By Melvin Peña via Dogster.com

Before you share fruit with Fido: Can dogs eat strawberries and can dogs eat apples? What about grapes or mangoes? Fruits that dogs can (and can’t!) eat.

I’m sure it’s occurred to you to wonder, what fruits can dogs eat? Can dogs eat strawberries? Can dogs eat apples? And can dogs eat grapes, mangoes, pears and raspberries…? Dogster has the lowdown on some of the most popular fruits and whether things like apples, grapes, strawberries, mangoes, pears, raspberries and other fruits are safe for dogs to have at snack, treat or mealtime.

For more click here

By Paula Fitzsimmons via PetMd

There’s no question that spay and neuter surgeries save lives. “Making the decision to spay or neuter a pet means fewer will be euthanized,” says Dr. Kate Maher, Louisiana state representative for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association.

Spaying and neutering is also associated with increased health benefits and longevity. One study on reproduction’s impact on lifespan and cause of death in dogs found that sterilization increased life expectancy in females by 26.3 percent and in males by 13.8 percent.

But if you’re a first-time pet parent, you may have heard or read statements that give you pause. Neutering my dog will alter his personality. Spaying a female cat before a first litter is dangerous. Spay and neuter surgeries are unaffordable. These are all myths.

If you’re not sure what to believe, read on as veterinarians who are intimately connected with the issue help separate fact from fiction. As with human medicine, animals are unique individuals, which is why the best person to talk to about your pet’s health needs is, of course, your vet.

Myth 1: Females Who Have One Litter Before Getting Spayed Are Healthier

There’s no evidence that females who give birth before getting spayed reap any health benefits, says Dr. Susan Konecny, medical director for Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. “In fact, spaying female dogs and cats before their first heat cycle eliminates their risk of ovarian or uterine cancer, and it also greatly reduces their risk of mammary cancer.”

With each heat, an animal’s health risks actually increase. Konecny cites a study on mammary tumors in female dogs, in which researchers found that individuals spayed between their first and second heats had an 8 percent risk of developing malignant tumors when compared with intact females. That figure jumped to 26 percent when performed between the third and fourth heats. And spaying later than that put the female at the same risk level as intact dogs.

Spaying before the first litter also eliminates the risk of other pregnancy-related emergencies, says Dr. Holly Putnam, director of operations for Shelter Outreach Services in Ithaca, New York. This includes dystocia, a condition in which “kittens or puppies are unable to pass through the birth canal during labor, requiring an emergency C-section.”

Myth 2: Neutering Diminishes an Animal’s ‘Masculinity’

Unlike humans, animals have no actual concept of their sexuality, Konecny says. “And spaying or neutering will not change your pet’s natural disposition. For example, neutering male dogs does not render them useless for protection or guarding.”
 

Neutering (or spaying) also has no effect on an animal’s natural instinct. “A dog’s intelligence and personality is formed more by genetics and environmental factors than by sex hormones,” Maher says.

What sterilization does do, Maher says, is decrease testosterone, which can result in significant health benefits, including a reduced risk of prostate disease and testicular tumors.

And it can help reduce undesirable behaviors, Konecny says. “What we do know is that neutering male dogs was most effective at reducing urine marking, mounting behaviors and roaming, and neutering male cats greatly reduces or eliminates urine spraying, roaming, and fighting with other males.”

Myth 3: Surgery Is Too Expensive

Look at it this way: not opting for spay or neuter surgery may cost you more in the long run. You’re ultimately responsible for all those lives, whether you decide to keep them or adopt them out. Fortunately, affordable options are available when it comes to sterilization surgeries.

Pricing for spay and neuter surgeries varies by region and vet office. “Most regions in the U.S. have at least one spay/neuter clinic within driving distance that charges $100 or less for the procedure,” Maher says.

Many veterinary clinics provide discounts through subsidized voucher programs, she adds. “Low-cost spay and neuter is becoming more widely available all the time.” To find low-cost spay and neuter providers in your area, check out the database created by PetSmart Charities and ASPCA.

Some organizations may even be willing to perform spay and neuter for free. “Contact your local animal shelter or humane society, or your veterinarian, and tell them that you are looking for discounted spay or neutering services,” Konecny recommends.

Myth 4: Sterilization Is Directly Responsible for Weight Gain

Spay and neuter surgeries decrease the level of sex hormones, which does indeed slow down an animal’s metabolism, Konecny says. “Therefore, this has to be taken into account after the pet is spayed or neutered.”

But mostly, animals become overweight due to lack of appropriate diet and exercise—not specifically from being spayed or neutered, she says. “Dogs and cats are often fed quantities based on pet food manufacturers’ recommendations. Some will do well on the recommended amount, while others may need more or less food (usually less),” Konecny explains. “The age at which a dog or cat should be changed over to adult food will vary based on breed, size, and individual activity level and as your animal ages, it is important to adjust their diet and their exercise regimen accordingly so they remain healthy later in life.”

Other reported factors contributing to obesity include an animal’s breed, housing environment, age, and even the weight and age of the pet parent (our lifestyles can often rub off on our animals). “The truth is that the problem of companion animal obesity is multi-factorial and research studies indicate that spaying or neutering prior to 5 months of age may decrease the incidence of obesity,” Maher says.

The Debate Surrounding Spay and Neuter

Spay and neuter surgeries are not without their criticisms. “There is a great deal of controversy surrounding early spay/neuter based on recent studies on purebred dogs,” Konecny says. “This has created a great deal of debate as well as controversy in regards to what the appropriate age is.”

She says several published studies look at the long-term effects of spaying animals at an early age. “These studies received quite a bit of attention as they indicated that there may be a greater risk of developing certain types of cancers and musculoskeletal problems later in life in dogs that underwent early-age spay/neuter. However, many epidemiologists agree that further research needs to be performed before making any changes to our current age recommendation.”

The current age recommendation for spays and neuters is 6 months. Yet puppies and kittens currently and routinely undergo spay or neuter as early as 8 weeks of age, especially in animal shelters and high-volume spay and neuter clinics, says Putnam, who also serves on the board of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. “If you’re concerned about your puppy or kitten undergoing a surgery at such a young age, consider that most veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, and high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics are experienced and highly skilled with meeting the anesthetic and surgical needs of pediatric animals.”

Ultimately, your vet will be in the best position to determine if your cat or dog is a good candidate for spay or neuter.

For more see PetMd

For more please see PetMd.com article: 6 Ways to Helps Your Old Dog Feel Young.

By the time we reach adulthood, most of us have discovered that winter weather can wreak havoc on our skin. Humidity is low, the outside air is cold and windy, and we’re going in and out of cold to warm and back again throughout each day. Even in homes with great ventilation, our bodies have to struggle to keep up with the temperature and moisture changes that occur throughout the day.

It stands to reason that the body cannot always keep up the necessary balance of chemicals, oils and bacteria the skin needs to stay soft, flexible and comfortable, and the common result is dry, itchy, flaking skin. What is true for human skin is often true for animal skin, as well, and many of the same remedies are useful for both preventing and treating skin problems in dogs.

Bathing and Grooming Your Dog

One of the typical conditions that occur as a result of a change in environmental conditions is dandruff. Simply put, dandruff is often just the normal result of dead skin cells that are visible on the surface of the skin or hair. However, this can become an unsightly or uncomfortable problem when the skin is producing excessive amounts of sebum – a fatty product of the sebaceous glands in the skin – and skin cell turnover increases. The dead skin cells may clump up or remain as patchy layers on the surface of the skin. This problem tends to be more prevalent in the winter.

Unfortunately, for dogs that have sensitive skin, shampooing them can make the problem worse. To avoid stripping the skin’s natural oils or causing chemical irritation, bathing with shampoos or soaps should be limited during the winter months. Simple water baths should be sufficient under most circumstances. If you must bathe your pet, use a moisturizing shampoo for sensitive skin, along with a moisturizing rinse.

If you have already passed the point of prevention and find that you need to treat your dog for irritated skin, oatmeal baths have been a long held and common remedy for soothing skin. There are also specially medicated shampoos for itchy skin, but there are considerations to take into account, such as your dog’s age and health status. You will need to base your skin treatment choices on the type of hair coat your dog has, as well, or whether your dog has layers of skin that overlap. If you have any questions about what type of shampoo or topical ointment to use, talk to your veterinarian or groomer about your best options for treating your dog’s skin.

Using a soft brush on your dog’s hair coat will help to stimulate the hair follicles and natural oil glands in the skin, and remove any patches of skin as you brush across the surface. Removing the dead skin cells and loose hair from the coat will allow the skin a chance to repair itself.

Nutrition and Supplementation for the Skin

Throughout the year, your dog should be receiving a diet that is nutritionally balanced, so that when winter does arrive, her skin is already in the best health. That does not mean that your dog will not still have problems, but they will be minimized and easier to treat, generally speaking.

For example, adequate levels of fatty acids are an essential component of healthy and firm, yet flexible, skin. If you and your dog have already suffered through a tough winter or two, you may want to look into putting him on a special diet that provides additional levels of omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids specifically for the maintenance of healthy skin. Consult with your veterinarian so you can make an informed choice about which supplemental vitamins and/or foods will be best suited to your dog.

Environmental Considerations

While you cannot control the outside temperatures, and you cannot keep your dog indoors all the time – after all, she has to go outside to relieve herself – you can maximize your indoor air with humidifiers and fans to keep the air circulating so that allergens are not collecting in the air and carpets.

To keep everyone comfortable, both pets and people, avoid as much as possible using room deodorizers, scents, or carpet and furniture cleaning products, since there is no way to air out the chemical traces of these products from the home.

Other Causes of Skin Problems

In addition to winter changes, there are also the usual culprits — dust mites, molds, etc. — which are not being aired out and which may lead to an increase in reactive skin or breathing symptoms, especially if your dog tends to be sensitive under normal circumstances. Your veterinarian can help to diagnose and treat indoor allergies and provide relief in the form of medications, supplements, or special shampoos.

Other potential causes of skin conditions can come from sources such as parasites, underlying health issues like kidney or liver problems, or hormonal or nutritional imbalances. If your dog is not responding to any of the normal treatment methods, you will need to have him examined so that more serious health issues can be ruled out.

It is important to note that if you find your dog scratching non-stop, to the point that damage to the skin is resulting from the excessive scratching, you will need to see your veterinarian immediately, before the skin irrigation becomes a more severe bacterial infection.

Source: https://www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_dg_winter_skin_care

Image: Rowena / via Flickr

Of all the animals mankind interacts with on a regular basis, dogs have always seemed to be the most in tune with our emotional states. New research has attempted to examine why that might be, and scientists now believe they have evidence to show that dogs are incredibly adept at learning human facial cues. As it turns out, dogs really, really want their human companions to be happy, and may even share the reliance on the hormone oxytocin to promote social bonding with their two-legged caretakers.

For more see:  Study reveals dogs are programmed to want to us to be happy

Halloween Scares at the Vet Clinic: Don’t Let These Happen to You

By Megan Sullivan    October 06, 2017 at 08:03PM

 

Halloween is a time for clever costumes, sugary treats, and spooky fun. But these fall festivities can also present risks for pets. We spoke with our veterinary experts about Halloween-related pet mishaps they’ve encountered over the years. Don’t let one of these scary situations happen to you and your beloved companion.

Halloween Scares at the Vet Clinic

While out trick-or-treating at night, some families use glow sticks to keep themselves visible and safe. But if you leave these items laying around the house, your curious dog or cat might be tempted to chew on them. Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinary advisor for petMD, once received a call about a dog who got into a bag of glow sticks.

“The dog was drooling like crazy and obviously unhappy, on top of looking like an iridescent space alien,” Coates remembers. While the liquid inside of the glow stick tastes awful and can sometimes even make pets vomit, Coates assured her client that it is not actually toxic. “She offered her dog a handful of treats to help get rid of the taste, and he was soon back to normal.”

A glowing pet may be a scary sight to behold, but other Halloween mishaps can be life-threatening. One of the most common emergencies veterinarians see during Halloween involves dogs eating candy—especially chocolate. Chocolate can be toxic to both dogs and cats. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures.

“Several dogs get into the Halloween candy if it is left in their reach,” says Dr. Katie Grzyb, medical director at One Love Animal Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. “Chocolate can be toxic at certain amounts. Luckily, in many cases, if ingestion is caught early enough, the patient can be brought to their veterinarian and emesis (vomiting) can be induced. Some dogs may require hospitalization with fluids, charcoal, and monitoring for arrhythmias and/or neurologic signs.” 

Halloween candies that contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can also be poisonous to pets. Pet parents should also be cautious of candy wrappers, which can cause gastrointestinal upset or intestinal blockages, if ingested.

Dr. Steven Friedenberg, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, recalls one instance where a smaller mixed-breed dog ate an entire bag of candy that was filled with all sorts of treats, ranging from chocolate bars to gummy worms. “We induced vomiting and were able to get many of the candy wrappers out of the dog’s stomach, but much of the chocolate had been absorbed already,” says Friedenberg, who specializes in emergency and critical care.

The dog needed to be hospitalized and put on medications to control elevated heart rate and blood pressure, he says, as well as receive sedatives for agitation associated with chocolate ingestion. “Fortunately, the dog did well, but it was an expensive stay for the owners.”

Dr. Christine Rutter, clinical assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University, shares a similar tale of a dog who ate a medley of Halloween candy—but with a ghostly twist. “We induced vomiting and got the dog started on fluids and medications for overnight care, and I went to give the owner an update,” recalls Rutter, who specializes in emergency and critical care. “At the end of the interview, the owner stopped me and asked if there are any ghosts in the hospital. Puzzled, but playing along, I replied that I am unaware of ghosts in the hospital, and that I am in the hospital at all hours, so would have a good chance of seeing them if they existed.”

The owner was completely serious. She told Rutter that her big, friendly Pitbull was terrified of ghosts and cemeteries, and that she chose this 24-hour specialty hospital specifically because it didn’t have any Halloween decorations up. She believed that her canine companion got into the candy because he was overly stressed by the season. Rutter kept a straight face, and assured the owner she would do everything in her power to protect the dog.

“I dutifully passed on the message to the doctor who took over his care for the next shift,” Rutter says. “The dog ended up doing well and not having any unexpected encounters while in our care. Writing, ‘Keep away from Halloween decorations, cemeteries, and ghosts’ on a treatment sheet for a monster-sized, adorable, white meatball of a dog has been one of the highlights of my job.”

Source:  http://www.petmd.com/news/care-safety/halloween-scares-vet-clinic-dont-let-these-happen-you-36443

Help With Flying With Your Service Dog

This is very, very important for all clients to understand regarding Airline Assistance requests. I (Laurie, CEO) get a LOT of requests for help with Airline Travel, which is very important because I make sure that the airlines know that each client is flying with a Service Dog, and I know to emphasize with the more “stringent” airlines that SD’s that help people with psychiatric disabilities are called in by me as MEDICAL ALERT SERVICE DOGS. This is truth, because the ADA no longer even uses the term “psychiatric Service Dog” – they have been put in the same category as ALL Service Dogs, because psychiatric disabilities are literally medical conditions affecting the brain. I have to reiterate to many airlines that it is NOT an emotional support animal, because if they ask what the SD is for, if I say ANYTHING that resembles something psychiatric, they often don’t follow the ADA laws and they will immediately classify it as an ESA: requiring extensive paperwork, a fee, etc. I have learned very well how to work with the more difficult airlines, such as American. I reiterate to them that once they have listed the SD, they REPEAT back to me that the handler is not required to show ANY paperwork – simply that the SD is vested and has proof of rabies. I then verify with the airlines that the handler and SD team will be guided into the Priority TSA screening line, and get priority boarding. I have been working for years with Congress and to revise the Air Carrier Access Act so that Service Dog handlers who have psychiatric disabilities are treated no less respectfully as clients who have other disabilities. It is a long work in progress.

Just to emphasize the importance of flea prevention for your Service Dogs. Please do not trust anything but the veterinarian-recommended brands. The types that you can buy at stores that sell generic brands such as Haartz, etc., are NOT as effective. All SDs must be on veterinarian recommended flea/tick/parasite control AND heartworm medicine every single month.

Public health officials in two northern Arizona counties have issued warnings that fleas in the area tested positive for plague.