Dog First Aid – Broken Bones

It’s heartbreaking to watch a dog in pain.

We want our dogs to be safe all the time but we can’t stop them from being dogs. They play rough, they explore, they run, they tumble and they sometimes have accidents.

Bones can break. Hopefully it won’t happen to your dog, but if it ever does, you'll want to get to a vet as soon as possible without risking more damage.

Causes:

• Falls;
• Accidents;
• Playing;
• Young bones;
• Calcium deficiency;
• Breeds with tiny bones;
• Inherent defects;
• Disease (cancer).

Signs or symptoms:

• Swelling;
• Bruising;
• Limping;
• Cries out in pain when moving;
• Unusual movement of limb;
• Refusal to walk;
• Whining;
• Anxiousness;
• Fear;
• Aggressive behavior when touched in a certain area.

Types of fractures:

• Hairline fracture: the bone is partially split and is considered the least damaging unless left untreated.
  
• Closed fracture: the bone is completely split in two but does not go through the skin.
  
• Open fracture: the bone is split in two and breaks through the skin.

Handling a dog with a broken limb:

If you suspect your dog has a broken limb, first off it’s a good idea to muzzle him as the pain can cause an otherwise docile dog to lash out. Do not try to manipulate or reset the bone, you can make it worse. Use a straight firm object as a splint. Tie the limb securely to it but not too tight.

If the skin is broken cover it with a gauze or towel. Do not use ointment of any kind.

If a broken back is suspected you must secure the dog on to a flat board or surface with as little movement as possible. Do not try to bend the dogs back in any way.

Transport to a vet immediately.

See Related Articles –

• Dog First Aid – DIY First Aid Kit 
• Dog First Aid – Cuts and Scrapes

Cozy Cuddlerz

Zzzzzzzz. Sleep is extremely important to humans, feeling refreshed and relaxed after a good night’s sleep.  Did you know your dog is no different? They may seem like they can get comfortable anywhere but I think they prefer a nice cozy bed to sleep in. If you’re like me, you have dog beds all over your house. Our furry friends love to sleep in any room we happen to be in.

If you are looking for a new bed for your dog, check out Cozy Cuddlerz pet beds. They have many dog beds to choose from that offer comfort, support and are filled with 100% recycled fibers. They offer wholesale pricing and have many inviting shapes to choose from to suit your dog’s sleeping preference. The large variety of designs will fit any home décor style too!

Christmas is coming so why not give your dog or the dog lover in your life the gift of good sleep! After all, every dog deserves to be cozy, comfortable and happy!

Envelope Cuddler Pet Bed



Orthopedic Couch Pet Bed

Useful Website - Natural Dog Guide

We all want to be healthy. And these days many of us are going back to basics and leading a more natural lifestyle. Our dogs deserve the same don’t they?

If you are unsure how to start your dog’s journey to a more natural health, the Natural Dog Guide can be a good resource for you. The most common topics are covered and include natural dog care and health information, natural dog food, treats and toys, green cleaning and natural training techniques.

It’s easy for you to help your dog to live a healthier lifestyle. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• use filtered water;
• avoid over vaccinating;
• feed the best diet you can afford;
• choose a good pro-biotic and digestive enzyme;
• exercise, exercise, exercise; and
• avoid toxins.

For more detailed information on each point above, visit the Top Dog Health Tips page.

Have a happier and healthier dog...naturally.

Choosing a Quality Canned Dog Food with Nature's Logic

I use canned food as part of the Ginger Sisters' rotation diet, and we were already fans of this post's sponsor, Nature's Logic, with their commitment to whole, natural foods. I was happy to spread the word about their food while discussing the benefits of a high quality canned diet. Ruby and Boca enjoyed Nature's Logic Canine Venison Feast for breakfast for the past month, and not only did they both love it, but I'm confident through my research that it is an absolutely top-notch food.

While I feed several different formats, canned dog food has some great benefits:

• high meat content
• the canning process eliminates the need for artificial preservatives
• more moisture in the diet
• can be fed alone, as a topper, or frozen in Kongs

Nature's Logic canned food is grain-free, 100% natural and contains over 90% animal ingredients, all things I keep an eye out for in choosing a canned food. It is a complete and balanced food, meaning it meets AAFCO standards and could be fed exclusively. I can say without hesitation that the Venison Feast was one of picky Ruby's favorite foods she has ever had. She spun in excited circles of anticipation at breakfast-time and licked her bowl clean. 

In looking over the ingredients in Nature's Logic canned food, I am happy with what I see:

Venison, Venison Broth, Venison Liver, Dried Egg Product, Porcine Plasma, Montmorillonite Clay, Herring Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Apple, Dried Apricot, Alfalfa Meal, Dried Artichoke, Dried Blueberry, Dried Broccoli, Dried Carrot, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Cranberry, Dried Kelp, Dried Parsley, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Rosemary, Dried Spinach, Dried Tomato, Rosemary Extract.

That's it! Everything is completely natural, recognizable, with nothing I don't understand or can't pronounce, and none of the thickeners (xanthan gum and carageenan) that are found in many canned foods and which I tend to avoid. My one very minor complaint about the food is that once refrigerated, it can be hard to get out of the can due to its very dry, dense texture. It just makes The Ginger Sisters' mouths water a little longer as they wait for breakfast to be served!

Overall, Nature's Logic has everything I look for in a canned food for my girls: meat as the first ingredient, no grains or fillers (while they are not on a strictly grain free diet, I expect their canned food to have a high protein concentrate) and preferably no gums or binders. I always like to check any food I'm considering on Dog Food Advisor, which gives Nature's Logic a five star rating. I think Boca and Ruby especially will be delighted to have the Venison Feast included in their regular rotation diet. 

This post is sponsored by Nature's Logic. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Nature's Logic pet food, but Rubicon Days only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Nature's Logic is not responsible for the content of this article.

Do you brush your dog’s teeth?

Oral health is just as important for our dogs as it is for us. Did you know that dental disease can lead to problems with your dog’s organs? And in most cases, by the time you find out its too late; the damage has been done.

We brush our own teeth on average 2 to 3 times a day. And yet many people have dogs for years and never brush their teeth. How could a dog possibly have fresh breath!

I admit I have been guilty as the rest, but have recently turned over a new leaf and have been brushing both my dog’s teeth every day for the past several months.

While you may not be able to avoid an extensive teeth cleaning at your vet’s office all together throughout your dog’s life, you can certainly prolong the need for it. And you will be contributing to your dog’s overall health.

So how did I do it?

Here are some tips to help you to make brushing your dog’s teeth an enjoyable habit.

1. Pick a time of day that you consistently have time.
   
   After dinner was the perfect time as I always make a tea and relax a little. So I started putting my brushing kit in the same place as I keep my tea to remind myself. Turns out that not only did I start remembering on my own, my dogs got used to the routine and started waiting for me after dinner.
   
   
2. Pick the right toothbrush for you and your dog.
   
   Not all dog toothbrushes are created equally. Try different kinds to see what feels the best and allows you to brush your dog’s teeth for the longest time. There are some really cool and fancy looking ones but they felt quite awkward to me and kept slipping through my dog’s teeth. I found that a simple brush works best for us. You can also get a finger brush if you prefer.
   
   
3. Make sure your dog likes the flavor of the toothpaste you choose.
   
   This is very important. If your dog doesn’t like the taste of the toothpaste, he will not be waiting every day for you to brush his teeth. My dogs both love the peanut butter and vanilla ginger flavors. And there are many more to choose from. You will pretty much know the second your dog licks it if he likes it or not. If not, move on. You want your dog on board with this. Never ever use human toothpaste!
   
   
4. Make it fun for you and your dog.
   
   Okay it’s not going to be as fun as going to the dog park, but a little enthusiasm goes a long way. Get a little goofy and let your dog think this is a great thing to do!

I go over my dog’s teeth twice and then end things with a dab of toothpaste for them just to lick and enjoy. It’s good for them and ends things on a positive note!

Happy brushing!

Qchef Natural Dental Chew

We all know how important dental care is for humans. And our dogs are no exception. A dog’s oral health is easy to overlook. We should be brushing our dog’s teeth everyday but do we?

Since it’s crucial to keep our dog’s teeth and gums clean, there are an abundance of products that complement our efforts to keep our furry friends mouths as healthy as possible.

Qchefs is one such product. Made in Germany, these dental chews were born by combining cottage cheese, buckwheat, rice, coconut oil and rapeseed oil.  They are easy to digest and contain no sugar, gluten, meat, lactose, flavorings, preservatives or additives. Rich is amino acids and vitamins and helps prevent plaque and fight bad breath.

There are four different varieties to choose from. Want to know more? Check out their full story and the FAQ section.

On Dogs and Authenticity

It's a complicated, confusing world out there. I've been doing a lot of introspection about trust and honesty lately, about living my life authentically and presenting myself as nothing but wholly me in whatever circles I inhabit. I'd like that to extend to this blog, whether that means expanding its topics or writing more posts like this one which astonished and touched me with its responses and shares far and wide. This doesn't mean I'm going to be oversharing here on my dog blog, but I was reminded that what people are affected by are personal stories. While I'm dog-obsessed, I have far more diverse interests than just dogs, although I notice that dogs inform and influence unexpected aspects of my life.

Ruby and Boca have led the way with their giant ears and curious noses, opening up my world more than I ever imagined. Ruby's reactivity has given me compassion both for challenging dogs and the struggles of their caretakers. Boca's easy adapatbility and constant happiness with exactly who and where she is has given me an appreciation for the simple and the present. I can't begin to quantify the relationships these dogs have precipitated, from fellow reactive dog owners to trainers across the globe, fellow pet bloggers and my Paws on the Ground teammates who've become true and dear friends.  My road trip across the southwest with Boca allowed me both a unique time to bond with my potcake and a much-needed period of reflection and stock-taking, not to mention the opportunity to meet many of those aforementioned individuals I've come to respect and admire in person.

In navigating relationships old and new, I find we are so often doing this dance of expectation, second-guessing and self-doubt. We get wrapped up in old storylines or skip ahead in new ones. We protect others from the truth because we think it's kinder (it isn't). What I think so many of us love most about dogs is the absence of such dances. Dogs don't deceive us. We may do them the disservice of misinterpreting and anthropomorphizing their behavior but they are never anything but honest. If we take the time to understand their body language, they so clearly communicate their wants and needs, their fears and desires. They let us know when we've made a mistake and are endearingly, unfailingly willing to let us make amends. Every day, if we're listening, our dogs will ask and answer us. Last night a little girl wanted to pet Boca but Boca was more interested in sniffing the ground. The dog was still a dog, the little girl's night was still made. Ruby woofed at me while I was distracted by my phone until I got her tennis ball - the special one she found on our hike - from underneath the couch. It's a relationship made almost entirely of communication, and non-verbal communication at that! No wonder you see so many quotes and tshirts about loving dogs more than people, although I find many of them offensive.

I love people, and relationships, and deep connection. It's why I continue to write here and to reach out into this world. My purpose in writing about authenticity is to remind myself what I aspire to, along with warmth and openness. It struck me that these qualities were what so many people adored about my mom. Here is the part where I tell you that although positive training and reactivity have been a main focus of this blog, I have done very little training lately, and Ruby's reactivity is no better and possibly a little bit worse. I am always balancing acceptance and management. I've made some mistakes with the long line playing Frisbee where she's rushed at other dogs and hit the end of the line. I've since moved where we play and increased my vigilant scanning of the area to be sure we aren't surprised by people coming around corners. I'll also tell you that while I haven't been writing about it, the rescue group I belong to has saved around 150 dogs since the beginning of the year. We've had some terrible setbacks and questioned our mission and our judgment at times, but we're still here. It's what we can do: keep showing up, keep being true, maybe even pushing up against our comfort zones to be a little more ourselves than we were yesterday. 

EZHarness by DEXDOG

I have two young stray huskies so I know all about pulling! And I know how challenging and embarrassing it can be to walk a dog with no leash manners.

Dogs pull for all kinds of reasons. Most dogs are cooped up all day building pent up energy while we are out in the world. When they finally get to walk, they are constantly being bombarded with smells, sights and sounds. Stray dogs or dogs that have never been on leash can be extra challenging.

Luckily there are many tools you can use to help achieve loose leash walking. It’s a happier walk for both human and dog when you walk together side by side.

Harnesses have always been a favorite among dog people. But did you know all harnesses are not created equally?

The EZHarness by DEXDOG has been described as “Stylish, Comfortable & Functional”.  Available exclusively through Amazon, this harness comes in several different sizes to accommodate different breeds. Unlike other harnesses this one slips over your dog’s head making it more convenient to use. The chest and should areas are made of mesh to keep your dog more comfortable. And of course safety comes first with reflective threading for added visibility at night. Choose the color of your choice and away you go.

Find them on Facebook for updates, reviews and of course cute dog pictures.

Dog First Aid - Cuts and Scrapes

Your dog cries out and is all of sudden limping and bleeding.  What do you do?

The way dogs tear around it’s not a wonder that they sometimes get scraps and cuts. If you have a pet first aid kit it will help make it easier to deal with if the time ever comes.

First, be cautious when examining your dog’s cut. Even the most docile and sweet dogs can react if they are in pain.  If your dog starts lifting his lip when you touch around the area of the wound, it might be a good idea to muzzle him for your own safety.

Now assess the wound(s).

• Is the wound a scratch, cut or an open wound?
• Is it bleeding?
• Is it dirty?
• Are there any objects in the wound?

Minor Cuts and Scratches

If the wound is dirty, clean it right away. Once you are ready, wash the wound with a saline solution or antibacterial wash if possible. If you have no cleaning solutions, use warm water with salt.

Once the area is clean you can dry and cover it with a clean cloth or gauze. If you have some anti-bacterial cream or something along those lines dab some on the wound with a cotton ball or a q-tip before you wrap it.

Most minor scratches and cuts will heal on their own with no infection and don’t really require to be wrapped. You may want to trim the fur around the cut so you can keep an eye on it and also to ensure it heals properly.

For open and bleeding wounds, apply pressure using a clean cloth, towel or gauze. Hopefully the bleeding will stop after a few minutes of applying pressure. If not you will have to continue to do so until you get to the vet unless you are able to make a tourniquet. Deep cuts may or may not require stitches; your vet is the best to judge that.

If there is anything embedded in the wound, leave it there and let your vet take care of it. You could do more damage trying to remove it yourself.

See Related Articles – Dog First Aid – DIY First Aid Kit

PAWfectly

If our dogs could talk, what do you think they’d say? Yup, more treats please!!!

More treats are just a few clicks away with PAWfectly. This online store has USA made treats and so much more.

There is a large variety of products for all of your dog’s needs. You can easily shop for dry or canned food, supplements and vitamins, treats and chews, toys, training aids, grooming and waste supplies. And it will all be delivered right to your front door.

The folks at PAWfectly have been in pet industry for over 50 years. They don’t sell anything they wouldn’t use themselves.

Happy shopping!

On Dogs, Dating and Heartbreak

Because they have always been an integral part of my life, dogs have always inhabited the spaces around, in between, and in the absence of relationships. My decision to foster fail with Boca was in no small part because my long term relationship ended shortly after she arrived from her tropical island, and I couldn't bear another goodbye. In those days she spent a lot of time laying directly on my chest - a balm to my heartache - something she rarely does anymore. Make of that what you will...

After one devastating split, I spent my Christmas vacation home from college listening to goth music and painting morose paintings until the wee hours of the morning, at last collapsing in a tearful heap on my old twin bed with the family dogs: Basset hound Pansy and German Shepherd Ripley. My mom was exasperated with my bad attitude, my tender young heart's dramatic postulations, but those two dogs simply snored through my emotional swings, pressing close without judgment when I finally stilled.

I adopted my first dog in the midst of a break-up...a break-up from an unhealthy relationship that I would not have had the strength for without that beautiful being. I was embarking on a new life and in her I had a protector and confidante. Lasya taught me so much about what it means to be independent, joyful and free. Years and another dog later when I got divorced, there was no question who was taking the dogs, needy elkhound Freya and stalwart sentinel Lasya. I've lived alone for over a decade now, but it's never felt lonely with two pairs of captivating canines sharing my domicile, a house that wouldn't be a home without them.

These past two years I've been single in the most singular sense of the word. I've needed the time to heal, to determine where I've landed after more than fifteen years in a series of long relationships. I am not who I was at 20, 25, or 30...but what has remained constant are dogs. The two most important love languages for me are physical touch and quality time. It's no surprise that a life with dogs, who are perpetually waiting just to be near us, fulfills much of that need for connection. I seldom feel melancholy solitude when I have my dogs to care for, walk with and talk with. Their presence is a comfort without expectation, a cherished certainty.

Still...as much as I'd usually rather hang out with Ruby and Boca, humans crave human companionship. We are all drawn to our own kind. I've started dating again, which in itself is a fascinating experience, one that is surprising me. For someone that suffers from social anxiety, I've been astonished by how much I'm enjoying meeting new people. I cannot discount the effect that joining the pet store protest group and subsequent rescue organization that formed have had, as well as the way my virtual network of other pet bloggers and the experience of BlogPaws have bolstered my confidence and communication skills. Pets really are an introvert's armor.

In determining compatibility, my dogs are a big priority, even if not directly so. While I'm drawn to fellow animal lovers, having a reactive dog means that a partner with dogs isn't necessarily an easy fit. Ruby can't do normal, social dog things and even Boca wasn't keen on sharing her home with another dog. Although I rarely refer to myself as a dog mom, it can at times feel like I'm navigating the world like a single parent.

Scheduling can be tricky, since Ruby and Boca are home alone all day during the week, I don't feel comfortable leaving them in the evenings, at least not on a regular basis and not without some serious quality time, in the form of Frisbee, generous walks or training sessions. Understanding of my devotion to my dogs is absolutely imperative. One guy said in a message prior to even meeting "you need to figure something out with your dogs because it's going to seriously affect your dating life." You can probably guess what I "figured out" in regard to him! My dogs come first and if that's a problem we are done talking. I'm proud of my dedication to my dogs - an extension of my loyalty to whomever I love - and anyone that wants to be a part of my world will appreciate that.

From family pets to Ruby and Boca, dogs have been at my side through romance and heartbreak. They teach us so much about living fully, appreciating the present, accepting imperfection, loving unconditionally and reciprocal communication. They brighten my darkest days with their antics and affection, and bring deeper joy to single domestic life. Whether or not I find romantic love again, because of The Ginger Sisters and all the dogs that came before, I am rich in life and love and rescued over and over.

The Dog Advertiser

These days everybody can put information on a website or blog. Everyday people, including me have the desire to research and share information and personal experiences. One such example is the “Dog Advertiser”, created by Mark and Pablo after a routine visit to the vet. Their Dachshund/Chihuahua mix Angelo had developed a heart murmur. After seeing a Cardiologist they found themselves and their beloved dog battling heart disease.

During the road to improvement, a deep concern for animal health was born and the wish to give back to the dog community which showed them so much support.

Most of us with pets look to the internet for information, ideas, and natural remedies to help our furry friends. It can be very helpful to know how others deal with different situations and what has and hasn’t worked for them.

Of course I do believe the most important resource we have is our vet. But I also do my own research in addition. I feel it’s my responsibility. And I’m very lucky that my vet has always been very open to me asking questions or sending him articles I’ve read on the internet for his input.

Dog Advertiser offers numerous videos and articles on health, nutrition and overall wellness. Browse categories such as Diet, Arthritis and Joints, Cardiovascular, Oral Care and Other Health Ailments to get answers to your pet related questions. Can allowing your dog to kiss your face really make you go blind? What foods are being recalled? What are some natural remedies? Can you and your pet share one heart? These and many more questions are answered!

Grasstronauts

A blade of grass is the journeywork of the stars.

~

Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

A Kid Needs to Pet a Strange Dog Like a Reactive Dog Needs a Bicycle

Last week I had the funniest incident to date involving a child wishing to pet my dogs but it also brings up something serious: dog bite prevention. Kids are cute, dogs are cute, together they are cuteness squared, but that temptation to capture the perfect picture or upload the next viral video often overrides good judgment. Children are the most at risk of dog bites, and it is up to us as responsible owners to mitigate that risk. One of the easiest ways to do so is not to allow random kids to pet our dogs if we have the slightest hesitation about how they might handle it. 

My dogs have had very little experience with kids. Ruby is reactive and unpredictable, doing best when people come to our house but on high-alert outside the home. Boca doesn't worry me very much but when since I usually walk both girls together, her exposure to kids and strangers is limited. She does get nervous about people looming over her or reaching over her head. Boca did wonderfully at Blog Paws and also spent some time with my friend's 3-year-old daughter on our recent road trip. She was sweet and gentle with the little girl; however, several times when the hugging and kissing got too much she would move away. My friend and I took the opportunity to point out Boca's body language to her daughter and explain that Boca didn't want any more hugs or kisses right then. It can be hard to tell a child "no" when all they want to do is love on a dog. I was an animal-crazy little girl myself, but I grew up with a dog that was afraid of children and was taught about boundaries and body language at a young age. Even as an adult I tend to be very reserved around other peoples' animals. 

I do notice that more and more kids ask before running up to my dogs; however, as the inadvertently hilarious exchange below proves, they don't always take no for an answer...

Scene:  A warm evening in the townhouse complex, a woman walking her two ridiculously cute red-and-white dogs. She sees a cluster of girls on bicycles - stationary for now - and hurries to get the smaller dog out of sight of the bicycles. The larger dog would of course take a poop right this minute, and in the midst of picking it up and holding two leashes, one of the girls breaks from the herd and pedals industriously toward our frantic trio. The woman scoops up the smaller dog in the nick of time, with some miraculous third arm and strides away at a breakneck pace.  

Little Girl [pedaling]: Can I pet your dogs?

Woman [fleeing]: No, sorry, she's afraid of bikes. 

Little Girl [pedaling] [possibly mistaking "bikes" for "bites"]: It's okay, I've been bitten before! 

Woman [fleeing]: Oh, dear! Well, we have to go for now. 

Little Girl [pedaling]: Do they both bite?

Woman [fleeing]: Neither of them bite, but we are trying to get away from your bike! 

Little Girl [pedaling]: I can get off my bike! 

Woman [fleeing]: No, sorry, better not! 

I had to admire the girl's perseverance - she clearly loved dogs despite having a previous negative experience (although perhaps not used as a teaching moment by her parents). Maybe she'll grow up to be a trainer or vet tech! I laughed most of the way home, replaying the incident to The Ginger Sisters like the crazy dog lady I am. I felt bad telling her no...repeatedly...but as my dogs' advocate I have to protect them from even the cutest, most determined children. 

Dog First Aid – DIY First Aid Kit

It’s a good idea to have a first aid kit at home and when you travel just in case you have an emergency with your pet. You can buy one and many courses have them included. Or you can just as easily make your own at home.

You want to be prepared for anything so get yourself a Tupperware storage bin and keep it in a safe place that is accessible to you but out of reach of curious young hands or paws.

Here are some essentials for your first aid kit:


• Pet first aid book
• Emergency Numbers
• Gauze
• Self-Adherent Bandages
• Digital Thermometer
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Eye dropper
• Blanket or a couple of old towels
• Paper Towels
• Wipes
• Pair of gloves
• Tick remover
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Tongue Depressor
• Muzzle
• Vaseline
• Disinfectant Soap
• Cornstarch or Flour

Include any other items you can think of that might help you and your pet in the case of an emergency.

Stay tuned for a series of articles to help guide you through different situations with your dog.

New Test for Cats and Dogs May Catch Kidney Disease Earlier

 

What heart disease is for humans, kidney disease is for pets – a leading cause of suffering and death. In their lifetime, over 1 in 3 cats and 1 in 10 dogs will get kidney disease. And as pets get older, the likelihood they will develop kidney disease increases. In fact, more than half of cats over age 15 are afflicted. Until recently, veterinarians could not detect kidney disease until very late stages, when the kidneys have lost most of their function permanently. At this point, effective treatment options are limited.
Now IDEXX SDMA, a breakthrough new test that screens for kidney disease, changes that. Available to all veterinarians in the U.S., Canada and Europe via IDEXX Reference Laboratories, the IDEXX SDMA kidney test can detect this serious disease months to years earlier, when there is still time to do something about it. This is fantastic news, especially for our long suffering feline friends, as IDEXX SDMA can detect kidney disease when much of a pet’s kidney function is still intact. This gives you and your veterinarian the chance to take action and give your pet the best shot for a healthy, happy, long life even with kidney disease.
Why should I ask my veterinarian about IDEXX SDMA?
You probably get your cholesterol tested every year to mitigate your risk of heart disease. If your cholesterol is too high, your doctor recommends a lifestyle plan. Similarly, annual SDMA screening is an opportunity for you and your veterinarian to understand your pet’s health more completely. If IDEXX SDMA levels are increased, your veterinarian can prescribe a plan that could help preserve your pet’s kidneys. As the health advocate for your furry family members, be sure to ask your veterinarian for IDEXX SDMA at your pet’s next checkup. (Learn more about IDEXX SDMA screening for cats.)
What are the signs of kidney disease?
It’s important to know that kidney disease has no visible signs early on, which is why IDEXX SDMA is so important. As a natural defense against predators, cats actually hide disease, even when it is advanced. So cats, that are suffering most from kidney disease, can appear normal. While this serves them in the wild, it makes it very difficult for you to even know they are sick. In later stages, symptoms often include increased thirst, increased urination and subtle weight loss. Since all of the above can also be signs of other diseases, IDEXX SDMA, together with other screening tests, can help identify or rule out kidney disease.

Why Does my Dog Lick So Much?

 

Dogs obviously cannot verbalize how they are feeling to us beyond perhaps a bit of whining or barking, and that’s pretty non-specific and really difficult to interpret. If you have a dog that licks a lot, you might be left wondering why.
There are situations where/what your dog is licking can give you a clue that something localized and specific is bothering him. If he is licking between his toes, for instance, it would be logical to check that area to see if there is a burr, a splinter or a sore that he is worrying. If he is licking his tail, or the base of his rump, you might consider a flea problem or an anal gland irritation. In addition, sometimes your dog licks your face in greeting or licks your arms just because.
But, what does it mean if you don’t see any logical reason for your dog to be licking and/or he is persistently licking – either himself or inanimate objects floors, carpets, toys or seemingly nothing at all?
Here are some of the reasons for dog licking:
1. Something hurts
This is not always something obvious, like the burr between his toes. It can be because of inflammation or infection in the skin, arthritis pain in a joint, or even a tingling or numb sensation for a nerve problem.
2. Nausea
If you think about it, when your stomach is upset you tend to get a bad taste in your mouth or you produce a bit of excess saliva that can make you swallow or lick your lips. The same is true for your dog, in which case any underlying disorder that produces nausea could cause your dog to lick a lot.
 

 

My Dog is Scared of Thunder

Thunderstorm anxiety is a difficult, and often frightening, problem for dog parents to handle. A dog afraid of thunder can have a variety of reactions, from mild to extreme. Dogs may pant, whine, bark, hide, tremble, pace, spin, scratch and/or paw at windows and doors, and may become extremely destructive and panicked to the point of hurting themselves. I remember my own sense of horror when we were driving cross country from Los Angeles to Pennsylvania and my shepherd mix became extremely anxious during a thunderstorm in Arizona, to the point where my husband and I had to take turns staying in the car with him at night because we couldn’t keep him in the hotel due to his terrified barking. We never realized he, at six years of age, was thunder-phobic since he lived all his life in an area where there really are no storms. So, I can deeply sympathize with the trauma that other dog guardians can feel when they find their dog suffers from thunderstorm phobia.
Dogs that suffer from thunderstorm phobia are often also sensitive to other loud noises such as fireworks and gun shots¹.  Studies have also found that breed, age, sex and acquisition of the dog can increase the likelihood a dog will suffer from this condition. Female dogs and neutered males are more likely to be thunder phobic, as well was dogs that were rehomed².  

6 Reasons Why My Cat Might Drool

Unlike some dogs, cats do not drool a great deal, and in fact, it sometimes goes unnoticed (unless we scratch their chins or find a small damp spot where they have been lying down).
There are a number of reasons why your cat might drool, and they tend to fall into three major categories:

• Pathologic conditions that result in inflammation, pain or an inability to swallow.
• Irritations that the cat is trying to “wash away”
• Emotional stimuli

Most drooling is intermittent and only involves a small amount of saliva. If your cat is drooling excessively it is a good time to have her examined by your veterinarian.  Some of these causes can be very serious, and early detection is always best.
1. Dental disease and cat drool
There are some conditions, like dental disease, that produce irritation of the mouth. In those cases drooling is an effort to remove or sooth the irritation in the mouth or throat. Dental disease is a common cause of excess drooling. As many as 85% of cats over 3 years of age have tooth or gum disease. The saliva that results may be blood tinged or smell unpleasant.

Check out, "10 Reasons Why You Should Take Care of Your Pet's Teeth."

Dogs With the Most Health Issues

Watching your best four-legged friend struggle is one of the most painful experiences a pet owner can go through.
 Despite all your tender, loving care, health issues could
plague the life of your dear pet. Such experiences can also take a toll on your wallet, with Americans spending nearly $16 billion on vet care in 2015. Pet owners should expect such medical emergencies, as it is likely each will have to pay $2,000-4,000 at some point for their pets.
When choosing a furry companion, it is useful to know which breeds are known for health issues. While purebred dogs are appealing for their characteristic traits, the selective breeding process also leads to the prevalence of a variety of inherited diseases within breeds. Different breeds are predisposed for ailments, such as cataracts, hip dysplasia and cancer. Reputable breeders often offer health guarantees but some diseases are difficult to predict at young ages.
The team at PetBreeds saved you some research and identified the 25 breeds with the most health issues. The data doesn’t say that a given dog will definitely develop the corresponding diseases, only that these concerns are closely associated with the breed. We identified dogs with the highest total of health issues, according to Animal Planet. We then ranked these breeds according to the approximate number of major and minor health concerns and bucketed the total of health issues into tier labels including “Medium,” "High" and “Very High.” Any ties are broken by the dog with the greater number of major health concerns. This list of breeds is ranked from least to most specific concerns. 

Does Your Pet Struggle with Skin Issues?

I recently joined an unfortunate club, the group of pet owners whose pets have skin problems. I make it sound a bit dramatic, but I could not see the need for a support group for our people. After all, in most cases, skin problems are recurring pet or even chronic, and can be uncomfortable for the pet and repellent and expensive for the home.

In our case, Kayden seems to be "sucking their flanks" (a term that creepy vet if ever I heard a noise) due to allergies or irritants. But it is treated twice so far for years and I'm not very optimistic that we won. And let's be honest: what is worse than the drug costs about $ 50 / month and visits to the vet? The cone of shame. Kayden hate and refuse to eat or even go outside when the neighbors dogs are out. My children are afraid. My daughter cried when I said I would have to start using again. It's bad for all concerned.

Therefore, if you take care of a pet struggling with skin problems, you are not alone. I feel your pain and hurt your pet as well.

Do not be afraid. The closest PPOSSPA (PET special pet parents for anonymous skin) is here. This month we will be talking about everything from dietary supplements, hot spots for flea bites, and everything else. Hang in there. Hope is on the way.

I better go. Kayden is not using the cone at the moment and I lick-hour service.

Best of luck,

Meadow

Spring Skin Hassles for Pets

Spring has arrived and so have all the things that our pets itch and rub and shake. Allergy season is upon us. Animals can be allergic to all the same things that we are sneezing. But while our body anaphylaxis (the organ system that is often affected) is our respiratory organ cat and dog skin anaphylaxis. Therefore, when burning my eyes and I can not stop sneezing, I know I have a lot of animals that bite you.

The affected system is not the only difference. Chemicals responsible for causing the symptoms of allergies are also very different. In humans, histamine play an important role. Histamines are chemicals that are released when we allergen, which are inciting agent allergies. Therefore, antihistamines are equally effective in the treatment of allergies. The prevention of the effects of histamine.

For dogs and cats, histamine play a subordinate role. It is reported that antihistamines only work in about 10% of the dogs / cats, but actually there is no evidence that the animals work at all has been in allergy. Benadryl has the advantage that the dog drowsiness and, therefore, cause the dog bite less, which has a value, but steroids are our mainstay in the treatment of allergies. They are cheap and fast to a standstill itching, but can drink the dog and urination still not used characters long term.The allergy in dogs and ACATS result from a number of different chemicals - leukotrienes, cytokines and kinases. Medications may be in order to block these substances. One of these drugs, Apoquel, works as fast or faster than steroids without the side effects. It changes the way we deal with allergies. (The only downside is that the manufacturer greatly underestimated the demand and has been prepared since the launch play catch. Now it seems to be more available, but if the vet says she's not ... believe him / her!)


Another great medication for pets with chronic allergies Atopica. Atopica cyclosporin is, which is used in people stop tissue rejection in transplant patients. Atopica can take to work up to 3 weeks, but once it kicks in, it works very well. It also has no side effects seen with steroids.

One of the best tricks to help skin problems in dogs is control shampoo. I know it can be a pain to bathe some dogs, but if I can get my customers to their dogs with weekly chronic skin problem, or bathe every two weeks, you can make a big difference. Make sure your vet about which shampoo to much of the over-the-counter shampoos have detergent and other ingredients that can be used to make even worse to talk.

Finally Fleas and ticks are now. In the center of Ohio, we have a huge influx of character seen this year. We also have Black legs tick that carries Lyme disease in our area. We are all familiar with the big brands swollen seen in our pets.

American Dog TickPictures right is the American dog tick or dog tick Brown. These can lead to diseases such as spotted fever Rocky Mountains, but not with the Lyme disease. The problem with black legged tick is its small size. It is very difficult to see, hence the nickname "Freckles in motion." That is why it is so important to keep fleas and ticks on your pet products throughout the year, so that your pet is protected and therefore can not pass. It is important to know that when people are bitten by a tick leg Black, who often develop a characteristic "target lesion" on your skin. If you see this, go to your doctor and get antibiotics. The spirochete that causes Lyme disease is easily slain at this time. If left untreated, symptoms can be at a later time.

But with all the goods flea / tick out there, so it should not really be a concern as protected animals is maintained throughout the year. Most pets as chewable tablets, and there are preventative methods fleas and ticks chewable tablets now available. skin care is not fun, but at least we can honestly say that the approach to the prevention and treatment is becoming much more effective!

Ginger Gardens

You get very independent when you live alone. You get to be a real individual.

~ "Big Edie" Beale, Grey Gardens 

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Reason for Buying Veterinary Pet Insurance

Why Get Pet Insurance?

Apparently, having a pet can be one of the most enriching, fulfilling and delightful moments in your life. With today’s faced paced society that has thrown many people into a realm of overwhelmingly stressful situations, at times, solace is often just a tail wag or purr away. 

A pet can bring you back from the edge of tears because they have mysterious abilities to pacify your daily stress and put a smile on your face. As a result, it would make perfect sense to take good care of your pet. Apart from buying healthy pet foods and treating your pet with toys, getting a pet health insurance can be an ideal way of ensuring your pet remains healthy.

Many pet owners are realizing the unrivaled benefits of pet insurance policies. As a result, the veterinary industry seems to be on the rise. Pet insurance growing popularity has been significantly influenced by the realization of the benefits of covering pets against illness and accidents. 

This article provides you with some of the reasons you should get your pet a veterinary pet insurance:

Unforeseeable Future Circumstances

People tend to avoid pet health insurance because they see it through the spectrum of it being another monthly bill to be added to the pile of expenses. However, it is important to if you will be able to save your pets life in case of a sudden emergency or illness in the future. What if such an emergency strikes in the future when you are not able to cover for your pet’s medical expenses? Given that no one can predict the future, it would be judicious to get a good pet health insurance cover.

 

Pet Insurance Gives Peace of Mind

As mentioned earlier, today’s society is punctuated with a numerous stressful situation. The last thing you would want to add in your mind is constant worry about your pet’s health. Fortunately, you can avoid such worries by simply getting a veterinary pet insurance for your pet. You will definitely get peace of mind in knowing that you pet is well covered by a health insurance.

 

A Big Investment

An insurance policy can be termed as significant investment in your life. Why is this so? To begin with, it is important to note that when you get a pet in your home, it represent both a financial and emotional investment. If you want to give your pet the best health care in order to ensure that it remains in top shape, veterinary pet insurance can limit the risk of hefty out-of-pocket expenditure that might otherwise emaciate your financial muscle.

Conclusively, there are numerous factors to weigh when determining whether to purchase a pet health insurance policy. It is important that you make sure that you are well informed on the facts about the modern dynamics of the veterinary care and facts about pet insurance. Once you recognize your responsibility for your pet’s health, getting a health insurance will be the most feasible plan in the event of an accident or illness.