Maintaining Healthy ears in your dog

Our pet's ear's, unlike our own, can be big, small, fuzzy, drooping, spotted or really any shape or size and be considered adorable and adds a lovable quality. Unfortunately, the inner ear does not receive as much attention, infact, ears are one of several body parts we think of as being self cleaning and require no maintenance.

Maintaining the overall health of your dog should include the routine inspection of their ears.  For most dogs, their ears never present a concern but for certain breeds, especially those with allergic dermatitis like the Boxer, Shih Tzu and West Highland Terrier, or those with drooping ears, such as spaniels, Irish Setters and Basset Hounds, and those dogs who are lovers of water are prone to developing long term ear concerns.  By maintaining a routine inspection of your pet’s ears you will be able to recognize a problem early and have your veterinarian diagnose and treat the condition before it escalates.

Allowing a simple case of excess wax build up or water in the ear canal, which can both be treated with over the counter ear cleaning solutions, to go unchecked can lead to ear infections, severe pain, balance problems, hematomas (the ear flap filling up with blood due to excessive head shaking) and even deafness.

In order to prevent these long term problems from occurring, a simple once a month inspection of your pet’s ear is in order.  Gently lift your dog’s ear and look (and smell) inside.  The inner ear flap and canal should be pink and clean.  There shouldn’t be any discharge or redness, swelling or odor.  If you notice any of these it’s time to call your veterinarian who can diagnose the situation before it leads to long term damage.

Cleaning your dog’s ears is a simple procedure, however there are a few things to avoid.

1. Do NOT use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or vinegar to clean your dog’s ear canal.These products will dry out the canal but they can also take it to the extreme, causing more problems in the process.There are veterinary products designed to clean the ear canal as well as those that dry the canal.There are even products which have ingredients to do both.Ask your veterinarian which she recommends.
2. Do NOT use a cotton swab (Q-tip™) in your dog’s ear canal as these have a tendency to pack any built up wax, further into the canal, causing more damage and could even puncture the ear drum if inserted too far.

In order to clean the ear properly, follow these simple steps.

1. Put on an apron or smock or clothing you don’t mind getting a little messy.You’ll understand why in a moment.
2. Lift up the flap of the ear and add the appropriate cleaning solution.Be careful not to let the tip of the solution container to touch the ear or the ear canal, as this could contaminate the solution inside.Fill the canal until it is nearly overflowing.
3. While holding the ear flap up, massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds.You will hear a “squishing” sound.That’s good.That is the sound of the solution loosening up any wax and debris in the canal.
4. Allow your dog to shake his head.This is why you are wearing the apron/smock/old clothes.Letting him shake his head will allow the loosened wax and debris to work its way up and out of the canal
5. Use absorbent gauze to wipe up the loosened debris from inside the ear.Don’t clean farther into the canal than you can put a finger and don’t use cotton or paper towels as these both can leave behind fibers leading to more irritation.
6. Reward your dog with a treat and then repeat this with the other ear.

By performing routine inspection and cleaning of your dog’s ears you can prevent long term problems, but occasionally you may find there has been a change in the appearance of your dog’s ears.  As soon as you notice any change in the color, any discharge or odor, contact your veterinarian for a detailed ear exam.

A few simple tests, such as a microscopic exam of the discharge will determine if your dog has ear mites or a yeast infection.  An otoscope exam (a device to look into the ear canal) can show inflammation, excessive wax buildup that hasn’t been removed and even foreign objects or masses in the ear canal.  Your veterinarian may also need to perform a tissue biopsy or even take an X-Ray depending on the initial exam.

By knowing what your dog’s ears “normally” look like you have a greater chance at catching changes in their appearance early enough to prevent long term damage.  Besides routine inspection, for those breeds that require it, the simple monthly cleaning of the ear canal we detailed, is appropriate with the product recommended by your veterinarian.  Following these steps will help your dog enjoy the quality of life you want and expect him to have.

To Your Pet's Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Sources:

https://petswebmd.com/dogs/dogs-disharge/ear

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/instructions-for-ear-cleaning-in-dogs

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-ear-infectio

The Most Unwanted Gift from Your Cat!

Have you ever been the recipient of an unwanted gift and just thought to yourself...Why on earth would someone think I would want this for a gift? It could have been a toaster, bright lime green pants, a gym membership or a fruit cake.  It could be different things for different people but in the end we all feel the same, we would rather the gift giver had not gifted it.  Cat’s can be the bearers of gifts we don’t want hairballs, dead birds or mice or even their urine.  The last gift may be a surprise to you but in some cases cats spray or urinate inappropriately and they don’t see it as a bad thing. Unfortunately for us, cats do not think their urine smells bad and in their eyes if it makes them feel better so why would it be a bad thing for us. This can make breaking cats of either of these habits difficult.

There is a difference between spraying and inappropriate urination. Although both involve your cat urinating in a displeasing way, spraying usually involves a smaller amount of urine sprayed vertically hitting furntirue or walls. In appropriate urination involves a puddle of  urine on the floor or bedding or carpet and is in place of your cat going to the bathroom in it’s litter box.

Spraying, also referred to as urine marking is a very disturbing thing to discover and this rude awakening usually occurs when you realize that your furniture and walls have been anointed with urine.

Both male and female cats spray, but an unaltered male is usually the culprit. A cat that sprays will still use the litter box so you really don’t suspect that your cat may be spraying  until you smell urine but don’t see any evidence on the floor. You will notice several of these behaviors when your cat is spraying:

• Cat will back up to a vertical surface and be in standing position
• Tail will be held straight up
• Tail may be quivering
• Feet may be treading
• A straight and fine spray of urine will hit the vertical surface between one to two feet from the ground
• Some cats make vocalizations

So Why is your Cat Spraying?

A cat most often may feel the need to spray due to issues involving: 

Territory:

The most common cause of spraying is simply inherent behaviors over territory.

• Usually, when a cat feels it needs to establish its territory, it will rub an object with its chin and tail to deposit pheromones that identify itself, but some cats mark their territory by spraying
• Stress: if your cat feels stress within the boundaries it feels are its territory, your cat may spray to mark their territory. The most important thing to realize is that spraying makes your cat feel better. According to Dr. Cathy Lund of City Kitty, ”That is why stress and anxiety, which bring on insecurity, fear, and timidity, can cause your cat to spray. “What they are doing is trying to feel more secure,” Dr. Lund explains. “So the important concept for cat owners to realize is that their cat doesn’t think their urine smells bad. (Spraying) makes cats feel more content.”
• Changes to or a Crowded Territory: Bringing a new cat into the household may result in either cat spraying out of stress or marking it’s territory. The same is true for any multi cat household. If a cat feels crowded in its environment they may spray which can result in a territory marking competition and cause the other cats to spray. Or if your cat’s routine suddenly changes or if there are changes to your household routine this can cause stress resulting in spraying. For example: visitors especially guest with young children, a new pet/dog, new home, construction or renovation of the home, large gathering of people
• Threats to its territory: An indoor cat that observes an outside animal coming close to its home may spray out of defense. An indoor cat becomes defensive, may run to the door, may hiss or growl, will show intensity while watching the animal they feel is intruding, indoor cat may spray to identify its territory, an outdoor cat may also spray for the same reasons.

Spraying may not be caused by territory: There is a possibility that your cat may be spraying for other reasons:

Possible Medical Issues:

1. Cystitis or urinary or bladder infection
2. Crystals in the urine
3. Bladder stones

• Any other condition that may cause inflammation of the bladder

       Breeding drive

• Most common in unaltered cats, the animals may spray during mating season and during courtship

• Indoor males that catch the scent of a female in heat
• Females in heat that are looking for an out of reach, or outside male

  Litter Box Issues

• This reason is not as common a cause of spraying and more frequently a cause of inappropriate urination outside the litter box. There is a generally accepted rule on how many litter boxes to have in your home. One litter box per cat per level of your home. It is important to keep the litter box clean daily, and to have the right size and shape of litter box. Your cat should be able to jump in and out easily and turn around in the litter box.

Treatment

It is important to note that your first response to your cat spraying or urinating inappropriately should be to take your cat to the veterinarian for a physical exam to rule out any medical issues.

1. Neuter and spay your cats. When not neutered, even the most docile cat will begin to spray eventually. In most cases, if an animal is spayed or neutered before it reaches six months of age, the time when most spraying behavior begins, the operation will usually eliminate this problem.

If your cat is already spayed or neutered they may benefit from:

2.Environment modification by identifying and removing the cause that is eliciting the spraying, for example:

• Preventing the indoor cat from seeing the outdoor animals by:
  • Not feeding the outdoor animal where it can be seen
  • Blocking the view from the window with curtains, blinds, or closing the door
  • Reducing conflict between indoor cats:
    • Separate the animals to different rooms or parts of the home
    • Reduce the number of animals
    • Offer additional territory, such as through multi-tier cat trees
    • Add an additional litter box

          When animal is stressed because of changes to its routine:

• If possible, ahead of time, move cat to a quieter part of the home, one that is away from the work noise or party noise
• Make sure the cat has a place to go where it can get away from a noisy, chasing puppy or young child

3.Application of substances in locations of spraying that repel the cat, for instance:

• Spraying the area with commercial cat repellent
• Mothballs placed in tied cloth bags and left in areas
• Placing an upside-down plastic carpet runner around the area with points up so the cat is uncomfortable walking upon it

4.Cleaning the sprayed area: Scrub the area with an enzymatic deodorizer like, AOE or Urine Away.

Dr. Lund suggests that “Spraying is a complicated problem and requires a multi-pronged solution. She recommends taking “a shotgun approach to solve it,” This means ruling out medical causes, addressing possible harassment from other cats, keeping the litter box pristine, and trying an anti-anxiety medication like Prozac.” In addition to medications like Prozac there are natural remedies such as the Feliway Product Line.

Cats communicate using various methods. Most owners enjoy listening to the chirps and trills of their pet as it sits in the window watching birds. However, when the same pet notices a strange cat on its lawn and expresses its anger by hissing and spraying the window sill, that form of communicating is one that owners don’t want repeated. With some hard detective work on your part, you might be able to problem solve the cause of your cat’s spraying behavior. Working with your vet, you should be able to solve the problem in a way that makes everyone happy.

To Your Pet’s Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Sources:

http://www.petplace.com/article/cats/behavior-training/understanding-your-cat/why-do-cats-spray

https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/why-do-cats-spray

Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook, D. Eldredge, D. Carlson, L. Carlson, J. Giffin, 2008, Wiley Publishing Co.

THE ATTACK OF THE TABLE SHARK

July 28th marks the beginning of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. We are simultaneously fearful and fascinated with these creatures of the deep. However, what do you do when a four-legged furry friend, known as the table shark, exhibits those same predatory tendencies with your lunch/snack/dinner? To celebrate Shark Week I thought we would share tips to tame your four legged table shark. 

TIPS TO TRAIN THE TOP OFFENDERS

Dogs are the number one culprits of table sharking. When a dog “counter-surfs” and successfully finds and takes food, he learns that searching for food anywhere and everywhere ends in reward. As a result, the reinforced behavior becomes difficult to reverse. However, there are a few things that can be done to combat this behavior. The American Kennel Club offers these tips:

1. Remove the opportunity. If not, even a crumb is left on the countertop, the dog will eventually stop coming, similar to the effect of leaving a bird feeder empty. Eventually, the birds will stop coming.
2. Reward him for resisting. When you see the dog roaming the kitchen, train him to go back to his place and reward him for it.
3. Teach him “leave it.” Whenever you see the dog sniffing for food, use the command “leave it” to train him to back away. 

WHAT ABOUT CATS?

Is there anything more futile than telling a cat what to do? Cats have a reputation for doing things their way and attempting to discipline a cat will more often than not lead to failure and a lousy relationship with the cat. If your cat is climbing on countertops or furniture, you can try a homeopathic solution. Essential oils can work as a great repellant. Here are a few examples that you can try that you will enjoy but your cat will avoid:

• Eucalyptus oils a scent that will keep your cat across the room. The scent is minty with a hint of honey, which humans love, and cats hate.
• Citronella is known for keeping mosquitoes away, but cats also wince at the smell. You will want to keep this off your skin and your cat’s skin; therefore, the best use is a candle on the kitchen countertop.
• Citrus is another effective repellant that people love, and cats do not. Lemon and orange are found in many natural cleaning agents. You can simply use these to clean the kitchen, and your cat will likely avoid that area.

There are also essential oils that can keep a cat in places of which owners approve. Catnip and valerian root are highly attractive to cats. Placing a tiny drop on a cat bed or a scratching post will certainly lure a cat to that area.

STOP THE BEGGING.

Dogs are known for begging for food. They often inch closer and closer, testing the boundaries before they reach for a bite. There are ways to avoid this kind of behavior:

• Ignoring him can be very effective. Don’t make eye contact. Don’t give in even once. If you have fed him in the past, be prepared for an extinction burst, a flurry of activity that happens when behavior no longer gains the rewards it previously did.
• Train your dog to love a nonfood positive reinforcement for behavior. For example, you can use a clicker to treat your dog to associate lying on a mat with getting a treat; thereby isolating treat rewards to a specific area.
• Use baby gates or a food puzzle toy to occupy your dog while you eat. This is an effective method to use while training.

The key to success is finding the right technique for your pet and you. Above are just a few you can try.

To Your Pet’s Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Sources:

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/common-behavior-issues/how-to-prevent-your-dog-from-stealing-food/

https://www.emaxhealth.com/13638/3-essential-oils-keep-cats-furniture-naturally

https://www.petcha.com/stop-dogs-begging-food/

https://www.southbostonanimalhospital.com/blog/how-to-teach-your-dog-to-stop-begging-for-food

Dr Barry’s Tips for Motion Sickness

Before I was a Veterinarian and I was newly married, my wife and I traveled from Memphis Tennessee to Birmingham Alabama to visit my parents. We decided to bring Benny, our pug, with us.  We had no idea the 4-hour ride would be so hard for Benny.  He panted nonstop, drooled and whimpered the whole ride. What we didn’t know was that Benny was suffering from motion sickness.

Many cats and dogs suffer from motion sickness when traveling. Air, boat, or car, the mode of transportation doesn’t seem to matter when an animal suffers from motion sickness.

What causes motion sickness? There are 4 Main causes:

#1. AGE

When motion sickness occurs in young animals, it’s often related to the immature development of the parts of its inner ear, specifically those involved in balance. When this is the case, the problem is often outgrown by the time the animal reaches its first birthday.

If your pet continues to have issues as it gets older, motion sickness may be caused by:

#2. ANXIETY

Some pets experience motion sickness because they have learned to associate being in the vehicle with a stressful event. For instance, if a pet only rides in a vehicle when it is taken to a boarding kennel or to the veterinarian, it may relate travelling to being separated from family or getting its shots. This worry may lead to stomach upset that results in vomiting and, sometimes, diarrhea.

#3. TRAUMA

Motion sickness can also be triggered by something a pet goes through when it is young. If the first rides of a puppy or kitten are traumatic or frightening, the pet may continue to relate traveling with being scared and may experience bouts of motion sickness throughout its entire adult life.

#4. MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Motion sickness may also be related to issues involving a pet’s health, for example:

• Infections of the middle- or inner-ear
• Vestibular disease
• Medication side effects of vomiting or diarrhea.

What are the Signs of Motion Sickness?

There are easily observable signs that indicate an animal has motion sickness and is about to vomit. These include:

• Restlessness
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy
• Yawning
• Nausea.

SEVEN TIPS TO EASE DISCOMFORT CAUSED BY MOTION SICKNESS

Tip #1.If your pet acts as if it is going to vomit, stop the vehicle and take the pet for a walk. It may provide some temporary relief

Tip #2. Most pets travel best on an empty stomach, withhold food and water for 12 hours before travel begins

Tip #3. Place animal in a carrier that has been padded with a blanket from home

Tip #4. Keep the vehicle cool and quiet; avoid playing loud music

Tip #5. Choose a travel route that’s smooth, not bumpy, with minimal stops and turns.

Tip #6. Ease your pet’s anxiety:

• Start by taking them on several short trips to help them become accustomed to being in the vehicle
• Travel with them to fun places, such as the dog park or to an area where they can join you to hike or play in water
• Give pet a toy that it enjoys, but reserve it for use only during travel times

Tip #7. If your pet does get sick, it will stress less if your remain calm

You can seek your Veterinarian’s help:

If your pet remains susceptible to the effects of motion sickness, there are various prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, and natural therapies that may be tried. However, certain treatments that work well with dogs are not as helpful with cats, so it is advised to first talk with the veterinarian. 

Motion sickness may not be something your pet can control, but the above information will help you make traveling with your pet less stressful for you and your pet. 

To Your pet’s good health,

Dr. Barry

Home Alone?

As a young man I loved the movie “Home Alone”.  In the movie the main character’s parents are so focused on getting ready for their big trip that Kevin, is forgotten and left home alone. Initially Kevin believes it is his wish come true to no longer have his family around. His excitement soon disappears and  he finds himself fending off potential robbers.  I hope this blog is a reminder to consider your pets in your vacation plans. With some advance planning you and your pet can have a safe and stress free time and no one will be forgotten home alone.

Tip#1 – Look into Pet Sitters and Boarding facilities in advance.

It is surprising how fast boarding facilities and pet sitters get booked.  If you make plans in advance, you will have your first choice of who is looking after your pet. This will allow you to enjoy your vacation knowing your pet is safe and loved.

Tip #2 - Provide Emergency Information
Having the following information on file can alleviate unnecessary panic in case of an emergency.:

• Phone number where you can be reached.
• Name and phone number of someone near the boarding facility who has the authorization to make health care decisions if you are unable to be reached.
• Name and phone number of outside veterinarians who have permission to provide information if there are questions that arise about the medical history and care of pet.

Tip #3 - Prior Check of Health Records

Check your pet’s health records to confirm that vaccinations are up-to-date. The typically recommended core and noncore vaccination requirements for boarding animals are as follows:

Dog’s Core:

• Canine Distemper
• Infectious Hepatitis
• Canine Parvovirus
• Rabies
• Bordetella often required to board your pet. It prevents Kennel Cough

Noncore:

• Canine Parainfluenza

Cat's Core

• Feline Panleukopenia
• Feline Herpesvirus
• Feline Calicivirus   
• Rabies

Since vaccination immunity can take days to weeks to fully develop, to provide pets with their best chance for protection, vaccinations should be given two to four weeks before they enter the boarding facility.

Tip #4 - Help Ease the Stress
Leaving your pet at a boarding facility can be a very stressful event for both you and your pet, especially if this is the first boarding experience. the following suggestions to help Here are a few suggestions to reduce any transition anxiety.

• Arrive at the facility before the final closing minutes of the day in case there are questions.
• Bring the pet’s own food, clearly marked with instructions for feeding amount.
• Label any medications clearly and include instructions for the dosage.
• Bring a blanket, towel, or shirt that reminds them of home.
• Bring a favorite toy.

Tip #5. Things to consider with a Pet Sitter

When talking with prospective caregivers, pet parents should direct their focus on obtaining information from the answers to questions such as the following:

• What services do they offer? For example: grooming, walking, training, exercising, playing, cleaning up after pet, taking pet to appointments, taking pet to 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 back-up 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?

To Your Pet’s good health,

Dr. Barry

                                                Test Your Parvo I.Q.:

What kind of dogs are at an increased risk of getting infected by Parvo?

A.Puppies less than 4 months that have not had the full series of vaccinations

B.Dogs between the age of 3-7.

C.All dogs.

D.Vaccinated dogs.

Answer:A

By which of the following can Parvo be spread?

A. Clothing, shoes, parks, shopping areas, sport fields

B.Your hands

C.Feces

D.All of these

Answer: D

Parvo infection causes which of the following symptoms?

A.Excessive drooling, lameness, and diarrhea.

B.Fever, lethargy, vomiting, and severe (sometimes bloody) diarrhea.

C.Bloody diarrhea, collapsed trachea, lameness, and hair loss.

D.Blood shot eyes, vomiting, kidney failure, and foaming at the mouth.

Answer: B, parvo can be fatal unless treated

13. Which of the following would be a good way to prevent a Parvo infection?

 A.Taking very young puppies to meet other dogs.

B.Isolating your dog.

C.Looking for symptoms.

D.Vaccination and good hygiene. Completing the full series of puppy vaccinations is so important in preventing puppy diseases but especially in preventing Parvo.

Source:

http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz30305922b1ff0.html

If you have ever had a puppy you know they are curious and you know they looooove to chew. Which can be a dangerous combination. They will chew everything from shoes, paper, socks, food wrappers and just about anything from a garbage can. Their urge to chew can be explained by teething, as new teeth grow in, or because your puppy just has a natural tendency to chew on things. It  is during these younger years that we have to be careful of the things that are in our homes that pose a potential danger to them.  Somethings we can understand why they chew them other things just aren't that understandable. Electric cords happen to be one of those things we ask ourselves, WHY?. Why, would a puppy want to chew something that doesn't smell good, taste good or isn't even something that draws there attention.

Electrocution from chewing on an electrical cord is the single most common type of electrical injury for household pets. These types of injuries can result in burns to the surrounding areas (e.g., mouth, hair), or because the current alters the electrical conduction in the heart, muscles, and other tissues. Possible complications of electric cord bite injuries are fluid accumulation in the lungs and high blood pressure in the arteries near the lungs.  Additionally, there have been reports of animals developing cataracts – an eye abnormality - after such injuries.1.

I hope my video blog has been helpful, but most of all I hope that by you watching my video it will prevent one more puppy from falling victim to electrocution.

To Your Pet's Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Resources:

1. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_electric_cord_bite

Pet dental health is a very toothy situation that is more complex than most people realize. Humans brush their teeth multiple times a day every day and still suffer from cavities and dental health issues. So, it goes without saying that pet's do not experience the same level and frequency of dental care as human do. As a result, they are more prone to multiple dental health issues that includes more than gum disease or periodontal disease.

A Brief Word About Periodontal Disease:

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, starts when plaque begins to form on your pet's teeth. Typically gum disease is asymptomatic in its earliest stages, but as gum disease advances it can become a serious problem..

Important Facts About Gum Disease:

• Gum Disease is preventable, dental cleanings prevent it and dental exams catch it early
• Gum disease is a very common diagnosis, in fact dogs are diagnosed with gum disease five times more often than humans
• Even the smallest of health or behavioral changes can indicate the start of a problem, and that having an established dental history helps your veterinarian with early detection and diagnosis.

Why Dental Exams Are Necessary:

1. Starting a pet's dental record by having your Veterinarian complete a primary dental examination and evaluation provides baseline date to compare and identify changes early
2. Scheduling annual veterinary dental cleanings: too clean, scale, and examine teeth offers the best prevention against future dental problems and reduces the chances for advanced gum disease

For At Home Dental Care Tips to Prevent Gum disease: Click this link to read my blog:  https://vetapprovedrx.pharmacy/blog/cat/dental-health/

 

Dental Health Is More Than Gum Disease:

In addition to Gum Disease, there are some less commonly seen dental conditions that pet parents  should be aware of such as:

• retained "baby teeth"
• tooth fractures
• tooth root abscess
• Caries or Cavities

1.  RETAINED or "Baby Teeth" a.k.a. DECIDUOUS TEETH

Just like humans, dogs have deciduous “baby” teeth. Ordinarily, the baby teeth are shed when the dog is between four and six months old, allowing the permanent adult teeth to erupt. However, in some dogs, the deciduous teeth are retained and do not fall out normally.

Retained baby teeth are quite common in dogs, but some small breeds more than others. Such as Pomeranians, Yorkshire terriers, and poodles. If the retained baby teeth are left after the adult teeth are present, they can cause overcrowding. Overcrowded teeth can predispose your dog to developing periodontal disease and other “bite” issues.

Dogs with overcrowded teeth often develop “doggy breath” and localized gingivitis caused by bacteria that readily gather and grow between the teeth. In addition, look out for permanent teeth that have come through as crooked, “double” rows of teeth, and bleeding, reddened gums around some of the baby teeth.

2.TOOTH FRACTURES

Along with canine periodontal disease, broken or cracked teeth are a common dental problem in pet dogs.

 

Trauma caused from numerous scenarios can damage your pet's tooth. For Example; clashing teeth with another dog during play, gnawing on very hard bones or rocks, continually chewing on tennis balls, and chewing at the bars of a kennel are all common causes of tooth damage. If the outer enamel is cracked and the sensitive pulp exposed, your dog will suffer extreme pain, and urgent veterinary treatment is always required.

How to recognize a broken tooth: Sometimes purple, gray, or pink staining on the tooth surface will indicate that the tooth pulp has bled, causing the dentin to become stained. Black spots on the surface of the affected tooth indicate that the pulp is actually dying. Your dog may appear miserable and sensitive around his mouth, and he may show reluctance to eat or struggle to chew his food.

Your vet will make a definitive diagnosis of a tooth fracture by taking dental radiographs and probing the tooth (under general anesthetic) to establish whether the pulp cavity has been exposed.

There are two primary treatment options for tooth fractures: extraction and (endodontic) root canal treatment.

3.TOOTH ROOT ABSCESS

A tooth root abscess is a severe infection around the base of a tooth root, usually following damage or trauma to the tooth. Bacteria enter the injury site, attacking the tissue and causing inflammation and pain. Tooth root abscesses can also occur as a complication of periodontal disease.

Your dog may have difficulty eating and may begin tipping his head to one side in an attempt to avoid the pain caused by the abscess. As the abscess grows, facial swelling may appear, often around the eye, depending on the proximity of the tooth roots. If your dog will allow you to look inside his mouth, you may see a swelling or red, angry-looking area of the gum.

Your vet will prescribe antibiotics to control the infection, together with analgesics and/or anti-inflammatory drugs to make your dog more comfortable. Treatment will involve either root canal therapy or extraction of the affected tooth root if the surrounding structures are too severely damaged to be saved.

4.CARIES

Similar to people, dogs can develop cavities or caries in their teeth. Caries most commonly occur in the flat molar teeth at the back of the dog’s mouth, and are caused by tooth decay. Caries can occur as a complication of long-standing periodontal disease or following trauma where the tooth surface has sustained damage. All breeds can be affected.

As it is mainly the teeth at the back of the dog’s mouth that develop caries, it is difficult for owners to realize that there is a problem. The early signs to look out for include the following:

• foul breath
• tooth discoloration
• behavioral changes such as reluctance to eat and sensitivity around the mouth

If your dog shows any of these signs, consult your veterinarian. Sometimes, the only way to diagnose caries is via veterinary examination under anesthetic.

Where the condition has been left undetected for a long period of time and advanced lesions have developed, root canal treatment or extraction will be required.

However, where decay is superficial, it may be possible to fill or cap the tooth in order to save it.

You can prevent your dog from developing tooth decay by developing an at home dental health routine. There are many options, brushing is best but for those that struggle with please know that there are other options: diet(excess carbohydrates cause dental caries), chews, food and water additives and a product that I use with my pet's, Perio Support. Perio Support is a food additive that you simply sprinkle on your pet's food.

Every week I complete multiple dental cleanings that require multiple tooth extractions and I frequently diagnosis gum disease. Pet's are resilient and do not often show signs of dental issues or gum disease so it is up to us as pet parents to take measures we keep their teeth and gums healthy. 

My Best Advice:

Establish an at home dental health routine, as I mentioned earlier there are many options today other than brushing.

Have your veterinarian perform a dental exam on your pet to establish  base line data on your pet's dental health.

Look out for warning signs of dental problems in your pet and if you think your pet may be suffering from a dental health issue schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Mouth pain and discomfort is a different type of pain. It is always better to be safe than sorry and have your pet suffer silently.

To Your Pet's Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Sources:

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/perlis-gum-disease-dogs

https://1tdc.com/what-dental-conditions-should-i-look-for-in-my-dog/

Odors That Repel Pets

Pet-offensive odors:  What their nose knows, and yours doesn’t

Brewing coffee. A summer campfire. Fresh-cut flowers. Scents like these are a huge part of our lives. They’re linked to our memories, our routines, our preferences and our environment. Unfortunately, most of us never stop to consider the fact that our pets’ ultra-sensitive olfactory senses may not always agree with our own favorite fragrances - many of which are found in the homes we share with our animals. It is know to  understand what scents are a major turn-off for cats and dogs and how to keep everyone happy.

Biology basics

Most of us know that dogs and cats have keen senses of smell. But did you know that dogs have between 150 and 300 million olfactory cells compared to a human’s mere 5 million? Or that a cat’s sense of smell is actually 14 times stronger than ours? With larger and more sophisticated olfactory systems, our animals are able to pick up on all sorts of information about their environment. Cats can stay on alert about other cats in the area and make up for their poor taste buds with smell, while dogs can use smells to identify everything from their owners to drugs, and even diseases like cancer.

The smells that repel

With their super sniffers always on full alert, many seemingly benign household scents can actually agonize our beloved pets. Here’s the rundown on the odors that irk cats and dogs the most.

Dogs despise:

• Citrus:Most of us love the smell of citrus. It’s fresh and bright and can mask other odors we deem unpleasant. But because citrus is so strong, it can irritate a dog’s respiratory tract. Citrus essential oils can be even more bothersome because of their high concentration and intensity.
• Vinegar:This is another standard household item that is strong and almost unbearable to dogs. While apple cider vinegar can be beneficial in cleaning up smelly dogs, make sure to mix it with a pet-friendly shampoo and keep it away from their sensitive noses.
• Chili pepper:The capsaicinoids that make chilis hot can cause itching and irritation in a dog’s nose. At dinnertime, keep human chow made with chili away from their food bowl!
• Alcohol:This strong antiseptic can be too much even for our noses sometimes, which is why it’s best to keep disinfectants, and even alcoholic beverages, out of a dog’s vicinity.
• Nail polish:Acetate, formaldehyde, nitrocellulose — there are some strong chemicals in that little bottle. Dogs hate the smell and equally despise nail polisher remover, especially the kind made with acetone.
• Chlorine and cleaning products:Besides their nasty smell, these chemicals can be potentially toxic if ingested, so it’s important to keep cleaning products out of reach of dogs and all pets. Always be careful to keep pets away from freshly-cleaned surfaces until they’re safely dry.

Cats can’t stand:

• Citrus:Just like their canine counterparts, cats hate oranges, lemons, limes and the like. Some cat repellents even use these smells to help keep cats away.
• Banana:We know the peels can be pungent and cats find this to be especially true. Leaving one out is a sure way to keep a cat out of the room.
• Dirty litter box:Here’s where we can agree with our feline friends — there’s nothing welcoming about a foul-smelling bathroom! Cats won’t go near a dirty box, so make sure to scoop and replace litter in a timely fashion.
• Pepper:Spices and seasonings don’t mesh well with cats’ noses, so keep the curry out of reach!
• Soaps and deodorants:Be careful about cleaning your cat’s food bowls, toys or bedding with anything too fragrant. Cats just don’t care for it.
• Eucalyptus:Like other foliage they instinctively know may be toxic, cats will give eucalyptus plants a wide berth. Be sure to avoid essential oils (including eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint and more) because they are known to beespecially harmful to cats.

While it may be hard for our human senses to understand why dogs would rather roll in the muck and cats want to sleep on stinky shoes, deciphering what odors makes pets want to run and hide is important in reducing animal stress and increasing overall happiness at home.

To Your Pet's Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Sources:

https://www.animalwised.com/top-10-smells-dogs-hate-1568.html

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/essential-oils-cats/

https://www.animalwised.com/10-smells-that-cats-hate-672.html

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/dogs-sense-of-smell/

How to Find the Right Pet

Finding the perfect pet from a reputable source

Maybe you have your heart set on a golden retriever — that shiny, glossy coat, goofy grin and playful personality. Or maybe you are looking for a calico cat with an attitude as unique as her abstract coat. You’ve done the background research and know this type of pet will suit your lifestyle and family (if no click here to find out about breeds and dispositionshere. But now what? How do you  find that perfect pet?

The following tips can help you find a healthy pet from a breeder (and understand the warning signs of puppy mills) or make a love connection at a shelter.

SCOPE IT OUT

If your client has settled on purchasing a pedigreed puppy, a thorough vetting of the breeder is key — including observing the living environment and attitudes of both the breeder and other animals onsite. TheAKC recommends potential buyers follow these steps before taking any puppy home:

• Meet the parents:Seeing your puppy’s parents can give you an idea about the dog she might grow into. Breeders should be forthcoming about the health of the parents as well as the puppy.
• Observe, observe, observe:How clean is the kennel? Do the other animals appear lively and well-fed? Are there any signs of illness? Do they interact well with the breeders or shy away?
• Ask away:Breeders should be willing to answer any questions you have and be willing to keep an open line of communication with you throughout the puppy’s life. Make sure your breeder is knowledgeable and you feel comfortable with them.
• Paperwork, please:Don’t leave without AKC documentation of the dog’s pedigree and be wary if the breeder hesitates or says they will mail papers at a later date.

RED FLAGS

As awareness has spread, people now know that puppies from pet stores mostly come from puppy mills — large-scale, commercial breeding operations where the health and welfare of dogs is put second to profits, leading to squalid living conditions and misery for the animals. However, even if your clients avoid pet stores, make sure they avoid other buying situations where the dog may have come from a puppy mill.

• Beware of organizations selling large quantities of puppies, dogs listed in newspaper advertisements, and people selling on the side of the road or at events like flea markets.
• Be skeptical of any breeder who won’t disclose the name of their veterinarian, won’t allow site visits to their home or won’t make the parents of the puppy available to meet.
• Avoid sellers who want to meet in a public place for the sale, demand cash, says he or she is acting as an “agent” for a breeder, or sells puppies before they are 8 weeks old.

If the sale seems shady, it probably is! For more information on how to avoid puppy mills and scams, see Petful’s full articlehere.

CERTIFIED CATS

As with dogs, it is important to do a little research when in the market for a pedigreed cat. The Cat Fancier’s Association, a registry of pedigreed cats, offers cat breeder referral services that can help you find a reputable breeder. The International Cat Association also offers search services and tips for purchasing a kitten. As with dog breeders, a good cat breeder will also be open about how they raise their animals, happy to answer questions, will provide documentation from veterinarians and will want to enter into a written agreement with a purchaser.

ADOPTION INSTEAD

If your client decides adopting a shelter animal is right for them, fantastic! However, walking into a shelter with so many needy animals can be overwhelming. Help them prepare with these tips for adopting cats and dogs:

• Research ahead of time:Visit the shelter’s website or social media accounts. They often post pictures and profiles of available animals. Give them a call to talk to the caretakers themselves about what kind of pet you’re interested in.
• Take the family along:Bring anyone who will be living with the new pet and observe how the animals react to you and your spouse, children, etc.
• Ask questions:Staff and volunteers at shelters spend countless hours caring for these animals. They can offer insights on personality and disposition you may not be able to discern yourself from a single visit.
• Avoid rush hour:Weekends and afternoons can be busy, which means the animals might be more agitated than usual. During a quieter time, you can take your time meeting and interacting with potential pets.
• Take a walkabout:If possible, take your canine candidate for a short walk on a leash. It can tell you a lot about their personality!
• Consider the older animals:Senior cats and dogs are both at higher risk to be euthanized. Their calmer demeanors and house training may be just what you’re looking for!

Getting one step closer to bringing a new pet home doesn’t have to be daunting. The key here is letting your clients know that asking questions and trusting their instincts — toward breeders and the animals themselves — go a long way in finding that perfect match.

To Your Pet's Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Sources

https://www.akc.org/press-center/articles/responsible-breeders/

https://www.aspca.org/animal-cruelty/puppy-mills/closer-look-puppy-mills-old

https://www.petful.com/animal-welfare/puppy-mill-red-flags/

https://www.tica.org/ru/find-a-kitten

https://cattime.com/cat-facts/lifestyle/311-choosing-a-shelter-cat

https://www.cesarsway.com/get-involved/adopting-from-a-shelter/the-rules-of-adoption