Archive for October, 2021
Dog Leg Trama
Injuries to a dogs hind legs can vary in severity. Trauma to a dog’s leg can occur suddenly after a fall, car accident, blunt force or animal bites. The dog will suddenly become lame and require immediate treatment. If you notice that your dog is having trouble walking and did not suffer any of the things mentioned above, more serious conditions such as hip dysplasia and osteosarcoma (bone cancer) can be the cause. It’s very important that you get him to a vet right away. There is also a possibility that he may have a clot in his leg. This is a life threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Several years ago, my older cat, Mollie suddenly had trouble walking. I immediately called my vet and after I described in detail her symptoms, he told me that she may have a blood clot and to get her in immediately to be checked. Luckily this was not the case but it’s really important the you do not delay treatment. Every minute counts!
Remember, your pets count!
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Halloween Safety Tips For Your Pets Recommended by Pet MD
It’s Halloween and a fun time for kids and adult alike but is it a fun time for our pets? We dress them up take them out to parties, parades etc but we must ensure that they are kept safe at all times. Pet MD has put together a comprehensive guide to pet Halloween safety. Please take a look at their article right here to make sure that you have their safety covered.
Halloween can be a festive and fun time for children and families. But for pets? Let’s face it, it can be a nightmare. Skip the stress and keep your pets safe this year by following these 10 easy tips.
1. Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets.
All forms of chocolate—especially baking or dark chocolate—can be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs and cats. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Halloween candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination and seizures. “Xylitol ingestion can also cause liver failure in dogs, even if they don’t develop symptoms associated with low blood sugar,” adds Dr. Jennifer Coates, veterinary advisor with petMD. And while xylitol toxicity in cats has yet to be established, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
2. Don’t leave pets out in the yard on Halloween.
Vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Inexcusable? Yes! But preventable nonetheless. Black cats are especially at risk from pranks or other cruelty-related incidents. In fact, many shelters do not adopt out black cats during the month of October as a safety precaution. Make sure your black cats are safely housed indoors around Halloween.
3. Keep pets confined and away from the door.
Indoors is certainly better than outdoors on Halloween, but your door will be constantly opening and closing, and strangers will be on your doorstep dressed in unusual costumes. This, of course, can be scary for our furry friends, which can result in escape attempts or unexpected aggression. Putting your dog or cat in a secure crate or room away from the front door will reduce stress and prevent them from darting outside into the night…a night when no one wants to be searching for a lost loved one.
4. Keep glow sticks away from pets.
While glow sticks can help keep people safe on Halloween night, they can add some unwanted drama to the holiday if a pet chews one open. “Thankfully, the liquid inside glow sticks is non-toxic, so it won’t actually make pets sick,” Coates says, “but it does taste awful.” Pets who get into a glow stick may drool, paw at their mouth, become agitated, and sometimes even vomit. Coates recommends that if your pet does chew on a glow stick, “offer some fresh water or a small meal to help clear the material out of the mouth.”
5. Keep Halloween plants such as pumpkins and corn out of reach.
While small amounts of corn and pumpkin can be fed safely to many pets, ingesting uncooked, potentially moldy Halloween pumpkins or corn displays can cause big problems. Gastrointestinal upset is a possibility whenever pets eat something they aren’t used to, and intestinal blockage can occur if large pieces are swallowed. Coates adds that “some types of mold produce mycotoxins that can cause neurologic problems in dogs and cats.” So, keep the pumpkins and corn stalks away from your pets. And speaking of pumpkins…
6. Don’t keep lit pumpkins around pets.
If you are using candles to light your jack-o-lanterns or other Halloween decorations, make sure to place them well out of reach of your pets. Should they get too close, they run the risk of burning themselves or causing a fire.
7. Keep electric and battery-powered Halloween decorations out of reach.
Electric and battery-powered Halloween decorations are certainly safer than open candles, but they still can present a risk to pets. Pets who chew on electrical cords can receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock or burn. Batteries may cause chemical burns when chewed open or gastrointestinal blockage if swallowed. Shards of glass or plastic can cause lacerations anywhere on the body or, if swallowed, within the gastrointestinal tract.
8. Don’t dress your pet in a costume unless you know they’ll love it.
If you do decide that Fido or Kitty needs a costume, make sure it isn’t dangerous or simply annoying to your pet. Costumes should not restrict movement, hearing, eyesight, or the ability to breathe. Coates warns that pets who are wearing a costume should always be supervised by a responsible adult so that if something goes wrong, it can be addressed right away.
9. Try on pet costumes before the big night.
Don’t wait until Halloween night to put your pet in a costume for the first time. “Any time you want to introduce your pet to something new, it’s best to go slowly,” Coates says. Get your pet costumes early, and put them on for short periods of time (and piece by piece, if possible). “Make it a positive experience by offering lots of praise and treats,” Coates adds. If at any time, your pet seems distressed or develops skin problems from contact with a costume, consider letting him go in his “birthday suit.” A festive bandana may be a good compromise.
10. IDs, please!
If your dog or cat should escape and become lost, having the proper identification will increase the chances that he or she will be returned. Collars and tags are ideal if a Good Samaritan is able to collect your wayward pet, but microchips offer permanent identification should the collar or tag fall off. Just make sure the information is up-to-date. Use Halloween as a yearly reminder to double check your address and phone number on tags and with the company who supports pet microchips.
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Cat Eating Habits. Keep Him Away From the Dog Dish!
Cats are meat eaters. They must eat meat that is high in protein and amino acids in order to maintain their health. So a vegetarian cat is out of the question. Kittens that are less than one year old need food that is especially designed for their system. Their food must be as high in proteins as possible. This is necessary for the development of their muscles and bones.
If you have a dog, you may notice your cat invading his bowl every now and then but remember, a cat does not receive the proper nutrition from dog food products. Keep him away from the dog dish! Cats should eat only cat food. When choosing a food, cat owners should look for one that contains proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Extra vitamin and mineral supplements are not only unnecessary but potentially harmful.
Cats always eat efficiently. They eat small amounts frequently. This is the reason why I believe that it is necessary to leave their food out for them during the day. My vet doesn’t agree but still, I will stick to my guns on this one. You can’t treat a cat like a dog and that includes his eating requirements. This is the one time that I will not listen to what my vet says. As long as you do not overfeed, keeping your cat’s food out all day is perfectly fine.
Remember, pets are family!
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When Visiting A New Vet, Make Sure You Know Your Pets History
When your pet meets a new veterinarian, many questions will come up regarding your pets health history. The doctor will want to know is age, gender , weight whether or not he’s been neutered and his vaccination history. It’s important to share information about medications that your pet is taking, if he’s ever had a bad reaction to a vaccine or antibiotic or if he’s ever had a seizure. The main focus will be on the reason for your current visit. Is your pet exhibiting troubling health symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea? Does he have any unusual lumps or bumps? or does he have any behavioral issues? In order to deliver the best possible care, the veterinarian will want to learn everything possible about your pet. If you are changing vets, make sure your bring your pets medical records making this transition a lot easier.
Remember, pets are family!
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Caring for an Older Dog
When dogs age, there are a number of conditions that could limit their responses to you.Partial hearing loss or even deafness can occur. When your dog loses his hearing, he may not run over and great you when you come home. They will continue to lie down until they feel the vibration of your feet on the floor as you come toward them. Impaired vision or even blindness can occur. You may a first notice this in the evening when the lighting is poor. The cause for this is sclerosis in the lenses of the eyes or cataracts. Your pet may have trouble recognizing you because all he’s seeing is shadows. Sometimes, older dogs develop a kind of mental disorientation which is called cognitive dysfunction. They may be restless or wander around the house. Some will go into a corner and not know how to get out. Some dogs will bark at nothing.
Your older dog should be evaluated by your veterinarian every six months or so. He will monitor his condition and prescribe the proper treatment or pet medication if necessary. Remember to be patient and always give him plenty of tender loving care!
Remember, pets are family!
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Watch Out For The Silent Killer
Anti freeze, the fluid that makes your car run better in both summer and winter is very dangerous to your pet. Ethylene Glycol is the anti freeze that is commonly used in car radiators and this is extremely toxic to pets. As little as one tablespoon can kill a cat and a couple of ounces can kill a dog. Animals will ingest it because it smells and tastes so sweet. If you have pets, it is vital that you clean up any leaking anti freeze. If you’re worried that you pet may have ingested some, don’t waste any time. Call your veterinarian or the National Animal Poison Control hot line right away! Your veterinarian may suggest that you administer hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. Don’t administer any pet medication on your own. This situation is out of your control just get your pet to a vet as soon as you can!!
Remember, pets are family!
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The Playful Shih-Tzu
Shih-Tzu’s are active, playful and friendly dogs. They do have some stubborn tendencies but this behavior can be easily corrected by giving them small treats and their favorite toys. If you live in an apartment that accepts pets, these dogs are perfect. They do very well with children but can be intimidated by other dogs causing defensive barking which can lead to confrontations.
The Shih Tzu was a breed that was created in Tibet during the seventeenth century. The development of the Shih Tzu was achieved by the crossbreeding of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese breeds. The Shih-Tzu did not come to the United States until after World War 2 when they were brought back with American soldiers. This breed received official American Kennel Club recognition in 1969.
Remember, pets are family!
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Traveling in an RV with you Best Friend
Road trips are becoming a main type of travel for Americans since the pandemic. The American Kennel Club has put together one of the most comprehensive guides for traveling in an RV with your best friend. Here’s that article for you.
Road tripping in an RV is a great way to include your dog in your vacation plans, but, for many people, RV travel is more than a break from the every day — it is their every day. People of all ages are turning to full-time RV living to escape the daily grind and avoid getting tied to a mortgage, and they’re bringing their pets along for the journey.
Full-time RVers aren’t the only ones logging a lot of road miles with their dogs. Faced with frequent cross-country travel for dog shows and athletic competitions, for instance, many dog owners find RV travel with dogs a much easier option than flying. Whether you’re living the nomadic lifestyle or frequently hitting the road with your pup out of necessity, keep reading for tips on how to keep your dog safe, happy and healthy in your home on wheels.
Preparing for the Trip
Successful cross-country travel with dogs begins before you hit the road. Consider your dog’s needs regarding health, comfort, and safety as you plan your destinations and itinerary. Here is a list of things you should take care of before setting out.
Train your dog: “Teaching your dog the basic sit and stay commands and how to walk on a leash will be very helpful,” says Sara Ochoa, DVM, a veterinary consultant for Doglab. Make sure the leash and harness are a good fit and give your pup plenty of time to get used to them. While your dog should remain on leash any time you’re stopped, be sure they know how to come when called in case they get away from you.
Acclimate your dog to RV travel: “Condition your dog with positive reinforcement to love your camper van,” says dog behaviorist and trainer Russell Hartstein, CEO of Fun Paw Care. This also goes for your tow vehicle if you’ll be pulling your home instead of driving it. Spend time just hanging out in the RV and allowing them to get used to the space before taking them for short spins around the block, using the same travel crate or seat-harness system you plan to use while traveling. Gradually increase the distance, giving your pooch plenty of praise and treats to make the experience fun.
See your veterinarian for a health checkup: Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date and parasites are under control. Get current proof of the rabies vaccination and a certificate of health, which you may need to present at some facilities while traveling. This is a good time to talk to your vet about how to provide care for any chronic conditions while on the road and stock up on necessary medications. Dr. Ochoa also recommends getting a copy of your dog’s health records to show any new vets you visit during your travels, so that they have a complete picture of their health history.
Get ID tags and a microchip: If you already have them, make sure your contact information is current. Enrolling your pet with AKC Reunite can help them get returned to you more quickly if you become separated. It’s also a good idea to carry printed photos of your dog in case they get lost, rather than relying on digital photos in areas where you don’t know how reliable reception will be.
Prepare for emergencies: Assemble a dog first aid kit for your RV. If you know where you’ll be going, search the area for the locations, names, and numbers of emergency vets and pet hospitals, then print them out and keep them with the kit. If you’ll be camping out in remote areas, have a plan in place for how you’ll handle any injuries or health emergencies that arise. Hartstein also recommends keeping all of your dog’s safety gear in the same place as the first aid kit so you’ll always know where to find everything you need.
Traveling With Your Dog
On travel days, your dog should ride secured in the same vehicle as you. If you’re towing your RV, never leave your dog to ride in the trailer, which could not only become too hot but also fill up with exhaust. “Keep your dog in a kennel while traveling,” says Dr. Ochoa. “This is the best and safest way for them to travel. They will be safe in their kennel if you are in an accident or have to suddenly use your brakes.” Be sure to make frequent stops to allow your dog to stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and drink plenty of water. Also remember to practice heat safety by never leaving your pup in a vehicle on a warm day without the A/C running, even with the windows down.
At Your Destination
Whether staying at a campground or dry-docking in the wilderness, follow these tips to keep your dog safe and feeling secure.
Keep your dog leashed when outside the RV: Not only is this both safer for your pet and considerate to your neighbors, but many campgrounds also require pets to stay on leash. Even if they don’t, the city or county you’re staying in may have leash laws that would prevent your dog from legally going off-leash outside designated areas, such as a dog park.
Keep the air conditioner or heat on when leaving your dog unattended: If you’re staying in an area with a warm climate, have a backup system in place for keeping your dog cool in case of power failure or an A/C malfunction while you’re gone. Always leave the air vents open with the fans on and beware of newer ventilation fans with built-in sensors that automatically shut vents if it rains. If your RV has these sensors, disable them before leaving your dog alone in the RV. Also, be sure to set out plenty of water before you leave.
Give dogs their own space: “If there is enough room for a crate, then that could be a great spot for them,” says Hartstein. A spare bunk or even a dog bed stashed under the dinette table also make great spaces where your pup can go to relax and feel safe.
Bring comforts from home: Providing your pooch with a favorite blanket or toy will help it settle in to your home away from home. And be sure to keep favorite treats on hand for rewarding good behavior.
Clean up after your pet: Again, this is not only considerate, it’s a requirement in most campgrounds. Even if you’re dry-docking in the wilderness, picking up after your pup is better for the environment and the surrounding wildlife.
Locate the nearest storm shelter: Be sure your campground’s shelter allows pets, and keep a sharp eye on the weather reports, especially in areas prevalent for tornadoes or hurricanes.
Help your dog be a quiet neighbor: If your companion is prone to barking at the slightest disturbance, try using a fan or white noise machine to mask outside noises. When you need to leave your dog alone, take them on a walk first to release any pent-up energy and tire them out, and leave plenty of toys to keep them from barking out of boredom. If that doesn’t curb out-of-control barking, try an anti-barking device that uses high-pitched sounds to discourage barking.
Bring the Right Gear
Besides your pet’s food, fresh water, bowls, leash and harness, grooming supplies, and all the comforts and necessities of daily life, think about activities you’ll want to engage in with your dog and pack accordingly. Here are some items you might want to bring along:
- Safety harness with a handle
- Light that attaches to a leash or collar
- Dog life vest
- Water toys
- Booties to protect paws in snow and ice or on hot or rocky surfaces
- Dog sunscreen for nose, ears, and other exposed areas
- Pet-friendly mosquito and tick repellent
- Collapsible food and water dishes for your backpack
- Sun goggles to protect your pet’s eyes
- Old beach towels for drying your pup off, mopping up messes or providing a surface to lie on
- Shade umbrella
- Folding or collapsible play pen for small dogs
- Sweater or jacket for cold climates
What You Don’t Want to Feed Your Pet
We want to feed our pet the healthiest food possible. While shopping for dog food or cat food, the first thing that you should look for is the first ingredient on the bag or can. It should be meat, chicken or fish not grains or byproducts. Most byproducts are considered unfit for human consumption. Why would you want to feed these to our pets? So what are by-products? Don’t get too grossed out but here they are:
Feet
Backs
Livers
Lungs
Heads
Brains
Spleen
Frames
Kidneys
Stomachs
Intestines
Undeveloped eggs
But there are exceptions…
Giblets (livers, hearts, gizzards and necks) as well as other organs can be sold as edible meats or used generically to make hot dogs, bologna and sausage. Think of this when you bite into that hot dog this holiday weekend.
What makes some by-products edible (and others not) isn’t just a matter of what they are but how they’re handled after slaughter. For example, giblets that are not refrigerated immediately after slaughter but stored for up to 24 hours cannot be sold for human consumption.
Yet they can still be legally used for making dog food or cat food.
Likewise, dead-on-arrival animals or other condemned parts that have been declared inedible and unfit for human consumption can still be used for making pet food. Thanks to DogFoodAdvisor for providing some of this information.
Read the labels carefully when selecting dog food or cat food. It’s worth it to spend a little more money for quality food for your pet.
Remember, pets are family
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Make Sure Your Cat or Dog is Staying Hydrated
When cats and dogs are ill, they often stop eating and drinking. A reduced fluid intake, especially when it’s accompanied by a fever, vomiting or diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration. If your pet has a fast heart rate, sunken eyes and dry gums, he could be dehydrated. Another sign could be skin that has lost its elasticity. That’s why some veterinarians will pinch the skin on a cats back to check for dehydration. If the skin stays up in a ridge, your pet may need treatment. Long periods of dehydration can lead to kidney failure. If you suspect a problem with your pet, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian. He or she can make an accurate diagnosis and administer fluids if needed. Make sure that there is always water in the cat or dog water bowl. Watch carefully to make sure that your pet is drinking. Remember, they cannot tell you how they feel. Be observant and don’t waste any time getting them to a vet if necessary.
Remember, pets are family.
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