Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed that CDS begins when a protein called beta amyloid begins to build up in the brain, which results in the formation of plaques. These plaques obstruct the brain’s capacity to transmit signals leading to cognitive dysfunction.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome typically presents gradually, and the signs are often subtle in the beginning. As the disease progresses, the following signs may be noticed:

Canine Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy) is a frequent inherited disorder that causes dogs to be hypersensitive to allergens within their environment. It is the second most common allergic skin disease in dogs and usually manifests between the ages of 1-3. Although any dog can have allergies, some breeds are predisposed to develop atopy due to the fact that it is a genetic disorder. Predisposed breeds include Cairn terriers, West Highland terriers, Scottish terriers, Lhasa apsos, Shih Tzus, Golden and Labrador retrievers, Boxers, Bulldogs, Dalmatians, English and Irish setters, and Chinese Shar peis.

Clinical signs of atopy will vary, but ...]]> Spring has arrived causing itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny noses for millions of people across the country. If you own pets, you may not be the only one in your house suffering from the affects of allergies. Similar to people, pets can have allergies.

Canine Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy) is a frequent inherited disorder that causes dogs to be hypersensitive to allergens within their environment. It is the second most common allergic skin disease in dogs and usually manifests between the ages of 1-3. Although any dog can have allergies, some breeds are predisposed to develop atopy due to the fact that it is a genetic disorder. Predisposed breeds include Cairn terriers, West Highland terriers, Scottish terriers, Lhasa apsos, Shih Tzus, Golden and Labrador retrievers, Boxers, Bulldogs, Dalmatians, English and Irish setters, and Chinese Shar peis.

Clinical signs of atopy will vary, but the most common clinical sign is chronic pruritus (itching). The pruritus can have a seasonal pattern and generally affects the face and feet. Most owners will notice their dog licking and chewing at their paws and body, as well as scratching or rubbing their face. The licking, chewing, and scratching cause self-mutilation and the development of hair loss and skin lesions, which allows for secondary bacterial or yeast infections to arise. Additionally, atopic dogs may show the following signs:

• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Watery eyes
• Chronic ear infections
• Discolored/ thickened skin
• Greasy or flaky skin
• Scabs/pustules on skin
• Smelly odor from ears and skin

If you suspect your dog suffers from atopy, an examination by your veterinarian is important. Atopy can be diagnosed based on your dog’s physical exam, medical history, and laboratory tests. Since there are other things that can cause pruritus in dogs, your vet may want to run some diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis of atopy. These tests may include:

• Skin scrapings
• Cultures
• Cytology/biopsies of skin
• Blood tests
• Intradermal skin test

There are different treatment options that can be used to manage and control the clinical signs associated with atopy.

Avoidance: Although it may be difficult to entirely avoid all allergens affecting your dog, it may be possible to reduce exposure to some. For example, if your dog is allergic to tree pollens, try to keep him/her inside during high pollen counts. In order to practice avoidance, the allergens must be specified by intradermal skin testing.

Shampoos: Bathing atopic dogs in soothing and moisturizing shampoos formulated to treat allergies can offer some relief. Bathing on a weekly is helpful with managing the itchiness associated with atopy.

Fatty acid supplements: The addition of Omega-3 fatty acid supplements has been shown to help reduce the allergic response in some animals. These supplements are very safe with minimal side effects, and some owners notice remarkable improvement after a few months.

Antihistamines: Antihistamines are commonly used in both people and animals to control the clinical signs associated with allergies. There are different antihistamines available, and some dogs have a better response to a particular antihistamine. It may be necessary to try different antihistamines and monitor for a response.

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are very effective at controlling signs of allergies, but they also have many potential side effects. They should be used sporadically at the lowest effective dose in order to minimize side effects.

Cyclosporine: Cyclosporine is an immunomodulator that has properties to reduce inflammation and itching associated with atopy. It usually takes a month to see improvement, but this treatment is very effective with minimal side effects.

Antibiotics/Antifungals: Secondary bacterial and yeast infections are common in atopic dogs and need to be treated as these infections can exacerbate clinical signs. Your veterinarian will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic or antifungal depending on the infection.

Immunotherapy: Allergy shots are the best treatment for dogs with atopy and are indicated when clinical signs can not be controlled with medical management. Your veterinarian may refer your dog to a dermatologist to undergo intradermal skin testing and initiate immunotherapy. The treatment is time consuming initially, but the success rate is between 60 to 80%.

Unfortunately, many dogs suffer from canine atopic dermatitis causing chronic pruritus and skin inflammation. Although it cannot be cured, recognizing the signs and starting a comprehensive treatment plan will help alleviate the signs associated with the disease and improve the quality of your dog’s life.

Fleas have specialized mouth parts tailored for penetrating skin and sucking the host’s blood.  When a flea bites your pet, it inserts a tiny amount of its saliva into the skin.  Some pets are allergic to this saliva which results in severe itching and inflammation.  This leads to excessive scratching and chewing by the pet which damages the skin causing hair loss, redness, and bacterial infections.  Besides causing dermatitis, fleas act as the intermediate host in the transmission of tapeworms.  If your pet ingests an adult flea that is infected ...]]> The arrival of spring brings longer days, sunny skies, beautiful flowers, and, unfortunately, fleas!!  Fleas are small, blood sucking, external parasites that commonly affect pets.  In addition to causing discomfort, fleas have the potential to cause serious medical problems; therefore an effective flea prevention program is essential for your pet’s well-being.

Fleas have specialized mouth parts tailored for penetrating skin and sucking the host’s blood.  When a flea bites your pet, it inserts a tiny amount of its saliva into the skin.  Some pets are allergic to this saliva which results in severe itching and inflammation.  This leads to excessive scratching and chewing by the pet which damages the skin causing hair loss, redness, and bacterial infections.  Besides causing dermatitis, fleas act as the intermediate host in the transmission of tapeworms.  If your pet ingests an adult flea that is infected with tapeworm larvae, he/she will likely develop a tapeworm infection and you will notice tapeworm segments in the stool.  Lastly, in severe infestations, the animal can develop anemia from blood loss.  If the infestation goes untreated, the anemia can become life-threatening, especially in young, old, or sick animals

The flea has four stages to their life cycle; egg, larva, pupa, and adult.  Their life span varies from weeks to months depending on the environment in which they are living.  Understanding the life cycle of the flea is imperative for successful prevention and control.

Egg: Adult fleas lay eggs soon after taking a blood meal and produce about 50 eggs a day.  Eggs laid on the animal will fall off into the environment and hatch within a few days.

Larva: Larva emerges from the egg and goes through three larval stages.  Once mature, the larva spins a cocoon and enters the pupa stage. The larva survives by feeding on adult flea feces, dead skin, dander, hair, and other organic material.

Pupa: The pupa develops into an adult flea within the cocoon that was spun in the larval stage.  Under ideal conditions, the flea will emerge within a few weeks; however pupa can remain dormant in the environment for many months.

Adult: An adult flea emerges from its cocoon when the conditions are appropriate and they sense a host.  The flea will jump on a host immediately and begin feeding on a blood meal.  Within a couple days, a female flea will begin laying eggs thus restarting the life cycle.

If you notice your pet scratching or biting at his/her skin, it is a good idea to inspect your pet for fleas.  Fleas are small, wingless, brown insects with a flat shaped body that can be seen with the naked eye.  The best way to look for adult fleas is to comb your pet with a flea comb and inspect the hair collected for both adult fleas and flea dirt.  Flea dirt is the fecal material that adult fleas produce and appears as blackish specks in the fur.  To verify the presence of flea dirt, place the black specks on a paper towel and add a few drops of water.  If the material dissolves and turns red then it is flea dirt.
Implementing a year round flea prevention program is the best way to protect your pet, as well as save you a lot of time, money, and aggravation from flea infestation.  There are many different products available that control and prevent fleas.

Topical spot-on treatments:  There are a variety of products available including Frontline, Advantage, Revolution, and Vectra.  Usually applied once a month to the skin between the shoulder blades and works by killing adult fleas.  Some products also inhibit egg and larva development.  Very safe and effective at preventing and treating fleas when used correctly.

Oral medications: There are a few different oral medications available including Program, Sentinel, Capstar, and Comfortis.  Capstar is very effective at killing adult fleas that are currently on the pet but has no lasting effect.  Program, Sentinel, and Comfortis are all pills given on a monthly basis to prevent and control fleas.  Program and Sentinel work by inhibiting the larva from emerging from the egg, thereby breaking the life cycle of the flea.   Comfortis actually kills adult fleas once they bite the animal.

Shampoos/Dips/Sprays:  Effective for killing adult fleas visible on your pet but there is no long lasting effect. Fleas from the environment will jump right back on the dog within a short period of time.  Some products provide increased coverage by stopping egg and larva development.  Carefully read all instructions before applying to your pet because there is a potential for toxicity if used improperly.
Collars:  Work by releasing chemicals onto the fur and skin of the animal once the collar is put around the neck.  In my opinion, not as effective and safe as the newer products available.

When dealing with a flea infestation, treating the environment is crucial for success.  Besides the adult stage, the other three stages in the life cycle of the flea are spent in the environment rather than on the actual host.  This means that, if you see adult fleas on your pet, there are a lot of eggs, larvae, and pupae in your pet’s environment.  It is important to thoroughly clean and treat these areas.

Cleaning:  Vacuuming is extremely important when trying to eliminate fleas. A good thorough vacuuming including all carpets, hardwood floors, and furniture will pick up all stages of the flea’s life cycle. Immediately throw the vacuum cleaner bag away or empty the canister to prevent the fleas from hatching inside the vacuum cleaner and re-infesting your house.  Also, wash all bedding, clothing, and other items that your pet comes in contact with.  Use hot water and bleach if possible.

Boric Acid:  Boric acid can be used to eliminate fleas.  Boric acid is a desiccant which means it removes water from an insect’s body and causes dehydration and death.  Sprinkle it on carpets and furniture and vacuum it up a few hours later.  It is safe and effective when used properly.

Insecticides:  There are many over the counter products that kill different stages of the flea’s life cycle.  Be sure to carefully read and follow all instructions before applying any insecticide to the environment.  Professional exterminators are also available to help with flea infestations.

Fleas are a common parasite that, unfortunately, affect many pets causing discomfort and medical problems.  The best way to prevent fleas is to establish a flea control program based on your pet’s daily life and risk of exposure.  Consult with your veterinarian to discuss the best way to protect your pet from fleas because prevention is the easiest and most effective way to control fleas.

Fact: Indoor-only cats can get parasites too

Cats that live indoors are most certainly exposed to parasites.  Parasites are classified into those that live inside the body (internal parasites), those that live outside the body (external parasites).

The most common internal parasites found in indoor cats are roundworms, tapeworms, and heartworms. Roundworms and tapeworms affect the gastrointestinal tract, and are both transmitted by cats ingesting the eggs. Heartworms are different – they live in the bloodstream, and are transmitted by mosquito bites. These three parasites are all easily prevented, but only roundworms and tapeworms can be treated.

Potential sources of roundworm eggs include house flies, cockroaches, mice, and potting soil. Kittens usually contract roundworms from their mother’s milk. Signs of a roundworm infestation can range from none, to a lack of weight gain, ...]]> Myth: Only cats that go outdoors are at risk for parasites

Fact: Indoor-only cats can get parasites too

Cats that live indoors are most certainly exposed to parasites.  Parasites are classified into those that live inside the body (internal parasites), those that live outside the body (external parasites).

The most common internal parasites found in indoor cats are roundworms, tapeworms, and heartworms. Roundworms and tapeworms affect the gastrointestinal tract, and are both transmitted by cats ingesting the eggs. Heartworms are different – they live in the bloodstream, and are transmitted by mosquito bites. These three parasites are all easily prevented, but only roundworms and tapeworms can be treated.

Potential sources of roundworm eggs include house flies, cockroaches, mice, and potting soil. Kittens usually contract roundworms from their mother’s milk. Signs of a roundworm infestation can range from none, to a lack of weight gain, to vomiting and diarrhea. Roundworms can be seen grossly in stool, but are often found by stool analysis, which reveals eggs. Roundworms can be passed to humans and can cause devastating effects (blindness). As you can imagine, it is hard to prevent cats from ingesting roundworm eggs – therefore it is best to periodically screen cats for an infection.

Tapeworms are contracted when a cat ingests a flea or mouse that carries tapeworm eggs. Fortunately tapeworms rarely cause signs in cats, but some species of tapeworms can be spread to humans and cause problems. Infected cats often have tapeworm segments near their anus, which can be unsettling for some pet owners to find. Controlling fleas is the best way to prevent tapeworm infection. Almost all cats with tapeworm infections acquired them by ingesting fleas when grooming themselves. As such, if your cat has tapeworms it probably has fleas too.

Heartworms are now known to seriously affect cats, as well as dogs. Heartworm larvae are spread by mosquitoes in all 50 states, and these insects are frequently found indoors, which is why even indoor-only cats are at risk. Heartworm disease is serious – it causes deleterious effects in the heart and lungs, and can cause death. Unfortunately this is one disease that there is no treatment for in cats, unlike in dogs. Prevention is therefore of paramount importance. There are various forms of medications available to prevent heartworm disease – your veterinarian can help you decide which is best for your cat.

Indoor cats can get fleas, which is surprising to most pet owners. Fleas are most commonly seen in cats that live with dogs, but can in rare instances be found on cats that live without dogs. They can be passed to a cat from an animal that goes outside, like a dog, even if the dog is on a flea preventative. Some flea preventatives do not kill fleas on contact, but require the flea to bite the dog before dying. If a flea hitches a ride on the dog’s coat but does not bite the dog, it can jump onto the cat and survive, leading to an infestation. Cats can also contract fleas from mice, previous tenants’ pets, or from neighbors’ pets in an apartment building. Fleas frequently make cats very itchy, causing them to bite and scratch at their skin. This can lead to excoriation and hair loss, and sometimes secondary bacterial skin infections. Fleas can be very difficult to find on cats, which are often fastidious groomers. Sometimes the only evidence of fleas is flea dirt (flea feces) which appears like tiny black specks. This can be hard to visualize unless you part the hair and look very closely – you can alternatively use a fine-tooth comb all over, but especially near the rump. If you put those black specks on moist white paper you will see them turn a dark shade of red, because most of the fecal matter is actually blood that was eaten from you cat! Talk to your veterinarian to see if your cat should be on a flea preventative. A very important point is that some flea preventatives/treatments for dogs can be lethal to cats, so only ever use those particularly labelled for use in cats.

Fact: Indoor-only cats should be vaccinated against certain diseases, such as rabies and other viruses. Cats that spend any time unsupervised outdoors may need additional vaccinations.

It is the recommendation of the American Veterinary Medical Association, as well as the American Association of Feline Practitioners, that cats receive certain vaccines regardless of lifestyle (indoors vs. outdoors). These are termed “core vaccines.” Other vaccines are recommended when there is increased risk of a disease, such as with cats who spend time outdoors, and these are called “non-core vaccines.”

Core vaccines include those for rabies, panleukopenia, herpesvirus (aka feline viral rhinotracheitis) and calicivirus. Rabies is unique amongst the core vaccines because it is the one virus that requires direct transmission, meaning that a cat would need to come into direct contact with the blood or saliva of an ...]]> Myth: Indoor-only cats do not need vaccines

Fact: Indoor-only cats should be vaccinated against certain diseases, such as rabies and other viruses. Cats that spend any time unsupervised outdoors may need additional vaccinations.

It is the recommendation of the American Veterinary Medical Association, as well as the American Association of Feline Practitioners, that cats receive certain vaccines regardless of lifestyle (indoors vs. outdoors). These are termed “core vaccines.” Other vaccines are recommended when there is increased risk of a disease, such as with cats who spend time outdoors, and these are called “non-core vaccines.”

Core vaccines include those for rabies, panleukopenia, herpesvirus (aka feline viral rhinotracheitis) and calicivirus. Rabies is unique amongst the core vaccines because it is the one virus that requires direct transmission, meaning that a cat would need to come into direct contact with the blood or saliva of an infected animal to become infected. That being said, an indoor-only cat can easily escape from the home. This happens every day – cats like to sneak through doors before they close and get out of torn window screens. So while it may be your intention to keep your cat indoors, there is no guarantee that your feline friend will not escape. It is imperative to vaccinate against rabies because is a fatal disease; it is not treatable and it is completely preventable through vaccinating. Additionally, it is important to know that in some states and municipalities it is illegal to not vaccinate your cat (or dog), even an indoor-only cat. This is because rabies is a deadly, highly contagious disease that can be spread to many animals, including humans.

The other core vaccinations address infectious diseases that are very contagious and that can easily be spread through indirect transmission – by coming into contact with a sick cat and carrying the infectious particles on your clothing or shoes. Almost all cats will be exposed to these diseases at some point in their lives

Panleukopenia is a dangerous virus that is most often fatal. It attacks the gastrointestinal tract and blood cell lines, leaving infected cats with little to no immunity. It most often affects kittens, because it is ubiquitous in the environment and spreads easily. If not vaccinated, a kitten will most likely contract panleukopenia. This vaccine is very effective at preventing infection.

Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus account for the majority of feline upper respiratory infectious. These viruses can be deadly in young kittens, but more often cause moderate to severe symptoms in kittens and mild to moderate symptoms in adults – the symptoms are frequently recurrent or persistent. Many infected cats will become carriers of the viruses; they will shed disease causing particles into the environment. Vaccines for feline herpesvirus and calicivirus help to mitigate the severity of infections but may not completely prevent the diseases.

Non-core vaccinations are given in certain circumstances, when the benefit of vaccinating outweighs the risk. A frequently recommended vaccine for cats who venture outdoors is that for feline leukemia virus. This disease is spread by cats coming into contact with the saliva of an infected cat, such as in sharing a water bowl. It is a progressive disease (often fatal), there is no cure, but thankfully the vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective.

Animal are considered obese when they are about 20% over their ideal weight. The best way to determine if your dog is overweight is to run your hands along your dog’s ribcage, view your dog from the side, and view your dog from above. If your dog is at an ideal weight, you will be able to feel the ...]]> Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the pet population and is the leading nutritional-associated health condition affecting dogs. A recent study conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 35% of dogs are overweight and 20% are obese. This is an alarming statistic! In essence, it means that there are approximately 43 million dogs that are either overweight or obese. Because obesity predisposes dogs to serious medical conditions, it is important that owners recognize and prevent obesity in their pets.

Animal are considered obese when they are about 20% over their ideal weight. The best way to determine if your dog is overweight is to run your hands along your dog’s ribcage, view your dog from the side, and view your dog from above. If your dog is at an ideal weight, you will be able to feel the ribs covered by a thin layer of fat, see an upward tuck of the abdomen, and see a narrowing of the waist directly in front of the hips. If a dog is overweight, it will be difficult to feel the ribs, there will be little upward tuck, and the waist will be absent in front of the hips.

Obesity most commonly occurs in middle aged dogs. It is usually a gradual process, and, therefore, many owners are not aware that their dog is actually gaining weight. The most common cause of obesity is overeating and lack of exercise. This combination results in an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended with the excess stored as fat. There are also certain medical conditions that can cause weight gain. Hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, Diabetes Mellitus, and Insulinomas can all contribute to weight gain in animals. Additionally, it is believed that there is a link between a dog’s genetic makeup and obesity. More specifically, certain breeds possess a gene that alters their metabolism, thereby making them more prone to obesity. Included in this group are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Shelties, Collies, Basset Hounds, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, Cairn Terriers, and Dachshunds, to name a few. In order to determine if there is a medical condition responsible for your dogs weight gain, your veterinarian will need to run blood test to rule out an underlying disease.

Canine obesity is a serious medical problem that puts dogs at risk to develop a number of health conditions. Obese dogs are more prone to developing the following diseases and disorders:

• Heart disease and increase blood pressure
• Respiratory disorders
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Decrease liver function
• Musculoskeletal disorders – arthritis, cruciate rupture, patella luxation, intervertebral disc disease
• Skin disease
• Increased risk of cancer
• Reproductive problems
• Decreased immunity to diseases
• Digestive disorders
• Decreased stamina and endurance
• Heat and exercise intolerance

Weight loss in dogs is accomplished by reducing the caloric intake as well as by increasing the amount of calories burned through exercise. It is best to consult with your veterinarian to develop a weight loss plan that is suitable for your dog. A diet that is high in protein and fiber, but low in fat, is typically recommended for weight loss. It must be remembered, however, that overconsumption of even this type of food can cause weight gain. Use a measured scoop and institute a set feeding time twice daily. In addition, limiting dog treats and feeding only low calorie treats is vital for successful weight loss. It is also critical to increase the amount of your dog’s exercise, as this is a key component of any weight loss program. It is best to start slow and gradually increase the amount of exercise in accordance with your dog’s age and physical condition. For example, taking short walks a few times a day or playing fetch is a good place to start. The amount and intensity of exercise can be increased over time.

Although canine obesity is a preventable disease, it is major problem that continues to rise. Left untreated, obesity can cause serious medical conditions and ultimately shorten your dog’s lifespan. If your dog is overweight, it is imperative to establish a weight loss program, set up realistic goals, and monitor your dog’s weight on a monthly basis to increase the likelihood of success. It is your responsibility as a pet owner to ensure that your dog receives proper nutrition by feeding the correct amount of high quality food and by providing adequate exercise. After all, you are in complete control of your dog’s food intake and your dog is relying on you to make the best decisions for a long and healthy life.

Osteoarthritis in geriatric dogs is usually a gradual process and the signs may be subtle in the beginning, but ...]]> Geriatric dogs are prone to a number of health-related problems with osteoarthritis being one of the most common. Osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition that causes chronic pain and occurs when there is a loss of cartilage which covers and protects the ends of bones within a joint. Cartilage is important as it provides a cushion between the bones and allows the bones to move smoothly. When cartilage becomes damaged, it leaves the bone exposed which causes pain and inflammation. This damage can be the result of normal wear and tear on a joint, but it can also be secondary to a congenital problem or injury. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, patella luxations, anterior cruciate ruptures, or traumatic injuries can all cause osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis in geriatric dogs is usually a gradual process and the signs may be subtle in the beginning, but as the condition progresses the following signs may be noticed:

• Stiffness
• Trouble getting up (especially after resting)
• Altered gait
• Lameness
• Hesitant to climb stairs/jump onto furniture or into car
• Muscle atrophy
• Crepitus (popping/cracking sounds in a joint)
• Decreased appetite
• Pain when joints are manipulated

If you suspect your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis an examination by your veterinarian is important. Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed based on your dog’s physical exam and medical history. Radiographs of the affected joints will be necessary to definitively diagnose and determine the extent of the arthritis.

There are different treatment options available that can be used to manage the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, as well as stimulate the repair of damaged cartilage.

Weight management: Increased weight puts unnecessary strain on the joints making arthritis worse. If your dog is overweight, talk with your veterinarian about the best way to implement a weight loss program.

Exercise: Low impact exercise is important because it increases muscle mass and helps maintain joint mobility. Leash walking and/or swimming are both low impact exercises that are beneficial.

Nutraceuticals: Supplements that reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis by providing essential substances that help support a healthy joint. These supplements contain Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and are available in a variety of products.

Polysulfated glycosaminoglycans: Adequan is an injectable medication that is used to treat osteoarthritis. It actually helps repair damaged cartilage, decreases inflammation, and slows the progression of the disease.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Previcox, and Metacam are examples of NSAIDs that are routinely used in veterinary medicine. They help control pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. NSAIDs can cause side effects so your veterinarian will need to monitor your dog closely while taking these drugs.

Miscellaneous Drugs: There are a number of other drugs available to help control pain. Tramadol and Gabapentin can be combined with NSAIDs to give additional pain relief or can be used alone in dogs unable to take NSAIDs.

Alternative Therapies: Physical rehabilitation, acupuncture and massage therapy are available and helpful in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that affects many geriatric dogs causing chronic pain and inflammation. Recognizing the signs of osteoarthritis and starting a comprehensive treatment plan will improve your dog’s quality of life. Proper treatment will ease pain making your dog more comfortable and happy.

Common signs associated with hairballs include hacking, gagging, retching, and vomiting. Cats successfully expel most hairballs. If a hairball becomes too big, however, it has the potential to cause an obstruction. An obstruction is a serious medical condition and requires immediate treatment. Have your cat examined by a veterinarian if you notice anorexia, lethargy, constipation, or persistent hacking, gagging, retching, and vomiting.

Although it is impossible ...]]> Most cat owners have faced the unpleasantness of hairballs. Trichobezoars, also known as hairballs, are a common ailment affecting cats and result from the normal grooming behavior of cats. During grooming, loose hair is accidentally swallowed. The majority of hair passes through the digestive tract without incident. If hair accumulates in the stomach or intestines, however, it can form into a hairball. Hairballs not only cause discomfort, but they can also present a serious health risk.

Common signs associated with hairballs include hacking, gagging, retching, and vomiting. Cats successfully expel most hairballs. If a hairball becomes too big, however, it has the potential to cause an obstruction. An obstruction is a serious medical condition and requires immediate treatment. Have your cat examined by a veterinarian if you notice anorexia, lethargy, constipation, or persistent hacking, gagging, retching, and vomiting.

Although it is impossible to prevent your cat from swallowing hair, there are a number of things that can be done to decrease the formation of hairballs.

• Grooming: Brushing your cat regularly is the most effective way to prevent hairball formation. The more hair that ends up in the brush, the less hair that will be swallowed by your cat. Long haired cats tend to develop hairballs more than short haired cats and should be brushed more frequently. Cats that live in multi-cat households should also be brushed more frequently, because they have a tendency to groom one another and thereby ingest more hair.
• Feed a specialized diet: Most pet food companies make specialized cat food that is designed to lessen the incidence of hairballs. These diets are high in fiber, which helps hair pass through the digestive system. These diets are also formulated with essential ingredients that promote healthy skin and coat, which decreases shedding. Besides feeding a specialized diet, fiber can be added to your cat’s diet by supplementing your cat’s normal diet with a teaspoon of canned pumpkin.
• Administer a commercial hairball remedy: There are many commercial hairball remedies on the market that promote the passage of hair through the intestinal tract.
• Manage excessive grooming: If your cat is an excessive groomer, it may be secondary to a psychological disorder. Create a stimulating indoor environment that gives your cat the opportunity to experience and take part in innate behaviors that are crucial to their happiness. Stressed, bored and restless cats have a tendency to be obsessive groomers.

Hairballs are a common occurrence in cats that develop from inherent grooming practices. Fortunately, there are many things that can be done to help prevent the formation of hairballs. If your cat is experiencing problems with hairballs, learning to recognize and treat the problem early may help prevent your cat from developing a serious medical condition.

Holiday plants are used to decorate homes and make them look festive, but many of them are toxic to pets. The toxicity can range from mild to severe depending on the type of plant, amount ingested, and the size of the animal. The most common clinical signs after ingestion of a toxic plant are drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, but lethargy, weakness, tremors, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, and death can also occur.

Poinsettias and Pine Needles: Ingestion causes irritation to the oral ...]]> The holidays are a joyous time of the year filled with many traditions, but, unfortunately, we sometimes expose our pets to dangers during this busy season. Some of these dangers may be life threatening, so taking preventive measures to ‘pet proof’ your house during the holiday season is prudent, especially if you have a young pet that likes to explore new things.

Holiday plants are used to decorate homes and make them look festive, but many of them are toxic to pets. The toxicity can range from mild to severe depending on the type of plant, amount ingested, and the size of the animal. The most common clinical signs after ingestion of a toxic plant are drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, but lethargy, weakness, tremors, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, and death can also occur.

Poinsettias and Pine Needles: Ingestion causes irritation to the oral cavity and stomach lining. This irritation may lead to excessive drooling, nausea, and vomiting.
Amaryllis: The flowers are toxic causing excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tremors.
Holly: Ingestion of the berries can cause excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Dehydration can occur as the vomiting and diarrhea can sometimes be severe.
Mistletoe: Classified as being moderately to severely toxic depending on how much is ingested. Clinical signs can range from excessive drooling to difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, shock, and death.

Even though some of the toxicity can be mild, to be absolutely safe, it is best to avoid these common holiday plants altogether or at least display them in a place that is inaccessible to your pets.

Holiday decorations are another potential danger for our pets and access to things like the Christmas tree should be avoided. Christmas tree ornaments, tinsel, garland, lights, and electrical cords may be tempting for some animals to play with and chew on, but they have the potential to cause serious problems. Pets may become electrocuted or strangled while chewing on cords and lights. Ingestion of ornaments and things like tinsel can cause intestinal obstructions that may require surgical removal. In addition to decorations, many people don’t know that the water in the Christmas tree stand can be hazardous. It can contain chemicals and pesticides, which could be harmful if swallowed.

The holidays are usually filled with delicious foods and parties, which can also pose potential dangers to our pets. It may seem innocuous to feed your pet table scraps and extra food during the holiday season, but excessive foods, particularly foods high in fat, have the potential to cause pancreatitis, which can be a serious medical problem. Desserts and candies containing chocolate also have the potential to harm your pet. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is a known toxin to pets. Clinical signs will depend on the amount and type of chocolate ingested, as well as the size of the animal, but include vomiting, diarrhea, hyper excitability, increased urination, increased heart rate, arrhythmias, tremors, seizures, and death. The darker the chocolate the higher the concentration of toxin, so when using baker’s chocolate in holiday recipes it is especially important to keep it in a place not accessible to your pet.

The holiday season is a wonderful time of the year spent celebrating with family and friends but while you’re preparing for this special time take a few moments to think about potential dangers to your pets. Preventing unnecessary illnesses will make the holidays more enjoyable for both you and your pet.