The Pet Quarterly | Summer 2013 by VetBoost

Pet Care News From Your Veterinarian ®

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SUMMER 2013 | Volum e 10, No. 3

Heart Healthy Life-saving cardiac diagnostic tests

Bye-Bye, Baby Teeth

Get your puppy’s teeth on the right track

10 Ways to Prevent Zoonotic Diseases Pet Food Myths Unraveled

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Summer 2013 | VOL. 10, No 3

Picture-Perfect Pets Pet Care News From Your Veterinarian

IN THIS ISSUE Bye-Bye, Baby Teeth 2 Know what to watch for as your puppy’s adult teeth grow in. All in the Family 4 Protect your pets and family from zoonotic diseases. Heart Healthy 8 How diagnostic tests help pets with cardiac conditions.

Mable Bearacuda

OBT Pet Hospital Orlando, Fla.

Lantana Atlantis Animal Hospital Lantana, Fla.

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Pet quarterly readers Email your best shot and the name and location of your veterinary hospital to PetQuarterly@yahoo.com. To be published, images should be at least 3 inches at 300 dpi. We’ll publish as many as we can.

Myths 11 Pet-Food Tips for selecting food for your pet. Pet Tales 1 4 Keep your pet cool this summer and more.

Pet Quarterly® is an educational resource provided by your veterinary hospital. Comments are welcome at info@petquarterly.com ©Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Pet Quarterly® magazine does not make any representations as to opinions or facts as presented. Reproduction of contents in any form is prohibited without prior written permission of the publisher.

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Pet Quarterly | Summer 2013 1

Dental Health

Bye-Bye, Baby Teeth Know what to look for as your puppy’s adult teeth grow in. Sometimes baby teeth are retained, which will require attention from your veterinarian. By Jan Bellows, DVM, Diplomate, American Veterinary Dental College and Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners

Like people, our canine pets have two sets of teeth in their lives. Dogs have 28 deciduous teeth (also known as baby or puppy teeth) and 42 permanent (adult) teeth. Puppies are born without any visible teeth. Their deciduous teeth start erupting through the gums around three weeks of age and normally finish erupting by four months of age. Adult teeth begin erupting when puppies are about 3½ to 4 months of age and normally are in place by 6 months of age. As the adult teeth develop and get bigger, they press against the roots of the baby teeth. The baby tooth roots weaken and finally disappear, leaving only the crowns behind. As the adult teeth push through the gums, the crowns of the baby teeth fall out to allow room for the permanent teeth. Sometimes, the baby teeth don’t fall out properly, leaving your dog with “retained deciduous teeth.” (Retained deciduous teeth are rare in cats, but not uncommon in dogs, especially small breed dogs.) Here’s an overview of the process and how your veterinarian will treat your pet if some of its baby teeth are retained.

What is a retained tooth? A retained tooth is a deciduous (baby) tooth that is still present in the mouth after its replacement permanent adult tooth has also grown in. When this happens, the baby tooth occupies the place in the mouth that is meant for the permanent tooth. The end result is often crowding or malpositioning of the teeth, causing an abnormal bite. (Photo 1)

2 Summer 2013 | Pet Quarterly

Retained deciduous canines and upper third incisor.

n Permanent

teeth may move to abnormal positions. n Stretching of the tooth attachment can lead to painful periodontal disease. If the retained tooth is a lower canine, the permanent tooth may be forced to grow on the inside of the lower jaw, and its tip can dig into the roof of the mouth.

Which teeth are most commonly retained?

When and how are retained teeth treated?

The most common deciduous teeth to be retained in dogs are the upper canine teeth, followed by the lower canine teeth and the incisors. The premolar teeth may also be retained. (Photo 2)

No two teeth should be in the same socket at the same time. If you notice a retained tooth in your puppy or kittenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth, make an immediate appointment for an examination. Unless the baby tooth is very mobile, extraction of the tooth and root is the treatment of choice. (If it is very mobile, it will probably fall out in a day or two. If not, a trip to your veterinarian is in order.) Early extraction will usually allow the adult tooth to move into its proper position. There is no reason to wait until your pet gets neutered or spayed. Your veterinarian will take special care during the extraction of any retained tooth to avoid damaging the immature roots of the new permanent tooth.

Retained lower canines and incisors in a dog.

We often see retained teeth in small breed dogs such as Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers, as well as in dogs with pushed-in faces, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers and Boxers.

What problems do retained teeth cause? If both a deciduous and a permanent tooth are in the same socket in the jaw, the crowding of the two teeth will increase the likelihood that: n Food and debris will become trapped between the teeth. (Photo 3)

Food and debris caught between the deciduous and adult tooth.

Teething Tips During the teething process, your pet may drool, be reluctant to eat, and may become irritable due to a tender mouth. Almost all dogs (and cats) will have the urge to chew when they are teething. How can you help? Direct their chewing toward objects that bend and are dissolvable. Do not allow your pet to chew shoes, clothes or furniture. Avoid hard toys, nylon chews, cow hoofs, antlers and ice cubes, all of which can break the baby teeth. Also avoid cooked bones, which can splinter and cause intestinal damage if swallowed. Sometimes you may find hollow shells of teeth on the floor or the bedding, but more often the teeth fall out while the puppy or kitten is eating. The pet will swallow them with the rest of the food, which is entirely harmless.

What happens if there is a delay before the retained tooth is extracted? If the retained primary tooth is not extracted in a timely manner, it is unlikely that the adult teeth will be able to move into their proper positions without orthodontic care. In these cases, or for puppies with severe bite problems, it may be necessary to selectively extract other teeth. Veterinary dental specialists (www.avdc.org) can provide orthodontic treatment to reposition the teeth. n Dr. Jan Bellows specializes in veterinary dentistry. Pet Quarterly | Summer 2013 3

Parasite Control/Dermatology

All in the Family Ten ways to protect your pets and family from zoonotic diseases. By Laci Schaible, DVM

Help prevent roundworm infections by wearing gardening gloves.

4 Summer 2013 | Pet Quarterly

Our pets are in our lives more than ever—more than 60 percent of households in the United States now include pets, and 70 percent of dog owners and almost 60 percent of cat owners view their pet as a child or family member, according to the American Pet Products Association. The new strength of this human-animal bond could put us at increased risk for acquiring diseases from our pets. Known as “zoonotic diseases” in the veterinary world, diseases that move between species (such as from pets or other animals to humans) include viruses, bacteria, internal parasites and other pathogens. While extra precautions should be taken with the young, elderly and immune-compromised, studies shows there is a low risk of zoonotic disease transmission from sharing your home with a healthy pet if you take smart measures and use common sense. With proper veterinary care and prevention of parasites, catching a zoonotic disease from your pet is unlikely, although it’s also possible to catch one from wildlife. Keeping your fuzzy kids healthy is crucial to keeping your human family healthy, especially in these times where the line separating family members gets, well, fuzzy. With some relatively simple tips, there is a great deal you can do to protect your family from these transmissible diseases.

Wear gloves when gardening or working outside in the soil. Thoroughly wash all vegetables. Remember, not all zoonotic disease will come from your pets, as the natural wildlife in your yard are potential carriers of disease.

1 Roundworm infections in people are most commonly transmitted through ingestion of contaminated soil. Gardening in contaminated soil and then ingesting improperly washed vegetables or touching your mouth are easy ways for people to ingest roundworm eggs.

Take your pets for routine physical exams and fecal tests. Why should your veterinarian do regular fecal exams if you can’t see any worms in the stool? Many parasites are microscopic, such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium and hookworms. Even roundworms, which are visible to the naked eye in adult form (and resemble cooked linguini pasta), aren’t typically seen in a pet’s stool or vomit until a pet is completely overtaken with roundworms. Adult dogs and cats often acquire roundworms by eating infected feces.

Wear shoes outdoors. Walking barefoot outdoors is a great summer pleasure, but it is a risk if you walk where wild animals or pets may defecate. Flip-flops are a happy summer compromise. 1 Humans can pick up hookworm eggs or larvae by walking barefoot outside. Microscopic hookworm larvae can penetrate skin, infecting a person entirely by the skin and skipping fecal-oral transmission altogether.

If you have a cat and you are pregnant or immune-suppressed, have someone else perform litter-box duty. If you are the end of the line and the task falls to you, wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards with soap and water. 1 Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease that is commonly associated with cats, but any warm-blooded animal can be infected. Symptoms are generally vague and flu-like. Those most at risk are children, the elderly, the immune-suppressed, and pregnant

Many parasites are microscopic. A fecal test will spot them.

women. Toxoplasmosis can infect an unborn fetus and cause abortions, premature delivery and damage to the fetus. If you are curious whether your cat is infected with this parasite, your veterinarian can perform a blood test to look for antibody exposure to the pathogen. >>

Key Points Keep your pets free of ectoparasites by:

Regularly applying flea and tick preventative medication Routinely having your veterinarian deworm and check pets for internal parasites Keeping PETS on year-round heartworm prevention medication Wear shoes outdoors to avoid hookworms.

Taking them for regular examinations by a veterinarian

Pet Quarterly | Summer 2013 5

Parasite Control/Dermatology

Indoor-only cats are less exposed to parasites.

If you share your home with a furry feline, consider transitioning your cat to indoor-only status. Cats are natural predators and enjoy hunting small mammals and birds, a common source of toxoplasmosis infection. Allowing your cats outdoor access puts them at risk for this parasite.

Never lag behind on flea, tick and heartworm preventative medicines, especially if you sleep with your pet. While all pet parents should continue these meds year round, if you share your bed with an infected pet, you will be the fantastic new home for these parasites to set up residence.

Did You Know? Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal infection, not a worm at all. You can give ringworm to a pet, or a pet can give it to you. It is most commonly spread by skin-tofur contact, a.k.a., pet snuggles, but blankets and other contaminated objects can also transmit it. Ringworm skin infections are a relatively minor problem and can usually be treated effectively with a short course of topical medication. Ringworm in puppies or kittens (or people with weaker immune systems for that matter) can be more taxing to battle.

6 Summer 2013 | Pet Quarterly

Make sure your pet is protected against the zoonotic diseases common in your geographic location. In addition, if you travel with your pet, ask your veterinarian about which diseases are common in the areas you are visiting. You don’t want your pooch to bring home Lyme disease as a souvenir from a hiking trip in Maine this summer!

While many pet parents do let their pets lick their face, it really isn’t the best idea. Being licked by pets is a common way for bacteria to be transmitted between pets and people. This can potentially cause dental disease or rarely even more serious diseases. The young, the elderly and the immune-suppressed should avoid coming into contact with a pet’s saliva. Take care to wash your hands after petting animals and always before eating.

If a pet licks an open wound or sore, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and prevent it from happening again until the wound heals. Dogs in particular have a tendency to clean up our wounds.

Cover children’s outdoor sandboxes. Animals love to defecate in sandboxes; from raccoons to dogs, it’s far more than domestic housecats that seek out these large-scale litter boxes. They are often filled with far more parasites than the litter box in your own home. Roundworm eggs can easily be ingested when a child eats sand or dirt. n

Dr. Laci Schaible is a small-animal veterinarian dedicated to educating pet parents.

Quick Fact Do you sleep with your fur kid? You are not alone. More than half of all dog owners in America sleep with their dogs next to them, according to a recent survey of pet owners conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Keep Up with Parasite Prevention In the United Sates, hookworms and roundworms are to blame for the most common parasitic zoonotic diseases associated with dogs. If you keep your pooch on heartworm preventative medications year round, your pet will also be protected against these parasites. The price of monthly heartworm prevention seems inexpensive when you consider that it is a way to help keep your human family protected from intestinal parasites that your pup could otherwise carry and shed.

Pet Quarterly | Summer 2013 7

Senior Wellness

Heart Healthy Diagnostic testing for pets with cardiac conditions is crucial for providing the right treatment. By Paula Andruss

Along with the blessing of increased life spans for our pets comes the flip side: more heart disease. An estimated eight million cats and seven million dogs in the United States have cardiac disease. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our pet population is living longer, and with an aging population comes the increased incidence of age-related conditions such as heart disease,â&#x20AC;? says Dr. Alan Spier, a veterinary cardiologist with BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, Fla. The most common cardiac conditions in pets include mitral valve disease, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure (see sidebar on pg. 9).

After heart disease is diagnosed with tests, it can be managed with medications.

8 Summer 2013 | Pet Quarterly

Cardiac Conditions in Dogs and Cats Mitral valve disease. The most common heart disease seen in aging pets, mitral valve disease occurs when the mitral valve in the heart does not close properly and allows blood to leak back into the heart, causing a backup of blood in the lungs.

Arrhythmia. A disturbance in the rhythm of the heartbeat caused by abnormal electrical activity in the heart. Arrhythmia can include heartbeats that are too fast, too slow, too strong, too weak or without a steady rhythm.

Cardiomyopathy. An enlarged and weakened heart that loses its ability to properly pump blood out to the lungs.

Congestive heart failure. A weakened heart muscle that is unable to provide proper circulation to meet the body’s needs. Heart murmur. A signal of heart disease characterized by abnormal heart sounds caused by abnormal blood flow through the heart’s chambers.

These cardiac conditions not only affect your pet’s quality of life, but also can be life-threatening if not properly monitored and managed. To help keep your aging dog or cat healthy, your veterinarian can use diagnostic tests to identify the problem and determine the best cardiac treatment for your pet.

Signs and Symptoms Early symptoms of cardiac disease in pets can include: n C oughing n P anting and rapid breathing n W eakness n E xercise intolerance “In dogs, trouble breathing and cough would be the most typical,” says Dr. Davin Borde, a cardiologist at the Institute of Veterinary Specialists in Gainesville, Fla. “But in cats, cough is rare, so you see more subtle signs like hiding more, having trouble breathing and not eating as much.” Because some signs can be easy for pet owners to miss, regular visits to your veterinarian are important to spot any early indicators of heart disease in your aging pet. Those signs will often prompt your veterinarian to run diagnostic tests to identify the disease early enough to treat and monitor it.

Defining the Disease Several diagnostic tests are available to help identify cardiac disease, including: n E lectrocardiogram (ECG), which shows the heart’s electrical activity n T horacic radiographs (chest X-rays), which can reveal an enlargement of the heart and fluid or congestion in the lungs >>

Key Points Heart disease is more prevalent in both cats and dogs as they age. Cardiac conditions affect your pet’s quality of life and can be life-threatening if not properly monitored and managed. Diagnostic tests can determine the best cardiac treatment for your pet. Heart disease in pets is often successfully managed with medication.

Pet Quarterly | Summer 2013 9

Senior Wellness

Holter Help n E chocardiogram, an

ultrasound of the heart that shows disease or electrical disturbances n B lood and urine tests, which can detect enzymes that the heart releases when it’s in trouble. How often these tests are typically conducted depends on the test, says Spier. While a chest X-ray may be performed every three to six months, an echocardiogram may be done once or twice a year, and blood work could be done monthly or even weekly. “Generally, heart disease tends to progress over a period of months, so every three to six months is a reasonable interval to reevaluate a patient by some form of imaging,” Spier says.

Prolonging a Happy Life While diagnostic tests for heart disease may seem expensive, they are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring cardiac conditions. Spier says running the appropriate diagnostics is the best way to accurately determine the problem and treat it. “The better you can define your problem, which necessitates diagnostics, the more likely you’re going to be treating the right thing,” he says. “Once you know what you’re up against, you’re much more likely to effectively treat it than either guessing as to what disease it is, or treating for all possible diseases.” Heart disease in pets is often successfully managed

Two breeds at risk for cardiac disease.

10 Summer 2013 | Pet Quarterly

In pets with suspected cardiac problems, a Holter monitor can be a very effective tool to learn more about the problem and how to treat it. A Holter monitor is an electrocardiogram device that records your pet’s heart rhythm to reveal arrhythmias and other issues. Your veterinarian straps a small machine onto your pet for 24 hours to record heart activity in a home environment. The next day, you return to the office to have it removed. “A Holter can give a good indication of what the problem is and assess whether treatment is needed,” says Dr. Davin Borde, a cardiologist at the Institute of Veterinary Specialists in Gainesville, Fla. “Then you can also do a recheck Holter once the animal is on medications to assess whether the treatment is actually working or not.”

with medical therapy. “Medications have been proven to prolong life significantly in many of these patients, and I’m not talking about stretching out life that’s miserable,” Borde says. “I’m talking about decreasing morbidity, decreasing signs of disease, making these pets happier and helping them live longer.” n Paula Andruss is Cincinnati-based writer.

By the Breed: Boxers and Dobermans Boxers and Doberman Pinschers are both very popular breeds, but unfortunately, both are also prone to cardiac disease that can shorten their life spans and even cause sudden death. Both breeds are often afflicted with forms of cardiomyopathy that can produce heart murmurs and arrythmias, says Dr. Alan Spier, a veterinary cardiologist with BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, Fla. The good news is that these are often treatable conditions, and many of these dogs respond well to medications. “Early detection is important,” Spier says, “so you can identify the problem and try to alter the outcome either with antiarrhythmic therapy or other medications to try and help these dogs live longer.”

General Wellness

Myths about

Pet Food Confused about pet food options? Try these tips for selecting the right food for your pet. By Brent Mayabb, DVM

“Corn is bad.” “Real meat should always be the first ingredient.” “Your pet should only eat a natural diet, not a diet full of fillers.” Have you heard any of these statements before? Are they true? How do you sort through marketing claims to find a diet that is right for your pet? First, consider that dogs and cats have their own nutritional needs. Dogs are not small humans, and cats are not small dogs. Each species has its own unique dietary needs. Puppies and kittens have different needs than adult dogs and cats, and small dogs have different needs than large dogs. >>

Key Points Pets need certain levels of nutrients (such as protein, fat, vitamins and minerals) in their diets, not specific ingredients. Diets with labels such as “natural” or “organic” have not been shown to offer any improved health benefits for pets. Work with your veterinarian to select a pet food formulated to provide the optimum nutrients required by your pets, based on their specific needs. Pet nutrition should be based on scientific studies conducted by reputable companies and universities.

Pet Quarterly | Summer 2013 11

General Wellness

Nutrients vs. Ingredients Know the difference between nutrients and ingredients. To have a balanced diet, cats and dogs need specific amounts of nutrients, such as protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. They do not, however, need specific ingredients in their diet. In other words, they don’t need chicken; they need protein. Talk to your veterinarian about the proper nutrients your pet needs based on your pet’s breed, age and health. Then select food for your pet based on your veterinarian’s recommendation—which will be based on scientific data, rather than confusing or misleading marketing spin. Here are some common marketing myths to be aware of as you choose the best food for your pet: Myth: By-products are low quality and shouldn’t be in pet food; real meat should be used. Fact: Many reputable pet-food companies use highquality protein by-products and by-product meals, so choose manufacturers with stringent quality-control standards. Royal Canin, for example, uses by-products and by-product meal (by-products with water and fat removed) to provide cats and dogs with valuable nutrients, such as protein, vitamins and minerals. From a nutritional perspective, by-products have the same nutritional benefits as “real” meat. They’re also highly digestible.

Know the difference between nutrients and ingredients when choosing food for your pet.

12 Summer 2013 | Pet Quarterly

Myth: Grains, such as corn and wheat, should be avoided in pet food. Fact: Grains provide many valuable nutrients for pets. For example, corn is a source of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals, and wheat is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. One specific concern about grains is that they are more likely to result in food allergies. There is no evidence, however, to support claims that grains are more likely to cause health problems such as true allergies. Some pet foods carry the claim “grain free.” Note that “grain free” diets are not carbohydrate free. Many substitute other carbohydrate sources, such as potato or tapioca, which contribute fewer nutrients than grains. Myth: “Natural” diets are healthier for pets. Fact: “Natural” is defined by the Association of

American Food Control Officials (AAFCO) as solely from plant, animal or mined sources not produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process; exceptions

Did You Know? Grains provide valuable nutrients, including protein and carbohydrates.

include artificially synthesized vitamins, minerals or other trace nutrients. This definition is so broad that the word “natural” has become a marketing claim that can be used on almost any pet food. No data substantiate that “natural” diets are healthier for pets. Myth: Organic diets are healthier for pets. Fact: The term “organic” is unrelated to any quality

control process. It is merely a description of the way the plants or animals used in the food were grown or raised. As with the term “natural,” no scientific data have found organic food to be any healthier for pets. Interestingly, organic diets frequently use flax seed as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, although flax seeds do not contain EPA/DHA, which are the important omega-3 fatty acids for reducing inflammation. Veterinary research supports the use of EPA and DHA from marine sources (such as fish oil) in the management of inflammation in skin infection, arthritis, kidney and heart disease.

Myth: Raw diets are similar to what pets would eat in

the wild.

Fact: Although many people feel that raw diets, or

diets made of uncooked ingredients, are closer to what cats and dogs might eat in the wild, our pets are not wild animals. They have been domesticated, and this has resulted in changes in their physiology.

There are no published, peer-reviewed articles supporting the health claims commonly attributed to raw diets.

Moving Beyond Myths These are just a few of the more common pet-food myths that can sometimes confuse pet owners. There are many others. Most share a common theme—they urge pet owners to choose a food for their pets with ingredients or label language that they might choose for themselves. To best meet the specific nutritional needs of cats and dogs, consider the nutrients themselves, not specific ingredients or the marketing buzz that surrounds them. Pet nutrition should be based on scientific studies. We love our pets, and we want to do the best for them. But cats and dogs have different nutritional needs than ours. Work with your veterinarian to choose a diet designed with the proper nutrients to help your pets stay healthy and happy. n Dr. Brent Mayabb is Manager of Learning & Development for pet-food manufacturer Royal Canin.

See the cover reminder for an important message from your veterinarian.

Pet Quarterly | Summer 2013 13

Pet Tales

Best Defense Against Bloat Pet Tales by Laci Schaible, DVM

Top Reasons to Pet-Proof Your Home What are the worst things our pets are getting their teeth on? According to the ASPCA, in 2012 the most frequent poisons our dogs and cats got into were:

1. Human prescription medications 2. Insecticides 3. Over-the-counter human drugs 4. Veterinary medications 5. Household toxins Interestingly enough, Labrador Retrievers topped the list of mischievous pets that ingested dangerous materials. Next in line? None other than our domestic shorthair housecats; their reputation of being curious creatures is seemingly justified. Other breeds that prompted the most calls to the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center were mixed-breed dogs, Chihuahuas, Golden Retrievers and Yorkshire Terriers.

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Summertime can put deep-chested dogs at an increased risk for Gastric dilation–volvulus (GDV), or “bloat," a life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with air and becomes twisted. Why the summer? It is possible that hotter temperatures increase the amount of water our dogs drink at single settings. When dogs take in water, they also take in lots of air at once, making the stomach more likely to stretch and twist. This stretching is extremely painful and limits the blood flow that can reach other parts of the body. When blood can’t reach body tissues to supply oxygen, those tissues can die. GDV is an emergency situation. If not treated immediately, it can be fatal. If you are unsure or suspect GDV, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Bloat can happen to any dog, but Great Danes, St. Bernards, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers and Weimaraners are commonly reported. Any largerbreed dog with a deep chest is at higher risk.

Signs to watch for: n Restlessness,

pacing, rapid breathing and reluctance to settle n Sitting in the “prayer” position with the front legs stretched out along the ground and the hindquarters elevated n Attempts to retch or vomit not producing anything more than saliva n Pale-colored gums n Accelerated heart rate n The stomach and abdomen may be swollen and hard to the touch. This is not common, so don’t wait around thinking you are safe if you don’t see this one.

Pet Tales

Summer Cool Down As another scorching summer is upon us, do you know how to spot the signs of heat stroke in dogs? Refresh your knowledge about what to do if your dog overdoes it in the summer heat.

Signs of overheating in dogs: n Heavy

panting—especially if the tongue is hanging out more than usual or foaming n Dark red gums—healthy gums should be moist and bright pink n Dizziness or disorientation—your dog may be unable to walk normally or even stand up n Diarrhea and/or vomiting n Drooling

What to do: n Get

the dog out of the heat and into a cool area immediately. cool water on the dog. This will help cool the dog thanks to blood vessels close to the skin. Do not use ice water; water that’s too cold will cause the blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow. Don’t lay wet towels on the dog either, as they won’t allow the water to evaporate, which reduces the cooling effect. n Call your veterinarian and let them know you are on your way. A veterinary clinic can help your dog rehydrate quickly with intravenous fluids. They can also provide oxygen and other emergency care your pet may need. n Pour

Toxin Emergency: What Not to Do If you find your pet innocently licking chocolate-bar wrappers or batting around an empty medicine bottle, don’t assume that inducing vomiting at home is the best course of action. Aspiration pneumonia can result from induced vomiting gone awry. This dangerous condition can result when a pet inhales liquid, food or its own vomit into the respiratory tract. Call your veterinarian before you risk this potentially fatal condition. The risk of aspiration pneumonia may be far more dangerous than the ingested substance.

Let food be your first medicine

– Hippocrates

Ask your veterinarian for nutritional recommendations for your healthy pets. DEVELOPMENT

WEIGHT CONTROL

ADULT

MATURE CONSULT

Definitely don’t induce vomiting if your pet: n Is

already vomiting unconscious, weak or unable to stand upright n Ingested a caustic or sharp material, such as bleach, drain cleaner or a needle n Ingested the potential toxin two or more hours ago. n Is

royalcanin .us

Pet Quarterly | Summer 2013 15

Pet Tales

Pool Safety Tips Pet-proofing your home extends to the great outdoors, especially to swimming pools. Remember these tips to avoid a drowning incident that may result in the death of your beloved fur-kid. 1. Don’t assume your dog can swim; many breeds cannot. For those that have mastered the doggy paddle, know that dogs’ vision decreases dramatically at night and with advancing age. Latenight unsupervised bathroom breaks in back yards with pools could be an accident waiting to happen. 2. Have a special needs dog? These dogs may not make the best candidates for swimming, even when supervised. I have lost a number of my patients with seizures or epilepsy to drowning incidents. 3. Invest in pool safety products. Build a fence around the pool, or install an alarm that sounds when anyone falls in. Life vests for dogs are readily available and affordable. 4. Train your dog to know how to exit the pool should it fall in. You can easily teach your pup where the steps or ramp are. Provide a refresher course each summer season. While swimming can be a wonderful exercise and activity for the family dog, a serious accident can unfold in seconds. Drowning dogs do not know to bark for help, and once in the water, they are not easily visible.

Avoid Swimmer’s Ear Does your dog love to splish and splash in the water? Moisture in a dog’s ear can set the ideal stage for an ear infection, so make sure to clean your pooch’s ears thoroughly after each romp in the water. Ask your veterinarian for a demonstration and ear-cleaning solution.

C H E WA B L E S CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS: For use in dogs to prevent canine heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis) for a month (30 days) after infection and for the treatment and control of ascarids (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, Ancylostoma braziliense). DOSAGE: HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) Chewables should be administered orally at monthly intervals at the recommended minimum dose level of 6 mcg of ivermectin per kilogram (2.72 mcg/lb) and 5 mg of pyrantel (as pamoate salt) per kg (2.27 mg/lb) of body weight. The recommended dosing schedule for prevention of canine heartworm disease and for the treatment and control of ascarids and hookworms is as follows:

Dog Chewables Ivermectin Weight Per Month Content

Up to 25 26 - 50 51 - 100

1 1 1

68 mcg 136 mcg 272 mcg

Pyrantel Content

Color Coding 0n Foil-Backing and Carton

57 mg 114 mg 227 mg

Blue Green Brown

HEARTGARD Plus is recommended for dogs 6 weeks of age and older. For dogs over 100 lb use the appropriate combination of these chewables. ADMINISTRATION: Remove only one chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card. Return the card with the remaining chewables to its box to protect the product from light. Because most dogs find HEARTGARD Plus palatable, the product can be offered to the dog by hand. Alternatively, it may be added intact to a small amount of dog food.The chewable should be administered in a manner that encourages the dog to chew, rather than to swallow without chewing. Chewables may be broken into pieces and fed to dogs that normally swallow treats whole. Care should be taken that the dog consumes the complete dose, and treated animals should be observed for a few minutes after administration to ensure that part of the dose is not lost or rejected. If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost, redosing is recommended. HEARTGARD Plus should be given at monthly intervals during the period of the year when mosquitoes (vectors), potentially carrying infective heartworm larvae, are active. The initial dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog’s first exposure to mosquitoes. The final dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog’s last exposure to mosquitoes. When replacing another heartworm preventive product in a heartworm disease prevention program, the first dose of HEARTGARD Plus must be given within a month (30 days) of the last dose of the former medication. If the interval between doses exceeds a month (30 days), the efficacy of ivermectin can be reduced. Therefore, for optimal performance, the chewable must be given once a month on or about the same day of the month. If treatment is delayed, whether by a few days or many, immediate treatment with HEARTGARD Plus and resumption of the recommended dosing regimen will minimize the opportunity for the development of adult heartworms. Monthly treatment with HEARTGARD Plus also provides effective treatment and control of ascarids (T. canis, T. leonina) and hookworms (A. caninum, U. stenocephala, A. braziliense). Clients should be advised of measures to be taken to prevent reinfection with intestinal parasites. EFFICACY: HEARTGARD Plus Chewables, given orally using the recommended dose and regimen, are effective against the tissue larval stage of D.immitis for a month (30 days) after infection and, as a result, prevent the development of the adult stage. HEARTGARD Plus Chewables are also effective against canine ascarids (T. canis, T. leonina) and hookworms (A. caninum, U. stenocephala, A. braziliense).

ACCEPTABILITY: In acceptability and field trials, HEARTGARD Plus Chewables were shown to be an acceptable oral dosage form that was consumed at first offering by the majority of dogs. PRECAUTIONS: All dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting treatment with HEARTGARD Plus which is not effective against adult D. immitis. Infected dogs must be treated to remove adult heartworms and microfilariae before initiating a program with HEARTGARD Plus. While some microfilariae may be killed by the ivermectin in HEARTGARD Plus at the recommended dose level, HEARTGARD Plus is not effective for microfilariae clearance. A mild hypersensitivitytype reaction, presumably due to dead or dying microfilariae and particularly involving a transient diarrhea, has been observed in clinical trials with ivermectin alone after treatment of some dogs that have circulating microfilariae. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. In case of ingestion by humans, clients should be advised to contact a physician immediately. Physicians may contact a Poison Control Center for advice concerning cases of ingestion by humans. Store at controlled room temperature of 68°F - 77°F (20°C - 25°C). Excursions between 59°F - 86°F (15°C - 30°C) are permitted. Protect product from light. ADVERSE REACTIONS: In clinical field trials with HEARTGARD Plus, vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours of dosing was rarely observed (1.1% of administered doses). The following adverse reactions have been reported following the use of HEARTGARD: Depression/lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, mydriasis, ataxia, staggering, convulsions and hypersalivation. SAFETY: HEARTGARD Plus has been shown to be bioequivalent to HEARTGARD, with respect to the bioavailability of ivermectin. The dose regimens of HEARTGARD Plus and HEARTGARD are the same with regard to ivermectin (6 mcg/kg). Studies with ivermectin indicate that certain dogs of the Collie breed are more sensitive to the effects of ivermectin administered at elevated dose levels (more than 16 times the target use level) than dogs of other breeds. At elevated doses, sensitive dogs showed adverse reactions which included mydriasis, depression, ataxia, tremors, drooling, paresis, recumbency, excitability, stupor, coma and death. HEARTGARD demonstrated no signs of toxicity at 10 times the recommended dose (60 mcg/kg) in sensitive Collies. Results of these trials and bioequivalency studies, support the safety of HEARTGARD products in dogs, including Collies, when used as recommended. HEARTGARD Plus has shown a wide margin of safety at the recommended dose level in dogs, including pregnant or breeding bitches, stud dogs and puppies aged 6 or more weeks. In clinical trials, many commonly used flea collars, dips, shampoos, anthelmintics, antibiotics, vaccines and steroid preparations have been administered with HEARTGARD Plus in a heartworm disease prevention program. In one trial, where some pups had parvovirus, there was a marginal reduction in efficacy against intestinal nematodes, possibly due to a change in intestinal transit time. HOW SUPPLIED: HEARTGARD Plus is available in three dosage strengths (see DOSAGE section) for dogs of different weights. Each strength comes in convenient cartons of 6 and 12 chewables. For customer service, please contact Merial at 1-888-637-4251. 1 Of

dogs showing a preference in three studies conducted by independent investigators, dogs preferred HEARTGARD® (ivermectin) Chewables over INTERCEPTOR® (milbemycin oxime) FlavorTabs® by a margin of 37 to 1; data on file at Merial.

®HEARTGARD and the Dog & Hand logo are registered trademarks of Merial. ®INTERCEPTOR is a registered trademark of the Novartis Corporation. ®FLAVOR TABS is a registered trademark of Novartis AG. ©2010 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. HGD10CNPETQTRAD.

16 Summer 2013 | Pet Quarterly

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