May
3
2012
(Note: This article sourced from the FDA’s website.)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to caution consumers about a potential association between the development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products. The products—also called chicken tenders, strips, or treats—are imported from China. FDA continues to receive complaints of sick dogs that their owners or veterinarians associate with eating chicken jerky products. FDA issued a cautionary warning to consumers in September 2007.
Australian news organizations report that the University of Sydney is also investigating an association between illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky in Australia. At least one firm in Australia has recalled their chicken jerky product and the recall notification stated the product was manufactured in China.
What is FDA Doing?
- FDA, in addition to several veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the United States, is working to find out why these products are associated with illness in dogs. To date, scientists have not been able to determine a precise cause for the reported illnesses.
- FDA has conducted extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified any contaminant.
- FDA continues to actively investigate the problem. Many of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky.
Tips for Consumers
- Do not substitute chicken jerky products for a balanced diet. The products are intended to be used occasionally and in small quantities. Owners of small dogs must be especially careful to limit the amount of these products.
- If you choose to feed your dog chicken jerky products, watch the dog closely. Stop feeding the product if your dog shows any of the following signs, which may occur within hours to days after feeding the product:
- decreased appetite, although some dogs may continue to eat the treats instead of other foods
- decreased activity
- vomiting
- diarrhea, sometimes with blood
- increased water drinking or increased urination - Call your veterinarian if signs are severe or last for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to FDA have involved dogs that have died.
- Consumers and veterinarians should report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods or treats to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator listed for their area.
This article appears on FDA’s Consumer Health Information Web page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
April
4
2012
Cats are usually easy to litterbox train because they are naturally clean and prefer to bury their waste.
Basic Training
First, make sure that your cat knows where the litterbox is. Confine your cat to a small area or room with clean water, fresh
food, and a clean litterbox until he or she is successfully using the litterbox and seems comfortable. Do not use a covered litterbox during the training period because it might complicate the process.
If your cat urinates or defecates outside the litterbox, place the waste in the litterbox; the smell should help your cat find and use the litterbox in the future. If your cat isn’t using the litterbox after a day or two, do the following: After your cat eats, place him or her in the litterbox, and briefly scratch the litter with your finger. However, don’t force your cat to stay in the litterbox; you don’t want your cat to have a negative experience in the litterbox.
Reasons a Cat Won’t Use the Litterbox
Cats may refuse to use the litterbox if something about it is unappealing. If your cat won’t use the litterbox, try addressing the following bulleted list, but do not punish your cat. He or she may have a medical or behavior problem that your veterinarian can address.
- The type of litter is unappealing. Most cats prefer an unscented, scoopable (sandlike) litter. Many owners also prefer scoopable litters because they control odors and absorb liquid (clump) well.
- The litterbox location is unappealing. Most cats prefer a quiet place with several escape routes. Keep your cat’s food dishes as far as possible from the litterbox.
- The litterbox is dirty. Scoop it out at least twice daily, add new litter as needed, and wash the box with baking soda or an unscented soap and fill it with clean litter once a week.
- The litterbox is too small.
- The litterbox has a liner or hood, which some cats dislike.
- The litterbox isn’t easily accessible.
- There aren’t enough litterboxes. Provide one litterbox per cat, plus one extra box.
- There’s too much litter in the litterbox. Most cats prefer the litter to be 1 to 2 inches deep.
If you are having trouble litterbox training your cat, let your veterinarian know.
Cleanup
Do not clean up your cat’s “accidents” with an ammonia-based cleanser. Because urine contains ammonia, cleaning with an ammonia-based product could tempt your cat to urinate in the same spot again. Instead, use a product specifically for cleaning pet accidents.
March
27
2012
If your dog is anxious or fearful during thunderstorms, fireworks, travel or other uncomfortable situations, then Thundershirt might be for you (well, technically, for your dog!). 
Thundershirts have consistently shown significant improvement for “noise, crate, travel, barking and other” anxieties, with no training required. In fact, surveys have shown over 80% of dogs show “significant improvement in symptoms,” which is why it is recommended by veterinarians and dog trainers everywhere.
Talking Dog Explains Thundershirt on YouTube
Whether used for comfort or as part of a behavioral training program, Thundershirt has many applications. Described as a “gentle hug,” Thundershirt’s constant-yet-gentle pressure has a calming effect. Much like swaddling an infant, Thundershirt provides a sense of safety and comfort that is beneficial for most types of anxiety, excitability and even hyperactivity.
Thundershirt’s marketing materials quote experts such as Dr. Temple Grandin, who explain that “pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system.” In fact, “using pressure to relieve anxiety has been a common practice for years:
• TTouch dog trainers use pressure to address a wide variety of anxieties.
• Veterinarians use pressure to relax cattle when they are administering vaccinations.
• People with autism use pressure to relieve their persistent anxiety.
• Children with certain behavioral problems use pressure shirts and weighted vests to relax and focus.
• Parents use swaddling to calm an inconsolable newborn infant.”
For training purposes, “Thundershirt’s calming effect helps a dog to focus (or refocus) her energies in a more constructive direction, allowing training to be more effective.”
To learn more about Thundershirts, or to have your dog properly fitted, visit Admiral Veterinary Hospital. In fact, if you visit in April, you can take advantage of our monthly special: Buy a bottle of ear cleaner and get a free ear cleaning for your dog (a $15 value).
January
20
2012
Check out the article in the December, 2011 edition of Dog World, on which Dr. Calloway collaborated and provided photos. It highlights terriers that “take on the dirty, frenzied job of dispatching critters to help working farms and ranches.” (By Darren Warner)
January
10
2012
The ASPCA sends annual reminders that cold weather can be uncomfortable – or even a killer – for some pets. Here is a summary of some of their recommendations.
Dogs
Snow and ice can bother a dog’s feet, but most medium and large breeds can still manage a winter run or walk. A rule of thumb for a medium to large size dog is that if you can exercise without your face covered, your dog should do fine. It is important, however, that you wash off your dog’s feet when coming inside, as dogs that lick road salt off their paws can develop a skin irritation between their toes.
If absolutely necessary, large dogs can stay in the yard on a winter day if they have a dry shelter. But small, short-haired breeds may never be comfortable in the cold. These pups can benefit from booties to help prevent frostbite and protect their paws from sharp ice. But no matter what precautions you take, if your dog shivers or becomes listless, be sure to get him or her inside immediately.
Cats
If you are a cat parent, you likely know that cats really belong indoors. Some cat owners do take their cats for walks, though. If you are one of them, be sure to dress your cat in a warm jacket (a dog’s size “small” works well).
There are many people that care for stray or feral cats. For those who care for outdoor cats, they should keep them sheltered from the cold and wind. They should also be kept well-hydrated (look into purchasing a heated water bowl, if necessary).
Both
Chemicals used to melt ice and snow can be very dangerous to your pets. Many of them contain sodium, which can irritate tender pads, or worse yet, cause problems if ingested. Most importantly though, be on the lookout for spilled anti-freeze, as it is very attractive to both cats and dogs…and it’s deadly.
January
17
2011
Your dog’s continual barking has been the cause of neighbors’ complaints.
You come home to find yet another piece of furniture damaged or destroyed.
Your yard looks like a minefield because of the constant digging by your pet.
What could be the problem? We at Admiral Vet want you to first ask yourself: am I giving my dog enough exercise? Every dog should get at least an hour of exercise every day. Of course, depending on breeds and age, this can vary widely – but you get the idea. Your dog needs muscle activity and mental stimulating each day. Talking to your dog and interacting with him is extremely important if you want to stop this digging and barking. Your pet is trying to entertain himself.
The mental aspect of your interaction can eliminate the unruly behavior because you are dealing with their boredom. Think about it in other terms – would you want to be totally ignored all day with no communication whatsoever? Would you have a problem dealing with boredom day after day?
January
15
2011
Let’s continue the talk about poison and dangerous foods. Here at Admiral Vet, we want you to be aware of good resources to have at your fingertips in case of an emergency or preventive steps against potential poisoning.
When your pet is displaying evidence of poisoning from as obvious as vomiting and diarrhea to more subtle signs such as loss of appetite or lethargy, it’s good to have resources at the ready. Of course you can always call us, but you also have the option of making contact with two fantastic organizations.
The first is a phone contact with the ASPCA at their Animal Poison Control Center. The line is available as a 24-hour hotline, and you can reach them at (888) 426-4435.
You’ll also find that the Food and Drug Administration has help for pet owners on their website. You can review the FDA’s website for the most up-to-date info concerning safety alerts and recalls. Stay educated and play safe! Here’s the website for the FDA:
January
14
2011
Your pet can run into serious danger with being poisoned if you
don’t take preventive steps.
The ingestion of human medications, according to the American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is one of the most common reasons why pets get poisoned. In 2009 alone, for example, the ASPCA received a whopping 45,816 calls detailing pet problems due to prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Here at Admiral Vet Hospital we want you to be aware that your pet doesn’t know the difference between painkillers and candy if the medicine is lying around, inviting him to take a taste. The same goes for a pet’s easy access to cold medications, antidepressants, dietary supplements, and other pills sitting open on counters or nightstands. Put your meds in out-of-the-way places, and make it a habit to store away any pills after you use them.
Likewise, preventive measures can be used to defend against poisoning from flea and tick problems. Over 20,000 calls to the ASPCA involved misuse of topical treatment in flea and tick control. Admiral Vet can help you with good advice on the proper application of flea and tick products.
For more information from the fine ASPCA website, click here:
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/top-10-pet-poisons-of-the-year.aspx
January
12
2011
You’d love to have a dog but your apartment won’t allow for a romping, hyperactive canine. What if you purchase a puppy and it’s the wrong breed? Admiral Vet wants you to be satisfied with your new pet, so we’ve assembled some information for you as to three popular types of dogs that fit in well with apartment living.
1. The Sheltie needs a moderate bit of exercise each day but is great in apaprtment living. A yard is not necessary for daily exercise. They are great with children within the family, but may shy away or becaome suspicious o children outside of teh family.
2. The American Bullnese will do with a daily walk and be satisfied with apartment life. It is fairly sedate and doesn’t need to have a yard for play.
3. The Boston Terrier is easily trained and highly responsive to the tone of the master’s voice. This breed is good for apartment living and only needs a light amount of exercise each day.