Newsletter

Americans are crowding the highways for summer vacation, taking their four-legged friends along for the ride. But before pet lovers hit the road, it's important to take their pets' needs into consideration.

Trips should be as close to your pet's normal routine as possible. If you've never traveled with your pet, start with very short, round-the-block trips before you put them in the car or truck for the long ride. Your veterinarian can give you some good advice and recommend ways to make your pet more comfortable.

For the safety of both you and your pet, it's best to travel with dogs and cats in pet carriers. In case of an accident, airborne pets are very prone to injury. Carriers are especially important for cats. Many cats will ride on your shoulder, on your head, or get under your feet. It's a potentially dangerous situation if you need to stop quickly and they are under the brake pedal.

Though keeping a pet "strapped down" for safety is important, people should not use standard safety belts on their pets. These belts are designed for human positioning. Dogs don't conform to human positioning with much success. However, there are canine "seat belts," which are actually harnesses that attach to the car's seat belts and may be used to hold dogs in place during the trip.

Owners should also plan for extra stops if pets accompany them on a trip. Because of stress, some cats don't eat or drink and won't need to use the litter box. But it should be provided for them, especially if it's your first trip with your cat. If they don't use it, take them out at rest stops on a leash and see if they'll go.

The number of stops depends on what your pet is used to. Most pets eliminate shortly after they eat. Therefore, if you can control when the food goes in, you can usually control when it goes out.

In terms of exercise, owners should follow their pet's normal schedule. If you take your dog for a 30-minute walk in the evening at home, take the dog for a walk in the evening at your destination. Also, exercising your dog before it gets into the car may make the trip more relaxing for both you and your dog.

Many pets enjoy getting out of the house, as long as it's not a trip to the veterinarian. But if you're planning to drive non-stop, or if you're taking a very short trip, it is probably best to leave the pets at home. Really think if it's necessary for a pet to go with you, or if you are just being selfish and want the pet for company. A trip can cause unneeded stress on an animal.

It is an especially good idea to leave pets at home if they have current health problems that may worsen on the trip. For instance, if a pet has had respiratory problems and the trip is in the mountains, it may be better to leave that pet at home. If you know what direction you're traveling on a long trip, choose towns along the way that have easy access to veterinarians. This is particularly important if your pet has had a recent illness or problems traveling in the past.

If you're concerned about the pet having motion sickness or getting car sick, talk to your veterinarian about a prescription for a tranquilizer or sedative to calm the pet before the trip. Before giving any type of medication, contact your veterinarian to make sure that it is safe.

Finally, it's a good idea to call ahead and make reservations with hotels, motels and campgrounds that accept and welcome pets. Take the necessary supplies, including plastic bags, to clean up after your pet at rest areas.

The most likely cause of bad breath is gingivitis and dental disease. Other problems that can cause bad breath include oral ulcers and oral tumors. Most likely, the cause of your pet’s halitosis is dental disease. Drooling and a reluctance to chew hard foods are two other symptoms associated with dental disease in pets.

As in humans, the stages of dental problems in pets are well known. Gingivitis, a condition marked by a reddened area where the tooth meets the gum line, is the first stage in dental disease. The accumulation of plaque (at the gum line) causes this problem. As in humans, plaque is a combination of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. With time, the plaque accumulates under the gum line, between the tooth and the gum tissue. If plaque is not removed at this point, it creates a large pocket under the gum line. The bacteria associated with the plaque attack the supporting structure, leading to loose teeth and abscesses—the dreaded periodontal disease. Professional care is often needed to rectify this problem.

An oral exam is performed each time your pet is examined. If necessary, a dental procedure is recommended. Once the plaque has started to accumulate, your pet’s teeth need to be cleaned.

Teeth cleaning requires a three-step procedure. The first step involves the removal of tartar or plaque from the surface of the teeth.

Teeth Cleaning

Next, the teeth are scaled (removing plaque from under the gum line).

Hand Scaling the Teeth

Finally, the teeth are polished and a fluoride treatment is applied. Fluoride discourages the growth of bacteria and helps to strengthen the tooth enamel.

Polishing of Teeth

But as we all know, an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure. Believe it or not, you can, and should, brush your pet’s teeth! Do not use your own toothpaste; special products are available that are not irritating or harmful to your pet.

Home Care Products

A child’s toothbrush works best for most pets, but don’t attempt to put a toothbrush in your pet’s mouth during the first encounter. First, get your pet used to having its mouth opened then use your finger to rub the gum line. Follow this procedure with a hard treat (reward). Gradually work your way up to the brush and repeat daily.

If you have questions regarding your pet’s dental health, do not hesitate to call the veterinary hospital

Reinforcement - the key to successful dog training

Understanding reinforcement is critical to understanding the behavior of your dog. Most of your dog's behavior is a direct result of reinforcement. In essence, when your dog presents a certain behavior, it is your acceptance or acknowledgment of that behavior that supports its continuation and repetition. Many people feel guilty upon learning of their miscues. Although it may be natural to feel this way about establishing a certain behavior in your dog, behavior is not stamped in stone! Keep in mind that, if your dog is adopted, it may have been a previous owner who imprinted the behavior; or, it could be a friend, relative, or neighbor who supported unwanted behavior in your dog. Anyone who interacts with your dog has the potential of reinforcing behaviors. Using the proper methods, you can always change a behavior you may have accidentally reinforced in the past that is causing problems in the present.

A simple way to begin reinforcement training is to think about what your dog likes. Food often works best, but praise, petting, tone of voice, certain words, facial expressions, or a particular toy might work best. Any one or combination of these "reinforcers" can help determine your dog's behavior. Simply stated, when your dog does something you like, immediately do something your dog likes. It is as easy as that!

To illustrate reinforcement, let's start with a puppy. When a puppy is born, he or she immediately starts showing certain behaviors. Some behaviors are reinforced and some are not. The vast majority of the behaviors your dog has when he or she is older than a year are the result of intentional corroboration, whether accidental or intentional. Research does indicate that genes, for the most part, give a dog a predisposition to have certain behaviors, but the vast majority of behaviors you might be concerned with (i.e., chewing, barking, sleeping in your bed) is learned. That is how powerful reinforcement training can be.

It has been estimated that one reinforcement can increase the probability of a recurring behavior from near zero to as much as 80 percent. A single reinforcement can almost guarantee that a behavior will happen again in the future. Another important consideration is the timing of the particular reinforcement. Four-tenths of a second after a dog does a behavior is the optimal time to fortify that particular behavior. Basically, the faster you react to your dog's behavior, the more the dog will understand that particular behavior is acceptable. For example, think of training your dog to sit. You tell your dog to sit, and he does. If you wait until he is standing again to praise him, he will think you are praising him for standing.

Often, the behavior that is least pleasing to you is one that you reinforce without realizing. For example, if your dog jumps on you, how do you react? If you touch your dog or pet him while he's on two legs, you are reinforcing the problem. If your dog growls at someone when they enter your home and you say, "It's okay" in a calming voice that your dog hears under normal circumstances, you are reinforcing the bad behavior. As you can see, it's very easy to either create or aggravate any behavior pattern without the proper knowledge.

So, once you have identified the problem, what next? At first it may appear to be impossible. To change a behavior takes time, patience, and a little extra skill. The solution lies in reinforcing the incompatible behavior. The easiest way to understand incompatible behavior is to acknowledge that a dog is unable to do two opposing behaviors at the same time. For example, a dog is unable to sit and jump up at the same time. A dog can't be friendly and aggressive at the same time. To achieve this would be against the laws of the physical universe!

Since each dog is unique, there are a number of different ways to tweak incompatible reinforcement. However, an illustration of a specific situation can help. If your dog jumps on you every time he approaches you, command him to sit and reinforce the sitting behavior. Because sitting is incompatible with jumping, it is necessary for your dog to one or the other. By reinforcing the preferred behavior, you are letting your dog know that sitting is good and jumping is not.

It may take a lot of trial and error for you to determine which incompatible behaviors works best and how to reinforce them to your dog. In the long run, both you and your dog will be happier. However, remember that how you react to a behavior your dog presents is lasting. Never punish your dog with abuse, physical or verbal, or you will be reinforcing certain behaviors that are generally found in aggressive, defensive or extremely submissive dogs. None of these overarching behaviors are acceptable at any time. It is important for you to establish an open line of communication with your dog. Find what makes him happy, and you will be able to make yourself happy at the same time.

Good Nutrition

The very basic requirements for life are food and water. Good nutrition is the foundation of overall health. Since cats are natural carnivores, they require meat-based diets. Luckily, cat owners can choose from a variety of diets certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. These products are available from your veterinarian, your feed store or from your grocer. Pet food manufacturers spend huge sums of money touting the benefits of their products and the feeding trials conducted by the AAFCO in order to verify that their pet foods meet quality standards. It is always best to listen to your veterinarian as he or she may recommend a particular diet according to your cat's needs.

Nutritional needs vary with the cat's age and health status. Kittens should consume growth diets until they reach approximately nine months of age. At this age, young cats can be gradually weaned from kitten food to adult cat food. This should be done by gradually increasing the amount of adult food and decreasing the amount of kitten food over several days. If a food is changed too abruptly, this can lead to intestinal disturbances with diarrhea. Cats entering their golden years should transition from adult food to senior cat food in a similar manner. Specialty diets that address dental disease and hairballs are good preventive medicine diets that help avoid these health problems in susceptible cats.

Immunization

Rabies needs to be incorporated into every immunization program. Rabies is transmitted by bite wounds and vaccination protocols are often dictated by state or municipal regulations. Vaccinating cats helps prevent the transmission of rabies to humans.

Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) is transmitted from one cat to another. The virus is very resistant and can survive in the environment for more than a year. Since maternal antibodies interfere with immunizations, a series of vaccinations needs to be given.

Vaccination is highly effective for prevention of feline panleukopenia. All kittens should be vaccinated, and adult cats should be given regular booster vaccines. The vaccination series begins at six to nine weeks of age, and vaccinations are repeated until the kitten is approximately 12-14 weeks old. An adult cat should receive regular booster vaccines.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus (Feline Respiratory Disease) are common viruses that cause approximately 90 percent of feline upper respiratory disease. These viruses are spread directly from cat to cat through respiratory secretions. Sneezing cats are known for transmitting the disease in catteries, animal control facilities and boarding kennels.

Cats and kittens are infected by contaminated material, as well as by other cats. The disease is occasionally fatal for kittens, though most cats recover. The respiratory disease organisms are extremely contagious, and cats that recover from the disease are often the principal carriers. Without showing any clinical symptoms, these cats can remain carriers for months and even years. Some cats never fully recover from the disease and show symptoms throughout the rest of their lives. Once several cats become infected, the disease is very difficult to eliminate from multi-cat households.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is transmitted through respiratory secretion through the sharing of food and water bowls or litter boxes. Mutual grooming, cat fights, and mating can also transmit the virus.

There are no symptoms that are specific for FeLV infection. Tumors, anemia (low red blood cell count), white blood cell and platelet disorders and numerous immune-mediated diseases are common conditions. The main effects of the virus are on the cat's immune system. An infected cat is extremely susceptible to any type of infection. Respiratory, oral and skin infections are common. Chronic digestive and urinary tract problems are also encountered. Vaccination recommendations for feline leukemia are based on the age of the cat and the risk of exposure.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus causes immunosuppression. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is spread primarily though bite wounds, making cats that are born of negative mothers, live indoors and never fight at low risk. Conversely, a cat of questionable ancestry that roams outdoors and participates in neighborhood brawls, is at high risk of infection.

Lymphocytes are important cells involved in the body's immune (defense) system. FIV infects and destroys these lymphocytes. Without lymphocytes, immunodeficiency results, leaving the body open to infection. Symptoms associated with FIV are generally due to secondary bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

FIV vaccination is controversial due to the interference of vaccinating with diagnostic testing. Currently available diagnostic tests do not distinguish between a truly infected cat and a vaccinated cat.

Vaccination of FIV negative cats living with FIV positive cats in an unstable social structure, or cats living outdoors that fight frequently, may be potential candidates for vaccination.

Feline Parasitology

De-worming of kittens and cats as part of a preventive medicine program is recommended. When the kittens are three weeks old, they and their mother should be treated with an oral de-worming medication. All kittens should be treated again at regular intervals and their stools should be checked for parasites. The U.S. Center for Disease Control recommends these guidelines not only to protect the kitten, but also to protect humans from possible infection.

Most pet owners know that the return of springtime temperatures will also hasten the return of itching and scratching due to fleas. What many owners don't know is that besides the irritation, fleas can also spread numerous serious diseases and parasites such as tapeworms. Although fleas seem to hold an upper hand, your veterinarian can help you win the battle against these pests. Watch this video to learn more.

Going off to college?

Think carefully before getting a pet!

Going off to college is an exciting time. It can also be a lonely time for students who find themselves far from family and friends. Perhaps this seems like the perfect time to adopt a dog or cat.

Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment. It is unfortunate that many people adopt pets without realistic expectations of the time, effort, and expense that is involved in caring for them responsibly.

If you already have a pet at home and are thinking of bringing him to school, if possible, give yourself at least one semester to determine if you'll be able to maintain quality pet care, despite the demands of being a full-time student.

Remember, few colleges allow pets in campus housing and finding a rental that permits pets can be quite a challenge.

If you really need a fur fix, why not volunteer at the local humane society? You'll learn all about the responsibilities of caring for a pet and be better prepared to assume those responsibilities when the time is right.

Test Your Knowledge.

Fact or Fiction

Answers will be posted next month

1. If a dog's nose is hot, it is sick.
2. All cats need milk.
3. When cats fall, they will always land on their feet.
4. If a bird falls off a perch, it will break its neck.
5. If animals eat grass, they are sick or have worms.
6. If I do not see worms in my dog's stool, then it does not have worms.
7. All dog food is the same.
8. Dogs are color blind.
9. If a dog is washed too often, it can cause dandruff.
10. Heartworms are seen in the feces.

Answers To Pet Quiz

1. If a dog's nose is hot, it is sick. - Fiction
   A recent study at a major U.S. veterinary school determined that the nose doesn't determine anything about the health of the dog.
2. All cats need milk. - Fiction
   Baby (newborn) kittens need the queen's milk (or a special replacement formula); however, adult cats do not need milk. In fact, some cats are lactose intolerant and can't handle milk. If your cat has diahrrea after drinking milk, it could be lactose intolerant.
3. When cats fall, they will always land on their feet. - Fiction
   Because cats have a good sense of balance, people believe that they will always land on their feet. Unfortunately, this is not always true.
4. If a bird falls off a perch, it will break its neck. - Fiction
   It is possible that a bird may fall off its perch, but they are tough animals. It is highly unlikely that it will break its neck by simply falling off its perch.
5. If animals eat grass, they are sick or have worms. - Fiction
   Veterinarians do not know why animals eat grass, but it does not mean that they are sick. It just means that they like grass.
6. If I do not see worms in my dog's stool, then it does not have worms. - Fiction
   Generally, worms are transmitted through microscopic eggs that cannot be seen by the human eye. Symptoms may include vomiting a worm or passing one in the stool, but these are rare. Tapeworms are sometimes seen as white, rice-like particles attached to the fur around the anus. The best way to tell if your dog has worms is to have a stool sample analyzed by your veterinarian.
7. All dog food is the same. - Fiction
   The dog food label does not always explain the quality of the ingredients. In order to avoid adding supplements, pet owners should go with a premium name brand. Dog food is another example of "you get what you pay for."
8. Dogs are color blind. - Fiction
   Dogs can see some colors, but not as well as humans. Different types of dogs tend to see different colors.
9. If a dog is washed too often, it can cause dandruff. - Fact
   The skin becomes dry when an animal is washed too much. It is best to wash a dog only when it is dirty or smells (or if the dog has fleas). The addition of a conditioner might help.
10. Heartworms are seen in the feces. - Fiction
    Heartworm are found in the dog's heart and pulmonary blood vessels. They are never seen in the feces.