With local record-setting temperatures in the mid-90 degrees Fahrenheit the past couple of days, we need to revisit a common summer emergency for dogs (and to a lesser degree, cats).
Heat stroke can kill.
Without timely intervention, heat stroke can lead to complications such as bleeding disorder (DIC), liver failure, kidney failure, seizures, and death.
Heat stroke is preventable.
Heat stroke occurs with extremely high body temperature, reaching 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal body temperatures for dogs range from 99.5 to 102.5 F. Normal dogs cool themselves by losing heat from their skin (i.e. spreading out on their "belly" on the cool tile floor) or panting. Heat stroke may develop when dogs cannot give off heat (either from panting or from their skin) due to high heat and humidity or respiratory obstruction. The most common cause is probably from being in a car on a hot summer day with poor air circulation (closed or "cracked" windows).
NEVER leave your dog in a car unattended. And if you stay behind in the car with your dog, do not assume your dog can tolerate the heat because you can. Some dogs are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses:
- Puppies less than 6 months old may not have fully developed the ability to regulate their body temperature.
- Overweight dogs
- Brachycephalic breed (i.e. Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers)
- Dogs that are ill or with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or respiratory conditions.
Hot days can cause heat-related problems such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion (prostration). They are not as bad as heat stroke but can still be debilitating to your dogs. It may be best to leave your best friends at home while you do your errands during the hot summer months.
Other things you can do to minimize risks of heat-related problems for your dogs:
- Walk or exercise your dog in the morning or evening. Avoid the warmer hours between 11 am and 4 pm on hot days.
- Minimize your dog's activities on hot or humid days. Keep him/her in a comfortable environment --- air conditioned, if possible, or in a room with open windows and fans.
- If your dog has to be outside, make sure water and plenty of shade is available at all times. Remember, in humid environments, the perceived temperature will be hotter than the thermometer reading; dogs will have a more difficult time cooling themselves.
- If your dog likes water, a kiddie or wading pool in the yard is a good cooling and playtime device. Make sure water level is not above your dog's head (especially if you have small dogs). Spraying with a water hose will also provide some heat relief. TIP: Get your dog used to the water by trickling water from the hose onto the feet and slowly work up the legs and body.
- Know your dog and factors that may make him/her more susceptible to heat stress (brachycephalic breeds, easily over-excited, etc...).
Signs of heat stroke:
- Excessive panting and/or noisy breathing
- Bright red gingiva (gums) or conjunctiva of the eyes
- Hypersalivation or thick saliva from the mouth
- Weakness and/or collapse
The most important sign, though, is recognizing the environment that may have lead to heat stroke. There are other medical conditions that can cause the above signs. So if you find your dog with the above signs while he/she is in a cool area, do not assume and treat for heat stroke. Get him/her to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
If your dog suffers from heat stroke or experiences extreme heat-related problems:
1) Remove your dog from the confined area (car, crate, dog house) and move him/her to the shade or, if indoors, direct a fan over him/her. Most heat stroke occurs in areas with poor air circulation.
2) If possible, take your dog's rectal temperature and record. Knowing the initial temperature helps confirm the heat stroke diagnosis as well as assist in the treatment or cooling process.
3) Cool your dog with tepid water. If you have a small dog, you can fill the sink with tap water and immerse him/her up to the back (no need to get the head wet and scare him/her). For larger dogs, you can hose the body. DO NOT USE COLD OR ICE WATER. Even though it seems like a good idea, cold water actually slows down the cooling of the internal structures or core body temperature. Cold water causes superficial blood vessels to constrict and prevent heat from escaping. You can apply cold towels to areas with good blood circulation i.e. neck, armpits and inguinal areas (groin). Just those areas, not the whole body. Do NOT overcool; stop the cooling when the rectal temperature reaches 103 F to 104 F. If you don't have a thermometer, consider cooling the body with tepid water for about 10 minutes (or during the time it takes someone else to get the cold wet towels for the car ride and calling the veterinarian or emergency clinic to alert them). You can also apply rubbing alcohol
to the footpads, armpits, and groin for evaporative cooling.
4) Allow him/her to drink a small amount of water if he/she is alert enough to drink; no more than several laps at a time. Do NOT force water into his/her mouth.
5) Transport your dog to your family veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible. During transport:
- Do NOT cover your dog; not even with a wet towel. The cover prevents heat from escaping; apply the cold towels or rubbing alcohol to the armpits or groin instead.
- Unless you have an open wired crate, do NOT transport your dog in a carrier or crate. If possible, have someone sit and hold him/her in the back seat.
- Leave windows down and air conditioning or fan on high to allow evaporation to help with the cooling process.
Heat stroke stimulates the body to release inflammatory substances that can affect many organs and systems in the body. Even if you successfully cool your dog, it is best if he/she is evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid any potential complications.
Heat stroke is one of the most heart-wrenching emergencies because of its many dramatic and life-threatening consequences. That it is very much a preventable tragedy makes it even more devastating.
Heat stroke is avoidable.
Please take steps to ensure a safe summer for everyone in your family.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
In The News ... Menu Foods Announced Tentative Settlement
Menu Foods, the company behind last year massive food recall, has agreed to settle lawsuits with pet owners. Details of the settlement are scheduled to be filed with the U.S. District Court on May 1, 2008. In addition to several other conditions, the cross-border agreement in principle is subject to approval of both the U.S. District Court and the Canadian courts.
Pet owners will be notified with details of the claim procedure after the settlement agreement and claims process have been finalized and approved.
More details in:
Menu Foods Press Release on the Agreement in Principle, April 1, 2008
ConsumerAffairs, April 2, 2008
(Update: Judge approved $24-million pet food settlement)
Pet owners will be notified with details of the claim procedure after the settlement agreement and claims process have been finalized and approved.
More details in:
Menu Foods Press Release on the Agreement in Principle, April 1, 2008
ConsumerAffairs, April 2, 2008
(Update: Judge approved $24-million pet food settlement)
Monday, March 31, 2008
How to Entertain an Indoor Cat
Keeping cats indoors is becoming more common and acceptable over the years. Indoor cats are protected from dangers, such as poisons, cars, dog attacks, and viral infections from other stray or outdoor cats. However, they also have a tendency for behavioral issues and/or obesity. Most indoor cats lack physical activities and environmental interactions --- whether it is with their surrounding or with people or other animals. Simply put, the safe sedentary lifestyle of indoor cats is often boring.
But it does not have to be that way. With minor adjustments to your home or routine, you can provide your indoor cats with a safe but interesting life.
1) For some cats, plants are a triple sensory stimulation powerhouse --- touch, taste, and smell. Add some cat-friendly greens to your home. You can try catnip, grass shoots ("cat grass"), or rosemary. Most cats enjoy rubbing their face against the plants or nibbling on the leaves. Check with the Animal Poison Control Center to know which poisonous plants to avoid. If your cat vomits after eating the plants, remove the plants and call your family veterinarian for advice.
2) Visual stimulation can be achieved with viewing windows. However, you may need to keep stray or outdoor cats from view in case they trigger unwanted behavior and redirected aggression from your cats. If a window seat is not possible, you may try a DVD for cats.
3) Physical activities. Cat trees provide excellent avenues for cats to climb and view the world from above. Staged treat hunts engage cats mentally and physically. Interactive toys such as the feather wands and laser pointers (follow the warnings and precaution) are also great ways for you to spend time with your cats.
eBay has a list of 10 simple toys for your cats. Remember to always supervise your pets whenever you introduce a new toy. And be especially careful with the twine and string suggestion.
You are doing one of the best preventative health measures for your cats by keeping them indoors. Your cats' basic needs --- food and shelter (safety) --- are already met. You can up it a notch and enrich their lives with one of the above addition. Start with an easy one. Try a cat teaser (feather wand) or a laser pointer. It may bring the spark back into your older cats' eyes and entertain your younger cats (and you) for hours.
Here's Woodpecker and the laser pointer.
But it does not have to be that way. With minor adjustments to your home or routine, you can provide your indoor cats with a safe but interesting life.
1) For some cats, plants are a triple sensory stimulation powerhouse --- touch, taste, and smell. Add some cat-friendly greens to your home. You can try catnip, grass shoots ("cat grass"), or rosemary. Most cats enjoy rubbing their face against the plants or nibbling on the leaves. Check with the Animal Poison Control Center to know which poisonous plants to avoid. If your cat vomits after eating the plants, remove the plants and call your family veterinarian for advice.
2) Visual stimulation can be achieved with viewing windows. However, you may need to keep stray or outdoor cats from view in case they trigger unwanted behavior and redirected aggression from your cats. If a window seat is not possible, you may try a DVD for cats.
3) Physical activities. Cat trees provide excellent avenues for cats to climb and view the world from above. Staged treat hunts engage cats mentally and physically. Interactive toys such as the feather wands and laser pointers (follow the warnings and precaution) are also great ways for you to spend time with your cats.
eBay has a list of 10 simple toys for your cats. Remember to always supervise your pets whenever you introduce a new toy. And be especially careful with the twine and string suggestion.
You are doing one of the best preventative health measures for your cats by keeping them indoors. Your cats' basic needs --- food and shelter (safety) --- are already met. You can up it a notch and enrich their lives with one of the above addition. Start with an easy one. Try a cat teaser (feather wand) or a laser pointer. It may bring the spark back into your older cats' eyes and entertain your younger cats (and you) for hours.
Here's Woodpecker and the laser pointer.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter Treat Hunt
We all know exercise and physical activities are important parts of any weight loss program. But try and tell that to our cats! We know a handful of clients who leash-trained their cats and actually take their cats out for walks. The rest of us have to be creative and think of ways to get our cats up and moving.
Instead of filling one food bowl, we can split the meal into two or three smaller bowls and place them in different areas. We don't have to place them all over the house or in different rooms. The bowls can be in the kitchen (if that's where we usually feed the cats) but in different corners. Be creative. The idea is to get the cats to move around instead of flopping down in front of the food bowl and stuffing their faces.
Similar techniques are used with treats. Instead of placing the treats in front of the cats, place them on the cat tree, chair, or on the other side of the room. Get the cats to go to the treats; don't bring the treats to them. Of course, this only works if the cats are treat-motivated. If they are not used to treats, place the treats in front of them and get them to eat that first before using the treats as incentives for exercise.
This Easter Sunday, we made an effort to hide some of the treats. We placed treats all over the cat area --- on the jungle cat tree, in the treat balls, on their hammocks --- and let them all "hunt" for a while. They had their own little Easter treat hunt.
We all give treats to our cats. Make a game of it. It's a great way to interact with our cats and get them moving. And it's plain fun to watch them!
This is Xander in his Easter treat hunt.
Instead of filling one food bowl, we can split the meal into two or three smaller bowls and place them in different areas. We don't have to place them all over the house or in different rooms. The bowls can be in the kitchen (if that's where we usually feed the cats) but in different corners. Be creative. The idea is to get the cats to move around instead of flopping down in front of the food bowl and stuffing their faces.
Similar techniques are used with treats. Instead of placing the treats in front of the cats, place them on the cat tree, chair, or on the other side of the room. Get the cats to go to the treats; don't bring the treats to them. Of course, this only works if the cats are treat-motivated. If they are not used to treats, place the treats in front of them and get them to eat that first before using the treats as incentives for exercise.
This Easter Sunday, we made an effort to hide some of the treats. We placed treats all over the cat area --- on the jungle cat tree, in the treat balls, on their hammocks --- and let them all "hunt" for a while. They had their own little Easter treat hunt.
We all give treats to our cats. Make a game of it. It's a great way to interact with our cats and get them moving. And it's plain fun to watch them!
This is Xander in his Easter treat hunt.
Monday, March 17, 2008
One Year Later .... Pet Food Recall
This past weekend marked the one year anniversary of what turned into the largest consumer recall in history. More than 150 brands of pet food were recalled. Research found two chemicals, melamine and cyanuric acid, were causing kidney failure in tens of thousands of pets. Sadly, it is estimated that thousands of those pets died from what became known as melamine-associated renal failure.
Profit was the motive behind this contamination. Melamine and cyanuric acid were added to plain wheat flour in China to falsely elevate the protein levels so it can be sold as more expensive, higher protein food ingredients.
Two Chinese businesses (Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development Co.,LTD. and Suzhou Textiles, Silk, Light Industrial Products, Arts, and Crafts I/E Co., LTD), their owners/presidents, an American company (ChemNutra, Inc.), and its owners were indicted last month for importing the tainted ingredients.
(Update 04/07/2008: Menu Foods announced tentative settlement of lawsuits)
Even though the FDA recently announced plans to discuss changes in regulation of pet food ingredients and labeling with representatives from the industry and veterinary medical associations, we have to accept that nothing has really changed in the past year to prevent a similar pet food recall. Congressional hearings and legislation on food safety were proposed. But ultimately, the pet food industries remain self-regulating.
We all learned how reliant we are on Chinese imports and how pervasive they are in products we use everyday. The consequences were seen in everything from lead in children’s and pet toys to toxin in toothpaste and, currently, contaminated heparin.
The 2007 Pet Food Recall re-introduced us to homemade diets and label-awareness. When faced with the empty shelves at the local pet stores, we realized how we have taken for granted the convenience and often less costly store-bought pet food. We learned the risks and price that come with the convenience and savings.
Our thoughts go out to the affected pets and the families that paid the ultimate price --- the love and companionship of a canine or feline family member.
Profit was the motive behind this contamination. Melamine and cyanuric acid were added to plain wheat flour in China to falsely elevate the protein levels so it can be sold as more expensive, higher protein food ingredients.
Two Chinese businesses (Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development Co.,LTD. and Suzhou Textiles, Silk, Light Industrial Products, Arts, and Crafts I/E Co., LTD), their owners/presidents, an American company (ChemNutra, Inc.), and its owners were indicted last month for importing the tainted ingredients.
(Update 04/07/2008: Menu Foods announced tentative settlement of lawsuits)
Even though the FDA recently announced plans to discuss changes in regulation of pet food ingredients and labeling with representatives from the industry and veterinary medical associations, we have to accept that nothing has really changed in the past year to prevent a similar pet food recall. Congressional hearings and legislation on food safety were proposed. But ultimately, the pet food industries remain self-regulating.
We all learned how reliant we are on Chinese imports and how pervasive they are in products we use everyday. The consequences were seen in everything from lead in children’s and pet toys to toxin in toothpaste and, currently, contaminated heparin.
The 2007 Pet Food Recall re-introduced us to homemade diets and label-awareness. When faced with the empty shelves at the local pet stores, we realized how we have taken for granted the convenience and often less costly store-bought pet food. We learned the risks and price that come with the convenience and savings.
Our thoughts go out to the affected pets and the families that paid the ultimate price --- the love and companionship of a canine or feline family member.
Monday, March 10, 2008
A Cup Is Not Always A Cup
(part of the Healthy Weight, Healthy Pet series)
There are medical conditions that can lead to weight gain in pets. However, most otherwise healthy pets are overweight due to excessive calories intake and/or lack of exercise and physical activities.
If your pet is eating a well balanced premium pet diet with no other problems (i.e. good healthy coat, no intestinal issues), you don’t necessarily have to switch diets. Before you rush out to buy a weight loss or light diet, take a look at how much your pet is eating. Getting your pet to a better weight may be as simple as cutting back on the meal portions to the recommended daily amounts.
We are so used to large portions in our own diet that many of us don’t recognize what a cup of food looks like.
A cup can mean different things to different people --- from a 4 oz water cooler cup to a 10 oz party cup to a 16 oz mug.
Use a measuring cup to get an idea of how much is in the cup or scoop you are currently using.
Once you figure out how much food is in those cups and scoops, you can continue to use them.
Compare the amount of food your pet is eating to the recommended amount on the food packaging for your pet’s weight. If your pet is obese, not just overweight, check with your family veterinarian for advice. You may need to use your pet’s ideal weight, not the current weight, to determine the recommended allowance.
If you are feeding more than recommended, you can gradually cut back. For example, Elaine is overweight at 54 pounds and I am feeding her 2 cups of dry food twice daily. If the recommended amount is 3 cups per day, I can cut her back to 2 cups in the morning and 1+1/2 cup in the evening for several days then go to 1+1/2 cups twice daily thereafter.
If your pet is eating the recommended amount or more but he/she is losing weight, consult with your family veterinarian. There may not be anything serious, but weight loss in face of a good appetite usually requires veterinary attention, not just diet changes.
If your otherwise healthy pet is eating less than the recommended amount but is still overweight, do one or more of the following:
- Gradually switch over to one of the over-the-counter weight loss diet (and stick to the recommended amount).
- Evaluate other sources of calories besides meals i.e. table scraps and treats.
- Look at your pet’s exercise or physical activity level. Can that be improved?
- Consult with your family veterinarian.
Most diets are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of pets based on the recommended amounts on the packaging. Feeding your pets less of the same diet may not be the best weight loss plan if that means feeding too far below the recommended amounts. Over time, this practice may lead to nutritional deficiencies. For those pets, your family veterinarian will be able to recommend diets specifically formulated to meet your pet’s weight loss needs.
As with any changes, whether it is diet or medical treatment, monitor your pet’s response. Some pets may need more frequent weight checks but most will be fine with monthly to every 3 months.
Even though the answer to your pet’s excess weight problem may be as simple as feeding the recommended amount or switching to a weight loss diet, you should still discuss the diet with your family veterinarian. The family veterinarian will be able to help you monitor progress as well as detect any problems that may surface as your pet’s weight changes.
There are medical conditions that can lead to weight gain in pets. However, most otherwise healthy pets are overweight due to excessive calories intake and/or lack of exercise and physical activities.
If your pet is eating a well balanced premium pet diet with no other problems (i.e. good healthy coat, no intestinal issues), you don’t necessarily have to switch diets. Before you rush out to buy a weight loss or light diet, take a look at how much your pet is eating. Getting your pet to a better weight may be as simple as cutting back on the meal portions to the recommended daily amounts.
We are so used to large portions in our own diet that many of us don’t recognize what a cup of food looks like.
A cup can mean different things to different people --- from a 4 oz water cooler cup to a 10 oz party cup to a 16 oz mug.
Use a measuring cup to get an idea of how much is in the cup or scoop you are currently using.
Once you figure out how much food is in those cups and scoops, you can continue to use them.
Compare the amount of food your pet is eating to the recommended amount on the food packaging for your pet’s weight. If your pet is obese, not just overweight, check with your family veterinarian for advice. You may need to use your pet’s ideal weight, not the current weight, to determine the recommended allowance.
If you are feeding more than recommended, you can gradually cut back. For example, Elaine is overweight at 54 pounds and I am feeding her 2 cups of dry food twice daily. If the recommended amount is 3 cups per day, I can cut her back to 2 cups in the morning and 1+1/2 cup in the evening for several days then go to 1+1/2 cups twice daily thereafter.
If your pet is eating the recommended amount or more but he/she is losing weight, consult with your family veterinarian. There may not be anything serious, but weight loss in face of a good appetite usually requires veterinary attention, not just diet changes.
If your otherwise healthy pet is eating less than the recommended amount but is still overweight, do one or more of the following:
- Gradually switch over to one of the over-the-counter weight loss diet (and stick to the recommended amount).
- Evaluate other sources of calories besides meals i.e. table scraps and treats.
- Look at your pet’s exercise or physical activity level. Can that be improved?
- Consult with your family veterinarian.
Most diets are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of pets based on the recommended amounts on the packaging. Feeding your pets less of the same diet may not be the best weight loss plan if that means feeding too far below the recommended amounts. Over time, this practice may lead to nutritional deficiencies. For those pets, your family veterinarian will be able to recommend diets specifically formulated to meet your pet’s weight loss needs.
As with any changes, whether it is diet or medical treatment, monitor your pet’s response. Some pets may need more frequent weight checks but most will be fine with monthly to every 3 months.
Even though the answer to your pet’s excess weight problem may be as simple as feeding the recommended amount or switching to a weight loss diet, you should still discuss the diet with your family veterinarian. The family veterinarian will be able to help you monitor progress as well as detect any problems that may surface as your pet’s weight changes.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Wake Up Cat
A client came in today, mentioned how his cat woke him up, demanding to be fed. Every time I hear this I'm reminded of this video...
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