Dogs

It’s important to advocate for a human loved one’s cancer care, and the same applies to pets.,Jump to section Talk to Your Veterinarians and Specialists Do Research and Understand Your Dog’s Treatment Options Know How to Tell When Your Dog Is in Pain Know How to Help Alleviate Pain Safely Play with Your Sick Dog Provide Tools to Improve Your Pet’s Quality of Life Additional Pet Care Considerations “Pawspice” Care: What It Is and When to Consider It

Our dogs have amazing noses that are sadly underutilized in their daily lives with us. When they want to stop and check their “pee mail” during a walk, we usually tell them to move along, and when they want to get to know a new friend by checking out the back end plumbing, we blush and tell them to knock it off. However, by restricting our dogs’ sniff time, we’re preventing them for using a sense that’s as powerful to them as our eyes are to us. Teaching your dog to play “find the dog toys” encourages him to use and hone his very impressive scenting ability and provides a level of mental stimulation that’s unlike any other type of partner play. It’s a game that doesn’t require a lot of space, it can be played indoors or out and can be mastered by dogs of all ages. Plus, it’s easy to teach and it’s a ton of fun to watch.

5. Vomiting and Diarrhea   While not illnesses themselves, vomiting and diarrhea are symptoms of an underlying illness and are indications your puppy should be assessed by a veterinarian. Some of the more common causes of vomiting and diarrhea in puppies include: Foreign body (they ate something they shouldn’t have and it’s stuck in their stomach) Eating a toxin or garbage Intestinal parasites Diet change Bacterial infection Viral infection Stress Treatment for vomiting and diarrhea varies depending on the cause and can range from outpatient therapy to surgery and/or hospitalization.,6. Parasites  Parasites are organisms that live on—or in—a host and get their food from or at the expense of the host. Puppies are more predisposed to parasites due to their underdeveloped immune system, and there are several different types of parasites that can affect them, both externally and internally.  Common internal parasites include: Roundworms Hookworms Tapeworms Whipworms Giardia Coccidia Heartworms Common external parasites are: Fleas Ticks Lice Ear mites Scabies (Sarcoptic Mange) Demodex Cheyletiella mites (“walking dandruff”) Symptoms and treatment vary greatly depending on the type of parasite. To protect your puppy, stay up to date on dewormers and routine flea and tick prevention.,Bringing a new puppy into your home is always exciting. And when you add a new family member, you want to do everything you can to keep them safe and healthy. Just like human kids, puppies don’t have as strong of an immune system as adults, and there are several illnesses they’re more susceptible to—especially if they’re not fully vaccinated. Here’s what you need to know about the most common puppy illnesses your new addition can experience, and how you can help your new four-legged family member. 1. Parvovirus (Parvo)  Parvovirus is one of the scariest illnesses a puppy can get—it’s prevalent throughout the United States, easily transmissible, and potentially fatal. At its most basic level, parvovirus is a highly contagious, really nasty stomach virus. It’s transmitted through feces and can survive in the environment for months or even years. Because of this, it’s recommended to avoid putting a puppy on the ground in public places or taking her for walks in the neighborhood until she’s fully vaccinated. The symptoms of parvovirus are typically acute (meaning they have a sudden onset) and can be rapidly progressive. If you notice any of these common symptoms, contact your veterinarian: Vomiting Diarrhea (usually bloody and profuse) Lethargy Decreased appetite Depression Dehydration Stomach pain Pale gums Fever Weakness Seizures There is no specific treatment for parvovirus, only supportive care. Ideally, puppies with parvo should be hospitalized to ensure they get adequate care. With hospitalization, survival rates have been shown to be as high as 90%, but this greatly depends on the puppy’s age, symptom severity, vaccination history, underlying health issues, and the level of medical care provided. 

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Odds are, you’ve experienced some of the common complexion issues that winter weather often brings, such as dry or flaky skin. While you may have splurged on some new lotion or potion to alleviate it, don’t forget that your dog’s skin problems may need some TLC, too. Yes, your pup’s skin and coat may also be affected by the chilly weather, with dog skin problems often arising or becoming exacerbated during the winter season. Below are four common skin and fur concerns for dogs come winter—and the vet-approved tips and tricks for revamping your doggo’s skincare routine and bringing them some relief.

Want to learn how to make homemade pumpkin pie dog treats? You are barking up the right tree! Pumpkin is healthy option for a dog treat. It is rich in potassium, iron and the antioxidant beta-carotene. Plus, pumpkin is definitely having a moment right now as a trendy fall ingredient. What are you waiting for? Just follow the simple steps in the video below to make your pup some delicious dog treats.

Popping a casserole in the oven is a tried-and-true time saver for families. The ease of preparation makes cooking a breeze, and the big portion guarantees plenty of leftovers. And with a few simple ingredients, you can make a special baked casserole for your four-legged family members, too. This hearty hamburger casserole calls for just a handful of ingredients, and it’s super easy to prepare. Simply brown the beef, then layer all the ingredients into your dish. Bake, and serve! Remember, pet parents looking to incorporate new foods in their dog’s diet should consult with their veterinarian beforehand.

By Carol McCarthy You love snuggling with your dog, especially when her coat is soft and clean. But what do you do if your pup is starting to look a lot more like a Tramp and not at all like a Lady and you can’t get her to the groomer? Try grooming your dog at home with these DIY tips and advice from the pros. Getting Started and the Benefits of Grooming Though many pet parents successfully groom their dogs at home, it will take a bit of time and effort to get your dog comfortable with a routine of at-home grooming, which can help reduce shedding in addition to further deepening your relationship with your dog. “Your dog trusts you completely with all the big decisions in her life. But, on the little things, she sure can have opinions, and those need to be addressed,” said Dr. Neil Marrinan of Old Lyme Veterinary Hospital in Old Lyme, CT. By that, he means developing a strong foundation of trust before attempting to groom your dog at home. You dog must be able to count on the reliability of your behavior, which means practicing a home grooming ritual regularly and incrementally (getting her used to being touched in sensitive spots, for example) and offering positive rewards (treats and attention) as you go, Marrinan said. Stick to a predictable system that follows a series of steps, allowing you and your dog to reach a position of comfort and confidence. “90 percent of the work will be before, and away from, the actual 10 percent of grooming,” he said. Remember, your dog will know if you are nervous, which will in turn make her nervous and can lead to her trying to escape or becoming aggressive, said Carol Benesch, owner of Norwichtown Pet Resort and Spa in Norwich, CT. If your dog is uncomfortable with being brushed, don’t force her and try again another time. You may also want to check with a veterinarian to make sure you’re using the appropriate tool for her coat.

If you spend much time hanging out with veterinarians around the holidays, you’re likely to hear someone mention how they are being bombarded by euthanasia appointments. This got me to thinking—are more pets actually euthanized during the holidays, and if so, why? I’m not aware of any scientific studies on euthanasia trends during the holidays, but many vets will agree that they do notice a spike. A quick search through an online message board for veterinarians revealed at least eight discussions on the topic with the consensus being clear—the holiday onslaught of euthanasia appointments is real and has several probable underlying reasons. Why Do Vets See More Pet Euthanasia During the Holidays? Here are five of the most likely reasons for the increase in pet euthanasia during the holiday season. 1. Temperature Changes Cold weather can be very tough on some pets, especially large dogs with advanced osteoarthritis. Pet parents might start to notice the full extent of their pet’s arthritis symptoms as the weather gets colder. Before making any decisions, visit your veterinarian to discuss which stage of arthritis your pet is at and to assess their level of pain and mobility. An arthritic pet’s quality of life will depend on things like whether the pain can be managed, whether you are able to accommodate their mobility needs and whether any form of treatment can help. 2. Pet Stress Stress of any kind can worsen a failing pet’s condition, and the holidays can certainly be stressful, especially for pets. Altered schedules, houseguests, and even changes in the layout of the home due to decorations could be enough to push a pet’s health over the tipping point. For example, a recent study revealed that “short-term stressors led to a significant increase in SB [sickness behaviors] in both healthy cats and cats with FIC [feline idiopathic cystitis].  3. Human Stress Yes, the holidays can be stressful for pets, but it’s stressful for many owners too. Money can get tight this time of year, and, unfortunately, that often does play at least some role in deciding if and when to euthanize. While temporarily tight finances shouldn’t lead to euthanasia when it isn’t otherwise warranted, it may limit a family’s ability to pursue aggressive or last resort treatments. Human depression can also deepen during the holidays, which may lead to a feeling of futility that extends to ailing pets. 4. Family and Friends Many owners want to keep their pets around for one more holiday, and so they may avoid euthanizing them in the preceding weeks or months. This is understandable, particularly when out-of-town kids, other family members or friends will use the opportunity for some last snuggles and to say goodbye. But it’s not in the best interest of the pet to keep them hanging on when they might be in pain or have a poor quality of life. Use the Quality of Life scale with your veterinarian to assess your pet’s quality of life to determine when the best time is for your pet. A pet’s slow decline has a way of sneaking up on people who experience it every day. I’ve had several owners tell me that it took the kids coming home from college to notice how bad things had gotten to make them finally accept that humane euthanasia was the right choice. 5. Travel Conversely, owners who are leaving town themselves may be unwilling to put their ailing pets through the stress of travel or being looked after by someone else. While on the surface, this may sound like a matter of convenience, it can actually be the nudge that pet parents need to make a tough but necessary decision. In fact, I wish I had euthanized my beloved, ailing 17-year-old dog before I had to leave town for a few days years ago. I chose not to and forever lost the opportunity to be with him during his last minutes. There is no one “right” time to say goodbye to a pet, which means a combination of all of these factors (and probably more) lead to an increase in euthanasia during the holidays. The best thing you can do is to discuss your pet’s health and quality of life with your veterinarian to make an informed decision that’s best for your pet. By: Jennifer Coates, DVM Featured Image: iStock.com/filadendron Related Video: When Is the Right Time to Euthanize a Pet?

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