Jacobson Veterinary Clinic

What's a good exercise routine for my dog?

There are many ways to exercise your dog, but the key is to start him out slowly and then steadily increase the length and intensity of his workouts. It is the same philosophy as with humans. Too much too fast will cause soreness and could even damage weak ligaments.

Walking is still one of the best exercises. A medium-sized dog should be walked about one and one-half to two miles a day. Some dogs also love to run, but I would recommend a two or three week walking routine before working up to short jogs. Use your own judgment as to when your dog has had enough by how he acts the following day. If he is getting stiff, or is slow to rise, you should slow things down a bit.

Games that dogs love to play also provide good exercise. Fetching thrown objects, or playing hide-and-seek when two or more people are present, are excellent diversions for dogs. We don't recommend tug-of-war because it can cause damage to your dog's teeth, and tends to increase aggressive tendencies.

Other means of exercise include agility training, doggy play-groups, and obedience classes. Most dogs enjoy these activities because it works their mind as well as their body. If you search out a play-group, try to find one that has dogs of similar ages and carefully "test" them together on leashes first. Sometimes play can get out of hand and escalate into a fight.

If you have any questions about your dog's health and its ability to exercise safely, consult your regular veterinarian. A veterinary examination will reveal if an underlying heart condition or other problem exists that could make exercise dangerous.

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Could asthma cause a dog to cough and choke?

There are many reasons why your dog could be potentially coughing or choking. Dogs can get asthma, but it is not one of the more common causes of coughing and choking in dogs.

Dogs can develop a cough for a number of reasons. Serious heart and lung abnormalities, such as congestive heart failure or tumors, allergies, a collapsing trachea, a reverse sneeze, and many other conditions cause coughing and choking.

Dogs with problems involving the heart and lungs will cough due either to physical pressure on the trachea or large airways or because there is inflammation or fluid in the lungs.

A collapsing trachea can cause coughing. A trachea that is not as strong as it should be will collapse with breathing, especially when the dog is excited or exercising.

A reverse sneeze is a frequent cause of coughing in dogs. A reverse sneeze results from irritation to the nasopharynx. This irritation causes the loud inspiratory and expiratory snorts that prompt the owner to take the dog to the veterinarian. The nasopharynx can be thought of as the part of the throat just above the soft palate. The soft palate is a soft, fleshy tissue-extension off the hard palate, or roof of the mouth. This condition is typically harmless and only lasts for less than a minute or so. The dog is then completely normal again.

Because there are many potential causes of coughing and choking, it is necessary to have a veterinarian examine your dog. You need to take your dog to your veterinarian for a complete physical examination. The doctor will listen to and palpate the trachea, or windpipe, lungs, heart, and abdomen. Sometimes it is necessary for your veterinarian to take x-rays of the chest and neck. Bloodwork is often needed to check for infections or other systemic diseases.

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How can I tell if my pet has a fever?

The normal body temperature of a cat or dog at rest is 99 to 101ºF. If your pet is acting sluggish or depressed, is reluctant to eat or move around, is panting or breathing rapidly, or feels warm to the touch, it is exhibiting symptoms of a fever. The most accurate method of determining whether an animal has a fever is to use a rectal thermometer.
As with taking the temperature of an infant, the thermometer should be shaken, lubricated with petroleum jelly, and inserted about one-and-a-half inches into the rectum. It is helpful to have someone hold and distract your pet while its temperature is being taken.

If the reading is above 102.5ºF, you should contact your veterinarian. A temperature of 105ºF or more will require an emergency visit to a veterinarian. If the pet holds a temperature above 106ºF for very long, it could suffer serious adverse effects, including permanent brain damage and death.

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Why does my dog frequently lick his paws and limbs?

There are several possible reasons that dogs excessively lick or bite their paws and limbs. Allergies, arthritis pain, neoplasia (growths) and even boredom are some of the more common causes. These lesions can vary in their severity depending on the cause and how persistent the dog is about licking them.

It would be a good idea to have your veterinarian examine your dog to determine the underlying cause for the licking and to offer treatment options. He or she may perform some tests, including bloodwork and possibly radiographs (x-rays) to help diagnose the underlying condition.

It may be that your dog is itchy because of allergies. Allergens are substances that cause an allergic reaction in affected animals. While it is possible that your pet is simply being fastidious when he comes in the house, the more likely explanation is that he is being exposed to allergens on his trips outside. Dogs, like people, may be affected by pollen and other airborne allergens. Unlike people, however, inhalant allergy symptoms in dogs more commonly include itching, hair loss, ear infections, dermatitis (skin inflammation or irritation) and other skin problems. Dogs do not tend to get runny eyes and sneezing episodes as much as human allergy sufferers. Depending on where you live, your pet's worst allergy time may vary seasonally.

Inhalant allergies, or atopy, can sometimes be managed simply by reducing the exposure to the allergens and with the use of antihistamine or other allergy medication and special shampoos. In severe cases, it may be better to have your pet tested for specific allergies and treated, if necessary, with allergy shots, which are essentially vaccinations against the allergens. This approach can greatly reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medications that may produce unwanted side effects. Veterinary dermatologists are specially trained to conduct allergy testing and to formulate an appropriate allergy serum.

Hypersensitivity or adverse reaction to food components is a possible cause of itchy feet and extremities that results in licking and chewing. Patients develop allergies to inhaled or ingested allergens over time, usually after months or years of continuous exposure. While atopy is often a seasonal problem, adverse reactions to food are usually year-round.

To prevent your dog from licking his feet and limbs, you may want to put an Elizabethan collar on him or even try using a long-sleeve tee shirt while treatment is ongoing. If your dog continues to lick or bite himself, he is at risk of developing acral lick dermatitis, which is a skin condition that may become infected.

Please take your dog to the veterinarian to find the root of the problem.

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How can carsickness in a dog be treated?

Dogs may get carsick for two reasons: motion sickness and car-related anxiety. Motion sickness occurs when the moving vehicle causes excessive and continuous stimulation of the vestibular (balancing) system of the inner ear, which transmits signals to the flocculonodular lobe (part of the cerebellum) of the brain. This stimulation in turn activates the vomiting center of the dog's brain. Anxiety-induced carsickness is caused when the affected dog becomes fearful of some aspect of travelling in a car.

Many veterinarians believe that carsickness in animals is more often due to anxiety (nervous or anxious behavior) than to the motion of the vehicle. This is the opposite circumstance to that of humans; most carsickness in people results from vehicular motion rather than anxiety. Although Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) or Antivert (meclizine) can be used safely in dogs, these drugs may not be effective in preventing anxiety-induced carsickness.

Most cases of carsick dogs can be resolved using behavioral modification techniques. Ideally efforts to "desensitize" dogs to car travel-related sickness should begin when they are puppies. Taking a puppy on numerous car trips of short duration may help. Generally the puppy should not have eaten within an hour or two of the trip at first. As travel anxiety abates, this restriction may be relaxed. Gradually, longer trips can be added until the dog is relatively free of car travel-related anxiety.

I recommend that you discuss options for decreasing carsickness with your veterinarian. He or she will know your pet's temperament best and be able to make an appropriate recommendation. Your veterinarian may prescribe a mild sedative and recommend additional conditioning techniques. The doctor will also examine your dog to make certain that there are no physical ailments, such as an inner ear problem, neurological disorder, metabolic disease, or toxin exposure, contributing to your dog's symptoms.

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How can I remove ticks from my dog and cat without harming the pets?

Animals easily pick up ticks in their fur from the outdoors. Ticks will attach themselves to the skin for several days, until they are full of blood sucked from their host. During this period, they can transmit serious diseases to cats and dogs and should be removed as soon as they are detected on the animal. Some diseases can be prevented by early tick removal, since the transfer of the infectious agent can take up to 72 hours.

Ticks should be removed with tweezers applied to the portion of the tick's head closest to the skin. Pull gently and with steady pressure. Examine the tick to be sure the entire head was removed. Afterwards, the bite wound should be cleaned with antibacterial soap and rinsed well.

Several options are currently available to prevent ticks from attaching themselves to your pet, and to kill the ones that do. Frontline® is a safe and effective topical flea and tick control product that is applied to the animal's skin once a month. A Preventic® tick collar, although not a flea deterrent, is an effective method of preventing and killing ticks for up to three months. There are many shampoos, dips, and sprays that can be used to kill ticks in certain animals. However, kittens, puppies, and some adult cats can be sensitive to these products. Consult your veterinarian about which products are appropriate for your pets.

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We're having a baby in three months. How can we help our dog accept the new addition to our family?

It is much better to give thought to this question now than to wait until after your baby is born. You have allowed yourselves some time to become educated and to train your dog to interact with the new family member.

Get at least two training books dealing specifically with children and dogs. There is a large amount of information available on how to make this transition as pleasant and stress-free as possible.

In addition, if your dog has not already completed a basic training course, we recommend enrolling it in one now. For the best chances of success, you and the other family members need to have complete control of your dog.
You should also carefully assess how your dog reacts to children of different ages. There are some dogs that do not tolerate children well, and they can be very difficult and dangerous to deal with. In extreme cases, it may be in the best interest of both your dog and baby to place the animal in a home that has no children.

The most important thing that you should remember is that you should NEVER leave your baby and your dog alone together, under any circumstances. Accidents happen, even with dogs that have shown no previous signs of aggression. Take the few seconds that it takes to put the dog in a crate or some other secure place. Do not risk your child being bitten or even killed by any dog, including your own. We hate to be so grim, but there are many sad stories of this very thing happening when it could have been prevented.

Other Preparation Tips:
· Try to establish a workable feeding and exercise routine before the baby arrives.
· Do not lavish your dog with extra attention that it will miss after the baby is born.
· Allow the dog to explore the nursery and become familiar with the new items there. Train your dog to recognize that baby items are not dog toys. This may take some practice, since many baby toys look similar to dog toys.
· Have someone bring home from the hospital a baby blanket with the baby's scent on it. This will allow the dog to become familiar with the baby's odor before it arrives.
· Make the first meeting between animal and child no big deal, with little fan fare. Once you and the baby are calm and settled, let your dog come over to investigate. Do not force a dog to interact with the new "intruder." Praise the dog calmly when it is near the baby.
· Did you know that barking is less startling to a baby that has been exposed while in utero to the regular barking of a dog?

These are just a few suggestions but there is a lifetime of monitoring and training that you will need to do. If you are having any fears or trouble, you should contact a professional trainer immediately.

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I think my dog has cataracts. Can this condition be treated?

You should have a veterinarian perform a complete physical exam and an ophthalmology exam to evaluate her eyes. Your veterinarian will determine if she has cataracts, or a condition that occurs normally in older dogs called nuclear sclerosis.

Nuclear sclerosis, a change in the lens of each eye associated with aging, can look like a cataract to the non-veterinarian. However, it is a different condition. With nuclear sclerosis, both eyes have a hazy, grayish-blue color, especially in certain lights. This occurs generally in dogs over six years of age. It results from an increase in the density and size of the lens as the dog ages. This condition does not cause a dog to go blind. No treatment is necessary.

A cataract is an opacity, or whitening, of the lens of the eye. Depending on the stage of the cataract, this can cause partial or complete blindness in the affected eye. There are many different reasons why dogs develop cataracts, including medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus or previous trauma.

If your veterinarian diagnoses cataracts, then surgery can be performed to remove the affected lens. Surgery is best performed as soon as possible, and should be done by a veterinary ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is specially trained in performing eye surgery and can address post-operative complications that may arise, as well as provide optimal after-care. Generally, one eye is surgically corrected at a time.

If you think that your dog may have cataracts or a problem with its vision, then see your veterinarian immediately.

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How can I tell if my dog has an ear infection?

An ear infection is a common ailment in dogs, especially if they have skin conditions or allergies. Most owners will not pick up on the symptoms of an ear infection until the dog's symptoms are severe. The earlier an infection is detected and treated, the faster the dog will recover, and the less pain and discomfort it will have to endure.

It is recommended that you thoroughly check your companion on a regular basis. This good habit will allow you to detect problems sooner and will teach your dog to cooperate during an examination. It will be much easier to treat your pet for an illness if it has already become accustomed to having you touch various parts of its body.

To evaluate the ears, you should look at how your dog holds its head. Is it holding its head normally, or is it tilting it slightly to one side? Are both of the ears being held in the same position, or is one drooping more than the other? Is the dog scratching its ears more than usual? The best test is to lift the earflap and smell. If you detect a foul odor, chances are that an ear infection is present or is about to occur. If the infection is severe, you may even be able to see redness within the ear canal, as well as infective debris draining from the ear. Infected ears are extremely painful, so be gentle when checking them. You can tie a tube sock around your dog's muzzle to discourage biting, but do not put yourself in danger if your dog is showing its teeth.

If you detect any abnormalities, or your dog won't allow you to examine its ears, you should schedule the first available veterinary appointment. The veterinarian will determine the best course of action based on your dog's level of pain and the stage of the disease.

After the acute stage of an ear infection is controlled, it is important to properly clean your dog's ears. An experienced animal health provider can teach you how to do this. Regular ear cleanings may prevent ear infections from occurring in the future. This is especially necessary if your dog swims a great deal, since excessive moisture in the ear can lead to infection.

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Is a vaccination reaction normal in dogs?

It is not uncommon for puppies, especially small breed dogs, to have a mild reaction to their vaccinations. This reaction means that the puppy feels like it has the flu and wants to sleep. Many puppies will sleep for 24 hours after a vaccination and just feel bad. They should be breathing normally, and have no evidence of itchy eyes, hives, or a rash.

You definitely need to contact your veterinarian and let the doctor know what clinical signs your puppy is having so that the doctor can determine if your puppy needs to be seen immediately or not. Your veterinarian will also document the vaccine reaction in your animal's health record.

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How can I prevent my cat from vomiting hair-balls?

Hairballs are a common problem in cats that groom themselves frequently, as well as in those that have long hair. When a cat grooms itself, it swallows hair, and over time the hair can accumulate within the stomach. Eventually, the hair causes enough irritation to the stomach that the cat will vomit it up.

Owners may opt to use hairball remedies such as Laxatone, which contain ingredients such as petroleum jelly that help bind the hair in the stomach and move it into the intestines and passed in the feces. A cat treated with such a remedy will defecate the hairball instead of vomiting it.

Laxatone treatment initially is given daily for about a week, and then every couple of days thereafter for maintenance. Some cats need treatment only every few weeks to keep hair from accumulating. For those cats that reject Laxatone, there are now hairball diets and treats available that claim to decrease problems with hairballs. If a cat continues to vomit, have it examined by a veterinarian to be sure that the vomiting truly is caused by hairballs and not by an underlying disease. Cats that swallow string or toys may also vomit, but the ingesting of foreign objects is a more serious condition that requires veterinary attention.

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Is it okay to give aspirin to a cat?

Giving cats aspirin can be very dangerous if it is not given correctly and under veterinary supervision. This is especially true for older cats.

Aspirin can be used in cats, but they must be healthy and a veterinarian needs to determine if there are any other medical problems in a cat patient before aspirin is administered. This determination is made based on the findings of a physical examination and blood tests. Of particular concern is the functional status of the liver, kidneys and thyroid gland. Aspirin should be used cautiously in cats with functional deficiencies of these organs. Since aspirin can irritate the stomach and affect platelet function, cats with bleeding gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding disorders should not be given it. Some cats may be allergic to aspirin; its use is precluded in these cats as well.

Aspirin is used in cats in the treatment of cardiomyopathy, arthritis, pain, and fever. The dose is based on the cat's weight and the condition being treated, and is determined by the veterinarian. Some conditions, such as hypoalbuminemia, will require a reduction in dose.

Veterinarians will need to see cat patients on aspirin frequently to monitor for toxicity.

Cats, unlike most other species, are relatively deficient in glucuronyl transferase, a liver enzyme involved in the metabolism of aspirin. As a result, aspirin can accumulate in the body to a toxic level. The signs of aspirin toxicity may include vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, fever, and rapid breathing. If aspirin toxicity is not recognized early it can result in fluid build up in the lungs and brain, incoordination, muscle weakness, and seizures. Severe toxicity can cause coma and death.

Please consult your veterinarian. After the doctor determines that there are no medical reasons for not giving your cat aspirin, he or she will calculate the safest dose and instruct you how to give it to your cat. When aspirin is given to cats, it is given every other day.

Incidentally, NEVER give cats acetaminophen (Tylenol), as it will kill them very quickly.

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I think my dog has excessive thirst. How can I tell?

If your dog is drinking a large amount of water, but not urinating frequently, then the excessive intake may be only a perceived problem. The average water intake and urine output for normal dogs is about 30mls/pound/24 hours, which is about one ounce/pound/day or 100 ounces (approximately 12 cups/day) for your 100-pound dog. To find out if the water consumption is indeed excessive, you will need to determine your dog's daily average water consumption.

Concurrently, your veterinarian may assess the urine produced with a urinalysis. The concentration of the urine will reflect directly and indirectly the water intake. If your dog makes concentrated or moderately concentrated urine, then your pet's water consumption reflects what his needs are. Dogs eating dry food or living in a heated environment may have increased water requirements that are not pathologic.

If the urine is poorly concentrated, and if the dog is drinking significantly more than the calculated amount, then your veterinarian will need to assess whether the increased thirst is organic or behavioral in origin. Kidney failure, liver disease, and some endocrine disorders often cause increased thirst. Kidney failure is very common in older dogs; usually the first signs are increased thirst and urination. Increased thirst can also be behavioral, secondary to attention seeking, boredom, pain or unknown causes.

Please discuss this with your veterinarian; provide him or her with the information on how much water your dog drinks daily.

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Why should I neuter my cat?

Most people are aware that there are too many cats in the world, but some still fail to have their cat neutered. A male cat can impregnate numerous female cats, while female cats can give birth to multiple litters in one season.
There are also various medical reasons why cats should be neutered. Intact female cats run an increased risk of certain mammary tumors, uterine infections, and uterine and ovarian cancers. Intact male cats, or toms, are more likely to mark their territory by spraying urine in places that include the inside of your house. Most people find the strong odor of tomcat urine almost unbearable, and it is virtually impossible to get it out of carpets and furniture.
Cats that are neutered are likely to roam less, and hence have a decreased risk of being hit by a car, getting into cat fights that can transmit fatal viral infections, and being a nuisance to the neighborhood. A neutered cat, male or female, is likely to live a longer and healthier life, especially if it is kept indoors.

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What is a "hot spot" in a dog?

A "hot spot," or acute moist dermatitis, is an acute, painful, erosive, inflammatory condition of the skin. It results when a dog repeatedly bites or scratches a specific area of its skin or ears. An underlying problem that produces itching or pain usually prompts this self-induced trauma. The hot spot will have a reddish border surrounding a central area of crusty, eroded or ulcerated skin. Hot spots are moist and tend to drain. They often are infected, usually with Staphylococcus intermedius, a bacterium similar to a type that causes boils in people. Small pockets of pus may appear to migrate out from the middle of the hot spot. Hair loss will occur in the affected area. Hot spots tend to occur in dogs living in hot, humid environments and in homes or facilities with poor ventilation. Large breeds are more likely to develop hot spots than smaller dog breeds.

There are many different conditions that may cause a dog to engage in this biting and scratching behavior. The most common cause is fleabite allergy. When a dog becomes sensitive to flea saliva, a fleabite will cause intense, persistent itching. Other allergies, including inhalation (atopy) and food allergies, may also cause scratching and biting that leads to the development of hot spots. Other conditions that may stimulate self trauma include inflammatory conditions of the skin, ears or anal sacs, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections, and joint or muscle pain. Canine behavioral disorders may cause this as well.

Diagnosis of acute moist dermatitis is based on history, clinical signs of biting and scratching and the findings of a physical examination. Diagnosis of the underlying cause may require laboratory tests. These may include various skin tests for allergies, fleas and other parasites, fungal and yeast infections, or bacterial culture and susceptibility. Occasionally a skin biopsy may be necessary.

Treatment is directed both at the hot spot and the underlying cause of the biting or scratching.

An Elizabethan collar may be used to mechanically bar biting and scratching of the affected areas. Treatment for hot spots starts with clipping the moist hair to expose the lesion to the air. Clipping is a very important factor in treating these lesions, as they need to dry out in order to heal. Topical or oral medications, including corticosteroids (for their anti-inflammatory effect), antibiotics, and anti-pruritics (anti-itching drugs) may be given to help resolve the hot spot. Occasionally injectable forms of these medications are given. Drying agents may also be appropriate.

The underlying cause of the affected dog's biting and scratching is treated accordingly. If fleas or other parasites are involved, parasiticides are given and other control measures are taken. If allergies are causing the itching, antihistamines may be prescribed, as well as allergy shots if the allergen (the substance causing the allergic reaction) cannot be avoided. If pain due to arthritis or other conditions is involved, appropriate analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed.

You should take your dog to your veterinarian for a physical examination. First your veterinarian will make sure that the problem your dog has is a hot spot. Then he or she will determine the underlying cause of your dog's biting and scratching and recommend treatment. Your veterinarian may give you topical medications to help dry the lesion out and decrease the itch. Injections of steroids or oral steroid medications are often used for the acute flare-ups, but long-term control may be better achieved by successfully treating the underlying disorder.

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My dog eats feces every time he goes outside. Is this unhealthy?

Coprophagy, or eating feces, is an unpleasant but common behavior of dogs. Unfortunately, dogs can become infected with intestinal parasites by ingesting excrement, which may contain microscopic parasitic eggs. Since your pet has been eating feces, it is very important that your veterinarian evaluate a stool sample to look for infection.
There are several proposed causes for coprophagy. Boredom is one of them; the behavior is more prevalent in dogs that are crated for long periods of time without stimulation. In addition, dogs may eat their own waste as a way of "hiding the evidence" if they receive punishment for inappropriate defecation. Uncommonly, there are also some underlying medical conditions that are thought to be associated with coprophagy, such as a poor diet that is lacking in essential nutrients or vitamins. The problem also may be caused by a pancreatic enzyme deficiency.

Some behavioral experts feel that coprophagia may be related to a dog's instinctual nature to scavenge for food. It is also possible that dogs eat their feces as a way of playing, learning, and sampling their environment.

Treatment of this problem can be challenging. The first step is to keep the area where the dog voids meticulously clean. This often means following the dog and immediately cleaning up the stool.

In addition, covering the stool with an ingredient that the dog dislikes may be helpful. Compounds such as red pepper sauce or bitter-tasting substances, which are available in pet stores, may discourage dogs from eating feces. You can also try sprinkling dog food with Accent meat tenderizer or MSG-monosodium glutamate-since these products may help discourage the eating of stool.

Try to deter your dog from this behavior early on, before it becomes a habit that is difficult to control.

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What normal maintenance care does my cat need?

All kittens should go through examinations, deworming, multiple vaccinations, and neutering. After these are completed, your trips to the veterinarian will be much less frequent. Most healthy adult cats need to visit the veterinarian only once a year.

Vaccinations are continued throughout a cat's life. Most vaccinations are given once a year, although a rabies shot may be given as little as every three years based on the laws in your region. Outdoor cats are at a higher risk of contracting a fatal feline virus, and so require more vaccinations than those that stay indoors. We recommend that you keep your cat inside.

It is a good idea to have a sample of your cat's feces evaluated for parasites at least every one to two years. Outdoor cats are at increased risk of being exposed to parasites and should probably have this test done twice a year.

Heartworm medication is recommended to prevent heartworm infections in indoor and outdoor cats. Since mosquitoes can get inside the house, indoor cats are at risk of heartworm infection. This flavored medication is given once a month and is available from your veterinarian.

Monitor your cat's skin and haircoat for any signs of parasites or hair loss. Fleas and ticks not only are nuisances for cats that go outside, but also may cause diseases in your pet. Contact your veterinarian for safe and effective treatment and prevention products.

Routine brushing significantly reduces the incidence of hairballs and provides bonding time between you and your cat. This is especially important for heavy shedders, longhaired cats, and geriatric animals that may have trouble grooming themselves. A hairball remedy or treat may be used to help ingested fur move through the digestive tract and reduce the number of hairballs your cat vomits.

Maintain that perfect pedicure. Cats should have their toenails trimmed periodically to keep them from damaging your house, furniture, and skin. If this practice is started at a young age, the cat will tolerate it more easily throughout its life. Have an experienced person help you the first few times that you attempt to trim your cat's toenails.
Feel like brushing your cat's teeth? Some cats will tolerate brushing if it is started gradually and made a pleasant experience. Veterinary toothpaste must be used to prevent stomach upset. Most of these toothpastes are available in a chicken or tuna flavor that cats find appealing. Consult your veterinarian about brushing techniques and supplies.
Feed your cat a good quality adult maintenance cat food. It is not necessary to feed canned or semi-soft food or to provide a variety of food types, as feeding variation can lead to the creation of a finicky eater, not to mention stomach upset or diarrhea from abrupt changes in the diet. Dry kibble may help keep your cat's teeth and gums in better condition.

Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water daily. Some cats do not like to drink standing water. Drinking fountains, which have become widely available, may be a better idea for these felines.

Scoop the cat litter daily. Most cats are very picky about bathroom facilities, including the brand of litter that you use. Once you find a brand that you both find acceptable, stick with it for the long haul. This will cut down on the possibility of "mistakes" that you could find around the house.

Finally, be sure to give your cat plenty of tender loving attention and play time. Playing games will help keep that indoor cat from becoming overweight. Plus, those fun times together are what build a strong bond between pet and owner.

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Why does my indoor pet need vaccinations?

Although your pet may have a low risk of getting diseases from other animals, vaccinations are important because infection is always a possibility. Some viruses can linger in the environment for some time, long after the animals that deposited them have passed. And some viruses, such as parvo, are severe enough to cause death.

We feel that we cannot emphasize enough the importance of having your pet regularly vaccinated against rabies. Rabies is a fatal virus-not only in many pets, but also in other mammals, including humans. Consequently, rabies vaccination is required by law in all of the United States. Rabid animals act very strangely, lose their fear of humans and other animals, and could approach you and your pet even in the middle of the day. Further, bats are known to get inside houses accidentally, and could spread rabies indoors. If your pet is not current on its rabies shot, and it bites or nips a human being, your regional health department could require the euthanasia to test your pet for rabies. The cost of a rabies vaccination is very cheap, especially when compared with the heartache that could be encountered if it is not done.

The decision to vaccinate against other contagious diseases is one that each owner has to make on a case-by-case basis. Because not all pets have the same risk of exposure to certain diseases, not all pets need the same vaccinations. Certain vaccines, such as that for feline leukemia, are recommended only if a cat is spending time outdoors, where it could be involved in a fight. Your veterinarian will make a recommendation depending on your pet's individual situation. But as a general rule, it is much easier and safer to prevent contagious illnesses than it is to treat them.

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Does my indoor pet really need a collar with identification?

Yes! It is common for an otherwise indoor animal to escape outside and run away in fear. Therefore, all indoor animals should have a collar or some other type of identification on at all times. Identification information should include the animal's name and the owner's home phone number and address. This information can lead to the quick return of your pet.

Collars are not the only means of providing an animal with identification. Microchipping, which involves placing a tiny chip under the skin between the shoulder blades, is becoming quite popular. When a lost animal is picked up or brought into a veterinary hospital, humane society, or animal shelter, a scanner is used to detect the presence of a microchip; the identification information contained within the chip will appear on the scanner's screen. These microchips can be placed by your veterinarian, and are a great way of permanently identifying an animal. A collar is still recommended, however, in case the pet is found by someone who does not have access to a scanner.

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My dog was vaccinated as a puppy. Does he need ongoing vaccinations?

Every puppy that was properly vaccinated needs a yearly vaccine booster for DHLP-P, and, depending on the state laws, a rabies vaccine either yearly or every two to three years. DHLP-P is a multi vaccine that combines protection from several viruses into one.

Most vaccines need to be repeated on a yearly basis because the immunity that the vaccine stimulates declines over time. A vaccine usually contains altered viral antigen that stimulates the dog's immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. The viral antigen is altered in the vaccine so that it does not cause the actual disease, but it stimulates the immune system to develop defenses against the virus in case of exposure to the disease at a later time.
Some typical ongoing vaccinations for dogs include the following:

1. DA2LP-P vaccine- this contains a combination of Distemper, Adenovirus- type 2 that causes Infectious Canine Hepatitis (liver disease), Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.
2. Rabies vaccine - every year to three years depending on the state laws.
3. Lyme vaccine - usually given yearly, this vaccine is recommended for dogs at high risk of tick exposure. Deer ticks or "hard ticks" can transmit bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which cause Lyme disease. There is some controversy as to the use and effectiveness of this vaccine. Consult with your veterinarian about vaccinating your dog for Lyme disease.
4. Coronavirus - this is given to dogs at risk of developing coronavirus and is used when owners want all possible protection against viral diarrhea.
5. Bordetella vaccine - This vaccine is either given intranasally (drops into the nose) or as an injection under the skin. The intranasal form has been found to provide better immunity. The vaccine helps protect against infectious tracheobronchitis, or kennel cough.

Consult with your veterinarian about your dog's risk and need for vaccines such as the Lyme, coronavirus, and Bordetella vaccines. The DA2LP-P and Rabies vaccines need to be repeated in all dogs and usually are not optional.

Although some breeders opt to give vaccines themselves, veterinarians do not advocate unlicensed individuals vaccinating animals. Nevertheless, if you are giving vaccines, please be sure that you know how to do so properly. If vaccines are given accidentally into a blood vessel, there can be a severe shock reaction and the dog can die. Also, if vaccines are left out on the shipping dock, not properly refrigerated, or not given correctly, the dog will be inadequately protected from potentially life threatening diseases.

Remember that vaccines are not the entire reason that an animal needs to go the veterinarian annually. A physical exam is critical, because this allows the veterinarian to detect any problems or diseases before it is too late to do anything about them.

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How can I stop my cat from defecating outside the litter box?

Unfortunately, this is one of the most common behavioral complaints of cat owners.

There are several factors that may contribute to cats defecating inappropriately. Environmental or social stress, personal preferences or changes in personal preferences, or medical problems may cause this behavior.

Although most feline elimination disorders are behavioral, to rule out a medical problem, your veterinarian will need to do a complete physical examination, urinalysis, and a fecal exam. If your cat is middle-aged or older, then the doctor may also opt to perform bloodwork including a complete blood count and a chemistry panel. Cats with feline lower urinary tract disease or cystitis may begin to defecate and/or urinate outside the litter box.

It can be difficult to determine whether cats begin defecating outside of the box because they have developed a disliking to a certain litter, or to a location, as opposed to simply preferring to defecate in the new location.

The development of a disliking or aversion to a particular substrate or litter is much more likely than avoidance of a particular location. Cats can develop an aversion to anything from clumpable litter, to an odor, to certain noises, to extraneous smells, and many other things.

If possible, offer the affected cat a wide variety of different types of cat litter in a combination of different depths. You could try changing the litter and leaving the box in the same location. In addition, providing a second litter box in the area that has been chosen as the unwanted place to defecate may be helpful. Some cats require separate litter boxes for urination and defecation. Generally, if there are elimination problems in the house, each cat should have at least one box. And there should be at least one box per floor in multi-floored homes.

Cats typically do not develop aversions to locations, but they may if the litter box is associated with the presence of any undesirable individual such as another cat, a dog, or a child. Perhaps your cat had a bad experience while at the previous litter box. Another pet could have disturbed your cat while it was defecating, causing it to have a negative association with the box. Also, if the litter box is close to a television, alarm clock, or other noisy object, your cat may have developed an aversion to defecating there.

It is a good idea to place another litter box in a new location where your cat has begun defecating. You can use the same litter and the same box, or buy another box. If your pet begins to use the new box, then gradually move the box an inch each day until it is in a more desirable spot. If you move the litter box too quickly, however, the cat may relapse. In addition, if another pet begins tormenting the affected cat while it defecates in this new place, then the problem may begin again.

Something else to consider is the personality of your cat. Shy cats may need a covered litter box. Another idea is to place your cat's food and water in the bedroom to see if this deters him; most pets will not defecate in the same area that they eat.

You could also try a scat mat. These are sold at many pet stores, and they send a mild shock when an animal stands on them. Yet, although a scat mat may deter defecation in the bedroom, your cat may very well pick another inappropriate place.

If your cat is medically normal, and other behavioral techniques have been exhausted, your veterinarian may recommend medical treatment with anti-anxiety medications. Consult your veterinarian about this problem for more information and suggestions. Veterinary behavioral specialists may offer additional insights.

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Can my cat get heartworms?

Yes, cats can be infected by heartworms. But they do have a lesser incidence of the disease compared with dogs in the same geographical location. Female cats seem to have an even stronger resistance to heartworms than males. Unlike dogs, cats can remain asymptomatic throughout the course of the disease; eventually, heartworms in cats may die off without causing any serious harm to the lungs or other organs.

If you live in a region with a heavy heartworm incidence, it is recommended that your cat be put on heartworm prevention. This medication, called Heartgard®, is safely formulated for felines and should be given orally once a month to prevent new heartworm infections. Currently, there is no safe method for killing heartworms in cats.

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I think my pet may have fleas. How can I check?

A flea is a tiny, laterally flat and wingless insect that subsists on the blood of its host. Fleas have long legs that enable them to jump tremendous distances and they can quickly crawl through your animal's fur. Check your cat or dog frequently for fleas by brushing them over while they are standing over a white sheet or towel; flea feces-small, black flecks of digested blood-will fall off easily, indicating the presence of fleas. A flea comb with very fine teeth is helpful for removing flea debris and may remove some adult fleas if enough are present.

Most fleas congregate over the rump and tail area of the pet. If evidence of fleas is noted, the animal should also be checked for tapeworm segments, which appear as cream-colored, rice-like segments stuck in the fur around the anus or in the feces. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations concerning flea control and prevention.

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How can we rid our pets of fleas?

Fleas continue to be an important problem of animal husbandry despite the advances in flea-control products. Using conventional insecticides, one must address fleas on the pet, in the house, and in the environment, a three-pronged approach.

Dips are not safe when used often enough to be effective. Flea collars are not generally useful, and sprays must be applied regularly to have maximum kill. The yard products, such as organophosphates, should help eliminate environmental fleas. You may wish to treat the shady areas of the yard, under bushes and trees, where ultraviolet light does not penetrate, especially if the pets lie there. You did not indicate whether the animals enter the house or garage, or if they go in the car, but all areas that your pets visit must be treated, especially with growth hormone regulators. The entire environment and the pets must be treated concurrently; the clean, flea-free animals must be housed in a flea-free area while the premises are treated. After vacuuming the area rugs, be sure to throw the vacuum bag away.

Despite the apparent expense of the new, topical products such as Frontline or Advantage, these products have proved themselves highly effective in such situations. They should be safe for all members of the household. Please discuss their utility with your veterinarian. He or she will assess your situation and customize a flea-control plan for you as economically as possible.

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My dog is always scooting around the floor on his rear. What could be his problem?

Anal sac impaction is a common reason that dogs scoot. Full anal sacs cause irritation and pressure around the anus. Dogs scoot in an attempt to relieve the sensations. Your veterinarian can check your dog's anal sacs and express them, hence eliminating this as a potential problem.

Your dog should be checked for tapeworms and other intestinal parasites, as these may also cause dogs to scoot. Tapeworms commonly appear as "white rice"segments around the dog's anus or in the stool. If you have seen this, tell your veterinarian.

Other potential causes of scooting can include sensitivity to diet, flea allergy, or skin infection.
Consult with your veterinarian for a specific diagnosis.

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How do I brush my dog's teeth?

Brushing your dog's teeth, combined with professional dental cleanings by a veterinarian, is a very important part of maintaining the animal's health. A dog with healthy teeth and gums is more likely to keep its teeth for life, continue to eat hard food, and have less breath odor. In addition, dogs that have a consistent dental health regimen are less likely to develop bacterial infections of the bloodstream. Bacteria from the teeth are known to colonize the valves of the heart, causing a type of heart disease called bacterial endocarditis.

Dogs, especially the smaller breeds, actually require the same kind of care for their teeth as people do for theirs. Smaller breeds tend to acquire a tremendous amount of plaque and tartar on their teeth. This is most likely because they often do not chew on bones and other hard items that help with the mechanical breakdown of plaque and tartar, or eat soft, canned food rather than the hard varieties.

It is important to start brushing your dog's teeth as early in life as possible. Never use human toothpaste, since it contains foaming agents that can cause the dog to vomit if swallowed. Veterinary toothpaste does not contain these foaming agents, so a dog may safely swallow it. Most dogs love the taste of the veterinary toothpaste, which comes in a variety of flavors, including chicken, beef, and malt. (Most pets will try to lick it off the brush before their teeth have been cleaned!) Also available are fluoride sprays and gels that can be applied to the teeth after brushing in order to help prevent tooth decay.

There are many different types of toothbrushes designed for dogs. Some fit over the finger and are called "finger brushes," while others are very long and angled, with a wide brush head. These can be purchased from a veterinarian or a pet store. Some people use a human toothbrush with soft bristles that will not damage the gums.

Use the toothbrush on all the surfaces of your dog's teeth-especially the back molars-at least one to two times a day. You'll quickly see results in the dog's breath odor. The long-term benefits to its teeth, gums, and general health, will be rewarding to both you and your pet.

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Can giving glucosamine for long periods be harmful to dogs?
Glucosamine is a nutraceutical product that has gained a lot of popularity. This compound is available in many forms, some of which are specifically designed for veterinary use. Primarily, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are used to help diminish the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, which is the "wear and tear" type of arthritis. Although the usefulness of purified glycosaminoglycan has been documented, the efficacy of the oral combination product of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is in dispute. Additionally, the formulations for these products are not standardized, making them even more difficult to evaluate.

The chondroitin portion of the supplement increases the elasticity of cartilage and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Both glucosamine and chondroitin are required for proteoglycan synthesis. These compounds assist in the joint's recovery from the constant trauma of the osteoarthritis. Theoretically, they are given as a source of cartilage matrix precursors and to stimulate regeneration. Unfortunately, the exact mechanism of action is poorly understood. Controlled studies for the effectiveness of these compounds are lacking. In general, these products are safe and have only a minimal chance of producing toxicity or allergic reactions. Minor gastrointestinal effects of soft stool and flatulence are usually overcome by reducing he dose.

If you find that these nutraceuticals are helping to improve your dog's quality of life, discuss their use with your veterinarian to make sure that they are the best choice for her.

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Why is chocolate bad for dogs?

Chocolate contains methylxanthine alkaloids in the form of theobromine and caffeine, that cause constriction of arteries, increased heart rate, and central nervous system stimulation. These effects can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and increased urinations. More advanced symptoms of toxicity include excitability, increased respirations and heartbeat, stiffness, seizures and exaggerated reflexes.

Certain types of chocolate contain higher amounts of methylxanthines, baking chocolate containing the highest and white chocolate containing the least. Dogs freely ingest toxic amounts of chocolate if it is left accessible. A potentially lethal dose in a 16 pound. dog is only one pound of milk chocolate. People stop eating chocolate before ingesting toxic levels.

Cardiac failure, seizures, coma, and death can result if the chocolate ingestion is not found within four to six hours and treated appropriately. The length of action of the methylxanthines is usually 12 to 36 hours. In dogs that chocolate ingestion is detected early, the prognosis is good.

If your dog has gotten into chocolate, you should note the type, estimate the amount eaten, and then call your veterinarian for recommendations. You will probably need to take your dog in for examination and evaluation of heart rate. If your veterinarian is not available, you should seek emergency care. We recommend that you keep your chocolate in an unreachable location; an ounce of prevention is better than an ounce of ingestion.

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Why does my puppy hiccup?

It is completely normal for a puppy to have hiccups off and on throughout the day. Hiccups sometimes start after eating a meal, but can occur at any time and last for up to several minutes. A hiccup is defined as a non-controllable spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm, causing a beginning inspiration of air that is suddenly stopped by closure of the glottis. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. It enables the lungs to bring in air during inspiration. When the diaphragm contracts, the air is quickly drawn in, but the glottis, a part of the "voice box," suddenly cuts it off.

Puppy hiccups will come and go. Eventually puppies grow out of them.

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How do I introduce my dog to a new dog?

Because both dogs are young, this transition will be a little less stressful for you than if the dogs were older. Introducing pets that are not too set in their ways usually makes things easier. It also helps that one dog is female; female dogs tend to be more accepting of outsiders than a more dominant male.

It is helpful to try to introduce them very gradually. It would be a good idea if the dogs could meet for the first time on neutral territory. Try taking them to a park or some location that is not on either one of their "turfs." Keep the dogs on leashes and allow them to sniff each other but do not give them the opportunity to fight. This interaction will give you a starting point. If there is aggression on neutral territory it may be quite difficult to move them in together.
It will be very important for you to reinforce the dominance hierarchy once established. This means that when one dog establishes itself as the top dog and wants attention you must give it to the dominant dog and rebuff the other if it comes seeking attention. This may be hard for you to do as most people feel for the "underdog." Unfortunately, if you push the dominant dog away to pet the dog of lower status, it can cause the top dog to punish the other pet.
In most cases there will not be an altercation, but be prepared for one anyway. Keep your pets on leashes even in the house. DO NOT GET BETWEEN FIGHTING DOGS. Even if your pets love you, when they are fighting they may bite you. Use their attached leashes to separate them.

Remember that gradual introduction is the key. Do not expect them to be best friends right away; tolerance is a good thing too.

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What causes excessive salivation in dogs and cats?

Diseases of the digestive tract (especially the oral cavity, throat or esophagus), the liver and the central nervous system may produce excessive salivation. Gastrointestinal irritation or inflammation frequently stimulates the salivary glands to oversecrete. Ulcers and other erosions of the oral cavity, gum disease, stomach ulcers, and throat irritation from numerous causes are all likely to cause excessive salivation. Gingivitis and stomatitis (inflammation of the gums and oral cavity, respectively) are common problems of cats. Most affected cats will display some signs of oral pain or eating difficulty if there is significant dental or gum disease, but these signs are sometimes overlooked. Neoplasms (tumors), foreign bodies, viral upper respiratory infections, and a number of immune-mediated conditions may also cause excessive salivation. Cats with feline leukemia will experience ptyalism as well.

Cat and dog patients with liver or kidney dysfunction may salivate excessively because of metabolic toxins that are not cleared by these organs. Ptyalism is a common sign of hepatic encephalopathy associated with portosystemic shunt, a vascular abnormality involving the liver. When a cat or dog has liver failure or dysfunction, the owner will likely notice other associated behavioral changes as well. Uremia associated with kidney disease also produces excessive salivation.

Rabies and seizure disorders may cause ptyalism. Generally, any disorder that causes dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) or facial nerve palsy will cause excessive salivation.

Exposure to or ingestion of toxic or caustic substances may produce excessive amounts of saliva. Insecticides, medications, and insect and animal venom will produce ptyalism. Cats seem especially sensitive to the actions of various substances in the environment, such as plant saps and household cleaners.

Pseudoptyalism is frequently seen in large breed dogs. It may be caused by dyssymmetry or deformity of the mouth or lips, neurological problems, or swallowing disorders.

Please have your cat examined by your veterinarian. Excessive salivation may signal a potentially serious disorder.

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