HCAH Pet Blog

Thunderstorm Anxiety and Noise Phobia

Laura Serio DVM — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:35:48 +0000

J.D. feeling confident in his ThundershirtMy little dog J.D. was 2 years old when he developed a fear of thunderstorms. I don’t know what happened, but I woke up during a storm one night to find him trembling and panting. Let me tell you, it just got worse from there. During storms (also fireworks by the way), he became destructive. He has torn up sheetrock and a dryer vent hose. He would hide under the bed, in the tub or in my laundry basket and dig (who knows where he was digging to). No amount of coddling or consoling would help. But now, with the help of training and a lot of medication, he can remain relatively quiet during a storm. Although most dogs aren’t this bad, I hope that this article can help you and your pet survive all that Alabama weather brings.

What causes thunderstorm anxiety and/or noise phobia?
In about 30% of cases, these fears can be linked to a traumatic experience, like being left outside during a storm. Perhaps it is a lack of habituation (or experiencing) loud noises early in life. There are a lot of theories but we still aren’t sure of the cause in most cases.
Do cats have these same anxieties?
Absolutely. However, most cats will just run away and hide when they are frightened or anxious so the anxiety isn’t reported to vets as often.

How do I know if my pet has these anxieties?
While it is very evident in those dogs that are destructive and jumpy (like my dog), many dogs exhibit much more subtle symptoms. These can include trembling, panting, inability to relax or seeking owner attention.

How can I treat this anxiety?
Just like in people with anxiety issues, helping your dog overcome their fears takes some time and work. By using a combination of training, medication and environment modification, we can treat rather than just manage these fears. I refer mainly to storm anxiety but these methods also work for any noise phobia.

Training/ Behavioral Modification:
This is the most important step to help your dog. Basically, we are trying to teach your dog that storms are not a bad thing. In fact, you can actually help them associate storms with a positive experience. This is done using desensitization and counter-conditioning (DSCC).   I will explain this training in my next blog entry.

Medication:
Before starting any medication, consult with your veterinarian. Historically, Acepromazine (Ace) has been used for storms. We now know that Ace does nothing to lessen your dog’s anxiety. It simply “paralyzes” them so they can’t react in the same way. Imagine being in a room of spiders and being unable to move, but still being mentally aware that you are terrified of spiders. This drug can actually worsen storm anxiety. The most effective drugs are those that decrease anxiety (like Xanax, Valium, and Trazadone). These drugs should be given at least 30 minutes BEFORE the storm starts because they don't work as well if given during the storm. So spend a lot of time watching the weather. Xanax, Valium etc are called “event drugs” and are only used before a fearful event. Some dogs have such severe anxiety that they may require daily medication, like Reconcile, during storm season.

Environmental Modification:
The best place for your dog during a storm is where he feels secure. If your dog has selected a hiding place already, don’t try to forcibly remove him. This can result in an aggressive response. Try to create a “safe haven”. Close the blinds or go into a windowless room to lessen the effect of lightning. Use white noise (like an exhaust fan) or music to muffle the sound of thunder. Try to distract your pet. Play with their favorite toys, play new games or practice obedience commands using awesome treats.

Other therapies:
DAP (Dog appeasing pheromone) This comes in sprays, diffusers and collars. Pheromones create a chemical cue to signal an animal to be calm.
Thundershirt®- This anxiety wrap is thought to work like swaddling a baby.
Storm Defender Cape®- It is believed that some dogs are sensitive to ionic changes in the atmosphere. This cape has a thin metal lining to help repel ionic charges. Some evidence suggests that this may be a better option for dogs that hide in the bathroom or near plumbing.

What not to do:
The most important thing to remember is that your pet can not control their anxiety and punishment should NEVER be used. This can actually make anxiety worse and even lead to aggression. Although it might seem difficult, do not encourage or fuss over your pet. Avoid cuddling, stroking or saying “it’s okay.” Your attention can actually reinforce your pets behavior. You don’t have to ignore them, just ignore the fearful and anxious behavior and focus on playtime or obedience. Try to stay calm yourself. Our pets do feed off of our emotions, so by remaining calm, you can help your pet.

Prevention:
Start early. Expose your puppy or kitten to noises that are not too intense at an early age and don’t make a big deal out of it. Offer great toys or treats during this time so they can associate noise/ storms with a positive experience.

References:
Horwitz, D and Mills, D (2009) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine . BSAVA, Gloucester.

Horwitz D and Neilson J (2007) Canine and Feline Behavior. Blackwell, Ames, Iowa.

The impossible task of picking a pet food made simple.

Valerie Hurst, LVT — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:41:43 +0000

When you are looking for a pet food what makes you pick a bag, can or other item off the shelf? When faced with all of the media, types of food and suggestions from people on what food items to feed, it can be an overwhelming task of picking the correct food for your pet. When trying to pick a diet remember that every animal has individual dietary needs and if the diet does not work for your pet then it may be time for a switch.

Step 1: Pet’s dietary needs can change depending on

Life stage- Puppy, Adult, Senior

Health- Overweight, Arthritis, Dental problems or any other specific health issues

Lifestyle- Indoor, Outdoor, Working, etc

AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) considers the pet food package a legal document but does not regulate any other form of information about the food. In laymen terms this means that anything on the internet or any other form of advertisement is not regulated by anyone.

Step 2: Reading the product name

The name of the food can tell you a little about what is in it.

100% Chicken means it contains >95%

Chicken Dinner, Platter, Formula, Recipe, Entrée will contain 25%-95%

With Chicken 3%-24%

Chicken Flavor <3%

If the name has Gravy or Jelly then it has >78% water

If you are looking for a lower calorie option then stick with foods that are labeled lite or light. AAFCO has set standards for how many kcals a food can have and the ones that are too high must use other names.

Step 3: Guaranteed Analysis

When looking at this keep in mind moisture content and that while the nutrients are listed it does not state the quality.

Moisture is present in all forms of pet food but the higher percentage can also alter the percentage of other nutrients listed.

Step 4: The AAFCO Statement

This statement will allow you to figure out what life stage the diet is intended for and if a feeding trail has been done.

A "formulated" statement means the product has been manufactured according to AFFCO nutritional guidelines, but not actually fed to cats or dogs prior to sale.

A "tested" statement indicates the product has been formulated, and then fed to dogs or cats prior to sale to ensure it meets important criteria related to growth, maintenance, and/or reproduction.

Veterinary-exclusive products include statements such as, "This product is intended for intermittent feeding only" and "Use only as directed by your veterinarian."

These web sites will help you by telling you how many calories are in each 8oz cup of food.

http://www.petobesityprevention.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Cat_Dry_Food.pdf

http://www.petobesityprevention.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Dog_Dry_Foods.pdf

These web sites will help you figure out why all of the ingredients are in your food and will help you understand AAFCO better.

http://www.iams.com/pet-health/cat-article/reading-labels-read-between-the-lines

http://www.petfood.aafco.org/

http://www.hillspet.com/natures-best/canine-check-the-label.html

http://www.petfood.aafco.org/IngredientsMakingPetFood.aspx

If you have questions about which food is best for your pet, please talk with your veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician. We want your pet to get the best nutrition because what your pet eats significantly affects his/her health and life expectancy.

How To Care For Your Senior Pet

Erin Brown DVM — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:31:21 +0000

Dr. Brown's old man Reggie with his supplements and reading material.“Aging is not a disease, but it is associated with a variety of diseases.” This statement really emphasizes the importance of preventative care and monitoring in our senior patients. Dogs and cats over the age of 7 years are considered “senior citizens”. When they approach 10 years old, we think of them as “geriatrics”. These precious babies will require additional care and routine monitoring to identify underlying diseases, and begin treatment at an early stage. Here is my list on some of the most important things you can do for you senior pet:

Pain Management and Rehabilitation: Pets can get arthritis, muscle loss, weakness, and joint pain just like humans as they age. Unfortunately, they can’t tell us where and how much it hurts. Animals are also very good at masking the severity of their pain. This is why radiographs (x-rays) are so vital for our diagnosis. They allow us to visualize the exact areas and severity of pain. We are then able to taylor a pain management and rehabilitation plan for your pet. It is important to identify the problem and start treatment before muscle wasting occurs. We need those muscles strong to support the ailing joints. Treatment may include pain medications, rehabilitation exercises, weight loss, hydrotherapy, and stretching.

Weight Management: I cannot emphasize how important it is to have your senior pet at a healthy weight. Weight loss is a major factor in arthritis associated pain. A combination of calorie restriction and physiotherapy has shown to be effective. A healthy weight is also very beneficial organ health, especially the heart.

Nutrition: Senior pets require a greater nutritional demand of vitamins, minerals and energy. This doesn’t necessarily mean switching your pet over to a “senior” formulation. What I consider more important is having your pet on a high quality dog food, with an AAFCO statement. This is a diet most commonly purchased at a veterinarian’s office or high quality pet food stores. There are several great “senior” diets available, but consult your veterinarian prior to diet change to ensure there are no health risks. If your animal has an underlying disease, your veterinarian may want them on a prescription diet.

PREVENT! PREVENT! PREVENT!: I cannot express how important it is to do blood monitoring at least once a year, and to perform preventative dental care. It is better for your pet’s health, and less expensive, to diagnose a disease in it’s early stages than when your pet is critical. Having blood monitoring done every 6-12 months will allow us to monitor internal health, and identify changes. Having dental cleanings at least once yearly will decrease the amount of infection in your pet, than can lead to systemic infection.

Doing all of the things above may seem like an investment...well it is. Animals are an investment from the moment we decide to bring them home. They unconditionally love us, and provide us with happier and healthier lives. In return, we need to show them love and care throughout all stages of their lives. Animals trust us to provide what they need, and rely on us to ensure they are healthy. If you have a senior pet, or your pet is on the verge of the “the change”, please contact your veterinarian to start discussing their individual needs.

Tomlinson, Julia. Rehabilitation and Pain Management as Aging Wellness Strategies.
More Than Senior Care: Keeping Your Patients Healthy for Longer. 2012 NAVC Symposium Proceedings. Orlando, Florida. Page 4-7.

Bellows, Jan. What Your Clients Should Know About Preventative Dental Care. More Than Senior Care: Keeping Your Patients Healthy for Longer. 2012 NAVC Symposium Proceedings. Orlando, Florida. Page 8-15.

Freeman, Lisa, and Cailin R. Heinze. Should You Recommend Senior Diets? (And What to Expect if You Do). More Than Senior Care: Keeping Your Patients Healthy for Longer. 2012 NAVC Symposium Proceedings. Orlando, Florida. Page 13-15.

Ten People Foods That are Toxic to Pets

Laura Serio DVM — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:10:21 +0000

JD was a great modelYou’re just sitting down to a lovely family dinner. You glance down and see Fido looking at you with those big, brown eyes. Or you notice that your child hasn’t eaten all his dinner. Well just feed it to the dog, or cat, right? As a part of our family, we want our pets to enjoy everything we do. And a little bite here and there won’t hurt, will it? Well it might. Here are ten human foods that could be toxic to your pet.

1. Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine: These products all contain methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death. Baking chocolate is the most dangerous, while white chocolate is the least toxic.
2. Grapes and Raisins: We don’t know the exact substance that is toxic, but grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure. We also don’t know how much needs to be ingested to cause problems, so just don’t feed these to your pet.
3. Onions, Garlic, and Chives: Besides causing gastrointestinal irritation, these foods can damage red blood cells and cause a very serious anemia. Some of these products are found in very small amounts in pet foods and treats and will likely not cause a problem but avoid large amounts (like in your leftover Chinese food).
4. Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is found in sugarfree gums, candies and even in toothpaste and can lead to liver failure. Symptoms can include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. This can progress to seizures.
5. Macadamia Nuts: Found in cookies and candies, these can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia.
6. Avocado: The leaves, seeds, fruit and bark all contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In birds and rodents, avocadoes can cause heart and respiratory problems and even be fatal.
7. Yeast Dough: Dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract. This can be very painful and even lead to rupture. The risk of problems is decreased as the dough is cooked so small bites of bread are safer for pets.
8. Raw Meat, Eggs, and Bones: Raw meat can contain bacteria like Salmonella and E.coli that can be dangerous for pets and humans. Raw eggs can prevent the absorption of a certain B vitamin and lead to skin and coat problems. Raw bones can present a choking hazard. These bones can also splinter and even puncture the gastrointestinal tract.
9. Milk and Milk Products: Our pets are basically lactose-intolerant. They lack enough of the enzyme that is needed to breakdown lactose in milk and this can cause diarrhea and other digestive upset.
10. Salt: A large amount of salty treats can cause excess thirst and then excess urination. Too much salt can also be toxic to the brain. Symptoms of excess salt ingestion can include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors or even seizures.

Now, just because a food isn’t on this list, that doesn’t mean it is automatically safe to feed your fuzzy friend. Any human food has the potential to cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis. Also, by feeding mostly human food, your pet may not be getting all of the vitamins and minerals that they need. Your pet should get at least 95% of their daily calories from a well balanced, high quality dog or cat food. I’ve said it before and I will say it again…never underestimate your pet’s ability to find or reach things that they shouldn’t. I have seen little dogs get food off of kitchen counters (perhaps with the help of the cat) and I have watched dogs and cats open pantry doors and kitchen cabinets. Always be mindful of what your pet could get into if unsupervised.

If your pet ingests any of these foods, please contact your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately. The ASPCA poison hotline number is 1-888-426-4435. Additional information about potentially harmful substances can be found at www.aspca.org.

Feb. is Dental Health Month 4 of 4

Valerie Hurst, LVT — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:33:08 +0000

Maintaining that toothy smile-The secrets to at home dental care

Your pet’s dental care is more important to his or her health than you may think. Without daily dental care the combination of saliva, food particles, and bacteria form a build-up of tartar on your pet’s teeth. Healthy teeth and gums help prevent the bacteria from getting into his or her bloodstream. Unfortunately bacteria traveling through your pet’s bloodstream can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver.

There are three levels of home care: Best, Better and Good

Best- Brushing

Just as with your teeth, nothing beats brushing. The fibers of the toothbrush are able to reach between teeth and under the gums to pick out tiny deposits of food.

What do you need?
Toothpaste (no people products please), Toothbrush, some patience and time.

Products:
C.E.T.^® Enzymatic Toothpaste: Specially formulated to help stop plaque from forming, this safe-to-swallow toothpaste is available in tasty poultry, malt, and vanilla-mint flavors.

How often should you brush?
Daily is ideal but three times a week has been shown to adequately maintain oral health.

Better: Rinses and water additives

C.E.T. AQUADENT^® Drinking Water Additive

For use as a daily drinking water additive for dogs and cats to help fight plaque and freshen breath.

Helps maintain oral hygiene, prevent plaque accumulation, and freshens breath when used along with a regular home dental care program for cats and dogs.
In studies involving 28 mixed-breed dogs, all cases showed significant reduction in dental bleeding and halitosis and marked improvement in gingival health.¹
Study showed approximately 50% reduction in plaque and calculus accumulation in cats drinking water treated with xylitol, an active ingredient in C.E.T. AQUADENT^® Drinking Water Additive.²
Easy to use—pet owners simply add 2 teaspoons to a quart of pet’s drinking water every day to provide clinically tested dental care every time a pet drinks.

C.E.T.^® Oral Hygiene Rinse

Contains chlorhexidine gluconate, cetylpyridinium chloride, and zinc as active ingredients in an oral rinse formulation for use in cats and dogs to help fight plaque, maintain oral health, and freshen breath fast.

Delivers antibacterial action and superior plaque prevention in a soothing, refreshing solution that quickly covers and rinses the entire mouth.
- Unique combined formulation of chlorhexidine gluconate and zinc produces well-known antiseptic activity.
Effective in helping maintain oral health and fighting plaque when used daily with or without brushing. Ideal for cat and dog owners who either can’t or won’t brush their pet’s teeth.
Freshens breath fast with cetylpyridinium chloride.

Where can you find these products?
Your local veterinary clinic or hospital will carry CET products.

Good: Chews and food

Food
Most of your pet food brands will have a food line for dental health and if needed there are prescription diets that can be found at your veterinarian’s office.

Hills Science Diet T/D, Purina DH and Royal Canin all have special prescription diets that help to prevent plaque build up and promote healthy gums.

Chews
C.E.T.^® VEGGIEDENT^® Chews: These tasty vegetable-based chews have a patent-pending, easy-to-hold “Z” shape, and a tough, chewy consistency that dogs love.

C.E.T.^® HEXTRA^® Premium Chews: Combines chewy rawhide and the proven antiseptic power of chlorhexidine to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

C.E.T.^® Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews: Made from select beefhide, these chews control plaque and are basted with a great poultry flavor that dogs love.

C.E.T.^® HEXTRA^® Premium Chews for Cats: Novel formulation of HEXTRA^® Premium Chews works with the cat’s chewing action to help reduce plaque and loosen calculus. This chew is ideally sized for cats and provides natural abrasive cleansing action in a tasty fish flavor.

Dental Chewz™ Purina have been formulated to reduce the build up of tarter, have high protein, be low in fat and be highly palatable.

GREENIES® Veterinary Formula Canine Dental Chews contain GREENIES most powerful teeth-cleaning formula ever. Dogs’ teeth sink far into the grooves and valleys to scrub away plaque and tartar, freshens breath and promote healthier gums by up to 80%.

Talk with your veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician to formulate a plan that suits your pet’s needs and fits into your schedule. The effort you put in to dental care at home will reap health benefits for your pet and financial savings for you.

http://www.virbacpets.com/Home-USA.aspx

http://www.petdental.com

http://products.royalcanin.us/products/dog-food/mini-dental-hygiene-24.aspx

Feb. is Dental Health Month 3 of 4

Erin Brown DVM — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:40:56 +0000

Dental Cleanings: No your vet isn’t joking when they recommend one…pet’s teeth need love too!!!
Your vet tells you your pet needs a dental cleaning, and you think it’s a joke, right? Well you may want to pay attention!!! If you read our previous blogs, you are well aware that periodontal disease can have systemic effects on dogs. This is why dental cleanings are so important to your pet’s health.

Dental cleaning (also known as dental prophy) is routine cleaning of the teeth, just like we have performed at our dentist’s office. It involves that following steps:

General exam prior to anesthesia
Oral exam under anesthesia
Calculus removal
Subgingival (under the gum) scaling, root planning, and curettage if needed
Tooth polishing
Fluoride treatment
Post dental exam
Extractions or endodontic therapy if needed

Why does my dog have to be under anesthesia? This is an excellent question. Anesthesia is vital to perform an adequate dental prophy. The portion of the tooth we see is only the tip of an iceberg. What lies under the gums is so much more important. Anesthesia provides immobilization to clean under the gum, provide pain control, and allows us to place a tube into the trachea, so bacteria can not enter respiratory system. Dental cleanings performed awake can cause more damage to the teeth than was present before the dog actually had a cleaning!!! We all know anesthesia has its risks, but we take every precaution to minimize those risks. Preanesthetic bloodwork is run to evaluate the vital organs, our licensed veterinary technicians monitor anesthesia during the procedure, IV fluids are run to maintain blood pressure and provide IV access.
If you think about it logically, having a dental cleaning done once yearly will mean your dog is under anesthesia for shorter period of time, reduced risk of major extractions, and less cost associated with the procedure. If you wait until the teeth are at a Stage 3-4, there is more likely going to be extractions, longer anesthesia time, and the cost will be substantially more. I recommend starting dentals at 1 year of age….let’s keep them looking great!!!

What is the cost of a dental cleaning? Unfortunately, it is not possible to give an estimate until the animal is under anesthesia, and the teeth are individually evaluated. We can give you an initial base price during exam. Once we know if further treatment will be required, we will call you and discuss the associated costs.

Bellows, Jan DVM, DipAVDC. The Dental Care Series: Toothbrushing and Dental Prophylaxis in Cats and Dogs. 2002. www.vin.com.

Feb. is Dental Health Month 2 of 4

Erin Brown DVM — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:19:31 +0000

Staging of Periodontal Disease: Where Does Your Pet Stand??
There are four different stages of dental disease, and depending on what stage your pet is at, tooth loss can be a factor.

Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gums are red and swollen, with mild tartar starting to form. Dental cleaning and at home care can reverse the inflammation. Remember, we want the teeth and gums to never leave this stage.

Stage 2: Early Periodontitis
This is the early stage of periodontal disease, where gums are starting to recede (gingival recession). Bacteria are starting to form a layer of film on the teeth. Tartar and gingivitis will be present. You may also notice halitosis (bad breath). Dental cleaning and at home care can help to stop the progression, and are vital at this stage.

Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
Plaque is moderate to severe, gums are continuing to recede, and bone loss has increased to 25-50%. This is leaving sensitive parts of the tooth exposed. Halitosis will be strong, and you may notice blood on chew toys. A dental prophy is vital, and tooth extractions may be needed. Cleaning and at home care will help to save teeth that are left.

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis
Bone loss around the teeth is significant and greater than 50%. This can leave the jaw weak and more susceptible to fracture. The gums may bleed easily, and your pet’s mouth may become too painful to eat. Bacterial infection is severe, and has the potential to spread via the blood stream to vital organs. Halitosis will be very noticeable. Tooth extractions will be more likely, and higher in number. It is very important to not let your pet’s teeth reach this stage.

For questions on what stage your pet is at, schedule your free dental exam with our licensed veterinary technician at Hampton Cove Animal Hospital.

February is Pet Dental Health Month Part 1 of 4

Valerie Hurst, LVT — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:18:07 +0000

Periodontal disease: The cause of stinky kisses from our furry friends.

What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease starts with plaque. Plaque is a layer of bacteria and yeast that colonize the teeth. The layer of bacteria (also called a biofilm) mixes with calcium, causing tartar. The tartar provides a rough surface for more plaque to accumulate. Calculus is what we can visually see building up on the teeth. The plaque on the gingiva will creep down under the gums (gingiva) forming pockets, which can break down the attachment of the tooth to the bone. This will cause the tooth to become mobile, bacteria can enter bloodstream, abscesses around the roots, and most importantly…pain. In summary, periodontal disease is inflammation of bone, gingiva, and ligaments attaching tooth to bone. Gingivitis is only inflammation of the gums, and proceeds periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream. There are proven associations between periodontal disease and systemic organ abnormalities. Good oral health is beneficial in any treatment of systemic disease. Certain diseases and breeds can be predisposed to periodontal disease. Examples include dogs or cats with FIV, feline leukemia virus, Cushing’s Disease, Hypothyroidism, and immune mediated diseases. Toy breeds (poodle, yorkies, Chihuahuas, etc) are more prone to periodontal disease. These animals may require multiple cleanings per year, and more aggressive at home care. As your pet’s dental disease advances anorexia, choric infections, and behavioral changes will be noticed.

To find out where your pet stands with their dental issues, please schedule a dental exam. Hampton Cove Animal Hospital is offering free dental exams with our licensed veterinary technicians. Please schedule your appointment today.

How much should my pet eat?

Valerie Hurst, LVT — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:18:47 +0000

When starting a healthy weight loss plan you first need to figure out how much your pet needs to lose. This info can be obtained by asking your local veterinarian or licensed technician. The second step is to decide how many calories your pet needs and how much food/treats you can give each day.

So how do you determine how many calories a day your pet needs?

For a dog, the following formula can be a baseline for figuring out about how many calories a day your dog needs. Body weight in pounds divided by 2.2 (this will change pounds into kilograms) multiply by 30 then add 70 = the amount of calories needed daily for a healthy adult dog.

For a cat, the formula is similar to dogs. Body weight in pounds divided by 2.2 multiply by 30 = the amount of calories needed daily for a healthy adult cat.

After you find out about how many calories your pet needs per day, you can calculate how much to food to feed them based on the numbers on the back of your pets food bag. Pet foods should list calorie content in the same way that human foods do.

When weight loss is the goal, remember to use your pet’s ideal weight rather than current weight when calculating calories needed each day.

For more information on food guidelines please contact us at 256-533-3385, info@covepets.com or leave a comment below.

Leptospirosis: Where’s it lurking?

Erin Brown DVM — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:54:23 +0000

Leptospirosis is a disease that can be life threatening and fatal to your pet…and you! Leptospirosis is a disease caused by spiral shaped bacteria called leptospires. Leptospires are spread through infected urine, which can be in water or soil especially floodwaters. You and/or your pet become infected when the bacteria finds its way through skin, eyes, nose, and mouth. Your pet may have been swimming, drinking, or walking through contaminated water. Rats and wildlife can also serve as a source of infection to you or your pet. Residential areas, including Hampton Cove, are being built on previous rural or swamp lands, which can harbor infected soil or animals. The CDC has monitored occurrence in people, and 1/3 of cases come from contact with infected dogs, and another 1/3 come from contact with infected mice/rats, usually through field work.

Clinical signs of leptospirosis can vary, and some pets do not have symptoms. Common signs include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, inappetance, weakness, lethargy, stiffness, and muscle pain. If left untreated, the bacteria will settle in the kidneys causing kidney failure. Blood testing is available if you believe your animal may have contacted this bacteria.

Leptospirosis can be treated, if caught early. Treatment includes fluid therapy and antibiotics. More importantly, there is a vaccine available to prevent or limit the severity of infection. I highly recommend this vaccination to dogs who hunt or swim, and are exposed to wildlife, standing water, and rats. This is not only to protect your four legged companion, but also to protect you and your family.

Prevention is the key to not being infected with leptospirosis. The following precautions are highly recommended:

Get your pet vaccinated against leptospirosis.
Always wash your hands after handling your pet, or anything with your pet’s urine on it.
Wear gloves when cleaning urine if you have cuts, abrasions or are otherwise immunocompromised.
Keep rodent problems under control.
Clean surfaces that have come in contact with urine with antibacterial cleaning solution, or solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
Wear gloves when gardening or handling soil.
If you or your pet have cuts or skin abrasions, and are coming in contact with water, protect and cover the skin.

Leptospirosis and Your Pet: A CDC Fact Sheet. (Reviewed/Revised 2008). Retrieved Jan 2012 from www.vin.com.

Brooks, Wendy DVM, DipABVP. (2011). Leptospirosis. Retrieved Jan 2012 from www.vin.com. .