Sunday, December 9, 2012

DECEMBER 9, 2012 -- THE HOLIDAYS CAN BE MORE THAN DANGEROUS...

DO YOU KNOW HOW DEADLY HOLIDAY PLANTS CAN BE...
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Though they have a bad rap, poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) plants are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs.
Sources:
During the holidays, Poinsettias are a popular Christmas plant.
Mechanism of action:
The milky white sap found in poinsettias contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents. While poinsettias are commonly “hyped” as poisonous plants, they rarely are, and the poisoning is greatly exaggerated. Far more worrisome are the plants listed below!
Signs of poisoning:
Mild signs of vomiting, drooling, or rarely, diarrhea may be seen. If the milky sap is exposed to skin, dermal irritation (including redness, swelling, and itchiness) may develop. Rarely, eye exposure can result in a mild conjunctivitis (“pink eye” secondary to inflammation). Signs are self-limiting and generally don’t require medical treatment unless severe.
Antidote and treatment:
There is no antidote for poinsettia poisoning. That said, due to the low level of toxicity seen with poinsettia ingestion, medical treatment is rarely necessary unless clinical signs are severe.
Threat:
Minimal.
Other plants to worry about:

Far more worrisome are holiday bouquets containing lilies, holly or mistletoe. Even bouquets brought into the house by holiday guests should be thoroughly inspected, as lilies are the #1 flower often used by florists. Just one or two bites from a lily can result in severe acute kidney failure in cats – even the pollen is thought to be poisonous! Other yuletide pants such as holly berries, mistletoe, and rosemary can also be toxic to dogs and cats. When Christmas or English holly is ingested, it can result in severe gastrointestinal upset thanks to the spiny leaves and the potentially toxic substances (including saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens). If ingested, most dogs and cats lip smack, drool, and head shake excessively due to the mechanical injury from the spiny leaves. As for mistletoe, most of us hang it high enough so it’s out of reach of our dogs and cats – nevertheless, it can also be toxic if ingested. Thankfully, American mistletoe is less toxic than the European varieties of it. Mild signs of gastrointestinal irritation are seen, although if ingested in large amounts, collapse, hypotension, ataxia (walking drunk), seizures and death have also been reported.
 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

DECEMBER 4, 2012 -- SAFE TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET!



The Holidays are here!
   Will you be traveling with your pet throughout the Holidays? If so, please read what Mamaw has to tell ya…
IT’S  IMPORTANT
 
 
   When we pack the car with Miss Scarlett’s food, water, toys, medication (if needed) and poop bags, we check our list before leaving.
             because 
Please read this tip—you might have to use it
out-of-town some time...just sayin
 
Whether you're taking a short day-trip or a month-long trek around the country, dogs can make excellent traveling companions. Here are some tips that will make the drive much more pleasant for both of you:

Get a health certificate and proper ID. Get and keep a copy of his medical record with you.

If your dog isn't used to the car, start taking some short trips and gradually build up to longer and longer trips. Not all dogs like to travel.


Be sure your dog IS WELCOME IN THE HOTEL/MOTEL WHERE YOU ARE STAYING

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Octpber 19, 2012 -- HALLOWEEN TREAT WARNING


Beware

Ashworth Road Animal Hospital sent this to all of their pet families...I want to share it with all of you...


Monday, October 8, 2012

October 8, 2012 - DON'T LEAVE YOUR PETS UNPROTECTED!



TODAY'S PET TIP
Flea Control
 
Here are some tips for battling fleas on your dog:

It is best to prevent fleas than to treat active infestations.

Repeat treatments are necessary to kill new fleas that jump on your pet and to kill the different stages of the flea as they develop in your home and yard.

For monthly products, keep a reminder system. Try giving medications the same day of every month. Place the reminder in your calendar or on your refrigerator.

If your pet's a swimmer or bathed frequently, consider "waterproof" products or "water-resistant" products

Most veterinarians recommend year-round flea prevention.

Some flea control products are combined with heartworm prevention medications, tick control medications, and other gastrointestinal parasite control. Talk to your vet about which product might be best for your pet.


It's prime time for fleas right now. Yes, you read that right. Now. Nope, it's not only in spring or summer.

Some of the worst flea problems occur in the fall when fleas have had all summer to reproduce, leaving large numbers around and allowing for terrible infestations.

Many pet parents mistakenly believe that fleas die off and are out of sight in the fall (and therefore out of mind) but nothing can be further from the truth. Temperatures are still warm enough outside, so fleas are still actively breeding. Plus there's typically an increase in precipitation in the fall months and fleas love that. Fleas can also live inside your warm home and will continue to multiply until you do something about it.

It All Comes Down To Unprotected Pets.
Many pet parents choose to let their dogs go without protection in the fall and winter, leaving them at great risk for picking up these pesky pests in the yard, by the lake or on a walk. Fleas can jump 8-12 inches – just the right amount to stow away on their mobile meals (your dog). Within 30 minutes, those disgusting little vampires start sucking your dog's blood. In just 24 hours, a flea will start breeding. Without treatment, these little bloodsuckers can live six to 12 months … feeding on your poor dog the whole time.

The flea eggs begin hatching within two-five days and the whole lifecycle of the flea continues until your pets, your carpets … even your bed are infested with those itchy and nasty buggers.

And don't be fooled by cooler weather. Just because the temperatures start dropping outside doesn't mean the fleas will die off in your home. They're still nice and toasty warm inside your home … breeding and multiplying to your dog's (and your) irritation.

Stop Them In Their Tracks Now!

Now that you know how serious the flea problem is in the fall, I urge all pet parents to get on board and protect your beloved pets against these nasty, icky and painful pests. There's no reason any dog should go unprotected this fall. If price is an issue, not to worry! I have a great deal for you.

My partnership with 1-800-PetMeds is a great way for you to stock up on your flea and tick protection and stay on top of fleas all year long. They offer flea and tick medication at a deep discount – 30-40% off the regular price – along with free shipping right to your door. They make it so easy and convenient to get your medications, your dog never has to go without … and you never have to worry about fleas ever again.
, I wanted to let you know about a very special offer just for PetPlace subscribers. You can take an extra 10% off your order at 1-800-PetMeds. To get your extra 10% off, click here.

Shop now for the same top brands I recommend at my clinic at prices you can afford, including:

Top Flea/Tick Prevention Brands
 
 
 


 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

October 3, 2012 - HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR DOGS DIGESTION


Every process in a dog's body has to work well in order for them to stay healthy. That includes the obvious ones like eating, drinking, and sleeping, but also things like digestion. 

Dog's bodies must be able to efficiently absorb nutrients from food and safely remove waste. Digestion is an essential part of life, and a healthy digestive system is key to overall health. When something goes wrong with your dog's digestive system, it can have effects on many other parts of your dog's wellbeing.  

How can you tell if something is amiss? Your dog may have digestive problems if he displays any of the following symptoms:

  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Loose stool
  • Whimpering during eating (indicating mouth or stomach pains)
  • Reluctance to eat
  • Lethargy
  • Flatulence

If your dog experiences any combination of these issues for longer than 24 hours (especially the top 5), I urge you to visit your vet as soon as possible. Poor digestion is often a temporary condition but in some cases it can be a sign of a more serious health problem like kidney disease, food allergies, stomach ulcers, or even cancer. 

With some careful observation your vet can help you determine what is causing your dog's digestive problems. Not all stomach upset is the result of a major issue; sometimes it's caused by simple stress (or a snack from the trash can). If there is no underlying health issue, keep an eye on your dog. How much and how often does he eat? Does he gobble his food down or take his time with it? Eating too quickly and too much can lead to a wide variety of problems. You may need to make some changes in your dog's feeding schedule and diet to help alleviate them.

One recommendation I have is to feed your dog less food more frequently. If your dog gets one large serving of food each day, try splitting that up. Feed your dog smaller amounts of food two or three times a day instead. Don't give him too much at a time and watch for gulping or choking due to eating too quickly. At the same time, make sure you're not underfeeding him too! Most dog foods have serving size suggestions on the back based on your dog's weight. If you're not sure how much food your dog needs, ask your vet - that's what we're here for!

Some digestive issues are caused by how your dog's body processes food. If for example their intestines do not absorb nutrients properly, you might need to give them a nutritional supplement. If they suffer from constipation you might want to add fiber to your dog's diet in the form of fruits, vegetables, rice, oatmeal, and a few others. Some issues are alleviated by the addition of yogurt with active cultures that helps balance out beneficial stomach bacteria. But remember, NEVER change your dog's diet overnight, and ALWAYS check with your vet before adding or removing an ingredient. 

Take care when giving your dog any supplements, and always follow the instructions on the medicine or given to you by your vet. And of course, never give your dog human medicine!

Finally, your dog's issues might be caused by a substandard diet. In this case one of the best things you can do for your dog is to change to a higher-quality food. Choose a meat-based dog food with natural ingredients. For dogs with digestive problems and food sensitivities, Nutro is a great choice.

Nutro Natural Choice dog food uses all-natural ingredients in a diet formulated to help your dog stay healthy. Even better, Nutro guarantees improved digestion to help your dog live a long, healthy life. Whole grains and real meat help regulate your dog's digestive system and dogs love the great taste.

A healthy dog is a happy dog! Poor digestion is more than a nuisance - it can be a serious health hazard. Help your dog's stomach, and your dog will thank you!


Until next time,

P.S. As I have mentioned before, Miss Scarlett has a tricky tummy--We purchase her food through Ashworth Road Veterinary Hospital...Id Canine. It comes both in a can and by an 8# sack. We serve her canned first thing in the morning--noon and evening the dry. One way I hold down on her vomiting is not to overfeed her at one time...

Friday, September 28, 2012

September 28, 2012 -- TARGET DOG FOOD RECALL

WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL MESSAGE FROM ASHWORTH ANIMAL VETERINARY HOSPITAL--(this is Miss Scarlett's vet) so please take seriously won't you?

Boots and Barkley Bully Sticks Dog Treats Recall

September 21, 2012 – Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO is voluntarily recalling its Boots and Barkley American Beef Bully Sticks product because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The event was reported by the FDA in a news release dated September 21, 2012.
According to the FDA bulletin:
Salmonella can sicken animals that eat these products and humans are at risk for salmonella poisoning from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the pet products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.
Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.
Consumers exhibiting these symptoms after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.
Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian.
According to the bulletin, the affected American Beef Bully Sticks were distributed nationwide through Target retail stores from April through September 2012.

What Products Are Being Recalled?
The product is sold in a clear plastic bag containing six bully sticks each and are marked with bar code number 647263899189.

The manufacturer is recalling all lot numbers because the following lot codes tested positive through analysis by the State of Colorado Department of Agriculture:
  • BESTBY20APR2014DEN
  • BESTBY01JUN2014DEN
  • BESTBY23JUN2014DEN
  • BESTBY23SEP2014DEN
No illnesses have been reported to date in animals or humans in connection with this problem.

What to Do?

Consumers are urged to return the recalled product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Those with questions may contact Kasel Associated Industries at 1-800-218-4417 Monday thru Friday from 7am to 5pm MDT.
You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

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Friday, September 21, 2012

September 21, 2012 - Optional Pet Insurance


September 4th, I blogged about pet insurance versus cost of major surgery. I got busy and searched for some information. This quote (online) is from Trupanion and should only be used as a guideline. Each pet owner must do their own research on such an important issue as pet insurance. At any rate--I FOUND IT INTERESTING AND SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...

Dog Insurance
The unfortunate fact is that one in two pets will experience a major healthcare crisis during its lifetime1. It is more common than ever for dogs to develop cancer, diabetes, hip dysplasia and other major health conditions. But now with advances in veterinary care, injured and sick dogs can all be treated more efficiently and effectively than ever before.
While these heath concerns will always be emotionally draining for the pet owner, the strain is compounded by the financial toll that comes with advanced veterinary care. Dog insurance can help lessen the financial strain felt in these situations by providing coverage for necessary treatments.
Trupanion offers pet insurance for your dog that is simple and easy to use. There are no payout limits and no restrictions on the care required for your dog. Monthly dog insurance premiums are determined by your location, and your dog’s breed and age at time of enrollment.
1Source: Survey: "Trupanion's Use of Addressable Minds," April 2010, conducted for Trupanion pet insurance provider by Onufrey Group LLC

The High Cost of Dog Accidents & Illnesses
Real-Life
Examples
Cost Without
Coverage
Trupanion Would Cover:
 
With a
$0 Deductible
With a
$500 Deductible
With a
$1000 Deductible
 
Ingesting
foreign body
$7,552
$6,797
$6,347
$5,897
 
Vomiting &
diarrhea
$1,767
$1,590
$1,140
$690
 
Broken leg
$3,856
$3,470
$3,030
$2,570
 
Ear infection
$4,253
$3,828
$3,378
$2,928
 
Diabetes
$8,550
$7,695
$7,245
$6,795
 


Deductible Information NONE
Edit Pet Age/Breed  - COCKER SPANIEL
 3 YEARS OLD

$28.08/mo

Your core policy includes:
·         Accidents
·         Illnesses
·         Hereditary1 Conditions
·         Congenital Conditions
·         Diagnostic Tests
·         Surgeries
·         Medications
·         Hospital Stays
·         Veterinary Supplements

What is not covered?
·         Routine care
·         Veterinary exam fees
·         Pre-existing conditions
·         Applicable sales tax
No Lifetime Limit
Trupanion has no limits per claim, per incident, or per year and no lifetime payout limit. Our pet insurance covers all diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if your pet becomes sick or injured. This includes hereditary and congenital disorders, and chronic or recurring conditions.