pet health
MAY/JUNE 2018
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living well ~ May/June 2018
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BPT People in Missoula and western Montana want to feel good, look good and live well. Available at more than 150 newsstand locations throughout the area, Western Montana Living Well is well suited to more than 23,000 readers monthly who want health tips on fitness, nutrition, family, wellness, therapy and beauty. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Missoulian or Lee Enterprises. The author of each article published in this publication owns his or her own words. No part of the publication may be reprinted without permission. Š2018 Lee Enterprises, all rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
may/june 2018 VOL. 46
IN THIS ISSUE alternative medicine cutting the cost of care
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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
animal cruelty statistics
Page 6
treating your pet
Page 8
pet safety
Page 9
senior pets Page 10 running with dogs Page 12 healthy teeth Page 14 May/June 2018 ~ living well
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Cutting the Cost of Care Proper healthcare is one of the largest expenses in owning and caring for an animal. While certain treatments and vaccines are 4
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essential, there are steps you can take as a responsible pet owner to save on your pet’s health expenses in the long run.
KEEP UP WITH REGULAR CARE Staying on top of regular checkups is one of the best methods of preventative care. Not only do current vaccinations help protect your pet from communicable diseases, but having a trained professional look over your pet can alert you to more serious issues — such as gum disease, wax buildup in their ears, any abnormal growths and any abnormalities that may show up in routine blood work. This can save you major bucks down the road for issues that went unnoticed until it was too late. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PET FAIRS Pet fairs are a fun and productive way to help manage the cost of pet healthcare. Pet fairs often are hosted by veterinary clinics or multiple clinics working in conjunction with one another, and provide regular services at discounted rates.
You also can get your pet spayed or neutered, or have its toenails clipped, ears cleaned, and teeth checked, all at rates much lower than normal. Look for pet fair advertisements and call ahead. Procedures typically must be performed on fair days, so if you are looking to get your pet spayed or neutered, there will be limited space. ENGAGE IN REGULAR EXERCISE Obesity is the biggest threat to your pet’s health. In fact, according to the State of Pet Health report — released by Banfield Pet Hospital — over the last 10 years the number of overweight cats has increased 169 percent and the number of overweight dogs has increased 158 percent. Engaging in regular play and exercise is essential to maintaining your pet’s health, which can prevent a multitude of harmful (and expensive) problems down the road.
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Animal Cruelty Statistics Greenshoot Media An animal is being abused, neglected or forced to fight every minute — even as you read this. One of the first steps in creating positive change for these animals is understanding and recognizing the cruelty they face on a daily basis. 6
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The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has made this its mission and works tirelessly to rescue animals, pass humane laws, share resources and raise awareness across the nation. Here are just a few relevant statistics on animal cruelty.
STAY INFORMED • On average, there are 2,000 cases of animal abuse or cruelty reported in the media each year. • 60 percent of these cases involved dogs. • These numbers are considered very low and inaccurate, because many states do not include livestock in their cruelty laws. • The most common types of reported animal abuse involve neglect, shooting and poisoning. • Dog fighting, cockfighting and other forms of organized animal cruelty are closely tied to other violent crimes across the United States. • According to Canine Journal, 66,000 dogs and 21,000 cats are subjected to testing every year. • In addition, 100 million animals — including mice, rats, dogs, cats, rabbits, monkeys and others — are killed in U.S. laboratories each year.
• According to the ASPCA, more than 250,000 animals fall victim to hoarding each year. This is when there are too many animals in unsanitary conditions. • Florida is the worst offending state for animal cruelty, according to Pet Abuse’s 2008 report. The state ranks the highest for the number of dog fighting cases under investigation, highest for the number of dog beatings, highest for the number of cases involving neglect or abandonment of animals, and highest for animal drowning, choking and suffocation. • The connection between animal and human violence is well documented. A survey of the 50 largest shelters for battered women in the United States found that 85 percent of women and 63 percent of children entering shelters discussed incidences of pet abuse in the family.
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Treating Your Pet Treating pets — through food or new toys or gear — is one of the ways pet owners love to show their affection for their animals. This is only natural, given they are fullfledged members of our families and love us unconditionally. But it is important to be conscious of how we treat them. Just like with children, just because they may enjoy something does not necessarily mean it is in their best interest. PURCHASE NEW TOYS Staying engaged is an important aspect of pet health. Toys are not a luxury but a necessity. You pet should have several items to play with. Without proper toys, pets can become bored, which can lead to destructive or lethargic behavior. When purchasing new toys, keep in mind: • Be sure that the toys are size appropriate; too big and your pet will become disinterested. Too small, and you risk a swallowing hazard. • Hard rubber toys are great for dogs because they can be chewed on and carried around with ease. • Cats are pickier about their toys, so be sure to choose items that suit your cat’s personality.
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HEALTHY SNACKS Giving treats is a preferred method of showing love for many pet owners. However, with so many varieties to choose from, you must be careful about what you give. Snacks should be healthy and low in sugars, salt and artificial flavorings and preservatives. Here are a few things you should look for when choosing snacks for your pet: • Look for treats that are meat-based with no artificial ingredients. • Look for treats that also serve to maintain your pet’s health. Dental treats are a great example — but continue to read the labels to avoid unwanted ingredients. • There also are great alternatives to commercially sold treats. Fruits and vegetables are a great option, and pets often like hard produce, such as apples, carrots. Green beans are a great source of fiber. Just be sure to consult a vet before giving anything to your pet; some items, such as onions and grapes, are toxic to pets. AVOID THE EXCESS While your pet might enjoy them, it is important not to feed your pet table scraps. Too many table scraps and not enough exercise can lead to obesity — one of the largest threats to your pet’s health.
Have Pets, Will Travel
Greenshoot Media
We all love a good vacation, from a quick weekend getaway to a long family holiday. If you are a pet owner, however, travel can feel stressful — especially if you are not comfortable boarding your animal. If taking Fluffy with you is of utmost importance, fear not. Here is a checklist of travel musts to keep both you and your furry friend comfortable and at ease.
ROAD TRIPS • Before you set off on any long sojourn, do a test run. • Secure your animal safely. Pets who are free to roam around in vehicles not only provide a distraction to the driver but are also more likely to be injured in the event of an accident. • Plan several stops. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends drivers stop every two or three hours to allow your pet to stretch its legs and relieve itself. • Never leave your pet alone. On an 85-degree day, temperatures can get as high at 110 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 minutes in a car with the windows cracked. FLYING • Documentation. It is always a good idea to carry a copy of your pet’s medical and vaccination records with you when you travel. • In addition, attach ID tags both to your pet and its carrier.
• If your pet hasn’t traveled in a carrier much, spend some time letting it get used to the carrier before you leave. Airlines have different requirements for kennel size, and the USDA requires animals have food, water and bedding. • Be sure your pet gets plenty of exercise before a flight. Engage in some intense play or go for a long walk. If you’re pet is tired, it is more likely to rest or sleep during the flight. GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS • Take a familiar object — a toy or blanket. Familiar smells provide comfort in new environments. • There are things that are essential to bring, no matter how you travel, including leash, collar and ID tags. • If you have an anxious pet, consider a Thundershirt. These are tight-fitting shirts that hug your pet and target pressure points, helping pets relax May/June 2018 ~ living well
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Senior Pets Thanks to advances in care, pets are living longer than they ever have before. But as our pets age, they require extra care and oversight. (Extra cuddles don’t hurt, either.) WHEN IS A PET SENIOR? While it varies, cats and dogs are generally considered senior when they’ve reached seven years of age. Larger breeds of dogs do tend to have shorter life spans, however, and might be considered by your vet as senior at five or six. CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR Changes is your pet’s behavior might be your first sign that your pet isn’t feeling as young as it once did. Common behavioral changes include: • Skittishness around loud noises; • Increased anxiety or nervousness; • Unexplained or unusual aggressive behavior; • Acting confused or disoriented; • Having “accidents” in the house; • Not responding to commands; and • Increased irritability.
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CHANGES IN ACTIVITY Your pet also will begin to change the way it plays, eats and sleeps. Arthritis is a common problem as animals age. You might notice: • Irritation when being touched or petted; • Taking additional time or being reluctant to sit or lay down; • Eating more slowly; and • Avoidance of jumping up on things — such as a favorite piece of furniture or the bed. CARING FOR YOUR SENIOR PET There are things you can do to help your senior pet stay healthy and happy. Consider the following: • Raise your pet’s food and water bowls, so it doesn’t need to kneel or bend over quite as far. This can be especially useful for larger dogs. • Purchase an orthopedic bed or pad for your pet to lay on. This is easier on the joints and helps ease inflammation caused by arthritis. • Make sure your pet has a private space in your home. This is especially important for dogs. Older animals can feel the need to be by themselves, or escape loud areas — especially if you have young children. • Don’t pass on physical activity. You might feel the urge to limit your pet’s exercise, but don’t reduce it drastically. Physical play is good for both the body and mind. Remember, just because Fido might not be as fast as he once was doesn’t mean he doesn’t enjoy playtime; you just might consider trading in the Frisbee for a long walk in the park instead.
Pet Safety
Greenshoot Media
You can never be too diligent in prioritizing your pet’s safety. Stay aware of the most common safety concerns for pets year round, and it is less likely you will find your pet in need of emergency care. HEAT SAFETY Pets are exposed to many of the same safety concerns in the heat as their owners. They are prone to heat exhaustion as well as heat stroke. It is important to keep your pet cool and hydrated. Make sure your pet always has access to plenty of fresh, cool water and an area where it can rest in the shade (or in air-conditioning). Warmer weather also is the time to take precautionary measures against fleas and ticks. Be sure to stay up to date with your pet’s flea and tick preventive, as well as heartworm preventative medications. COLD-WEATHER SAFETY Pets face just as many safety concerns in cold temperatures as they do in hot temperatures. Ice and snow — even freezing pavement — can be very painful to your cat or dog’s paws. It is important to dry your pet’s paws after any time outside, and look for any cracks or dry patches. Purchasing boots for your dog is always an option, but applying petroleum jelly is another great and inexpensive alternative. Also be mindful of your pet feeling cold. Cats and many short-haired dogs need time to
acclimate to colder weather, and don’t need to be outside for extended periods of time. HOLIDAY SAFETY The holidays come with their own safety hazards for pets. Decor such as tinsel and ornaments can be dangerous and should be hung out of reach. If you keep a live Christmas tree, be sure to place a tight skirt around its base to prevent your pet from drinking the tree water. Also be mindful of strings of lights by tucking cords out of reach and using outlet surge protectors. PREPARING A PET FIRST-AID KIT It is important to be ready when your pet needs you. Keep the following items together in a tackle box or cosmetic case: • Cotton rounds; • Tweezers; • Sterile gauze; • Grease-cutting dish soap; • Hydrocortisone cream; • Rubbing alcohol; • Benadryl; • Blanket; and • Copy of vaccinations and medical records (particularly useful if you are away from your home or you are putting together a kit for your vehicle). May/June 2018 ~ living well
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Running with dogs Treva Lind, The Spokesman-Review
Next time you hit the pavement, take your pet along with you Katrina Mealey runs at least 1 mile regularly with her 13-year-old Jack Russell terrier. While training for marathons, she brings her older dog home and immediately goes back out on the trail with her young German Shorthaired Pointer to run another 4 to 8 miles. Such steps simply keep her pets’ health in mind as much as her own, said the College of Veterinary Medicine professor at Washington State University in Pullman. She’s also chair of Small Animal Medicine and Research at the college. “With science, we don’t know if dogs get the euphoria or the run-ner’s high,” Mealey said. “We do know they certainly get the health benefits. I’m sure many of your readers know if you say ‘leash’ or ‘go’ out loud, dogs go crazy. They want to go.” In fact, Mealey has to spell out l-e-a-s-h in her own household to avoid frenzy. Once outside, she suggests pet owners consider certain health factors for dogs as well as steps for their better comfort, from pad protection to 12
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carrying extra water for them. Definiely take them along, though. Pet obesity is becoming a national concern, she said, often because dogs and cats get too many treats and not enough activity. Those regular walks or runs with canine companions are healthy for both parties. But if you’ve never jogged with a dog before, consider having a veterinarian clear it fist, Mealey said. Start slow and work up to longer lengths for runs, she added, especially if the dog is overweight, a puppy or a geriatric canine. “They need to make sure their dog doesn’t have a health issue, like heart problems, asthma-like diseases, joint problems,” she said. “Before you start physical activity, just as they recommend for people, dogs can have some of the same health issues, so check in with a vet.” Watch the heat Regarding weather, Mealey said heat probably is more of a concern than frigid temperatures. “People should be careful about running
their dogs in the heat,” Mealey said. “It might be better to go in early morning or the evening. Dogs can build up body temperature pretty quickly. Consider having a thermometer for only the dog. On a hot day, they can get up to 105 to 106 degrees.” On average, a dog’s normal body temperature is 101.5 degrees, according the American Kennel Association. Small dogs may have a slightly lower temperatures and large dogs slightly higher. Mealey also thinks about dogs’ pads hitting hot pavement or picking up de-icer salt used on side-walks. Manufactured dog booties can prevent issues. Packing water, using a sturdy leash and considering dogs’ foot safety are three crucial steps for running distances with a canine companion, said Aquila Brown, owner of Yuppy Puppy in Spokane. She’s also a former veterinary assistant.“The best piece of advice I can give for running, especially in an urban environment, is put your hand directly on sidewalk and if you can’t hold it there for 30 seconds without wanting to lift your hand, your dog should not be doing that either,” she said. Brown sees dog owners in her stores seeking specialty booties that go over pets’ paws, including ones specific or winter use and another to protect pads against the heat and rough surfaces. It’s typically in response to paw problems.“It’s not something people tend to think about until they see their dog limping or they have a foot injury,” Brown said. “Normally, people don’t think about it. You’d like to think dogs feet are tough, then you realize they do get chafed pads or scraps from the sidewalk, and then they come looking for booties.” For convenient ways to pack water, Brown recommends two differnt types of water bottles. One is a squeezable water bottle with an attached bowl. Another, she said, is similar to a hamster bottle buy larger and geared to a dog and allows for controlled water dispensing.
The most important thing is to keep your dog on a leash, according to Brown. “People often think their dog will stay right with them but there are so many distractions, so keeping your dog on a leash is not only safe for you and your dog, but also other dogs in your environment.” Keep it up Don’t let excuses rule. Definitely run or walk with dogs regularly for dual benefit, Brown added. “Dogs lead a pretty sedentary lifestyle, especially spoiled dogs because we keep them inside, and we give them everything they could ever want, so why would they ever run or chase anything? “There are two good reasons to run with dogs. One is it’s physically exhausting, and if they’re on a leash and you’re controlling their behavior, it’s also mentally exhausting. That’s a twofold thing.
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Additional tips: Watch a dog’s body language: If he’s suddenly lagging behind you, or panting harder than usual, it’s time to ease up. Leash tips: Be watchful of both the position of the dog and leash, to avoid being tripped up by either. Many running articles suggest avoiding retractable leashes because they provide too much room and can tangle you up. A 3- to 6-foot leather leash is a common suggestion. Paw Balm: An American Kennel Club blog on running with dogs suggests use of paw balm for
protection of pads on snow or ice. It will minimize dry skin and damage that salt can cause. Reapply balm after returning home. Balms are found at pet stores or can be made from a DIY recipe. Plan your route: Some dogs get skittish around bicycles, so perhaps avoid popular cycling areas. You also might want to avoid zones where a lot of dogs hang out. Prepare for breaks: Be willing to make a stop for water, or to use that plastic bag you brought to clean up after your dog.
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Does your pet have healthy teeth?
Greenshoot Media
Did you know that oral health has a significant impact on your pet’s quality of life, comfort and even lifespan? Now is the perfect time to ensure that your loyal companion’s mouth and teeth are in peak condition. After all, your four-legged friend’s overall wellbeing depends on it! WARNING SIGNS Like humans, pets that lack proper oral and dental hygiene can develop illnesses such as gingivitis and periodontitis. If your cat or dog displays any of the following symptoms, a visit to your vet might be in order: • Unusually foulsmelling breath • Frequent pawing at the face or mouth area • Apparent difficulty chewing food • Swollen gums • Reddish-brown teeth
PREVENTION To keep the spread of diseasecausing oral bacteria to a minimum, it’s important that you establish an oral hygiene routine for your pet that includes regular tooth brushing. Veterinary clinics and specialized stores stock a variety of toothbrushes and toothpastes designed for different types of pets. Diet is also a major factor in your pet’s dental health. To prevent plaque and tartar buildup, feed Fido high-quality dry food and chew treats rather than canned varieties or leftover “people food.” Don’t underestimate the importance of regular check-ups with the vet. Remember: it’s your responsibility to see to your pet’s health and well-being.
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Dogs can catch the flu?
What dog parents need to know
BPT
Did you know that humans are not the only ones who can catch the flu? Unfortunately for man’s best friend, dogs are also susceptible to their own version of it.
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Dog flu is a year-round illness that can easily spread from dog to dog, but isn’t contagious to humans. Spring is a great time for pet parents to talk to their veterinarians about vaccinating their dogs against dog flu, either for the first time or for revaccination, because warmer weather means more time spent outside socializing with other dogs - and more social time can increase a dog’s chance of getting sick. “Dog flu is highly contagious and we’ve seen thousands of cases being reported over the last year,” says Kathryn Primm, DVM, coauthor of the Pet Parent’s Guide to Infectious Disease of Dogs. “The good news is that it’s also vaccine preventable. Dogs can be protected against both strains of dog flu with a single vaccine.” To help pet parents across the country, here are answers to some common questions pet parents have about dog flu. What exactly is dog flu? There are two strains of the canine influenza virus - H3N2 and H3N8. H3N2 is relatively new and is responsible for most of the recent cases. Common symptoms of dog flu include high fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, cough, runny nose and, in some cases, pneumonia - which can be life-threatening. How do dogs get dog flu? Dog flu is highly contagious and can pass between dogs through virus particles in the air, physical contact with other dogs, indirect contact with an infected dog or contact with a person who has interacted with an infected dog. Since dogs have no natural immunity against dog flu, almost all unvaccinated dogs that come in contact with the virus will become sick. Are certain groups of dogs more susceptible to dog flu? Pups that travel with their families or are frequently in contact with other dogs at places like dog parks, doggie daycare, grooming facilities and boarding kennels are at
increased risk and should be vaccinated against both strains of dog flu. Why should I get my dog vaccinated now? Dog flu is not seasonal, it is year-round; but because dogs tend to be more social in the spring in many parts of the country, they are more likely to encounter a contagious dog. Plus, with summer approaching, dogs that will be boarded should finish the dog flu vaccination at least two weeks before the planned date of boarding. Dogs vaccinated for the first time need two vaccinations, two to four weeks apart. Annual revaccination just requires one vaccination. Can dogs transmit the flu to humans? No. To date, there is no evidence that humans can catch canine influenza virus from dogs. Can I vaccinate my dog against both strains? According to the American Animal Hospital Association, dogs at risk, such as those that are boarded at kennels, attend doggie day care or visit dog parks, should be vaccinated against both strains of dog flu, available in a single vaccine. Dogs should be vaccinated on an annual basis to prevent illness or decrease the severity of symptoms if they do become sick. To find a vet that carries the dog flu vaccination, you can visit dogflu.com and search by your zip code. How long has this vaccine been available? Bivalent vaccines, which are vaccines that contain both strains of dog flu, were introduced to the market in 2016 and 2017. Millions of dogs have been vaccinated against dog flu. Spring weather is exciting for both pet parents and their dogs - it means it’s time to get outside and play. Avoid the risk of dog flu by talking to a veterinarian about vaccination and visiting dogflu.com to find a veterinarian and schedule an appointment for a dog flu vaccination for your pet. May/June 2018 ~ living well
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