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Dr. Damron's pet articles from the Stockton RecordDisaster Preparedness for you and your pet Disasters can be tragic, as we have seen recently in Haiti and a few years ago with Katrina. Fortunately hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and land slides are not common here; but we are at risk for earthquakes, fires, floods, or terrorist attacks. Planning ahead can help protect your family and your cherished companions; it may save their lives. Have collars on all of your pets, even if they have another form of permanent identification. On the tag have a local phone number as well as the phone number of a relative that lives outside of California because local phone service may not be working. Have a form of permanent identification for your companion such as a microchip or tattoo. Our clinic has been able to reunite several wandering pets with their owners because of microchip technology. You may not think that your dog or cat may roam; but it is always possible if windows are broken, or fences get knocked down. Mushroom Toxicity Mushrooms are sprouting up in lawns everywhere. The rains and cooler weather stimulate their growth, so now is the time for pet owners to take action. Please monitor your lawns and gardens, and remove these fungi as soon as possible for the safety of yourself and your pets. Mushrooms are toxic and can be deadly to your family members, including your dog and cat. Mushroom toxicity is more common in dogs because they tend to scavenge more frequently. Initially the fungi can cause signs of generalized stomach upset including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain and poor appetite. Unfortunately it can progress from there. Often the pet owner is not aware that their dog or cat has consumed anything. Later he or she finds the deceased pet. Many cases of mushroom toxicity go unidentified because often a necropsy isn't performed. Making 2010 a great year of health and happiness for your petJanuary 1, 2010Wondering what actions can you take now, and all year long, that will make a significant difference in the life of your cherished companion? Here is a list of recommendations for the new year. Feed a high quality premium pet food, one that comes from the pet store, and meets AAFCO Association of American Food Control Officials standards . You are what you eat. Just like for people, a diet rich in fat and carbohydrates is not healthy. Do not share your plate with your buddy, or feed chicken or pork bones, or grease drippings. Consult with your veterinarian on what to feed if your pet won't eat kibble, or will only eat people food. Exercise is just as important for your companions as it is for you. A leash and some tennis shoes provide a wonderful workout. Your feline companion may enjoy going out on a harness, or playing with a laser light or other interactive toy. 5 days a week is optimum for good health. Read more: Making 2010 a great year of health and happiness for your pet Take the chill out of winter for your pet Cold and wet weather can cause significant health problems and potentially death for your pets. When the temperature hovers around freezing, it is a serious concern for animals that live outside. I have had a few owners tell me that they have had cats freeze to death this winter. Very young, older, thin, or immunocompromised animals are at a much higher risk for the damaging effects of Winter. Please keep these guidelines in mind if you have dogs or cats that spend a significant amount of time outdoors. Choosing the "purrfect" present for your pet My dogs really seem to enjoy receiving gifts. Any time that I purchase a new stuffed animal or dog bed, it is like nothing else they have exists, at least for 5 to 10 minutes. All jokes aside, there are some things to consider for health and safety when getting or making a gift for your cherished canine and feline companions. Helping others find their way As pet caretakers we value our animals for companionship, affection, entertainment, exercise, and so much more. What if your daily activities depended on the help of your cherished friend? This column is dedicated to the generous work of an organization that provides life changing canines for many in need, Guide Dogs For The Blind. Our clinic has cared for some of these canines, and I have observed the amazing partnership and independence these dogs bring to people's lives. Don't let anyone play tricks on your pet at Halloween There is already a chill in the air, as Fall has finally arrived. Plans for spooky festivities have begun Keep your pets safe by keeping the following guidelines in mind. Read more: Don't let anyone play tricks on your pet at Halloween Pets still need heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives in the winter Just because the weather is colder doesn't mean you should stop giving heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives to your cherished companions. It rarely freezes in our area, so these pests are always lurking year-round, just in smaller numbers. Read more: Pets still need heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives in the winter Become an advocate for homeless pets in our community Pet overpopulation is a huge issue in our area, with approximately 10,000 dogs and cats euthanized annually at our local Stockton city/county animal shelter. Most, at least 80%, of these animals are healthy and would make wonderful pets. Read more: Become an advocate for homeless pets in our community Puppy Mills are a significant problem in California Many dogs are imported into California from puppy mills; the true numbers are not known at this time. Several of these animals are from within the United States. Just this week the Humane Society rescued 500 dogs from puppy mills in four different states: North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, and South Dakota. There are also recent problems in the state of Texas and Missouri. The animals are confined in cramped quarters typically wire cages with poor sanitation, poor nutrition, limited access to water, poor veterinary care, and limited socialization or exercise. Read more: Puppy Mills are a significant problem in California When you should consider euthanasia for your pet As caretakers of animals, this is one of the most agonizing decisions that we have to face. Unfortunately the lifespan of our cherished companions is much shorter than ours. One of the kindest, yet most difficult things you can do for your pet when they are suffering, is to euthanize him or her to stop the pain. Cigarettes pose multiple threats to animals Cigarettes and Tobacco materials can pose significant health threats for animals in several ways. Trail riding with your horse Trail riding with your horse can be a magnificent activity for the both of you. Depending on the endurance of your horse, it can allow you to experience tremendous views and sites in nature that can be very difficult to explore by any other means. It is also great exercise for your horse. It is both mentally and physically stimulating, and can help to improve the training of your horse for almost any other modality that you and your equine participate in. Dressage: Ballet with horses Dressage is a competition in which rider and horse become one. It is an art. The challenge is to communicate actions to the horse almost silently, with subtle gestures of the equestrian's hands, legs, and shifts in weight. All breeds of horses can participate, and this form of training is thought to maximize a horse's riding potential. Ear infections in dogs Ear infections in dogs can happen any time of year; but in our area seem more frequent in spring and summer. Such conditions can be a frustration for both pets and owners, and can lead to other more serious problems if left untreated. The ear consists of a flap or pinna, which covers the opening of the ear. The ear canal that you see when you look in your pets ear is the horizontal canal. This is the short portion of the ear canal that dips down leading to a much deeper vertical canal. At the end of this tunnel is the ear drum, which separates the middle and inner ear canals. The structures for hearing and balance are located here. Severe infections can invade this area, and are much more complicated to treat. "Just one litter" may be more than you bargained for Even with the changes in the economy and the vast problem with pet overpopulation in our city, our state, and nationwide; many pet owners will say to me that they want to have just one litter of puppies or kittens with their dog or cat. In many cases the pet is not a purebred or has underlying medical issues that may be inherited and could be passed on to offspring. Often times the owner thinks they have prospective homes for the puppies or kittens, only to find themselves stuck with most of the litter. Our shelters are filled with dogs and cats, both mixes and purebreds that are euthanized in numbers too high to comprehend, simply because there are not enough homes for them. Read more: "Just one litter" may be more than you bargained for Foxtails can create a multitude of problems for your pet A foxtail is the dried seed portion of tall grass or weeds, and it is shaped like an arrowhead with barbs. As these plants mature and dry out, the seed separates. Because there are barbs, the seeds stick easily to fur. Loose seeds enter normal openings of animals such as the nostrils, ears, eyes, genitalia, and mouth; as well as penetrate and migrate through the skin. This may sound minor; but it can actually be quite serious, especially when the foxtails travel internally. Read more: Foxtails can create a multitude of problems for your pet Strides to improve Pet Overpopulation in Stockton The Animal Protection League is working hard to decrease pet overpopulation in Stockton one animal at a time. This non-profit organization was formed as a result of two city council task forces groups, and has been almost 10 years in the making. We are funded by grants, donations, and proceeds from the pet licensing ordinance. Stockton Animal Shelter Friends has played a key role in making this a reality through both financial and human resources. Read more: Strides to improve Pet Overpopulation in Stockton Both you and your dog will love Carmel If you like to travel with your dogs, you should really think about a trip to Carmel. This city caters to the canine population in so many ways. Dogs are allowed to run freely on the beautiful city beach of Carmel-By-The-Sea. Canines of all breeds, ages, and sizes can be seen frolicking in the waves and along the sandy shore. Some dogs surf, some play fetch, and some just soak up the rays. There are social groups that meet at the beach at certain times of the day. The beach scene even has its own canine newspaper, The Doggie Gazette. This magazine features stories from the perspective of the beach dogs. There are also writers from out-of-state as well as some international correspondents. Some medical information is also provided. Heart Disease in Pets Heart disease is a common ailment for both dogs and cats. According to Idexx, a world recognized veterinary laboratory, 15% of all dogs, and 37% of dogs over the age of 7 are affected by heart disease. Similar to people, it can be divided into types that are congenital, or occur close to birth; and types that are acquired, occurring later in life. Adopt a pet and save a life Adopting a dog or cat means there is one less animal euthanized. Pet overpopulation is a huge problem across our country and state. Our local city/county shelter typically euthanizes about 10,000 dogs and cats each year. According to the Humane Society of the United States 3-4 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters annually. Medicating Your Pet: Some old tricks and some new innovations Getting your dog or cat to take prescriptions can be challenging. Not all dogs or cats are willing to let you force a pill down his/her throat; and liquid medications may not be much easier. Some tricks may work initially; but become more difficult as products are repeatedly given. This makes caring for your cherished companion difficult, and can be frustrating if the medication is needed long term. Read more: Medicating Your Pet: Some old tricks and some new innovations Dealing with Diabetes in Dogs and Cats Diabetes melllitus, an illness characterized by problems with carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism due to an insufficient amount of insulin present or an insensitivity to insulin; affects both dogs and cats. Problems usually develop in animals around 8 years of age or later. Symptoms commonly include drinking a lot, urinating a lot, weight loss despite a good appetite, poor coat, and low energy. Indoor Cats Still Need Annual Vaccinations Many people mistakenly believe that animals who live exclusively or primarily indoors don't need vaccinations; but this is not true. Although indoors pets are safer, there is still potential exposure to many airborne and other pathogens that can pose a significant risk and even death for cats. The Annual Physical Exam Every pet should have a physical exam at least once a year. This is medically important for indoor as well as outdoor pets. Canines and felines that are older than seven years of age, or companions that have debilitating health conditions should be evaluated at least twice annually and possibly more frequently depending on their health status. No Winter Break for Pet PestsYour Pets I know we think of these insects as only a spring and summer problem; but they do stick around all year long, just in smaller numbers. Unfortunately these pests still pose a significant health risk to both your dog and cat. High Blood Pressure, It's Not Just a Problem in People High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common ailment, most frequently identified in older dogs and cats. Unfortunately, this condition often goes undetected. Blood pressure is a parameter that is not routinely measured by most veterinary practitioners. Patients are frequently anxious in exam rooms, which can lead to falsely elevated readings. Read more: High Blood Pressure, It's Not Just a Problem in People Give thought before giving a pet as a giftBy Dr. Julie Damron Stockton Record December 13th, 2008 The holidays are a time filled with joy, but they are traditionally also very hectic. People are often not at home much, and there can be many pet hazards in the household this time of year. Even if someone really wants a new dog or cat, it may not be the best time for that person to work with a new companion. Shiny objects and tempting food could make for unhappy celebrationsBy Dr. Julie Damron Stockton Record December 6th, 2008 Sparkling lights, glittering ornaments and a table full of fatty goodies may be reasons to celebrate for people, but for pets, these things could be lethal. The holiday scene, although warm and friendly, can be full of dangers for your dog or cat. Please keep this in mind to keep the season fun and safe for your cherished companions. Read more: Shiny objects and tempting food could make for unhappy celebrations Keep pets safe during holidaysBy Dr. Julie Damron Stockton Record December 5th, 2008 Sparkling lights, glittering ornaments, and a table full of fatty goodies may be reasons to celebrate for people, but for pets, these things could be lethal. The holiday scene, although warm and friendly, can be full of dangers for your dog or cat. Please keep this in mind to keep the season fun and safe for your cherished companions. Page 1 of 2 << Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >> |