Halloween Pet Safety

Whether your pet is a little troublemaker or as mellow as can be, Halloween can be hazardous to their health in a variety of ways. That’s why our animal hospital wants to remind you about all the dangers that can be lurking around. Get cozy and take a moment to review our Halloween pet safety tips below.

1. Got candy? Keep all sweets stored where your pet can’t reach them. At the least, consuming candy can give your pet an upset stomach, but certain ingredients in certain treats can potentially be life-threatening. This includes any sugar-free treats, which contain an ingredient called xylitol. Be mindful when you’re snacking on candy or handing it out to trick-or-treaters!
2. Throw away wrappers and other non-edible candy leftovers as soon as possible. Pets can easily choke on plastic wrappers, bags, sticks from lollipops, and more.
3. Don’t use real flame candles—ever. We know they look great on Halloween, but they are also not worth the risk. Accidents do happen, especially with pets who do not know the dangers of fire hazards. There are plenty of artificial candle options in stores that look just as nice!
4. Consider passing up on fake spiderwebs, which can quickly become a tangled mess and become a choking hazard for your pet to boot. Fake spiderwebs are also harmful to wildlife if it’s used outside; birds and other small animals can get tangled in the webbing and become injured.
5. Any pet can become the target of unfriendly pranksters, but black cats are much more vulnerable. If you’re lucky enough to share your home with a black feline, make sure to keep them safely inside with you.
6. Does the sound of the doorbell or knocking at the front door stress your pet out? Consider keeping them in a closed room with their bed, toys, fresh water, and some treats to help them stay calm. If your pet is crate trained, make that their safe spot. Check on your pet regularly to make sure they’re doing OK.

If you’re ever uncertain about what’s safe for your pet and what isn’t, you can always contact our animal hospital and speak with our team or your veterinarian to get more information.

The kids are going back to school, and they’re not the only ones who are a little blue. Some pets, particularly dogs, can become a bit depressed, too. After a summer of being with their best friends, they are suddenly left alone in the house for the better part of the day. This can sometimes trigger pet separation anxiety, which can take a toll on your pet’s mental health, their physical health, and your relationship with them. To help you reduce their anxiety, our animal hospital came up with tips to make your pet’s alone time more enjoyable (or at least tolerable!). 

Understanding Pet Separation Anxiety

To reduce separation anxiety, it’s important to first understand it! Pet separation anxiety is a somewhat common problem in dogs, but less so cats. This is believed to be because dogs are pack animals, and in the wild, a dog who is alone is much more vulnerable to attack by other predators as well as starvation. When you leave the house, it’s like your dog is losing their pack. Yet, the reasons dogs develop separation anxiety are a bit more complex. Dogs who are perfectly content to be alone can suddenly become anxiety-ridden when left alone after a traumatic incident (such as being surrendered to a shelter) or even something as mundane as a change of routine.

Keep in mind that your pet’s actions related to separation anxiety are far from an attempt to “get back” at you for leaving them alone. A dog suffering from separation anxiety is akin to us having a panic attack. Your dog is scared and anxious, not vengeful, and they require patience and appropriate training to help them cope!

Tips for Reducing Pet Separation Anxiety

If your pet suffers from mild separation anxiety, these tips should help. However, for pets with more severe cases, you may need to talk to your veterinarian for advice on how to handle their behavior. Anti-anxiety medications may be recommended, as well as appropriate counter-conditioning to help your pet learn to accept their alone time. Try the tips below first, and if you need more help, make an appointment!

• Give your pet a special toy or food puzzle filled with their favorite treat right before you leave. This helps distract them from your departure and it creates a positive association with being alone.
• Take time to exercise your pet in the morning before you leave. By doing so, you’re giving them the mental and physical exercise they need to keep from being bored. And it tires them out, too, so they have less energy to be upset about being alone.
• If your pet becomes anxious before you leave the house, they may have picked up on your departure cues (grabbing your keys and purse, putting on your shoes, etc.). Do these things throughout the week without leaving the house to help desensitize your pet to these actions.
• Play comforting classical music on the radio or turn on the TV to a nature channel while you’re away to give your pet something to listen to.
• Don’t make a big deal with goodbyes and greetings. Doing so only reinforces your pet’s anxiety about you leaving. Leave with a calm, simple goodbye and when you come home, ignore your pet until they calm down, then greet them and give them attention.

If you’re interested in learning more about pet separation anxiety and ways you can reduce your pet’s own anxiety, please contact us today!

Pests come in all shapes and sizes. While mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous due to the diseases they spread, ticks can also pose a significant threat to our health and safety. At our animal hospital, tick protection is a big part of disease prevention as a whole. Parasites are tiny and resilient, making them difficult to control. Fortunately, we can give you the tools and information you need to keep your household (and everyone in it) safe.

Ticks Found in Florida

Here are the types of ticks you can find in Florida:

• Blacklegged tick (also called the deer tick)
• Lone Star tick
• American dog tick
• Gulf Coast tick
• Bont tick (not native to Florida, but can be brought over from the Caribbean)

The Diseases They Can Spread

Not every tick carries disease-causing agents, and not every tick bite results in an infection. However, knowing what diseases certain ticks might be capable of transmitting can save you and your pets a lot of trouble in the long run.

• Lyme disease – transmitted by the blacklegged tick
• Ehrlichiosis/anaplasmosis – transmitted by the Lone Star tick
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) – transmitted by the American dog tick
• R. parkeri rickettsiosis – a less severe form of spotted fever transmitted by the Gulf Coast tick

Preventing Tick Bites

The key to preventing infection from a tick-borne disease is to prevent ticks from biting altogether.

• If your pet is not taking parasite preventatives already, ask your veterinarian for their recommendation—dogs and cats both need preventatives that protect them against ticks.
• Keep grass short and trim the shrubs and trees around your home so that any ticks balancing on the leaves or branches will not be able to attach to passersby (including you and your pets).
• Stay on cleared paths and trails if you’re hiking with your pet—ticks dwell in low vegetation and tall grasses.
• Treat your clothing and any other gear you have with permethrin.
• Use bug repellent that contains about 20-30% DEET.
• Regularly check yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outside.
• If you suspect that there are ticks in any clothes, blankets, etc., wash them in hot water and dry on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill the ticks.

There are many causes of kennel cough, both bacterial and viral. Canine influenza virus (CIV) is one of the viral causes of kennel cough. This highly contagious respiratory disease has affected thousands of dogs in the United States. Because CIV is a relatively new virus, most dogs have not been exposed to it before. Dogs of any age, breed, and vaccine status are susceptible to this infection.

How Could My Dog Catch Canine Influenza Virus?
CIV is easily transmitted between dogs through a combination of aerosols, droplets, and direct contact with respiratory secretions. The virus does not survive for a long time in the environment, so dogs usually get CIV when they are in close proximity to other infectious dogs.

Which Dogs Are Prone to Canine Influenza Virus? 
Any dog who interacts with large numbers of dogs is at increased risk for exposure. Pet owners should consult their veterinarian for information about the canine influenza vaccine.

What Are the General Signs of Canine Influenza Virus? 
While most dogs will show typical signs of kennel cough, but a small percentage of dogs will develop a more severe illness. Signs of canine influenza virus include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Variable fever
• Clear nasal discharge that progresses to thick, yellowish-green mucus
• Rapid/difficult breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy

Can Dogs Die From Canine Influenza Virus?
If CIV is quickly diagnosed and treated, the fatality rate is quite low. Deaths are usually caused by secondary complications, such as pneumonia. It is important that dogs with CIV receive proper veterinary care.

How Is Canine Influenza Virus Diagnosed?
Veterinarians will typically conduct a thorough physical examination and run a series of tests to diagnose the illness.

How Is Canine Influenza Treated?
Because CIV is a virus similar to the flu in humans, there is no specific antiviral medication available. However, supportive care and appropriate treatment of secondary infections are important. Your veterinarian may advise the following to soothe your dog while the condition runs its course:

• Good nutrition and supplements to raise immunity
• A warm, quiet, and comfortable spot to rest
• Medications to treat secondary bacterial infections
• Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration
• Workup and treatment for pneumonia

Be advised, while most dogs will fight the infection within 10 to 30 days, secondary infections require antibiotics and, in the case of pneumonia, sometimes even hospitalization.

What Should I Do if I Think My Dog Has Canine Influenza Virus? 
If you think your dog has canine influenza virus, immediately isolate him or her from all other dogs and call your veterinarian.

Can I Catch Canine Influenza From My Dog?
So far there has been no evidence to indicate that dogs can transmit CIV to humans.

How Can I Help Prevent My Dog From Spreading the Disease? 
Any dog infected with CIV should be kept isolated from other dogs for 10 to 14 days from the onset of signs. Dogs are most infectious before signs are apparent, and can continue shedding the virus for approximately 10 days. This means that by the time signs of the illness are seen, other dogs may have already been exposed.

Source: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/canine-influenza-viruscanine-flu

The veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline receive hundreds of calls this time of year from pet owners and veterinarians concerning cats that have ingested Easter lilies.

“Unbeknownst to many pet owners, Easter lilies are highly toxic to cats,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline. “All parts of the Easter lily plant are poisonous – the petals, the leaves, the stem and even the pollen. Cats that ingest as few as one or two leaves, or even a small amount of pollen while grooming their fur, can suffer severe kidney failure.”

In most situations, symptoms of poisoning will develop within six to 12 hours of exposure. Early signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and dehydration. Symptoms worsen as kidney failure develops. Some cats will experience disorientation, staggering and seizures.

“There is no effective antidote to counteract lily poisoning, so the sooner you can get your cat to the veterinarian, the better his chances of survival will be,” said Brutlag. “If you see your cat licking or eating any part of an Easter lily, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately. If left untreated, his chances of survival are low.”

Treatment includes inducing vomiting, administering drugs like activated charcoal (to bind the poison in the stomach and intestines), intravenous fluid therapy to flush out the kidneys, and monitoring of kidney function through blood testing. The prognosis and the cost – both financially and physically – to the pet owner and cat, are best when treated immediately.

There are several other types of lilies that are toxic to cats as well. They are of the Lilium and Hemerocallis species and commonly referred to as Tiger lilies, Day lilies and Asiatic lilies. Popular in many gardens and yards, they can also result in severe acute kidney failure. These lilies are commonly found in florist bouquets, so it is imperative to check for poisonous flowers before bringing bouquets into the household. Other types of lilies – such as the Peace, Peruvian and Calla lilies – are usually not a problem for cats and may cause only minor drooling.

Thankfully, lily poisoning does not occur in dogs or people. However, if a large amount is ingested, it can result in mild gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Other Dangers to Pets at Easter Time

Pet Poison Helpline also receives calls concerning pets that have ingested Easter grass and chocolate.

Usually green or yellow in color, Easter grass is the fake grass that often accompanies Easter baskets. When your cat or dog ingests something “stringy” like Easter grass, it can become anchored around the base of the tongue or stomach, rendering it unable to pass through the intestines. It can result in a linear foreign body and cause severe damage to the intestinal tract, often requiring expensive abdominal surgery.

Lastly, during the week of Easter, calls to Pet Poison Helpline concerning dogs that have been poisoned by chocolate increase by nearly 200 percent. While the occasional chocolate chip in one cookie may not be an issue, certain types of chocolate are very toxic to dogs. In general, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the greater the danger. Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate pose the biggest problem. The chemical toxicity is due to methylxanthines (a relative of caffeine) and results in vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and possibly death. Other sources include chewable chocolate flavored multi-vitamins, baked goods, or chocolate-covered espresso beans. If you suspect that your dog ate chocolate, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately.

Spring is in the air and Easter is a wonderful holiday. Remember that your pets will be curious about new items you bring into your household like Easter lilies, Easter grass and chocolate. Keep them a safe distance away from your pets’ reach and enjoy the holiday and the season.

SOURCE: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/seasons/easter/

Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

What is veterinary dentistry, and who should perform it?

Veterinary dentistry includes the cleaning, adjustment, filing, extraction, or repair of your pets’ teeth and all other aspects of oral health care. These procedures should be performed by a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary dentist. Subject to state or provincial regulation, veterinary technicians are allowed to perform certain dental procedures under the supervision of a veterinarian.

The process begins with an oral exam of your pet’s mouth by a veterinarian. Radiographs (x-rays) may be needed to evaluate the health of the jaw and the tooth roots below the gumline. Because most dental disease occurs below the gumline, where you can’t see it, a thorough dental cleaning and evaluation are performed under anesthesia. Dental cleaning includes scaling (to remove dental plaque and tartar) and polishing, similar to the process used on your own teeth during your regular dental cleanings.

Oral health in dogs and cats

Your pet’s teeth should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

Have your pet’s teeth checked sooner if you observe any of the following problems:

• bad breath
• broken or loose teeth
• extra teeth or retained baby teeth
• teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
• abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
• reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• pain in or around the mouth
• bleeding from the mouth
• swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth

Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pet’s behavior should prompt a visit to your veterinarian. Always be careful when evaluating your pet’s mouth, because a painful animal may bite.

Causes of pet dental problems

Although cavities are less common in pets than in people, they can have many of the same dental problems that people can develop:

• broken teeth and roots
• periodontal disease
• abscesses or infected teeth
• cysts or tumors in the mouth
• malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth and bite
• broken (fractured) jaw
• palate defects (such as cleft palate)

Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats – by the time your pet is 3 years old, he or she will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease, which will worsen as your pet grows older if effective preventive measures aren’t taken. Early detection and treatment are critical, because advanced periodontal disease can cause severe problems and pain for your pet. Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth. Other health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes.

It starts with plaque that hardens into tartar. Tartar above the gumline can often easily be seen and removed, but plaque and tartar below the gumline is damaging and sets the stage for infection and damage to the jawbone and the tissues that connect the tooth to the jaw bone. Periodontal disease is graded on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (severe).

The treatment of periodontal disease involves a thorough dental cleaning and x-rays may be needed to determine the severity of the disease. Your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary dentist will make recommendations based on your pet’s overall health and the health of your pet’s teeth, and provide you with options to consider.

Why does dentistry require anesthesia?

When you go to the dentist, you know that what’s being done is meant to help you and keep your mouth healthy. Your dentist uses techniques to minimize pain and discomfort and can ask you how you are feeling, so you accept the procedures and do your best to keep still. Your pet does not understand the benefit of dental procedures, and he or she reacts by moving, trying to escape, or even biting.

Anesthesia makes it possible to perform the dental procedures with less stress and pain for your pet. In addition, anesthesia allows for a better cleaning because your pet is not moving around and risking injury from the dental equipment. If radiographs (x-rays) are needed, your pet needs to be very still in order to get good images, and this is unlikely without heavy sedation or anesthesia.

Although anesthesia will always have risks, it’s safer now than ever and continues to improve so that the risks are very low and are far outweighed by the benefits. Most pets can go home the same day of the procedure, although they might seem a little groggy for the rest of the day.

What can I do at home for my pet’s oral health?

Prevention of the most common oral disease in pets consists of frequent removal of the dental plaque and tartar that forms on teeth that are not kept clean. Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth healthy between dental cleanings, and may reduce the frequency or even eliminate the need for periodic dental cleaning by your veterinarian. Daily brushing is best, but it’s not always possible and brushing several times a week can be effective. Most dogs accept brushing, but cats can be a bit more resistant – patience and training are important.

There are many pet products marketed with claims that they improve dental health, but not all of them are effective. Talk with your veterinarian about any dental products, treats, or dental-specific diets you’re considering for your pet, or ask your veterinarian for their recommendation.

SOURCE: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Pet-Dental-Care.aspx

Do you ever get tempted to share your dinner with your four-legged friend? Although there are certain “people foods” that are unhealthy or even dangerous to pets, including chocolate and grapes, there are others that are safe and beneficial for them. Consider this list of five table foods that are good for dogs and cats, and contact Broward Animal Hospital, Inc. if you have any questions.

Chopped Apples

Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamins A and C for your pet and make a great snack. Just be sure to chop the apple in small pieces before giving them to your pet, and make sure there aren’t any seeds in the pieces. While the flesh and skin of the apple are harmless, the seeds contain cyanide, which can harm your pet.

Cooked Oatmeal

This should come as no surprise, since the ingredient in many pet foods is oats. Oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber for dogs and cats. Just make sure the oatmeal is cooked first and free of any sugar or other flavoring. Avoid the packaged oatmeal, which often contain added ingredients that can be harmful to pets.

Cooked Eggs

Eggs are known to be rich in digestible protein as well as riboflavin. Just as it does for humans, protein can help strengthen your pet’s hair, build muscle, and repair tissue. The best way to serve eggs to your pet as a treat is hardboiled, cut in two or more pieces. And don’t forget to remove the shell!

Cooked Salmon

Salmon is an ingredient that’s common in many pet foods, due to its nutritional value. This fatty fish is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, which support the immune system and can be beneficial for skin and coat health. Some studies show that it can even help dogs with allergies. And just as with oatmeal and eggs, make sure the salmon is well cooked before feeding it to your pet.

Cooked Chicken and Turkey

Also part of the poultry family, chicken and turkey are high in protein, making them another healthy food for both dogs and cats. Just be sure the meat is well cooked and free from any skin, bones, or gravy before giving it to your pet to enjoy.

Always consult a veterinarian before altering your pet’s diet. Broward Animal Hospital, Inc.’s Dr. Bishop would be happy to answer any questions you have. Just give us a call at 954-925-2467.