Category: Vet Care

Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe: Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Posted on by Kory Vagos

Halloween is a Spooktacular time of year filled with costumes, candy, and all things eerie. While humans enjoy the festivities, our furry companions may find this holiday to be more of a trick than a treat. From strange costumes to tempting candy, Halloween can pose various risks to our pets. There are valuable Halloween safety tips that ensure your four-legged family members have a howling good time without any scares.

Costume Considerations

Dressing up our pets in adorable costumes is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Halloween. However, not all pets enjoy the experience, and safety should always come first. If you decide to dress up your pet, keep these tips in mind:

When determining the best costume, know that comfort is key. Choose costumes made of comfortable, breathable materials that don’t constrict their movement or impair their vision. Make sure there are no small parts they can chew on or swallow. Consider a costume that is just a head piece or a portion of a full costume so your pet can still move around, but also be part of the fun.

Acclimating your pet to his costume will enable a better experience during Halloween. Introduce your pet to their costume gradually. Let them wear it for short periods before the big day, and always monitor their behavior. Start with your pet wearing part of the costume and then introducing other parts gradually. If they seem stressed or uncomfortable, it might be best to skip the costume.

Think about the safety of your pet. Ensure that the costume doesn’t have any loose strings or pieces that could pose a choking hazard. It is common for pets to chew and eat things that are not food. Be especially cautious with masks that can obstruct breathing or vision. Make sure all elements are the costume allow blood flow and are not constrictive.

Keep Candy Out of Paw’s Reach

Halloween candy is delicious for humans but potentially toxic for pets. Chocolate, in particular, can be dangerous, even fatal, for dogs and cats. Other candies, like those containing xylitol, can also be harmful. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Secure Candy

Keep all Halloween candy well out of your pet’s reach. Store it in a high, closed cabinet or container that they cannot access. Along with any candy received during trick or treating, also consider candy that is left in a bowl for Halloween visitors.

2. Educate Your Guests

If you’re hosting a Halloween party, inform your guests about the dangers of sharing candy with your pets, even if they beg with those irresistibly cute eyes. Don’t leave room for gray areas when it comes to candy and pets. Explain that your pets should not be fed at all by guests.

3. Be Vigilant

Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. If you suspect your pet has ingested candy or chocolate, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.

Halloween Decorations

From glowing pumpkins to eerie cobwebs, Halloween decorations can be intriguing to our pets. However, they can also pose risks

Halloween brings on scary scenes throughout your yard and house. Often, they will be illuminated with candles and flames. If you use candles to light up your jack-o’-lanterns or decorative displays be sure to never leave them unattended. Pets can easily knock them over and cause a fire hazard.

Pets don’t just ingest food and will chew on decorations within the house. Some Halloween decorations, such as certain types of pumpkins and corn stalks, can be toxic to pets if ingested. When planning out the décor, within your house, be sure to place those out your pet’s reach.

Some pets chew on everything and often on things we don’t want them to chew on like shoes and furniture. Many pets chew out of boredom while puppies may find chewing soothing for their puppy teeth. Halloween decorations can pose a threat to chewing pets. Ensure that electrical cords and lights are securely fastened and hidden from your pet’s curious paws and chewing teeth. Chewing on cords can lead to electrical shock.

Noise and Stranger Danger

Trick-or-treating can be overwhelming for pets due to the constant doorbell ringing and strangers in costumes. Here’s how to minimize the stress:

Conclusion

Halloween can be a delightfully spooky time, but it’s essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of our beloved pets. By following these Halloween safety tips, you can ensure that your furry friends enjoy the holiday without any ghoulish surprises. Remember, a little extra precaution goes a long way in making Halloween a treat for both you and your pets.

Fall Grooming Pet Care: Keeping Your Furry Friend Cozy and Clean

Posted on by Kory Vagos

As the autumn season blankets the world in a tapestry of rich colors and crisp air, it’s a timely reminder that our furry companions require extra care and attention during this season. While fall brings cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes for us, for pets, it can mean specific grooming needs and adjustments. Below is a comprehensive set of grooming tips tailored specifically for the fall season, ensuring that your four-legged friends stay content, healthy, and looking their best as the leaves fall and temperatures drop.

Brushing for Fall Fur

Fall marks the season of shedding for many pets as they prepare their coats for the colder months ahead. Regular brushing is an essential element of fall grooming, offering a multitude of benefits for your pet’s well-being.

Beyond merely removing loose fur, brushing plays a critical role in preventing matting, a condition that can lead to discomfort and even pain for your pet. The act of brushing also helps distribute natural oils evenly throughout your pet’s fur, contributing to a healthier, shinier coat. Notably, consistent grooming sessions can reduce the presence of pet hair and dander in your home, offering welcome relief to allergy sufferers. Perhaps the most delightful aspect of grooming is that it fosters a deeper bond between you and your pet, as these shared moments become opportunities for connection and trust.

Bathing with Care

While frequent bathing isn’t generally required for most pets, the fall season may bring situations where bathing becomes necessary for their comfort and health.

If your pet is prone to allergies, triggered by autumn allergens, a bath can be a soothing remedy. It can help remove allergens from their fur. Additionally, as fall ushers in rain and muddy terrain, a gentle bath can help ensure that your pet remains clean and comfortable. Always opt for a pet-specific shampoo, ensuring that the water temperature is pleasantly warm to avoid discomfort during the bath.

Moisturize Dry Skin

As the autumn air turns crisper, it can lead to drier skin for your pet. This can cause itchiness and discomfort. Combatting this issue requires a multi-pronged approach.

One effective strategy to facing dry skin is consulting your veterinarian about adding omega-3 fatty acids or other supplements to your pet’s diet. These supplements can work wonders in promoting healthy skin and a glossy coat. They often come in different forms and application methods so be sure to consider what will work best for your pet.

Using a humidifier in your home can introduce moisture into the air, which benefits both you and your pet. The extra moisture will not only help your pet’s exterior skin, but it can also benefit mucus membranes inside your pet’s nose. This will help your pet feel more comfortable and breath easier.

For specific skin issues like dryness or allergies, specialized products like hypoallergenic or medicated shampoos and conditioners might be beneficial. Be sure to seek your vet’s counsel before introducing new grooming products into your pet’s routine.

Paw and Nail Care

Fall presents changes to your pet’s paw and nail care routine, necessitating a bit of extra attention to keep them comfortable and healthy.

As the season ushers in cold, dry weather, your pet’s paw pads may become prone to cracking. To combat this, apply a pet-safe paw balm regularly to keep their pads moisturized and well-protected. Or protect the paws with booties. Prevention is the key to keeping your pet healthy during the change of seasons.

With your pet spending more time indoors during the cooler months, their nails might grow longer than usual. This can lead to discomfort or injury. Ensuring regular nail trimming is essential to avoid these issues.

Be vigilant of your pet’s paw care. After each outdoor adventure, make it a habit to inspect your pet’s paws carefully for any debris like leaves, thorns or ice. Debris can lead to irritation and discomfort if left unaddressed.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Even as the temperature drops, the threat of fleas and ticks remains. To safeguard your pet’s well-being, it’s vital to maintain preventive treatments consistently throughout the fall season.

Fleas and ticks can lurk in various outdoor environments, even in cooler weather. These parasites can bring discomfort and potentially transmit diseases to your pet. Maintaining a regular flea and tick prevention regimen, such as topical treatments or collars recommended by your veterinarian, is crucial. Additionally, consider thoroughly checking your pet for these pests after outdoor outings, paying special attention to areas like the ears, neck, and paws. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your furry friend enjoys a pest-free and comfortable autumn.

Conclusion

The fall season is a magnificent time, filled with cozy moments and exciting outdoor adventures. Your pet deserves to enjoy it to the fullest. By implementing these fall grooming pet care tips, you can ensure that your cherished companion stays clean, comfortable, and healthy as the leaves fall and temperatures dip. Remember, your veterinarian is an invaluable resource for personalized grooming advice tailored to your pet’s unique needs. Embrace the season together, forging lasting memories that will warm your heart for years to come.

 

Tips for Dealing with Shedding

Posted on by Kory Vagos

As pet owners, we all know that shedding is a natural phenomenon that comes with the territory. However, it can be frustrating to deal with all the fur that ends up on our floors, furniture and clothing. Shedding is a common problem for most animals, including cats and dogs. Understanding why shedding occurs and how to deal with it can make a big difference in keeping your home clean and your pet healthy.

Why animals shed

Shedding is a natural process of hair growth that happens to all animals. Just like humans, animals have hair follicles that produce new hair cells. As the new hair cells grow, the old ones die and fall out, which is what we refer to as shedding. Shedding tends to be more pronounced during seasonal changes, when an animal’s coat adapts to the changing weather. This is why you might notice your pet shedding more in the fall and spring months.Why animals shed, Cat Shedding

Understanding the causes of shedding

There are several factors that influence how much an animal sheds. Genetics play a big role in determining the thickness and length of your pet’s coat. Some breeds are naturally heavy shedders, while others have short, fine hair that doesn’t shed very much. The environment also plays a role in shedding. Poor nutrition, stress, and health problems can all contribute to excessive shedding. Regular grooming and proper nutrition can help alleviate these factors.

Tips for dealing with shedding

1. Grooming

Regular grooming is the best way to control shedding. Brushing your pet’s coat once or twice a week will help remove loose hair before it falls off around your home. Use the appropriate brush for your pet’s coat type, as some brushes are designed to be more effective on longer hair. Additionally, bathing your pet once a month can help reduce shedding and keep their coat clean.

Dog grooming, Dog shedding. Tips on Shedding.

2. Vacuum regularly

Vacuuming is essential to keeping your home free of pet hair. Make sure to vacuum floors, carpets, and furniture regularly, especially if your pet sheds excessively. A high-quality vacuum with a HEPA filter is ideal for removing pet hair embedded deep in carpets and upholstery.

3. Diet

A healthy diet is essential for your pet’s overall health and can help reduce shedding. A good quality pet food provides the necessary nutrients for healthy skin and fur. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your pet.

4. Supplements

Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and vitamins can help support healthy skin and coat, which can reduce shedding. Consult with a veterinarian before giving your pet any supplements, as they can interact with other medications.

dig shedding, cat shedding, how to decrease shedding, tips on shedding

 

In conclusion, shedding is a natural occurrence that all animals go through. Regular grooming, proper nutrition, and a clean environment can help reduce shedding and keep your pet healthy. By understanding why shedding occurs and how to manage it, you can help keep your home free of pet hair and your pets healthy and happy!

Why the Word Allergy Makes Your Veterinarian Cringe

Posted on by jcrino

I bet you thought the words was “anal glands”, maybe “diarrhea”, “vomit” or maybe even “pus”. Nope. It is allergies. Why? Read on to find out the Four Reasons Why.

First of all, what is an allergy?

An allergy is a damaging immune response of the body to a substance which it is has become hypersensitive to.

What causes allergies?

FIRST REASON:

Your pet can be allergic to anything: pollen, fleas, grass, house dust mites, weeds, mildew, your cat, and even his own food. No, it doesn’t matter that he has been eating that same food his whole life. He can still develop an allergy to an ingredient in it.

How do I know my pet has allergies?

SECOND REASON:

Allergies can present in numerous ways. It can be runny eyes, sneezing, or face rubbing. It can also be more severe causing hives, welts, swollen face or the inability to breathe. But it can also run middle of the road with chronic ear infections, chronic infections between the toes, persistent foot licking, generalized itching and, yes, even doing the carpet scooting boogie.

Does your pet have any of the above symptoms? Then your pet could have allergies.

In order to diagnose allergies, other things must be ruled out. Does you pet have an autoimmune disease, a metabolic disorder, not properly groomed, or do you leave a wet collar on after swimming? Any of those things could present as a skin disorder and itching, but it may not be allergies. The best way to know if your pet has allergies is to discuss what is happening with your veterinarian. There are things they can do to help determine if it is allergy related like:

  • Blood tests for inhalant and environmental allergen
  • Food trials (and, no, a grain-free diet is not a food trial) to determine if your pet has allergies.

How are allergies in pets treated?

THIRD REASON:

There is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. There are numerous ways allergies can be treated. The treatment will depend upon the severity of the allergy and a collaborative discussion between you and your veterinarian on side effects, costs, and your ability to treat your pet.

  1. Simple allergies can be treated with over the counter antihistamines as directed by your veterinarian.
  2. More complex or severe allergies may require prescription pills or monthly injections. This treatment, until several years ago, was not available and has become a game changer to the allergy world providing pets with much needed relief.
  3. If your pet has a food allergy, then a special diet will be required.
  4. Lastly, there is the tried and true method of immunotherapy injections. These injections are specifically formulated to your pet’s individual allergens to build up their immune system as to not react as violently to the allergen when it is presented. It is along the same lines as humans who get allergy injections to desensitize their bodies.

Can allergies be cured?

FOURTH REASON:

Pet owners may have unrealistic expectations about allergies. Allergies are not something you cure! Please re-read that previous sentence. With the exception of sometimes immunotherapy over numerous years, allergies are not cured but managed. The goal is to have fewer and less severe reactions over the life of your pet. There are times where pollen count of your pet’s allergen may be higher than typical causing your pet to have a break through attack and to start scratching possibly developing a sore or secondary bacterial infection which then must be treated. There are some pets who do great on allergy management and never have a break through or problem. This doesn’t mean you stop treatment and when they start scratching again say “Well I stopped because they were cured but now there scratching again so it didn’t work.” Allergies require life long management.

 

Though pet allergies are difficult to pinpoint, the treatment of allergies has come a long way in the past years. It is important to be mindful of the symptoms and understand that the treatment might be lifelong and managed with medication or a special diet. Your veterinarian may cringe at the word, “allergy” due to its complexity and it being difficult to pinpoint, but they are the best to help identify a plan to help your pet thrive.

Canine Distemper: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Posted on by Kory Vagos

 

As soon as you bring a new pup into your life they become a top priority, and it’s up to you to learn about the canine diseases that can compromise their health and wellness. It’s especially critical to learn about highly contractible and often fatal illnesses like distemper.

What is distemper in dogs?

Distemper is a severe and often deadly viral infection that affects dogs as well as  ferrets and wild animals like foxes, skunks and raccoons. Along with parvovirus, it’s one of the most serious diseases your dog can contract. Canines of any age can get it, but puppies are particularly susceptible. The signs of distemper in older dogs are the same as in young dogs.

What causes distemper in dogs?

The cause of distemper in dogs is the paramyxovirus. This type of virus is also responsible for several other deadly animal diseases, including virulent Newcastle disease in birds and rinderpest in cattle. It typically attacks the respiratory system, but some paramyxoviruses attack the nervous system and even the reproductive system. Distemper is one of the few paramyxoviruses for which there is a vaccine.

Is distemper in dogs contagious?

Yes, it is highly contagious. Transmission of distemper in dogs can happen through direct contact with an infected animal, including from mothers to unborn puppies through the placenta. Distemper is also airborne, so when an infected dog barks or sneezes, the disease can quickly spread onto surrounding surfaces where it can be picked up—or it can be directly transmitted through the air. Wildlife can also transmit distemper to dogs.

When a dog has distemper, they can shed the virus and be contagious for months, even if they aren’t showing symptoms. Fortunately, the virus that causes distemper in dogs doesn’t last long once it’s in the environment and is easy to kill using regular disinfectants.

What are the early distemper symptoms in dogs?

Many people think of neurological distemper in dogs when they think of this illness. The initial symptoms, however, are usually more like allergies—watery or pus-filled eyes and nasal discharge. Dogs often lose their appetite, become lethargic and start running a fever. Your dog may cough, experience diarrhea or vomit. Most of these symptoms appear three to six days after infection. Getting treatment for distemper in dogs as early as possible is vital. Seek veterinary services as soon as you notice symptoms.

What other diseases look like distemper in dogs?

The symptoms of neurological distemper in dogs can be frightening and may seem specific to this disease. However, there are a few other illnesses that have similar symptoms to distemper in dogs.

Canine hepatitis, similarly to distemper, causes discharge from the eyes and nose. Leptospirosis can cause shivering and muscle tenderness, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever causes muscle pain and swelling, which can be mistaken for distemper symptoms in dogs. Lead poisoning has perhaps the most similar symptoms to distemper, and includes uncoordinated walking, tremors and seizures. Your vet will be able to tell you more about what symptoms like these can mean for your pup.

How is distemper diagnosed?

When you take your dog to the vet for any of the above symptoms, you’ll be asked questions about their medical history, vaccination history and any other clinical signs. If the disease has progressed and your dog is displaying severe distemper symptoms, your veterinarian will likely suspect it immediately.

The next step is usually a diagnostic test using a swab from the eye or nose. Blood tests are also utilized in certain cases.

How does distemper progress?

Distemper eventually causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. This causes the particularly worrying symptoms of neurological distemper in dogs, which includes circling, head tilts, paralysis, twitching and seizures.

As distemper in dogs progresses, it can cause hyperkeratosis, or “hard pad” symptoms in the nose and paw pads. Essentially, the skin thickens and hardens and can cause discomfort. Secondary infections of the lungs and gastrointestinal tract are also common because distemper compromises the immune system.

What is the prognosis for distemper in dogs?

Distemper in dogs is often fatal. Some estimates project that it is fatal for 50% of adult dogs and 80% of puppies. The survival rate, however, often depends on the particular virus strain, the care your dog receives and the strength of their immune system. This is another reason distemper is so deadly to puppies—their immune systems aren’t as developed as those of adult dogs.

Some dogs won’t ever progress to the neurological stage, and their symptoms may resolve in as little as a week. Other dogs may show signs for weeks or months.

Are there long-term effects of distemper in dogs?

If the distemper progresses to the neurological stage, there can be long-term effects. Your dog may develop permanent twitches or tremors, have recurring seizures or even lose their eyesight. Sometimes these effects don’t appear until the dog is middle-aged or older.

How do you treat distemper in dogs?

There is currently no cure for distemper. Treatment for distemper in dogs involves managing symptoms to help prevent a fatality. Your dog will need to be separated from other dogs to prevent transmission and will likely need to be hospitalized  to receive proper care.

Your vet may recommend medications to help control vomiting and diarrhea, minimize neurologic symptoms and keep your pet hydrated. There are no antibiotics for distemper in dogs, although they may be used to treat secondary infections, an often essential part of treatment.

Can you prevent distemper?

Preventing canine distemper is relatively straightforward. Get your pup vaccinated. Because the prognosis for distemper in dogs is so poor, vaccination is one of the best preventive measures you can take for them. The distemper vaccine is part of the DHPP shot, which stands for distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus. It’s given in three rounds, and puppies can receive their first round as young as 6 to 8 weeks and be fully vaccinated by 16 to 18 weeks.

Until they are fully vaccinated, keep your puppy away from unknown dogs and wildlife as well as day cares, dog parks, kennels and other places where dogs gather. Read our guide, “Pet Vaccinations: Common Questions Answered by Our Trusted Veterinarian” for more information on vaccinations.

How long is the distemper vaccine good for in dogs?

After the first round of three shots, puppies will typically need a booster shot after a year. Adult dogs should receive a DHPP booster every three years. The vaccine is very effective in preventing distemper, but you should not take your puppy out and about until they are fully vaccinated. Also keep in mind that the DHPP vaccine covers multiple diseases, so even if your pup has had distemper, they should still get the booster every three years.

Are there side effects of the distemper vaccine?

Like any vaccine, the vaccine for distemper in dogs may have side effects, including lethargy, loss of appetite, fever and swelling around the injection site. Some puppies may have an allergic reaction that can take up to 24 hours to show signs, so continuously monitor your dog after they receive a vaccination. Side effects are rare, and because distemper in dogs causes such severe health problems, the vaccine is recommended in most cases.

The bottom line is that transmission of distemper in dogs can occur easily, and this disease is often deadly with acute symptoms. On the other hand, preventing canine distemper is relatively easy and will typically cost far less than treating the disease.

Blog used with permission from Vetco

What to Know About Dog Anxiety

Posted on by Kory Vagos

Blog used with permission from Honest Paws

 

 

People can experience a range of anxiety symptoms – from a nervous heart flutter to a full-on panic attack. Having anxiety is one of the many ways dogs are like their pet parents. Just like us, their nervousness is normally nothing to worry about. It’s quite understandable that your pup may be a bit anxious when meeting people for the first time, or encountering a new situation.

With a little reassurance, your pooch will often quickly calm down. However, if dog anxiety is not addressed properly, or if there’s some underlying trauma at play, your pet’s anxiety could become a serious matter that takes time and energy to remedy. Read on to find out what you need to know about anxiety in dogs and how to help your pooch overcome this problem.

What is Anxiety in Dogs?

 

 

Basically, having anxiety is about being fearful or worried about something. It’s a natural emotion that helps alert us to danger, but it can be problematic in other circumstances. Dogs are pack animals and view their human family members part of their pack.

They feel safe with others around so it’s not unexpected that feelings of anxiety will surface when they’re left alone. This is called separation anxiety and is one of the typical forms of anxiety in dogs.

Our canines do best when they know what to expect. Therefore, anxiety may also become an issue if they’re dealing with a significant change in their environment, or too many changes at once. This means there can be a variety of reasons why your fur baby has developed anxiety.

Causes of Anxiety in Dogs

Some dogs have a generally calm disposition and will be less bothered by particular events than other canines might. Having said that, there are a number of common causes of anxiety in dogs. Keep in mind that there may be more than one reason for your pet’s anxiety.

Thunder

Many dogs will become anxious when they hear loud noises like thunder. Interestingly, dogs can sense a drop in barometric pressure so they may disappear when they know there’s a storm coming. You might find your pooch cowering in the bathtub or under a bed in this circumstance. Other loud noises, like fireworks, will produce the same reaction.

Crowds

Being in a crowd can be anxiety-provoking for your pooch. That’s because they don’t know what to expect in this environment. Crowds can be noisy and confining. This qualifies as an unfamiliar situation where, in your dog’s mind, anything can happen. Your pup may also worry about being separated from you.

Social

Is your dog anxious when they’re around new people or other dogs? There may be a traumatic event in their past that’s affecting their behavior.

Maybe your dog has been rescued and the full extent of their history is unknown. Canines who aren’t socialized properly may have anxiety around other dogs and humans. They’re often simply not used to being with anyone else aside from their family members.

Traveling

Despite the photos you see of dogs enjoying the breeze with their heads out the car window, not all dogs like car rides. It may cause anxiety in some dogs since they don’t know where they’re going – it could be a visit to the vet or to the boarding kennel.

Perhaps they’ve had a bad experience such as being confined in an uncomfortable space in the vehicle, or arriving at a destination that caused them anxiety.

Dog Anxiety Symptoms

Certainly, each dog is an individual and they’re apt to show different symptoms of anxiety. You may also see several of the following signs together.

In addition, some cases of anxiety will be more severe than others. And, symptoms that appear only once or twice could suggest that Rover or Rosie just didn’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation that day.

If behaviors persist or escalate to more destruction or aggression, you’re likely dealing with a case of anxiety that needs to be resolved. Plus, you don’t want your fur baby to injure themselves or others with their actions.

 

Here’s a list of dog anxiety symptoms to look out for:

  • Aggression
  • Barking
  • Compulsive or repetitive behavior
  • Depression
  • Destroying things
  • Drooling excessively
  • Ears back
  • Escaping or trying to
  • Panting
  • Pacing
  • Refusing food
  • Restlessness
  • Tail tucked in
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Urinating or defecating inside
  • Whining

 

Treatment Options for Dog Anxiety

Before you embark on using any treatment, it’s a good move to rule out the possibility that an underlying medical issue is causing your dog’s symptoms. Enlist the assistance of your vet to make sure your doggo is healthy. If the investigation suggests that your pup has anxiety, your veterinarian can assist you to put together an appropriate treatment plan.

This may include medications as well as some of the ideas below. Most successful plans of action will involve a number of different methods, all focused on encouraging your dog to relax. Here are some things your vet may suggest.

CBD Oil

More and more, pet owners are discovering the benefits of CBD oil for dogs to reduce anxiety. This natural compound found in the hemp plant is extracted and made into a selection of safe pet oils and treats. If you are unfamiliar with CBD, check out this useful guide. Honest Paws CBD products are sold at all Best Friends Pet Hotel locations. The Calm line is design to help with anxiety.

 

Desensitization

There are things you can do to desensitize your dog to triggers that raise their anxiety level. For instance, if Snoopy or Stella shows signs of worry when you prepare to leave the house, pick up your keys and grab your bag like you’re heading out then put everything back again.

You can try desensitizing your canine friend to loud sounds by making quieter sounds and gradually moving up to louder sounds. As your pet gets used to these triggers, they’ll find them less anxiety-provoking.

Counter Conditioning

Counter conditioning builds on desensitization by training your doggo to judge stressors as a positive thing rather than a matter to be anxious about. Essentially, you offer your dog something good when their anxiety is triggered.

This could mean that whenever they hear thunder you give them a treat. If they have separation anxiety, when you leave the house put a food puzzle out for them to enjoy while you’re away. Your canine will start to anticipate getting something nice when these stressors happen.

Distraction

Taking your dog’s mind off whatever is causing them distress is a good move. You might try getting their attention with a treat, food puzzle, a toy, or engaging them in doing a few tricks.

The key is to have your pooch focus on something else and not on whatever is causing their anxious thoughts. Make an effort to pick a distraction that is sure to please them and mix things up as often as you have to in order to keep their attention.

Music Therapy

Some dogs enjoy a little background noise so that they don’t feel alone. Soothing music can also help calm your pooch. Would you believe that there are actually audio tracks available specifically for canines? Try a few selections and see what your pet responds to best.

Touch and Massage

You know the favorite places on your pup’s body where they enjoy your touch. Maybe an ear rub is what they respond to or they really like a back scratch. Think about how touch relaxes them. Use this to combat their anxiety and kick it up a notch with a nice doggie massage.

Training

There may be an advantage to hiring a professional dog trainer to encourage your pup to get over their anxiety. This is especially true if your pooch is showing aggression when under stress.

Look up any Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAAB or ACAAB) in your area to see what services they have available. This is another instance where your veterinarian may be able to advise you.

 Safety and Comfort

All dogs need comfortable safe places where they can relax and nap undisturbed. A soft pet bed and a favorite blanket can be used to bring their stress level down.

You can even buy heated pads for them to lie on to provide more comfort. Encourage your dog with praise and the odd treat when you see them taking a break in their safe space.

They’ll quickly begin to associate this with feeling protected and understand that it’s somewhere to soothe themselves when feeling anxious. A crate can also provide safety and comfort if it’s used this way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you treat a dog with anxiety?

Treating dog anxiety usually involves a number of different methods such as CBD oil, counter conditioning, distraction, music therapy and more.

What are signs of anxiety in dogs?

Symptoms of dog anxiety run the gamut from changes in body language involving the ears and tail to behaviors such as whining and urinating inside.

How can I calm my dog’s anxiety naturally?

Offering nutritional supplements, providing exercise and mental stimulation, and socializing your dog are a few things you can try.

 

Why Does My Pet’s Breath Smell?

Posted on by jcrino

Dental health guidance provided by Dr. Sharon Davis, DVM

dog, vet, dental health, teeth cleaning

If you find that your dog or cat’s breath smells, it may be time to take the utmost care of your pet’s dental health.

Dental health: how important is it really?

Periodontal disease can lead to bacteria getting into your pet’s blood stream through their inflamed gums. These bacteria can wreck havoc on the body. They go to heart valves causing endocarditis and heart murmurs as well as travel to other organs seeding infection throughout the body.

Diseased teeth can lead to tooth root abscess and even infection in the jaw bone that can get so bad it can weaken the jaw bone enough to cause a fracture. All these things can be prevented with proper dental care.

Do you think it’s important now?

dog-teeth-check

Check out your pet’s teeth. If any of the following applies, your pet likely has dental disease.

1) You see brown build up on the teeth. Don’t forget to check the back teeth.

2) The gums bleed if you touch them with a cotton tip where the tooth touches the gum.

3) You touch one or more of your pet’s teeth and they move.

4) Your pet’s chew toy has spots of blood on it after chewing on it.

5) Your pet picks up a toy and drops it or doesn’t chew on the toys like before.

6) Your pet shy’s away from his head being petted when he used to enjoy it before.

7) Your pet’s breath can clear the room.

If you recognize any of these symptoms in your pet, have your pet examined by your veterinarian.

 

If your pet has mild dental tartar, you may be able to get away with just brushing the teeth with a pet approved toothpaste on a routine basis, but eventually almost all pets require a professional dental cleaning – just as you require professional dental cleanings.

If your pet already has evidence of dental disease and gingivitis, your pet requires a professional dental cleaning, or as veterinarians like to call it: a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT for short).

The sooner you get this done, the healthier your pet will be long term, and there will be decreased likelihood of needing extractions.

It is not a one and done for the life of your pet. Dental cleanings need to be done on a regular basis. The frequency depends on your pets breed, genetics, chewing habits and at-home care.

dog, teeth brushing

Brushing your pet’s teeth is easier if you start when they are young. Get them used to having your fingers in their mouth, lifting their lips and opening their mouths.

Brushing can be done with a special long handled dog toothbrush, a human tooth brush, a special designed finger cap brush or even just a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. What you use will depend upon you and the size of your pet. It is important however to only uses specialized pet toothpaste as human toothpaste is harmful to your pet.

For a DIY pet toothpaste recipe that you can make and use at home, watch this “how to” video from Best Friends Pet Hotel:

Listen to the advice of the professionals and veterinarians to tell you when it is a time for a professional cleaning.

cat, dental health, teeth brushing

In small breed dogs it can be as early as one year of age or as late as 6 years of age in a large breed dog. Cats may require their first cleaning anywhere from 1 year to 8 years; a lot depends on their chewing habits, underlying medical conditions, and at-home care. The most important factor is: don’t wait until your pet is experiencing pain, infection and complications to get it done. It is important to be proactive with dental care. Your pet will thank you.

 

pet grooming, groomer, dog
Your local Best Friends Pet Hotel offers professional teeth brushing as part of our grooming services. Visit our Grooming webpage to learn more and book an appointment. Or call your local center with any questions.

vet care, vet clinic, vaccinations, Vetco, Best Friends pet Hotel
To learn more about veterinary care and monthly vet clinics (in partnership with Vetco) at SELECT local Best Friends Pet Hotel locations, visit our Vet Care webpage. Or call your local center with any questions.

Microchipping Your Pets

Posted on by jcrino

dog lost in woods, microchip

It happens! Your cat gets outside and runs off or your dog squeezes out of his collar and heads for the woods.

You try to catch them, but they are too fast and too determined. After calling and searching, your stomach becomes knotted up hoping for a safe return. One good way to increase your chance of being reunited is through microchipping.

May is “Chip Your Pet” Month and rightfully so. As the weather warms up around us, our pet’s attraction to the outdoors increases. If your pet is not currently microchipped, learn more about the process and book an appointment at your local Vetco clinic to chip your pet.

 

What is a microchip?

microchip, dog, cat

A Microchip is an implant, about the size of a grain of rice, put under your pet’s skin. It is encoded with a unique number that is linked to all of your contact information in a secure database.

 

How is the microchip put in my pet?

microchip implanted, injection, dog, veterinarian

Implanting the device is actually a very simple process and can easily be done during a Vetco clinic appointment. It doesn’t even require anesthesia!

Using a hypodermic needle, similar to the kind that is used to give vaccines, the licensed Vetco veterinarian “injects” the microchip under your pet’s skin (usually between the shoulder blades).

Your pet may feel a moment of discomfort but a little moment of ‘ouch’ is far better than being separated from you forever.

 

Is it expensive to have my pet microchipped?

Vetco clinic licensed veterinarian with dog

At Vetco, microchipping costs range from $22 – $25 depending on the state you use Vetco in. This cost comes with a LIFETIME registration so there are NO additional costs to store your pet’s data.

 

How does the microchip work if my pet gets lost?

veterinarian checking chip under pet's / dog's skin

If your pet gets lost, an animal shelter, rescue group, or vet’s office can use a scanner to find the chip by waving it over your pet. The scanner reads the frequency from the chip and finds the unique ID number assigned to your pet. This information can then be used to get in touch with you and reunite you with your pet.

microchipping, cat, home

If your pet is microchipped then your dog is twice as likely to be returned home and your cat is more than 20 times more likely!

However, just because your pet is microchipped it doesn’t mean your job is done. It is important to periodically check your contact information in the database at www.petmicrochiplookup.org to ensure it is accurate.

 

Book your Vetco clinic appointment today, and get your pet microchipped!

 

Sources:
https://info.bestfriendspetcare.com/blog/2015/06/is-your-pet-microchipped
https://preview.hs-sites.com/_hcms/preview/content/5289668080?portalId=2411678&_preview=true&from_buffer=false&preview_key=diNHAYdC&

How to Prevent Heartworm Disease in Dogs and Cats

Posted on by jcrino

Heartworm disease in pets is precisely what it sounds like; worms that infest the heart and pulmonary arteries.

heartworm disease pets

The mode of transmission of this disease is the mosquito. No dog or cat is safe from heartworm disease. In fact, a pet can become infected with heartworms anywhere and at any time. Infections have been reported in all 50 states.

Mosquitoes are more prevalent in the spring and summer, but the disease can be contracted at any time of year. Amazingly, it only takes a single bite from an infected mosquito to infect a pet.

Although heartworm disease is more common in dogs, it is much more deadly to cats. Heartworm disease can cause illness and can even result in death.

The good news is that this disease is essentially 100% preventable!

heartworm disease dog cat

In dogs, heartworms reside in the heart and surrounding blood vessels. This causes injury to the tissues which results in heart failure and pulmonary disease. In some cases, the worms can cause an embolus, or blockage, of other large vessels causing other organs to become affected. Severe and untreated cases can be fatal. Signs of heartworm disease in dogs are a deep cough, fatigue, lethargy, labored breathing, weight loss and distention of the abdomen.

While cats are less susceptible to heartworm infection, their body is much more sensitive to it. Cats can become severely ill or even die from only a small infection. Cats with heartworm disease may experience coughing, gagging, respiratory difficulty, lethargy, weight loss and even sudden death.

If a pet owner notices any of these signs, they should seek veterinary attention immediately. Many times, heartworm disease will produce no clinical signs, which is why prevention and regular screening is crucial.

Though heartworm disease is devastating, it is preventable. Here are the two simple steps to prevent heartworm disease in your dog or cat:

Step 1: Get your pet tested.

heartworm blood test cat

The first step to protecting a pet against heartworm disease is to get your pet tested. A simple blood test can reveal if a pet has been exposed to heartworm infection. Should a pet test positive for heartworm infection, additional diagnostics, such as radiographs or ultrasound, may be recommended by the veterinarian to determine the extent of the disease process.

Book your Vetco® heartworm test today.

Step 2: Administer preventative medicine.

heartworm preventative medicine chews dog

The next step to protecting a pet against heartworm disease is preventative medicine. On a pet to pet basis, the veterinarian will recommend an oral, topical or injectable preventative. Many of these preventative medications also protect pets against intestinal parasites. In most cases, a pet should be protected with medication year round.

So what if a pet does test positive for heartworm infection?

Unfortunately at this time, there is no safe cure for cats due to the serious side effects, such as blood clots, it produces. Instead, cats are usually limited to supportive care such as cage rest, oxygen therapy, and steroids. However, some cases of heartworm disease in cats can resolve on their own.

In dogs, newer and safer products have become available in recent years that are very effective in eliminating heartworm infection. Although, treatment of heartworm infection can produce side effects which makes follow-up visits to the veterinarian and close monitoring of the pet vital.

Source: Vetco® https://www.vetcoclinics.com/resource-center/heartworm-information

 

Get your pet tested for heartworm at one of our monthly vet clinics in partnership with Vetco®.

Ask your Vetco Vaccination Clinic vets how they can help keep your pet protected. Click here to learn about Best Friends Pet Hotel’s veterinary care and vet clinics (in partnership with Vetco®); see our clinic schedule; and make an appointment.

vet care, vet clinic, vaccinations, Vetco, Best Friends pet Hotel

Dog Exercise: Common Questions Answered by Our Trusted Veterinarian

Posted on by jcrino

Answers to commonly asked questions regarding dog exercise and enrichment, provided by Dr. Sharon Davis, DVM

dog running trail

 

1. How often should I walk my dog?

dog leash in mouth, ready for walk

This depends on your dog. The breed of your dog, age, weather outside, and any underlying medical conditions affect the amount of exercise your dog should receive. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you to make sure your dog gets the proper amount.

 

2. How does a dog benefit from going on walks?

dog exercise walk

Dogs like people require mental and physical stimulation to live the fullest happiest life possible. Dogs who going on walks increase their physical health as well as their mental health. Exploring new areas and new smells stimulates the mind. Getting the heart pumping and blood flowing stimulates the body to function better and longer. You, the pet parent, also receive these added benefits as well. Also dogs who get mental and physical exercise tend to be less destructive and anxious in the home.

 

3. I have a yard, can I just let my dog go into he back yard rather then go on a walk?

dog exercise, walk

Even a yard that is fenced in is not 100% safe. Unwanted wild life can get into the yard causing harm to your pet. Your pet may also eat something without your knowledge. Though a yard is great, it is always a good idea to supervise your pet. Plus going on a walk together increases your bond with your pet.

 

4. Is it important for dogs to run off leash? Why or why not?

dog exercise, trail

This depends on your dog, its breed, age, and any underlying health conditions. There are certain breeds at certain ages that require more exercise than a human can keep up with on a leash. It is however always important to make sure that your dog is well trained to follow off leash commands and it is done in a safe environment following all local laws.

 

5. Is it important for dogs to play with other dogs?

dogs playing with toy

Dogs are pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. It is an important part of their socialization skills. Dogs who play together should be closely supervised, up to date on their vaccinations, and temperament compatible.

 

6. Does playing with other dogs eliminate unwanted behavior at home?

dog resting bed after exercise

Physical activity tires the body and the mind. It can prevent unwanted behavior that results from boredom. It is also an important way that dogs learn to socialize and understand social cues from other dogs.

 

7. My dog has not been in daycare or has been out of daycare for a few months. How do I ease the transition for him to go back to daycare?

Best Friends Pet Hotel Doggy Day Camp dogs

This is where bringing your dog to a day care facility that has trained staff and you trust is very important. If your dog has never been to a daycare before the staff should do a temperament test on your dog to ensure he is put into a play circle that will work. It is also important that they gradually introduce your dog to one dog at a time. It can be overwhelming for a dog to be introduced to a pack of unknown dogs running at him. If your dog has just been out of daycare for a few months, the transition back should still be gradual but it will be much easier and quicker.

 

Doggy Day Camp at Best Friends Pet Hotel
To learn more about Doggy Day Camp or Daycare at your local Best Friends Pet Hotel or Best Friends Doggy Daycare locations, contact your local center.