Does Your Pet Show Signs of Separation Anxiety? Tips On How To Calm Your Pet

It's inevitable that you will need to leave your pup home alone. Some pets handle this well while others react with anxiety, fear and plain-old boredom when they have been left behind. What’s a loving pet owner to do? Veterinarian Katherine Miller of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers her advice.

Understand doggy nature
Dogs are a social species and evolve with packs. They bond very strongly with their human companions. The more strongly bonded the dog is and the less experience he or she has being left alone, the more stressful it will be.

“Leaving domestic dogs home alone all day is a really modern situation,” says Dr. Miller. “Typically, they had things to do, because they were following people around or working on farms. They aren’t evolved to deal with what to do with themselves when they’re alone.”

Teach pets to entertain themselves
Too often, people shower new pets with attention, giving the pup days on end of constant interaction. When the daily grind goes back to normal, the dog is left wondering where his playmate went.

When settling a new pet into your home, it’s essential to get the animal acclimated to being alone for increasingly longer time periods so they can to cope with the separation. Give the pet toys to play with, especially ones to chew on, so he or she is less likely to nibble your favorite slippers.

Crate-train to start
It’s important that your pet be content in a small space such as a crate, just in case you need to confine the animal for their own safety.

“You want your dog to earn house privileges and show he can be trusted,” says Dr. Miller. If you give the dog the run of the house right away, he or she is much more likely to get into things.

Wear the pet out
If the pet is going to be alone all day with little stimulation, make sure it has plenty of stimulation before you go. Go for a long walk or jog or play outside so the pet is thoroughly pooped — even if it means an early morning for you.

“If he’s not well exercised, he’ll get bored and get into stuff,” says Dr. Miller.

Stick to the routine
Dr. Miller’s dog has had the same schedule since puppy hood and they have never had a problem.

“In the mornings, we go out for a run, then she’s confined in the kitchen where she gets a toy that has a treat inside,” Dr. Miller says. “Later, the dog walker comes and she gets let out, and treated to another toy that I’ve filled with wet food and frozen.”

Bottom line: Being consistent is key.

Follow the 8-hour rule
Dr. Miller recommends not leaving your pet alone for more than eight hours. You may need someone come let the dog out in the middle of the day or figure out another way for your pup to have a break.

“It’s more humane for a dog’s well-being, not to mention their bladder and bowels,” she says.

And when you’re home for the evening, set aside some time for your pooch to exercise and socialize so they aren't pining for attention while you’re away.

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What You Should Know About Online Pet Medication Scams

What you don’t know about the Internet could make your dog sick and you broke.

Last year, Americans spent nearly $56 billion on their pets — an all-time high — and are expected to spend $60 billion this year . Plenty of that went to veterinary care, which includes prescription medication, as well as over-the-counter meds. In aggregate, Americans spend more than $14 billion a year at the vet and more than $13 billion on supplies and over-the-counter medication. This means that some pet owners must shell out hundreds, even thousands, for medications for their pets each year.

Thanks in part to these high costs, more pet owners are turning online for their pet’s medication. “Consumers realize that pets often require medicine that is absurdly expensive when compared to the human drug equivalent, because of the veterinary markup over wholesale and dispensing fees charged at many vet offices,” says Laura Nativo, pet expert from Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family” show. “With the growing number of Internet pharmacies, savvy pet parents realize that shopping online can amount to lower prices, added convenience.”

But that convenience and cost savings can come with a serious downside: the risk of scams. SiteJabber , a website where customers can review online businesses, has seen a 60% year-over-year increase in the number of consumer complaints over businesses selling pet medications online. “It’s one of the fastest-growing areas of complaints on the site,” says Jeremy Gin, the founder of SiteJabber.

SiteJabber analyzed more than 1,000 consumer complaints about online pet medication companies to determine the most-complained about issues. Here are three.

1. Automatic shipments that won’t stop (and you keep paying for)
More than 15% of the customer complaints about online pet medication businesses involved auto-shipments, according to the SiteJabber analysis. Here’s what often happens: A pet owner sets up an auto-shipment of certain medications because her pet has a recurring condition that needs regular medication. But when she tries to cancel the auto-shipments, she finds it nearly impossible to do so — and keeps getting charged for medications she no longer needs.

What consumers can do: Gin recommends that right after consumers call the pet med company to cancel auto-payment of their medications, they also call their credit card company to let them know that they should not authorize any more automatic payments from that company.

2. Shipments that take forever — or never come
One in five pet owners who bought pet medication online complained about pet medication shipments that took far longer than promised or never even came, the SiteJabber data revealed. This may be a particularly acute problem if you order from a company based abroad, as customs may be an issue, he says.

Not only is this annoying, but it can be harmful to your pet’s health if they aren’t getting the medication they need.

What consumers can do: Have a backup pharmacy in town that you know will have the medication (call to make sure they have it in stock) — even if it will cost more, says Gin. That’s because even if you call the company to confirm the delivery date of your medication — or even if they have a guaranteed delivery date — the company may still not get it to you on time. To try to get your money back if they don’t deliver when promised, request it both in writing and verbally; that may not work though, in which case, you may have to go through your credit card company, says Gin.

3. Fake pharmacies that send fake medications
“Many online pharmacies are not safe,” says Amber Anderson, a veterinarian based in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.; and indeed, of the 420 online pet pharmacies reviewed on SiteJabber, more than one in three were identified as non-legitimate pharmacies, meaning that they likely violated laws or regulations around the sale of drugs. These pharmacies may give you medication that isn’t what you asked for (and thus does not help your pet), sugar pills or other fake pills, diluted versions of the medication, medication with additives that may be bad for your pet, and more.

What consumers can do: Consumers need to verify that the pharmacy they are using is legitimate, and because there are so many that aren’t, this isn’t an easy process. The FDA recommends that you only order from a website that is designated Vet-VIPPS, which stands for the Veterinary-Verified
Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites; this is given by the National Association of

Boards of Pharmacy to online pet med pharmacies who comply with NABP’s criteria, including licensing and inspection requirements, quality and validity of prescription orders. Gin says that you should make sure the site is verified by LegitScripts.com, and Nativo recommends looking at online TopConsumerReviews.com as well as searching for the company online and through social media to see what other customers are saying.

Steve McFarland, the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Los Angeles and Silicon Valley, says that you should also ask your vet how to get less expensive medication that is safe or ask friends for referrals. And Nativo says she likes sites like PetCareRx.com , DrsFosterSmith.com and even Costco.com .

Finally, “many online pharmacies touting too-good-to-be true advertising such as ‘Discount pet drugs! No RX required!’ are not regulated, but may seem legitimate, which causes unfair confusion for consumers,” says Nativo. “Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is — and saving money is not worth potentially short changing your pet’s wellness.”

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Just Like People, Dogs Can be Allergic to a Wide Range of Things - Does Your Dog Have Allergies?

The most widespread allergy symptom that dogs manifest is scratching. Because constant scratching can result in open sores, raised welts, and even loss of hair, dog owners have to be careful when it comes to feeding and exposing their pets. Dog owners have to educate themselves about the symptoms and treatment options of dog allergy in order to keep their best friend as comfortable as possible.

Understanding the Basics

There are several types of allergies: the airborne, food, flea, and contact. All dogs are prone to one or a combination of these allergies. It usually affects them when they are a couple years of age; though some cases report that even dogs as young as five months have already suffered from it. Dogs that have been affected by allergies frequently suffer all throughout their lives, and the symptoms usually become worse as they age.

Common Allergy Symptoms
You should suspect your dog is having allergies if he relentlessly:

1.     Scratches his ears
2.     Licks or chews his feet or other parts of body
3.     Rubs his face against the floor or furniture
4.     Sneezes or has a runny nose
5.     Vomits or has diarrhea
6.     Coughs or wheezes
7.     Has a rash, pimples, bumps, or open sores
8.     Has a reddish hair discoloration on the paws or between his toes
9.     Has red or watery eyes
10.   Has ear infections

Diagnosing Dog Allergies

Once you suspect your dog is suffering from allergies, you should immediately see your vet. Veterinarians will oftentimes make a preliminary diagnosis as well as treatment plan based on several data. These include the season of the year when the dog manifest the most allergy symptoms, the specific body locations that are found to be the most itchy, and the response of the itches to particular medications such as shampoos, steroids, and antihistamines.

If the initial treatment plan does not offer your dog relief, your vet will likely recommend a more specific allergy testing. This procedure is commonly done either by taking a blood test or by performing intra-dermal skin testing. The blood tests are reliable for airborne allergy detection, but not as good when it comes to identifying food or contact allergies. Skin tests, nonetheless, are considered to be more accurate as it involves shaving a small patch of hair on the dog’s side, and then injecting a minimal amount of allergens underneath his skin.

Just like people, dogs can be allergic to a wide range of things like pollen and grasses, certain foods, even cats! Working closely with your vet to diagnose an allergy and treat it will make your dog much more comfortable.

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5 Common Health Problems That All Chinchilla Owners Should Be Familiar With

Chinchillas are rodents that are generally hardy pets. However, they do commonly develop a handful of problems that all chinchilla owners should be familiar with. If chinchilla owners are educated about conditions their pets potentially could develop, they can recognize abnormal signs in their animals and have them treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible to improve the chances of recovery. Common illnesses in chinchillas include:


Dental Disease
Chinchillas have open-rooted or continuously growing teeth that grow 2-3 inches per year. In the wild, they eat rough, coarse grasses that help keep these continuously growing teeth worn down. Many pet chinchillas are fed excessive amounts of dry, crumbly pellets, rather than fibrous hay, and as a result, they don’t chew enough and their teeth don’t wear down properly as they grow. In addition, their top and bottom teeth must meet properly to help wear them down as they grow.

A condition called malocclusion occurs when the teeth don’t align properly, so that the teeth surfaces hit each other inside the mouth. Once the teeth grow so long that they hit, there is no room for them to grow longer, and they become impacted in the gums and jaw bone (like wisdom teeth in people). Both the front (incisor) teeth and back (molar) teeth can become impacted — a very painful condition when the chinchilla tries to chew. Overgrown, sharp edges may form along teeth surfaces, leading to cuts on the tongue, cheek, or lips. The roots of overgrown teeth may become infected and abscessed. The chinchilla may have difficulty eating, lose weight, drool, and paw at its mouth. If an owner sees a chinchilla exhibiting any of these signs, the animal should be examined by a veterinarian right away so that treatment may be started.

A chinchilla-savvy vet should perform a thorough oral examination and take x-rays of the animal’s head to assess the teeth roots. If the teeth are overgrown and impacted but not infected, the pet should be started on a softer, easier-to-chew diet (such as shredded veggies and chopped hay), or syringe-fed a liquid diet if it cannot chew at all. It should also be given liquid anti-inflammatory medication.

If x-rays show infected teeth roots, the infected teeth must be surgically extracted under anesthesia. Prognosis for chinchillas with dental disease is better when the animal is treated early on, before they become weak and thin. In general, however, dental problems in chinchillas are recurrent and lifelong.

Ringworm
Chinchillas are common carriers of ringworm — a fungal (not a parasite or worm) skin infection that causes hair loss and crusty, scaly skin, and which is transmissible to people and other pets. Skin on the ears, face, and legs is commonly affected; however, chinchillas have very dense fur and can carry microscopic ringworm spores on their thick haircoat without actually showing any signs. Owners who notice dry, flaky skin or patches of hair loss on their pets should have them examined by a veterinarian immediately. A veterinarian can diagnose ringworm by culturing the affected skin in special fungal culture media or by having a veterinary laboratory run DNA tests on the hair to see whether fungus is present.

Treatment involves thorough clean-up of all areas in which the chinchilla has been in contact to ensure that no infectious hair is left behind that could re-infect the affected animal, other animals, or people. Mildly affected animals can be treated with topical prescription medications applied to the areas of infected skin. More severely affected animals may require long-term treatment with oral prescription medications, as well.

Fur Issues
Chinchillas commonly develop two conditions that involve their fur. First, fur chewing in chinchillas is a common behavioral problem in which they chew on their own or their cage mates’ fur so that the haircoat looks patchy. Hair growing back into the chewed regions may be shorter and darker than the original fur.

Chewing occurs most often over the back and tail but can occur anywhere on the body. Theories about why chinchillas do this include stress, hormone imbalances, dietary deficiencies, underlying dental problems, boredom, the presence of other (parasitic or fungal) skin infections, and a genetic predisposition. The most widely accepted explanation is that fur chewing is a displacement behavior in response to environmental stress, such as from an overcrowded cage, the presence of aggressive cage mates or other predatory pets (such as cats and dogs), too frequent handling, or other anxiety-inducing circumstances.

A veterinarian can diagnose fur chewing by performing a thorough physical examination and skin tests to eliminate the presence of infections such as ringworm. Proper diet must be assured, too, to rule-out dietary deficiencies. The cause of fur chewing may be difficult to pinpoint; treatment may include elimination of possible stressors by providing a larger cage, handling the pet less often, removing other pets or aggressive cage mates, and ensuring a proper diet. Offering other, more appropriate things to chew on, such as hay and wooden toys, also may help.

The second common fur issue that occurs in chinchillas is fur slip. Fur slip is another name for the release of a large patch of fur in response to being grabbed or handled roughly.

Wild chinchillas have developed this mechanism to escape predators when they are captured. They release big clumps of hair to get out of a predator’s mouth when the predator grabs them. With normal shedding, chinchillas lose small amounts of fur gradually from all over their bodies as hair ages, falls out, and is replaced by new hair growing underneath. This process is gradual, so that obvious bald spots aren’t visible. With fur slip, however, a traumatic event precedes the hair loss, a large amount of hair comes off all at once, and a clean, smooth, bald patch is left behind.

Short, stubbly hairs may grow back in the bald patch within a few weeks after fur slip occurs, but return to a full, thick, normal coat may take up to several months.

Owners can prevent fur slip from happening by never grabbing the animal directly by the fur or skin and by always supporting the pet’s body from underneath the chest, abdomen, and hind end. Also, owners should never allow other naturally predatory pets, such as cats and dogs, near their chinchillas. These other pets may be good-natured and well-intentioned in carrying the chinchilla in their mouths to play with it, but may actually cause fur slip or worse injuries.

Heat Stroke
Wild chinchillas live in the Andean Mountains where it is cold; they have developed a thick fur coat to keep them warm in a cool climate. But as pets, chinchillas are very susceptible to overheating. They function best at environmental temperatures ranging from 55-70°F and should never be exposed to temperatures above 80°F. They also don’t do well with high humidity.

During the summer, or in warm climates, they should be kept indoors in air conditioned, dry areas, and they should never be exposed to direct sunlight without access to shade.

A chinchilla suffering from heatstroke appears weak and may be collapsed; it will need to be treated by a veterinarian immediately to cool it off with fluids injected beneath the skin, a sponge bath, and direct air flow from a fan.

Chinchillas with heatstroke must be treated as soon as possible or they risk stroke, organ failure, brain injury, and even death.

Gastrointestinal Problems
Gastrointestinal (GI) problems in chinchillas occur secondarily to other systemic illnesses and to other conditions that cause stress or pain. Chinchillas with GI disease may have decreased appetite, lethargy, decreased to no stool production, diarrhea, prolapsed (sticking outside the anus) rectal tissue, and a bloated, gas-filled belly. Several causes of GI disease in chinchillas exist, including sudden diet change, feeding excessive amounts of carbohydrates (typically chinchilla pellets) or vegetables, a reaction to treatment with antibiotics, GI parasite infection, and overgrowth of abnormal intestinal bacteria or yeast. Chinchillas with any of these signs should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

A veterinarian performing a diagnostic work-up for GI disease in a chinchilla might do a stool examination for parasites, abdominal x-rays, bacterial culture of stool, blood testing, and abdominal ultrasound. Once the veterinarian determines the cause of the chinchilla’s GI signs, in addition to specific treatment of the underlying cause, he or she can provide general supportive care for GI disease, including subcutaneous fluid administration, syringe feeding, pain relief, treatment with antibiotics and/or anti-yeast medications, and gas-relieving agents, as indicated.

Emergency surgery may be warranted in cases where a chinchilla is severely bloated or has ingested a foreign object that is obstructing the passage of food through the intestinal tract, but animals with these conditions are usually extremely debilitated and are poor surgical candidates. Rectal prolapse, often associated with GI parasites and overgrowth of abnormal GI bacteria or yeast, generally requires surgery.

A simple annual veterinary check-up helps keep chinchilla owners up-to-date about preventative medical care. Owners who are educated about common illnesses in their pets generally have healthier, happier, longer-lived animals with a better quality of life.

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A Woman Found a Baby Raccoon and Took it Into Her Home: 21 People Were Exposed to Rabies

Fort Collins, Colorado  — A baby raccoon that tested positive for rabies in Weld County, Colorado came into contact with 21 people before being tested.

A woman found the raccoon on her property and took it into her home after it was abandoned by its mother, according to a news release.

The raccoon was frequently held and would climb and lick the exposed individuals, Weld County health communications supervisor Rachel Freeman said.

Everyone who was exposed has already begun post-exposure treatment, the release stated.

“It is very important that people not touch or go near wild animals," Mark Wallace, Weld County health department executive director, said.

How to prevent being exposed to rabies:

• Don't touch, feed or handle wild animals and be cautious around stray dogs and cats.

• Leave orphaned animals alone. Baby animals often appear to be orphaned when they are not. The parent animal may not return if people are too close.

• If you find a wild animal that appears to be sick, injured, or orphaned, contact your local animal control or a local veterinary clinic.

• Do not feed, touch or handle wild animals and be cautious of stray dogs and cats.

• Have dogs, cats, horses and livestock vaccinated regularly by a licensed veterinarian.

• Keep food inside. Feed pets inside and do not feed wild animals.

• Spay or neuter your pets to reduce the number of stray animals.

If you think you have been exposed to rabies, contact your doctor immediately. Rabies is almost always fatal if left untreated, but medicine is available if treatment is started before symptoms appear, according to a news release.

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6 Places to Look for Ticks on Your Dog

Tick season is upon us, and these bloodsucking pests are showing up all over the place. Tick prevention should be taken seriously, and not just because these arachnids make many people squeamish — ticks actually carry quite a few deadly diseases. Some of these diseases are lifelong, with no cure, so being diligent in checking for and removing ticks is important. As always, talk with your veterinarian before using any medication geared toward preventing ticks. But if you’re going to do some searching for ticks on your dog yourself, here are some places you may forget to look.

1. Inside of Ears
Ticks sit themselves on tall grasses and shrubs, waiting for your dog to walk by, so they can attach themselves to him. Dogs are often curious creatures, sticking their heads into everything, so it’s not uncommon for ticks to find their way into a dog's ears. Since most ticks start out very small, it can be difficult to spot them when they first climb onto your dog. With so many crevices and hiding places, the ears make a perfect home for a hungry tick. When checking your dog, make sure to look deep into the ear, because the ticks can get attached and go unnoticed for a long time. If your dog is shaking and scratching at his ear, it’s a sure sign that something is off, and you’ll want to take a look.

To read more on this story, click here: 6 Places to Look for Ticks on Your Dog








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Cat Symptom Checker: Match Your Cat’s Symptoms to Health Conditions

Cats can get sick all the time with many of the same ailments as pet parents. However, symptoms for cats can be much different than they are for humans. Our cat symptom checker is a great way to figure out what may be wrong with your feline friend.

When cats become sick, they can’t tell us with words. Instead, cat parents need to be vigilant, keeping an eye out for any symptoms that could point to illness. It also helps to stay ahead of the curve by giving them preventative medication like Advantage Multi for cats. This useful chart breaks down cat symptoms by area of the body, then tells you what each symptom could mean. 

Our cat symptom checker is a good place to get started identifying what could be wrong with your cat, but always contact your veterinarian for final diagnosis and treatment solutions.

To read more on this story, click here: Cat Symptom Checker: Match Your Cat’s Symptoms to Health Conditions



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Vets Warn Dog Owners About High Car Boots

If you fancy taking your dog out for a lengthy walk in the countryside, rather than your local park or surrounding area, then having a car with a big boot can be hugely beneficial.

This includes 4x4s, which offer lots of room for your pooch, while also being able to cross tricky rural terrain.

But veterinary experts are warning dog owners who use such vehicles to not let their pet jump down from the boot as it may cause injury, a new study reveals.

The scientists behind the experiment, from Hartpury University Centre in Gloucester, concluded that a ramp should be set up from the boot to the ground instead. Dogs should walk down the ramp so as not to damage their legs from the impact of a jump.

To read more on this story, click here: Vets Warn Dog Owners About High Car Boots



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Your Dog’s Nose: Do You Know The Difference Between a Cold, Wet Nose and a Dry, Warm Nose

You might have heard that feeling a dog's nose can tell you about his health. Can a dog's health really be determined by the temperature and moisture of the nose? Does a cold and wet nose mean a dog is healthy? Is a warm and dry nose a sign of illness?

Here's the truth: The temperature or moisture of a dog's nose is not necessarily a good indicator of anything. A healthy dog may have a warm or dry nose while a sick dog could still have a cold, wet nose.

Your Dog's Nose
Dogs keep their noses cold and wet by licking. The moisture on the nose helps intensify scents and give dogs the ability to determine which directions smells are coming from.

It is normal for a dog that has just woken up to have a dry nose. This is simply because the dog was not licking his nose in his sleep.

Sometimes, a dog's dry or warm nose will accompany other signs of illness, such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and more. These symptoms are reason enough to call your vet, regardless of how your dog's nose feels.

Why Do People Think The Dog's Nose Matters?
The "dog nose" myth has been around for ages, sometimes putting dog owners in a panic. How did it begin? Like many myths, the origin of this one is not certain. However, some experts think it may have started at a time when the deadly virus called canine distemper was common. One symptom of advanced distemper is hyperkeratosis (thickening) of the nose and footpads.

Back when distemper was more widespread, a cool, wet nose was considered a good sign that the dog did not have distemper. While canine distemper still occurs, it is far less common today thanks to vaccines.

What if My Dog Is Actually Sick?
All of this being said, you should not ignore any signs of sickness in your dog.

If you notice your dog's nose feels unusually hot, it's probably a good idea to check his temperature. Call your vet if your dog has a fever or is showing any other concerning symptoms.

There are some medical conditions that can affect a dog's nose, causing it to appear abnormal. Some are more major than others. Pemphigus foliaceous is a serious dermatological condition that can cause a dog's nose to become very dry and cracked. Sometimes, a dog's nose can be affected by allergies, potentially causing dryness and cracking, though to a less serious extent. Be aware that dogs can get sunburn, something that will affect the nose. There can also be pigment changes to your dog's nose, many of which are harmless. However, you should not ignore obvious changes to your dog's nose. Cracks, crusts, or sores on your dog's nose should be checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible. In addition, you should also contact your vet if your dog has nasal discharge, sneezing or wheezing.

The bottom line: If your dog's nose happens to be dry or warm but otherwise looks normal, don't panic. However, you should contact your veterinarian right away if something does not seem right with your dog.


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After Dogs Die Eating Packaged Dog Bone Treats, Government Warns Dog Owners About Their Dangers

Our dogs are like our family members and if something ever happened to them we’d be devastated. That’s why the Food and Drug Administration is warning dog owners not to buy bone treats after 15 dogs died from them.

“Giving your dog a bone treat might lead to an unexpected trip to your veterinarian, a possible emergency surgery, or even death for your pet,” Carmela Stamper, a veterinarian at the FDA, said according to Business Insider.

The Food and Drug Administration received reports about 15 deaths and 68 reports of dogs who became ill after consuming packaged dog bone treats.

“Veterinarians see many problems related to chewing and ingestion of bones by dogs of all sizes and breeds. Bones can be swallowed whole or they can crack and splinter, leading to choking, vomiting or blockages in the digestive tract,” Spokesperson for the American Veterinary Medical Association Michael San Filippo said. “In extreme cases, splintered bones can perforate a dog’s esophagus, stomach or intestines, which can be fatal without emergency intervention.”

To read more on this story, click here: After Dogs Die Eating Packaged Dog Bone Treats, Government Warns Dog Owners About Their Dangers



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These Store-Bought Bone Treats Could Kill Your Dog, FDA Warns

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning dog owners about store-bought "bone treats," saying they have led to multiple reports of pet illnesses and even death.

In a consumer update, the FDA said they have received nearly 70 reports of pet illnesses related to "bone treats." The illnesses reported by owners and veterinarians include: 

Gastrointestinal obstruction (blockage in the digestive tract)
Choking
Cuts and wounds in the mouth or on the tonsils
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Bleeding from the rectum
Death. Approximately fifteen dogs reportedly died after eating a bone treat.


To read more on this story, click here: These Store-Bought Bone Treats Could Kill Your Dog, FDA Warns 



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Does Your Cat Pee Outside of the Litter Box?

If your cat is ditching the litter box and peeing just about everywhere else in the house, it can easily become a problem for pet parents. Between the constant cleaning and the strong smell, a cat that is not using the litter box properly can be a source of frustration. But why do cats pee outside of the box and what can you do about it? Here are some common causes of litter box problems.

Addressing Inappropriate Urination
While it’s understandably upsetting to find cat pee around the house, owners need to recognize that cats aren’t being bad when they “go” outside the box. They are simply behaving in a way that addresses their needs at the time. There are numerous reasons why a cat might pee outside the box, but with a little investigation (and possibly a trip to the vet’s office), you should be able to determine what needs to be done to stop your cat’s inappropriate urination. Here are the top 10 ways to stop your cat from peeing outside the litter box.

Thoroughly Clean Up the Mess
Be sure to thoroughly clean all areas where your cat has peed outside the box. You want to be sure you’ve eliminated the odor, not just for your own sake, but also so the smell doesn’t draw your cat back to that same spot. Use a black light and your nose to identify all the problem areas. If you are dealing with fresh urine, first blot up as much as possible with paper or cloth towels. Next (and for older spots), pick the best cleaning method based on what has been soiled. Hard surfaces can be thoroughly cleaned with your favorite household cleaning solution. Use your washing machine for bedding, towels, etc. Rugs and upholstery are best cleaned with an enzymatic or bacterial cleaner, but make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to maximize their effectiveness.

Define the Problem
When you discover pee where it doesn’t belong, you need to determine whether it is the result of spraying or urination. Cats urinate outside the litter box and spray for different reasons, and they require different types of treatment. When cats spray, they usually stand in front of a vertical surface and squirt a relatively small amount of urine on it. If you are finding a splatter of urine on the wall, your cat is probably spraying. When cats urinate, they usually squat and leave behind a larger amount of urine on a horizontal surface.

Tackle the Problem Quickly
You want to address spraying or urination outside of the litter box quickly, before it becomes normal behavior for your cat. When it comes to spraying, intact male cats are the most notorious offenders. All cats who are not going to be part of a breeding program should be neutered, ideally before puberty. If your neutered cat is spraying, try making him feel more secure in his territory. In a multi-cat household, it may help to provide separate living areas for each cat. If this is not feasible, provide elevated perches, hiding places, and covered escape routes so cats can easily avoid each other. Over-the counter anxiety-relieving products may also help cats who are spraying. If all else fails, your veterinarian can prescribe an anti-anxiety medication like fluoxetine.

Add Additional Litter Boxes
If you’ve determined that your cat is urinating inappropriately rather than spraying, it’s time to take a close look at your litter box. First, how many do you have? One litter box is often just not enough. The general rule of thumb is one box per cat, plus an extra one. Cats can be very picky about using a box that already contains urine or feces, particularly if that urine or feces is not their own. The more litter boxes you have, the more likely your cat is to find one that suits his fancy.

Address Litter Box Location
Think about where you have the litter boxes located. If you have multiple stories in your home, you'll want at least one on each floor. Think about it: if you were on the second floor of your house, would you want to run all the way downstairs to use the bathroom? Neither does your cat. And when litter boxes are too tucked away, say inside cabinets or in the corner of a basement laundry room, cats may not bother to go find them. Making it convenient for your cat to use the litter box will often alleviate problems. Finally, if your cat keeps peeing in the same spot, try placing a litter box over that area, and then slowly moving it to a more appropriate location.

Try a Different Box
An enclosed litter box may fit nicely within your decorating standards and help contain the mess and odor, but your cat may not agree. Enclosed boxes can be small, dark, smelly and difficult to turn around in—not conducive to cats doing their business. You also want to make sure the sides of your litter box are low enough for your cat to easily step over—especially as he reaches old age.

The ideal litter box is large, open, and has low sides or at least one low spot to ease access. It can be difficult to find litter boxes that have these characteristics in pet supply stores, but they are easy to make using plastic under-bed storage boxes.

Clean Your Litter Box Regularly
A filthy litter box is almost guaranteed to send a cat elsewhere to pee. Cats are very clean creatures by nature. Would you want to go walking barefoot through your cat's litter box? Well, if it’s dirty, neither does he. At a minimum, litter boxes should be scooped out once a day and dumped, washed, and refilled every month.

Check the Type of Litter
Heavily perfumed litter may seem the better choice (who wouldn’t want to smell perfume rather than a dirty litter box?), but cats tend to disagree. Their noses are more sensitive than ours, so what seems pleasant to us can be overpowering to them. They also like to stick with the familiar, so a cat may urinate outside the litter box if you suddenly switch to a new type of litter. Studies have shown that among cats, the all-around favorite litter type is an unscented, clumping clay litter containing activated charcoal. If you want to try this (or any) type of litter for the first time, make sure you have at least one box in the house that contains the old type of litter…just in case.

Observe Social Dynamics
Conflicts between multiple cats, or the introduction of a new cat, may cause inappropriate urination. If your cats got into an altercation in or near the litter box, he may choose to avoid the box rather than suffer through a repeat occurrence. Separate the cats for a while to let the tensions fade, and then try gradually reintroducing them. Make sure you have several litter boxes spaced out throughout the house so one cat can’t prevent access to all the boxes at the same time.

Consult Your Veterinarian
If inappropriate urination has become an issue with your cat, the most important thing you can do is make an appointment with your veterinarian. Your cat's doctor will take a complete history and perform a physical exam, urinalysis, and perhaps some other diagnostic tests to determine if the problem is medical rather than behavioral in origin. Urinary tract inflammation, diabetes, and kidney disease are just three of the common health issues that can make cats urinate outside of the litter box. If your cat is given a clean bill of health, your veterinarian can then help you move on to addressing environmental or behavioral issues that may be playing a role.



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Tips on Sharing the Thanksgiving Holiday with Your Dog

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches many of you are wondering if you can give your dog turkey ...Yes, you can!  The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, offering your dog a small piece of boneless, thoroughly cooked turkey, plain mashed potatoes and a smidge of pumpkin pie are not likely to be harmful treats for your dog. Just be sure to avoid giving foods with large amounts of onion or garlic, or any treats sweetened with xylitol, a sweetener that can lower the blood sugar of dogs.

When placing the meat in your dog's bowl, be sure to remove all pieces of bone, and the skin! Just like chicken bones, turkey bones splinter and can cause blockage or perforation of the intestine. Rich, fatty foods such as turkey skin and dark turkey meat are difficult to digest and can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your dog, and in extreme cases, pancreatitis. Dogs and turkey bones aren't a good combination.

Your dog may become agitated with strangers in your home

If you plan on serving Thanksgiving dinner in your home, it’s probably a good idea to give your dog a special chew toy and put him in a secure room. With so many people coming into and out of your house, your dog may become agitated. Dogs don’t like changes in their routine and may not find mingling with strangers to be enjoyable. There’s also a higher risk of your dog escaping to the outside when there’s so much confusion.

Tips:

1. Try to keep all foods pushed toward the back of the counter, prepared and uncooked.

2. Feed your dog in their dog bowl.

3. Keep trash cans either secured with a tight fitting lid, or under a cabinet.

4. Caution your guest on arrival about giving turkey and other table foods to your dog.

5. Once the meal is over, place turkey bones in the garbage and remove the garbage bag from the room. It should immediately be placed in a garbage bin where it can't be accessed by your dog.

6. If you have guests coming into the home around the holidays this poses many dangers to pets.  A child who does not know how to properly interact with your dog may end up the victim of a dog bite incident.

7. As guests enter and exit your home for Thanksgiving dinner this provides an opportunity for your dog to escape.

8. If you think someone gave your dog too much turkey or table food, contact your vet immediately. The same is true if your dog got into the trash and ate something he shouldn't have.

Since most vet offices are closed on holidays including Thanksgiving, you should have an emergency contact number on hand. Most likely, this will be the nearest Pet Emergency Center.

                           Happy Thanksgiving from The Pet Tree House! FOLLOW US!

Tips on Sharing the Thanksgiving Holiday with Your Cat

As the Thanksgiving Holiday approaches many of you are  wondering if you can give your cat turkey….Yes, you can!  The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, offering  your cat little nibbles of a small piece of boneless, thoroughly cooked turkey. Don’t give your cat any thing sweetened with xylitol, While xylitol is toxic and even potentially fatal when ingested by dogs, its effects on cats is unknown.

If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer them raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella  bacteria.

Tips:

1. Do not leave food crumbs on plates and make sure all food items are sealed in containers with lids.

2. Also place candles where cats cannot knock them over. Never leave a cat unattended in a room with lit candles. He will gravitate to them like moths to a porch light.

3. Keep stoves and countertops off-limits to cats. Electric stovetops can be very hot without changing color, and present a serious burn hazard to curious noses and tender feet.

4. You may be tempted to put your cats in the garage to keep them out of the way when your Thanksgiving visitors arrive. This is not a good idea for several reasons. Anti-freeze is both attractive and deadly to cats. Anti-freeze and caustic chemicals stored in the garage spell certain disaster if a cat comes in contact with them. Although it may seem like an attractive idea to keep a normally indoor-outdoor cat in the garage over the winter, please keep them in the house. If you need to keep your indoor-only cats away from the festivities, consider a Safe Room.

5. Keep trash cans either secured with a tight fitting lid, or under a cabinet. Caution your guest on arrival about giving turkey and other table foods to your cat.

6. Once the meal is over, place turkey bones in the garbage and remove the garbage bag from the room. It should immediately be placed in a garbage bin where it can't be accessed by your cat.

7. If you have guests coming into the home around the holidays this poses many dangers to pets.  A child who does not know how to properly interact with your cat, may end up getting scratched.

8. Sage (Salvia species) is considered to be edible in small amounts. However, it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and even central nervous system depression if eaten in large quantities.

9. Cats are sensitive to the effects of essential oils. Keep your cat away from the sage, if  you are cooking with this while preparing your Thanksgiving dinner.

10. As guests enter and exit your home for Thanksgiving dinner this provides an opportunity for your cat to escape. Your cat may become agitated with strangers in your home. To your pet the holidays are a confusing mix of noise, people, strange sights, sounds and smells. Make sure your cat or dog has his own space, either a crate or a separate room, to retreat to when it all becomes overwhelming. You and your pet will be happier for it.

11. If you think someone gave your cat too much turkey or table food, contact your vet immediately. The same is true if your cat got into the trash and ate something he shouldn't have.

Since most vet offices are closed on holidays including Thanksgiving, you should have an emergency contact number on hand. Most likely, this will be the nearest Pet Emergency Center.

For more information on sharing the Thanksgiving Holiday with your cat, visit the websites below:

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Declawed Cat Grows Painful, Spiraling Nail After Owner Amputates Cat’s Knuckles

Paws have claws. That’s one of nature’s laws.

But some cat owners believe that they should get their cats “declawed,” or to have their fingers and toes cut off at the last knuckle. To others, this declawing process is tantamount to mutilation.

Veterinarian Rachel Fuentes posted on Facebook the gruesome aftermath of a cat that had undergone a declawing procedure where part of the nail tissue was left accidentally. Rarely, viable nail tissue gets left behind, and as the nail cannot grow out and become worn down, it can grow in a spiral embedded in the flesh. In this case, the nail burst open the cat’s wrist in a mass almost as big as a ping-pong ball.

To read more on this story, click here: Declawed Cat Grows Painful, Spiraling Nail After Owner Amputates Cat’s Knuckles




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Halloween Dangers to Dogs & Cats

During the week of Halloween, calls to the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline increase by 12 percent, making it the call center’s busiest time of year.   “Each year we experience a sharp increase in calls around Halloween, especially during the weekends surrounding the holiday,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline.

“Most often, these calls involve pets accidentally ingesting Halloween candy or décor. Chocolate is one of the most problematic candies as dogs and cats cannot metabolize it as well as people. Thus, it places them at risk for poisoning.”

The four most common food-related Halloween hazards for pets are chocolate, candy overindulgence, raisins and candy wrappers.

Is chocolate poisonous to dogs?

Of all candy, chocolate is one of the most toxic to pets. Over the past year, more than 1,100 calls to Pet Poison Helpline involved exposure to chocolate and 98 percent of them involved dogs. Many dogs are inherently attracted to the smell and taste of chocolate, making it a significant threat. In general, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more poisonous it is. The chemicals in chocolate that are dangerous to pets, methylxanthines, are similar to caffeine and more heavily concentrated in the darker varieties. In fact, a 50-pound dog can be sickened by ingesting only one ounce of Baker’s chocolate! On the other hand, it may take up to eight ounces, (half a pound) of milk chocolate to cause poisoning in that same sized dog. White chocolate contains very low amounts of methylxanthine and rarely causes poisoning. To avoid issues, keep Halloween candy well out of the reach of pets at all times. If you think your pet may have ingested chocolate, symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, agitation, increased thirst, an elevated heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures.

To read more on this story, click here: Halloween Dangers to Dogs & Cats

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Tips on Caring for Your Pets in the Winter

Depending on where you live, winter is coming…or is already here!

We love our pets as family members, so it is our responsibility to make sure that they are safe and warm in the winter.

Here are some myths/facts about caring for your pets:

Myth: Unlike summertime where a car acts as a greenhouse and can cause harm and even death to pets, a pet is safer in a car during winter months.

Fact: Pets can freeze to death even in a short period of time. Cars act as a refrigerator in cold months. A dog alone in a car, no matter the season, is a target for thieves.

Myth: All ice melts are created equal.

Fact: Not all ice melts are formulated to keep pets safe. Pet-safe ice melts like Morton Safe-T-Pet are salt- and chloride-free, which is safer on pet paws and stomachs. Never use a human grade ice melt, and always sprinkle Safe-T-Pet on sidewalks; do not pile product and risk Fido or Fluffy’s health.

Myth: A dog’s pads protect them from all elements of weather.

Fact: Though a dog’s pads contain much fatty tissue that does not freeze as easily as other tissues, protection against scuffing, scraping, cutting, and ice damage is crucial in winter months. Ice cubes and “snowballing” may occur in the delicate areas between toes and pads. Protective booties or a product like Musher’s Secret, which is used on sledding dogs, can help ease extreme conditions on sensitive pads.

Myth: Dogs do not absorb antifreeze or harmful chemicals on walks through their paws.

Fact: A dog’s pads are more resilient than other parts of his body, but chemicals can be absorbed through them. In turn, chemicals like antifreeze can be licked by dogs and cause severe problems. Wipe dog pads off thoroughly after a walk, perhaps using some warm water and a washcloth to melt any ice balls that may have formed on the feet.

Myth: Coats are for show and really do not keep pets warm in the winter months since animals have a natural fur coat.

Fact: Dogs and cats get cold, particularly short-haired breeds, senior citizens, puppies, and pets with medical conditions. Look for an insulated sweater with a turtleneck, that covers the belly, and that allows for protection from neck to tip of tail.

Myth: Dogs should gain weight in the winter to keep their fat ratio up and stay warm.

Fact: Not always. Though dogs are more sedentary in winter months, gaining weight as a form of insulation is not always advised. Indoor dogs who participate in strenuous activities or winter sports may require additional food in colder months. A recent study from the Association for Pet Obesity revealed that 53 percent of cats and 55 percent of dogs are overweight or obese in the United States. Keep a pet’s heart, organs, and joints healthy and keep an eye on their weight year round.

Myth: Thought a humidifier may help people, it does not do much for our pets during winter heating season.

Fact: Dry air in the home can make pets itchier, cause dry noses, upper respiratory infections, more dander, and dry throats. Consider a humidifier, talk to the veterinarian about skin conditioners and fatty acid supplements for healthy skin.

Myth: Fleas will not affect my pet during the winter months.

Fact: Though fleas may not survive in brutal winter temperatures outside, the warmth of home means fleas gravitate towards indoor comfort where they can affect pets. Using a natural, safer product with no chemicals, and a safe alternative for pest control and prevention during colder months. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions.
  

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Tips to Care for Your Cat After Surgery

Whether it’s a simple spay or neuter or something more serious, here's what should you know about caring for your cat after surgery.

Nearly every pet cat, at some point in his life, undergoes some type of surgical procedure. If you’re lucky, the only procedure your cat will ever need is a spay or a neuter. Unfortunately, our beloved feline friends occasionally require additional surgical intervention, with some of the more common procedures being skin biopsy, tumor removal, bladder stone removal, laceration repair, tooth extraction and pinning or plating of a broken bone.

Once your cat is out of surgery, the recovery process begins. Some surgeries require a period of hospitalization after the operation. Others are outpatient surgeries that allow the cat to be sent home the same day. Most veterinary hospitals provide clients with both written and verbal instructions for post-op home care when the cat is discharged from the hospital. The period immediately following surgery is when most complications occur, so it’s critical to carefully follow your veterinarian’s instructions. Check out these important tips for how to care for your cat after surgery.

To read more on this story, click here: Tips to Care for Your Cat After Surgery

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Veterinarians Warning: Certain Types of Grass Could Be Lethal for Your Dog

There’s nothing more enjoyable than having your dog run free in a field of grass. They love being able to explore areas without being attached to a leash and you, the owner, love watching your best friend being in their happy place.

Especially those fields that have patches of nice, tall grass. They can’t help but explore and sniff out those areas. But I’m sad to say that those grass areas could actually be hiding a silent killer that is pretty common.

According to Goodfullness, there are certain types of grass that could actually be not only harmful to your dog but also lethal. It’s so dangerous that Veterinarians recommend to not allow your dog run freely, at least until you investigate the area completely.

So what kind of grass specifically should you watch out for? It’s called the foxtail grass. It can cause a ton of painful wounds.

Goodfullness notes that the dog’s skin will not only be pierced, but their eyes, feet, stomach are also left in serious danger.

The seed awns are incredibly sharp, almost like a needle that can seriously dig into your pet and leave them with painful wounds.

If you own a poodle or any other dog with long fur, they are the most vulnerable to this type of grass.

Avoiding this kind of grass can be pretty difficult because it can be found just about anywhere. Places like vacant lots and disturbed sites are places that pet owners should beware of.

So how does a pet owner know that their dog has been exposed to the foxtail grass? One symptom is constant sneezing or violent head shakes.

Goodfullness also notes that new skin lumps or the animal pawing at its eyes in an excessive way are another signal.

If you’re planning to take your dog to a field, do a thorough check prior and check for symptoms regularly if they are always playing in the tall grass. If you notice the signs, go to the vet immediately.

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