________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PUBLISHED ON OCCASION VOLUME 1 ISSUE 6 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Excerpts from Dr. Jon’s Dog Crazy Newsletter Does Your Dog Need Flea and Tick Protection? It's that time of year again when all dog owners must address the issue of parasite control. Unfortunately, many dog owners don't fully understand the importance of flea and tick control - and that's a very big problem. It is critical that you understand the dangers that your pets (and you) could be facing. So please take a few moments to find out what you need to know to keep your pets safe. Parasites aren't just an annoyance. They also carry many dangerous diseases - some of which are life threatening. That's why it is so important that you understand how to protect your dog from these dangers. Dog owners have so many questions - Does my dog need flea control medications? Is flea control enough, or should I also protect against ticks and other parasites? What medications are safe? What if I find fleas in my house? First, let's talk about FLEAS. The problem with fleas is that they breed and multiply so quickly. If your dog had a single flea, in just 2 months’ time, under optimal conditions, you could have more than 3 million fleas infesting your home! That's why it's so important to act quickly. Fleas are blood-sucking parasites. And a single flea can bite your dog more than 400 times in just one day! If your dog has an allergic reaction to the proteins in flea saliva, he can develop flea allergy dermatitis, causing constant scratching, skin problems and permanent hair loss. Fleas can also transmit dangerous and sometimes life-threatening diseases to your dog, including anemia, bacterial diseases, tapeworms and other parasites. (And if you live in the southwestern USA, fleas can even transmit the plague.) TICKS are another common parasite. They pose serious health risks to both pets and humans, and even dogs that spend very little time outdoors are at risk. A tick bite can cause localized infection. But the most harmful effects of a tick bite include serious diseases like Lyme disease (causing painful lameness), Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick paralysis, encephalitis and anemia. And if your dog brings a tick into your home, it can also attach to and feed on humans, transmitting these same diseases to the human host. So, when should you start treatment? Well, it depends on where you live. It is best to treat your dog at the beginning of the season, before your dog and your home become infested. In some areas of the country, flea and tick season lasts about 4 months, with September often being the worst month for flea infestations. In other areas, like Florida, flea season lasts all year round. But no matter where you live, if your dog has brought fleas into your home, they can live and breed inside a warm house all year round. In fact, the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommends that you administer a monthly preventative flea medication all year round - so if you are not already doing this, start now. 14
Why Do Dogs Like to Chase Things? Why do dogs chase other animals? And why are some dogs fine around other dogs or cats - until they run? (Then the chase is on!) Why do dogs chase cars? (And why do some dogs ignore cars but never miss a chance to bark at a bus or a large truck?) Is it because cars are cowards and always "run way", giving the dog a sense of victory for having chased off the big noisy intruder? Well, there is a little more to it than that. Dogs chase cars for the same reasons they chase kids on bikes, cats, small animals and other dogs... they are either playing a game or they are hunting. To some degree, chasing involves a dog's natural prey drive. In most socialized, well-adjusted dogs, the prey drive expresses itself as a canine tag game in which the dogs take turns being "it." The object isn't necessarily to catch the other dog; the real fun is just running around. Chasing balls or Frisbees is another good outlet for dogs' prey drive. Chasing can be great exercise, and great fun. Just make sure that your dog is chasing something safe. Chasing cars is a very dangerous behavior. Thousands of dogs are killed by vehicles every year, so please keep your dog safe.
How to Identify a "Hot Spot" on a Dog - See Photos Dogs with "hot spots" are miserable and so are their owners. If you have a dog that has or has had this problem, you know EXACTLY what I mean. What is a hot spot? A hot spot is also known in medical terms as an acute moist dermatitis. This condition is caused by a number of very itchy diseases of dogs. The most common cause is flea allergy. Other less common causes of hot spots are food allergy, mange (scabies), and inhalant allergies (atopy). Most of the time hot spots are created by the dog. The poor dog is so itchy that he or she creates this lesion. It can occur very quickly. Once the damage is started, a self-perpetuating cycle of itching and scratching/chewing is initiated. In order to stop the cycle, symptomatic therapy for itching is needed in conjunction with the identification of the underlying cause that has triggered the problem. Typical locations for hot spots are the side of the face or the hip areas. Here is a good article that also has some photos so you can see what they look like. Go to: Hot Spots in Dogs. Make sure your dog is on a good flea control medication. Sometimes it only takes just ONE flea to set a dog off.
15
How to Exercise a Dog With Mobility Issues Does your dog have mobility issues? Does he lag behind you during walks? Or does he take longer getting up or down? Maybe he's just less playful or active in general? Having dogs with joint or mobility issues can be challenging. It's already difficult for them to do normal everyday activities that require movement, so it can be an even bigger challenge motivating them to stay active and healthy. If you're wondering how you can exercise your dog with mobility issues, here are some things you can do: 1. Incorporate a routine of daily exercise into your dog's schedule - It can be very easy for a dog with mobility issues to fall into a sedentary lifestyle. Keeping your dog active every day can help improve his overall health and stamina. 2. Get some tug toys - If running and jumping are too much for your dog to handle, tug toys are a great way to provide exercise with less physical impact. Working the muscles your dog uses to pull and tug can still be great exercise. 3. Do you have stairs at home? - If your dog can handle it, throw some tennis balls down the stairs for him to run after. This is a simple exercise that can be done at home. Be sure to reward him with a treat after he fetches! If he has mobility problems that won't allow him to do this don't worry. Simple walks can strengthen muscles. It's important to keep your dog with joint and mobility issues healthy with exercise, but there's something even easier you can do in addition to that. If your dog is showing signs of a mobility problems or is predisposed to joint health and flexibility issues, precisely balanced nutrition can make a big difference. In addition to exercise, consider a food formulated for dogs with joint problems such as Hill's Science Diet Healthy Mobility dog food . This diet is specifically formulated to help dogs facing quality of life changes due to mobility problems. It's rich in omega fatty acids for enhanced active mobility and improved joint flexibility in just 30 days! Sedentary lifestyles without exercise can make mobility issues much worse. But Hill's Science Diet Healthy Mobility dog food is high in lean proteins for lean muscle and ideal body weight. Together with healthy exercise, Hill's Healthy Mobility dog food can really help dogs with joint or mobility issues. To learn more about the benefits of Hill's Science Diet Healthy Mobility dog food and to see if it's right for your dog, go to: sciencediet.com/healthy-mobility. One more thing you can do to help a dog with mobility issues is to cover slick surfaces in your home. Place rugs down on tile or slippery floors to help your dog get traction.
16
Why Doggy Urine Odor Comes Back Has your dog ever had an "accident" on the carpet, sofa or bedding ... and you could never seem to get rid of the smell? It's a common problem for dog owners - one that is not easily solved. Urine is one of the toughest odors to remove. Even when you think it's finally gone, the awful urine smell can come back again. Here's what happens. You clean the spot, assuming the problem is solved. But then - days, weeks or months later - the disgusting urine smell mysteriously returns ... and this time, it's even stronger than before! Urine odors resurface for two reasons: 1. There is a component to urine called "urine salts" that no amount of cleaning can remove. The urine salts are the part of the urine that causes odor. 2. At certain times, "something" in your home reactivates these urine salt deposits, and the urine smell comes back. That mysterious "something" is humidity. Humidity increases the sensitivity of odor sensors. So the more humid your house is, the stronger the odors become. Indoor humidity levels increase with everyday activities like cooking, showering and drying clothes. And when indoor humidity levels rise, they reactivate those latent urine deposits and the terrible odor returns. Let's talk a little more about those deposits. Urine is made up of three different parts. Many cleaning products remove the first component - the sticky liquid content. Some can even remove the second component - the stain-causing pigmentation. But nothing removes the third component - the uric acid crystals or "urine salts" that cause odor. When you clean or treat the spot, it may seem like the urine is gone because the stain and odor disappear. But the urine salts are still there. In their dry state, urine salts have no odor. But when it gets damp or humid, moisture reactivates the crystals and the urine odor comes back - with a vengeance. I've heard from dog owners who finally wound up replacing their furniture or carpeting because the odor was so bad. That's something we'd rather not have to do, especially in today's economy. Here's the good news. We have found a great odor control product called Zero Odor that actually gets rid of the odor! This product doesn't just "mask" odors - it eliminates them. It neutralizes urine odor so it can't come back to haunt you.
17
This Can Cause Big Problems and Pain Your dog hates it when you brush his teeth! He fights, fidgets, tries to run away - you almost feel bad for him! So here's the question... is it really necessary to brush a dog's teeth? Absolutely! A dog's dental health is essential to his general well-being. A dog with clean, healthy teeth is a happy and healthy dog. Bad teeth mean more than just bad breath. Dental problems in dogs can lead to swollen or bleeding gums, loose teeth, difficulty eating... and pain. Even worse, dental disease can lead to heart, liver, and kidney disease. Unfortunately, brushing a dog's teeth can be so troublesome that many people don't bother. Over 80% of dogs over 3 years of age have some form of oral disease. Daily brushing and a few other things can help drastically reduce your dog's chance of developing oral disease. So don't give up on those brushings! If your dog hates having his teeth brushed, try a different approach. Don't force your dog's behavior as this will only upset him. Instead, treat brushing as you would any other training session. Go slowly, be patient, and offer plenty of positive reinforcement. Start with a small bit of toothpaste on your finger and let your dog sniff and lick it. Then try brushing for 15 seconds on each side of the mouth. If your dog starts to get anxious or upset, stop and try again in a few hours. Another step you can take is to get your dog an oral exam from your veterinarian. This can be done about once a year. In fact, you can simply do this when you visit your vet for your yearly check-up. To reinforce the teeth brushing and exam, you can also give your dog a special treat that promotes good dental hygiene. A great option is giving your dog Hartz Crunch 'n Clean treats for example. To be honest, brushing a dog's teeth is easier said than done. Vets ALWAYS recommend it but then ask how many do it to their own dogs. But it can be easy. It really is important to your dog's health and can save you a lot of money by preventing dental problems that can be costly to fix or clean. Check out this short video on how to brush your dog's teeth.
18
If you'd prefer to read an article on this subject - go to: How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth Until next time, Dr. Jon
P.S. My favorite toothbrush and toothpaste is called "kissable". It works great and it good for your dog. The toothbrush has 3 sides, so you can quickly brush all sides of the tooth at once, cleaning your dog's entire mouth in under a minute. Check it out.
Check also other great dental products
19
Why Do Dogs Like Toys That Squeak? Dogs just love toys that squeak. I've heard this from dog owners over and over again. For example, some dogs will go crazy for their squeaky toys until they actually chew them up and pull out the squeaker. After the toy no longer squeaks - they no longer want to play with it. This is common. Our theory goes back to nature. When dogs hunted for prey, they would hunt and kill. Their prey would squeak or make noises, which allowed the dogs to find their prey. This was part of their natural hunting instinct. Once caught, the prey made noises as the dog proceeded with the kill, which can be very satisfying to a hungry dog. A squeaky toy can give a dog the same type of satisfaction. In addition, toys give dogs interaction that stimulates their mind, keeps them busy and satisfies their chewing instinct. If you give your dogs squeaky toys, it is important that the toys are durable. Ingestion of toy parts, including the squeaker, can cause life-threatening situations if dogs ingest them.
$20,000 - Is it a Down Payment or the Cost of Owning a Dog? Yes, $20,000 is a LOT of money. So, which of these statements is true? 
$20,000 is what I'd spend as a down payment on a new house.

$20,000 is what it costs to own a dog. Surprising as it may seem, BOTH of these statements are TRUE! Today I'd like to give you a little information about what it really costs to care for a dog. When you add it all up, the costs may surprise you - they actually surprised me. I recently read that owning a dog can cost as much as a down payment on a home. I must admit that I was skeptical, so I looked at the numbers - and sure enough, it really is true. I bring this up because so often pets are an "impulse" addition to the family. I don't want to discourage anyone from getting a dog but you should know what you're getting in to so you can be prepared. At first you think, "No big deal, it's just a dog - all he'll need is some dog food." But it won't take long before you learn that dogs cannot live by biscuit alone. If you are on a fixed income, costs for your dog's general care can really add up. And as we work harder to give our pets a better life, the cost of that care increases. If you haven't given much thought to how expensive dog care can really be, it can be challenging. But you can get the help you need to keep your dog happy and healthy without breaking the budget. To find out more, go to petinsurance.com. Your dog's health care can be expensive. Costs vary widely, but regardless of your situation, those costs add up - and the annual cost is a lot more than you might realize. According to the 2006 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), the annual cost of owning a dog is $2,084. (Cat owners pay about $1,318 per year.) That's a big chunk of change, but it includes expenses for veterinary care, boarding, grooming, food, treats, toys, training, collars and leashes. 20
Let me break it down for you.
Veterinary Care/Examinations/Laboratory: $150 to $300
Immunizations: $60 to $125
Internal/External Parasite Preventatives: $120 to $325
Food: $260 to $710 (depending on your dog's size)
Treats: $25 to $150
Boarding: $0 to $300
Miscellaneous (training, collars, leashes, grooming): $150 to $425 Total: $765 to $2,335 per year (with an average cost of $2,084) Amazing, isn't it? And here's another amazing fact. Veterinary care accounts for more than half of those expenses - and that doesn't even include over-the-counter medications and other supplies! Now you can see why it really DOES cost upwards of $20,000 to own a dog. If you take an average annual cost of about $2,000 and multiple that times 10 years (a dog's average life span), you will spend $20,000. That is a down payment on a house! The costs will vary considerably based on factors such as your dog's growth rate and size, types of food, unforeseen medical conditions and the level of comfort you choose to lavish on your dog (doggy daycare and regular grooming sessions will quickly add up). Where you live also has a big impact on costs. Remember that costs vary from store to store and veterinarian to veterinarian, so always shop around. Generally, puppies require more routine medical attention than adult dogs, and dogs over eight years of age will require more veterinary care than younger adult dogs. Still it is beneficial to get pet insurance for your dog early on because wellness coverage can cover vaccines, check-ups and heartworm prevention. When considering costs for your dog's care, keep in mind that a serious illness or injury, especially one requiring hospitalization, can very easily cost thousands of dollars. If your budget for medical care is a concern, consider pet insurance . It pays up to 90% for covered diseases and illnesses. I've seen it make a real difference for so many pet owners over the years.
Pet Laws - What You Need to Know Do you know the laws concerning pets? You really should. We have a couple of really good articles about pets and the law. The first article covers important questions like: • What about landlord rules? • Why does my dog need a license but my cat doesn't? • I was recently fined for violating pooper-scooper laws. Can I appeal it? • And more Go to: Top Legal Questions and Answers For you dog lovers, here is one more article that you should read: Laws Covering Dogs and Their Owners 21
A Fishy Solution to Itchy Skin Healthy skin is important. It protects your pet from injury and infection, helps control body temperature, insulates your pet from temperature changes, and acts as a reservoir for important nutrients. But when your dog's skin is dry, some of these functions are not performed adequately. And dry skin can be very itchy, uncomfortable and annoying for your dog. Here's a great way to help keep your dog's skin healthy - salmon oil. Salmon oil is naturally rich in essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have many great health benefits. In addition to boosting the body's immune system and improving the cardiovascular and nervous systems, these fatty acids improve your dog's skin and coat. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are beneficial nutrients that are naturally founds in foods like fish and mussels. Most pet foods don't include these essential fatty acids, so adding a good salmon oil supplement to your dog's diet is a great way to help keep your dog healthy.
The Most Common Pet Toxicity - Tips That Could Save Your Dog I'm always on the lookout for new information, videos and anything I can think of that can help you and your pet live a healthier and happier life. Today I have a video that talks about the MOST common mistakes pet owners make... causing toxicity in their own pets. This is something every pet owner should know about.
I hope you took a few seconds to watch this video. I want to keep as many pets safe as I can. Poisonings are preventable, so the more you know - the better you can protect your dog.
22
Over 80% of Dogs Over The Age Of 7 Have Arthritis A few days ago we talked about dogs slowing down as they age. This really seemed to strike a nerve with many of you. As dogs get older they can slow down a bit - just like people who often lose the motivation and extra energy that they had when they were younger. I've read that more than 80% of dogs over the age of 7 have arthritis. Here are three common problems that aging dogs can get and some things that YOU can do to help. 1. Arthritis - Many older dogs have some sort of joint pain. Many dogs seem to slow down. You may notice symptoms like these - your dog may be slower getting up, slower going up and down the stairs, and more reluctant to play. If your dog is showing early signs of a problem or is predisposed to joint health and flexibility issues, precisely balanced nutrition can make a big difference! 2. Bad breath - Many dogs suffer from dental disease, which creates "doggy breath". It can also lead to significant health problems. You can help your dog stay healthy by having his teeth checked and cleaned by your vet, and by brushing your dog's teeth at home every day or every other day. 3. Mats - Some dogs will get matted hair or seborrhea (dandruff) as they get older. The coat may become a little dull. A good quality food can help - as can regular brushing. Comb or brush your dog daily or every other day if possible - this can really help get rid of dead hair and stimulate the skin to create a healthy coat. This will also help eliminate mats. So to help your dog with the aging process, monitor his teeth. If possible have your dog's teeth cleaned (if they need it) and brush them daily. Comb and brush your dog daily or every other day and supplement with some omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine. If your dog is showing any signs of problems - such as bad breath, not eating, slower movements or a reluctance to play - see your veterinarian to make sure your dog does not have an underlying health problem.
What You Should Know About Wildlife Babies - What Not to Do I used to I wanted to share a different type of article with you today. Even though this is a dog lover's newsletter, we also care about other animals and it is important for us to know what to do and not do when we find baby animals in the wild. I was recently talking to one of our lovely writers (Margie Wilson). She has a big heart and she does such wonderful work to save wildlife of all kinds - especially baby bunnies and birds. There are several things that most people don't know that are really important. For example - when is an orphan really an orphan? What should you do (or not do) if you find a baby bunny or bird? Who should you call? Read this article and find out. I believe there are MANY myths about what should be done. Let Margie set you straight. Go to: Wildlife: Saving the Orphans...Are They Really Orphaned? Have a great day. And remember, before you pick up and move any baby bird or bunny - read this article! 23
What Did This Dog Eat? See X-Ray and Guess Today I want to tell you a story about Spike. Once again, this just goes to show that you never know what dogs will do. Spike is an eight-year-old black lab who presented to our hospital for vomiting and diarrhea that had been going on about one day. Spike's owner reported that no new foods or treats had been given recently but Spike has been known to chew on things he finds in the yard. Several years earlier, a pine cone was surgically removed from Spike's stomach following a bout of chronic vomiting. So our first diagnostic test for this episode of vomiting was an x-ray to screen for another obstruction. So...we took an x-ray of Spike. On an x-ray, bone, metal or mineral all show up as white. Air in the lungs and gas in the stomach and intestines appears black. Soft tissue organs like the liver, kidney and spleen all appear whiter than air but not as white as bone. When we suspect that a foreign object is stuck in the gastrointestinal tract we look for several signs. This x-ray shows the object. Can you see it? Any guesses? (Keep reading to find out what it is.)
Objects like bones, rocks or metal are easily detected. Other objects like wood or fabric are not so readily identified. In those cases we look for dilation of bowel loops. When an object obstructs the intestine, the bowel in front of the object fills with gas and becomes distended. If obstruction is still questionable, a contrast study can be performed. The animal is fed barium, which shows up bright white on x-rays. X-rays are then taken at various time intervals. When and if the barium encounters a blockage, it stops and the obstruction is confirmed. If the barium passes through the entire GI tract, an obstruction can be ruled out. Below is a barium study of a cat that had a large hairball obstruction. This obstruction was surgically removed.
24
See where the intestine just seems to be blocked or stopped? (See red circle.) That is the blockage. Spike's x-ray shows a bright white object was noted in a portion of Spike's stomach. This was abnormal considering Spike was no longer eating and had vomited several times. His stomach should have been empty. Because Spike was vomiting and exhibiting signs of illness, exploratory surgery was recommended. An estimate was provided to the owner for $2,000 - $3,500 - depending on how Spike did and any possible complications. This estimate included surgery, hospitalization and intravenous fluids for 1-2 days, x-rays, anesthesia and pre-anesthetic bloodwork. Fortunately for Spike, his owner was able to pay for the procedure with a credit card. Surgery was performed and a Brillo pad (steel wool) was removed from the stomach! The owner quickly recognized the pad that she had been using to clean lawn furniture the day before. While it was a financial burden, cost did not prevent this owner from paying to save Spike's life. Cases like this are not as uncommon as you would think and dogs are often repeat offenders. Although the owners in this story could afford surgical treatment, a large portion of the cost could have been absorbed by pet insurance if the owners had invested in a policy for Spike. Please consider purchasing health insurance for your pet if the lump sum cost of an emergency like this one would prevent you from seeking treatment. Your pet will thank you! 25
Something That Can Save Your Dog's Life Weather conditions have a huge impact on our lives - and on our pets. Extreme conditions in winter and summer months are especially important. As a pet owner, we must always be aware of the temperature to ensure that it is not too hot or too cold to take our pets outside. Summer heat stroke and winter frostbite are just a few of the dangers; and unfortunately, exposure to extreme weather conditions can often lead to death. Nowhere is the temperature more important than inside a parked car. That's because the temperature INSIDE A PARKED CAR is MUCH higher than the temperature outside. And that's why so many pets suffer from heat stroke and die when left unattended in a hot car - even when the window is cracked. Luckily for our pets, a new type of thermometer was invented to solve this problem. It tells you the temperature inside a parked car and it is a great way to help keep our pets safe. It is called " Too Hot For Spot" and it is one of the coolest inventions to come along in quite some time. This thermometer is a static cling decal that goes on your car window to show how hot it is inside your car - and it will tell you when it is unsafe to take your dog along in the car. One of our vets, Dr. Karin Szust, lives in Miami where temperatures can get really hot. She was the first to get a Too Hot For Spot thermometer. She is a real fan and so am I because it can help save the lives of so many dogs. Too Hot For Spot is a great gift idea for anyone who owns a dog. I hope that you will get one for your dog and that you will tell all your dog-loving friends about it. It is a great way to help keep our pets safe. To learn more about this static cling car thermometer, go to: http://www.petproductadvisor.com/TooHotforSpot
P.S. If your dog is in the car and you are running errands, it can be tempting to leave your dog alone in the car "for just a few minutes". Some owners think that "cracking the windows" will be enough but it isn't. Even with the windows cracked, your dog can suffer from heat stroke in about 10 minutes. So please, get the Too Hot For Spot Thermometer for your car and keep your dog safe this summer.
26
Tips to Travel with Your Dog - What You Should Know On a recent flight I overheard a woman who was traveling with her little Yorkie, "Buchie". The dog was with her on the plane - under the seat -because she is terrified of leaving him at a kennel. To be honest, there are pros and cons to putting your dog in a kennel. A lot of it depends on the kennel and part of it depends on the dog's personality. Some dogs do great in a kennel - they actually love it. Others are stressed to the max. Even for the best dogs, I think being out of your own environment can be a bit stressful. I have some good articles for you as you consider your travel plans this year. Pros and Cons of Kenneling Your Dog How to Identify a Good Kennel Pet Sitter Check List How to Find a Good Pet Sitter And for those of you doing "staycations" or maybe some local travel, and you want to take your dog along, here are some tips. Go to: Tips on "How To Travel With Your Dog".
Is Your Dog Bored? 5 Ways to Battle Boredom My friend Nora has two labradoodles named Bert and Ernie that are as different as night and day. Her dog Bert sits around all day without much energy to do anything while Ernie loves to tear around the house at breakneck speed, running in and out of the back door. He even tries to get Bert to come play with him by teasingly pushing his friend (who is usually asleep!). Normally, Nora is all smiles for her very different dogs, but a few days ago she called me with a problem. She was coming home to find messes everywhere, from the garbage knocked over to shoes being chewed... and she just didn't know why it was happening. I immediately knew what the problem was: boredom. I know Nora keeps up a very busy social schedule and she often spends all day away from home. It is only natural that Bert and Ernie became bored with nothing to do. Many people wonder if their dogs can get bored and the answer is YES, they can. Imagine if you were locked alone in a house all day with nothing to do! Boredom is very real and it is a very big problem for dogs today. After Nora finished telling me her story, I explained to her some of the solutions to boredom. I thought I'd share them with you today as well. Here are: 5 ways to defeat boredom-for good. 1. New Tricks - One of the best ways to show love and spend quality time with your dogs is to teach them new tricks. It will take some time and practice, but it will provide great mental stimulation and help keep your dog engaged. 2. Physical Exercise - Running and playing with your dog is another great way to fight boredom. Fetch, wrestling, or racing are simple ways to tire out your dogs before you leave so they will take a long nap when you go instead of pacing around an empty house.
27
3. Puzzle Games - You can find lots of puzzle games that will keep your dog entertained. But, if you want to save some money, you can simply put some food or treats into a box that your dog must open to eat. 4. Socialization - Meeting new dogs and new people is quite an interesting experience for your dog. Boredom is easily defeated when your dog is making a new friend: canine, human, or otherwise. 5. New Toys - New toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained.
Top 10 Items "Surgically Removed" From Pets Dogs and cats commonly eat things that they shouldn't. The problem is that many items can't be digested or passed through the intestine causing a "Foreign Body Obstruction". An indigestible object can become lodged in the stomach or intestines and may require surgery to remove it. Untreated, ingestion of these types of items can be fatal. According to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, they compiled a list of most common items surgically removed from pets.
Top 10 Surgically Removed Items 1. Socks 2. Underwear 3. Panty Hose 4. Rocks 5. Balls 6. Chew Toys 7. Corn Cobs 8. Bones 9. Hair Ties/Ribbons 10. Sticks The cost of treatment for this type of problem ranges from $800.00 to $1740.00 depending on the severity of the illness and extensiveness of the surgery. This is a lot of money. One thing to consider is that pet insurance can help pay for this type of medical expense. You never know what a dog will get in to so if you have a dog...take a minute and consider pet insurance. It could save your dog’s life by allowing you to give the care your dog needs in the case of an emergency. Finally, I know it can be hard in most busy households, but please make sure you keep items picked up that might interest your dog. Socks, underwear and panty hose are the top three items...so make sure that you don't leave them laying around the house. 28
Button Suffers a Bad Break! - See His X-Rays I want to tell you about Button. Button is a young mixed breed dog who was treated for limping after jumping from a high bed. The owner reported that he heard a sharp cry from the bedroom and when he arrived to check on the source, he found Button limping on his right front limb. The owner reported that Button had pain whenever he touched his leg anywhere near the elbow. On physical examination, the tissue around Button's right elbow was very swollen and painful. Button was given an injectable pain medication and his owner was told that x-rays would be necessary to evaluate the extent of his injury. The initial cost of the exam, x-rays and pain medication amounted to about $200. Two x-rays were taken of Button's right front leg. One view was taken from the front - this view clearly showed a fracture of the humerus (the bone between the shoulder and the forearm). See the x-ray below.
A second x-ray was taken from the side. See below.
29
Taking x-rays of an injured limb from two different views is standard practice in both veterinary and human medicine. This is done because some fractures can be hidden by intact bones and may only be visible from a certain angle. When a limb is obviously fractured, taking two views is always necessary in order to accurately characterize the extent of the injury and allow the surgeon to plan the repair procedure if surgical repair is required. Unfortunately for Button, his break was severe. The fracture split his humeral condyle in half and as a result, created several loose fragments that would require surgical repair using multiple pins, screws and wires. The humeral condyle is the part of the arm that joins with the forearm to form the elbow joint. Fractures involving joints are especially difficult to repair and often the surgery can be quite expensive. Fortunately for Button, his owner was able to afford the surgery, which was performed the following day by an orthopedic surgeon at a referral hospital. The cost of treatments like this can vary depending on the surgeon. Button's surgery cost his owner approximately $2,500. It is difficult to plan for accidents like this. If you could not afford this kind of treatment if your dog had a problem - please consider pet insurance . It can really help you do the best for your dog if there is a problem
30
DANGER: Heat Wave Dangerous for Dogs - Keep Your Dog Safe In many parts of the country it has been very hot. Many of the emergency clinics are seeing dogs with heat stroke and other heat related problems. The heat can be very dangerous to dogs. Not too long ago, three dogs came into my clinic with heat stroke within 24 hours. The first dog was a little 10-pound old Yorkie that was left in a hot car for about 18 minutes. He came in with a temperature of 107 degrees. With a lot of treatment he did live - but he was lucky. The second dog was a 105-pound Rottweiler cross that was outside all day. Then the owner's son took the dog for a two-hour walk in the heat of the day. The dog collapsed while he was walking. He was encouraged to continue walking, came home, and collapsed in the driveway. They thought he was "hot" so they dumped water on him. Four hours later they brought the dog into the clinic. He was dead. The third dog was a border collie cross that was outside playing. The owner got a new puppy and this dog ran and ran and ran, causing him to overheat. Heat stroke is a condition arising from extremely high body temperature (rectal temperature of 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit), which leads to nervous system abnormalities that may include lethargy, weakness, collapse or coma. Please take a couple of minutes to read these articles. They will help you to keep your dog safe during this dangerous time of year. How the Heat and Humidity Affect Your Dog Heat Stroke in Dogs And here are some tips for keeping your dog cool: Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Summer Here is a good article that tells you what signs to look for - short and sweet, and well worth the read. Go to: Don't Let Your Dog Overheat REMEMBER - NEVER ever leave your dog in a car! Not even for a minute. Check out this Yorkie with the toy trying to go in his crate.
31
STOP Shedding Problems - 6 Easy Tips Shedding is the natural process by which old hair falls out and new hair begins to grow in its place. Shedding is a difficult problem for pet owners, but if you happen to read or hear something about some dog breeds that don't shed, you can discount it. Every dog sheds. Some dogs shed more than others - but they all shed. So why then do some dogs APPEAR not to shed while others shed so much you could weave a thick blanket out of the discarded fur? The answer lies in the growth rate of the animal's hair, which is based on genetics, nutrition and environment. What can you do to stop shedding? -Unfortunately, the answer is, "nothing". But you CAN do some things to help control it. Here are 6 tips that work for me: 1. Brush. Our house pets need brushing to prevent large amounts of hair from accumulating in the coat. It not only decreases the amount of hair on your clothes and furniture, it also stimulates the blood supply to your dog's skin. Once old hair has been removed, a new hair can form. Brushing should be done on a regular basis. About 10 minutes a day should do the trick. 2. Vacuum . Vacuum your house and car. Use a good quality vacuum that sucks up pet hair. If you have pets - especially multiple dogs - daily vacuuming is ideal. This includes furniture where pets frequently sleep or rest. 3. Wash. Weekly washing of bedding can help get rid of pet hair. Wash your dog's bedding as well as yours, if he sleeps on your bed. Do this at least once a week or more. 4. Keep your closet door closed. Don't allow your pets into the area where you keep your clothes. This won't prevent hair from getting on your clothes but it will help. 5. Use a tape roller. Tape rollers are a great way to pick up hair on your clothes. Keep one by the door and one in your glove box. This is great for getting hair off your clothes at the last minute. 6. Bathe. Bathing your dog helps get rid of loose dead hair, while it stimulates circulation to the skin and helps your dog smell great. Good hygiene is important, not just to help control shedding but to protect yourself from the infectious diseases your dog may be carrying. Remember to always wash your hands after you touch your dog, and every time he licks you.
32
True or False - Dog Hair in Your Home Can Cause Allergies While the answer to this question may seem like an obvious "truth," research shows that it's not necessarily the hair that causes allergic reactions. Dog hair is not an allergen. Dogs secrete fluids and shed dander that contains the allergens. Dander is the microscopic particles of your dog's skin, fur and hair. These particles stick to walls, clothing and other surfaces. They collect each day and stay actively suspended in the air for periods of time, sometimes for several months. For those with sensitive immune systems, the result is often an allergic reaction with sneezing, stuffy nose and inflamed eyes. Despite some of us having to deal with these symptoms, most dog lovers don't plan on parting with their canine friends anytime soon. And besides, it still wouldn't prevent us from coming into contact with pet dander. Do you know that studies have found cat and dog allergens present in 99.9% of homes including homes that have never had pets? Amazing! There are many solutions to help keep dog hair & dander to a minimum including frequent regular cleanings of both your dog and your home with a damp cloth. But one of the best ways to get rid of dog hair in your home is through vacuuming. No more sneezing and wheezing!
Your Best Friend has Cancer: What Do You Do? Many pet owners consider their pets to be true family members and friends. Today, pets are living longer lives than ever, in part because veterinary medicine has taken such great leaps forward in the last 20-30 years to accommodate this shift in owner attitude. But as the average lifespan of our pets continues to increase, we see more chronic diseases and illnesses that come with old age. Treatment of these conditions can be quite expensive That's why it is so important for pet parents to plan ahead and consider pet insurance Cancer, in all its various forms, is high on the list of diseases we now see on a daily basis in veterinary practice. Although we now have the knowledge and ability to treat chronic conditions like cancer, the cost of such treatment is often much too high for many pet parents to afford. Just the other day I met "Big Face", a 7-year-old St. Bernard. His owners brought him in to be evaluated for limping on his left rear leg. They noticed the limping on and off for several weeks but now it appeared to be more "on" than "off". Pain was localized in the hock region of Big Face's leg. This is equivalent to the human ankle. Here is an X-ray of Big Face's leg.
33
Notice the moth-eaten appearance of the portion of bone indicated by the red arrows. This is evidence of bone DESTRUCTION. Excessive bone PRODUCTION is indicated by the green arrows. This pattern of destruction and production of bone is consistent with an aggressive type of bone cancer called osteosarcoma. Compare those sections with the normal bone indicated by the purple arrows. A confirmed diagnosis of osteosarcoma requires a biopsy. But Big Face's owners did not have the financial means to pursue further diagnostics. They opted instead for conservative treatment to keep their friend comfortable during his remaining time. Aggressive treatment of osteosarcoma often involves amputation of the affected limb followed by chemotherapy. Treatment of this particular type of cancer is not often rewarding and survival times vary between 3 and 9 months even with aggressive therapy. However, all cancer is not created equal. Lymphoma is another type of cancer that is commonly diagnosed and treated with great success in veterinary practice. Remission times of 2 years or more are not unheard of when treating lymphoma aggressively. Pets often tolerate the chemotherapy well and do not usually suffer the same side effects that make humans so uncomfortable during their treatments. Unfortunately treatment of any cancer is not cheap and can quickly run into the thousands of dollars. While cost was not a limiting factor for Big Face's family, it definitely can influence an owner's decision to pursue treatment. Pet insurance policies help so many people in this situation to provide the care their pets need. That's why I always recommend it. Nobody plans for cancer and the financial burden it can bring. Investing in a pet health insurance policy can really help with the costs of diagnosis and treatment in the event that your friend is diagnosed with a chronic disease. For more information about pet insurance and for help finding the right plan for you and your pet, go to petinsurance.com. Your friend will thank you! P.S. If you think pet insurance is too expensive for you, take a moment and see for yourself how affordable pet insurance can be. Comprehensive policies start at less than a dollar a day - and that is money well spent. Get a free quote today and find out if it is right for you. T learn more, go to petinsurance.com .
34
Why Do Dogs Like to Tug on Toys? Does your dog love to play tug-of-war? Many dogs enjoy toys made for "pulling".
Have you ever wondered what makes tug-of-war and similar games so intriguing to dogs? Why do dogs like to pull and tug on their toys? Some behaviorists think that tug-of-war is a way for dogs to practice behaviors such as pulling meat from bones that were once useful to wild canines. Others have suggested tug-of-war games allow dogs to play without the normal pack rules; it's the canine version of "goofing off." For example, an older and more dominant dog might allow a younger and less dominant dog to win a game, which would be unlikely in another setting. Still others think that tug-of-war is simply a way for dogs to release energy and get exercise. Whether this game is for practice or fun, it's important to choose a great tug toy to keep your dog safe and happy. Dogs can play tug-of-war with almost anything, including your favorite item of clothing! Finding holes in your favorite sweater can be annoying, but a larger problem is the potential for injury when your dog plays with an unsuitable object. Items with lots of loops or threads can become lodged in your dog's teeth and potentially damage the teeth or gum tissue. When dogs pull, they often twist their heads from side to side as they play. If the toy is not designed to stand up to rough play, small pieces can break off and be ingested. Finally, there's the cost of replacing toys that can't stand up to vigorous tugging games. It can be tempting to trim your budget by choosing less expensive toys, but many are made with less durable materials that fall apart in just a short period of time (and wind up costing you MORE money to replace). When choosing toys for a dog that loves tug-of-war, good construction is key. Fabric that resists unraveling and shredding is best, especially for dogs that are chewers Do you have a dog that just can't stop pulling? A toy with lots of give might be a good fit. "Bungee" type toys stretch and contract to give your dog an active workout. It's a great way to spare your personal items from "tug-of-war" terror. With the right choice of toy, tug-of-war can be a rewarding and enjoyable game for you and your dog. As always, regularly inspect your dog's toys and discard them when they show visible signs of wear. Make sure any tug or pull toy you give your dog is a safe one. PetProductAdvisor.com has plenty of vet-tested pet-approved dog toys that will stand up to your dog's active play. To learn more, go to: http://www.petproductadvisor.com
35