Daily Paws

Pet news, tips, entertainment and opinions from VetLocator.com

Archive for the ‘Pet Tips’ Category

Aggressive Treatment Needed for Pet’s Orthopedic Pain

Thursday, March 7th, 2013

Here is an excellent article from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine on what to do about a pets joint pain  by Sarah Netherton

“Orthopedic pain is considered a severe type of pain that any mammal can experience,” asserts Dr. Ashley Mitek, a veterinarian who is completing an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana. And anyone who has broken their arm or torn their ACL would probably agree.

In pets, acute orthopedic pain can be caused by a traumatic injury, such as being hit by a car or a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament—the equivalent in human medicine being the dreaded “ACL tear.” Orthopedic pain can also occur from a surgical procedure such as limb amputation or fracture repair.

If pain is left untreated, systemic problems can develop, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure and decreased wound healing and immune function. It’s also important to note that, “the longer pain goes untreated, the greater the risk that the animal may develop chronic pain, which can be difficult to manage,” says Dr. Mitek.

With limb fractures, a veterinarian may try to immobilize the fracture with a padded bandage if possible, but the animal should also receive pain medication while waiting for surgical correction or casting. One technique that can be used to provide analgesia for hind limb surgeries is an epidural, a procedure that is similar to the procedure used to alleviate pain during childbirth.

“Epidurals have a low risk of adverse side effects, and a combination of morphine (a narcotic) and a local anesthetic can provide pain relief for 12 to 24 hours,” explains Dr. Mitek. “Epidurals work by limiting pain signal transmission in the central nervous system—the spinal cord and brain—to parts of the brain that recognize pain. A single epidural can be administered prior to surgery or a catheter can be placed to facilitate repeated epidurals to prolong the pain relief for several days.”

If your dog receives an epidural for pain control, you might be surprised to see a small shaved spot where the epidural was administered. Dr. Mitek says not to worry, because the hair usually grows back within a few months – though it can take longer in some breeds, and on rare occasions, grow back as a slightly different color than the surrounding hair.

Pain relief techniques for front limb orthopedic pain can sometimes be a bit more difficult. This depends on the location of the injury or the surgical procedure that is to be performed. Some options include a brachial plexus block, which provides pain relief from the elbow to the tip of the foot, or a ring block that provides pain relief specific to the paw and toes.

Any time a nerve is damaged, whether from trauma or as part of surgery, animals can develop neuropathic or “wind up” pain. This results in the animal becoming more sensitive to pain and could lead to a condition known as allodynia, feeling pain from a stimulus that ordinarily does not cause pain, such as the wind blowing across your face; or hyperalgesia, an increased sensitivity to pain. Aggressive pain management can be implemented to avoid this outcome.

“The best way to treat acute pain and prevent chronic pain disorders is to use preemptive analgesia, administration of pain-relieving medication before pain starts,” says Dr. Mitek, “but unfortunately, most of us do not have a crystal ball to predict when Fido or Fluffy might experience trauma. So, if you can’t prevent pain, the next best thing is to treat it aggressively as soon as possible!”

For more information regarding acute orthopedic pain, speak with your local veterinarian.

An archive of Pet Columns from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is available online at http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/

 

Paddy’s Safety Tips for St. Paddy’s Day

Tuesday, March 5th, 2013

st-patricks-day-pet-safety-tipsSt. Patrick’s Day is coming up and soon it will be time to put on the GREEN.

Here at VetLocator Daily Paws we refer to the day as St. Pawtrick’s Day and we love to celebrate it by adding a bit ‘o green to our attire and to our pet’s ‘dress’ too.

Here are some of our tips for celebrating the day in a fun and safe way.  We always include safety tips (and we’re sorry if we sound like your mother when we do.  It’s what we are focused on though, healthy and happy pets, so we hope you excuse us for the repeat – and guarantee you’ll hear us saying this stuff again).  So here are some tips.

Patrick’s Day is fun, crazy and full of celebration for many and pet owners should make sure their pets are protected during the celebrating.  Follow these safety tips to keep your pet safe this St. Pawtrick’s Day.

  • Keep your pets away from holiday food.  Some traditional Irish food can make your pets ill. This is the usual advice – Watch what you feed your pets and check on them before, during and after a party to see if they look like they’ve eaten something that they should not have.
  • Don’t get your pets drunk.  On this day especially some irresponsible people will think it’s funny to give a pet beer.  Even if that’s not you, if you’re celebrating and your pets are with you, watch that someone else does not sneak booze to your pet because they think it’s a funny thing to do.
  • Plan on wearing green and add a bit to your pet’s attire too.  Remember – wear green or be pinched!
  • It’s becoming popular to dye or airbrush  a cat or dog’s fur.  If you fancy this, do some research first before proceeding.  Some dyes are toxic and some are permanent.  Also some pets get freaked when they are being decorated by an owner.
  • And in the event something should happen, keep your emergency numbers at hand.

We have some photos of Pets on Parade that are fully into the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

 

Valentine’s Day Pet Safety Tips

Thursday, February 7th, 2013

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and love is definitely in the air, but so is potential danger for your pets.  Make it a Valentines-day-pet-tipssweet and safe day by keeping these safety tips in mind:

  • Don’t let pets near roses or lilies. Roses and lilies are the most common Valentine day gifts and can be extremely hazardous to pets. Lilies are toxic and fatal to cats. Thorns can cause internal damage if ingested.
  • Keep an eye on candy and other sweet treats around your pet. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and so can the sweetener xylitol. Candy and food wrappers smell good and can present a choking hazard. And anything I didn’t mention when consumed by a pet can make them sick.  Keep pets away from this stuff.
  • If you are having a party, keep an eye on alcoholic beverages.  We’ve all seen or heard stories of different animals who like to drink.  How sad that their owners allow it, not to mention that sometimes this can lead to a pet’s death.  It’s not cute.  It’s not funny.  It’s sad.
  • Decorations, candles, cords = dangerous hazards.  The warm glow of candlelight is romantic and flattering, but open flames present obvious dangers if your pet has access to them. Keep your pets and children in mind when you celebrate.
  • And in the event something should happen, keep your emergency numbers at hand.

Have a safe and Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at VetLocator.com!

Keeping your Pet Safe this Halloween

Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

The scary night is almost here!!!!!  Make it a fun and safe evening by keeping these safety tips in mind:

1.  Make sure you have your pet either safely tucked away in a kennel or spare room with music or TV playing in the background, so they are not too disturbed by trick or treaters.  A dog on the loose, barking and getting agitated is no fun for the dog, the trick or treaters or for you.  Sometimes your dog or cat can escape when you open the door to give candy, so secure them safely and enjoy the night.

2. Keep an eye on candy and party food around your pet. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and so can the sweetener xylitol. Rasins and grapes also pose serious health hazards and are common to find in treats kids bring home.  Candy and food wrappers smell good and can present a choking hazard. And anything I didn’t mention when consumed by a pet can make them sick.  Keep pets away from this stuff.

3.  If you are having a party, keep an eye on alcoholic beverages.  We’ve all seen or heard stories of different animals who like to drink.  How sad that their owners allow it, not to mention that sometimes this can lead to a pet’s death.

4.  Decorations, candles, cords, dangerous hazards.  Halloween, like Christmas, has lots of opportunities for problems to pets and humans.  Keep your house and yard kid and pet safe when you decorate.

5. Keep your emergency numbers at hand for your pets in case you do have a problem that night.

Have a happy and safe Halloween from all of us at VetLocator.com Daily Paws!!

Pet Health Care Insurance, What You Need To Know

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012

by asterix611

How many times have you heard a pet owner wish he had bought pet health insurance?

Statistics show that people are willing to foot the growing medical bills for their beloved pets, making the need for pet health insurance a real concern. Advances in pet health care can leave owners with big veterinary bills. Pet health care insurance is now affordable and available for dogs, cats and exotics.

If you would not think of being without insurance for yourself and your family, that should include your pet companion as well. Pet insurance is not as expensive as human insurance and might come in handy.

Pet health care insurance is similar to human health insurance. Like all insurance, you hope you never use it. Pet health care insurance will pay or reimburse for veterinary services that are covered under the plan. Medical treatments and technologies used for humans are now being used for pets.

If your pet needs an emergency surgery, it would be nice to know that cost is not a factor, and you won’t have to pay for everything on your own. The insurance is just sensible.

Purchase insurance coverage ideally when your pet is still young before pre-existing conditions develop. You can enroll as young as eight weeks. Some plans only allow enrollment up to age 10 for cats and age 8 for dogs (age 6 for some breeds). Once enrolled, your pet may stay in the plan for the rest of its life.

Because of their natural adventurousness and high activity level, very young pets are famous for getting hurt and needing emergency care.

There are many pet insurance companies to choose from, and many different plans available. Read the fine print. Some companies have veterinarians that belong to their network. Under those particular policies, you pay a co-payment up front and the insurance company pays for the covered services. The downside is you have to find a veterinarian that is in the pet health care insurance “network.” Each policy is different and there is no one plan that fits everyone’s needs.

Services covered under many policies include spay surgery, neuter surgery, annual vaccinations, flea preventative, annual heartworm preventative, heartworm test, annual dental cleanings, accidents, illnesses, cancer, x-rays, and surgeries. In many cases, pet health care insurance will cover even more in maintaining the wellness of your loved pet. Your coverage may also include prescription foods, boarding, euthanasia, accidental death, recovery of lost pets, and micro-chip identification. Pet health insurance can prove to be invaluable.

Additional facts to consider when enrolling.

Are pre-existing conditions covered, and what constitutes a pre-existing condition? If a pre-existing condition is covered, what are the deductibles? Does the pet health insurance policy you are interested in cover prescription costs? Will my premium go up over time, as I file claims, or my pet gets older? Does the plan cover chronic or recurring conditions? What are the financial limits of coverage? How are they applied? Do you have more than one pet that could benefit from insurance coverage and are there multi-pet discounts available? Does your particular policy require monthly or annual payments? Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s health and question the insurance companies about the limits of the pet health insurance coverage before purchasing a particular plan.

The right insurance plan requires some homework. We’ve brought you the best.

Start Your Own Mobile Pet Grooming Business

Friday, August 3rd, 2012

 

 

071506_10311.jpg

(Photo credit: jsmjr)

Starting a mobile pet grooming business requires knowledge about grooming pets and operating a business. It would be unwise to spring into this idea without a plan of action. It would end up exploding in your face somewhere along the way.

There are online classes on dog grooming that offer techniques on grooming a pet, as well as, business start up information. Both skills are needed to be successful. If you were to rely solely on your current knowledge of bathing a dog, you will soon meet frustration. The dogs you will encounter each day can be unpredictable and quite nervous. You will need to know how to handle the dogs without anyone getting injured.

Running your own business is not a piece of cake You should start off knowing what the zoning and permit legalities are. If you are a mobile pet groomer, you will need to own a mobile grooming unit, and all the equipment and tools associated with dog grooming. There is a multitude of supplies that should be recorded on your inventory list. Do you know what paperwork to have been on-hand with this type of business? That is another important step to learn. The customers whom you get to want a professional to do business with.

There is a lot of capital invested into advertising at the start of your mobile pet grooming business. Think about the ways you will get the word out about your new business. It helps to visit another dog grooming businesses in the area. Get an idea of what to charge and what type of services to offer. Starting out charging low would be a smart idea.

All in all, the mobile pet grooming business offer’s convenience to people who want their pets groomed. They will be relieved to know that this type of service comes to them. There is no need to make a trip to a grooming salon. It will give them more free time and keep them from doing the actual dirty work. Pet owners usually spoil their animals and want the best for them. When they notice that there is a mobile pet grooming business in the area, the chances of them giving you a call would probably be high.

Heather currently has a website dealing with dog grooming that includes an outline of the career with pros and cons with tips to grow your dog grooming business.

You can visit this website Dog-Grooming-Business.Info to learn how to become a professional dog groomer.

Pet Training Two dogs at the Same Time

Thursday, August 2nd, 2012

 

If you have been trying to train multiple pets at the same time, please make sure that you are not doing it in the wrong manner. I am not talking about the training methods for each command, but the training method for each pet.

Pet training, while not hard by itself, can become quite frustrating to an owner who has multiple pets. Dogs are creatures of habit, and they will tend to do those habits which they consider to be beneficial to them. In the case of a multiple dog household, these dogs will tend to play with each other.

When you have more then one pet, you simply cannot train them together properly when you are A)alone or B) working with them both at the same exact time.

With some commands, such as sit, they may both sit, but they are not being given one person’s full attention. If you must train your pets at the same time, then try to get a training partner that can manage one pet while you work with the other.

In the event you cannot get a partner, then leave one pet in the house or crate them. But be prepared for some possible whining. Two pets that spend all day together might feel some separation anxiety. Get over it, this will pass, and you’re not hurting them. You may even decide to go to a location further away so that your pet cannot hear the whining. You want to cut down on as many distractions as you possibly can. When you have your pet alone, you can work with your pet’s full attention.

Make sure that you spend time with each pet for their own specific training regimen. Let them play as a reward for a training session well done.

By all means play with both your pet at the same time if you want. But you will need to take your pets out by themselves and dedicate time for individual training sessions. You will notice that your pets get better much faster, and with less aggravation. As they get progressively better you will be able to work them at the same time.

 

Beating the Back-To-School Blues with Your Pets

Sunday, July 15th, 2012

Back-to-school time usually means changes in the household routine. Kids going back to school, parents working, and sometimes this change means your pet, used to be surrounded by family, is left home alone for long stretches of time.

Some pets are unfazed by this change, but often pets become anxious at being left.

For example, if you own a dog that is a herding breed, the change may be particularly difficult. These breeds tend to think of the children as their “flock” to take care of, and when the flock is missing they can be left feeling lost or bored when they are alone.

You need to be alert for signs of distress once your kids go back to school.  Some of these signs in dogs include separation anxiety, destructive behavior, inactivity, depression, and even stress-induced diarrhea.

It is not always just dogs.  Cats can also become depressed by the change too.  Some signs to be alert to in cats include sleeping more than usual, changes in their vocalization, and having accidents outside the cat box and spraying.

There are some things you can do to get your pet ready for the upcoming routine change to help them avoid back to school blues:

  • Increase physical activity–a laser light for your cat to chase and a long walk for your dog may give them a natural “feel good” endorphin release.
  • Maintain your pet’s normal routine as much as possible. Try to avoid changing the times that it is “let out” and meal times.
  • Leave a worn t-shirt or article of clothing out for your pet to smell.
  • Explore options for doggy day-care centers in your area.
  • Reduce separation anxiety by providing positive association with your absence.  Buy a new toy your pet can play with while you are gone.  Toys designed to challenge your pet will occupy his or her time. You can find specifically designed toys at major retailers such as those that require “working” for a treat. For dogs, we suggest stuffing a rubber toy called the KONG with food to provide stimulation.

On the final note, the best strategy in beating the back-to-school blues with your pets is to avoid an abrupt change in schedule, and in the weeks before school gradually introduce your pet to short periods of separation.

Petiquette & pet safety tips for the 4th of July

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

Today is going to be a great evening of bar-b-ques, fireworks and get-togethers.

We hope you and your friends and family have a wonderful time, but want to remind you to make sure your pets are safely tucked away before all the noise begins. 

In the event that you and your pets are able to accept holiday invites together too we thought we’d share some petiquette tips you might find handy.

1.  The very first thing you’ll want to do is to make sure it’s ok with your host that you bring your pet with you.
2.  Next make sure he/she has a collar with an ID and that the ID has correct information on it.  These days it’s an excellent idea to use a cell number rather than a home phone number since your cell phone is usually with you and you can be reached quickly in an emergency.
3.  Put your vet’s phone number and an emergency vet hospital number into your cell phone to have it handy in the event you need it.
4.  Try to find out who’ll be at the party in case you need to make plan changes (for example people with babies, small kids or other pets can change things, including whether you should bring your pet with you).
5.  Bring along pet essentials like food and water bowls, a leash, handy wipes and cleaning stuff and pet waste bags.
6.  I like to bring some special treats with me.  Folks like to feed my dog, so I give them some of his healthy treats to make sure he’s not getting junk.
7.  Pets can make a mess sometimes so I keep a couple of baggies handy for the expected and unexpected messes and also have a lint roller in my pet kit because my dog has been known to shed.
8.  It’s not a bad idea to have a crate handy so your pet can be safely secure if things get crazy.
9.  If you notice your pet becoming tired or agitated, secure him in a closed room or his crate if you aren’t able to take him home.
10.  Don’t let pets wander around cooking food. Not only can it be a problem for the cook, but your pet might accidentally eat something that’s not good for him.
11.  Always be aware of where your pet is during any event.  Pets can become nervous and bolt in unfamiliar surroundings.  Also, like children, there are times when they’ve had enough and it’s time to go home.

Now for some personal peeves I’ve experienced attending events where certain pets should not be.  I’m titling this short list ****If your dog has any of the following problems, please leave him/her at home.

1.  Incessantly barks at other people, dogs, birds, cats, etc.  A barking dog that won’t quiet is distracting and the owners that won’t remove the dog are just plain rude.
2.  An aggressive animal.  If you know your dog – or cat – is aggressive, LEAVE THEM AT HOME.  Period.
3.  Your pet is ill or has not been feeling well.  Besides the obvious point of an ill pet might be a contagious pet, outings can be stressful and can make your pet’s health worse.  Leave an ill pet at home with a sitter and not in a kennel.
4.  The event will have people who are fearful or allergic to pets – See #1 above.
5.  Your pet is having a bad day – everyone does and our pets are no exception.  If you see that your pet is having a bad day, give him/her a break and let them stay home.

If you decide to leave your pet at home while you attend a party or other event, consider the best options for him while you’re gone.

  • If he’s not used to being home alone, you should leave for short periods of time to prepare him/her to being by themselves.
  • If you’ll be gone for any length of time you may want to consider keeping your pet at a kennel.  This is a good option for social animals that don’t stress about being away from home.
  • Additionally, for animals that are going to a kennel and may not be used to small spaces, consider getting a crate ahead of time to prepare the pet.
  • Arrange play dates for pets who might not be used to having other animals around. Send along an item that smells like home for a pet’s stay at the kennel.
  • Kennel spots should be reserved early for the holidays. If you’ve not used a particular kennel before, check into their safety measures, such as video surveillance, fire alarms and sprinkler systems.
  • Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccines, and find out if any others are required for their kennel stay as most kennels will request proof before allowing your pet to stay.

Pet sitters are a good option for animals that do better at home or if you have several pets that you’ll be leaving.  If you decide to hire a pet sitter, here are a few tips:

  • Ask for references, find out what services the sitter provides and do your standard due diligence before hiring.
  • Prepare an emergency card with all of the information the sitter might need including Vet, Emergency Vet, your contact info and a close neighbors contact info, medications your pet needs along with their dosages.
  • Don’t wait till the last minute to introduce your pet to the sitter. Pet sitters should meet the pet ahead of time and be introduced to see if there are any personality issues between pet and sitter.
  • Then, while you are away, make sure to check in with the sitter during a time you know he/she will be there and let your pet hear your voice.

And with all this advice, here is one more for you.

Have a wonderful holiday and a great week that is shared with family, pets and great friends!

Linda

VetLocator.com

Saving for The Pet’s Rainy Day

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

For we, a really ill pet is the worst nightmare. Our furry friends are real members of the family, with paws wrapped tightly regarding the heartstrings. Whenever Fido or fluffy experiences a life-threatening disease or accident, it is really devastating and not only to the minds. A pet emergency will furthermore devastate the pocketbook.

A latest post inside Consumer Reports explored the worth of pet wellness insurance. Many pet owners purchase pet insurance plans expecting to protect not merely about routine care, however, those unexpected emergencies too. Unfortunately, because Consumer Reports determined, pet insurance seldom pays out over it costs.

What does Consumer Reports suggest? “We believe many pet owners is greater off passing up pet insurance plus rather placing certain funds inside an emergency “kitten.”

If you’re worried regarding the havoc routine care (e.g. exams, plus vaccinations plus dental cleanings) will wreak about a budget, and the expense of unexpected pet health emergencies, open a pet savings account. Your emergency “kitty” is there whenever you ought to cover the ideal friend’s health bills.

Consider this: According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the average amount a pet owner could anticipate investing about a canine or feline relative (for food, supplies plus healthcare care) is $ 700 to $ 875 per annum in truth, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) estimates which Americans might invest over $ 50 billion about their dogs inside 2011 alone. Of which amount, $ 14.11 billion is projected to be invested about veterinary care.

The very respected American Pet Products Association yearly pet owner’s study reports which usual veterinary services for dogs average $ 248 a year plus $ 407 for surgical visits. For pets, veterinary services average $ 219 per year for routine visits plus $ 425 for operative visits.

A savings account is the smartest method to guarantee which these yearly expenses are covered without devastating the budget. With really a tiny monthly deposit, the pet’s rainy-day savings might grow instantly. Deposit $ 25 monthly plus you really need to have one pet’s yearly routine veterinary visits covered. Deposit more monthly and you may be willing for the inevitable emergency.

An a lot more responsible pet parent must combine their savings program with a veterinary discount system. These plans supply discounts about services at participating veterinarians plus are made to conserve a pet family at smallest twice of what they cost. They usually negotiate discounts with pet-related stores plus service services – kind of like an online wholesale club. Because these programs are not pet insurance, they do not have exclusions plus no complicated claims types.