The most common cause of infection cats and dogs is ear mites, which create a large amount of very dark brown itchy debris. Most ear mite treatments require multiple doses. Veterinarians carry options that are effective in just one – although the ears will need to be cleaned several times. Although cats are the natural host and carriers of ear mites, dogs can be affected too, so all contact pets should be treated.
Dogs, particularly floppy-eared ones, commonly get yeast and bacterial infections in their ears. This is generally an overgrowth of microorganisms that are normally present in low numbers in the ear canal; these are not directly contagious to other animals.
Some other causes of infections in dogs and cats are excess moisture in the ears (swimming, bathing, excessive grooming from another pet), and skin allergies.
Common signs to watch for:
Scratching or rubbing of ears and head
Discharge in the ears
Ear odor
Redness or swelling of the ear canal
Pain and tenderness around the ears
Shaking of the head or tilting the head to one side
Changes in behavior such as irritability and depression
Key points for ear health:
Have your veterinarian show you how to safely clean ears
1 – 2 times per month and after swimming/baths clean your pets’ ears to help prevent infections
Check floppy ears at least once per week for any of the common signs listed above and contact your vet if any of those occur
Only use pet ear cleaners or others as directed by your veterinarian, you may damage the ears with at-home remedies
Check with your veterinarian about medications for ear infections
(Info from the Wellness Food Brand e-newsletter)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
More Pet Holiday Tips
As families all around the country start pulling out their favorite holiday recipes, and shopping lists, and decorations, it’s easy to overlook one hairy detail: the family pets. Between vacationing out-of-town and readying the house for a veritable invasion of friends and family members, it is really no surprise that pets feel left out, but more than that, the general upheaval of the holidays can be a dangerous time for cats and dogs.
Nationally recognized veterinarian Dr. Bernadine Cruz, DVM, and one of the resident veterinarian advisors on MyPetCareTV.com, encourages pet owners everywhere to add “pet safety” to their holiday list and check it twice.
Year-round every room in a house can pose a potential threat to pet health when human foods, cleaning products, insecticides and rodenticides, and medicines meant for people are left out where pets can get into them. During the holidays inattention to things left unattended can double. Everyone is busy, caught up in the celebration of good food and good company: house guests may unwittingly allow the dog into a room he is usually forbidden to go, or feed the cat a “treat” to which he is allergic. The holidays bring out so many more potential hazards to pets than we may think. Pets may ingest tinsel, ribbons, and string, harming their digestion and intestinal tract. Especially harmful is fertilizer used in the water of Christmas tree stands which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
To pass the holidays in celebration, companionship, and good health, Dr. Bernadine Cruz and MyPetCareTV.com offer these tips to add to every pet owner’s list:
· Remind houseguests not to feed the pets human food, especially fatty foods and candy.
· Restrict pets to “safe areas” or outdoors during dinner parties when you are too occupied to watch them.
· If you have not already, install child safety locks on cabinets that contain cleaning supplies, paints, and medicines. Even hand soap and toothpaste can harm dogs and cats.
· Try to give your pet some focused attention each day to keep her or him calm, relaxed, and less likely to misbehave.
· Be sure pets wear identification tags at all times. That includes indoor pets, because with the hustle and bustle of having visitors, pets can wander outside without their owners being aware of their escape.
· To protect curious pets, be sure to keep candles safely out of the reach of paws, whiskers, and tails.
· Pets, especially dogs, tend to eat first and think later. A dangling, shinny tree ornament or holiday table decorations may be more than your pet can ignore. A nibble of a plant can lead to an upset stomach or worse. Decorations can lead to an obstruction in the digestive tract and require a visit to the veterinary emergency room.
Many people include their pets in holiday travel. Dr. Cruz suggests to keep the following tips in mind when traveling with the family pet:
• Pets should always wear identification when traveling indicating their permanent home and where they are visiting. Owners should also have a copy of their pet’s medical records, vaccine history, and a picture of the pet in case they are separated.
• If you are traveling by car with your pet, plan ahead to insure that you can find hotels that accept pets. AAA can usually direct you to these establishments. Be sure to bring your pet’s usual diet and water. You don’t want “traveler’s diarrhea” to put a damper on your road trip.
• If traveling by air, try to get a direct flight. Losing your luggage is one thing, but it could be a disaster if it is your pet. Check the expected temperature of your destination airport. If you need to have your pet travel in the cargo hold, bitterly cold temperatures may not be tolerated by your pet. We have all seen luggage carts stranded on the tarmac or sat in a plane for hours while it is delayed. Your pet could become fatally hypothermic.
• Though you may be welcomed with open arms when you go visit, your pet may not be. If you are staying with friends, make sure your pet is welcome.
• If you are staying at a pet-friendly hotel and you need to leave your pet unattended in your hotel room, place a “do not disturb” sign on the door. You do not want housekeeping to accidentally let your pet out. Be sure your pet is a good neighbor and does not bark excessively. Bring along an extra sheet for your pet to lounge on.
Nationally recognized veterinarian Dr. Bernadine Cruz, DVM, and one of the resident veterinarian advisors on MyPetCareTV.com, encourages pet owners everywhere to add “pet safety” to their holiday list and check it twice.
Year-round every room in a house can pose a potential threat to pet health when human foods, cleaning products, insecticides and rodenticides, and medicines meant for people are left out where pets can get into them. During the holidays inattention to things left unattended can double. Everyone is busy, caught up in the celebration of good food and good company: house guests may unwittingly allow the dog into a room he is usually forbidden to go, or feed the cat a “treat” to which he is allergic. The holidays bring out so many more potential hazards to pets than we may think. Pets may ingest tinsel, ribbons, and string, harming their digestion and intestinal tract. Especially harmful is fertilizer used in the water of Christmas tree stands which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
To pass the holidays in celebration, companionship, and good health, Dr. Bernadine Cruz and MyPetCareTV.com offer these tips to add to every pet owner’s list:
· Remind houseguests not to feed the pets human food, especially fatty foods and candy.
· Restrict pets to “safe areas” or outdoors during dinner parties when you are too occupied to watch them.
· If you have not already, install child safety locks on cabinets that contain cleaning supplies, paints, and medicines. Even hand soap and toothpaste can harm dogs and cats.
· Try to give your pet some focused attention each day to keep her or him calm, relaxed, and less likely to misbehave.
· Be sure pets wear identification tags at all times. That includes indoor pets, because with the hustle and bustle of having visitors, pets can wander outside without their owners being aware of their escape.
· To protect curious pets, be sure to keep candles safely out of the reach of paws, whiskers, and tails.
· Pets, especially dogs, tend to eat first and think later. A dangling, shinny tree ornament or holiday table decorations may be more than your pet can ignore. A nibble of a plant can lead to an upset stomach or worse. Decorations can lead to an obstruction in the digestive tract and require a visit to the veterinary emergency room.
Many people include their pets in holiday travel. Dr. Cruz suggests to keep the following tips in mind when traveling with the family pet:
• Pets should always wear identification when traveling indicating their permanent home and where they are visiting. Owners should also have a copy of their pet’s medical records, vaccine history, and a picture of the pet in case they are separated.
• If you are traveling by car with your pet, plan ahead to insure that you can find hotels that accept pets. AAA can usually direct you to these establishments. Be sure to bring your pet’s usual diet and water. You don’t want “traveler’s diarrhea” to put a damper on your road trip.
• If traveling by air, try to get a direct flight. Losing your luggage is one thing, but it could be a disaster if it is your pet. Check the expected temperature of your destination airport. If you need to have your pet travel in the cargo hold, bitterly cold temperatures may not be tolerated by your pet. We have all seen luggage carts stranded on the tarmac or sat in a plane for hours while it is delayed. Your pet could become fatally hypothermic.
• Though you may be welcomed with open arms when you go visit, your pet may not be. If you are staying with friends, make sure your pet is welcome.
• If you are staying at a pet-friendly hotel and you need to leave your pet unattended in your hotel room, place a “do not disturb” sign on the door. You do not want housekeeping to accidentally let your pet out. Be sure your pet is a good neighbor and does not bark excessively. Bring along an extra sheet for your pet to lounge on.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thanksgiving Day Pet Tips
Reduce your dog’s regular food portions during the holidays through the less-active winter months. Consult with your veterinarian before downsizing to determine the right portion.
* As a rule, don’t feed pets holiday treats or leftovers. Some foods such as chocolates, uncooked bread dough and macadamia nuts can actually be life threatening.
* Instead of human foods, give your dog treats specifically for canines. Training reward-type treats are especially good, because they’re typically bite-sized and individually very low in calories.
* Be sure to tell your guests not to feed the pet. If everyone at a holiday party sneaks even a little food to the dog, it can quickly add up.
* Even though things get hectic during the holidays, try to stick with your dog’s normal routine of outdoor play and walks.
* As a rule, don’t feed pets holiday treats or leftovers. Some foods such as chocolates, uncooked bread dough and macadamia nuts can actually be life threatening.
* Instead of human foods, give your dog treats specifically for canines. Training reward-type treats are especially good, because they’re typically bite-sized and individually very low in calories.
* Be sure to tell your guests not to feed the pet. If everyone at a holiday party sneaks even a little food to the dog, it can quickly add up.
* Even though things get hectic during the holidays, try to stick with your dog’s normal routine of outdoor play and walks.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Dogs Rule the World?
I saw an old Jerry Seinfeld bit, and he wondered how aliens looking down at the world perceive our hierarchy. We walk our dogs and pick up after them in little bags that we then carry with us.
The aliens are looking down and thinking the dogs must be the rulers. Why else would someone walk behind them carrying their poop for them in bags?
The aliens are looking down and thinking the dogs must be the rulers. Why else would someone walk behind them carrying their poop for them in bags?
Friday, November 21, 2008
Kitten Training
We always see stories on training your new puppy, but how about kitten training? Petside.com's article on kitten training gives some quick tips for training you new pet.
For instance, kittens learn quickly, but also tire quickly, so don't spend too much time during one session, or they may start resenting any type of training.
Check it out!
For instance, kittens learn quickly, but also tire quickly, so don't spend too much time during one session, or they may start resenting any type of training.
Check it out!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Real-Life Furby Rediscovered
primate species that looks like a living, breathing version of the Furby electronic toy has been found alive in the forested highlands of an Indonesian island for the first time in more than 70 years, scientists announced Tuesday.
Three specimens of the pygmy tarsier, a nocturnal creature about the size of a small mouse, were trapped and tracked this summer on Mount Rorekatimbo in Lore Lindu National Park in Central Sulawesi, Texas A&M University reported.
Check out the entire article for more about the find.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Preparing Pets for Winter
Here on the East Coast, the cold is starting to make it's way into our daily lives. Just as people prepare their homes and cars for winter, so should they keep their pets in mind when the temperatures drop.
Cats are very susceptible to the cold and can freeze if left outdoors. Therefore, keep felines inside during especially cold weather. Also, stray cats have a tendency to hide under car hoods to keep warm. Bang on the car before starting it to warn any cats.
According to ASPCA, more dogs are lost during the winter because they can easily lose their scent on snow-covered terrain.
Salt-covered pavement and cold walkways can wreak havoc on dog paws. Wash their paws after coming in from walks to remove any salt and ice.
Just as you shouldn't leave your pet in a hot car, the same is true for a cold one. A vehicle can act as a refrigerator and your pet could freeze to death.
If you bathe your pet during the winter, make sure they are thoroughly dry before going out in the cold.
Antifreeze is sweet-smelling to pets and can attract inquisitive animals. Antifreeze is a lethal poison for pets. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle and don't leave any bottles where pets can get to them.
Pets should have a cozy spot to sleep away from drafts and the cold floor. A blanket or filled pet bed can be comfortable to your pet.
Just because it is cold outside doesn't mean that all the fleas that were incubating inside are dead yet. Be sure to keep an eye out for flea infestation even in the winter.
Cats are very susceptible to the cold and can freeze if left outdoors. Therefore, keep felines inside during especially cold weather. Also, stray cats have a tendency to hide under car hoods to keep warm. Bang on the car before starting it to warn any cats.
According to ASPCA, more dogs are lost during the winter because they can easily lose their scent on snow-covered terrain.
Salt-covered pavement and cold walkways can wreak havoc on dog paws. Wash their paws after coming in from walks to remove any salt and ice.
Just as you shouldn't leave your pet in a hot car, the same is true for a cold one. A vehicle can act as a refrigerator and your pet could freeze to death.
If you bathe your pet during the winter, make sure they are thoroughly dry before going out in the cold.
Antifreeze is sweet-smelling to pets and can attract inquisitive animals. Antifreeze is a lethal poison for pets. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle and don't leave any bottles where pets can get to them.
Pets should have a cozy spot to sleep away from drafts and the cold floor. A blanket or filled pet bed can be comfortable to your pet.
Just because it is cold outside doesn't mean that all the fleas that were incubating inside are dead yet. Be sure to keep an eye out for flea infestation even in the winter.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Reverse Sneeze
The first time my dog made that noise...the one where it's not quite a sneeze, not quite a gag, not exactly a cough, but something in between.....I wasn't sure what to think. But, it only last a few seconds and he was fine afterwards.
The phenomenon is known as a reverse sneeze. No one is really sure what it happens, but it could be from allergies or sometimes an even more serious condition. But if it happens infrequently, there isn't much to worry about.
This Pet Place article is a good place to find some more information on reverse sneezes, including ways to get your dog out of them if you are worried or if they are lasting a while.
Only one of my dogs, the one with all the allergy problems, gets this condition on a regular basis. What experiences have you had with the reverse sneeze?
The phenomenon is known as a reverse sneeze. No one is really sure what it happens, but it could be from allergies or sometimes an even more serious condition. But if it happens infrequently, there isn't much to worry about.
This Pet Place article is a good place to find some more information on reverse sneezes, including ways to get your dog out of them if you are worried or if they are lasting a while.
Only one of my dogs, the one with all the allergy problems, gets this condition on a regular basis. What experiences have you had with the reverse sneeze?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)