Tips of The Week 2006

Now that we've finally gotten some rain the mosquitoes are out in full force. Don't forget to protect dogs and cats from heartworm disease. Those annoying little insects carry the parasite that causes an eventually fatal disease to our furry friends. Fortunately heartworm disease is easy to prevent with a once-a-month medication. If your pet has missed any doses or isn't on prevention yet, see your veterinarian to schedule a test and get your pet on prevention year-round as soon as possible. We've seen quite a bit of heartworm disease at the shelter this year and it is quite costly to treat. Adult heartworms attach to and live in cardiac muscle, causing tissue damage that can become quite extensive if left untreated. Your vet can help you determine the prevention or treatment that's right for you and your vet and can help you save money and heartache in the long run.

We just love taking our dogs with us when the weather is fine and they very much enjoy the outing. But it is important especially in the summer months to plan these outings carefully. Dogs (and any other pets) should never be left unattended in vehicles even with the windows cracked and the air conditioner running. Not so long ago a woman left her small dog in the car with the air conditioner running while she ran into the grocery store for "just a few minutes". The "few minutes" became a half hour when she encountered long lines at the cash register and in the meantime her car engine shut off. Within minutes the temperature in her car rose above 100 degrees. Luckily a passerby saw the dog in distress and reported it to the sheriff's office. Just before her window was about to be broken open, she came out of the store. Her dog was removed from the car in heat distress. A few minutes more could have cost his life. According to the Humane Society of the United States, pet owners should "never leave your pet unattended in a parked car. On warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even with the windows slightly open. Also, an animal left alone in a car is an open invitation to pet thieves. By all means spend some quality time with your pets but plan ahead carefully, make sure you have plenty of water, and make sure you don't have to make any stops where your dog won't be welcome inside. Have a safe and happy summer!

It's the time of year for keeping our yards and gardens in good shape and we all need to be aware of the risks some of our gardening products can pose for our animal friends. When using weed killers, pesticides, or fertilizer, there are a few things you should do to prevent your pet from accidentally becoming poisoned by these products. Most of these products won't hurt your pet once the application is dry so it's best to keep them out of the area until then and avoid spraying them near your pet. Pets can become quite ill if they lick these substances off their paws. Always follow label directions faithfully and keep the unused portions well out of reach of curious pets. Some plants are poisonous to dogs and cats, so if you are planning to add new ones this year check out http://www.hsus.org/ before you plant to avoid purchasing the wrong ones (and there are many).
If your pet should ingest either suspect plants or garden products, make sure you get the label ingredients or a name or description of the plant, and call your vet right away or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.

If you lose a pet, start looking right away. First check your neighborhood, then head to the St. Augustine Humane Society. See if your pet has been brought to the shelter and file a lost pet report. It's important to visit the shelter as often as you can as new animals come in daily - all day- and many pets only differ slightly. Since many of our pets may be of uncertain origin, descriptions of the same animal often vary widely. Bring in a current photo for the shelter to keep on file.
Post flyers in your neighborhood and ask your neighbors to keep an eye out for your pet. Post an ad in the newspaper and offer a reward if you can. When your pet comes home, be sure it has current ID and that its escape routes have been repaired. A good microchip can help ensure your pet goes home, but remember to check with your local shelter to find out what type of scanners are available - not all microchips are equal! Remember, DON'T WAIT to start looking for your pet. The sooner you start, the better your chances are of finding your pet. Many people wait several days or weeks before coming to the shelter and many shelters have different holding times. Don't give up; many pets are found weeks after being lost.

Only about 4 percent of cats and less than half of the dogs in shelters nationwide are reclaimed by their owners. Let's make St. Johns County better than average. We want to see our animals go home!

Snacks are a good way to reward our pets for good behavior. But like us, they can be very prone to obesity. Healthy snacks are important for them too, but any dietary change can cause gastric upset including signs of diarrhea and vomiting. Good quality packaged snacks can be given in moderate amounts; be sure to avoid treats with high fat and calorie content. A good rule of thumb is to be sure that caloric intake doesn't exceed more than 5-10% of your pet's daily requirement (check with your vet to determine what this should be). Some human foods are okay for dogs and cats, but many can be toxic and it's sometimes difficult to determine what foods will cause your pet stomach troubles and many are much too fatty or may be toxic. Many veterinarians recommend avoidance of human food altogether and suggest using your pet's normal kibble or the packaged treats for snacks or rewards. It's always a good idea to praise and reward our pets for good behavior but it's very important to safeguard their health at the same time.

Once again it's time for disaster planning; don't forget to plan for your pets too. In the event of an evacuation, it's important to be prepared ahead of time. All pets should be wearing visible ID and microchips are a good backup. Have extra bottled water and make sure there's enough on hand to meet each pet's requirements as well as your own. Extra supplies of food and medicines are necessary. Make sure you have a good sturdy carrier for dogs, cats, and small pets. Blankets, bedding and grooming supplies will be in short supply after an event so be sure to have plenty. Plan ahead for shelter and make sure you can take your pets with you; animals should never be left behind. Animal-friendly hotels or friends' homes are best. Careful preparation mitigates the effects of a disaster and caring for our pets can help make the after-effects a bit more bearable.

Balancing your pet's diet is as important as balancing your own. Check the label on your pet's food to be sure it contains all necessary nutrients. Pet foods should provide proteins, fats, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Diets for cats should also include taurine and arachidonic acid (essential amino and fatty acids important for healthy organs and skin). Using a high quality pet food is the best way to ensure your pet has all the nutrients she needs and since these foods use less filler you can feed less and actually save money. Foods with less filler are easier for your pet to digest (and create less waste for you to clean up!). Always provide lots of clean fresh water for your friend - it's the most important nutrient of all!

Don't forget, it's flea and tick time again! This year we are seeing more fleas than usual and since these pesky things can cause all sorts of medical problems (some serious) for your furry friends, it's very important to tackle this problem long before it gets out of hand. Fortunately there are several great flea products on the market now and the days of multiple sprayings and frequently flea bathing are pretty much in the past. Most products are once-monthly treatments that do a nice job keeping pests off your pets and keeping the critters from building resorts and having a massive population explosion in your carpet. See your vet for a prescription if you haven't already and find out which product is best for you and your pet. It will help you avoid a big unexpected expenditure on home treatment and medical bills that really ought to go towards a summer vacation!

Is your dog "scooting" across the floor? If you notice your dog dragging her hindquarters on the carpet or ground or excessive licking in the rectal area you may have a problem with her anal glands. Ask your veterinarian to determine the cause. Anal glands are secretory sacs located in the rectal area. The glands produce a liquid substance that smells pretty foul. In wild animals the secretions are used to mark territory but in our domestic pets, it doesn't serve much purpose. When the glands become clogged it can be quite uncomfortable for your pet and you may notice the "scooting" behavior. The good news is that it's easy to treat; your veterinarian can express the glands and your dog will feel immediate relief. If the problem is chronic, it can easily be managed by regular visits to the vet and even by learning to express the glands yourself.

Doing a little spring cleaning? Think about your yearly pet responsibilities at this time too! It's good time to check collars to be sure they still function properly and fit well; it might be time for a new one. Is the information on ID tags still current? Check the yard for any needed fence or enclosure repairs so your best friend isn't tempted to take advantage of the season and go out for a stroll and make sure fleas and ticks aren't beginning to take hold. How about that bedding? Is it becoming frayed or just plain worn out? Older dogs and cats need plenty of cushioning for those arthritic joints. Are toys becoming chewed enough to be dangerous and need replacement? Check with your vet to be sure all needed vaccines are current - spring and summer often are the height of the season for disease outbreaks too. A little seasonal checking can prevent mishaps and keep our best friends safe and enjoying the summer.

Kids and pets go together, but not always. When choosing a pet for your child consider your child's age and what you can reasonably expect him to be responsible for. Keep in mind that you will most likely be providing most of the care and bearing all of the cost! Then consider what kind of pet would be most suitable for your family as a group. Have everyone visit the prospective pet before taking her home to make sure everyone's compatible. Then consider the pet's own unique characteristics. For example, is it a canine "jumper" that might need behavior training and is she appropriate for your two year old? Another consideration is the pets you might already have. Is the new feline used to using dogs like your fox terrier as a "slapping post"? If you are considering adopting a second dog, be sure to bring yours along for a meet-and-greet. Then decide whether you're ready to take on another set of food and medical bills for your new pet. Careful advance planning can help you get just the right pet and prevent heartache down the road.

As the weather warms, many puppies are born this time of year. Along with the many demands of baby season, the shelter also sees a sharp upswing in disease, particularly parvovirus. "Parvo" is a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system of dogs and causes dark, bloody, foul diarrhea and vomiting. It also causes a loss of appetite. The virus most frequently attacks young animals with immature immune systems or those with immune deficiency problems, though any dog may be at risk. Many animals die from it and treating the disease symptoms can be very expensive.

The virus is shed through the feces of infected dogs and can live in the environment for extended periods of time. It is quite resistant to disinfectants. Help your pet be protected from this terrible disease by seeing your veterinarian and following her recommendations for parvo vaccination. Keep feces picked up from outdoor areas. You'll also help us prevent the disease from spreading by regular vaccinations and help save lives at the shelter.

Don't forget how important grooming is for your pet! Most small breed dogs require regular grooming to keep hair from matting, but all breeds of dogs benefit from weekly or biweekly bathing to keep skin and coat healthy. Regular brushing keeps shedding hair off your furniture and floor and prevents painful mats. (This is great for cats, too!) Use a gentle shampoo when bathing to prevent skin irritation and brush out mats beforehand to keep them from tightening and becoming more difficult to remove. Brushing is relaxing for both you and your pet and is great for bonding. Your pet will thank you!

As our pets are living longer lives due to good medical care and being exposed to the same environmental factors as their human counterparts, increases in some types of cancer have been documented over the past few years in our pets. And as with humans, cancer treatments that begin early in the disease progression tend to be more effective. Some symptoms that may be early warning signs of cancer include: Abnormal swellings that don't resolve or that continue to grow, swollen glands, unusual lumps or masses on the body, sores that don't heal, unexplained weight loss, lethargy, and persistent lameness or stiffness. As with many general symptoms, these can be indicative of other problems as well so it's best to schedule a visit to your veterinarian to be sure. Early treatment is critical for many diseases, can prevent more serious problems, and helps maintain a high quality of life for our canine and feline companions.

Many older dogs may be affected by degenerative joint disease (DJD), a debilitating arthritis. But your older pet doesn't have to suffer the effects of this painful disease which can include difficulty rising from a sit or down position, or painful movement. Many of the symptoms can be eased with dietary management and in some cases with medication. Just as glucosamine and chondroitin help arthritic humans, these supplements also offer our canine friends relief. There are also several pain relief medications available for your older pet. If your dog has arthritic symptoms, see your veterinarian for a checkup. Your buddy may have yet many more years of comfortable companionship left to give and DJD doesn't have to be painful.

Stress in your pet's life can lead to a lower immune response and thus to increased risk for disease just as it can for us. Though our pets don't face the same kinds of stress during the day that we do, the results can be the same. Many animals are at risk for viruses similar to the colds and flu we get and these can affect them much the same way. Stressors for animals include basic things like hunger, thirst, boredom, and loneliness. Give your pet a little extra boost by spending time with her just playing around. Make sure food is available in sufficient quantities at appropriate times and make sure water is always within reach. Get a routine going and be sure your dog has adequate and frequent opportunities for exercise and potty time. Single pets often benefit from a friend to play with when you aren't around. Meeting basic needs makes not only a happier pet, but a healthier one too.

Adopting a new feline friend? It's important to "cat proof" your home for your new (and your old) furry friend. Cats are attracted by moving objects so it's important to avoid dangling electric and drapery cords. Cats can chew on these and sustain injuries requiring veterinary attention. Clothes dryers present a very warm place for a cat-nap, so keep that door closed and check for visitors before turning the dryer on. Cats in tumbling dryers can be severely burned in a very short time. Be careful about the types of houseplants you choose; some of these are very poisonous (and attractive) to cats. Keep small objects that can be swallowed away from your cat, especially things like buttons, needles, or other objects with strings attached. Don't let your cat eat human food, some foods cause severe diarrhea in cats and some foods such as chocolate can cause very severe reactions. Basic prevention can help you avoid extra vet bills and keep your kitty healthy and safe. For more information, talk to your veterinarian.

Time for New Year's resolutions and what could be a better one than ensuring your pet's good health for another year? Yearly physical exams are a great way for your vet to catch early disease signs and help you treat them before they become a serious threat to your pet's health and to your wallet. It's a great time as well to address concerns you may have about your pet's aging or about behavioral issues. Any vaccines that need boostering can be done at this time to prevent some diseases. Keying this yearly event to a specific time can help you remember when to call your vet for an appointment. Have a safe and happy new year for all of your family!

When adopting a new puppy it is extremely important to socialize the puppy. It is crucial that the puppy be around different people and animals at a young age, because after that the task of socializing becomes more difficult. Exposure to different experiences and locations such as the vet's office, boarding kennels or puppy day care, obedience classes, and dog parks can also help your puppy socialize well. A puppy that is properly socialized will make a great companion and will be well adjusted throughout its life. Many people adopt during the holiday season and it's our busiest time of the year. It's important to remember that our new pets (and our older ones) still need our attention during this time of year to become or stay our well-adjusted friends and lifelong companions. Remember the unfortunate ones at the shelter this year, too, that have no holiday home by giving your time as a volunteer to help them find their new lifelong home.