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

• K9 Advantix II 
• Frontline Plus
• Advantage II
• Revolution
• Fleas4X  

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...

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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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

Scarlett O'Hara
$28.08

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.

September 4, 2012 - PET SURGERY versus PET INSURANCE

Facebook is always filled with the pros and cons of being a pet owner. They go from one extreme to the next...There are the Michael Vick's in this world, along with the careless, unloving owners who abuse their animals. I occasionally see pets I think look lost or feel helpless. The newspapers are full of pets being set on fire, beaten, or beaten to death. I frankly cannot stand to watch the ARL commercials on television because I would run right out and take them home with me. People can be ignorant about the REAL responsibilities of being a pet owner.

Now let's talk about the other extreme...veterinary bills, food, treats, bathing supplies, haircuts, etc., etc., etc. Miss Scarlett is not what we consider to be an inexpensive pet. She has a nervous tummy so she has to have a special diet purchased only through a veterinary clinic. She has long and luxurious ears that never seem to get enough air to them.That makes her prone for ear infection; of which we are struggling with right now. I made a trip to Ashworth Road Veterinary Animal Hospital, where Jessica had medication ready for me to begin treatment.

In addition, Miss Scarlett is a sophisticated Cocker Spaniel and requires a "special haircut." Her groomer, LuAnn, at PetSmart is the only person we allow to touch a hair on her head. They have a special bond and LuAnn is so, so very good to her. That means leave her a nice tip to show our appreciation. And don't forget the cost of vaccinations, boarding if you are going to be going on vacation and cannot take your pet, dog tags, trainer, and anything else I might have missed.

Here are the 10 most expensive surgeries (ranked by frequency) that cost pet owners more than thousands of dollars in the year 2010...YIKES! You need to ask yourself: "What am I willing to spend on my pet"?

Torn Knee Ligament/Cartilage	$1,578
Intestinal – Foreign Object	$1,967
Stomach – Foreign Object	$1,502
Intervertebral Disc Disease	$3,282
Stomach Torsion/Bloat	$2,509
Broken Leg (Plate)	$1,586
Laryngeal Paralysis	$2,042
Tumor of the Throat	$1,677
Ear Canal Surgery – Ablation	$1,285
Ruptured Bile Duct	$2,245

So now let's talk about pet insurance...how expensive is it and where do I go to find it? I would begin with your insurance representative you use for your car or home--if they carry it, and can write a policy, add it to your "Bundled Insurance"--who knows, they might even give you a discount.

August 26, 2012 - CLEAN HOUSE--SICK DOG?

It's just amazing how easily a house or apartment can get dirty when you have pets. They really have a way of turning a spick-and-span home into a disaster area seemingly overnight. I was discussing this the other day with one of my staff members. She has two small dogs and a cat, and she was astonished at how quickly her home got dirty. “I cleaned my entire house from top to bottom on Thursday night,“ she sighed, “and when my friends came over on Sunday morning there were already paw prints all over the floor and drool on the windows. It just never ends!”

I had to chuckle a little because I knew exactly what she meant. Even little dogs can make a big mess! And when you are a caring dog lover (as I know that you are), you only want what's safe for your dog.  Let me ask you a question...when choosing a cleaning product for your home, how frequently do you consider how it might affect your dog's health?

If your answer is “never,” I'm going to encourage you to start thinking about that today.

Many commercial cleaning products - and I'm talking about some of the top brands at your grocery store - are loaded with chemicals that can be hazardous to your dog's health.

These potentially toxic ingredients may be a threat to your health, but they also can affect your dog. And your dog's body is far more sensitive than most people realize. A dog's sensitive body systems are irritated by a much smaller amount of chemicals than human systems are. A few spritzes of cleaner might make your nose run, and it might also bother your dog - but the effects are worse, and they happen faster. Chemicals build up in your and your pet's body over time too. A dose of chemicals that might take years to impact your health might affect your pet's health in only months.

Many toxic chemicals are easily absorbed through skin, paws, and the lungs. When your dog walks on the floor, licks a wall or window, or sniffs a carpet, any chemicals present can find their way into your pet's body with ease.

How can you tell what's safe and what's not? Unfortunately there's not an easy answer, but I'm going to give you a handy clue.

The secret's in the label. Manufacturers are not required to list potentially dangerous ingredients on product labels.  Doing so is purely voluntary. For example, most popular cleaning products tells you what the "active" ingredient is, but the remaining 98.8% - the "other stuff" - aren't listed! Besides, who would want to buy a product that said it contained all kinds of harsh cleaners which could potentially harm their pet or family?

Now, here's the tip I promised to give you which will guide you through this tricky situation...

Although most cleaning products won't list inactive ingredients, they do have to contain a warning label if it contains ingredients which are proven to be hazardous.

The labels will use "signal" words like "Danger", "Warning", or "Caution" to indicate just how toxic the product is. Products labeled "Danger" or "Poison" are typically the most hazardous. Those labeled "Warning" are moderately hazardous and those with a "Caution" label are considered slightly toxic.

For the safety of your dog and other pets (and children, of course), choose products that are nontoxic enough to not require ANY of the signal words on the label. That's the only way you can be assured that your pet won't be poisoned through skin or paw contact, or through their tongue or lungs.

If you've been looking for something that's safe to use around pets and really gets the job done, there's a great line of products you need to know about. It is called Earthpawz.

 

 

August 1, 2012 -- Does Music Actually Soothe Pets?

I ran across this article in my Inbox today and thought it might be a good time to revisit our thoughts on this...we are always in such a rush to get here--get there...but what about our pet? I've read articles about pets that eat the kitchen cabinets, and dismantle blinds and leave all kinds of messes for their owner to come home to. Take some time and give this "good thought" about a music CD playing to relieve their anxiety...just sayin

Pet anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways. We love our pets, so of course we worry about their health and safety. We don't want to see them upset or stressed out, especially when we can do something about 
 
Some pet owners have said that your pets become upset when they are left home alone for any period of time. That's a common problem - in fact, it's so common that it even has a name: “separation anxiety.” Others have mentioned their dogs' anxiety or carsickness when traveling in the car. Some pets become very anxious when they are in unfamiliar surroundings like kennels and vet's offices. And some actually throw up or chew away areas of their hair and skin during thunderstorms, or when they hear loud noises like fireworks. When they are stressed, many dogs are likely to hide and not be found. Some dogs get so scared that they simply run for cover, which in turn leads to YOUR anxiety about finding your dog.

I've heard of lots of creative ways to ease your pets' stress, like leaving the TV or radio on for "company" when they are home alone. Unfortunately, that could actually be doing more harm than good. Studies have suggested that TV and radio can actually CREATE stress for our pets because of the drastic changes in programming and the random mix of musical styles. Think about it—how scared would you be if you suddenly heard gunshots, sirens, or dogs barking? The TV and radio certainly create "noise," but they don't necessarily create a relaxed environment.

Dog owners sometime ask me, “Does music soothe pets the same way it can relax people?" The answer is "yes" - but it depends on the music.

Music Eases Pet Anxiety - But Not Just ANY Music Will Do

Maybe you've heard the old saying that “music soothes the savage beast.” While this might conjure up images of tigers with iPods, the truth is that music really CAN calm animals down. Really!

Studies have been done to examine the relationship between music and stress, and some of the results might surprise you. Classical harp music is used around the world to help alleviate stress in dogs, cats, chimpanzees and other animals. Even animal shelters are installing sound systems and using music to create a more serene environment. In particular, studies show that dogs and cats seem to show lower levels of stress when exposed to classical music. Cats will relax in front of the speakers when classical music is playing, and many dogs will actually bark less - especially when listening to the music of Bach.

Many pets respond favorably to classical music under stress-inducing situations, often slipping into a very serene and peaceful state of mind after only a few minutes of listening. But all classical music will not have the same calming effect. For the music to soothe a pet, it must have a soothing dynamic from start to finish and transition calmly between pieces- which is not the case with most "off-the-shelf" classical music.

That's why I want to tell you about the Music My Pet CD.

This remarkable "Classic Cuts" CD was developed for the specific purpose of calming our pets. It uses the sounds that have been proven to calm dogs, cats and other household pets. Music My Pet was created by the same folks that brought you Disney's award-winning Baby Einstein series for kids, so this is music for pets at its very best.

I think this CD is amazing!


Acclaimed producer/composer/performer Tom Nazziola is the man behind the musical genius of Music My Pet. By researching the latest studies on pet anxiety, he identified the sounds, chords and harmonies that had the best effects on pets (and on us). Then he used these elements to re-orchestrate popular classical music by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and other esteemed composers. Nazziola has optimized each arrangement for the soothing dynamic that's so important. The result is a calming collection of beautiful classical music that will help ease your pet's stress.

When your pets are left at home alone, this musical CD can provide them with a more comforting environment. Not only will it help calm your pets, it will also ease your troubled mind. When you must leave your pets home alone, this CD will create a serene atmosphere for them while you're gone.

But you don't need to just use it at home. One pet owner whose dog gets carsick on long road trips has had great results by playing the Music My Pet CD in the car. One of my staff members plays it before visitors come over and she has said that it results in much less barking, jumping, and rough playing.

Want to try it out?  Click here to listen to a sample track from the CD.

The Music My Pet CD can help your pets cope with nervousness, stress and separation anxiety, and provide the healthy relaxation they need. Give it a try. It could do your pets a world of good.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon


P.S.  My staff and I were so impressed by this CD that we wanted to make it available for all our PetPlace.com subscribers. You'll pay just $13.99 with this special offer from PetProductAdvisor.com, but supplies are limited so act now. To learn more, just go to: www.petproductadvisor.com/musicmypet

P.P.S.  If this crazy world has you stressed out, the Music My Pet "Classic Cuts" CD will also help you relax. Just take a listen and see for yourself.

Compliments of