At some point in every pet parenting experience, we face the prospect of picking, possibly from hundreds of options, a health-care provider for our pet. In some cases, such as when dealing with exotic pets or birds, the selection of vets in your area may be smaller, making it easier to narrow it down. When we’re talking about a dog or cat, however, the numbers of possibilities can be overwhelming. So, what should we look for when we’re making this decision?
Dr. Louise Murray, D.V.M., author of Vet Confidential, provides readers with a two-part checklist of things to consider when making this important choice. She suggests gathering information such as how the patients are monitored overnight and how modern the clinic’s equipment is; additional vital questions include: are the veterinary technicians licensed and experienced, is the practice accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, and how many vets are at the practice?
The Humane Society of the United States suggests looking for a clean and well-organized practice with a calm, caring staff. They also point out that it is important to know if the practice in question offers emergency services or refers emergency patients to another location. Another good tip: ask if discounts are available for multi-pet households.
When I moved from a very small town in Mississippi to a much larger community in Alabama, I was faced with a nearly overwhelming supply of new vets to pick from— I was going from two practices in my hometown to five pages of practices listed in the Birmingham yellow pages, and had no idea where to start. For me, going with my gut was the best choice. The first practice was close to my house, but the staff seemed uncaring. The second practice was great but way out of my price range. Luckily, in a Goldilocks turn of events, the third practice I took my cat to was perfect. It was close to my home and job, the staff genuinely cared about Stanley’s well-being, the entire veterinary staff was very willing to work with me on payment options, and, best of all, the doctors and technicians never seem to tire of my endless questions and desire to learn to “help” with the exams.
If you are not brand new to an area, though, and have the benefit of friends, neighbors and co-workers to ask, I highly recommend doing so. If you know your sister loves her dog as much as you love yours, try out her vet; if your boss is obsessed with his cat, just like you, try out his doctor. There are also online pet forums with local reviews, ads in the backs of magazines such as Cat Fancy and Dogs USA, and the staff members at your local Pet Supplies “Plus” are always happy to discuss their own experiences with customers.
Clearly, pets with special needs require a special vet, and it may take a while longer to find the right fit for your diabetic dog or a cat with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. Ask if the vet you’re considering specializes, how in-depth her experience is, and if she refers out in cases of special needs animals. The HSUS reminds pet parents to look into a vet’s board certification in any specialty area.
Clearly, the task of finding the right vet for your pet can be daunting. Don’t be discouraged if you strike out a few times before finding the perfect fit—I certainly did! There is support out there and, with a little perseverance, you will find what you need.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Pets Got Talent
It's football season, a time a year that many of us love. This includes myself and my dog Mazie. While Mazie can tend to be rather lazy most of the time, she is very talented when it comes to playing football. I'm not trying to say that she could be on the Alabama football team or anything, but she knows the basics! You can get in the hike position with a football, and she knows to get exactly behind you and to be ready to catch the ball. It's amusing how excited she gets when she sees someone in the snap position and hears them say, "down, set, hike". She then will bring the ball back and want you to do it again. Of course she has instances where she will want you to chase her around and try and tackle her in order to get the ball back, but that's just her being the big puppy that she is! So, as football season continues on, Mazie and I will continue to watch and play!
Bethany, CPNA
Bethany, CPNA
Tricky Dog!
When my dog Abby was still with us, she was very smart, loving and talented. I would have to say that one of the greatest talents that she had was her ability to take food off of the kitchen table without leaving a trace of evidence. Although this is not a “trick” that we wanted her to know, we usually found it pretty amusing. She could get on the table and eat a whole plate of food without leaving any kind of sign that she was the one that had done it. It was somewhat like she knew what she was doing was wrong, so she had to be very careful and sneaky. She made sure that she didn’t break anything in the process of retrieving her “treat”. There were never crumbs on the floor or on the table. Despite it being a trick that a lot of times got her in trouble, it is something that we will always remember her by-- as well as something that I don’t think a lot of other dogs could pull off.
Tony, CPNA
Tony, CPNA
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Feline Acne
Just like their keepers, some cats may be prone to acne. Feline acne can range from a very mild and easily treatable condition to a more serious problem requiring a lot of attention. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so you can keep your kitty as healthy as possible.
The first signs of feline acne are usually follicular casts (black flecks) and comedones (blackheads), which appear on the cat’s chin—sometimes these are mistaken for flea droppings, but those usually show up on kitty’s belly or near the base of the tail. If left untreated, these lesions can develop into pustules (pimples), which can then become infected if the cat scratches them with his back claws. The most severe cases of feline acne can result in a condition known as folliculitis, in which the hair follicles in the skin become infected. Folliculitis can cause pus-filled lumps on the chin, which may bleed, and can make the lymph nodes swollen and sore.
If you notice any signs of feline acne, your cat needs to be examined by a veterinarian to rule out underlying skin conditions, says Dr. Amanda Perkins of The Cat Hospital of Metairie, Louisiana (www.catsarespecial.com). She recommends cat owners switch from plastic food and water dishes to dishes made of steel, glass or ceramic—or that they use disposable dishes. The dishes also need to be cleaned frequently to cut down on bacteria. “Bowls containing canned food should be changed or cleaned at least twice daily, and those containing dry food should be emptied and changed once daily… water bowls should be cleaned at least a few times a week,” says Dr. Perkins, a recent graduate of Cornell University’s Vet School.
While sanitation is the first step in treating feline acne, additional steps may need to be taken. Some cats may need to have their chins shaved, to help decrease bacterial contamination of the skin. They may also need to have their chins cleaned, gently, with an antiseptic solution. Topical antimicrobial ointments or sprays (such as clorhexidine) may be prescribed by your veterinarian, as may antibiotics for severe cases.
(PSP carries a wide selection of bowls and dishes made of various materials, as well as Sentry’s anti-bacterial spray for dogs and cats, with clorhexidine.)
Kristin B, CPNA
The first signs of feline acne are usually follicular casts (black flecks) and comedones (blackheads), which appear on the cat’s chin—sometimes these are mistaken for flea droppings, but those usually show up on kitty’s belly or near the base of the tail. If left untreated, these lesions can develop into pustules (pimples), which can then become infected if the cat scratches them with his back claws. The most severe cases of feline acne can result in a condition known as folliculitis, in which the hair follicles in the skin become infected. Folliculitis can cause pus-filled lumps on the chin, which may bleed, and can make the lymph nodes swollen and sore.
If you notice any signs of feline acne, your cat needs to be examined by a veterinarian to rule out underlying skin conditions, says Dr. Amanda Perkins of The Cat Hospital of Metairie, Louisiana (www.catsarespecial.com). She recommends cat owners switch from plastic food and water dishes to dishes made of steel, glass or ceramic—or that they use disposable dishes. The dishes also need to be cleaned frequently to cut down on bacteria. “Bowls containing canned food should be changed or cleaned at least twice daily, and those containing dry food should be emptied and changed once daily… water bowls should be cleaned at least a few times a week,” says Dr. Perkins, a recent graduate of Cornell University’s Vet School.
While sanitation is the first step in treating feline acne, additional steps may need to be taken. Some cats may need to have their chins shaved, to help decrease bacterial contamination of the skin. They may also need to have their chins cleaned, gently, with an antiseptic solution. Topical antimicrobial ointments or sprays (such as clorhexidine) may be prescribed by your veterinarian, as may antibiotics for severe cases.
(PSP carries a wide selection of bowls and dishes made of various materials, as well as Sentry’s anti-bacterial spray for dogs and cats, with clorhexidine.)
Kristin B, CPNA
Monday, August 23, 2010
Back To School Anxiety?
With back-to-school just around the corner, will your dog spend more time alone during the day? Are you concerned he might exhibit anxiety or loneliness? If so, try some of these tips to help your pet make the adjustment.
“When he’s left alone, my dog becomes upset and destructive.”
Your pet is probably suffering from separation anxiety, which is very common among dogs. Training can help resolve this issue. Since a mentally active dog is less prone to develop separation anxiety, you will want to take home some interactive toys. These toys can be stuffed with treats and given to a dog to keep him occupied whenever you go away.
Many anxious dogs will also be calmed when Dog Appeasing Pheromones (D.A.P.) are introduced to their environment. Dog Appeasing Pheromone is similar to the pheromone scent that a mother dog emits when nursing her puppies. The scent of these pheromones evokes reassuring memories of puppyhood that calm a dog even in stressful situations. Spraying these pheromones into a room, or using a time-release plug-in product will often calm dogs.
The products carried by PSP in this category include Kong and Everlasting Treat Ball, Aspen Snack-n-Roll interactive toys, as well as the Farnam Comfort Zone with D.A.P. spray and D.A.P. plug-in.
“When he’s left alone, my dog becomes upset and destructive.”
Your pet is probably suffering from separation anxiety, which is very common among dogs. Training can help resolve this issue. Since a mentally active dog is less prone to develop separation anxiety, you will want to take home some interactive toys. These toys can be stuffed with treats and given to a dog to keep him occupied whenever you go away.
Many anxious dogs will also be calmed when Dog Appeasing Pheromones (D.A.P.) are introduced to their environment. Dog Appeasing Pheromone is similar to the pheromone scent that a mother dog emits when nursing her puppies. The scent of these pheromones evokes reassuring memories of puppyhood that calm a dog even in stressful situations. Spraying these pheromones into a room, or using a time-release plug-in product will often calm dogs.
The products carried by PSP in this category include Kong and Everlasting Treat Ball, Aspen Snack-n-Roll interactive toys, as well as the Farnam Comfort Zone with D.A.P. spray and D.A.P. plug-in.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Keeping Your Pet Cool
The hot summer months can be tough on your pet. Dogs and cats cannot sweat so it is hard for them to regulate their temperature. There are several ways that you can help your pet keep cool. Some animals with long, thick fur can be shaved down during the summer. They may look a little funny, but this really helps cool them off. Also here at Pet Supplies “Plus” we carry several different cooling bandanas that can be soaked in water and also frozen to help cool them down as well. Be sure to keep plenty of cool fresh water available at all times for your pet. (I like to put ice cubes in it.) And NEVER leave them in the car during the hot summer months because the temperature in your car almost doubles when the windows are left closed in a car without the air conditioning on. Be sure that when you are walking your pet that their nose is moist and cool. If your pet is panting profusely and has a hot dry nose he or she may be overheating. I recommend not walking your pet during the peak hot hours of the day. Trying these suggestions and making sure your animal is not overheated will make this summer cooler and healthier for your pet.
Amanda T, CPNA
Amanda T, CPNA
HOT Summer Weather
ALWAYS make sure your pets have plenty of cool water throughout the day. Remember, animals can get overheated just like people do. Even if you have indoor animals like cats, hamsters or birds they will need to keep hydrated in the heat of summer. If you have outdoor pets like dogs or even farm animals, be sure to have a place for them to get out of the sun. A nice shady spot under some trees is ideal for dogs. You can also purchase or construct a "house" or shelter for your pets to escape to and keep cool. Here are a couple of tips to keep your pets safe in HOT summer weather.
• Always available water Secure the water dish to avoid an accidental spill. You may also want to consider adding another water bowl or two in your pet's area, just in case.
• Ouch - hot feet alert If you will be walking with your pet, remember that while paw pads are "tough" they are also sensitive, and can be burned while walking on hot pavement and tar. If possible, walk on grass or dirt, and check your pet's paw pads to make sure there isn't any redness or pain.
• Good grooming is important for your pet's health and comfort. Speak with a groomer or veterinarian to find out what is best for your pet. A full shave may not be the answer, depending on your pet's coat/breed, and caution is advised for white and light-skinned pets getting sunburned.
• Consider a cooling dog bed. When hot weather arrives, dogs sometimes abandon their comfy beds to seek out cold spots on tile or hardwood floors. But if you want your dog to enjoy that coolness and still have the comfort of a dog bed, you could buy a cooling dog bed. Some cooling beds can be filled with water, which is then circulated through the inside of the bed to keep it cool.
• Ice cream treats or Ice Treats – Many companies now offer Dog Ice Cream or Frozen treats for your pets. So when it’s a hot day outside, remember don’t forget about your furry friends they would probably enjoy a nice cool treat to help cool them down.
Caleb L, CPNA
• Always available water Secure the water dish to avoid an accidental spill. You may also want to consider adding another water bowl or two in your pet's area, just in case.
• Ouch - hot feet alert If you will be walking with your pet, remember that while paw pads are "tough" they are also sensitive, and can be burned while walking on hot pavement and tar. If possible, walk on grass or dirt, and check your pet's paw pads to make sure there isn't any redness or pain.
• Good grooming is important for your pet's health and comfort. Speak with a groomer or veterinarian to find out what is best for your pet. A full shave may not be the answer, depending on your pet's coat/breed, and caution is advised for white and light-skinned pets getting sunburned.
• Consider a cooling dog bed. When hot weather arrives, dogs sometimes abandon their comfy beds to seek out cold spots on tile or hardwood floors. But if you want your dog to enjoy that coolness and still have the comfort of a dog bed, you could buy a cooling dog bed. Some cooling beds can be filled with water, which is then circulated through the inside of the bed to keep it cool.
• Ice cream treats or Ice Treats – Many companies now offer Dog Ice Cream or Frozen treats for your pets. So when it’s a hot day outside, remember don’t forget about your furry friends they would probably enjoy a nice cool treat to help cool them down.
Caleb L, CPNA
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Summer Travel
Over the river and through the woods……It doesn’t matter whose house you are going to, your dog wants to come too! With summer travel and ‘Take your dog to work day’ this month, I thought I should share some travel tips to make your errands or holiday more fun for 2 and 4 legged family members.
1. First Foray or Vacation Veteran? Get your pet used to all types of travel with several small trips in and around town before you attempt a 3-day cross country jaunt. Pets react in different ways and knowing your pets’ travel preferences will save a lot of grief for all of you when you are on a schedule.
2. It should go without saying, but I feel I must, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR ALONE for more than 10 minutes! Hot or cold, your pet is not accustomed to temperature extremes, and adding that to the stress of travel and separation while you “Just run in for a minute” is often too much for our furry companions.
3. Kennel or buckle your family members! Pets are helpless in an accident. Having them in a kennel or buckled with a special harness into the seat belt (any Pet Supplies “Plus” has them) will keep an accident from turning into a tragedy.
4. Identification Please! Make sure to keep tags on all of your pets, but this becomes even more important when traveling! Under stress, the most obedient pet can slip out of a kennel or car door and run out into unfamiliar territory. Also, it’s a good idea to keep copies of their vet records along for emergencies!
5. Make sure you maintain regular flea/tick and heartworm preventative. I have found that parasite populations change dramatically in different areas and you don’t want to bring home extra pests along with your dirty laundry!
1. First Foray or Vacation Veteran? Get your pet used to all types of travel with several small trips in and around town before you attempt a 3-day cross country jaunt. Pets react in different ways and knowing your pets’ travel preferences will save a lot of grief for all of you when you are on a schedule.
2. It should go without saying, but I feel I must, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR ALONE for more than 10 minutes! Hot or cold, your pet is not accustomed to temperature extremes, and adding that to the stress of travel and separation while you “Just run in for a minute” is often too much for our furry companions.
3. Kennel or buckle your family members! Pets are helpless in an accident. Having them in a kennel or buckled with a special harness into the seat belt (any Pet Supplies “Plus” has them) will keep an accident from turning into a tragedy.
4. Identification Please! Make sure to keep tags on all of your pets, but this becomes even more important when traveling! Under stress, the most obedient pet can slip out of a kennel or car door and run out into unfamiliar territory. Also, it’s a good idea to keep copies of their vet records along for emergencies!
5. Make sure you maintain regular flea/tick and heartworm preventative. I have found that parasite populations change dramatically in different areas and you don’t want to bring home extra pests along with your dirty laundry!
4 Pet Myths Busted
As a CPNA (Certified Pet Nutrition Advisor) and pet professional for 12 years, I am amazed with the amount of misinformation that caring pet parents receive! I have decided to debunk 4 of those myths.
Whatever else you do…
1. Don’t assume that because a dog is wagging his tail, that he will not bite you! A wagging tail can be a sign of happiness, but needs to be taken in context with other body language and behavior. People laugh for various reasons, out of anxiety, fear, or even pain. Same goes with the dogs’ tail. Always use caution when approaching a dog you are not familiar with and teach children to do the same.
2. This ties in to… Cat’s purr because they are happy. Many experts agree purring is more of an expression of emotion, than the exact emotion of happiness. Cats have been known to purr when in pain, while giving birth, even while dying. I even had a cat that would always purr just before he would try to bite me (one of his favorite games). Once again, look for body language and situational clues to determine your pet’s true communication.
3. Spaying and neutering your pet makes them fat. Not necessarily!!!!! Although there is a legitimate decreases in caloric needs (as much as 25%), there are other things that need to be considered in determining a pet’s daily calorie consumption needs. Activity level being the greatest, but current and ideal weight will also need to be part of the equation! Stop by a Pet Supplies Plus store and ask to speak to a CPNA (Certified Pet Nutrition Advisor), they can do a body condition score as well as ‘do the math’ to determine the correct calorie range for your individual pet. And remember, no 2 pets are identical in their metabolism or nutritional needs.
4. A dog that ‘scoots’ his rear along the ground has worms. He might, or he might not. A dirty hind end, full anal sacs and itchy behinds (usually from fleas or allergies) are more often the culprit(s).
I hope you share this info with friends and help do all we can to debunk these myths from the pet community. Stay tuned for more myth-busting in the future!
Whatever else you do…
1. Don’t assume that because a dog is wagging his tail, that he will not bite you! A wagging tail can be a sign of happiness, but needs to be taken in context with other body language and behavior. People laugh for various reasons, out of anxiety, fear, or even pain. Same goes with the dogs’ tail. Always use caution when approaching a dog you are not familiar with and teach children to do the same.
2. This ties in to… Cat’s purr because they are happy. Many experts agree purring is more of an expression of emotion, than the exact emotion of happiness. Cats have been known to purr when in pain, while giving birth, even while dying. I even had a cat that would always purr just before he would try to bite me (one of his favorite games). Once again, look for body language and situational clues to determine your pet’s true communication.
3. Spaying and neutering your pet makes them fat. Not necessarily!!!!! Although there is a legitimate decreases in caloric needs (as much as 25%), there are other things that need to be considered in determining a pet’s daily calorie consumption needs. Activity level being the greatest, but current and ideal weight will also need to be part of the equation! Stop by a Pet Supplies Plus store and ask to speak to a CPNA (Certified Pet Nutrition Advisor), they can do a body condition score as well as ‘do the math’ to determine the correct calorie range for your individual pet. And remember, no 2 pets are identical in their metabolism or nutritional needs.
4. A dog that ‘scoots’ his rear along the ground has worms. He might, or he might not. A dirty hind end, full anal sacs and itchy behinds (usually from fleas or allergies) are more often the culprit(s).
I hope you share this info with friends and help do all we can to debunk these myths from the pet community. Stay tuned for more myth-busting in the future!
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