Children and Pets: What Parents Need to Know

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Family Vet
Children and Pets

Do you know how to pick the right pet for your family?

Owning a pet is often one of the hallmarks of childhood. Almost all American children, 90% according to Parents magazine, will have a domestic animal in their home while they are growing up.  To parents, pet ownership is a way to help foster empathy and instill responsibility.  To children, pet ownership means having access to a perpetual playmate and a real life version of their favorite cuddly stuffed animal.  Caring for dogs and cats can also help build self esteem and reinforce the concept of boundaries for children.  With so many benefits, it would be hard to make a case against having children and pets in the same household.

However, pets and children are not always an automatic fit and may be more like oil and water than best friends.  The child who has begged for a puppy for two years can suddenly find themselves hiding the dog’s leash or hiding from the dog under the bed. As reality fails to meet expectations, both parents and children can find themselves experiencing buyer’s remorse.   The key to creating a successful relationship between your children and your pets is to start the relationship out right.   The Arizona Humane Society recommends taking the following steps to make sure your relationship between your child and your pet is strong from the start.

Pick the Right Pet

Whether you are looking at adopting a cat or a dog, thinking about what kind of animal is best suited to your family can be the difference between a successful start and a rocky road.  Considering things like the animal’s temperament, size, age, energy level, and needs will help ensure you get the cat or dog that perfectly fills in the family picture in your mind.  Many parents immediately think that puppies and kittens are the best fit for small children because they will be able to grow up together, but oftentimes the time commitment, patience, and care required to train and raise animals under a year old are much more than a child can handle.  A dog that is too big or too rambunctious might jump on smaller children, nip at them, and leave them terrified of dogs for years to come.  A cat that is too young might be accidently injured by a child that plays too rough with it or might scratch or bite the child to get away.  Picking the pet that is the right fit for your family is the first step.

Set Clear Expectations

Before you bring your new cat or dog home, it is important that everyone understands who will be expected to do what in terms of caring for the family pet.   No matter what kind of pet you are adopting, there is more to caring for that pet than making sure it has food and water.  Dogs and cats need playtime and exercise every day.  Cats need to have their litter box maintained and dogs need shelter if kept outdoors.  Everyone in the family needs to understand the work involved in caring for the new pet and how that work will be handled.  For parents, it is important to understand that no matter how responsible your child or children are, they cannot be solely responsible for the care of the family pet.  One of the benefits children receive from pet ownership is learning responsibility, but that is a process that takes time, modeling, assistance, and adult supervision.

Taking the time to pick the right pet and make sure everything has the right expectations helps ensure everyone in your family will have a positive experience with pet ownership, including your new pet.

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Posted in Pet Owner Tips | Tagged cat, children, dog, pet adoption, pet care, pet owner, pets and children | Leave a comment

February is Responsible Pet Owner’s Month

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Family Vet

Responsible Pet Owner's Month

Are you a responsible pet owner? image via Flickr

This month, animal organizations around the country will be celebrating National Responsible Pet Owner’s month with specials on services, advice on animal care, and encouragement to keep the pet population down by having dogs and cats spayed and neutered. People often forget that owning a pet is a special privilege that allows us to share our lives with animals we love.  Pet ownership comes with many benefits.  Pets provide companionship and security, they can help relieve our stress, ease our loneliness, get us to exercise, and love us when it feels like no one else does.   In return for all these wonderful benefits, we owe the animals in our lives a standard of care that goes beyond food and shelter.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, responsible pet owners think through the decision to adopt a pet and only take on the responsibility after careful consideration.  They commit to caring for their pet for the remainder of the pet’s life and understand that owning a pet takes time, money, and energy.  Responsible pet owners only take in the pets they can accommodate safely and afford to properly care for which includes appropriate medical care and adequate daily attention.  They make sure their pets can be identified if they get loose and provide up to date information so that lost pets can be returned home.

Responsible pet owners also know the local laws and regulations pertaining to their pets and make sure they are following those laws and regulations.  They maintain control of their pet’s ability to reproduce by spaying/neutering or other means in order to help control the pet population and limit the need to euthanize unwanted animals.  Responsible pet owners provide training, vaccinations, social interaction, activity, exercise, and a safe healthy environment for their pets to thrive in.  They take care to abide by leash laws, practice good etiquette in dog parks, and take steps to ensure their pet doesn’t impede on anyone else’s pursuit of happiness.

Being a responsible pet owner is more than just making sure they have a safe place to sleep and food and water in their bowls.  The animals in our lives need us to speak for them and to pay attention so that we know when they are in trouble.  They rely on us to take them to the vet, get them the shots they need when they need them, and set boundaries that keep them from overeating, running loose, and getting into things that can hurt them.  We owe it to them to understand the specific dangers they face and to make sure we are always taking steps to keep them safe.

From choosing the right pet for our family and lifestyle to only taking in those animals we can truly take care of, there is more to being a responsible pet owner than just having a love of animals.  This month, as you take your dog for a walk or snuggle up with your cat, think about what being a responsible pet owner means to you and what things you can do differently or where you can improve to take even better care of the animals in your life.

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Posted in Pet Owner Tips | Tagged breed, cat, dog, Dog grooming, Neutering, pet costs, spay, spayed, vaccinations | Leave a comment

Pet Owner Alert: Distemper Danger

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Family Vet

Distemper in Dogs

Prevent your dog from getting Distemper. Image via Scott King, Flickr.

Last week, the Arizona Humane Society issued a Pet Health Alert in relation to unusual diagnosis patterns for canine distemper. Normally, distemper diagnosis rates increase in the spring but this year, vets and humane societies across the state and around the country are seeing distemper rates increase earlier in the year.  In addition to the early start, there is a major concern this year because one or two new strains of distemper are showing up which have a longer incubation period.  According to the coverage of the alert by ABC 15, there is also a concern that a new strain may have or develop a resistance to the current vaccine.

Distemper is a virus that can affect a wide range of animals, both wild and domestic.  It is very contagious, spread through the air, and impacts almost every area of the body.  Domestic dogs and ferrets are the most at risk for pet owners, but skunks, coyotes, foxes, and raccoons in the wild can also contract and spread the disease.

Symptoms

The first symptom of distemper, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is an eye discharge.  The discharge can have different consistencies ranging from watery to thicker and more pus-like.  Additional early symptoms of the virus are fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, runny nose, cough, diarrhea, and vomiting.  As the disease progresses, usually 1-3 weeks after the start of other symptoms, dogs may have seizures, difficulties with balance, or varying degrees of paralysis as it attacks the nervous system.  As the disease runs its course, secondary infections are common because of the virus’s suppression of the immune system.

As the virus is so contagious and treatment options are so limited, pet owners who notice their dogs are not well should have them seen as quickly as possible.  Infected dogs need to be kept away from other animals and any area where the infected dog has been kept must be disinfected.  With the new strain and concerns about vaccine resistance, these precautions are more important than ever.

Treatment

There is no real treatment for distemper and there is no cure.  Veterinarians can minimize discomfort and dehydration, prevent and treat secondary infections, and manage symptoms but half of the dogs who contract the virus will not survive.  Those that do survive may have irreparable damage to their nervous systems or other serious complications that require euthanasia.  This is why prevention is imperative.

Prevention

The best way to protect dogs from distemper is have them vaccinated and keep their vaccinations up to date.  The distemper vaccination program outlined by the Arizona Humane Society recommends that puppies receive the DA2PP vaccination, which protects against Parvo and Distemper, at the following intervals to establish immunity:

  • 6-8 weeks
  • 9-11 weeks
  • 12-14 weeks
  • 15-17 weeks

Adult dogs need annual vaccinations against this disease to maintain their immunity.  If you adopt an adult dog, check with your vet about getting them current on their shots.

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Posted in Caring for Your Dog, Vaccinations | Tagged ABC15, American Veterinary Medical Association, Arizona Humane Society, distemper, dog, prevention, treatment, vaccination, veterinarian, virus | Leave a comment

Parvo: What Pet Owners Need to Know

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Family Vet

Preventing Parvo in Pets

Is your pet protected against Parvo? Image via Flickr.

Parvo enteritis, commonly called Parvo, is a highly contagious life-threatening canine disease that can easily be spread from animal to animal if the right preventative measures aren’t taken. Puppies who haven’t been vaccinated are especially susceptible and can be hit hard by the disease.  Unlike many human viruses which die off in days, the Parvo virus can live for months in dog feces and dirt.   Dogs that are infected can easily spread the disease to other dogs at the dog park, doggy day care, and even in your own backyard.  With an untreated mortality rate over 90%, Parvo prevention may be one of the most important things you can do for your dog.

Once a dog becomes infected with Parvo, it rapidly spreads through the intestinal tract and to other parts of their body.   According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Parvo can also cause serious damage to the hearts of unvaccinated puppies.  The virus isn’t limited to domesticated animals.  It can infect wild canine species like coyotes which presents an additional source of infection.  Although it can be treated, there is no cure for Parvo and even with the best available treatment, many dogs do not recover from the disease.

Symptoms

Parvo often hits suddenly starting with loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.  Dogs become lethargic and may seem depressed.  Diarrhea is often severe and bloody, and in conjunction with vomiting can quickly cause life-threatening dehydration.  The AMVA recommends diagnosis and treatment begin immediately as most deaths occur within 48-72 hours of the start of symptoms.

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose Parvo, a veterinarian will look at the dog’s history, vaccinations, and symptoms, in addition to performing blood and fecal testing.  Because the disease progresses so quickly and carries such a high untreated mortality rate, dogs displaying symptoms of the disease need to be examined by a veterinary professional as soon as possible.

Treatment

The AMVA indicates that aggressive treatment paired with early detection is the key to successful outcomes.   The best treatment for Parvo is immediate hospitalization at a veterinary facility to enable IV fluid treatment for dehydration, the administration of large doses of antibiotics, anti-vomit drugs, and in some cases, blood or serum transfusions.  High quality nursing care and constant monitoring can mean the difference between life and death.  Research has shown that this aggressive, intensive type of treatment can result in a survival rate of 80-95%.

A home-based treatment plan can cut the cost of treatment but survival rates may be 50% lower than those who are hospitalized.

Prevention

The best way to protect dogs from Parvo is to follow full the vaccination program outlined by the Arizona Humane Society.  Puppies should receive the DA2PP vaccination, which protects against Parvo and Distemper, at the following intervals to provide initial immunity:

  • 6-8 weeks
  • 9-11 weeks
  • 12-14 weeks
  • 15-17 weeks

Until a puppy has received all four vaccinations for Parvo, they should be kept away from places like dog parks and kennels where other dogs congregate.  Adult dogs need annual vaccinations against this disease to maintain their immunity.

 

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Posted in Vaccinations | Tagged American Veterinary Medical Association, dog, dog parks, Parvo, vaccinations, vaccine | Leave a comment

Help! My Dog has Bad Breath!

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Family Vet

Dog Teeth

Brushing your dog's teeth has great benefits. Image via Flickr

Dear Family Vet,

We have a 2 year old long haired Chihuahua that we love dearly.  The only problem is that she has very stinky breath!  What can be done about this?  It has gotten to the point that I don’t like to play with her much because her breath is so awful.  Can we brush her teeth?  Are there products that can be used to freshen her breath?  Please help us with this so that we can enjoy being around her without having to constantly worry that her breath is going to knock us off our feet?

Sincerely,

Desperate in Glendale

 

Dear, Desperate in Glendale,

Thank you for your question!  The good news is there are many things that can be done to help improve your dog’s breath! I’ll address a few causes and what you should do.

First, you must rule out medical conditions that may be the cause of the bad breath.  For instance, if your pup has really sweet breath then they may actually have diabetes. Make sure that you notice any changes in their drinking and urinating habits.  Sometimes, their breath may have a scent that is much like urine and this can mean that they have kidney disease.  Other times, foul breath may be a sign of liver issues.  Your veterinarian should examine your pet for any symptoms before you attempt to treat the bad breath.

Here are some great tips that have proven to be effective time and time again:

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

YES, you can brush her teeth!  Here are some guidelines to follow:

  • Start by choosing a time that your dog is relaxed as it will make it a much easier process for both of you.
  • Have everything that you will need on hand.  You will need a toothbrush and toothpaste that is specifically designed for dogs.
  • Remember to never hold down your dog as this can cause them to associate having their teeth brushed as a negative experience.
  • Let your dog taste the toothpaste before you get started.  This will ensure that she is comfortable with the taste and the texture.
  • Once you’re ready to start brushing her teeth, start by lifting the upper lip and brushing gently at a 45 degree angle.  Remember not to brush too vigorously.
  • When you are finished, be sure to reward her for good behavior.

Approved Chews and Treats

Another great way to treat bad breath is by giving your pup approved chews and treats that are designed to fight against bad breath and gum disease.  There are many of them in your local supermarket, but it is important to remember that they are not all created equally.  You will want to choose the one that will work best for your pup.  Here are some guidelines that will help you choose the right treats:

  • Make sure that the treats have been well researched
  • Ensure that the treats are healthy for your pup
  • They should be formulated to treat bad breath

Remember, there may be an underlying medical condition causing your dog’s bad breath that needs to be treated. Only treating the bad breath can only mask the odor and lead to greater issues later.  Your veterinarian needs to examine her to know if there are other medical conditions causing the odor. Thanks for your question!

 

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Posted in Caring for Your Dog | Tagged bad breath, brush teeth, dog, dog breath, dog chews, dog treats, teeth | Leave a comment

Pets Who Look Like their Owners

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Family Vet

Since dogs are like man’s best friend (or woman’s best friend), is it possible for them to resemble their owners? Some people swear that this is the truth!  There have been multiple studies conducted in an attempt to better understand if this is in fact true or not. One study at the University of California, San Diego, tested to see if this theory is, in fact, a true statement or not.  Well, the conclusion was that the results of the test were really debatable; however, in many cases people were able to correctly match a dog with their owner. While it does not always work out that way, many of the studies have shown that over half of the pictures were correctly matched.

In these studies, it shows that the purebred dogs were much easier to match to their owners than the mixed breed.  How does this relate to the study at hand?  Well, that has really not been determined yet- although it is still being researched and analyzed.  Do you think it is ridiculous to study such a thing?  The researchers that took part in these studies did not think so!

It is safe to say that many of the characteristics and personality traits of owners are seen in their pets, but the physical resemblance is not always seen.  How many times have you seen a dog that acted JUST LIKE it’s owner?  This is because dogs pick up on a lot of the things that their owners do, and they sometimes act the same way.

Why is it that some pets look much like their owners?  Is it because people tend to choose pets that resemble them?  Is it something that just happens naturally?  Well, while studies are continuously being conducted and some suggest that when people choose a pet, they seek one that, at some level, resembles them, the answer is still not completely obvious.

Here are a few pictures of pets that look much like someone in their family.  Sometimes, the resemblance has a lot to do with a similar pose, or similar hair color.  This is most commonly seen in the pictures below.

Girl and Her Dog

In this one, the blonde hair on the little girl matches closely to the blonde hair on the dog.  Also, the fact that she is wearing a yellow dress helps to make them look more closely resembled.  Wearing her hair in pig tails also helps out too, resembling the droopiness of the dogs ears.

Boy and His Dog


This picture is absolutely adorable.  The little boy closely resembles his pup, especially with the black eye!

 

Man and His Dog

 

Here is yet another picture in which the pup looks an awful lot like his owner.  Again, it is perhaps the hair color that makes them have such a resemblance.

 

These pictures are absolutely adorable, and they do go to back up the claim that many pets look a lot like their owners.  While this may be the case sometimes, it is definitely not the case all the time.

Do you have a pet that has an uncanny resemblance to you or someone in your family?  If so, submit your photos to us!  We would love to see the “family resemblance!”

 

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Posted in Fun with Pets | Tagged breed, mixed breed, owner, pet, purebred | Leave a comment

6 Pet Tricks to Teach Your Pet

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Family Vet

Dog Giving Five

What tricks does your dog know how to do? Image via Flickr

There are many different pet tricks out there. Try to see if your pup can do any of these tricks on command!  While most people are aware of common commands such as sit, stay and roll over- there are some that you may not consider while training your pet.  Some of these are taught by the best dog trainers, and you may find it difficult to teach your pup to do these things.  But, it’s worth a shot!

 

1. Bare Teeth

This one is definitely fun!  Sometimes, dogs will show their teeth on command.  This one provides hours of fun and enjoyment among family and friends.  They will be amazed that your pup will do this, and they may even try to get their dogs to do it as well!

2. Cover Eyes

Sometimes, you can get your dog to cover their eyes on command.  They will likely put their head down close to the floor and use their front paws to cover up their eyes.  It definitely makes for cute pictures!  To get started with this one, you may have to act it out yourself and let them see what you are talking about.  Then, have them try it for themselves.

3. Walk

This one is fairly simple.  Teach your pup to walk on command by holding a treat up high enough that they have to stand on their back paws to reach it.  Then, slowly walk backward getting them to walk to the treat.  As they get better at it, you can simply stand from across the room and command them to walk to you.  They should follow through with no trouble.

4. Give You Five

This is a classic trick that most pet owners like to teach their pups.  You can start early with this one.  Simply ask them to give you five and at first you may have to give them a bit of a nudge to get them to understand what you are talking about.  It usually does not take them very long for them to catch on to this one and before long, they then can do it on command with no problem.

5. Balance a Treat or Toy on Their Nose

You can teach your pup to balance a treat carefully on their nose, then have them toss it up with a flip of their head and catch it in their mouth when it falls back down.  This one is a bit more difficult than the average trick, but it is definitely one that will have people in awe!

6. Riding a Skateboard


You didn’t know that some dogs could do this, did you?  Well, if you have a skateboard lying around the house then you may want to see if your dog can take to it.  Sometimes, it is easy for them to get the hang of it while other dogs may have some difficulty.  If they enjoy playing with it, then you may want to see if they can actually ride it.  It can definitely be fun for both of you!

Don’t get discouraged if you cannot get your pup to do these tricks.  Start out with the easiest commands, and then work your way up to more difficult ones!  The more they learn, the more they will be willing to learn.  Always reward them for a job well done when you are teaching them- but make sure that the treats that you give them are healthy for them!

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Posted in Dog Behavior, Tips | Tagged command, dog training, pet tricks, training, tricks | Leave a comment

The Oddest Mixed Breeds Around

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Family Vet

Everyone has seen the common mixed breeds, like the Pekepoo, Chi-poo, and the Yorkipoo, but what about those that you don’t see as often? Any time two distinct breeds mate, you get a mixed breed with unique characteristics that can vary widely, even within the litter of puppies themselves. We wanted to have a little fun and talk a bit about some of the more unique types of mixed breed pups we’ve found. It’s important to understand that mixed breed puppies need just as much love and affection as full bred pups!  Here you will find some of the funniest looking mixed breeds out there.

You will find some of the strangest breeds out there if you just take the time to look for them.  You will sometimes find some that look just plain funny, while others may not even seem real! Sometimes, you stop to ask yourself how they even managed to breed in the first place!

Here are a few of the mix breed puppies that people have found to be fascinating, and funny looking at the same time!

Siborgi

Siborgi

Have you ever seen a Siborgi?

This is a mix between a Siberian Husky and a Corgi.  As you can see, they definitely have distinctive traits of both breeds, which make them an interesting breed for sure!  Their markings can vary, depending on the dominance of the genes that make up the mother and father.  However, they will all have some characteristics that define both breeds.

 

Dachsador

Dachsador

Dachsador mixed breed. Image via Flickr

This is a mix between a Dachshund and a Labrador Retriever.  The resemblance of both breeds makes you giggle just a bit!  It’s not very common that you see a mix like this, but they are definitely out there!  They are very loving, just as most Labrador Retrievers are, but they are as cute as can be with their short stubby legs- which is characteristic if the Dachshund.

 

 

 

 

Chug

Chug

Have you come across a Chug? image via Flickr

For those that like a smaller breed, then a Chug may be just the choice for you!  They have characteristics of both a Chihuahua and a Pug!  Their name is just about as funny sounding as they are funny looking!  With squished little faces and cute little tails, how can you possibly resist them?

 

 

Schnoodle

Schnoodle

Consider the hypoallergenic Schnoodle

A Schnoodle is a mix between a Poodle and a Schnauzer.  Many people love this mixed breed because they are considered to be hyperallergenic.   They are also known for being easily trained- which makes them an ideal pup for many families.  This is not to mention the fact that they are as cute as they can be, even if they are a bit funny looking!

 

 

 

 

 

Pomapoo

Pomapoo

Pomapoo puppy. Image via Flickr

This one is just really funny looking, but how can you resist that face?  It almost does not even look like a real dog!  A pomapoo is a mix between a Pomeranian and a Poodle.  As you can see, they definitely have the characteristics of both breeds.  They are also a whole lot of fun!

 

 

As you can see, there are mixed breeds out there of all kinds.  You can read more here if you are interested in finding more unique cross-breeds of dogs.  You can check out a long list of various mixed breed puppies.  You may be surprised at what you will find there.  Whether you choose a full-bred pup or a mixed breed, you must always remember to show them all the love and affection that you possibly can.  Also remember to have them see a veterinarian regularly to stay up to date on vaccines and ensure they are healthy.

 

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Posted in Breeds | Tagged breed, Chihuahua, Corgi, dog, genes, Labrador Retriever, mixed breed, pomeranian, poodle, pug, puppy, schnauzer, Siberian Husky | Leave a comment

Top 10 Reasons Sleeping With Your Pet is a Bad Idea

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Family Vet

How does sleeping with your pet affect you?

Does your pet sleep with you? Many pet lovers choose to share their beds with their pets. At first this may seem like a great idea, but there are several reasons why it may not be.  While our pets are our close friends and even considered family members, allowing them to sleep in the bed with you can lead to issues that you should not have to deal with.  Some of them are minor, but some of them can be a little more serious than you think.

One of the main reasons that you should avoid having pets sleep in the bed with you is because they can cause you to have an allergic reaction.  If you are allergic to pet dander then you are susceptible to this.  Allergies can range from mild sniffles to severe reactions depending on the severity of the case.

If you have asthma, this is another reason to avoid sleeping with your pet.  Sometimes pets can trigger an asthma attack.  If this happens while you are sleeping it can be potentially dangerous.  Asthma can be dangerous under the right conditions so it is important to take precautions whenever possible.

Another good reason to avoid letting your pet sleep with you is that it can create a power struggle.  You are the dog’s master, but when he is allowed to sleep with you he may forget his place and become unresponsive to commands.  It is important for a dog’s owner to maintain that they are the leader of the pack and the dog is subservient to him.

Sleeping with your pet can also prevent you from getting the rest that you need each night.  This is particularly true if you have a needy dog that feels like they should be laying on you at all times or one who gets up and moves around a lot at night.

If you are married and share your bed with your pet then you could be asking for even more trouble.  Often times the pet will wish to lie in between the couple.  This can prevent the closeness that is needed to have a successful relationship.

Remember that our pets, as much as we love them, can also carry bacteria and other organisms that can make you sick.  Cats in particular are known carriers of ringworm.  If you sleep with your cat, the chances are that you may end up with it yourself.  There are also other diseases.  Cat scratch fever can be particularly damaging to the body.  Chances are slim but you could also end up getting something like the plague.  There is actually a documented case of a boy who got it from sleeping with his cat.

Finally there are other cleanliness issues.  Dogs aren’t particular about keeping clean.  They may track muddy or dirty feet in your bed and shed everywhere.  While this doesn’t sound particularly bad, it can really add to the amount of time that you have to spend washing your sheets and comforters.

The next time you consider having your pet in the bed with you, take the time to consider these things.  If you really want to have a healthy relationship with your pet, it is best that you get them their own bed or kennel to keep them in at night.

 

 

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Posted in Pet Owner Tips | Tagged cat, dog, Glendale Animal Hospital, Health, pets, sharing bed, sleep, sleeping with pet | Leave a comment

Traveling Safely With Your Pets During the Holidays

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Family Vet

Do your holiday travel plans include taking your pet?

First of all, you will want to make sure that you have identification for your pet.  You need to get them an ID tag that has your contact information just in case they were to get loose in a city that they are unfamiliar with.  Also, some people may consider getting the identification microchips for their pets.  These can be a great way to make sure that you can always locate your pet if they get away from you. 

Next, you will want to consider how they will be traveling.  It is never a good idea to have the pet run free in the vehicle.  If you are driving, you want to make sure that you keep them in a pet carrier until you get to your destination.  This will ensure that you are able to drive safely and keep them safe at the same time.  If you are flying, then you need to make sure that you follow all rules and regulations set forth by the airlines. 

You will also want to make sure that you are not leaving them in the car alone.  This is especially true if the weather conditions are harsh.  During the holiday months, it is definitely cold in many areas.  This can really not be great on your pets.  Make sure that you have fresh water for them to drink, food to eat, and food and water bowls to use when you make stops.  Stop often, as they will likely need to get out of the crate and walk around and be able to do their business outside as well.  

When you get to where you are going, you want to make sure that you are choosing a hotel that is pet friendly.  This is very important.  If your pet is going to be vacationing with you, then you must know ahead of time if they allow pets.  This is something that you have to do your research on ahead of time. 

You also need to try to keep them on their regular schedule.  This helps to keep their normalcy.  If they have a regular schedule, then you want to make sure that you follow it as closely as you can.  While it is almost impossible to continue the exact same schedule, you will find that it is much easier on them if you try to stick to it as best as you can. 

As you can see, there are a few things that you should do when traveling with your pet.  Ensure their safety above all else, and make sure that they have a happy vacation as well. 

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Posted in Tips | Tagged cat, dog, flying with pet, holiday travel, hotel, traveling with pets | Leave a comment

9 Interesting Facts About Cats

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Family Vet

If you have a cat, then you probably know the basics.  But, did you know that cats have some really interesting and unique characteristics?  Here are some of the things that you may not already know about your cat:

Learn more about your cat

1 – Cats have an uncanny ability to interpret their owner’s mood.  This means that if you are happy, they can sense it.  They can also sense if you are under a lot of stress or if you are sad.  This can sometimes affect their behaviors.  Pay attention to the way that your cat acts and see if you notice and behavioral changes when your moods change.  Chances are, you will and you have just never paid much attention to it in the past. 

2 – Cats have more bones in their bodies than humans do!  They actually have 290 bones, which is much more than the human.  Humans only have 206 bones.  Cats also have a total of 517 muscles in their body. 

3 – Cats don’t ALWAYS land on their feet as most people believe that they do.  However, when they are falling, they will usually position themselves in such a way that they will break their fall and land on their feet.  They do this by rotating their head, twisting their spine, and aligning their rear legs. 

4 – Cats do not like the scent of citrus fruits.  Therefore, if you want to keep your cat from scratching up your furniture or curtains, simply get a citrus scented air freshener spray and spray the furniture and the curtains.  This will likely keep them away.  You can also use this method to keep them out of your Christmas tree during the holiday season. 

5 – A cat’s vision is very different from that of a dog.  While dogs do not see in color, cats can.  However, they are usually partially color blind.  They may also not be able to see details very well, but they can see from over a hundred feet away! 

6 – Most cats sleep an awful lot!  In fact, the average cat will spend about sixteen hours a day sleeping.  They are more active at night, which means they may sleep most of the day away.  While they are awake, they spend a lot of their time grooming themselves.  Is it because they are conceited or they just care about their hygiene? 

7 – Can’t tell the sex of your kitten?  If it is a calico cat, you can bet your bottom dollar that it is a female cat.  This is because calico cats are usually female.  It is very rare to find a male calico cat, but there are some out there. 

8 – Cats can wag their tails, much like dogs.  This is usually a sign of some sort of conflict.  Cats may want to do two things at one time and there are certain things that keep them from doing one or the other.  If they are conflicted, they may wag their tails.  As soon as they make their choice, their tail will stop wagging. 

9 – A cat’s nose pad is ridged, and it is unique from any other cat in the world.  This is much like a human fingerprint. 

As you can see, there are definitely some very interesting facts about cats.  The more you get to know your cat, the more you will find that they have unique and interesting characteristics.  Spend time with your cat, and show them affection.  They will definitely appreciate it, and they will return the affection.  Cats can be a real joy, but they are definitely unique from any other animal.

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Posted in Cat Facts | Tagged bones, cat, cat sleep, cat vision, cats, Glendale Animal Hospital, land on feet, smell | Leave a comment

Ask the Vet: How Do I Get Rid of My Dog’s Fleas?

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Family Vet
 

A flea bath will kill any fleas on your pet

Dear Family Vet:

I’ve been keeping my sister’s dog for her this week while she went on vacation out of the country.  I have two dogs and two cats of my own.  I noticed that her dog had been scratching and biting at her skin and had even rubbed a raw spot on her back.  When I took a closer look, I saw that she had fleas.  Our dogs have never had any fleas before, but now all of the pets in our home are covered in them.

What can I do to treat them for their fleas and prevent it from becoming an issue in the future?  Thanks in advance!

Sincerely,

Distressed in Phoenix

Dear Distressed,

I understand that fleas and ticks can definitely be a stressful issue to deal with.  Fortunately, there are several ways that you can go about treating this problem and preventing it from coming about again in the future.  First, take a look at how to get rid of the fleas because they can lead to more serious issues and skin irritation if you do not address it as soon as possible.

Treatment of Fleas

Here are a few of the most common treatments for fleas:

  • Medications provided by the veterinary clinic
  • Flea bath products
  • Topical flea treatments

I would highly recommend that you stop by the clinic and let us treat your pets for their fleas.  We can give them oral medications that will kill all of the fleas.  There are some that work for a short term and there are others that will keep the fleas gone for up to a month.  It is definitely recommended that you seek long term treatment for the pets to prevent any fleas from recurring in the future.

We can also bathe them in a special medicated shampoo that will help to ease the irritation that the fleas have caused to their skin.  When it comes to your cats, as long as they are over 8 weeks old you will be able to give them oral treatments.  If they are younger than 8 weeks old, you may want to use a topical treatment instead.

Prevention of Fleas

Now that you know how to handle the current flea problem, you will want to prevent them from coming back in the future.  The truth is that the pets have likely spread the fleas throughout your home.  You may want to consider fogging the home to kill any of the fleas that are living in the house.  Also, wash all of your pet’s bedding and toys.  When you are fogging the home, it is important to read the back of the can and follow the instructions precisely.  For safety, you must remove everyone, including your pets, from the home for about two hours.  When you return, it is a good idea to open up the windows to let the house ventilate and rid the home of fumes from the fogger.

As you are probably aware, fleas can really pose a great threat to your pet.  It is really important that you catch the issue quickly so that you can prevent it from causing any long term illness to your pets.  Fleas can carry a variety of different diseases and they can also cause skin irritation, rash, lesions and other issues.  The good news is that you caught it early, and you will be able to effectively handle the situation before it becomes a bigger problem.

Thank you for your questions and I wish you all the best in getting rid of your flea problem and keeping them away for good.

Family Vet

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Posted in Caring for Your Dog, Dog Problems, Fleas and Ticks | Tagged cat, cats, diseases, dog, dogs, flea bath, flea bomb, flea treatments, fleas, pet, scratching, ticks | Leave a comment

Caring For Your Pets on a Budget

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Family Vet

It is really important to focus on ways that you can save, but still provide your pets with everything that they need to be healthy.  When you are dealing with a budget crunch, you will probably want to learn about ways that you can cut back your spending in every area- including the costs of caring for your pet.  Here are some tips that will help you to take proper care of your pets while adhering to your budget.

Do you need to put your pet on a budget?

During times of economic downturn, it may prove to be stressful to keep up with the costs associated with taking care of your pet.

Try At Home Grooming

Many times, you can take care of your pet’s grooming from the comforts of your own home.  It is important to brush them on a regular basis.  This can not only help to keep their fur in great condition, but it is also quality time spent with your pet.  When you brush them, you are able to improve the health of their fur as well as their skin.  You can also bathe them at home, which will likely save you a great deal of money.  Skip out on taking them to the groomer once a month, and instead start grooming them yourself.  This will cut back on your costs drastically.

Shop Thrifty

When you are shopping for toys and treats for your pet, you will definitely want to try to shop smart.  You can look for great deals by purchasing your products at a discount pet supply store.  You can buy online, which can also help you to save a great deal of money.  Instead of buying things impulsively, try to watch what you are spending your money on.  After all, you can get a lot of stuff for less if you shop around.

Don’t Over Feed Your Pets

When it comes to feeding your pets, you can really save a lot by not over feeding them.  Did you know that most pet owners feed their pets much more than they actually need?  Some people even buy the cheapest brand of food possible, which can often bring on health problems in the future.  You should buy your pets quality pet food that includes all of the essential nutrients that they need in order to stay healthy.  This will help to reduce your costs in the long run by keeping them well and allowing you to steer clear of frequent vet visits.

Treat Against Fleas and Ticks

When your money is tight, you may want to just skip out on flea and tick prevention.  However, leaving fleas and ticks untreated can lead to really harmful sicknesses down the road.  You should always make sure that you are taking proper care of them by getting rid of all fleas and ticks and also focusing on ways to prevent them.  While the prevention will cost you some money up front, it will save you money in the long run.

As you can see, there are some great ways to take proper care of your pets while still sticking to your budget.  Make sure that you include your pet’s needs in your monthly budget.  You should always make sure that you have them seen regularly at the vet to catch thins before they become a bigger problem.  In Arizona, you can visit Dr. Day for all of your pet’s veterinary needs.  And remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune taking care of your pets.  After all, the most important thing that they need is your love and affection.

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Posted in Caring for Your Cat, Caring for Your Dog, Pet Costs | Tagged Dog grooming, Flea, fleas, Glendale Animal Clinic, grooming, Health, pet budget, pet costs, pet food, pet toys, ticks | Leave a comment

Ask the Vet: Help, How Can I Get My Dog to Stop Marking Indoors?

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Family Vet

Dear Family Vet:

Neutered
How do I get my dog to stop marking in my house? Image by Bolobilly via Flickr

I have a problem with my dog and I was hoping that you would be able to help me with it.  My husband and I rescued a dog from the side of the road a couple of years back.  He is about 8-10 years old, and he is an Alaskan Eskimo mix.  He has really brought a lot of joy to our family, but the problem is that he marks his territory everywhere- even in the house!  When we first brought him home, we planned to have him neutered, but he was ill with tick fever and he had to have several rounds of treatment.  We have just never taken him to get it done since.

Reading up on this issue, I have found that a lot of people say that getting him neutered won’t really help keep him from marking indoors now that he is older.  However, we do have another dog in the house.  She is a female and has been spayed.  We have never had any issues with her marking indoors.  While he mainly marks his territory around his food dish, he has also done it other places around the house.  I don’t want to give up home on him, but I am at my wits end.  Please help me!

How can I help this dog to stop marking indoors?

Sincerely,

Hopeless in Avondale

Dear Hopeless in Avondale,

I can surely help you with this concern.  I know that it can be very frustrating when you have a pet that simply does not understand.  Here are a few things that you should know about marking indoors:

First, you will want to gain a better understanding of WHY dogs mark indoors.  Dogs are very territorial.  Usually, they gather much of their information by using the sense of smell.  When a dog is brought into a new home, they may mark certain places around the house so that it smells like home to them.  When it comes to mating, they may also mark territory to let other dogs find them easily.  This is where spaying and neutering comes in.  While it is true that having it done early is best, because this prevents them from ever getting into the habit of marking, it does not mean that doing it later won’t help.

Another thing that you should know is that sometimes marking indoors may mean that they have some sort of a urinary tract infection.  If this has been going on the past year, then that is probably not the issue.  Be sure that have him checked out by a veterinarian to rule this out.

Now, here are a few things that you may want to consider:

Have him neutered.  This can help if it is a result of a behavioral issue.  It can also help in a lot of other ways as well.

Try to supervise him as much as possible and correct him when you catch him in the act.  When you are away, you may want to consider keeping him in a crate.  Dogs will usually never mark where they sleep.

Eliminate the odors in the places that he has marked previously.  If you do not get rid of these odors, then you may find that he continues to mark in those same places.  You should use a cleaner that will completely abolish the odor so that he will not be tempted to continue marking there.

These are some great tips when it comes to preventing your pup from marking indoors, and I hope that you find success with it!

Family Vet

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Posted in Dog Behavior, Dog Problems, Marking Indoors | Tagged Animal, dog, Health, House, Neutering, pet, Recreation, Territory (animal) | Leave a comment

Top 6 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Family Vet

Most veterinarians will agree that spaying and neutering is a vital part of their health.  If you are on the fence, then you may want to consider looking for a few of the top reasons to help you make up your mind.  Here you will find the top 6 reasons that you should go ahead and spay or neuter your pet. 

Have you had your pet spayed or neutered?

When it comes to your pet’s health, you will definitely want to do everything that you can to keep them in great health. 

1.   It Will Help To Relieve Stress

First of all, your veterinarian will tell you that it will help to calm your pet down.  Pets can undergo a lot of physiological stress from time to time and spaying and neutering can help keep this from happening as much.  You should definitely consider this when you are wondering whether or not it is the right decision. 

2.   Reduces the Risk Your Pet Will Get Cancer

Whether you want to believe it or not, it has been proven that spaying and neutering will help to cut down on the risk of cancer.  There are certain types of cancer that can really decrease the quality of your pet’s life while also reducing their lifespan.  Generally, for female pets, mammary cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer are the biggest culprits.  Try to minimize this risk as much as you can. 

3.   Helps to Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection

Pets, especially cats, are highly susceptible to urinary tract infections.  This can really be detrimental to their health if you do not catch it quickly.  It can even be fatal at times.  By having your pet spayed or neutered, you are able to help cut back their risk of developing a urinary tract infection. 

4.   Stops Female Dog Menstruation

Female dogs will generally menstruate once every six months.  This can sometimes be frustrating, as it causes them to leave stains around your home.  Unless you are dedicated to making them wear the puppy diapers while they are menstruating, it can prove to be a really big mess.  The good news is that you can have them fixed, and you will no longer have to worry about this being an issue. 

5.   Improves Behavior

If you have a pet that misbehaves a lot, then you may find that having them spayed or neutered helps to fix that issue a bit.  For example, males tend to roam, howl, bark and mark indoors.  When an animal has been spayed or neutered, these behaviors generally stop. 

6.   Prevents Overpopulation

Overpopulation has become a huge issue with pets.  When you don’t have them spayed or neutered, you will often times find yourself with a pregnant dog or cat and then you have to find homes for all of the puppies or kittens.  This can be stressful at times and every pet deserves a loving home.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, having your pet spayed or neutered can really be helpful.  Some people feel that it will cause them a lot of unnecessary pain.  When you think about it, it is a great option.  It is a surgical procedure that they bounce back from very quickly.  Make sure that you consider all of the advantages. 

If you decide that you would like to have your pet spayed or neutered, or if you just have any other questions about it, then you should contact Dr. Day to learn more.

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Posted in Spay or Neuter | Tagged cat, dog, Neutering, spay, spayed | Leave a comment