Summertime Tips

Summertime is upon us and we have several summer safety tips to keep in mind so you can keep your pets healthy and happy. People are spending more time outside with their pets now, so it is important to be aware of the risk of the hot temperatures.

Dogs don’t sweat, they expel heat through panting, and cats only sweat through their paw pads. Because of this, both are very susceptible to heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke can include excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums/tongue, disorientation, wobbling, and even seizures or coma. If you see any of these signs, you should take your pet immediately to a veterinarian so the temperature can be lowered gradually. You can take a rectal temperature with a thermometer – if it is over 104 degrees, contact your veterinarian for instructions.

Always have multiple fresh water sources for your pet, both inside and outside, which will help keep your animal cool and hydrated. Make sure that if your pet is out in the middle of the day, they have access to shade and possibly put up a fan for them. Definitely keep brachycephalic (short nosed dogs) or elderly dogs inside during the hottest part of the day. Even though it seems obvious, never leave your pet inside the car or even in the bed of a truck unattended. Temperatures can rise to over 120 degrees inside a car with no air conditioning.

If you are going to travel with your pet, make sure they are restrained in the car by a crate, seat, or harness. Take your pet’s food, toys, bed, updated vaccination records, collar with identification and leash, medications, litter box, and a pet first aid kit. Another thing to consider is a permanent means of identification such as a microchip in case your pet does get loose in an unfamiliar place. They are very easily placed in any dog or cat and can be the only means of reuniting with your pet. Another thing is to make sure you know where there is a veterinary clinic nearby in case of an emergency.

The warm weather also brings an increased number of parasites – fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, so make sure your cats and dogs are on a monthly flea and tick preventative along with their heartworm prevention. If your pet is around any open water, make sure they know how to swim or have them wear a pet life jacket. If you have a pool in your yard, make sure they know how to get out of the pool or have it fenced off if your pet can’t swim well.

Lastly, cars are more likely to overheat and leak antifreeze which can be deadly when ingested. It tastes very sweet, so dogs and cats will lick it up if they get the chance. If you see your pet ingest any amount, get them to a veterinary hospital immediately. If not treated soon and aggressively it will cause irreversible damage to the kidneys.

We hope you have a safe and wonderful summer with your pet! If you have any questions, give us a call at 415-499-8387.

From http://www.pearlandanimalhospital.com/_blog/PAH_Blog/post/Summer_health_tips_for_pets/



www.northbayanimalhospital.com

Calorie Control Works!

June 23, 2011

"I have given my dog, Harley, Royal Canin Calorie Control his whole life and never had a problem with weight until I increased the amount of food I was feeding. After going back to the recommended amount, Harley lost 5 pounds in 5 months. That's 1 pound a month! I highly recommend Royal Canin Calorie Control diet."

-Inez Wieging

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ROYAL CANIN CALORIE CONTROL

Focus: 4 Tooth-Care Tips

Let's face it: No matter how much you adore your pup, his doggie breath can be downright gross at times. But the consequences of poor dental health--for cats and dogs alike--go way beyond bad breath. In fact, bad breath can be a signal that your pet is suffering from gum disease, referred to as periodontal disease, which can lead to serious health concerns ranging from tooth loss to organ failure.

With a majority of adult pets suffering from some degree of dental tartar, which can cause periodontal disease, keeping up your pet's oral hygiene isn't a luxury. It's a vital piece of your cat's or dog's healthcare routine. When Fluffy and Fido receive good dental care, they undoubtedly live longer and better lives. Here's how to keep your pet's mouth clean so you can keep your cat or dog healthy from tooth to tail.

1) VISIT YOUR VETERINARIAN FOR TEETH CLEANING

Dental care for dogs and cats should start at your veterinarian's office. Pets need to be regularly evaluated for the presence of dental tartar and disease and be treated if necessary. The fact is, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of 3 years suffer from significant oral disease that requires treatment. Such treatment might even include a tooth or multiple teeth being pulled in order to stop infection and prevent additional health problems.

But your cat's or dog's teeth don't need to get to this point. When your pets visit the veterinarian for their annual or six-month examination, the doctor will check their teeth. He or she will be on the lookout for reddened gums and yellow-brown tartar, also called dental calculus, on the teeth. The doctor also may recommend that your pets get dental x-rays to check whether there are hidden signs of disease below the gum line and in the bones. If there is any evidence of dental disease, the veterinarian will likely recommend a dental cleaning for your pet.

Just like in human medicine, this involves cleaning your pet's tetth with a scaler. Unlike people, cats and dogs don't just lay still for their dentist. Therefore, dental cleanings are performed while pets are under general anesthesia. Today's pet anesthesia is extremely safe and, most often, the health threats from avoiding dental cleanings far outweigh the threat of anesthesia complications.

On average, dogs and cats benefit from dental cleaning once a year starting at the age of 3, but every pet needs his or her own individual dental program. Some cats and dogs might need less frequent cleanings, others more. Your veterinarian will work with you to decide what's best for your cat or dog.

2) BRUSH YOUR PET'S TEETH EVERY DAY

Another important component to staving off dental disease is at-home care. While it's critical to follow your veterinarian's recommendations for getting your pet's teeth cleaned in the clinic, the best thing you can do at home to promote good oral hygiene is to brush your pet's teeth--daily. Doing it every few days or once a week just isn't enough, because the bacteria that cause dental disease can recolonize on the tooth surface in a period of 24 to 36 hours. Daily brushing may sound daunting, but it's completely doable, even on finicky cats.

Star with the basic tools: a soft-bristled toothbrush or a finger brush and toothpaste. Be sure to use toothpaste specially formulated for pets, since the fluoride and other active ingredients in people's toothpaste is designed to be spit out and can be toxic to cats and dogs when swallowed.

Another note about toothpaste: Most pet paste should be thought of mainly as a flavoring agent. Its pet-friendly taste (often chicken-flavored) provides the valuable service of making it easier for you to get the toothbrush into your pet's mouth.

The mechanical action of the toothbrush is the main factor in the plaque-removing process. However, if your pet has advanced periodontal disease, your veterinarian may recommend toothpaste that contains chlorhexidine to help further control plaque bacteria. In short, ask your veterinarian which dental cleaning products he or she recommends for your pet.

Next, make sure you know how to brush your pet's teeth. Ask your veterinarian for a demonstration. Here's a narration of what the doctor will show you: Place a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and let your pet sniff and lick it. If there's positive interest in the flavor of the toothpaste, use it. If your pet isn't interested in the toothpaste, it's OK to brush the teeth without it.

Hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the tooth surface with the bristles pointing toward the gums. This allows you to clean underneath the gums. Work the toothbrush in a circular motion, concentrating on the outside surfaces of the teeth--especially the canine teeth and upper premolars. Go slowly, aiming to spend a total of 30 seconds on each side of the mouth.

And be patient. If you haven't brushed your pet's teeth before, you may need to start by simply getting your cat or dog used to having the mouth touched. Then you can work up to longer brushing sessions. While every pet eventually can be acclimated to enjoying (or at least not resisting) having its teeth brushed, some pets are more resistant than others.

If your pet is too difficult to handle or becomes aggressive during tooth brushing, you may need to focus on the next two items--in addition to getting your pet regular dental cleanings at your veterinary office--to keep the teeth clean. These items aren't a substitute for brushing, but they will help.

3) FEED YOUR PET A SPECIAL DENTAL DIET

There are several commercial diets that have been shown to improve your pet's periodontal health compared to regular dry food diets. These dental foods work in one of two ways, either by using an extra-crunchy kibble to provide better mechanical cleansing of the teeth or by coating the food with polyphosphate, which works by binding minerals in your pet's saliva to make them unavailable for the development of tartar. Yet another type of dental diet combines both methods. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the one that's right for your pet.

4) OFFER APPROPRIATE CHEW TREATS

Some treats are designed to help keep your cat's or dog's teeth clean. Rawhide treats and other consumable items are readily available, and they're an effective way to control and remove plaque and tartar from your dog's teeth. Rawhide is highly digestible and, contrary to conventional wisdom, has not been commonly observed to cause digestive problems. It has also been shown that coating rawhide treats with calcium-sequestering substances, like sodium hexamethaphosphate, can further enhance plaque and tartar reduction.

Just as some treats are effective in the fight against periodontal disease, others are to be avoided. Products such as nylon bones, cow hooves, and real bones are too hard for your dog's teeth and often are associated with slab fracture of the carnassial teeth in dogs. And as much as your pooch may love playing catch with a tennis ball, the yellow spheres are notorius for caushing mechanical wearing of the tooth surface. If possible, offer your dog non-abrasive balls or toys.

CONCLUSION

Keeping your cat's or dog's teeth clean is relatively easy. Your veterinary healthcare team will do its part by performing regular oral examinations and recommending dental cleanings as needed. As for you, about one minute of tooth brushing a day and the right food and treats will keep your pet's pearly whites a shining example of health--so the rest of his or her body will be too.

Walking Dogs: Why It Makes a Difference

Providing exercise and mental stimulation for our pets is necessary and nothing does so better than a good walk. Most of our dog breeds have characteristics designed for a specific purpose that would keep them engaged (i.e. sporting dogs, working dogs, herding dogs). However, adult household dogs without the opportunity to pursue that purpose generally do not exercise themselves and, if they have access to a backyard, it usually provides the same scents and sights day after day.

STARTING OFF RIGHT

The time for the "taking a walk" discussion begins with a new puppy. Before taking a puppy for its first walk, it needs to be vaccinated against communicable diseases. Once adequately protected, you can begin to take the puppy outside the home to other places (i.e. walks and puppy classes).

Make sure that the puppy is microchipped and wearing a collar for identification and that you are using an age appropriate control device, such as a head halter, no-pull harness, or flat collar and leash. Avoid choke collars, pinch collars, and extendible leashes.

Initial walks that teach the puppy to accept the leash should be short so that neither you nor the puppy becomes frustrated or tired. This can vary from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the puppy. Walks can help with early socialization, learning basic control tasks, and allowing exploration and exercise.

FULFILLING EACH DOG'S NEEDS

Most importantly, a dog needs to eliminate and have access to the appropriate place to eliminate.

In addition, a dog often enjoys the chance to sniff and investigate the environment:

• Some dogs are able to sniff and keep walking; others may want to spend more time investigating and perhaps marking the interesting smells they encounter with urine.
• One study noted that off-leash dogs sniff for longer periods when compared with dogs walking on a leash. Naturally, the significance is not clear, but perhaps it has to do with the ability to sniff uninterrupted.
• Giving the dog an opportunity for sniffing and marking during each walk is a good idea. This can be under your control using commands such as "free dog" when sniffing is allowed and a "heel" command for walking without stopping.

Exercise needs vary from dog to dog and breed to breed:

• The goal of the walk should not necessarily be to create an athlete, but to give sufficient time for exercise and sniffing. A large-breed dog may enjoy running while smaller dogs may be content with slower walks, but exceptions abound. Therefore, walks should be tailored to individual needs.
• If a safe, controlled, open space (i.e. fenced yard) is available, games, such as fetch, may be possible and offer great aerobic exercise.
• When planning exercise, accommodations are necessary for age, physical ability, and breed. In dogs prone to lameness, overheating, and cardiac problems, avoid any situation that may exacerbate these issues.

KEEPING HUMANS HAPPY

Being pulled down the street by a dog is undesirable and may discourage you from walking your dog. The walk should be on a loose leash with no pressure on either your hand or arm or the dog's neck or chest.

There are several components that facilitate achieving this goal:

• Various products on the market can help improve dog walking. These include head halters, body harnesses, and different types of collars and leashes.
• Training classes are often useful in teaching pets to walk comfortably on leashes, especially if they focus on positive training, the use of appropriate control devices, and loose leash walking without a strict "heel."
• One easy technique is to stop when the leash is taut and wait until the dog comes back to them a bit and then resume walking. Many dogs will then learn "a loose leash means go forward, taut leash means we stop."
• You may have to forego their regular walks while in training process and spend the time training rather than convering a distance, but the reward of a well-trained dog will be worth the effort.
• Leash walking also helps with controlling the dog, regulates interactions between the pet and people or other dogs, and may help diminish disease transmission on walks.

When walking for elimination, most owners like it to occur promptly and quickly so that the length of the walk can be determined by the time available; not merely waiting for the dog to eliminate.

• Teaching the pet to eliminate on a verbal command will accomplish this goal. You can ask for elimination and not begin the walk until it is accomplished. Once the animal eliminates, the walk can commence.
• This also makes it easier for you to clean up after the pet and control where elimination takes place.
• Another added benefit is that if time is short the dog will eliminate promptly, which avoids owner frustration and potentially allows time for a short walk.

OBSTACLES TO SUCCESS

Despite their best efforts, many owners find walking their dog time-consuming or unpleasant. Common complaints include pulling, barking or lunging at other dogs or people, lacking control of the pet, and no time. As mentioned earlier, the appropriate tools can help.

• Set-length leashes offer more control than extending leashes. Head halters and no-pull harnesses can diminish pulling and allow walks to be more controlled.
• Rather than opting for only long walks, adding short sniff walks of 10 to 20 minutes 1 to 3 times a week can make a difference.
• For extreme problems, a good positive reinforcement trainer or a veterinary behaviorist may be necessary and may help in selecting appropriate control products.

Putting Pet Insurance To The Test

WATCH THE VIDEO

Pet insurance began over 20 years ago, but less than 2% of Americans purchase pet insurance, compared to a UK survey that showed 46% of all pets are insured. Why the difference?

Perhaps the best way to explore this question is through a real-life case.

By: Dr. Jim Humphries, Veterinary News Network

After playing rough one day, Tucker, a neutered 3-year old rescued Great Dane with no known history of medical problems, suddenly experienced front leg weakness and neck pain only eight months after his adoption.

His concerned family took him to their veterinarian. The initial X-rays and subsequent more accurate MRI confirmed their veterinarian’s fears - Tucker had Wobbler’s Syndrome. Wobbler’s is a debilitating spinal cord disease which can be considered hereditary in many large breed dogs especially in Dobermans and Great Danes.

From the initial exams and X-rays, through the neurologist’s exam, the MRI and eventually the major spine surgery (a dorsal laminectomy), the total bill would be over $10,000. Would pet insurance help pay for any of this?

As a head-to-head test, exact quotes were obtained from five popular pet health insurance companies.

The key factors to consider when evaluating any pet insurance are:

• the monthly costs
• the deductable
• the co-pay amount,
• does the policy cover hereditary or genetic conditions
• are there yearly or lifetime limits

The companies we chose for this comparison are: Hartville Pet Insurance, Veterinary Pet Insurance, Pets Best, Purina Care, and Trupanion.

Hartville Pet Insurance offered a monthly premium at $38.58 with an annual deductible of $100. This company has a $1500 per incident limit with annual limit at $8000 and 20% co-pay. The program does however specifically exclude hereditary coverage. Tucker’s pay out would be zero.

With VPI, the monthly payment would be $45 with a $250 deductible per year. They pay by a complex benefits schedule where all other companies have a set co-pay amount. Also their limits on hereditary coverage are restrictive. There is a 12 month waiting period for hereditary conditions and because Tucker’s policy was purchased just 8 months ago, they would have paid nothing on this case. Tucker’s pay out would have been zero.

Pet’s Best quoted a $45 monthly premium for Tucker and the same $250 deductible, but per incident instead of yearly. They too have limited hereditary coverage, a 20% co-pay and limit the amount of each incident to $7,000. They don’t consider Wobblers a hereditary condition so they would pay $8,000 minus the deductible with an incident limit of $7000. Tucker’s pay out would be the incident limit of $7000.

The problem here is where the dog might have complications after the main treatment, and there would be no more financial benefit.

PurinaCare, would insure Tucker for $44 a month, with a $250 deductible per year and 20% co-pay. They also cover hereditary conditions and have great limits of $20,000 annual and no lifetime limits. Tucker’s pay out would be $7,800. Should Tucker have a complications there is no problem as there is plenty of reserve financial benefit.

Finally to insure Tucker with Trupanion, it would cost $44 month with a $250 deductible per incident. They do cover hereditary conditions. They have no yearly or lifetime coverage limits and they pay 90% of the bill! After the $250 deductible, Tucker’s pay out would be $8,750 - -the most of any of the companies. This is the policy Tucker had.

In Tucker’s case insurance really paid off. Not only did it pay for the large majority of this catastrophic condition it also provided peace of mind for his owners. They were saved the difficult decision of having to consider euthanasia or watching him slowly lose control of his legs.

Some consumer groups say with a healthy pet it’s better to save the money. Companies like Pawsitive Savings encourage pet owners to save every month, then use that money for urgent medical care.

But insurance is protection for unknown events in the future. Even routine care can add up making a case for a healthy pet to have insurance. And in Tucker’s case, it happened in 8 months, not long enough to have saved ten thousand dollars.

Veterinary costs can easily run into the thousands, so, maybe now is the time to give this serious thought.

An important note: all pet insurance companies are managed as a third-party reimbursement program, requiring you to pay the initial fee. Normally the reimbursement is only a few weeks, minimizing the initial financial impact.

Also, you must be aware these companies may have rate increases, and some, have significant increases in rates as your pet gets older.

Pet insurance is an individual decision. With a little online research, you can make a smart decision for your budget and your pets and find the right company for your needs.

Why We Recommend Royal Canin Diets

1. Palatability has never been an issue with the use of Royal Canin diets. If the food is palatable, our pets will consume the recommended diet.

2. The vaccines given to the pet population have shown a higher titer (level of protection) by animals being fed Royal Canin.

3. There is no need to feed supplements to your pet because the Royal Canin foods are balanced and formulated.

4. The shape, size and ingredients of the food give extra protection to the teeth. In particular, it helps to reduce plaque formation. Dental problems in pets may be the number one issue in keeping your pets healthy.

5. Royal Canin diets can delay the onset of disease, especially heart disease in many breeds.

6. The cost of the food is offset by the many superior benefits pets receive when fed Royal Canin food.

7. Freshness in each bag, because the food is packed in an air-tight bag with nitrogen inside, which reduces oxidation of the food until the bag is opened.

8. Royal Canin diets are guaranteed in every respect: palatability, growth, skin condition, senior pets. If an owner is not satisfied with the response, the food will be credited to their account.

9. Proper health care dictates we provide the highest quality of nutrition known to us and Royal Canin diets fulfill this need.

10. Digestion of Royal Canin food reduces odors and there is less volume of fecal matter to pick up: compact, low odor, but not packaged waste.

11. Cost comparisons of food must be done by the nutrients in the bag, not the weight of the bag (i.e. ten 10lb bags at $9.00 each may only have the nutrients of three 8lb bags at $19.95 each). The value in this case is $90.00 for the inexpensive bag vs. $59.85 for the more expensive bag, PLUS all of the benefits of the complete, balanced Royal Canin diets.

12. The following has been stated many times, "you get what you pay for."

Acupuncture & Laser Treatments

At Northbay Animal Hospital, we see an average of four pets a week for acupuncture treatments. These are usually older dogs and cats that are having pain due to dysplasia or arthritis. Climbing stairs and taking extended walks becomes difficult for these animals and the restoration of normal activities is not only rewarding for them, but their owners as well. We see these patients restored to their daily activity and the owner's gratitude speaks for itself. Some cases have shown extraordinary results. One cat and two dogs came in paralyzed and all were able to begin walking after the first treatment.

Acupuncture treatments are done with small needles in combination with lasers and infrared LED lights. The pet sits or lies on the treatment table and a technician gently holds the animals head. Acupuncture points are kept to a minimum of 4 to 6 needles with laser and infrared LED lights applied to needles and supplementary acupuncture points.

These treatments are extremely well-tolerated in pets and they usually don’t even notice the needle insertion. The laser and infrared LED, in most cases, make the patients relaxed and sometimes even sleepy! The duration of the 10 minute treatments have proven to be within the limits of patience for even small and/or high-strung dogs and cats.

Initially, treatments are administered 2 times weekly for 5 weeks. Additional treatments depend upon the patients’ response and necessity. In some cases, pain medications can be reduced as well, as the veterinarian deems appropriate. Herbal medicines and laser treatments can support more frequent acupuncture also. A maintenance schedule between 1 and 4 monthly visits is then established.

Call 415-499-8387 to schedule acupuncture and/or laser therapy for your pet today!

-Gordon Cohen, LAC

Why Do We Always Examine Your Pet's Teeth?

It has been shown that the combination of proper nutrition and clean teeth is necessary to prevent heart disease, stroke and even some lung diseases in humans. 75% of adults have some form of gum disease. We don't know the numbers for pets, but my guess is that unless you are brushing your pets teeth for at least 2 minutes every day, they will have gum disease before they are 3 years of age. More than 75% of pets we examine after 3 years of age have gum disease and tarter buildup.

Regular human toothpaste is toxic, especially to kids and pets. If you read the label it says that if you swallow a pea sized piece that you should seek medical attention! Pet toothpaste is enzymatic and non-toxic. We will be happy to teach you how to start brushing your pet's teeth on your next visit. It only takes as long as one TV commercial...



-Dr. George Walters, DVM

A Word From the Doctor

All pets need a comprehensive examination by your veterinarian every six months. The two most important things that you can do at home to extend your pet's life as much as five extra years are to prevent dental disease, which can cause infections in the liver, lungs, and kidneys. Brushing your pet's teeth takes two minutes a day. Do it before feeding, using their food as a reward. Brushing will delay the need for professional cleaning and help keep your pet healthy.
Obesity in pets is a common problem and can lead to diabetes, pancreatitis, hip dysplasia and many other painful conditions.

Feed the very best food in measured amounts at the same time every day. Pick up the dish even if they haven't eaten it all! Food left out is tempting; allowing them to eat ad liberty causes obesity. Also be careful with treats and table food. The effect of one potato chip for a cat has the same relative effect as half a hamburger for you or I. One oatmeal cookie for a dog equals one hamburger for us.

-Dr. George Walters, DVM

Dental Upkeep Shouldn't Take Vacation

As president of the American Veterinary Dental Society, I am privileged to work with talented people who are passionate about the benefits that dental care can provide to companion animals.

A distinguished colleague once questioned why National Pet Dental Health Month was just one month long. Imagine if you and I cared for our teeth only in the month of February and decided not to brush or seek professional cleaning during the other 11 months. As a result of the recognition for year-round commitment, it has been suggested the name be changed to National Pet Dental Health Campaign. Dental health is a not a month-long proposition but rather a life-long effort.

During my years in general practice and as part of the routine puppy or kitten visit and later at yearly pet examinations, I recommended that pet owners brush their pet's teeth three days a week or ideally once a day. I recall the surprise and amusement the thought of brushing pets' teeth provided for many clients.

Though I enjoy keeping my clients amused, this was not the emotion I was trying to elicit when discussing dental home care. Even today, clients who seek me out as a specialist still find tooth brushing in pets a bit of a novelty.

Simple Instructions

Make no mistake: Daily brushing is the single most important and least expensive thing clients can do for their pet to maintain dental health and perhaps contribute to overall health.

A soft-bristled brush used in a circular motion at a 45-degree angle to the gingival margin is a powerful tool against plaque and gingivitis. The mechanical effect of the bristles is usually more important than what is placed on the brush. Avoid using human toothpaste because it is not meant to be swallowed and there are few indications for fluoride use in dogs and cats.

After incorporating mineral deposits, plaque hardens to form calculus, or tartar, which can no longer be brushed off. Though calculus is not the bad actor that plaque is when it comes to causing periodontal disease, calculus provides a rough surface where plaque can more easily accumulate. Once large amounts of calculus adhere to the teeth, hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers become necessary to restore the teeth to their former glory. After scaling, a thorough polishing is necessary to restore smooth surfaces to the scaled crowns.

Know Terminology

The American Veterinary Dental College's Nomenclature Committee helps to standardize terminology.

The term "professional dental cleaning" refers to scaling (supragingival and subgingival plaque and calculus removal) and polishing of the teeth with power/hand instrumentation performed by a trained veterinary health care provider under general anesthesia.

This is in contrast to "non-professional dental scaling," which refers to dental scaling procedures performed on pets without anesthesia, often done by individuals untrained in veterinary dental techniques.


-John R. Lewis, VMD

Can Cats Love?

If your cat could talk, he'd tell you he loves you, right?

Maybe. It depends on whether you believe that cats are "solitary" creatures that only connect with people to get food in their bellies and a roof over their heads or you believe that felines are very capable of feeling and expressing emotions--including love.

A peek at the data shows some support for the pro-love side. Here's what a few studies revealed about cats' ability to bond with humans:

• Cats share our brain chemistry. When stroked by their owners, cats in one study produced more oxytocin, a hormone known to trigger feelings of trust, warmth, and togetherness in humans and other mammals.
• Cats are like kids. When with their owners, cats behave in much the same way as toddlers do with their moms: They feel confident exploring their surroundings. However, cats tend to be more guarded when in the company of strangers.
• Cats miss us when we're gone. Contrary to popular belief, studies suggest that cats--like dogs--can suffer from separation anxiety.

The Proof is in the Purring

What are some telltale signs that your kitty is craving affection and wanting to offer some in return? He greets you at the door when you come home, snuggles up and purrs on your lap, or offers body rubs and "head butts" (especially when you're blue). If that's not love, what is?

Mushroom Toxicity

Valued clients,

Mushroom toxicity can kill your pets. With recent rains, mushrooms will be popping up everywhere. Carefully remove them so you don't spread spores, which will cause more to grow.

Any animal seen ingesting mushrooms should be taken to your veterinarian or emergency hospital immediately for treatment.

Sincerely,

Dr. George Walters & Dr. Kristina Hansson

Holiday Nutrition A Challenge For Pets, Too

The holidays are upon us and watching your pet’s diet is just as important as your own! Most of our clients have the idea that it is OK to give their pets those extra treats for the holidays with the goal of "burning it off in the summer." This is a bad mindset to have! Unless there is an increase in exercise and play activities indoors or decreased intake of food and treats, pets will gain weight, and you may not notice it right away, but over time those few extra pounds will result in an obese pet. Pets have a much more difficult time losing weight than they do putting it on!

There are also other holiday hazards to be aware of, such as cookies, candy, chocolate and your Christmas dinner. Dogs, especially, are notorious for pulling things off of tables and counters when you are busy doing other things. We recommend keeping your pet out of the kitchen while you are preparing your meals--it’s too tempting to give them human food, and even small amounts add up to lots of calories. Human food can also be harmful for your pet. Serious conditions can result from sharing your holiday meals with your pet, such as vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, or even a foreign body removal, from something they ate, but cannot pass! For these reasons, make sure that your holiday treats are not in reach of pets!

The Christmas tree can also be a source of mischief and danger for pets. Remember not to wrap food or sweets as presents and place them under the tree where a dog or cat can get into them. Treats such as candy canes and chocolate can also be harmful when hung on the tree because they are too easy for a pet to grab and run off with. Tinsel is another decoration to be careful with as it can be extremely dangerous for cats. It is shiny and hanging from the tree, just waiting to be played with and then swallowed! Once ingested, surgery is the next step to remove it.

These are just some friendly reminders to help keep your pet happy and healthy for the holidays! If you have any questions or would like us to suggest safe treats to give your pet, we would be happy to help you come up with a plan that is both pleasing to you and your pet!

How Animal Friends Can Improve Your Health

Pets keep us company and entertain us. Some even keep our feet warm at night. Now, it turns out, they may be doing much more for us.

According to Jon Zweig, MD, assistant chief of medicine at Kaiser Permanente's Redwood City Medical Center, pets can improve our health. Research shows that pet owners tend to have fewer minor health problems than non-pet owners.

For example, people who walk a dog regularly may have less stress, improved balance, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels.

Watching fish in an aquarium can decrease your heart rate and muscle tension, helping you relax. And relaxation can naturally combat stress.

Pain Control

Our pets can’t talk so it is often up to us to determine when they are experiencing pain so we can help them live a pain-free life. Many older pets show signs of chronic pain that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. Classic signs include lameness and difficulty rising from a sitting or lying position. Less obvious signs can be subtle and easily overlooked or misinterpreted as part of the aging process. This can include a decrease in appetite or activity level, hiding, reluctance to go up or down stairs, irritability, an increase in panting, sleeping more than usual, incontinence or not using the litter box in cats. The most common type of pain that we see in dogs and cats is associated with joint disease or osteoarthritis. A complete history and physical exam can help us determine if your pet may be experiencing pain. At Northbay Animal Hospital, we have at least three potential ways to help treat pain in your pet.

There are several categories of pain medication that may be useful for managing acute and chronic pain. With proper monitoring, many of these medications are safe for extended or long-term administration and can greatly improve the quality of your pet’s life.

Laser therapy is our latest system for treating pain while enhancing the body’s healing response. It is extremely effective at alleviating pain and inflammation associated with many types of inflammatory conditions including skin disease, chronic ear infections, post-surgical incisions, joint pain associated with osteoarthritis, and disc disease associated with chronic back and neck pain. It works much like acupuncture by increasing the production of ATP and nitric acid which increase blood flow and oxygen to the affected area of the body, speeding healing and reducing pain.

Acupuncture, which has been practiced for over 5,000 years in China, is an alternative method of pain control that is very effective in treating a variety of painful conditions in animals. Gordon Cohen, LAC, performs acupuncture on both dogs and cats every Wednesday at our practice.

Any or all of these modalities can be combined to customize a plan for your pet that can provide even more effective pain control and enhanced healing.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 415-499-8387.

-Dr. Kristina Hansson, D.V.M.  

Rabies Awareness: Johnny's Story

These days, many pet owners don't see rabies as an imminent threat. Help change their minds by telling them this sad-but-true tale.

By Dr. Robert Weedon, MPH



Johnny, a stray puppy, was brought to New Hanover County Animal Control Services in Wilmington, NC, by a Good Samaritan. This kind person transported Johnny to our practice because the dog had been injured and had an open forelimb fracture. Johnny was so cute--how could we not want to save him? His fracture was healing, and many people were thinking about adopting him.



But two weeks later, he got sick and developed neurologic signs. We suspected rabies, so we reluctantly decided to euthanize Johnny and have him tested. The test results were positive. As a consequence, 50 people had to undergo postexposure prophylaxis. Johnny was the first case of canine rabies in New Hanover County in almost 60 years. I can't imagine what would have happened if we had missed the diagnosis.



The World Rabies Day initiative underscores the need for veterinarians to be aware of rabies locally--as Johnny's story illustrates--but, more importantly, it raises awareness of the problem globally. About 55,000 people die annually of rabies worldwide; many of them are children bitten by dogs. Increased awareness of the disease by veterinarians and pet owners will ensure that, one day, there will be no more puppies like Johnny.

Join the fight On September 28, people around the globe will unite to recognize World Rabies Day with the goal of one day wiping rabies off the face of the earth. For more information on how you can participate in the event, visit http://www.worldrabiesday.org/.

Stress-Free Pet Travel

The best way to ease your pet's travel anxiety is by taking several short trips before embarking on a long haul. Car rides in a carrier can also be good practice for traveling in an aircraft. Here are additional tips to make your pet's travel more enjoyable.

Withhold food 12 hours before travel

• An empty stomach will help reduce nausea and the need for frequent potty breaks that are often unwelcome, especially during airplane or train travel. Be sure to provide access to fresh water whenever possible. Water bottles that hang on the carrier's door are a good option for many pets.

Sweet smell of home

• Add a t-shirt or blanket with your scent to your pet's carrier. In addition to smelling like home, nothing's cozier than mom or dad's shirt.

Lavender, dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) or feliway

• Aromatherapy and pheromones can calm a tense traveler. Add these scents to your pet's bedding to help calm their fears.

Calming herbs

• Bach fower (Rescue Remedy), kava, valerian, passionflower, and skullcap have been used for decades to naturally ease anxiety.

Cerenia, dramamine and meclizine

• These anti-nausea meds can prevent vomiting in a stressed pet. A single dose of Cerenia lasts 24 hours. Keep in mind these drugs only help with motion-sickness, not anxiety.

Prescription meds -- xanax (alprazolam)

• Given the night before travel, ancd repeated 12 hours later, Xanax can relax even the most anxious pet traveler. I recommend you give the second dose about two hours before you get to the airport.

The world just got smaller for our pet companions. So if you're adventurous and willing to do a little homework, you and your furry family members can enjoy seeing the world together. Go on; trot those paws around the globe. Besides, nothing cures jet lag better thana warm snuggle-buddy!

Pet Travel Essentials

Pet Carrier

• Beginning in September 2009, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United, Continental, Delta, Northwest Airlines, US Airways, AirTran and Alska Airlines collaborated with Sherpa pet carriers to create the Guaranteed on Board program. Carriers displaying this logo will be allowed on these carriers' aircrafts. Should you be denied boarding, Sherpa Pet Group will refund the cost of your airline flight and your pet airline travel fee. General requirements for pet carriers are that they must fit under the seat in front of you and have a waterproof bottom. Sherpa, Pet Roll Around and SturdiBags are accepted by most airlines.

Identification

• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with easy-to-read contact information. Include your flight numbers and destination contact information on any collars and carriers. Have your Pet Passport when traveling internationally. I highly recommend your pet be microchipped prior to travel and bring your pet's microchip information with you. Don't forget to carry a recent picture in your phone or wallet.

Medical Records

• Have on hand your pet's vaccination record, including rabies license and tag, any recent test results, and a list of any medical problems. If an emergency happens, these records will not only save the attending veterinarian time, they may save your pet's life. Email a copy to yourself in case you lose them during travel.

Medications

• Carry with you any prescription meds your pet is taking, or may need during travel. Be sure to carry medications in their original container with prescription label clearly attached. Don't forget extra heartworm and flea preventive.

Leash

• Always carry a small leash when you travel with dogs or cats. In the event you need an emergency potty break or the unlikely escape, a leash can be a lifeline.

Water

• As soon as you clear security, purchase bottled water for your furry friend. Carry a collapsible water bowl and offer your pet a drink every hour.

Poop Bags

• Carry a supply of plastic bags and disposable gloves in case you need to perform any emergency poop patrols.

Food and Water Bowls

• Use them when you arrive at your destination. Your pet will feel more at-home when they see their familiar food bowls, and you'll avoid many feeding skirmishes with any host pets. Ideally, pack your pet's food and treats with your luggage. If not, be sure you'll be able to find your pet's normal diet at your destination. Sudden dietary changes can trigger intestinal distress. Nothing ruins a vacation like a pet with diarrhea and vomiting.

Absorbent Bedding

• Line your pet's carrier with absorbent padding, such as potty pads, in case they have an accident. Carry extras on hand -- just in case.

Favorite Toy

• Carry one or two of your pet's special toys. Offer it during travel. Even if they don't want to play with it, something recognizable can soothe an anxious soul.