Baby, It’s Furry Cold Outside

 WINTER PET SAFETY TIPS

Baby, it’s cold outside! Whether you relish the fluffy flakes of a winter wonderland or bemoan the incessant shoveling, sludge and sub-zero temps, there’s no way to avoid it — winter comes around every year.

While ’tis the season for health experts to offer plenty of advice on how people can avoid winter accidents and injuries — everything from spills on the ice to heart attacks while shoveling — we mustn’t forget about our four-legged companions. Today’s Blog is dedicated to avoiding potential winter hazards and ensuring a happy, healthy and safe winter season for your pets.

An ounce of prevention

Before the full force of winter sets in, take these preventative measures:

• Bring ‘em in:The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests animals have a veterinary wellness exam before winter if they haven’t yet been examined this year. Cold weather can exacerbate conditions like arthritis.
• Double-check collars and chips:The effects of cold temperatures on a lost pet can be devastating, so make sure your pets are microchipped, with tags up-to-date and collars in good condition.

• Pet-proof indoors:Since everyone will be spending more time hunkered down inside, make sure medicines, toxic foods and chemicals are put away. Watch out for space heaters and decorations that can be knocked over and start a fire.

• Be ready for anything:Blizzards, ice storms and power outages happen. Families should have emergency kits that also include food, water and prescription medications (at least a week’s worth) for their furry friends.

WALK WISELY

While dogs still need to get out for daily exercise (and many do love to romp in the snow), care should be taken to ensure Spot stays well in harsher weather:

• Keep ‘em leashed: paws.org warns that more dogs are lost during winter than any other season. They can lose their scent trails and become disoriented, causing them to panic and run away.
• Consider a coat: The shorter-haired, thinner or sicker among our companions may need an extra layer of protection against the elements.
• Paw protection: Remove salt, snow crystals and caked-on mud immediately after returning home (checking for cracks or bleeding) and keep hair trimmed between toes to prevent build-up. A layer of Vaseline on paws can add protection before walks. Remember to wipe it off afterwards.
• Stay off the ice: Avoid walking on frozen ponds, lakes or rivers. It’s hazardous to humans as well as our best friends. An instinct to save a pet should he fall through ice can be deadly.

 INDOORS IS BEST

Dogs and cats should both be kept inside during the winter, with a warm, non-drafty place to sleep. They are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, just like us. If you have an outdoor dog, make sure the dog has access to shelter, non-frozen water, and thick, dry bedding. Just as in summer, Pet Parents should never leave a pet alone in the car!

BE PROACTIVE ABOUT ANTIFREEZE

Antifreeze is lethal to pets, even in small amounts, and animals are attracted to its sweet taste. Clean up spills immediately and consider using products that contain propylene glycol instead of the traditional ethylene glycol. Wiping paws, limbs and bellies after a walk is a good practice to avoid antifreeze poisoning and the hazardous chemicals in salt and other deicers, too. If you use your garage as a place for winter shelter for your pet make sure you remove/place antifreeze in an area that is hard to reach or is protected from your pet.

LOOK OUT FOR UNINVITED PASSENGERS

Cats (pets with garage access or strays) are known to hide under cars, crawling into wheel wells and even snuggling up by engines to stay warm during the winter. Take a minute to look, make loud noises and knock on the hood if a feline may be hanging around a vehicle.

AVOID HOLIDAY OVERINDULGENCE

Our waistlines have a tendency to expand during the winter months, and our pets’ waistlines can, too! Monitor your pet’s weight and food intake while they are less active in winter and ask your veterinarian if you have any questions about appropriate calorie requirements for your pet.

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS

Finally, make sure you know these warning signs of hypothermia in a pet that’s been outdoors in the cold:

• Weak pulse
• Dilated pupils or enlarged and unresponsive to changes in light
• Whining, extreme shivering or slowed movement
• Stupor or unconsciousness
• Body temperature below 95 degrees

Hypothermia can cause coma, heart problems or kidney failure, so if you are concerned that your pet might be showing signs of hypothermia consult a veterinarian right away.

Whether you have a Husky that happily frolics through snowstorms, or a princess pup who’d rather be carried across sludgy puddles in your arms, knowing the facts about winter hazards and your pet’s tolerances can make a huge difference in their well-being and safety in all types of weather. Enjoy the winter season and Merry Christmas!

To Your Pet’s Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Sources

https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Cold-weather-pet-safety.aspx

https://www.paws.org/library/pet-info/pet-care/cold-weather-tips/

https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/news/keeping-pets-safe-cold-weather

What to Do About Lumpy, Bumpy Lipomas

In the last 10 years we have had the pleasure of living with several senior dogs.  Each of these pets have developed lumps and bumps and each of these lumps and bumps presented differently on each pet. Our one dog had just one large bump located at the front of her chest and our lab had multiple small lumps in various places. For those that have never seen a pet with these lumps it can be very disturbing, and owners often think the worst, cancer.  Most of the lumps and bumps felt on a pet during a veterinary examination are lipomas. Lipomas are fatty tumors that are usually benign and non-cancerous. There is always a chance that any tumor is cancerous or malignant, so it is always wise to check with your Veterinarian and schedule a checkup if your pet develops a lump. 

If you feel a lump or bump, what could it be?

• Lipomas (fatty tumors in dogs)
• Sebaceous cysts (skin cysts)
• Warts
• Hematomas (blood blisters)
• Infected hair follicles
• Benign tumor
• Malignant tumor

Today I wanted to give you a few facts about Lipomas since they are the most common cause of lumps and bumps:

• Generally, occur on middle-aged animals, commonly in dogs and mostly in overweight females
• Are only occasionally found in cats and horses

Breeds of dogs that are most often affected:

• Labrador Retrievers
• Doberman Pinschers
• Miniature Schnauzers
• Poodles
• Cocker Spaniels
• Terriers
• Mixed breeds

Taking a Closer Look: Examination of Lipomas

When an animal is brought in for examination, the palpation of a lipoma will usually reveal a small, round, or oval mass that is:

• Located in the flesh under the skin, not in the muscle
• Found most often in the areas of the:
  • Chest
  • Abdomen
  • Legs
  • Armpits
  • Soft to the touch, may feel somewhat rubbery
  • Typically, not painful
  • Does not seem attached to skin
  • Does not seem attached to underlying muscles or tissues
  • Slow growing

The examination of an atypical lipoma may reveal a mass that is:

• Larger, the size of a golf-ball or even a baseball
• Growing long and wide, not round
• Solid to the touch, usually due to inflammation or fibrous tissues
• Fast growing

How to Be Sure It’s Not Cancer: Confirmation

Because palpating the mass will not rule out whether it is benign or cancerous, confirmation that it is a lipoma is necessary. This includes:

• Fine-needle aspiration
  • Invasive biopsy procedure that removes fluid from inside the mass for examination
  • A slide is then made from the collected material to view under the microscope
  • The collected material is stained, and the cells are viewed to determine if they are healthy and normal, or abnormal and possibly malignant

What to Do If It Is a Lipoma: Treatments

There are many types of treatments available to animals that are diagnosed with lipomas, including:

• Watch and wait
  • This approach is based on the typical characteristics of a lipoma, for example, benign and slow-growing
  • The premise is that if the lipoma isn’t increasing in size and if it isn’t creating health problems, it is better to be left alone
  • Watching should include training clients to routinely monitor and measure the mass at home for any noticeable physical changes
  • Surgery
    • Recommended when a lipoma:
      • Creates function and mobility problems, such as with infiltrative lipomas
      • Grows rapidly, indicating that it might be a different type of tumor, one that is often mistaken for a lipoma, such as:
        • Liposarcoma
        • Sebaceous adenoma
        • Mast cell tumor
        • Hemangiosarcoma
        • Hemangiopericytoma
        • Liposuction
          • Successful treatments have been found with smaller, encapsulated lipomas
          • Not recommended for giant lipomas or ones that contain fibrous material
          • Not recommended for infiltrative lipomas
          • Radiation therapy
            • Use follows a surgical removal in order to delay or prevent recurrence

While most of the lumps and bumps found on a pet are benign, it is always advisable to make an appointment with your veterinarian for a thorough examination and a biopsy on any masses that are noticed. Because some benign tumors look the same as malignant tumors, it is impossible to tell if a mass is non-cancerous without your Veterinarian looking, feeling, and examining it under a microscope. 

To Your Pet's Good Health,

Barry Miller DVM

Sources:

http://www.dru.org/lumpsbumps.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21797873

Dr. Barry recommends "The 10% Rule for Pet Treats". Treats should only make up  about 10% of your dog's daily calories.

I must admit that I love to come home and smell something baking in the oven or see that someone is cooking in the kitchen but that excitement ends when I find out that it's not for me it's for Bear, our dog.  My son got a dog biscuit cookie cutter and recipe book in his stocking a few years ago. 

I wish I could go back in time and bake treats for all of my childhood dogs I know that they would have loved it more than the hard dog bone shaped biscuits that came in a box back in the 70's. I had one dog in particular, Jason, that loved treats. He would often wait for me after school or he would wait for me to finish football practice. On the way home there was a hotdog/hamburger joint and I would buy myself and Jason a hamburger.  We both loved it and that is such a good memory I have of my childhood. I thought I would share with you a few recipes (one for warm weather and one for any time) for pets that are healthy and delicious and will hopefully help create great memories for you and your pet.  

Recipes for Dogs

Yogurt and Banana Treats 

• 16 oz. plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1 chopped banana

Mix together, place in molds or mini muffin tins and freeze overnight, and serve.

Apple Cheddar Biscuits

• 2 cups barley flour
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Bone-shaped or other cookie cutters

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper; set aside.

2. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients and about 3 tablespoons water to form a dough. Roll out mixture between two sheets of plastic wrap to 1/4-inch thick; remove plastic wrap and cut out biscuits with a 3 1/2-inch bone-shaped or other cookie cutters. Reroll scraps and continue cutting out biscuits.

3. Space biscuits 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes until nicely browned and firm.

4. Transfer biscuits to a wire rack. Turn off oven and place biscuits on a wire rack in the oven overnight. Remove from oven and store in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.

No Time To Bake for Fido! No worries:

If you do not have time to bake there are healthy options that you can buy. 

LEAN TREATS

Made with bite-size pieces of skinless chicken and are low in fat, they’re veterinarian recommended.Learn more Here: Lean Treats

PRO-TREAT FREEZE DRIED TREATS

These bite-size full-flavor treats can also be used as a training tool.Learn More Here: Pro-Treat Freeze Dried Livers.

Recipes For Cats

Catsicles

• 15 8-ounce plastic cups
• 1 5.5-ounce can of your cat’s favorite wet food (smooth, not chunky, works best)
• Catnip and/or soft cat treats (optional)
• One small square of plastic wrap

1. Mix cat food and treats in a bowl in a minimum 2 parts food to 1 part treat ratio
2. Fill plastic cups with mixture about ½” high with the mixture. Put plastic wrap on top to avoid freezer burn.
3. Stack cups, flattening treat mixture into the disk, and freeze overnight.
4. Run warm water over bottom cup until it releases. Put the treat in the bowl and let stand about 5 minutes.
5. Serve.

Catnip Crumbles

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons catnip

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheet with foil.

2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients by hand.

3. Spread mixture on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 7 to 10 minutes.

4. Drain any excess fat and crumble. Refrigerate whatever’s left.

No time to Bake for Fluffy! No Worries

LEAN TREATS

Made with skinless chicken and are low in fat, they’re recommended by veterinarians.Learn more here: Lean Treats for Cats

I hope these recipes are enjoyed by your pets and help your homes smell delicious but more importantly I hope they bring wonderful memories to you and your pets.

To Your Pet's Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Sources:

https://henryscheinvet.com/Product?sku=022773

https://henryscheinvet.com/Product?sku=021164

https://www.littlethings.com/halloween-dog-treats/

https://henryscheinvet.com/Product?sku=031264

https://henryscheinvet.com/Product?sku=057575

https://www.petfinder.com/cats/cat-nutrition/homemade-summer-cat-treat/

http://doggydessertchef.com/2011/04/01/catnip-crumbles/

https://henryscheinvet.com/resource-center/education/case-studies/growing-role-of-technology-in-a-veterinary-practice

https://henryscheinvet.com/resource-center/blogs/animal-health/animal-health/2016/09/06/common-causes-and-signs-of-a-data-breach

https://www.henryscheinvet.com/resource-center/blogs

https://www.henryscheinvet.com/contact-us

With Spring Break just around the corner, I thought it might be helpful to discuss tips for choosing a Boarding Facility or a Pet Sitter. When faced with finding care for a pet that must be left alone for a lengthy period of time, there are many aspects to consider. The following information may help you as you contemplate your options. 

If you prefer to use a Boarding facility:

Here are11 QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL BOARDING KENNEL before you choose to drop your pet off:

#1 HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK?

Many boarding kennels, especially during holidays, are booked weeks or months in advance. Make sure you know how far in advance you need to book a stay and whether a deposit is required when booking.

#2 WHAT VACCINATIONS DO YOU REQUIRE?

Most kennels require vaccinations, but the industry is still largely unregulated so it’s best to ask. Below are the minimum vaccinations that a kennel should require. 

Canine Vaccines

• Canine Distemper
• Infectious Hepatitis
• Canine Parvovirus
• Rabies
• Bordetella

Feline Vaccines

• Feline Panleukopenia
• Feline Herpesvirus
• Feline Calicivirus  
• Rabies

If the kennel does not require vaccinations, ask them how they quarantine animals to prevent infection. Disease can be spread by contact with bodily fluids and even air. And even if your pet is vaccinated, there is always the chance it might be susceptible to disease.

#3 HOW ARE THE ANIMALS HOUSED?

• Cats and dogs should never be kept within view or hearing distance of each other. Most kennels put up barriers inside the kennel space to prevent this.
• The area should be well ventilated.
• Make sure there’s enough room for your pet to move around and enough space for them to defecate or urinate if they need to. Cats should have a litter box in their space.

#4 HOW OFTEN ARE DOGS TAKEN OUT?

Dogs should be let out a minimum of 2-3 times a day or 24 hour period.. Ask them the times they take the dogs out and for how long. If your dog is in the habit of defecating each morning, they may take longer. Ask if they’re taken out on a leash or released into an outside pen. If they’re released into an outside pen, does the employee stay with the animal or go back inside for a designated period? How big is the exercise area?

#5 DO STAFF MEMBERS PLAY WITH OR PET THE ANIMAL?

Ask specifically if there are designated times for staff to interact with your pet, how long staff members stay with them, and how they interact.

#6 CAN THEY ACCOMMODATE PETS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?

If you have an elderly pet or one with special needs, this information is critical. If they say they can, ask them how they will accommodate your animal.

#7 WILL THEY FEED YOUR PET ITS REGULAR FOOD?

Veterinarians advise against changing your pet’s food, because it’s likely to result in digestive upset. So it is important to bring with your enough food from for your pet to dine one while you are away.

#8 DO THEY PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SERVICES?

Many boarding kennels, whether or not they’re part of a veterinary practice, offer additional services for a fee, such as brushing, washing, training, nail trimming (for dogs) or extra play time. Veterinary boarding kennels frequently offer vaccinations and other minor procedures, too. Some kennels offer playgroups your pet may enjoy.

#9 CAN I TAKE A TOUR?

If they are not willing to give you a tour when you show up unannounced, leave immediately.

#10 DOES THE KENNEL HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN?

Even if you don’t live in a flood-, hurricane- or tornado-prone area, fire is always an issue.

#11 ARE STAFF MEMBERS TRAINED?

If you are not using veterinary boarding, make sure the staff has received training and certification.

WARNING SIGNS OF A BAD BOARDING EXPERIENCE

Here are some warning signs that the kennel may not be a good fit for your pet.

• The building smells bad.
• Outdoor pens are small and do not have shelter from the sun.
• Your pet smells bad when you pick it up.
• The employees tell you nothing about your pet when you pick it up.

Benefits of Hiring a Pet Sitter

When pet sitters enter a home their tasks often include filling up water bowls and scooping out the litter boxes. However, most pet sitters are not just hired for their time, but also for the attention they can provide to a pet. Additional care may be offered through services such as the following:

• Walking energetic animals
• Engaging pets in their favorite play activities
• Providing bathroom walk breaks
• Following feeding schedules
• Administering health needs.

The use of a pet sitter also provides benefits that go beyond the assigned tasks. For example, a pet benefits through:

• Remaining at home, in a comfortable familiar environment
• Maintaining routine for diet, walking, exercise, and play
• Eliminating the stress that can be caused by traveling or by being boarded in a kennel
• Reduced boredom levels.

Additionally, establishing a pet sitter relationship may help owners to feel better about being away from home since they know their pet is being cared for, happy, and safe. 

Where to find a Qualified and Trustworthy Pet Sitter:
Starting the search for a pet sitter should begin by asking for recommendations from:

• Family
• Friends
• Veterinarians
• Groomers
• Dog Trainers.

Initial Communication

Begin your search for a pet sitter by gathering information on their qualifications and on the services they provide.  
Questions to Ask Prospective Pet Sitters:

• What services do they offer? For example grooming, walking, training, exercising, playing, cleaning up after a pet, taking a pet to appointments, taking a pet to the veterinarian if it gets sick, live-in services?
• Will they provide a written contract that explicitly identifies responsibilities, services, and fees charged?
• Do they carry commercial liability insurance that covers accidents and negligence? Can they provide written proof? Are they bonded? Can they provide proof?
• What training do they have for this position? For example CPR, First Aid?
• What is the backup plan established for continuing the care of your pet in case the sitter becomes ill, has car trouble, or has other difficulties that keep them from their responsibilities? How do you interview this person? What are their qualifications?
• Can they provide a list of references along with the contact information that includes client names and phone numbers?

Set Up A Meet and Greet

Once the information is gathered and references have been contacted, before making a final hiring decision it is important that you invite the pet sitter over to your home not only to talk with them in person but to have them meet the pet. During this stage of the interview additional important information can be gathered, for example:

• Watch the way they interact with your pet, do they seem at ease and focused on the pet? Does their behavior make the pet feel comfortable? Does the pet welcome their attention and touch?
• If a pet has special needs, do they ask appropriate questions about their responsibilities for its care?
• Do you feel comfortable with the sitter’s behavior in their home?

Trial Period

When the decision to hire is made,  If you can plan to schedule services that cover an extended period of time, it is recommended to first arrange for the pet sitter to provide care for a trial period over a couple of days while you are still in town. This will allow for a chance to identify any issues that must be addressed before the pet is left in the sitter’s care for a longer period, such as:

• Questions requiring further clarification
• Changes that need to be made in reference to scheduling
• Responsibilities that should be added to meet additional pet needs.

I recommend both Kennel Boarding and Pet Sitters as safe ways to love and care for your pet while you are on vacation or traveling. Taking the time to choose the right boarding facility or Pet Sitter is very important and will pay off in the long run. It is never pleasant to return home from your travels to find your pet in less than good condition and worrying about your pet while you are on holiday steals important moments of relaxing and enjoying your time.

To Your Pet’s Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Sources:

http://www.ibpsa.com/top-4-questions-vets-have-about-pet-boarding-and-daycare/

http://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/resources/facility-design-and-animal-housing

https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/housebreaking-issues/how-often-should-a-dog-urinate

https://www.henryscheinvet.com/resource-center/blogs/animal-health/animal-health/2017/05/31/safety-tips-for-taking-a-pup-to-the-dog-park

https://henryscheinvet.com/resource-center/blogs/animal-health/animal-health/2017/05/22/talking-to-clients-about-adopting-a-senior-pet

https://henryscheinvet.com/resource-center/blogs/animal-health/animal-health/2017/07/11/veterinarian-tips-pet-fire-safety

https://www.dogfoodinsider.com/prepare-your-dog-for-boarding/

https://henryscheinvet.com/resource-center/blogs/animal-health/animal-health/2016/09/06/cutting-the-cord

https://www.henryscheinvet.com/resource-center/blogs

https://www.henryscheinvet.com/resource-center/education

At-Home Pet Dental Care Tips

I remember I used to have a poster in my office that had a picture of a bulldog with the caption, "His breath could stop a train". At the time it was cute but I know from first-hand experience that when you have a pet with bad breath it is not cute! Establishing routine preventative dental care with the help of your veterinarian is important, but supporting this with regular at-home dental care for your pet is essential to continuing their good health!  For many pet parents that is not as easy as it sounds.

We are lucky to have so many options for preventative oral care that do not involve a toothbrush and the difficulty of brushing an unwilling beloved pet's teeth.

Here are some at-home dental tips and options that may help to keep your pet’s mouth healthy in between visits to the veterinarian.

Signs that there is something wrong:

Watch for the following observable changes in behavior as they often point to a dental problem. If observed, the signs indicate that the dog needs to be seen by the veterinarian.

• Loss of appetite
• Appearance of a good appetite, but reluctance to eat
• Eating on only one side of the mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Gulping food without chewing
• Food dropping out of the mouth while eating.

Dogs don’t always have lovely breath, but chronic halitosis is one of the most common signs of severe oral/dental problems, including:

• Periodontal disease:
• Gum disease caused by plaque
• Results in:
• Gum infections
• Tooth loss
• Systemic infections
• Oral masses
• Cancerous Growths
• Benign growths
• Gingival hyperplasia
• Condition caused when the gums overgrow
• Observed as bumps and deep crevices.

How to assess your pet's Gums and Teeth

• Once a week, gently pull back your pet's lips and look at its gums and teeth or sneak a peek when your cat or dog bares its teeth for any reason.
• Gums should be pink
• Gums should not be white or red
• Teeth should be white
• Teeth should not show any discoloration or have any tartar buildup.

There are many options available today other than just brushing your pet's teeth. I know that brushing can be challenging so I would recommend reading thru the rest of this blog to see what option might work for you and your pet. It will definitely be worth it as it will prevent dental disease and other health disorders that often begin as a result of poor dental health.

Option#1.

Brushing

Brushing with a pet toothbrush and toothpaste is still the most effective option. Cleaning your pet’s teeth on a regular basis will help to prevent the problems caused by bacteria and plaque build-up. Follow these steps:

• Talk to your veterinarian to gather information and ask them to:
• Recommend a toothbrush that is appropriate for your type and size of pet
• Select a toothpaste that will entice your pet and make them look forward to having their teeth brushed, most kinds of toothpaste are flavored in a way that dogs will enjoy the taste. Do no use human toothpaste.
• Provide a demonstration of the steps involved in brushing your pet’s teeth.

The following steps will teach your pet to enjoy their brushing routine:

• Begin by helping the dog get comfortable with the brushing motions:
• Over a few weeks, daily massage their lips with your finger moving in a circular motion
• Once the lips have been massaged, move to the teeth and gums
• Once the animal is comfortable, place a small amount of toothpaste on the animal’s lips to introduce them to the taste
• Using the toothbrush, massage the animal’s gums
• Apply toothpaste to the toothbrush or directly on the teeth and then gently brush the teeth using the following technique:
• At a 45-degree angle to the teeth, gently move the toothbrush in small, circular motions
• Clean one area at a time
• Since the teeth that touch the cheek have the most tartar, using a downward motion of the toothbrush will help to loosen and remove this tartar.

Option#2.

Chewing: Chews, toys, and treats

The right type of chewing toy is good for the teeth of dogs. Not only does chewing massage the gums and clean the teeth, but it also provides a safe way to satisfy its desire to gnaw on something which will help to reduce stress and prevent boredom. Talk to your veterinarian to get their advice on picking out a proper type of chewing item for your pet.

Option#3.

Water Additives and Oral Rinses

Drinking water additives and oral rinses are one of the easiest, safest and most convenient ways to provide oral health care to dogs. 

Simply add the pet drinking water additive to your pet's daily drinking water and you can truly do wonders at preventing dental disease. These drinking water additives typically do not contain any harmful ingredients such as chlorhexidine, chlorines or alcohols and are safe enough for daily ingestion without any side effects. At present, several types dental rinses are available on the market. For Oral Rinses you will be required to lift the lip of your pet exposing their gums. When the gums are exposed you will spray/squeeze the bottle aiming the oral rinse at their gums. When followed by a healthy treat your pet usually won't mind the intrusion. It is less time consuming than brushing.

Option#4.

Diet and food additives.

Discuss with your veterinarian the type of food that your pet eats. Dry kibble helps to slow down the formation of plaque and tartar. An animal fed mostly canned food may benefit from being supplemented with hard biscuits to help remove plaque and tartar. I also recommend a product called Perio Support Powder.  Perio Support Powder is a daily support formula for dental health and hygiene for both cats and dogs. It was designed to be used between veterinary dental cleanings to control plaque formation and support gum health, 

Option#5.

Professional Dental Cleaning

During your pet's annual exam your Veterinarian will assess your pet's teeth and gums. Your Veterinarian can perform a dental cleaning much like you receive from your dentist. Often during teeth cleaning your Veterinarian will be able to take a closer look at your pet's teeth, gums and mouth to determine their overall dental health.  As pets get older I recommend annual teeth cleaning or as needed when recommended by your Veterinarian.

Finding the best dental routine for your pet is important for their longevity and vitality. Too many of my patients have mouth infections or the beginning signs of dental disease or advanced stages of it. This impacts their overall health. Providing daily at-home dental care will help to further improve your pet's chances for better dental health and longevity.

To Your Pet's Good Health,

Barry Miller DVM

My Top 6 Dog Training Tips

January is National Dog Training month so I thought I would share some tips on training our furry four-legged friends. All dogs need an owner that will accept the responsibilities that come with training them to be socialized and obedient family members.
Training a dog requires more than teaching verbal commands. When working with your dog, it is important that we understand that communication is key, we speak two different languages and it is easy for dogs to become distracted, confused or misunderstand what we are asking them to learn.

The first step to good dog training is to ideally begin training when they are young( around 8weeks of age) but this is not always possible especially with rescue dogs.  Please know that when you first are establishing yourself as the teacher and your pet as the student, you must have a quiet non-distracting environment to train in. Otherwise, you will waste time trying to get your pet's attention or your pet will not quite get what you are asking them to learn.

Here are my top 6 Dog Training Tips:

Tip #1: Where do you start in training?

When working with your pup at home, the most important commands for them to learn are:

• Come
• Sit
• Stay
• Down.

Teaching these commands will not only work on bettering your pup’s manners, but can also help to keep it safe. For example, should your pup get startled and run off, it could end up lost or put in harm’s way. But, if it knows what to do when commanded to “come,” hearing your call may help it redirect its behavior and return to you. 

Tip #2. Be Consistent:

Training requires working in a fair and consistent manner that teaches the dog not only how to behave, but also that their good behavior is expected in all settings. 
Teaching your dog what to do along, with what not to do, will help them to better understand and recognize the behaviors you want from them. For example:

• When working on a command of stay and the dog moves, don’t get upset; just put it back into the stay position and continue the training.
• Later, when the command to stay is again given and the dog follows the command, make sure to praise the animal so it knows it did as you wanted and that you are pleased it has done its job.

For your dog to understand what is expected of it, all family members should follow the same steps when working with the dog. Without consistency, they will become confused about what it is to do. For example:

• If the rule is established that the dog is only to go to the bathroom in the far corner of the yard, then every time the animal needs to go to the bathroom, it should be taken to the far corner of the yard as part of its training.
• Allowing the animal to use an inside potty pad on bad-weather days sends the dog a message that says it is okay to potty inside if it wants.
• When the dog then goes to the bathroom in the house and receives correction, it will become confused on what you are expecting it to do.

Tip #3.  Always complete the Training Exercise

When working on an exercise, make sure to stick with the training until the puppy does as it is told. If you don’t, if you allow it to have its way, the pup may look at the exercise as something it doesn’t need to do.

Training Tip #4. Learn to communicate by reading your pet’s body language.

Owners often become frustrated when their pet behaves inappropriately. Before responding to the situation, take a moment to think about why the unwanted behavior occurred. Dogs use body language to communicate their wants and needs. When they behave improperly, there is a good chance that the signals for the unwanted behaviors were present but were overlooked or missed. 

The following offers examples of the way dogs communicate by body language:

• Play time!
  • Running up to you
  • Barking
  • Backing up with a wagging tail
• I need to go to the bathroom! 
  • Furiously sniffing
  • Going around in circles
  • Starting to squat
• I’m being cautious! Or I’m nervous! Stay back!
  • Stiffly wagging tail that is moving slowly
  • Tail may be held very high or is hanging down
  • Animal may be leaning slightly forward, almost on its tiptoes
• I’m friendly!
  • Happy, wagging tail
• I’m afraid! I may be aggressive!
  • Stiff body
  • Tail tucked down and ears held back
  • Arched back
  • Hair may stand up along the ridge of their back
  • Cowering
  • Intense gaze
  • Low growl
• I’m nervous! I’m timid!
  • Submissive urination - when animal gets excited and then squats and urinates
    • In puppies, this could mean that their bladder has not yet fully developed
    • In older animals, this reaction occurs when the animal feels it is about to be corrected or feels nervous if being approached by a stranger.

To be successful, training requires clear communication between both owner and animal. While it is important to help the dog know what we expect of them, it is equally important that we pay attention to what they are trying to tell us. 

Tip #5. Let them know they did what was asked.
Rewarding your dog will reinforce the point of the training exercise, as well as build their self-confidence and increase their desire to please. 

There are many thoughts regarding methods of positive reinforcement that utilize treats, toys, and praise. A reward does not have to be a food treat; it could be praise, time spent playing a game, or being given a special toy.
Keep in mind that different dogs have different personalities, and what motivates one may not motivate another. As you spend time with your pup, you will learn what motivates them best.

Every puppy needs help understanding what is expected of them. There is no doubt that working with your pup will require your patience and time, but the end result will be worth it!

Training Tip #6 : Understand that not all dogs are A students

It is easy for pet parents to become frustrated with their dogs when they feel they have repeatedly taught their dog not to do an unwanted behavior and their dog continues to seem like they are not learning.  Bear,my 1 1/2 year old dog still occasionally gets into garbage cans.  She is still young and struggles with the only pet boredom syndrome.  Some dogs seem to excel at bad behavior. Dogs that are bored or lonely often:

• Go to the bathroom in the house
• Get into the trash
• Tear up blankets, pillows, or clothing
• Chew on things not meant to be chewed!

If your dog falls into this category, it may benefit from daily walks and toys that challenge them.  With my dog Bear, I simply remove the trash from her, say no and give a command” go get your toy” and she usually runs and gets a toy to play with. When I find her playing with a toy I praise her. Obedience training that focuses on manners for behaving when in the house can also be of benefit and take the pressure off of you. Also, if your dog has unwanted or destructive behaviors that occur when you are not at home, you may want to discuss the possibility of separation anxiety with your Veterinarian.

Training and enjoying your pet go hand in hand. It is always worth the patience and effort necessary to develop good manners and habits in your pet.  There are many resources available to pet owners to help you train your dog into a wonderful companion and family member. My tips are the tried and true methods of dog or puppytraining that can have great results when taught with patience and consistency. 

To Your Pet’s Good Health,

Dr. Barry