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A Lean, Mean Running Machine
Obesity is becoming a real problem for pets like it is for us, but Road Runner the cat is taking steps to stay in shape. Check this out……
Is Your Pet Into Working Out?
Pets require a regular fitness regimen to keep them on the road to good health, so make an appointment with your pet’s health.
Experts tend to agree that 30 minutes a day, four times a week, is enough exercise for a dog. However, just like it is for humans, a daily workout would be better. For cats, experts suggest 15 minutes of exercise each day to stay healthy. However, two 15 minute sessions for indoor cats are optimal.
Some ideas for the dog set include playing fetch with your pooch. Go for a long walk or jog. Play a wild game of chase. If your dog is a water-lover, go for a swim! Have fun! Whatever game you can drum up that will get your dog’s heart pounding is great!
Cats tend to engage in social play, such as romping, wrestling, and chasing. Or, they get into object play, such as stalking, pouncing, or chasing an object around the house. When it comes to exercising your cat, focus on the object play.
Some objects that make great fitness props include feather toys, furry toy mice, toy balls on slick floors, catnip toys, or even laser toys. (Just make sure not to beam the laser into the cat’s eyes!)
Are there some great benefits to all of this? Pets who experience regular exercise tend to act out less frequently. They will gain social skills through the constant interaction with you. You will bond with your pet. Above all, the health of your pet will be improved and he/she can most likely live a longer, healthier, and happier life!
Vinegar-Natural Solution of All Sorts of Things
I received my January 2012 issue of Whole Dog Journal the other day and found a great article about vinegar, the apple cider variety in particular, and how many different ways it can be put to use. Following are some of the suggestions from the article:
- If your dog is suffering with fleas, spray, pour or dab apple cider vinegar on him, being sure to avoid eyes, nose and mouth. Work it into his coat and leave on for a few minutes, then bathe him with a gentle shampoo.
- To reduce dander, try massaging full strength cider vinegar into his coat before bathing him.
- Did you know vinegar can help with muscle sprains, abrasions, or sore paw pads? Apply apple cider vinegar to the affected area with cotton or a sponge and reapply as needed.
- Some people give their dog a daily dose of cider vinegar and have reported very positive results such as elimination of tear stains, reduced amount of fleas, and increased mobility in older dogs. The recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon per 50 pounds of body weight. Experiment to be sure your dog doesn’t suffer side effects, if so, discontinue the daily dosage.
- Vinegar is great for deodorizing and refreshing pet bedding. Spray bedding with vinegar prior to washing or add to laundry once in washer.
These are just a few of the many uses for this natural ingredient. For more information, check out The Vinegar Institute website, versatilevinegar.org or the Whole Dog Journal, January, 2012 “Sour Greats”.
Five Tests Your Senior Cat Needs
Last week, I was talking to someone that was lamenting the cost of taking her two senior cats to the vet for wellness check-ups.
Like us, as cats age health problems can creep up more often. It’s better to take the preventative approach, though, versus dealing with an illness once it’s taken hold.
A cat is typically considered a senior at 8-10 years of age. Once a cat becomes a senior, it’s best to take him for check-ups every six months. Following are five tests your senior cat needs during his check-up:
- Blood chemistry profile
- Complete blood count
- Thyroid test
- Urinalysis
- Blood pressure check
It’s not unusual for these tests to cost hundreds of dollars, but there are financing options available. I’ve used CareCredit several times to cover pet medical expenses and it’s been a lifesaver for me!
Check their site, carecredit.com to see if your vet office is a member. If they are, application for a card is easy. Once you have an account, present your card at the time vet services are provided, and you can get interest-free financing if charges are paid off within the predefined timeframe.
Addison’s Disease In Dogs-Part 3 of 4
The previous posts in this series covered symptoms and tests used to diagnose Addison’s in dogs, this week is dedicated to monitoring treatment.
Once a dog begins treatment for Addison’s, regular blood tests are needed to monitor electrolyte levels. Depending on the meds your dog is taking, blood tests may be done as often as weekly initially, then taper off once the electrolyte level reaches normal level. Once the dog is stabilized, follow-up blood work may only be 2-4 times a year.
If a dog’s behavior or energy level seems off, it may mean his electrolyte level is out of line and should be checked. Dehydration or elevated potassium level can indicate the med dosage is too low. A rise in potassium level can cause a slow heart rate, while low potassium levels may cause severe muscle weakness. If you observe either of these with your pet, consult your vet and he/she will determine if med levels need to be adjusted.
Cortisol levels aren’t monitored by blood tests, but by observing the dog’s behavior. Signs to watch for that may indicate the med dosage is too high include: panting, hair loss, and excessive thirst and urination. Signs that the glucocorticoid med level may be too low include: lack of energy or appetite, vomiting or diarrhea.
It may take a while to find the right dosage for your dog. If your dog was stabilized, but now you’re observing any of the symptoms above, consult with your vet immediately to determine what med changes may be necessary to get your dog back on the right track and feeling his best!
Source: Whole Dog Journal, October 2011
Pay Attention to Subtle Signs
Jessie
Yesterday, when Jessie was laying down I heard her yelp. I thought maybe Marty had done something to upset her, so I stopped what I was doing for a bit and sat down on the couch with her.
She got up and when she moved a certain direction she yelped again. No Marty in sight, so I knew something wasn’t right. I figured I would wait until today, see if it got any better….or worse. She was okay eating breakfast, ok on our walk, but then when she was circling to lay down she yelped again.
At that point I called to schedule a vet appointment. Good thing I did, the vet, after reviewing x-rays said he was surprised she could walk. This was very upsetting for me to hear. He went on to say it was good I got her in when I did, by doing so I may very possibly have prevented permanent damage to her back. Failure to act promptly in a case like Jessie’s could very possibly mean back surgery.
Turns out she has a couple of inflamed vertebrae that are pressing on her spinal chord, the pressing is the source of pain that was causing her to cry out. She’s going to be getting a series of anti-inflammatory meds via IV that will hopefully reduce the inflammation, and subsequently reduce her pain.
I’m sharing this story to encourage you to pay close attention to subtle changes in your pet’s behavior that could signal a serious problem. Prompt attention could mean the difference in a speedy recovery vs. a long, painful and probably very expensive course of treatment.
The Devil is in the Details
Yesterday, my dog Jessie yelped when I petted her around her face. I thought maybe there was something wrong in her ear, but when I felt around her ear she didn’t flinch. Today when I petted her she did it again. I felt around her face and ears and found the problem….she had a swollen saliva gland, a problem she had about six months ago.
Luckily, this problem was pretty easily solved by draining the saliva pocket and giving antibiotics for a few days. Jessie was eating and doing everything she usually does, even though the problem was pretty uncomfortable for her.
Our pets are good at hiding pain, so it’s important to pay close attention to any small indications that something may be wrong. Jessie’s case was not life threatening, but some pets aren’t that lucky.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any swelling or lumps that appear suddenly or seem to be growing. Your pet’s health may depend on your attention to detail.
It’s A Big Step Up
I’m doing a pet sit right now for three dogs: a 10 year old Rottweiler, a 9 year old Chow Mix, and a 5 month old Yorkie. The Rottweiler doesn’t get around so well now, she has arthritis and takes Rimadyl twice a day.
The house they live in is mostly hardwood floors with a few area rugs. The Rottie has a favorite couch she likes to sleep on, but now hesitates to get up because she has trouble jumping due to the arthritis.
For older dogs or cats that have mobility issues, there are a variety of pet steps available to help them. If your dog likes to go for car rides but has trouble climbing into your vehicle, ramps are available to assist them in getting in.
Many pet supply stores carry orthopedic beds in a variety of sizes to make dogs or cats with arthritis more comfortable when laying down.
It’s no fun for a pet to suffer with arthritis, but there are some tools available to help them take life a little easier. Check them out, your pet will thank you!
Product images from Petsmart.com
You’re Making Me Sick!
I was approached today with a question about whether a sick human could pass their cold or flu to their dog. Although there is a flu virus that’s been identified for canines, but because the makeup of the virus is so different, it is not possible for it to be passed between humans and dogs.
Zoonotic diseases, however, are able to be passed from animals to humans. Some common diseases that can be transmitted include: Cat scratch fever, ringworm, rabies and toxoplasmosis. Most zoonotic diseases do not pose a serious threat in the United States.
It is possible for any animal to acquire a zoonotic disease, but those posing the greatest risk are: outdoor pets, pets whose immune system is comprised, poorly groomed animals and animals that are housed in unsanitary conditions. People with immune disorders, on chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy may be at increased risk of infection.
Practicing good hygiene and keeping your pet current on grooming and vaccines will help keep you both healthy in the days to come.
Petplace.com was used as a reference for this post
What Causes Cancer in Pets?
The majority of pet cancer cases occur in middle aged and older pets, with Cats having a higher incidence of cancer than dogs. Following are some feline cancer facts:
- 32% of all cats over 10 years of age will die from cancer
- 10% of all feline tumors are found in the mouth
- 25% of all feline cancers are skin cancers, with 50-65% being malignant
So what are common causes of cancer in pets?
- Carcinogens, such as ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and cigarettes are known causes of cancer in pets. Secondhand cigarette smoke increases the risk of lung cancer in cats and dogs.
- The feline leukemia virus also causes several types of cancer.
- Herbicides have been associated with bladder cancer in pets.
- Genetics- Some specific dog breeds are known to be genetically more susceptible to certain types of cancer. Retrievers, Boxers, and Cocker Spaniels are prone to lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes), while larger breeds such as the Rottweiler are susceptible to osteosarcoma (bone cancer).
- Previous injuries in cats and dogs are occasionally suspect in cancer cases. Some veterinarians believe bone cancers may develop at the site of a previous injury.
Frequent home exams can often help with early cancer detection. Regular vet visits, minimum once a year, are also necessary as a means of early cancer detection. If you do see any changes in your pet, however, don’t wait until the annual exam to have them checked out, early detection is essential to help the treatment be successful.
Dog Owner’s Home Vet Handbook and Cat Owner’s Home Vet Handbook used as reference for this posting
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