Safe Dog Chew Toys
Help your pet stay healthy and happy with this pet care tip.
Many dogs love to chew on things, but not everything is safe for them to chew. Despite their popularity, steer clear of bones, antlers, hard plastic chews, ice cubes and sticks, all of which can fracture your dog’s teeth or splinter and cause oral or stomach puncture injuries.
Toys that can break apart can also be a problem, creating a risk of your pet choking or developing a blockage in their digestive tract. Instead, offer your dog a chew toy that can’t splinter and is soft enough that it won’t damage their teeth. Toys that can break apart should only be played with under your direct supervision to ensure the toy is removed if it starts to break apart. Dental chews are also a great option. They’ll even help clean your pet’s teeth while they’re chewing.
Let’s keep learning together to give your pet the best care possible.
Keeping Your Pet Safe – Checking For Lumps & Bumps
Some of the scariest monsters for a pet owner are lumps and bumps, but often these monsters aren’t so tough, especially when they’re discovered and treated early. Here are some tips to help protect your dog or cat. Check your pet monthly for lumps and bumps while petting or brushing. Lumps and bumps can form just about anywhere, on or under the skin, so check everywhere, including armpits, ears, lips, gums, groin, and toes. If you find something, even something small, schedule an appointment with us immediately.
This is important for three reasons. Many lumps and bumps turn out to be not that big of a deal, so getting it checked out now will keep you from worrying about it later. That said, it’s also common for lumps and bumps to be dangerous. For dogs, about 20% to 40% are dangerous. For cats, 50%. So waiting and hoping for the best is not a good strategy. When a dangerous lump or bump is detected early, the treatment options could be less expensive, less painful, and have a higher likelihood of a positive outcome. In fact, most could be cured with surgery alone, if found when small. If a lump or bump is cancerous, keep in mind that cancer treatments don’t affect pets the same as humans, and a high quality of life can be maintained. So if you find a lump or bump, don’t let it scare you. Schedule an appointment, and we’ll put those little monsters in their place.
The Importance of Having A Pet First Aid Kit
You never know when your pet may need medical attention. Having a first aid kit handy will help hold you over before having us check it out. First aid kits specifically made for pets can be purchased, or you can build your own.
A pet first aid kit will include things like bandages, antibiotic ointment, adhesive tape, hydrogen peroxide, safety scissors and tweezers. Please note, some human medications may be dangerous or deadly to pets. Check with us before including any in your kit. We also like to include some other more generally helpful items like a spare leash, extra food, treats, portable water bowl and pet waste bags.
And most importantly, include a piece of paper with the phone numbers for animal poison control, the closest emergency hospital, and of course our number. Having these important supplies ready at hand will help ensure that you’re prepared for the unexpected.
Signs Your Pet is Having Heat Stroke
Which of the following is a symptom of heat stroke in pets?
Panting, drooling, sleeping a lot, or all of the above?
The correct answer is, all of the above.
Heat stroke is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. It occurs most often on hot summer days with symptoms that include rapid panting or difficulty breathing, drooling and lethargy. If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, please call our office immediately. Your pet may be experiencing a life threatening emergency, and every minute counts.
Want to learn how to beat the heat and keeps your pets cool in the summer sun?
Can You Get COVID-19 From Your Pet?
Which of the following is known to transmit the Coronavirus disease to humans?
Pets, other humans, mosquitoes, or all of the above.
The correct answer is other humans. While myths have circulated about pets and even mosquitoes spreading Coronavirus, only humans are known to transmit the disease to other humans, according to the World Organization for Animal Health.
Does My Dog Have Separation Anxiety?
Dr. Pawz:
Welcome to Dog Talk. I’m your host, Dr. Pawz. All right, let’s go to our first caller. Hi, Miles. How can I help?
Miles:
Hi. Yeah, my dog Olive is destroying things in my house and it’s really getting frustrating.
Dr. Pawz:
Oh, interesting. Let me put that up on the board. Is she otherwise well-behaved?
Miles:
Yeah. Let me step outside. I don’t want to embarrass her.
Dr. Pawz:
Okay. Sure.
Miles:
Oh, that’s better. Here’s the thing. She also poops in the house.
Dr. Pawz:
Okay. Hold on. Did you just exit your house?
Miles:
Yeah.
Dr. Pawz:
And that’s your dog inside the house, barking?
Miles:
Yeah.
Dr. Pawz:
Does she also tried to escape when you leave?
Miles:
Yup.
Dr. Pawz:
Do these things happen when you’re at home with her?
Miles:
No, but she does follow me around like she’s my shadow. Is that connected somehow?
Dr. Pawz:
Ah, yes, it is. Actually, I think I know what’s going on. Your dog might suffer from separation anxiety.
Miles:
Seriously? That’s a thing?
Dr. Pawz:
Yeah. It’s actually something that affects a lot of dogs, especially recently adopted dogs.
Miles:
Oh. Okay.
Dr. Pawz:
Here’s the thing. Helping Olive isn’t going to be easy, but over time, it’s possible to reduce her anxiety.
Miles:
Dude, I’ll do anything to get her to stop destroying my vintage T-shirt collection.
Dr. Pawz:
I should also say that it’s possible to cause more harm than good if you don’t go at your dog’s pace, which sometimes can be painstakingly slow.
Miles:
Okay. I think I get it.
Dr. Pawz:
And unfortunately-
Miles:
Seriously, another disclaimer?
Dr. Pawz:
Unfortunately, yeah. Since we’re running short on time, I can only give you some general tips. You really should ask … Oh, I see here that Olive goes to my favorite vet. They’re amazing. Anyway, you really should ask them for help.
Miles:
Got it. In the meantime, could you give me some suggestions?
Dr. Pawz:
Of course. When you leave or return to the house, try to keep things as low-key as possible. If you make greetings and goodbyes a big deal, it might contribute to her anxiety or even reinforce her unwanted behavior. She might be picking up on your pre-departure routines as well, things like picking up your keys or putting on your shoes.
Dr. Pawz:
To reduce her negative associations with these departure cues, trying to periodically do them without leaving the house. Also, make sure Olive gets plenty of exercise before you head out. That’ll leave her with less energy for mischief while you’re away. And try giving her a calm filled with a tasty treat, peanut butter, for instance. This’ll keep her preoccupied for 20 to 30 minutes and create a positive association with being alone. Crate training can also be helpful, but only after the crate has been strongly established as a safe place.
Miles:
Wow. This does sound like a challenging process. Isn’t there a pill I could give her to fix all this?
Dr. Pawz:
Medications, along with pheromone diffusers, thunder shirts, and calming music can help manage anxiety, but training is really the only way to address the underlying problem. And again, my number one suggestion is connecting with Olive’s vet. They’ll be best equipped to help you develop a training plan. Good luck, Miles. That was great talking with you.
Dr. Pawz:
Let’s move on to our next caller, whose dog Jackson seems to have become romantically attracted to his favorite stuffed toy.
Tips for Traveling with Pets
Previously on The Im-Paws-ible Race, we met our contestants who are racing across the country with their pets. Today, each team will use a different method of transportation to travel from their hometown to a remote destination. Liz is clearly a planner. She started the race by packing important items for any trip; enough pet food for the entire trip, food and water bowls, Duke’s favorite toys so we won’t get bored, a blanket or bed for comfort and some familiar smells, a leash, a first aid kit, Duke’s medications, and a copy of his health records listing all of his recent vaccinations. She’s really thought of everything. She even found a pet friendly hotel for later in the race.
Meanwhile, Clint and Daisy are about to make their way through the airport after masterfully booking tickets, knowing that each airline’s regulations vary, including restrictions on breed, size and species. Several weeks before traveling, Clint had the foresight to connect with his pet’s veterinarian to discuss any regional health risks Daisy may face at their destination and to be issued a health certificate, which is required for air travel. Before leaving, he also double-checked that Daisy is micro-chipped and that the registration information is up to date and includes his mobile number.
Liz is finally on the road now. You’ll notice that Duke looks very relaxed, that’s because Liz took him on a handful of short, fun trips to help get him acclimated to car rides in the weeks leading up to the race. She’s also keeping the car well ventilated, has insured Duke has plenty of water and has been making stops every two to three hours for potty breaks and exercise. Liz is also focused on safety; duke is properly restrained, so he’ll never be on the driver’s lap or have his head out the window. She’s also committed to never leaving Duke alone in the car, especially in the summer because temperatures can quickly rise to deadly levels, even with the windows cracked.
Clint and Daisy’s plane has landed and they’ve made it to the pit stop first, winning this leg of the race. It’s been a great race between two contestants who know how important it is to be prepared when traveling with pets. And they couldn’t have done it without Duke’s veterinarian, whose team is also happy to help you as you prepare for your next trip.
Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe During The Holidays
Our theme today has to do with that time of year when we are celebrating the holidays. For pets, this time of year can be confusing, and sometimes dangerous. Here we’ll walk through some things to think about when preparing for the holidays.
Dangerous Foods – There are foods during the holidays that can be considered dangerous for pets. Alcohol, Eggnog, Candy, Ham & Bacon… all things that typically come out around the holidays that can be bad for pets if ingested. Be sure to keep kids and guests from sneaking treats to your curious furry friends during the holidays.
Decorations – These can be very dangerous, especially for cats. Tinsel can be irresistible and can turn into a choking hazard. When eaten, tinsel can easily get tangled inside the intestines and could result in serious injury requiring surgery. Also, lit candles can easily be knocked over and start a fire. Keep an eye of candles around the house to avoid a tragedy.
Christmas Trees – Water at the bottom of the tree can be enticing for both cats and dogs. This water can contain bacteria that can be harmful for pets. Similar to tinsel, strings of lights and ornaments can be dangerous. If chewed on, these lights could electrify your pet and that would not be good. Also, a Christmas tree might look like a playground to a cat. Make sure your tree is properly supported in case your cat decides to turn your tree into a jungle gym.
If your pet happens to get themselves into trouble around the holidays, please contact us so we can help.
Issues With Self-Diagnosing Pet Health
The internet is an amazing resource, but there’s plenty of questionable information and suggestions out there.
Self-diagnosis based on search results can lead to false alarms or can just as easily cause a pet to suffer from a serious health issue without treatment. We’re glad you’re so engaged with your pet’s health. That’s one of the reasons you’re such a great pet parent. If you choose to research pet-related topics online, we strongly encourage you to use trusted resources.
Here are a few that we recommend. Most importantly, please contact us before you take any action that could affect your pet’s health. We want you to stay well-informed and we’ll gladly help you sift fact from fiction when it comes to anything you’ve read online. Get us involved. We’re almost as successful as the internet and twice as nice.
A Guide To Brushing Your Dogs Teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth doesn’t have to be difficult. The trick is to gradually introduce the steps at a pace your dog is comfortable with.
Step 1: Touch Face & Muzzle
Give them threats and praise while doing this.
Step 2: Touch Outside and Inside Mouth
Gently lift their lips, give them treats and praise, then rub your finger along the gums and back teeth.
Step 3: Introduce Pet-Safe Toothpaste
Let your dog lick the toothpaste off of your finger to get them used to the flavor and smell. Then begin by rubbing small amounts of toothpaste on the front teeth and side of gums with your finger. Again, continued praise and treats will help your success.
Step 4: Introduce Toothbrush
Let the dog lick toothpaste off of the toothbrush.
Step 5: Brush Several Front Teeth
Gently pull cheek up to access upper teeth.
Step 6: Brush All Teeth
Brush in a circular motion along the gum line. Brush deeper in mouth between cheek and teeth.
For some dogs, these steps go quickly. For others, it could take days or weeks. If you’re looking for a professional cleaning for dog, feel free to contact us.
Tick Prevention for Dogs & Cats
Hi, I’m Bob and yes, I’m a tick. I was actually caught by your vet. We made a deal. I tell you all my trade secrets and they promise to remove me gently. So well, here it goes. I guess I should start with the basics. My species can live in almost any outdoor environment but we especially love grasses and shrubs. Those areas are great for hitching ride with your dog or cat. We come in many different shapes and sizes. Here are a few of my friends, Todd, Joe, Betty, Jim. Oh, and check out Jill she just got done with a giant feast. Good work, Jill.
Now I’ve been asked to read this prepared statement. Ticks are annoying little parasites that carry terrible diseases that can affect both animals and people. So well, there’s that. Oh, here’s something you might not know, at certain times of the year I’m more active, but I can be a risk nearly year round. And again, this is coming from your vet. Let’s see here. We recommend using parasite preventative year round, ask us to recommend the best product for your pet, blah, blah, blah. You get the idea.
You should also check your pet often for ticks. We’re sneaky little buggers who love to hide in warm, hard to reach, areas like inside and around the ears under the chin and neck, honestly, anywhere on the head is fair game. Also between toes, under folds of skin, and in armpits and the groin area. If you do find one of my eight legged friends latched onto your pet, it’s important to remove it soon. Use tweezers to take hold at the head of the tick and pulse slowly and steadily. Once removed, the area should heal on its own. Call your vet if you have any questions. Well that about covers it. Does that work for you?
You forgot the ending.
Oh yeah, sorry. Visit your vet today to make sure your pet is protected.
Why Does My Pet Have Diarrhea?
Owning a pet means dealing with their… Well, you know. But what should you do if it turns to diarrhea? The list of things that can cause diarrhea is a mile long, ranging from stress, to something they ate, to a recent change in diet. More serious things can also be a trigger, like infections, parasites, toxins, and other medical conditions. If your pet has one soft stool, don’t panic. It’s usually okay to wait and see. Do contact us if it doesn’t go away, if it gets worse or if you notice other symptoms, like not eating or drinking or signs of lethargy, pain or distress. Severe or watery diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, a dangerous condition for pets. Those that are very young, old, small, or have a preexisting medical condition are even more at risk. It takes a strong stomach to deal with diarrhea. Fortunately, we can help. Call us if you have concerns about your pet.
Why Is My Pet Shaking Their Head So Much?
Does your pet ever shake their head? How about so much that it makes you dizzy? Before you get all shook up, don’t worry. An occasional head shake is normal, but if it’s happening often, it can be a sign of something serious like an ear infection, inflammation, or the presence of a foreign body in the ear like an insect or grass seed.
Other symptoms of ear-related issues include scratching at the ears, red and swollen ears, moaning or yelping when the ears are touched, brown, yellow, or bloody discharge, ear odor, lack of balance and unusual eye movements. Not only are ear issues uncomfortable, if left undiagnosed and untreated, they can lead to even more serious issues for your pet. So keep your eyes and ears open and contact us if you notice any signs of trouble.
How To Socialize Your Puppy
The first three months of your puppy’s life are the most crucial for their social development. During this period, it’s important to safely and responsibly get your pup comfortable with a variety of people, sites, sounds and surfaces. Doing this will help prevent a host of behavioral problems later in life. If you don’t get your dog socialized in the three month window, all hope is not lost, but it may take more time in patience on your part.
Socialization includes things you can do at home, around your neighborhood and in organized puppy socialization classes. But it’s not only about exposing them to things, it’s also important that they have a positive experience and are comfortable with those things too. How, and when you introduce them to new people and experiences is very important. Vaccinations and many other factors are used to determine the best socialization schedule for every dog in every situation. Unfortunately, there’s no one size fits all plan, but it’s important to get it right. Our team is here to help you navigate your new puppy journey. So be sure to talk to us early about the safest and most effective socialization plan for your new pup.