Q. Dr. Barry, I have a question regarding ear mites and general body scratching.

As a practicing veterinarian in the Mississippi River Delta region, I have seen hundreds of cases of heartworms. 

Heartworm larva passes to dogs (and cats!) from a mosquito bite and many people do not realize that ONE mosquito can transmit heartworm disease.

There are many specific causes for seizures, including poisons, head trauma, brain cancer, heatstroke, liver disease, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), meningitis or encephalitis (inflammation around the spinal cord or of the brain), and canine distemper virus infection.

Seizures caused by these disorders are diagnosed by examination of the dog, blood tests, and X-rays. Modern veterinary technology even allows for a dog to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, which provides images of the brain. The dog’s history often provides important clues to the cause of seizures.

8 Tips for Pet Friendly Travel

When taking a vacation that includes the family pet, you shouldn’t wait until the last minute
 to consider the animal’s needs. Keeping your pet safe so you can enjoy the time away
 together requires planning and preparation.

Tip #1. Visit Your Veterinarian

At least three weeks before traveling, make an appointment to see the veterinarian. While at the veterinary office:

• Tell veterinarian the travel destination, ask if they recommend any additional vaccinations or preventives for that          location
• Check to make sure that all vaccinations are up-to-date
• Make certain that parasite preventives are current
  If using a once-a-month dose preventive that will lapse while on vacation, make sure to obtain a refill to take on the trip
• If pets require prescriptive medications, check to make sure a prescription refill is not needed while traveling
• If a pet has not been healthy, have veterinarian determine if the animal is fit to travel, and if the mode of travel is safe for its health
• Request a copy of the animal’s health and shot records
• If not already done, microchip pet, just in case your pet is separated from you while on vacation

 Tip #2. Bring Emergency Information

• To be fully prepared, a document containing information necessary during an emergency should be compiled and placed in a location for easy access while traveling.
• Include:
• Your contact information
• Emergency contact information of a friend or relative
• Veterinarian’s name, address, telephone number
• In case of an emergency, have a list of contact information for veterinarians and emergency clinics that are available in vacationing area
• Copy of pet’s medical history, shot records, dietary needs
• Prescription information, complete with dosage requirements and dispensing times
• Picture of pet
• Microchip registration information

Tip #3. Pet Identification

• Just in case you and your pet become separated while on vacation, before the trip begins make sure to:
• Check that the information registered with the microchip is registered and up-to-date
• Fit animal with a collar and securely attach its local dog tag, rabies tag, and an identification tag that contains the following information:

1. Your name
2. Your cell phone number

Tip #4. Safety in Car

• If traveling by car, make sure animal has an area where they can rest and relax in comfort and safety. Much like a seatbelt for people, pets should be protected with a secured strap or harness when the vehicle is moving. If pets are not used to traveling or are not used to being securely contained within a vehicle, before the start of the trip, it is important to:

1. Make sure the strap or harness is tailored to fit the animal
2. Take pet on short rides to get them used to the motion and to being confined

Tip #5. Crossing State Lines

• When traveling across state lines, certain states require proof of rabies vaccination. Remember to have shot records where they can be easily accessed

Tip #6. Travel by Plane

When considering air travel with a pet, keep in mind:

1. Some airlines may only allow animals to travel in the cargo hold, and in that case:
2. Breeds that include brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs such as boxers and bulldogs, and brachycephalic cat breeds such as Himalayan and Persians, should never travel in the cargo hold
3. Some airlines have canine breed restrictions
4. Most airlines will maintain the right to refuse to board any animals that exhibit any type of aggressive behaviors

• When traveling on an airline that requires animals to travel in a crate, be certain to obtain a crate that matches the airline’s specifications.

Crates should:

1. Be big enough for the animal to sit, stand, and rest comfortably
2. Include an attached lick water bottle
3. Have an attached cop of veterinary records and medication requirements
4. Be identified with the pet name, family name, and cell phone contact information

To help pet with this part of the trip:

1. Do not wait until the last minute to introduce the animal to the crate, give them time at home to become accustomed to going in and being confined
2. Make sure the pet is wearing a collar that is safe and has the proper identification attached
3. If necessary, discuss with veterinarian the animal’s need for relaxing techniques or for medications that would be safe to use with animal on the airplane

Tip #7. Airline Reservation

• To make the flight easier:

1. When possible, book direct flights
2. Book flight during an off-peak time, smaller numbers of passengers mean handlers are not as busy, ensuring better care of the animal
3. Travel on the same plane as your pet
4. Make sure to let the airline desk and attendant know that your family pet is either with you on board or is in the cargo hold
5. Have an extra leash, copy of veterinary records, current picture, and microchip information in carry-on luggage

Tip #8. Ask your Veterinarian if your pet would benefit from Calming products or prescriptions to deal with anxiety or Motion Sickness.

• Natural Calming Products help your pets deal with the stress hormones produced when in the car. I recommend Stress Away Calming Chews, EZ Chew Calming Support and Vetri Science Composure Bite Size Chews.
• Thundershirts can also provide comfort to your pet while in the car.
• There are several prescription medications that can be used for anxiety, for example Clomicalm and Acepromazine.
• There is a prescription medications that can be used for motion sickness, for example Cerenia.

Enjoy the summer and if you can bring your pet along for the ride!

To your pet's good health, 

Dr. Barry

Most dogs are generally full of life and interested in the world around them, and, like people, an active day will leave them tired. However, when a typically energetic and playful pet becomes sedentary and lethargic, the change in their behavior may be the first indication of illness or injury.

As temperatures drop, we all try to keep warm. Well, guess what? Our pets do too! Even though many pets are covered in fur, they are not immune to the cold; in fact, pets shiver to show they are cold, just like people. 

While many drugs and medications are safe for both human and dog  to use, the same does not apply to CATS. Unless specifically indicated, cats should never be given people or dog medications or supplements. According to the Pet Poison Hotline website, close to 50% of the calls they receive regarding toxic ingestions in pets involve human medications. 

Poison Prevention Week: Dogs

Xylitol: Safe for People, Deadly to Dogs

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar-alcohol found in many types of fruits and vegetables and used as a sugar substitute in many common products. Appealing to dieters because of its sweet taste and small amount of calories, Xylitol is also widely used by diabetics who must monitor their sugar intake. While it has been determined to be a safe product for human consumption, Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, for a ten pound dog, ingesting one piece of gum may be all it takes for the animal to suffer from hypoglycemia.

Xylitol Dangers for Dogs

Toxicity

In both dogs and humans, the pancreas controls the level of blood sugar through the release of insulin. When Xylitol is ingested by humans there is only a small release of insulin. 
However, when Xylitol is ingested by a dog:

• The substance is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, which stimulates the pancreas to rapidly release insulin
• Shortly after ingestion, the animal will experience hypoglycemia, a sudden decrease in its blood sugar level
• Without the proper veterinary treatment, hypoglycemia can be life-threatening

Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning

Signs of Xylitol toxicity develop rapidly, sometimes within 15 to 30 minutes following ingestion, but are usually evident within 1 to 2 hours. In some pets, toxicity may not show for up to 12 hours. Symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Incoordination
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Depression
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Coma
• Liver failure

What to Do If Your Pet Ingests Xylitol

• Contact their veterinarian immediately
• Have product label of item ingested when they phone for help, if possible
• Do not take steps unless directed by a veterinarian

Prompt veterinary care is essential in order to help an animal that has ingested Xylitol.  You may also

call the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) 

Do you have Products in your house with Xylitol?

Xylitol is found naturally in small amounts in many fruits, vegetables, and some trees, for example:

• Raspberries
• Plums
• Corn
• Birch wood  

As manufactured and used as an added ingredient, Xylitol is commonly found in many types of products, for example:

• Medications:
  • Vitamins
  • Fiber supplements
  • Nasal sprays
  • Cough syrup
  • Throat lozenges
  • Sleep aids
  • Nicotine gum
  • Certain prescription drugs
• Dental health products:
  • Toothpaste
  • Dental floss
  • Dry mouth sprays
  • Mouthwash
• Food:
  • Sugar replacement to sweeten beverages, add to cereals and baked goods
  • Instant coffee
  • Ketchup
  • Pancake syrup
  • Peanut butter
  • Pudding
  • Ice cream
  • Drink powder
  • BBQ sauce
  • Chewing gum
  • Candy
  • Jam
  • Chocolates
  • Sugar free mints

Xylitol is even found in small amounts in some veterinary pet products, such as in some toothpastes and mouthwashes. When a veterinary product is found to contain Xylitol, it is important to follow the prescribed dose and to keep the product our of your pet’s reach to avoid potential poisoning

Steps to Prevent Xylitol Poisoning

1.Check the product labels of items being brought into your home, watching for alternative names on the product list, including:

• Birch sugar
• E967
• Meso-Xylitol
• Xilitol
• Xylit
• Xylite
• Xylo-pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol

2.When products are found to have Xylitol as an ingredient, make sure that they are put away so pets can’t get to them.

3.When Xylitol ingestion is caught early and the pet receives veterinary treatment right away, the prognosis for outcome is better. However, since even a small quantity of Xylitol can be deadly, it is important to advise clients that if they suspect their pet has ingested even a tiny amount of Xylitol that they seek veterinary help immediately.

4. Make sure that your children know to store Sugar Free gum, candies and chocolates or other items that contain Xylitol out of reach of their pets.  I know in my household sometimes wrappers with small amounts of food are left in reach of a pet that would like a taste. As well, gum packages and chewed gum can be spat out and left for a dog to consume. If children know the danger that these items can impose on their pet they are more likely to keep them out of their pet's reach.

To Your Pet's Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Sources:

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm244076.htm

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/03/24/dangers-of-xylitol-for-pet-dogs.aspx