I don’t know what is safe to eat anymore.

Every time we get a rash of pet food recalls I wonder when my brand will show up on the list. I bet some of you feel that way too, because none of us wants the shock of learning we’ve been poisoning our furry friends with what we thought was a high quality, safe, food. Now we’re seeing humans also hospitalized by salmonella carried in pet food.

Diamond Foods has this week done another voluntary recall of several brands of dry kibble because of potential salmonella contamination, among them Kirkland and Taste of the Wild. Today’s news warns that some of the big names in premium kibble are also about to announce recalls. Rather than repeat the specifics, let me direct you to a couple of blogs that post up-to-the-minute information on recalls:  PetSitUSA and The Truth About Pet Food.

If you want to go directly to the source of information on recalls and alerts, check out the FDA‘s compiled list of all pet foods recalled since 2007, or see the comprehensive list also at the American Veterinary Medical Association.

[tags] pet food recall, pet health, toxins in pet food [/tags]

In Shakti's last year he began having problems finding his water bowl. Here he found it with the wrong end of his body.

As our pets age, many of them will be affected at least to some degree by a decline in brain function that appears on the surface to be similar to Alheimzers in humans. It is known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), dementia, senility, and even “dogzheimers.” We hear about it more in dogs than cats, but it’s important for cat owners to be aware of this condition too, because early intervention can make a considerable difference to the animals’ comfort and longevity.

Dogs have a higher incidence and severity of dementia, with 50 percent of dogs over the age of 11, and 68 percent of dogs by age 15 displaying at least one symptom. In cats, 28 percent between the ages of 11 and 15, and 50 percent over the age of 15 show some signs of cognitive dysfunction. More can be done to mediate the condition in dogs than in cats, but that is not to say that cats can’t be helped too with early and ongoing care.

Symptoms

As you’ll see, most of the behavior changes are common to both species, with minor variations.

Symptoms in Dogs

• Disorientation/confusion
• Inability to follow familiar routes
• Anxiety/restlessness
• Irritability or depression
• Changes in sleep-wake cycle
• Reduced interest in playing
• Excessive licking
• Slow to learn new tasks
• Lack of self-grooming
• Incontinence
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms in Cats

• Spatial disorientation/confusion, such as forgetting the location of the litter box
• Increased irritability or anxiety
•  Changes in sleep/wake patterns
• Decreased response to stimuli
• Changes in social relationships, either with owners or other pets in the household
• Inappropriate vocalization, e.g. loud crying at night
• Learning and memory changes, such as forgetting commands or breaking housetraining
• Changes in activity, eg aimless wandering or pacing, or reduced activity
• Decreased grooming
• Altered interest in food, either increased or, more typically, decreased
• Temporal disorientation, e.g. forgetting that they have just been fed
• Learning and memory changes, such as forgetting previously learned training or house rules.

 Treating and Managing Cognitive Dysfunction

Symptoms are typically irreversible and progressive, but with neurologically supportive diet and drugs; owner understanding, patience, and help; and maintaining a stimulating environment, the progression can be slowed and quality of life maintained. Early intervention offers the best chance of delaying the progression of CDS.

When my Shakti began to lose track of his water bowl I put more bowls down for him so that no matter what direction he went, he’d run into water. When he began to lose bladder control I got him diapers, potty pads, and kept the mop handy. When he could no longer walk more than a few steps at a time, I put him in a stroller and wheeled him around the neighborhood so that he could continue to get outdoors and read his pee-mail. His mental function had declined and his body no longer worked as well as it had when he was younger, but he had a good quality of life right up to the end.

For dogs,  anti-anxiety drugs like Anypril and Prozac may help keep the disorientation, confusion and resulting anxiety at bay. Drugs have not worked for cats in the past. However SAMe is considered a safe supplement supporting neurological function that may offer effective support for both dogs and cats.

In addition to drugs, keeping a stable but stimulating home environment and a strict schedule of feeding, brushing, and attention will help reduce disorientation and anxiety, and keep the brain active in both dogs and cats.

Veterinary blogger, Dr. Patty Khuly, notes that owners usually consider early signs of dementia in an older pet to be a natural part of aging and don’t get overly concerned. But she urges owners to take early action on these signs

 ”because disorientation often yields to anxiety, and ultimately to generalized deterioration of every major organ system (as well as a predisposition to a multitude of other diseases). Moreover, [pets] with dementia, in spite of their physiological limitations, can live a whole lot longer than most pet owners assume. And that would be fine, but for their perpetual state of anxiety and/or discomfort.”

Her point is, reducing the anxiety that comes with early signs of CDS makes for a much better quality of life and in many cases, a longer life for our pets.

[tags] doggy dementia, dogzheimers, CDS, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, animal senility, age-related behavior changes in dogs and cats [/tags]

So how do we know when a medical exam is in order? With the disclaimer that I am not qualified to dispense medical advice, I can give you some general first aid guidelines that will help you make that decision. I am a certified instructor of pet first aid and CPR, and know that about 25% more animals can be saved if just one first aid technique is applied before leaving for the veterinarian. So I’m going to give you three very simple measures you can do at home that will tell you a lot about your pet’s condition.

Take your pet’s temperature

An important precursor to this advice is to know what your pet’s normal temperature is. In both cats and dogs, normal can range from 100.4 to 102.5. So, for example, if your Buster’s normal temperature is on the low end of that range, but on the day he’s looking a little piqued it registers at 102.8, he probably should see his vet. A lower than normal temperature is also a warning sign that he should make that scary visit to the vet. Take a minute after you finish reading this article to take your pet’s temperature. A digital thermometer is best, and add a little butter or oil to the tip to make your pet more comfortable.

Check the color and wetness of your pet’s gums

Check Capillary Refill Rate

Capillary refill rate refers to the number of seconds it takes for the color to come back into the gum after you’ve pressed on it. You can try this on yourself. You press on the gum for a few seconds and when you remove the pressure, the gum looks white briefly, then the blood rushes back in to restore the color to normal. In a healthy pet the color should refill within one to two seconds. If it takes longer than two seconds, your pet probably needs medical attention.

These three tests will give you enough information to make a reasonable decision about whether your pet is just having an off day or might have something more serious going on.

Don’t forget to check those vital signs on your own pets now!

[tags] pet first aid, pet health, diagnosing cat and dog illness [/tags]

Dental Health

Are you one of those rare, dedicated pet owners who brushes your cat’s or dog’s teeth at least a couple of times a week? Then you probably won’t care that February is National Dental Health Month for pets.

My once-feral orange tabby cat thinks dental hygiene is uncivilized, and my 9-pound Poodle turns into a piranha at the sight of a toothbrush.  So I’m always first in line for the February dental discount at my vet’s office. As you can see from this photo, Gus is due for some serious dental work, and he goes in twice a year for teeth cleaning.

Financially this annual rite of passage into spring can be a bit steep. I always have a houseful of seniors, so their dentals might be more expensive than usual because of periodontal disease, fractured teeth, extractions and other expensive procedures. The lowest bill in the past few years has been around $200 and the highest close to $800.

In case that motivates you to learn how to brush your Fluffy’s teeth, here’s a demo sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB3GIAgrTPE&feature=player_embedded

The risks of skipping your pet’s dental care can be severe.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some degree of periodontal disease by age three. When plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, especially below the gums, bacteria flourish and can lead to bad breath, bleeding and receding gums, and eventually loss of teeth. Periodontal disease is serious and can release bacteria into the blood stream that can result in infections, organ damage, and even death.

So if you can’t get that toothbrush in your pet’s mouth, don’t skip the annual dental. In case you’re concerned about the risk of anesthesia, especially on older dogs, UC Davis veterinarians note that with advancements in anesthesia for animals, the risk of anesthesia is less than the risk for dental disease.

The UC Davis vet school says choice of diet and toys can have a significant effect on whether a pet has a healthy or diseased mouth. Soft and sticky foods build plaque and should be avoided. Certain toys are designed to stimulate the gums and reduce plaque. By the way, cats and dogs are equally at risk.

Spay/Neuter Your Pets

Did you know that neutering pets not only helps reduce the population of homeless pets, but can save your dog’s or cat’s life?  As National Spay Day approaches on February 28, I hope you’ll give thought to some of these issues. Even if your own pets are spayed or neutered, you might step outside your comfort zone and trap a feral cat or a stray dog and get it snipped. Or take the more time-saving path and donate to a rescue organization committed to sterilization.

Back to saving your pet’s life….According to www.SpayUSA.com here are some of the serious health risks you can avoid by sterilizing your pets:

• Altering your dog will increase his or her life an average of 1 to 3 years, cats, 3 to 5 years.
• Intact animals have a much higher risk of mammary gland tumors/cancer, prostate cancer, perianal tumors, pyometria, and uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers.
• Sterilizing your cats and dogs reduces the urge to roam and decreases the risk of contracting diseases or getting hurt as they roam.
• Surveys indicate that as many as 85% of dogs hit by cars are unaltered.
• Intact male cats living outside have been shown to live on average less than two years (my emphasis).

Let’s celebrate our cats and dogs this month by restoring their pearly whites to good health and getting them or their stray cousins spayed or neutered.

[tags] spay, neuter, homeless pets, dog and cat dental health, preventing cancer in pets, keep pets from being hit by a car [/tags]

Ooh, I don't feel so good.

If you have any kind of chicken jerky treats for your pets that were made in China, they belong in the garbage, not in your dear pet’s tummy.  In 2011, the FDA logged in over 350 reports of dogs getting sick or dying from eating chicken jerky products manufactured in China. The products are sometimes called chicken tenders or treats.  The FDA hasn’t identified the source of the toxin or specific brands or types of treats, so your best bet is to avoid them altogether if produced in China.

I, for one, am getting pretty ticked off about the frequency of Chinese consumables putting our pets’ health at risk. I am boycotting all Chinese-made food products until I see China improving their quality control and/or questionable business ethics.

If your dog has eaten Chinese manufactured chicken treats and shows decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption or increased urination, you should see your vet immediately.

Thanks to Diagnostic Imiging Systems for highlighting this problem in their January Veterinary E-News Magazine.

[tags]  pet health, dog food recalls, toxic pet products from China, pet nutrition [/tags]

9 handballs

Vanessa Hawksin, DVM, of Warrenton, OR. Her patient was brought in for examination of lameness in a back leg. X-rays coincidentally revealed 9 handballs in his stomach.

Here are some of the runners up.

mulch, shoe laces and other delicacies

Lisa Anne Attanasi, DVM, of Eaglewood Cliffs, N.J. saw a 12 year old Beagle for an overdose of shoe laces, mulch, a knee high stocking, a plastic plant, plastic ties, and bristles from a car snow cleaning brush.

Tinkerbell really wanted to go for a walk

Jenny Yanson, practice manager at Suburbia North Animal Hospital, treated 6-month old bulldog Tinkerbell who had eaten a training collar off another dog in the home. To the doctor’s and owners’ surprise, this was not Tinkerbell’s first training collar appetizer. They found not 1, but two collars in her stomach.

This duck got nailed

Michael Herko, DVM, in Baltimore, MD found a nail and stones in a duck’s gizzard when she arrived with a lame leg and abdominal discomfort. Silly goose — I mean duck — was back a month later with another nail in her tummy.

This little guy had a sore throat

Lisa Anne Attanasi, DVM, of Eaglewood Cliffs, N.J. seems to have more than her share of mischievous clients. Little Sally, a 1-year old dachshund, swallowed a 2 inch needle.

This baby dog must have really wanted some milk.

Melissa Seavey of Westborough, MA, removed 10 baby bottle nipples from  a 4-month-old  Golden Retriever puppy.

Oh, I feel like I ate a Gorilla

Beth Shannon, DVM, North Liberty, Iowa, treated a 1½  year old Chi-Weenie for a tummyache after he chewed on a bottle of Gorilla Glue.  The glue expanded and molded perfectly to his stomach, but was removed successfully.

Bridget Landon, DVM, Reno, NV, got a surprise when a 9-month-old Golden Retriever came in for vaccines and left minus a gutful of rocks. No wonder the dog had lost her appetite and been vomiting for two days.

If you have a story about some crazy item your pet swallowed, please share it below in comments.

[tags] pica, dogs and cats swallowing strange items, rocks handballs needles and glue in pet stomachs [/tags]

Don’t be left holding the bag.

No, I’m not talking about the doggy bags we bring home from the restaurant for our dogs (ahem, I know none of you actually reheat the left-overs for yourselves — like I sometimes do). This time I’m referring to the kind of doggy bags all responsible dog owners carry home from their dog walk.

You might have noticed I rarely offer product endorsements. I’m breaking my rule today to bring you a product that simply makes this dog-walker’s heart go pitter-pat. It’s called the Doggy Did. (And I receive no affinity fees for mentioning it or linking to their website.)

I tried this gadget out today and it’s a great, low-tech solution to carrying clean bags on the out-bound trip and used bags on the way home. I have a 95 pound Kuvasz/Dalmatian mix who is on a high fiber diet for weight gain related to Cushings. A consequence of the diet is an impressive production of waste. Even with the weight and volume Gus produces, the Doggie Did Waste Carrier hung onto the bag and its treasure nicely.  No more knotting bags of doggy waste and swinging them from a finger or discretely tucking them in a pocket (a very unpleasant surprise the next day when forgotten).  I’m going to be giving these bag holders to all my dog clients.

For more information on how they work and where you can buy them, check out the company website at www.DoggieDid.com.

Let us know what you think if you’ve tried them and were for any reason not as satisfied as I was.

[tag]  doggy bags, pet waste, poop scooping, doggie doo disposal [/tags]

A sick kitty

  If I bring her jacket, maybe she’ll take me for a walk.

Some of these frosty fall mornings I’m tempted to skip Gus’s walk. Today as we trotted around the neighborhood, grass slick with frost, and the sun casting an irridescent glow, I pondered the pros and cons of walking the dog versus vigorous play in the yard. For Gus, it was walks, paws down.

Mental Stimulation  We humans get our news from the media or the internet. Dogs keep up on their “world affairs” through pee-mail on hydrants, poles and shrubs, and bulk mail left in the grass.

Socialization  Walks offer a perfect opportunity for dogs to learn the social graces of the dog world. Meeting and interacting politely with other dogs, children and adults makes for a more pleasant walk and a better-behaved dog at home when company drops by.

Training  A walk can serve double duty as both exercise and a chance to run through a few basic obedience commands as a refresher. For busy people who find little spare time to keep up with their dog’s training,  walks provide a great training opportunity.

Street Smarts  Teaching your dog a few tips to help him or her stay safe outside the yard could be life saving if he decides to slip past your ankles in the doorway one morning and head out for an adventure.  I like to teach all dogs to stop and check for cars before entering an intersection, stay on the sidewalk to avoid traffic, keep moving without engaging another dog fiercely protecting its fence, and greet other dogs on leash in a friendly way.

Staying healthy   Breathing fresh air, exercising, burning calories, and staying trim and fit benefit both human and dog. I often hear people say, “My dog keeps me fit.”  We owe it to our dogs to help them keep fit too.

[tags]  dog walks, exercising pets [/tags]

Rico the Reindeer-Cat

Escape     When trick-or-treaters come knocking, be sure your escape artists are secured safely and can’t rush out the door between your ankles. Harm to black cats    As unthinkable as it is, there are sick individuals who will brutally harm black cats around this holiday. If your cat is allowed outdoors, keep her or him indoors and safe from this kind of perversion for a couple of days before to a couple of days after Halloween.

Decorations   Cute little witch candles can singe an errant dog or cat tail if not kept out of reach of an exuberant wag. Holiday decoration electrical wires can attract dangerous attention from the family bunny or guinea pig. Be sure they are secured. Fall displays using ears of corn can be appealing to dogs, and if eaten the cobs can end up in an expensive emergency surgery for blocked intestines.

Anxiety   I happen to have a 95 pound guard dog who is scared of the the sound of the ice maker, the UPS truck, or anyone wearing a large hat or carrying an umbrella. So, scary Halloween costumes are not high on his list of favorite sights, even if they’re not on him. If your pets become anxious with frequent knocks at the door, or the sight of gruesome ghouls and goblins, or those freaky looking pumpkins you worked so hard on, you might want to put your pets in another room with music or television on to distract them. If you have an exceptionally nernous nellie in your pack, you might need to use a calming product. There are a number of good herbal remedies; if something stronger is needed, your vet can help.

Scootie & Ernie trick-or-treating