Pet Health Related Articles – Page 3

Love Pets, Hate Allergies? Managing and Treating Pet Allergies

Pet Health Articles

Love pets, but hate allergies? For some unlucky folks, cats, dogs, horses, and bunnies all cause the same pet allergy symptoms: itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose or congestion, a rash, hives, and even difficulty breathing. Even allergies are common in dogs and cats, but what is it about some pets that cause allergies to people? Learn more about what causes pet allergies and what you can do to help manage and treat them.

What Causes Pet Allergies?

Pet allergies are caused by proteins called allergens are found in the saliva, urine, and skin flakes or dander of animals and can trigger an allergic reaction or exacerbation of asthma. In some pets, the proteins are concentrated on the fur due to grooming and normal shedding of cells. Hair is then shed into the environment and the number of offending allergens increases in even the most immaculate home. What’s more, pollen and dust tend to “stick” to pets’ fur; allergic reactions may be related to those pesky hitchhikers rather than the pet itself.

Does an allergy to dogs and cats mean a future that holds fish as your only friends? Not necessarily. Skin tests done by your physician may help in diagnosing the true source of the allergy, potentially ruling out the pet as the source of the problem. Owners of cats that are light colored as opposed to black find they suffer from less feline-induced congestion.

Certain breeds such as poodles, bichon frises, and some terrier breeds don’t shed much at all; as such, their home base contains fewer allergens in the air and on surfaces. Smaller dogs tend to produce fewer allergens due to their smaller physical size vs larger breeds. When selecting a dog, consider size and breed if you are allergy-prone. If possible, it’s best to minimize exposure to allergens by keeping pets out of the bedroom. Because we spend so much time sleeping, creating an allergy-free zone reduces the stimulation of our immune system.

Managing & Treating Pet Allergies

Filter the air in your home – Adding a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to the bedroom and living areas can reduce most air impurities including pet allergens. Use a vacuum with HEPA filtration bags and consider filters on air ducts. Some pet owners find their allergic symptoms worsen during the cold months when the furnace is running; that could be a sign a deep clean of the HVAC system and filters are in order.

Wash bedding and fabrics – The greatest source of indoor allergens tends to be found in drapes and carpets. If finances permit, remove these particle traps and wash bedding and fabrics regularly. Some owners regularly use a saline nasal rinse to rid air passages of allergens and reduce absorption. Washing your hands after cuddling your pet and before you touch your face is key to reducing instant red-eye and hives.

Brush pet fur regularly – It’s impossible to decrease the amount of dander and saliva our pets produce, but we can take them outside for daily brushing to decrease the hairs shed indoors. Keeping skin healthy and parasite free is important in reducing allergens and general flaking. A parasite preventative, high quality diet, and fatty acid supplements can all help to promote healthy skin.

Bathe your pet weekly – Bathing pets weekly with a mild pet shampoo can also lessen both pollen and mold spores and the salivary proteins and skin cells that accumulate on the fur. Daily, we wipe our pets’ paws and coat down with a damp washcloth to eliminate the particles they track in from outdoors. It’s a hard habit to break, but I also remind my three boys (four including my husband) to remove their shoes before coming inside for the same reason.

Visit the Allergist for treatment – If all else fails, returning to your allergist or immunologist for anti-histamines, medicated nasal sprays, or allergen specific therapy can help reduce your body’s rejection to animal proteins. Over months to years, low doses of allergen can be administered via drop or injection to help desensitize your body to the allergy source.

Sometimes maintenance immunotherapy treatment (allergy shots) is indicated for those with chronic allergies or asthma. Unfortunately, a predisposition to airborne allergies is hereditary. Parents with allergies often have children who manifest allergic disease. For some lucky individuals, tincture of time may be all that is needed to reduce reactivity to their pets as tolerance develops.

How to Transition Your Pet Food Gradually

Pet Health Articles

Back in 1999 when I graduated veterinary school, there was just one semester course that covered the basics of animal nutrition from chicken to goat to horse to dog. Over the last several decades, the way pet professionals and owners have come to think about nutrition has vastly changed.

Boutique pet foods are all the rage as we look into healthy pet food diets: grain-free, non-GMO containing, and organic. And, the question, “what food should I buy my dog?” can be confusing if you’re looking for the best and healthy dog food to feed your furry friend.

What we do know is that pets’ nutritional needs often vary throughout their lifetime based on age, stage, breed, activity level, and health conditions. New data on pet nutrition also includes macro and micro nutrient needs, composition, ingredient source and quality. It’s safe to assume that at some point during your pet’s life you will be changing dog food and perhaps multiple times over the course of years.

Switching Pet Food Gradually

When is the first time you will likely consider changing your pet’s food? Maybe it’s as soon as bringing them home from the breeder or rescue. It may be when your juvenile pet reaches physical maturity, for some small breeds closer to a year, for larger dogs around two years old. It’s important to evaluate your dog’s individual calorie and nutrient needs and choose a food based on their age, stage, and breed.

We know large breed puppies like the Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland require a specific balance of calcium and phosphorous in order to help prevent orthopedic diseases such as panosteitis and hip dysplasia. During the period of rapid growth from 3-6 months, switching to a proper food, if your pup had not previously been fed one specific to large breeds, is critical to minimizing the development of osteoarthritis and joint disease down the road.

Likewise, as pet’s age, their activity may decrease necessitating a transition to a less calorically dense diet or one that contains more high-quality protein to maintain muscle mass, and fatty acids such as EPA and DHA for their anti-inflammatory and dermatological effects.

Digestion in Dogs

Your dog may be growing appropriately and have firm, twice daily bowel movements. Until they don’t. Diagnostic tests performed by your veterinarian may uncover common diseases like intestinal parasitism, food allergy or intolerance, or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, common among German Shepard Dogs that lead to poor digestion and absorption of nutrients. These dogs may be losing weight, have diarrhea, and appear to have poor coat quality.

Switching to a diet that has a new protein source such as venison or duck or changing to a diet low in fat that is highly digestible and adding in some digestive enzymes may be all that is needed to correct the problem. Any time a lifelong change in diet is expected, only do so after consulting your veterinarian.

Unless your pet is experiencing an adverse reaction to a pet food ingredient or gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or inappetence, switching dog food is best done gradually. Some dogs are particularly sensitive to any changes in their food composition, even within the same pet food brand.

Tips for Changing Dog Food

In general, I recommend exchanging a quarter of the dog’s original food with the new diet for 3-4 days, then increasing the new food: old food ratio to 50:50 for another 3-4 days and so on. Probiotics such as Fortiflora can help prevent any bacterial imbalance in the gut, perpetuating the diarrhea. Most successful dog food transition plans encompass a period of 10 days to 2 weeks.

Some pet owners prefer to alternate between 2-3 foods and rotate successfully between brands every few months. There are many delicious and nutritious diets to choose from and some dogs are able to switch between several pet food brands with no adverse effects.

Most pet owners have experienced the joy of waking to a rug soiled by a dog who ingested something in the yard, last night’s meatloaf from the garbage can, or whose new food didn’t sit quite right.

In that case, an abrupt switch to a low-fat, bland prescription or homemade diet made of chicken or boiled hamburger and rice or white pasta, scrambled eggs, or cottage cheese to get their stools back on track after a 24 hour fast is best. I recommend feeding a bland diet for 5-7 days, and then gradually mixing in their regular pet food over a period of two weeks.

Check in with your local veterinarian if you have any questions to ensure a healthy and successful pet food plan!

Heartworm Disease in Dogs and What You Should Know

Pet Health Articles

Did you know April is National Heartworm Awareness Month? This is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease among pets that is caused by a parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis. Heartworms are foot-long worms that impact our furry friends heart, lungs, and blood. You might not recognize heartworms in pets initially until the adult worms have matured. As this disease advances, your dog may lose appetite, have difficulty breathing, and/or cough.

Sadly, a 2016 American Heartworm Society survey among 5000 veterinary clinics showed the number of heartworm positive pets rose 21% since 2013. What are some reasons we are seeing an increase in heartworm disease across the U.S. and what can we do to combat this life-threatening disease?

How to Prevent Heartworm in Dogs

The number one way we can minimize the incidence of heartworm disease is to increase compliance in administering preventatives. Monthly chewables like Heartgard, Interceptor, and Trifexis as well as monthly topical products like Revolution are extremely effective in preventing heartworm disease. With smart phone apps and email reminders from product manufacturers, there is no longer an excuse to forget to protect your pet. These products also control intestinal parasites that can be transmitted to humans like roundworm and hookworm, some whipworm species, and in the case of Revolution, fleas and ticks.

In addition, an injectable preventative called Proheart can be administered every 6 months by your veterinarian, making compliance a non-issue. These medications work in the dog’s system to kill circulating Stage 3 heartworm larvae, which are transmitted by a mosquito bite, before the parasite can mature into its adult form in the heart and pulmonary vessels.

Thus, a pill administered on May 1st works to kill larvae that may have entered your pet’s bloodstream via a bite up to 30 days prior. This is important to know, as many people stop giving heartworm preventative once the weather turns cool, not understanding they are treating for any infection acquired in the preceding month when mosquitoes may have been more active. Even “indoor” pets can be bitten by a mosquito entering the home from an open door or window and should receive a monthly, life-saving preventative.

Why do Dogs get Heartworm Disease?

A significant reason we are seeing an increase in heartworm infection is because of the changing temperatures that have extended mosquito breeding and feeding seasons. Standing water in pools, birdbaths, and ponds provide ample opportunity for mosquitoes to breed. Eliminating standing water or disrupting the water’s surface with fountains or aerators can limit mosquito populations. Keeping pets indoors during peak mosquito activity times can also reduce mosquito bites and disease transmission.

A surge in heartworm disease is also seen after natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina; dogs are displaced, preventative care for pets is at a low due to expense and household disruption, and dogs carrying heartworm from the highly endemic South bring disease to areas where it was previously unheard of. Mosquitoes being the vector for transmission of the heartworm larvae, they bite the infected transplanted dogs and spread the blood-borne parasite via bites to previously uninfected dogs, cats, ferrets, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and opossums.

Treatment Options For Heartworm

Cost to protect your pet from heartworm infection is about the same as your monthly Frappuccino and pastry. While dogs who test positive at their veterinarian’s office can often be successfully treated, the treatment can easily run in the thousands of dollars. Dogs are treated by administration of painful injectable medications, antibiotics, and preventative pills as well as subjected to diagnostic testing such as radiographs (X-rays), bloodwork, and urinalyses.

Treatment also involves strict exercise limitation for a period of several months which can be unbearable to an otherwise active young dog and owner. The “slow-kill” method to eliminate heartworm larvae and adults is not recommended.

The protracted method in which higher doses of preventative is given to eradicate heartworm adults and circulating microfilaria is variable in efficacy and can lead to heartworm parasite resistance. In cats, there is no way treatment to eliminate the parasite and they suffer from cough, lethargy, and sudden death.

In all species, with or without treatment and management, long term, irreversible damage is done to the heart, lungs, and sometimes organs such as the kidneys. Clearly, prevention is key to controlling heartworm disease in dogs.

Is CBD Oil Safe For Dogs? What You Need to Know About Cannabidiol

Pet Health Articles

Touted as a cure-all for everything from arthritis pain, to anxiety, to cancer, to seizure disorders, is CBD, or cannabidiol, the new snake oil? Or is it the penicillin of our generation, providing pet owners new ways to treat old, frustrating, and seemingly unmanageable diseases? Is CBD safe for dogs and is it legal? We’ll take a deep dive at studies and what you need to know about cannabidiol for dogs.

Is CBD Oil Safe for Dogs?

CBD oils, edibles, and topicals used for therapeutic purposes in pets contain little to no THC, the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana, and thus are less heavily policed. In December of 2018, the Farm Bill was signed into law, removing industrial hemp, Cannabis satvia L. and its derivatives, from the Controlled Substance Act. Those products that contain more than 0.3% THC are still considered a Schedule 1 drug and subject to strict regulations for production and distribution.

Because any product with a label claim that they provide therapeutic benefit are still subjected to Federal Drug Administration oversight, not every CBD containing substance is equal in the eyes of the law. CBD containing products purchased to alleviate, cure, diagnose or prevent symptoms such as pain, nausea, and stress should be FDA approved and have a Certificate of Analysis available which indicates the level of THC present, how it is made, and whether it is organic and pesticide free.

CBD Products For Dogs

A treat used to manage canine anxiety that is made in Colorado under stringent safety standards is FOMO Bones. Not only does it contain CBD, but valerian root, chamomile, L-tryptophan, and passion flower roots that are also proven calming aids.

New products containing CBD that make therapeutic claims will soon have more clear-cut pathways to FDA approval, thus allowing veterinarians to suggest them with less hesitation. In the meantime, many CBD containing oils on the shelf are treated legally like supplements, with little production oversight, quality control, and efficacy studies to justify their use. Chews, pills, and treats with the NASC seal (National Animal Supplement Council) do increase the odds that the product is safe and made in a clean environment.

CBD oils marketed to humans may have harmful chemicals like xylitol or grapeseed oil as added ingredients; purchase CBD manufactured for animal administration only. Like any drug, CBD containing products have some potential side effects: vomiting, drowsiness, disorientation, and excitement have all been observed in pets taking the product.

Do Veterinarians Recommend CBD?

What’s another reason veterinarians have been hesitant to recommend cannabidiol as an alternative treatment when conventional medications fail? Historically, federal law strictly prohibited veterinarians from prescribing cannabis-based extracts; state laws are even more ambiguous and as such, most vets won’t propose the topic of cannabis-derived therapeutics with clients unless pet owners bring up their use.

Both the legal uncertainty and product variability lead many veterinarians to steer clear of recommending CBD altogether. Price is another deterrent for many vets and pet owners. At $58.00 a month for a 20-pound dog to manage joint pain, CBD containing Canna-Pet capsules are out of financial reach for many dog-lovers.

Confused regarding the lingo? I was until I learned that both marijuana, which contains THC and cannabidiol, and hemp, which contains only trace amounts of THC and primarily cannabidiol, are both members of the Cannabis family of plants. But marijuana and hemp plants are very different, indeed! If your veterinarian or pet store doesn’t offer cannabis-derived CBD oils, hemp only-derived products may more readily be available.

Cannabidiol readily crosses the blood-brain barrier interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system, just like in humans, and may therefore be effective in treating some of the same conditions found in people. Chemotherapy induced nausea, bone pain, stress, epilepsy and PTSD are all diseases where cannabis has had a profound effect in mitigating symptoms.

Studies On CBD and Dogs

Though scientific research is lacking in pets, anecdotal evidence that cannabidiol and possibly THC use in animals is effective abounds. Dr. Jeff Powers, a veterinarian in Michigan and vice chairman of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents, credits CBD for controlling his St. Bernard’s severe noise phobia.

Another pet owner describes his 12-year-old lab playing like a puppy after receiving CBD treats to manage chronic joint pain. Topically applied cannabidiol has been reported to cure a Boxer’s mast cell tumor.

Colorado State University and Cornell have been at the forefront of what scientific research does exist. A team led by Dr Stephanie McGrath at CSU found an 89% reduction in epileptic seizures for dogs treated with cannabidiol. Researchers hope to study cannabidiol as a treatment for osteoarthritis next and are recruiting patients for a larger epilepsy study.

A separate hemp study at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine found that 2 mg per kilogram of body weight used twice daily in dogs provided arthritis pain relief in 80% of patients. These are encouraging results, to say the least.

With CBD found everywhere from the groomers to the grocery store, it’s clear that pet owners’ interest in the cannabinoid isn’t declining. With new legislation making cannabidiol more accessible and safer to administer, it’s up to veterinarians and drug companies to play catch up and research this potentially life-changing medication.

Do Dogs Dream? Understanding the Twitches and Running

Dog Behavior Articles

If I had to guess what my dogs dream about when they enter the REM (rapid eye movement) phase of sleep, the images would certainly include squirrels, a peanut-butter filled KONG, and the flash of weeds as they tear along their favorite trail.

Most of us have witnessed the tell-tale eye twitches and running motion of recumbent legs that signal dreaming in our pets, but do dogs really dream? Here’s some background information on dream studies on animals and how dogs dream!

How Dogs Dream

According to Psychology today, typically, a medium-sized dog will begin to dream about 20 minutes after falling asleep; their breathing may become shallower and irregular as compared to deep, sonorous, non-dreaming sleep.

The darting of eyes behind closed lids is the dog “seeing” images as if they were viewed in real life. Some animals may even snap or growl at imagined prey. Humans awakened during this same phase of sleep report they were dreaming at the time.

Anecdotal and scientific research both indicate the probability and content of a dream state. Anatomically and physiologically, the dog’s brain is extremely similar to a human’s, who we know dream of events and images pulled from daily life.

Based on brain wave studies, scientists have determined that smaller breed dream more frequently, but with shorter dream duration, than larger breeds.

The Study of Rats Dreaming

Of special importance in the generation of dreams is the hippocampus, an area of the brain associated with memory formation and storage. Washington Post states, that in rats, a species with a simpler brain structure, electrical recordings were taken from the hippocampus while the rats were awake and completing a complex maze.

The brain waves generated by these rats running the maze were very specific, repeatable, and so precise that researchers could pinpoint which area of the maze the rats were running based on the electrical wave. Later, when brain activity had indicated the rats were in the dream-generating REM portion of sleep, MIT scientists observed these identical waves.

This data was extrapolated to mean that the rats were dreaming about the maze they had just completed, down to precise location of the maze the rats were “running” in sleep. In all likelihood, our dogs are dreaming about their version of the maze, dashing along a familiar path or playing with a favorite squeaky toy of which the hippocampus has retained images.

The Pons Region of the Brain

Another portion of the brain, the pons, was studied to determine dream content. In addition to acting as a sensory message relay center in the brain and helping to regulate sleep and respiration, the pons helps hinder movement in sleep. Without this special structure, animals actively engage in movement in the same manner during sleep as they would when awake.

In studies where the pons was removed or inactivated, sleeping dogs executed familiar actions even when brain waves indicated they were dreaming, such as chasing make-believe balls and flushing out imagined birds. Observing this study sounds like watching a dog zombie apocalypse! Puppies, human babies, and seniors all experience more movement such as twitching during sleep due to the underdeveloped or less efficient pons. Fascinating!

Can Dogs Have Bad Dreams?

If dogs dream about their daily lives, can they also have nightmares of being home alone during a storm or being attacked by another animal? If it occurred in real life, it’s very likely they do. It can be difficult to watch your restless pup dream and become agitated in sleep. Should you wake them from their nightmare or leave them be?

From personal experience, it can be very disorienting having a scary dream interrupted by the alarm clock; it takes a few minutes for my breathing to slow and my mind to register my surroundings. Instinctually, your dog may react aggressively and unpredictably if woken during a nightmare. It’s best to let them sleep though it; when they wake, provide plenty of snuggle and play time so that future dreams include these joyful memories!

Pet Coverage: Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Your Dog?

Pet Health Articles

With more technology to diagnose and treat diseases such as cancer and chronic pain, pet owners have a multitude of choices for care when their pet becomes ill. Though cost should be the last thing on the mind of a concerned pet parent, owners often face a difficult decision when an animal companion becomes ill or injured: go into debt to pay for the care the pet needs or euthanize.

This painful scenario can be avoided by purchasing pet insurance, a practice that many veterinarians recommend as a way for owners to be able to consider treatment options for their pets that they otherwise could not afford. In other words, owners can base health care decisions on their pets’ needs and the veterinarians’ recommendations rather than on the cost of treatment.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Unlike our health insurance which involves a contractual relationship between the insurance company, the physician and the patient, pet insurance is a contract between the pet owner and the insurance company only. It operates in the same manner as car insurance, with the insurance companies compensating pet owners for the costs associated with the treatment of illness or injury and sometimes routine care.

Thus, if a pet requires veterinary care, the owner pays for the services out of pocket, completes the necessary paperwork, and submits it to his or her insurance company. The company then reimburses the owner based on the plan that the owner selected. For some owners, this is a pro as care is not limited to in-network providers and they can pay the up-front expense with the promise of full to partial reimbursement.

Other pet owners do not have the funds accessible to pay for immediate treatment and must discuss payment plans with their veterinarian.

Which Pet Insurance Is Best?

Figuring out which pet insurance company and plan that works best for you and your pet may seem daunting. With factors to consider such as customer service, deductibles, coverage of congenital or pre-existing conditions, speed of repayment, and the monthly expense, some owners may forgo insurance for their dog and instead establish a monthly pet savings account.

Though still responsible for any out-of-pocket medical expenses, having a cushion in the bank for a medical catastrophe can help ease the financial pain of treating your pet. No doubt about it, even routine care can run into the thousands of dollars annually as vaccinations, parasite preventatives, good nutrition, and dental care are all critical to maintaining your pet’s health.

When evaluating insurance companies, it is important to consider whether veterinarians are employed by the company in arbitrating claims, the company is approved by the state insurance regulatory agency where policies are sold, and there is transparency in communicating policy limits, pricing structures, co-pays, deductibles, limits, and optional coverage or exclusions specific to your pet (i.e. coverage for annual wellness visits).

If your pet has a chronic condition such as seasonal allergies, will examinations be covered along with prescription medications?

Several breeds have higher deductibles; retrievers are notorious for ingesting socks and other foreign objects that require surgical removal and insurance companies know it! More recently, some employers have made it simple for pet owning employees to choose their insurance company by including pet insurance as an employment benefit.

Some pet insurance companies offer discounts, such as for veterans, making those plans most appealing. Whichever company and plan you choose; pet insurance will allow you to reduce veterinary bills but still provide the best possible care for ill or injured pets. It’s something to think about.

Sources:
Pet Insurance
AVMA Policies
Pet Insurance U

A Stinky Situation: Dog Anal Gland Problems

Pet Health Articles

There’s no polite way to introduce this topic: pet anal glands. These are mysterious, marble-sized, sacs that contain malodorous material and can be found at approximately 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock between your pet’s internal and external anal sphincter.

All dogs, cats, and carnivorous species (including humans) have them; you may know what anatomical parts I’m talking about if your dog has ever been frightened, scooted their bottom along your favorite rug, or had the unfortunate experience of developing an anal gland infection.

Anal Gland Problems In Dogs

Problems with your dog’s anal glands lead to lots of veterinary and groomer visits, though they do serve a purpose beyond providing job security. Sebaceous glands produce a liquid substance that has a foul, fishy odor which is yellow to tan in color and exists as means of identification and territory marking.

Normally, the liquid secretions are expressed when a dog defecates. The pressure of the firm feces allows the glands to complete empty.

No problem when this occurs outside! Where do things take a hard turn? If your dog has softer stools and the anal glands are not fully expressed naturally, was born with narrow ducts, produces excessive material, or has acquired damage to the duct due to perianal infections, trauma, allergies, or inflammation, they are more likely to develop anal gland impaction and infection.

Sphincter dysfunction and obesity also predispose a pet to anal sac disease. Certain breeds (usually on the small side) are also more likely to need monthly, manual expression of their glands: Chihuahuas, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Basset Hounds, and Beagles top the list.

How Do I Know If My Dog Needs His Anal Glands Expressed?

Most pet owners are alerted to the discomfort of impacted glands when their pet drags their rear on the ground, bites at the tail base, excretes the tell-tale liquid (stinky) at times other than defecation, strains when defecating, or a red, hairless bulge is noted near the area of the anal glands.

When swelling is evident either on physical exam or during a visual inspection of the area, an anal gland abscess is present.

Bacterial overgrowth in the gland filled with abnormally copious, thick material causes swelling, pus formation, ultimately rupture and pain. Abscesses can be soothed with a warm washcloth applied to the area and must be treated with antibiotics by your veterinarian.

If your dog has chronic anal gland infections and you’ve ensured stools are firm with a high fiber diet, his weight is managed, exercise is adequate, and allergies aren’t leading to biting and trauma to the area, he may be a candidate for surgical anal gland removal or anal sacculectomy.

Surgery in this delicate area can lead to fecal incontinence and should not be done as a first step in managing anal gland disease.

Preventative care for your dog includes practicing good hygiene and grooming, awareness of these glands, and knowing the signs of inflammation. Most groomers will express your dog’s anal glands monthly as part of their service, especially if you own a small breed or your dog has a history of anal gland disorders.

How to Squeeze Dog Anal Glands

Squeezing the glands can be done with steady pressure to milk the secretions from the inside of the gland, and through the duct opening near the anus. Use latex gloves, lubrication, and a lot of paper towels, or let a professional handle the gland evacuation for a minimal charge. As in most things, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”.

Repetitive compression of the glands and ducts also causes a little traumatic inflammation at the site and can lead to impaction down the road. So, if your pet has not exhibited symptoms of distended glands, consider yourself lucky!

Portion Control: How Much Should I Feed My Dog?

Pet Health Articles

Portion control and regulation: it’s something we Americans sorely lack and not only do our children pay the price, but our pets do as well. While it may be difficult for humans to ignore the barrage of commercials and Happy Meal temptations, we have a clear and simple obligation to fulfill when it comes to feeding our dogs.

Since they solely depend on us feed them, we need to quiet the tiny voice that tells us food=love and make sure we’re feeding our dogs the right amount of food. Wondering how much should to feed your dog or how much is “too much”? We have some tips to help make sure your dog eats the right amount of food!

How Much Should My Dog Eat?

Breeds vary, activity levels fluctuate, stages of life such as puppyhood or gestation demand more calories, and health complications such as diabetes affect ideal type of food and caloric intake for your pet.

One commonality when it comes to healthy amount of dog food and nutrition and feed is that we all want our pets to achieve their ideal body condition, whatever other variables exist.

A good place to start in determining your pet’s healthy size is to reference the Purina Scoring Chart . Whether your dog is a Basset or a Malamute, participates in agility or is a couch potato, some basic rules to assess body condition include: ability to feel your pet’s ribs but not see them, observing some semblance of an hourglass “waist” when viewed from above, and noting the chest is deeper and lower to the ground then the abdomen. Your pet should be a 4-5 out of a 9-point scale.

Measuring Dog Food

Once you’ve established where your pet falls on the chart, assess whether the goal is weight loss and what percent, gain, or maintenance. Each point on the chart is the equivalent to a 10% change in body mass.

Start with a measuring cup, and by cup, I mean the same cup you would use to measure flour if you were baking. Not a Big Gulp cup, not an espresso cup. A cup or container that holds 8 ounces of liquid or dry material.

Because grams are a measure of weight, a cup of lettuce will not weigh the same as a cup of brown sugar, and the same concept can be applied to the variety of pet foods on the market. Likewise, every cup of food does not contain the same number of calories, which is critical in determining how much to feed you pet.

So, check your dog food label. Kcal/cup of food should be clearly marked or at the very least, an 800# to call to get that information must be visible. If it isn’t, what are you feeding?

Talk to your family. Everyone needs to be on board when it comes to portion control and getting your dog to its ideal weight.

Based on current body condition, the caloric content in the food you are feeding (and treats, which do count as additional calories and should make up no more than 10% of the overall caloric intake so factor them in), life stag, activity level, and goal, you can determine with your veterinarian just how much food to feed your dog or how many calories your pet needs in a day. Puppies grow, and their calorie needs and thus quantity fed will adjust over time.

Do the Math

A little math is needed next. Convert your pet’s daily caloric needs to the number of cups they must be fed each day. For example: a cup of the diet you feed contains 300 kcals. Your pet needs 600 kcals a day. 600kcal/300kcal/cup= your pet should consume 2 cups of that food for the day. Use your measuring cup and put the dog’s daily meal and treats into a bag (s).

Now feed from this bag for the next 24 hours. Most animals thrive when fed smaller portions in 2-3 servings per day, so you can divide the bag’s contents into meals that will be satisfying but not indulgent. Small breeds and puppies may need to be fed more frequently to maintain blood sugar levels. Some dogs can be free-fed as long as they snack throughout the day and don’t gorge themselves in one sitting.

There a few tools I’ve used to help extend my dog’s feeding time, making it into an enriching game and allowing them to feel satiated. Toys like the Omega paw tricky treat ball, the Kong wobbler dog toy, or other treat dispensing puzzles can provide hours of amusement, mental stimulation, and aid in dispensing appropriate dog food portions.

Remember, exercise helps maintain a healthy weight too! Enjoy the last few weeks of fall.

Are Candles, Essential Oils, and Air Fresheners Safe For Pets?

Pet Safety Articles

Evoking memories of pumpkin patch visits, jumping in falling leaves, and eating apple cider donuts, the smells of fall are powerful triggers of times long past. It is about this time of year when we pull the blankets a little tighter and light the maple sugar or cinnamon apple scented candle.

Estimates are that our dogs have up to 100,000 times more ability to detect scent vs. their human counterparts, so what do they make of all the appetizing and botanical scents we surround ourselves with every day?

For some dogs, our scented candles, air fresheners, and essential oils, while masking noxious odors, may pose a health risk. Let’s sort out which products can be harmful, as well as determine how we can safely incorporate the heavenly scents of the season into our home environments.

Dangers of Candles and Essential Oils

Both scented candles and some aerosol or plug-in fresheners can release volatile organic compounds as well as toxins like lead, naphthalene, formaldehyde, and phthalates. Synthetic fragrances and carcinogenic soot from paraffin candles, a petroleum product, can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma in humans and pets.

Phthalates, another airborne product released from burning candles, have been implicated in causing endocrine system disruption leading to diabetes, birth defects, and cancer.

In addition to the harm caused by the burning of candles and the release of artificial chemicals into the air, the delicious smells can entice dogs to nibble on candles, wax, or ingest oils. Ingestion of most candles will generally lead to nothing more than an upset stomach and diarrhea. Consuming or absorbing essential oils through the skin and mucous membranes can be a whole different matter.

Essential oils are the volatile organic compounds extracted from plants that contribute to their fragrance and taste. Pets are especially sensitive to these products and depending on the concentration and formulation, just a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil can cause severe illness; clinical signs can range from weakness, to depression, seizures, low body temperature, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.

It’s best not to apply any oils directly to the skin of your pet for this reason, and even diffusing some oils can trigger a cough or symptoms of allergy. Which oils should never be used around pets? Some suggest pine, wintergreen, cinnamon, citrus based oils, peppermint, camphor, clove, bitter almond, garlic, horseradish, mustard, and pennyroyal essential oils are dangerous to dogs and cats.

Safe Candles and Plugins

There are safe ways to coexist with the smells we associate with cleanliness and holiday cheer. When purchasing candles, look for those that are made from natural ingredients such as soy, beeswax, and bluecorn and are free from artificial fragrances. A wick made from cotton is cleaner to burn than those that have metal wires in the center which may emit heavy metals into the environment.

Sprays such as Febreze are perfectly safe to use in your home, though you want to avoid direct contact with your pet as they may be a stomach or skin irritant. If you choose to diffuse, monitor your pets for any respiratory symptoms. As no long-term studies have been conducted to verify safety of inhaling oils, let the buyer beware. Most importantly, keep all diffusers, candles, and sprays out of reach. Pets are susceptible to burns when lit candles and hot wax meet skin.

Purchasing wide based-candles and placing burning candles in a dish of water can decrease the potential risk of fire. When in doubt about any products you introduce into your home, keep the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center phone number (888) 426-4435 on hand to get safety data and toxicity information.

What Colors Do Dogs See?

Pet Health Articles

As we head into Fall, it’s a great time to go outside with your dog and enjoy the comfortable temperatures and beautiful colors this season brings. Vibrant reds, yellows and oranges decorate the trees; colorful mums and pumpkins are on display.

We know our furry friends appreciate the cooler weather and we like the changing fall colors, but what colors can dogs see? Learn more about our dogs vision and how they see!

Can Dogs See In Color?

To better understand our dogs vision, we need to know a little about the dog’s eye. The retina is a structure covering the back of the eye containing the light-sensitive cells called rods and cones.

Cones help both dogs and people detect color and small visual details while rods are necessary to see motion and objects in dim light. Dogs have only about one-tenth the number of cones as humans.

Their rod-dominated retinas are better at seeing in the dark and detecting movement but dogs are essentially red-green color blind. This means they can differentiate yellows, blue-violets, and variations in shades of grey but cannot distinguish red, orange, yellow, and green.

How Dogs Vision Help With Navigating

How then does dogs vision help with navigating across a busy intersection when the light turns green? They use other visual cues and senses such as position and brightness of the light, noise, and traffic movement. Their increased peripheral vision is an asset; dogs’ visual field is 200-240 degrees vs. humans’ 180 degrees. Visual acuity is not as strong.

Dogs typically have 20/75 vision though working retrievers bred for better eyesight may have closer to 20/20 vision. So, even if your dog had the mental ability to read, he wouldn’t be able to resolve the individual letters.

A better understanding of dog vision is necessary when considering training and behavior. A change in posture or movement is significant to a dog as are sounds and smells. Sweeping arm motions, clicker noises, and food rewards are often used in successful training programs.

Although dogs vision may not see the changing colors of the fall season, they undoubtedly love the crisp weather, the sights and sounds of geese heading south, and the crunch of leaves underfoot. Most of all, they like spending time with you. Happy Fall!