamination and nutrient imbalances. Consumption of these diets expose animals to bacteria and parasites such as Salmonella, E. Coli, and toxoplasmosis.

We know most pets fed a balanced, commercial diet that meets minimum standards do not need extra vitamin supplementation, though some dogs will need additional enzymes to promote digestion.

How Much Food Does Your Dog Need?

Overfeeding and high-fat diets can lead to obesity in pets, causing metabolic diseases like diabetes, joint strain, and respiratory issues. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s caloric intake. Apples, carrots, and blueberries are low-calorie, nutritious snacks.

When it comes to feeding your dog, your veterinarian is your best resource. Veterinary professionals use the formula: 30 x weight in kg (or pounds divided by 2.2) + 70 to calculate the daily caloric needs of a healthy, adult dog. But this is just one factor. Lifestyle and body condition score, breed, age, and metabolism are also considered.

With many options available in the market, prioritizing quality and nutritional value over fancy packaging and marketing is essential. Always consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s diet meets their specific needs.

View our Pet Wellness Videos for more expert pet advice.

Dog DNA Testing

Pet Health Articles

From Ancestry to Health Insights

Utilizing only a tiny fraction of your dog’s DNA, emerging technology can potentially aid pet owners, veterinarians, and breeders in multiple ways. These advancements enable the determination of ancestry, uncover genetic predispositions for various diseases and reveal traits like muzzle length and ball-retrieving ability. Additionally, this innovative approach can shed light on the balance of bacteria in your pet’s mouth and digestive system and their ability to metabolize specific drugs.

Understanding Genes and Their Impact

Think of your genes as DNA stretches that unfold the story of your pet’s health, heritage, behavior, and appearance. In the 1990s, lab testing of blood samples facilitated a breakthrough in detecting genetic markers related to several hereditary diseases, like copper toxicosis in Bedlington Terriers. In 2007, Wisdom, alongside Paw Print Genetics and Embark, tapped into the newly mapped complete canine genome, encompassing around 20,000 genes on 39 chromosomes! Leveraging this advancement, they began offering direct-to-consumer pet DNA testing using oral swabs, delivering results in just three weeks.

Initially, the value of over-the-counter DNA test kits was limited. They focused on identifying shared DNA sequences among purebred dog breeds, analyzing cheek swab samples to gauge how closely a pet’s DNA resembled known breeds. For those with mixed-breed dogs, these kits allowed them to trace their pets’ ancestral line back to their great-grandparents and determine their area of origin. Owners were informed about their dog’s likely breed makeup through a pie chart. This information proved helpful for understanding various traits, like a tendency to dig in terriers or a long, curly tail in Akitas.

Pet owners could tailor their training and care approaches according to their pet’s predominant breed. By understanding their dog’s genetic predispositions, they could proactively manage breed-specific conditions, such as obesity in retrievers. Additionally, behavioral assessments and modification plans could incorporate insights derived from experience in training specific breeds and historically successful treatment protocols.

Like the features offered by 23andMe for humans, those who submitted their pet’s DNA samples through biobanks could utilize the “find my pet’s relatives” feature. This allowed them to connect with other pet owners whose pets shared common DNA variants, fostering a sense of community among owners of genetically related animals.

In the past decade, significant advancements have occurred in DNA testing, enabling data collection from multiple generations of more than 350 genetically unique breeds. Extensive biobanks now exist, containing information from thousands of pets. This research establishes connections between specific gene variants and hundreds of diseases and traits, showcasing the practicality of DNA testing that extends well beyond mere breed identification, ancestry exploration, and entertainment purposes.

The Function of Genes

Let’s understand how genes function! Specific gene variants exhibit dominance or complete penetrance, meaning the presence of a specific version of a gene invariably results in the expression of a particular disease or characteristic. For instance, dogs with brown eyes; they possess a dominant brown eye allele that determines their eye color. However, they may also carry a version of the gene linked to blue eyes.

On the other hand, some gene variants necessitate additional DNA sequences to be fully expressed. Various factors like breed, age, sex, nutrition, and lifestyle can influence the likelihood of certain diseases appearing in a pet. For example, in German Shepherds, degenerative myelopathy is associated with a genetic mutation. However, only some dogs with copies of this mutation eventually develop the disease, and the reasons for this remain to be fully understood.

Interestingly, Yorkies with the same genetic variant rarely show signs of degenerative myelopathy. Genes and their expression are complex, and we are still learning how they affect health and behavior.

Genetic Markers and Disease Risk

As more genetic markers are identified, the veterinary community has increasingly embraced screening pets as part of their wellness approach. Embark offers a specialized panel that decodes your dog’s DNA, revealing essential information about its breed and ancestral origins. The test can also screen for over 250 heritable diseases, including conditions like progressive retinal atrophy. When present in one or two copies, specific genetic variants raise the likelihood of passing the mutation to future litters or symptoms in your pet.

For example, a specific mutation found on the MDR1 gene, common in herding breeds like the collie, pets carrying this mutation become more susceptible to drugs such as ivermectin, certain anesthetics, and Imodium. If your pet inherits two copies of this mutation, one from each parent, their sensitivity to these drugs becomes even more pronounced. Your veterinarian then will make necessary adjustments to treatments, avoiding any potential drug toxicity if your pet is identified as a carrier of the MDR1 variant or has mixed ancestry with breeds commonly affected by this mutation.

Vet Care Plans

Pet reports available to the owner and veterinarian include the presence or absence of genetic mutations, health risks associated with mutations, pet ancestry, 35+ traits related to your pet, including increased shedding or intolerance to altitude changes, level of inbreeding or genetic diversity, and even predicted adult weight. Trait analysis and weight predictions are 85-99% accurate, while the presence of genetic health markers found on DNA is 99.9% accurate. Embark also offers veterinary and owner consults to interpret data, identify symptoms, and suggest treatment for genetic diseases. With all this information at our fingertips, vets can create more personalized care programs and proactively manage pets’ health.

By providing a small sample of your dog’s fresh feces, scientists can assess the well-being of your pet’s gut microbiome. Any imbalances in the intestinal bacteria may lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and weakened immunity. Veterinarian recommendations are based on their specific requirements for supplements. They adjust their diet to address digestive issues, improve your pet’s health, and extend their lifespan. Basepaws, a new DNA testing company, offers oral biome DNA testing. Identifying the presence of certain oral bacteria increases the probability of tooth resorption, halitosis, and periodontal disease. After test completion, owners receive a personalized report and treatment suggestions, including products endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.

Dog Breeding

Breeders use DNA testing as part of their tool kit to breed dogs clear of specific genomic variants or mutations and increase genetic diversity, ensuring healthier puppies. Selection of compatible breeding pairs lowers health risks for future litters and is crucial to a good breeding program.

Canine DNA and Human Health

Sequencing, or decoding the canine genome, has applications beyond the species; genetic mutations for certain diseases like Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy are found on the same gene in dogs and humans. Studying the canine genome and finding commonalities with humans make dog DNA a perfect model for researching new treatments and testing in people. The more dogs tested, the more data scientists collect, and the more we learn about how diseases are inherited, identified, and progressed among all species.

View our Pet Wellness Videos for more expert pet advice.

The Importance of Spaying and Neutering Your Pet

Pet Health Articles

Over the past few decades, veterinary medicine has witnessed remarkable advancements: injectable long-acting antibiotics, DNA testing for genetic diseases, digital X-rays, and telehealth platforms. However, amidst these changes, one message has remained constant: the importance of spaying or neutering your pet. The evidence supporting this practice is compelling, as it helps prevent pet overpopulation, shelter overcrowding, and unnecessary euthanasia while providing health and behavioral benefits to our beloved animal companions.

Early vs. Delayed Sterilization: Weighing the Benefits and Risks

The timing of pet sterilization plays a crucial role in assessing its benefits and risks. Early spaying and neutering involves sterilization after six weeks and before six months of age and is a widely practiced and generally preferred approach. This procedure is deemed very safe for young animals due to faster surgical and anesthetic recovery and the less developed blood supply to the reproductive tract, making it less technically challenging and time-consuming.

To prevent reproductive maturation, some owners may spay or neuter their pets before they reach six months of age. Several studies suggest that waiting until 12-18 months to spay or neuter your pet could offer health advantages. Delayed sterilization may help prevent certain orthopedic diseases and cancers, especially benefiting large male dogs. Additionally, intact females of large breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever, might experience reduced conditions like urinary incontinence.

Despite these findings, it’s essential to acknowledge that the existing studies are limited in scope and retrospective. Therefore, there is a pressing need for new, more robust research on the effects of delayed spaying and neutering.

A Longer, Healthier Pet Life

There are several important benefits to spaying and neutering your pets. One of the main advantages is the reduced risk of developing severe health issues such as malignant mammary tumors, pyometra, and testicular and prostatic diseases. These conditions can be life-threatening and may significantly impact your pet’s well-being. Spaying and neutering can also lead to a longer and healthier life for your beloved companion.

Studies have shown that spayed female dogs tend to live 23-26.3% longer than unspayed females, while neutered males experience an increase in life expectancy of 13.8-18% compared to intact males. This means you’ll have more quality time with your furry friend, which can also lead to lower medical expenses throughout their lifetime. Opting for spaying or neutering can greatly improve your pet’s overall health and lifespan, ensuring they remain happy and by your side for many years.

Behavior Benefits

In sterilized populations, certain behaviors tend to decrease, such as escaping confinement and roaming in search of a mate. However, these increased roaming behaviors can expose dogs to various dangers, including vehicular injuries, aggressive or ill wildlife encounters, and exposure to harsh elements.

Neutering can also play a role in reducing specific types of aggression in dogs and curtailing urine marking, as it helps to lower testosterone levels. Additionally, sterilized pets minimize behaviors like mounting, excessive vocalizing, and incessant barking.

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remember that some behaviors might be learned and reinforced over time, making them more challenging to change. Therefore, if you plan to neuter your pet, it is advisable to do so earlier to have a better chance of positively influencing their behavioral patterns. Neutering pets later in life are less likely to change already established behaviors.

Addressing Misconceptions

While spaying and neutering receive overwhelming support from pet owners, veterinarians, and animal care professionals, certain misconceptions and challenges about animal sterilization persist. One point of contention is that these procedures increase the occurrence of joint problems, various cancers, and immune disorders, as suggested by several recent studies.

However, it’s essential to look at the bigger picture and assess the risks and benefits of these surgeries based on overall pet health and longevity rather than focusing on a handful of diseases. In fact, current scientific research indicates that sterilized pets tend to live longer, experience lower rates of more common diseases like mammary cancer or pyometra, and have a reduced likelihood of dying from infections and trauma.

One common concern among pet owners is the potential for their spayed or neutered pet to gain weight. Hormones do play a role in metabolism and muscle mass regulation. Additionally, their nutritional and caloric needs may change as pets reach physical maturity. To address this, it is essential to closely monitor your pet’s weight, caloric intake, diet, and exercise before and after the surgery. Your veterinarian can offer valuable nutritional guidance and exercise tips as your pet ages.

Another worry among pet owners is the fear that spaying or neutering might alter their pet’s personality. While neutering reduces circulating testosterone levels, it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. However, it’s crucial to note that female dogs with litters are not inherently more docile or gentle than those who have gone through a heat cycle or produced puppies. The temperament of your mature pet will not be affected by spaying or neutering.

Affordable Options

One potential barrier to sterilization is the upfront cost, which can be a challenge for pet owners facing economic hardships. However, there are various resources available to address this issue. Community rescue programs, veterinary colleges, and low-cost clinics offer affordable yet high-quality sterilization procedures and other preventive care options. Private donations and municipal funds often support these organizations.

It’s important to note that while low-cost providers can offer surgical services, they may not include follow-up care or post-operative medications. To ensure comprehensive care, establish a relationship with a primary care veterinarian.

If you’re looking for these services, consider contacting your local veterinary college, animal control, or rescue organizations. Additionally, websites like Adopt a Pet and Pet Help Finder can be valuable resources.

While shelters and rescues already sterilize many adopted pets, verifying and taking responsible ownership measures is still essential. Pet insurance can be a helpful option for those concerned about surgical expenses, and financing programs like Care Credit are available to most pet owners for their pet’s healthcare needs.

Investing in spaying, neutering, and preventive care for your pet is a wise decision that will contribute to their overall health and longevity.

View our Pet Wellness Videos for more expert pet advice.

The Pet Parent’s Checklist: How to Assess Your Pet’s Health in Minutes

Pet Health Articles

Why It’s Good to Keep Tabs on Your Furry Friend’s Health

Proper diet, exercise, grooming, vaccinations, and preventative care are essential to helping our pets live their best lives. It takes a village to raise a healthy pet; your veterinary team, groomer, trainer, dog walker, and pet sitter are all integral parts of managing and maintaining your best friend’s physical and mental well-being. But who keeps an eye on the front line? You do! And as the person who monitors your pet’s daily habits and appearance, the pet parent will be the first to spot signs they aren’t feeling well. Even a first-time pet owner can quickly assess these health parameters. By noticing any deviation in your pet’s “normal,” you can seek medical attention and resolve problems quickly.

First Things First: Checking Your Dog’s Mood and Body Condition

Initial assessment of your pet begins upon approach. A healthy pet is alert, shoulders relaxed, tail wagging, weight evenly distributed or even in a bow, and ready to engage in play or other activities. Though shape among breeds differs, pets of an ideal weight and body condition will have a slight tuck upwards of their abdomen and, from above, an hourglass shape. You should be able to feel, but not see, their ribs. Diet and exercise play a significant role in maintaining an ideal weight which is critical for managing the onset of problems such as respiratory and orthopedic disease. A change in weight that isn’t intentional should be cause for concern and discussed with your veterinarian.

From Head to Paws: Examining Their Body

Once you’ve evaluated their body condition and attitude, you can do a nose-to-tail check on other body systems. A wet nose doesn’t indicate hydration status or health, but discharge from the nose or eyes can indicate disease. The nose can be black, pigmented, light pink, or have spots. But any changes in appearance, color, crusting, or swelling are abnormal. Eyes should be clear, track movement, not be sunken or dull, and have no discoloration of the eye or surrounding tissues. That thin triangular piece of pink skin in the corner of your dog’s eye? Normal and healthy! The third eyelid provides additional protection and distributes tear film.

Dogs with healthy ears will have no odor, redness, swelling, discharge, or touch sensitivity. You may expect a small amount of yellow to tan wax, but your pet should exhibit no other symptoms of infection or illness. Head shaking, whining, or obvious growths in or on the ear canal should prompt a visit to the veterinarian. Allergies or unaddressed trauma usually cause ear infections. Handle your pet’s healthy ears often and introduce them to cleansing solutions and gentle inspection. They will be more agreeable to future examinations and treatment if and when that time should come.

Making Sure Those Chompers are in Good Shape

What’s not to love about puppy breath? For most dogs, that sweet smell disappears by 3-6 months when their adult teeth replace their baby teeth. But that doesn’t mean you should stop opening your pet’s mouth to evaluate teeth, gums, and odor! Gently rub your dog’s cheek, raise their lips, and open them wide. Gum color in dogs is variable; some are more highly pigmented than others. That’s why it’s best to do regular home checks to detect changes in your pet’s appearance. Moist, pink gums, tongue, and fresh breath are signs of good health. Foul odor, pale, dry gums, heavy tartar, missing teeth, bleeding, or oral masses are not. Maintain oral hygiene with daily brushing, rinses, and even treats or specially formulated kibble. Because oral health affects the heart, kidneys, and other body systems, staying on top of home care and performing regular checks is critical.

Checking Your Pet’s Tummy

As you slide your hands past your dog’s head and shoulders, there shouldn’t be resistance from a bit of pressure on the belly. A regular appetite and daily bowel movements are indicators of good health. The stool should be brown and firm but not hard, absent of blood or mucous, and easy to pick up. Regular eating habits amongst dogs can differ wildly; some prefer moist to dry food, some eat once daily, while others are grazers or need an audience. Tell your vet about unexpected changes in your pet’s appetite, food preference, stool consistency, color, and frequency. Stress, parasites, pancreatitis, and other mild to severe diseases can affect your pet’s gastrointestinal system.

Inspecting Under the Tail

Even healthy dogs don’t generally like to be inspected under the tail. But check, you must! Signs your pet is healthy include a lack of odor or discharge from around your pet’s genito-urinary tract, no signs of excessive licking such as hair loss or wetness, and the ability to urinate a good stream of light yellow, clear urine several times daily (preferably outside, on command) without obvious pain or strain. Healthy dogs with ample clean, fresh water should have no problems eliminating routinely 3-5x a day. Issues within the urinary tract can escalate quickly; if you notice your pet’s voiding routine has changed, call your vet immediately.

Feeling for Lumps, Bumps, and Parasites

Reward your pet’s cooperation during their at-home exam with lots of kisses and snuggles. Rub your hands through their fur and feel for any lumps or bumps. Notice the texture and thickness of their coat, and be aware of any sensitive or itchy spots, dandruff, or redness. Like the gums and nose, their skin may normally be darkly pigmented, spotted, or all pink. All coats should be free of mats, smells, scales, and oil. As a grand finale, check for parasites. Ticks lurk on the ears, under the armpits, and even between the toes. Fleas may only leave tell-tale “dirt” behind, or you may be able to spot the fast-moving buggers. While skin disease isn’t usually a medical emergency, checking in with the pros should your dog not pass a cursory exam with flying colors is always best.

Expert Vet Advice

At Pet Butler, we want you and your pet to live your best and healthiest lives, which is why we offer pet waste removal and other services year-round. We offer weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and one-time clean-up services to work with your schedule and needs.

Maintaining Pet Oral Health and Benefits of Anesthesia-Free Dentistry

Pet Health Articles

Most of us know the importance of regular dental care for ourselves and our human family members. We are taught, at a young age, to brush at least twice daily, using circular strokes along the gumline to loosen debris and to floss in-between our pearly whites to clear the remnants of lunch from between the teeth.

Plaque, that disgusting film made up of bacteria and food particles, can turn into tartar when left undisturbed and exposed to the mineral components of saliva. Not only does the presence of tartar and plaque lead to terrible breath and unsightly stains, but serious health complications such as gum recession, inflammation, bone loss, and potentially tooth loss if left unmanaged. An angry, unclean oral cavity can act as a portal for bacteria invaders, traveling through the tiny blood vessels in a dog’s mouth causing disease in organs such as the heart, kidney, and liver.

Dog’s Mouths are Cleaner than Humans

Not true! Pets’ mouths are no different than ours, requiring daily brushing using products with antimicrobials, such as chlorhexidine, or the use of abrasive chews. Some dental treats, like Oravet, contain a product called delmopinol which provides a protective barrier on teeth to prevent bacteria from adhering. Oral rinses are also available to keep our pets’ mouths healthy.

But, just like humans, most pets will require professional cleaning, scaling, and radiographic examination of the tooth and surfaces below the gumline. You can’t treat what you can’t see, and because over 80% of dogs older than 3 have active dental disease, a veterinary-supervised dental evaluation and treatment plan is essential.

Anesthesia vs. Non-Anesthesia

Because dental care under anesthesia for your best friend can be cost-prohibitive and just downright scary, anesthesia-free dental cleanings are becoming one popular option for eliminating calculus and plaque. While routine scaling above the gumline may help improve the appearance of your dog’s mouth, be sure you are aware of the risks and limitations of anesthesia-free dentistry. The American Veterinary Dental College, American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Animal Hospital do not support this cosmetic procedure.

Here are a few reasons why:

It doesn’t address periodontal disease and gingivitis, or inflammation of the tissues around and under the gumline, where most oral health problems exist. Anesthesia-free dental cleanings give dog owners’ a false sense of security.
Scaling causes small defects in the tooth enamel from manual scraping, which are prime spots for adherence of future oral bacteria, accelerating plaque and tartar accumulation leading to more oral disease. In humans, we have those micro-fissures eliminated by a polishing step which isn’t possible in a wide-awake pet.
“Anesthesia-free” means your pet isn’t intubated and their airway is not protected. Pets can’t be told not to swallow or move during the procedure, which can lead to aspiration of the loosened oral bacteria and tartar and possibly pneumonia. An endotracheal tube protects the pet’s airway while supplying oxygen and gas anesthetic.
Intraoral X-rays can’t be completed while your pet is awake. Tooth root fractures, abscesses, and even certain cancers can all lurk below the gumline.
Pets can be subjected to fear and pain as large pieces of tartar are manually cracked from the surface of the tooth leading to aggression or fearful behavior next time the pet is approached to examine the mouth or touched around its head. It can be hard for animals to remain perfectly still during the procedure and it isn’t uncommon to accidentally scrape sensitive gum tissue with the scaling instruments.

Anesthesia is incredibly safe when performed by a competent veterinary team and your pet has proper monitoring. Most problems that occur under anesthesia are due to undiagnosed, pre-existing diseases such as cardiomyopathies or bleeding disorders.

A thorough pre-op exam and blood testing can help determine if your pet isn’t a candidate for anesthesia. I have countless stories of senior pets who had periodontal disease and extractions detected and performed under anesthesia; pet owners tell me by eliminating disease and painful teeth their pets were playing and eating like puppies again.

It’s our responsibility as pet parents to make sound medical decisions to keep our dogs healthy; with a toolbox including chews, pastes, rinses, and a veterinary-directed oral care plan, we can do our best to keep their mouths in tip-top shape!

Understanding Dog Lymphoma and How To Look For Canine Lymphoma Signs

Pet Health Articles

At 5 years old we had to say goodbye to our beautiful Golden Retriever, Maddie. Just short of one month of displaying signs of canine lymphoma, she passed at home with some degree of struggle and surrounded by much sadness. At the time, I was 17 years old and didn’t possess the medical knowledge I do now. I also wasn’t aware that a gentle passing assisted by a veterinarian would have made the process slightly easier to bear.

Though the veterinary community and pet owners are more educated about the disease process, symptoms, and treatment options available, lymphoma in dogs is still prevalent. According to Purdue University College Of Veterinary Medicine, lymphoma accounts for 7-14% of all cancers found in dogs and resembles non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in humans.

What Is Lymphoma?

Canine lymphoma is marked by enlarged lymph nodes or lymphatic tissue, often appearing as “golf balls” under a middle aged to senior dog’s neck. While multicentric lymphoma (which is confined to the lymph nodes) accounts for 84% of all lymphomas in canines, it can also have its primary source in the gastrointestinal tract or organs such as the eyes, skin, and chest.

Ultimately, many of the body’s systems are invaded as the cancer spreads to places like the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Cancer is caused by a mutation and aggressive replication of B or T lymphocytes which normally act as part of the body’s immune system brigade, destroying abnormal cells or recognizing foreign invaders such as bacteria. (3)

While environmental triggers such as exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke, viruses, or the sun’s rays account for some types of cell mutations, a genetic component has been found which predisposes some breeds to lymphoma. According to the National Canine Cancer Foundation and Broad Institute breeds over-represented with this disease include: Boxers, Bull Mastiffs, Basset Hounds, Saint Bernards, Scottish Terriers, Airedales, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers and Irish Wolfhounds. Using genetic information to manipulate the progression and development of disease is at the forefront of much cancer research.

What Should You be Looking For Canine Lymphoma?

The symptoms of canine lymphoma, otherwise known as lymphosarcoma are:

Visibly enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, chest, or back legs
Trouble swallowing, coughing, or sputtering when eating and drinking
Difficulty breathing and increased panting
Diarrhea with gastrointestinal lymphoma
Losing appetite and energy
Skin lesions that look like open sores or lumps

Many times, pets are still energetic and have a good appetite despite the enlarged lymph nodes or lesions.

The spots indicate the location of peripheral lymph nodes in dogs. Illustration by Dr. Wendy Brooks.

How Is Lymphoma Diagnosed?

A trained veterinarian will take a biopsy of the affected area and examine it closely under a microscope. A special staining of the sample may be performed to determine which type of malignancy your pet has developed. Other tests of the blood, urine, bone marrow, as well as imaging and sampling the internal organs with an ultrasound will help to determine how widespread the disease is. This is known as staging the cancer and gives veterinary oncologists an opportunity to better treat the disease and refine the prognosis.

How Can We Treat Lymphoma?

Dogs with multicentric lymphoma who do not undergo treatment typically survive only a few months. Treatment options and response to treatment depend on the type of lymphoma (B cell, T cell, small cell, low grade), stage of cancer, whether your pet is currently acting ill, whether they have received previous treatment for the disease, other concurrent illnesses, calcium levels at the time of diagnosis, and financial limitations. Most protocols involve giving a combination of chemotherapy drugs over several months. In general, dogs receiving treatment do not suffer the same effects as people such as nausea and hair loss.

The goal of treatment is to achieve remission, or at least regression. Remission is represented by a return of the lymph nodes to normal size and resolution of any signs related to the disease. 65-70% of dogs who receive some type of treatment protocol can expect to see a first remission. How long the remission period lasts varies on the type of treatment the dog receives.

The median survival time for B cell lymphomas is one year when receiving the most standard combination of chemotherapeutics. 25% of patients can expect a good quality of life for two years! More recently, a vaccine used to target and kill malignant cells has received conditional FDA approval adding to the toolkit to treat lymphoma.

As new treatment options become readily available and clinical trials at veterinary teaching hospitals are completed, we can hope to see a day when dogs with lymphoma stand a better chance at a cure.

Symptoms of Dehydration in Dogs and Safe Ways to Re-Hydrate

Pet Safety Articles

Pets are especially prone to dehydration and hyperthermia as they are not designed to efficiently regulate body temperature. They cool themselves by conduction, or transfer of heat, by lying on a cool floor. Sweat glands in the paws and panting help to carry away body heat and fur helps to provide insulation. On hot and cold days, they can become dehydrated quickly and need more than the requisite cup of water per 10 pounds of body weight, or ounce per pound.

Pets can also become dehydrated by losing fluid if they are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea or have a high fever. Excessive urination due to kidney disease or diabetes can also deplete the body’s water stores.

Vigorous exercise and lack of access to clean water will obviously lead to dehydration. For a healthy pet in comfortable environment, it’s safe to remove access to the water bowl an hour or two before bedtime to prevent nighttime accidents, but replenish the dish in the morning.

Symptoms of Dehydration

The symptoms of dehydration vary depending on the degree of water loss. You may first notice excessive panting or drooling in your pet with a 3-5% loss of fluid. They will attempt to find shade or an air conditioning vent. Lethargy and loss of appetite is common. As dehydration progresses, their noses and mouths become dry, eyes appear sunken, and skin loses its “spring”.

At 10-15% fluid loss:

signs of shock such as shivering
listlessness
rapid heart rate
weak pulse
bright red gums
appear unconsciousness. If not immediately treated by your veterinarian with gradual cooling and intravenous fluids, your dog can die.

Re-hydrating Your Dog

In the early stages on dehydration, it’s important to eliminate the cause, be it treating the diarrhea or getting your dog out of the sun. Provide access to fresh, cool water in small, frequent amounts or offer ice cubes.

Dogs that guzzle water are at risk for vomiting all they consumed and losing more fluid. Electrolytes are lost in body secretions, and with the permission of your veterinarian, a small amount of bone broth, Pedialyte or other electrolyte replacement solution can be added to water to slowly rehydrate your dog if they are not vomiting.

Perform a Dehydration Test

To perform a dehydration test on your pet, consider two options:

Test skin elasticity. The skin elasticity test measures the amount of spring in your dog’s skin. Pinch the skin to make a tent between the shoulder blades or along the ribcage, release your grip on the “skin tent”, and watch for the skin to return to the dog’s body wall. In a well-hydrated animal, the skin returns to its normal position almost immediately.

Test your dog when they are healthy as each dog’s skin elasticity varies. It can be especially difficult to judge how long skin stays tented in wrinkly breeds like the shar pei or bulldog, older pets, or those with long hair. In which case we move on to the second way to check for dehydration in pets.

Check gums. Normal, healthy dogs have moist mouths and no excessive panting. Their gums are pink (again, check on your healthy pet to determine their personal normal. Heavily pigmented dogs like chows or mastiffs may be more difficult to assess). When the pink gum tissue has pressure applied via a fingertip, the mucous membrane blanches to near white.

When the pressure is removed, a normal pink color should return in less than 3 seconds. This is known as the capillary refill time. If gums are red or white upon visual inspection without pressure, call your vet. Animals that have a delayed capillary refill time may be dehydrated and need prompt intervention too.