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.
January
12
2011
In our last blog our experts at Admiral Vet began a list of what you should not feed your pet. Let’s add a few more things that could be harmful- and even fatal – to your cat or dog.
1. AVOCADO – Your dog should not partake of an avacado or any part of an avacado. Anything from the leaves to the fruit to teh seeds contain a vomit-inducing ingredient called persin.
2. LARGE AMOUNTS OF DAIRY PRODUCTS – The key here is to remember the amount. Too much the diet of adult dogs and cats can cause diarrhea.
3. SALT – Yes, it may sound like fun to keep lobbing chips to your pet, but the truth is that the high sodium content can lead to sodium ion poisoning in pets. Besides developing a powerful thirst, you might see your pet suffer diarrhea, high body temperatures and even shows signs of depression. If this salt-laden diet is consistent it could lead to your pet’s death.
January
12
2011
Admiral Vet believes in preventive maintenance, and that includes what you put in your pet’s tummy. Avoid the idea that your pets are convenient “garbage disposals.” Please, please fight the temptation to toss a tidbit from the table or scrape leftovers into Fido’s bowl without checking our list of no-no’s. Here are some important warning foods:
1. BONES. Dogs and cats run the danger of a splinter in the throat or a blockage the intestinal tract. It can be deadly. Pork, beef, chicken…they’re all dangerous.
2. CHOCOLATE – This is an especially dangerous food for dogs. Make sure your children are aware of slipping chocolate to your dog. Methylxanthine alkaloids and other chemicals can cause constriction of the arteries and increased heart rate. In even a moderate amount chocolate can kill your dog.
3. SUGARY FOODS – A pet can get diabetes mellitus from sugary foods.
4. NUTS - From pancreatitis to sodium ion toxicosis, nuts are a potential hazard all the way around. Especially toxic are walnuts and macadamia nuts.
More of the list in our next blog…
December
28
2010
We get numerous types of dog noses here at Admiral Vet – not only in shape and color, but also in temperature and dryness. Many owners wonder if a dog is sick because the nose is dry and too warm. Rover’s nose can change in temperature and dryness throughout the course of a day, depending on room humidity and air conditioning, a hard exercise time, or a very cool drink of water. Don’t over-react if you feel that the fellow’s nose gets a change in wetness, but you should keep an eye out for some more obvious problems that might be a sign of sickness. Among these are:
- Scabs or open sores. This might be accompanied by a loss of pigmentation.
- Nasal discharge that is constant. Of course, a cough or two is not too much of a problem, but if your dog is having a discharge that is constant, better bring him into Admiral Vet. It could be an infection.
- Dry, flaky nose.
- Sensitivity and pigment changes. Believe it or not, some dogs can actually get a sunburnt nose. We have topical remedies for that.
December
16
2010
It may not be something you thought of right away, but consider the wisdom of having a first aid kit handy in your car and in your home. It wouldn’t take too much effort to fill a plastic shoebox or even a large coffee container with the necessary items. It not only would be mighty helpful in an emergency, it very well may save your pet’s life.
Here is a list of the items for the kit:
- Pet first-aid book
- Sterile gauze pads (3″ x 3″ and 2″ X 2″)
- Thick leather work gloves (protection from bits)
- Latex gloves
- Leash
- Thin rope
- Gauze bandage rolls (1″ and 2″)
- First-aid 1 inch adhesive tapel
- Cotton swabs
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Plastic freezer/sandwich bags
- Bottle (3%) hydrogen peroxide
- Styptic pencil
- Antibacterial ointment
- Antiseptic cleansing wipes
- Kaopectate
- Eyewash
- Eyedropper
- Mineral oil ( lubricant, laxative)
- Digital or rectal thermometer
- Splint materials (tongue depressor is best)
- Pepto Bismal