ruthmacpete – Dr. Ruth MacPete

Author: ruthmacpete

How to Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy

February 17, 2020
by ruthmacpete

February is National Pet Dental Month and serves as a reminder of the importance of pet dental health. Did you know that dental disease is the number one health issue in pets? According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 80% of dogs over the age of three already have dental disease. What can pet parents do to keep their pet’s teeth clean and healthy?

Know your enemy
So how does dental disease develop? After a meal, food particles combine with saliva and bacteria to form plaque. If plaque isn’t removed, it mineralizes and becomes tartar. Tartar promotes bacterial infections below the gums, leading to gum recession, tooth loss and painful tooth root infections. Bacteria can even enter the blood stream and spread to distant organs, like the kidney, liver and heart.

Prevention
As in other aspects of medicine, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keep your pet’s teeth healthy by keeping them clean. Start by brushing your pet’s teeth. Yes, you read that correctly. Brush your pet’s teeth on a regular basis, ideally daily, but at least a few times a week. Imagine what would happen to your teeth, and your breath, if you didn’t brush your teeth every day. So why would it be any different for our pets? Just make sure you use a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for pets. Pet toothpaste even comes in flavors your pet can’t resist, like chicken, beef, and seafood and it doesn’t have to be rinsed out.

While nothing beats regular brushing, oral rinses, dental diets and dental treats can help reduce the bacteria and plaque that lead to tartar formation. Dental Chews, like Smartmouth™, are uniquely textured to help remove plaque from your pet’s teeth while your pet chews the treats. The Missing Link’s Smartmouth™ dental chews also contain a daily dose of vitamins and supplements to promote healthy gums and overall health. Dogs loves their taste and you’ll love that they’re good for their teeth and health.

Treatment
Even if you brush your pet’s teeth and give them dental treats, your pet still needs to have their teeth checked at least once a year by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will determine if your pet has dental disease and needs a professional cleaning or any additional treatment. A professional cleaning is done under anesthesia to ensure a thorough oral examination and cleaning of the tooth’s surface and below the gums where most bacteria and tartar are found. After a thorough cleaning, the teeth are polished to smooth the surface and prevent the recurrence of plaque. If necessary, diseased teeth will be extracted or undergo a root canal.

To quote Dr. Seuss, “They sure are handy when you smile. So keep your teeth around awhile”. The same is true for our pets. Brush their teeth, give them healthy dental treats and take them to the veterinarian for annual check-ups and professional cleanings as needed. By following these simple steps, your pet’s pearly whites will stay clean and healthy.

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Pet Tips

10 Best Ways to Ensure Your Pets Live a…

January 21, 2020January 20, 2020
by ruthmacpete

As a veterinarian, pet owners often ask me what they should be doing in order to help keep their pets healthy. Here are the 10 things you should do to keep to promote the well being of your pet.

1. Yearly veterinary examinations
Annual examinations are as essential as food and love. Don’t wait for your pet to be sick before taking them to the vet. Bring your pet to your veterinarian for a wellness exam at least once a year. Older pets and pets with medical issues may need to be seen more frequently. Your veterinarian will examine your pet from head to tail to insure they are healthy and up to date on immunizations and other preventatives. In the long run, annual check-ups will save you money and heartache by protecting your pet from preventable diseases and by detecting illness early when it is more treatable. Taking your pet to the vet for an annual wellness exam is the best way to ensure your pet lives a long healthy life.

2. Immunizations
Most people wouldn’t skip vaccinating your kids. So don’t overlook vaccinating your pets. Immunizations protect our pets from devastating diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. As a shelter vet, I see too many animals suffering needlessly from preventable diseases like distemper and parvovirus. Ask your veterinarian to find out which vaccines would benefit your pet based on their lifestyle and risk factors and how often they should receive booster vaccines.

3. Screening tests
Since animals can’t talk and tell us what is wrong with them, screening tests are important because they can detect disease before signs and symptoms develop. Depending on your pet’s age, your veterinarian will recommend screening tests to look for problems like diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid disease. Make sure you get the screening tests recommended by your veterinarian even if your pet looks healthy. Your veterinarian may also recommend screening tests before your pet undergoes general anesthesia to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure.

4. Dental care
Commit to keeping your pet’s teeth clean and healthy. What does this entail? First, take your pet to the veterinarian for a check-up and cleaning if necessary at least once a year. Second, brush their teeth regularly with pet toothpaste and give them dental chews to help keep their teeth pearly white in between visits. Routine dental care can not only help keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy but also help prevent painful and costly dental problems in the future.

5. Parasite protection
Parasites are a common and important cause of disease in pets. They can be internal, like worms and protozoa, or external, like fleas and ticks. Besides making you cringe, parasites can cause significant morbidity in pets and can lead to death in the case of heartworm disease. Parasites can even pose a danger to other family members such as children. Fortunately parasitic disease is easy to prevent. Speak with your veterinarian to insure you are protecting your pets and family from internal and external parasites by using monthly preventatives year round.

6. Microchips
If your pet doesn’t already have one, make sure you microchip your pet. While collars and ID tags are important, they are not a guarantee that your pet will be returned home if they ever get lost. Collars and ID tags are not foolproof because they can break or fall-off. As a shelter vet, I see too many lost pets end-up in the shelter. I am a strong proponent of microchips because they are the best way to improve the odds that your pet will be returned home if they ever get lost. Finally, don’t forget to keep your contact information up to date. A microchip isn’t very effective if no one can reach you to tell you they have your lost pet.

7. Spay and neuter your pet
Besides helping prevent pet overpopulation and being the responsible thing to do, spaying and neutering your pet has important health benefits. For example, spaying and neutering lowers the risk of breast cancer, testicular cancer, and pyometra (infection of the uterus). Spaying and neutering can also help with behavioral problems such as spraying, roaming, and aggression. If your pet isn’t already spayed or neutered, call your veterinarian to discuss how spaying or neutering may benefit your pet.

8. Pet proof your home
Pets are curious creatures by nature, but sometimes their curiosity can get them into trouble. Make sure your home is safe for your pet by pet-proofing your home. Check the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s website list of the most common poisonous household plants to ensure that none of your houseplants are a potential hazard to your pet. Also, refer to their website to learn which foods and other household items may be toxic to your pet. Lastly don’t forget to keep all toxic chemicals stored safely away from your pets.

9. Exercise
Exercise is the best way for your pet to stay trim and healthy. Like us, pets can suffer from obesity and the problems associated with being overweight such as arthritis and diabetes. Make sure you exercise your pet and increase their level of activity. For dogs, go on longer walks, play fetch and let them run off-leash in a dog park. If you’re a runner, check with your veterinarian to find out if it’s okay to run with your dog. For cats, have them chase a laser pointer and play more with them. Exercise is the best way to keep your pet physically healthy and mentally stimulated.

10. Teach an old dog a new trick
Muscles are not the only things that need to be exercised; stimulate your pet’s brain. This can be as simple as giving them interactive toys that stimulate their mind or teaching your pet a new trick. If you have a dog, consider enrolling them in an obedience course or sign-up for agility training. While it is important to keep your pets physically healthy, it is equally important to keep their mind stimulated and sharp.

We all want the best for our animals. Hopefully these 10 health tips will ensure your pets live a long and healthy life.

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Pet Tips

Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday

December 18, 2019
by ruthmacpete

Singing Christmas carols, lighting the Menorah, visiting Grandma…going to the vet? Probably not your idea of a holiday event, but unfortunately many families find themselves visiting their veterinary clinics during the holiday season for unfortunate and preventable emergencies. While the holidays are festive times, they can also be very dangerous times for our pets. Each year thousands of pets are seriously injured during the holidays; intestinal obstructions, chocolate toxicity, burns, and pancreatitis are a few of the most common reasons pets need medical attention during the month of December. In order to ensure that your nights are filled with visions of sugarplums, rather than long waits in a veterinary emergency room, keep these things in mind:

Holiday Decorations
Pets are inquisitive by nature and their curiosity can get them in trouble. While a Christmas tree adorned with glistening ornaments and lights may be a feast for our eyes, we would never think of putting one of those shining ornaments in our mouths. However, our pets see these twinkling objects as new toys beckoning to be examined, played with, and even eaten. Shattered glass ornaments are razor sharp and can injure pets and their people. We know ornaments can choke animals but unfortunately many of us don’t realize that linear objects, like tinsel, string, yarn, and ribbons, are also quite dangerous. Not only can pets become entangled but, if ingested, linear objects can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages unless they are promptly removed surgically. This is especially common with kittens and puppies.

Candles
Little paws can do more than break fragile glass ornaments; they can also knock over candles. Tipped candles can burn your pet or even worse lead to household fires.

Plants
If you have pets, avoid lilies, ivy, holly, mistletoe, Christmas greens, and poinsettias. These traditional holiday plants, if eaten, can cause symptoms as mild as vomiting and diarrhea or as serious as kidney failure leading to death. Lilies in particular are highly toxic to cats and chewing on leaves, flowers or any part of these plants can be deadly so I recommend keeping all lilies out of the house if you have cats!

Food
Holiday food can have serious consequences for pets. Animals should never have access to chocolate or alcohol. Bones, except for those specially treated and intended for canine consumption, should also be avoided. Poultry bones can splinter and get lodged in the gastrointestinal tract. Ham and beef bones can break teeth or cause intestinal obstructions. Though tempting, and always appealing to dogs, you should avoid giving your pet leftovers or tastes of your own food, especially during the holidays. Not only can this lead to obesity and encourage annoying begging, it can cause a pancreatitis attack. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas usually caused by fatty foods like turkey, ham, gravy, and chicken skins. It is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated.

Remember these important tips during the holidays. Watch out for choking and obstruction hazards. Avoid pet-toxic plants or, at least, be sure to keep them out of reach of your pets. Don’t give animals chocolate, alcohol, or bones to your pets. And instead of giving your pet scraps from your holiday meal, buy your pet a pet-safe treat, a new toy, or a new outfit. Paying careful attention to these warnings will help keep the holidays happy for you and your pet and should prevent unscheduled visits to the vet.

Have a safe and Happy Holidays Everyone!

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Pet Tips

Don’t Forget Your Pets This Holiday

December 11, 2019
by ruthmacpete

Has your pet been naughty or nice this year? Reward your well-behaved furry friend with the purr-fect gift this holiday season. These paw-pular gift ideas are sure to make a tail wag or a cat meow.

Treats
Pet treats are always at the top of every pet’s wish list. Instead of giving just any old treat, give them something yummy, good for the environment, and healthy. Chippin® dog treats are made from pumpkin, flaxseed and crickets. Yes, crickets. Crickets may seem like an unconventional food ingredient, but crickets are a sustainable, healthy source of protein that contains more omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 than salmon. And more important to your pooch, they taste great!

Tasty Supplements

If you follow health trends, then you know that collagen supplements have become one of the most popular nutritional supplements. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is found in connective tissue, muscles, and skin. As we age, collagen is broken down faster than our body can replace it. A growing body of evidence suggests that collagen supplements have a number of health benefits, such as helping with arthritis, wound healing, muscle wasting, and promoting healthier skin. Why not give your pet the gift of health? The Missing Link® Collagen Care™ supplements are bite-sized soft chews available in three unique formulations to address joint pain, skin and coat issues, and anxiety.

Toys
Pets just want to have fun. Bring out the inner puppy with a new stimulating toy. HERO dog toys offer a variety of fun, innovative, and durable toys. Designed by dog enthusiasts, HERO dog toys inspire play and stimulate your dog’s mind. Many HERO dog toys are designed to dispense treats and reward your dog for their foraging behavior and focused play. Keep your dog entertained and keep boredom at bay with a new toy this holiday.

Bowls
Get something for your pet and your home. Loving Pets has a variety of bowls to match your dog’s and home’s personality and style. Retro bowls are sleek and come in pink, blue, and white and are the perfect addition to a modern décor. Ruff N Tuff® bowls are made out of heavy-duty stainless steel and complement an edgy industrial look. Finally, Bella Bowls® Designer and Expressions Collection are their best-selling bowls and are available in a variety of designs to fit any home décor. Now your dog can eat in style.

High-Tech Gadget
Hate leaving your pet home alone while you work? Varram Pet Fitness is a high-tech way to keep your dog and cat entertained when you’re away. This robotic toy zooms around the room and dispenses treats, keeping your pets stimulated and entertained for hours. It is programmable so you can decide when you want your pet to play and reward your pet at scheduled times. And you can easily control the robot and monitor your pet’s activity with your smartphone. With Varram Pet Fitness you no longer have to worry that your pet is bored while home alone.

Cat & Dog Wine
Why should your pet feel left out when you’re enjoying a glass of wine or cold brew this holiday? Pet Winery makes dog and cat vitamin-enriched beverages designed to look like your favorite alcoholic beverages, but without the alcohol. Toast your kitty with a glass of Meow & Chandon, or your dog with a bottle of Bark Brew Dog Beer this holiday. And if you are looking for a gift for your pet-loving friend who has it all or you need to bring a bottle of wine to a party, Pet Winery has all kinds of fun beverages for your feline and canine friends.

Doggy spa
Give your dog the gift of beauty and pamper them with a new luxurious pet shampoo. VetDerm Solutions Super Hydrating & Conditioning Pet Shampoo is a uniquely formulated shampoo that uses human-grade ingredients and antioxidants such as green tea, shea butter and oatmeal to cleanse, hydrate and soothe your pet’s skin. Paraben-free, sulfate-free, tear-free, cruelty-free and fragrance-free, VetDerm Solutions Pet Shampoo is designed to clean and hydrate your pet’s skin without overwhelming your dog’s exquisite sense of smell. Let’s face it, how many dogs do you know that want to smell like a rose or lavender?

Hopefully these gift ideas will help you find the purr-fect gift for your furry friend. Our pets bring us so much joy throughout the year, show them how much you value and appreciate their unconditional love and companionship this holiday season with a gift they are sure to love.

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Pet Tips

Thanksgiving Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe

November 12, 2019
by ruthmacpete

Each year, millions of pets become ill during the holidays, with intestinal obstructions, chocolate or other toxicities, and pancreatitis, being some of the most common reasons. In order to ensure that your Thanksgiving holidays are filled with happiness rather than long waits in a veterinary emergency room, follow these simple precautions to help keep your pets safe.

Obesity
Calorie-filled holiday feasts and sweets can lead to a few post-Thanksgiving extra pounds for us and our pets. Although sharing our leftovers with our pets may be in keeping with the holiday spirit of goodwill, it can lead to pet obesity. Pet obesity is associated with significant health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. In addition, giving leftovers at the table routinely also promotes begging and reinforces bad behavior.

Pancreatitis
Besides leading to obesity, eating fatty holiday foods can also cause a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas gland called pancreatitis. In pets, pancreatitis is usually caused by ingestion of fatty foods like turkey, ham, gravy, and chicken skins. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

Bones
Bones also pose a serious danger to pets. Poultry bones are dangerous because they can splinter and get lodged in the gastrointestinal tract and therefore should never be given to pets. Ham and beef bones can break teeth or can also cause intestinal obstructions. If you wish to give your pet a special holiday treat, instead of giving them bones, consider giving them a healthy dental treat specially intended for safe chewing and dental hygiene.

Dangerous Foods
Chocolate: Most people know that chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Depending on the amount consumed, it causes vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, seizures, and even death. Never give your pets chocolate and of course keep this sweet treat out of reach of your pets.

Xylitol Flavored Sweet Treats: Candies, desserts and other foods that contain the artificial sweetener xylitol are very dangerous to pets. Xylitol causes insulin release leading to low blood sugar levels and can also cause liver failure. Be sure to keep all these sweet treats out of reach of hungry pets. If your pet manages to steal some candy or dessert containing xylitol, immediately call your veterinarian for help or take your pet to a veterinary emergency clinic.

Raisins and grapes: Many Thanksgiving dishes contain raisins or grapes which can be very dangerous for pets. Grapes and raisins have been reported to cause severe kidney damage.

Nuts: Many nut varieties are toxic to pets and can have a devastating effect on dogs’ nervous systems. Walnuts and macadamias are especially toxic and can cause vomiting, paralysis and even death.

Onions: Onions, chives, and garlic in any form are poisonous to pets. They cause lethargy, weakness, ataxia (lack of coordination), hyper-salivation, anemia, and even death.

With so many tasty dangers often at pet’s eye level, it is always best to keep pets out of the kitchen and away from the celebration. And while sharing is in keeping with the holiday spirit of goodwill, sharing leftovers with our pets can lead to serious health problems. Instead of giving your pet leftovers from your holiday meal, give your pet a pet-safe treat or a new toy.

Lost Pets
Although the holidays are usually joyous times, as anyone who has ever hosted a holiday party knows, they can also be stressful times. This can be especially true for our pets. The revolving door of visiting guests and the break from the routine can frighten our pets and cause them to run away. If your pet tends to easily get scared, nervous, or becomes protective, it is important to keep them confined safely inside your house. Many pets are lost during the holidays when they jump out of their yard or dart out of an open door. Remember all pets, even strictly indoor cats, should have collars with tags and microchips so that if they become lost they can be returned safely home.

Paying careful attention to these warnings will help keep the Thanksgiving holidays happy for you and your pet and should prevent unscheduled visits to your veterinarian.

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Pet of the Week

Kiki from FOX 35 Orlando

November 11, 2019November 11, 2019
by ruthmacpete

Kiki, the adorable little pomeranian that joined me on Fox 35 Orlando, is looking for her fur-ever home.

Kiki is an 11 month old, female, lovely, fox-red Pomeranian with a classic powder puff coat who weighs about 7lbs.

Here is her rescue story:

“Kiki came to Florida Little Dog Rescue at 7 months old with a broken leg when her previous owner decided EUTHANIZING her would be a more convenient choice than dealing with surgery and a tedious convalescence. Fortunately the vet said heck no to that, so this darling girl came to us. She has been a great sport over nearly three long months of surgery with pins and a plate to repair the leg and then enforced crate confinement to protect her during the healing process. Despite everything, Kiki remained her happy, nice and very energetic puppy self throughout.

Her foster mom says: Kiki is ready to resume her life as an adorable and adored member of a family as she completes the final and manageable stage of her recovery and moves back into the mainstream. Her leg is healed but should still be considered somewhat fragile. Full robustness may take a few more months. At this point she is able to walk on a harness and leash for prescribed distances, have some supervised freedom in a safe smallish room, and enjoy some fresh air in a small outdoor space (an ex-pen in the yard). Her new owner will need to enforce this.”

So if you are looking for a diva/Kim Kardashian of dogs with all the envy and attention great beauty brings contact us and get ready to have your life taken over by Kiki!

She is happy, loving, active, energetic, mischievous, funny, bossy, entitled, way too smart and so darn cute. This little girl loves people and is dog and also cat social – to the dismay of the cat. She loves treats, squeaky toys, balls, playing in the water bowl and pulling her older sedate Pommie friend backwards by the tail. She likes spending time outside in her enclosure and will collect mulch, attempt some digging, and likes to monitor invading lizards and squirrels. She has a calm, sweet princess side and naps or sleeps peacefully on your lap or somewhere nearby, rides in a purse/carrier, follows you around, bestows kisses upon the deserving, and is totally affectionate.

Kiki is a luxuriously coated Pom and will need regular professional grooming along with frequent comb-outs at home.

Please do not apply unless you want to spend time with, resources on, and have a highly interactive relationship with your dog. Kiki must have a special and careful home with someone who is there more often than not, wants to give her the attention required and will enjoy providing a proper environment for her. Her broken leg seems to have been accidental, probably from her leaping off of something high, so her new owner must protect her from this and see that her surroundings don’t pose any danger. She is too energetic and daring for her own good when left to her own devices or when bored, so she needs safe ways to expend some physical and mental energy with you through walks, outings, supervised play or maybe a job as a visiting celebrity. Kiki can be barky when confined or alone, so no shared walls are best. She is not fully potty-trained at the moment, as this has been hard while on crate rest, but she is learning and does not like soiling her crate. She will bark to get out of it to use a nearby pee pad and she will take advantage of outdoor opportunities. I think she was perhaps housetrained before her injury and will soon get the hang of it again.

Kiki would love a dog friend her own size, but any interactions must be carefully monitored for some time to come.

Absolutely no small children in the home or frequently visiting, and no larger dogs, no exceptions, no matter how nice. She is too small for either to be safe for her and her bionic leg. Thank you for understanding.

Fostering this girl has been be a privilege. If you think Kiki is just what your life needs, she is here waiting, rather impatiently, for her new people:)

Kiki is spayed, heartworm negative, up to date on her vaccines, and microchipped.”

For more information about Kiki and how you can meet her and if you are lucky enough…adopt her contact Florida Little Dog Rescue.

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Pet Tips

Diabetes in Pets: Do You Know the Signs?

November 8, 2019November 8, 2019
by ruthmacpete

November is American Diabetes Month®. Diabetes is not just a human disease; dogs and cats also suffer from this all too common disease. In fact, estimates report that diabetes affects about 1:200 cats and 1:300 dogs nationwide and it is increasing at an alarming rate. Fortunately, diabetes is a manageable condition in pets just like humans.

WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes mellitus occurs when the body is unable to regulate the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce the hormone insulin. Insulin is released when blood sugar levels are high and results in the transfer of sugar from the bloodstream into cells to be stored or used for energy. Insulin resistant or Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes less responsive to the effects of insulin. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes result in chronically elevated levels of sugar in the blood that damage capillaries and eventually lead to nerve damage, kidney failure and even death. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes seen in cats, while Type 1 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in dogs.

WHAT CAUSES DIABETES?
Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial disease influenced by both inherited and environmental factors. Genetic predisposition seems to be an important risk factor, and in dogs, certain breeds, like Keeshonds and Samoyeds, are more likely to develop diabetes. Age is another important risk factor. Though it can affect animals of any age, it is more common in middle-aged and older animals. However, of all the risk factors, obesity is the most important for Type 2 diabetes, especially since the prevalence of obesity is increasing. In the United States, it is estimated that 45% of dogs and 58% of cats are overweight.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES

The classic symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, increased appetite, and increased urination. In addition to these textbook symptoms, pets with diabetes may become lethargic, lose weight, have a dull coat, and in dogs, develop cataracts. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes so that you can promptly seek veterinary care if you notice any of these in your pets. Of course, it’s important to mention that animals are very adept at hiding illness so these symptoms may be difficult to recognize initially. That’s why regular veterinary check-ups are so important. Annual examinations and diagnostic tests help to uncover diseases, like diabetes, early when they are typically easier to treat or manage.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR PET HAS DIABETES?
If you think your cat or dog may have diabetes, see your veterinarian immediately. Diabetes is diagnosed by having your veterinarian perform simple blood and urine tests on your animal. These fast and easy diagnostic tests allow your veterinarian to detect abnormally high levels of sugar in your pet’s bloodstream and also look for the presence of sugar or sugar breakdown products in their urine.

TREATMENT
So what can be done? Fortunately, being diagnosed with diabetes is not a death sentence. Diabetes is a manageable disease. The goal of treatment is to provide stable blood sugar levels. This can be achieved with some combination of diet, insulin and at-home monitoring. There are several different types of insulin available with different durations of action, your veterinarian will assess your pet to determine which type of insulin will be best for your particular pet. In addition to insulin, diet and weight loss are just as important when it comes to treating diabetes in pets. Recent nutritional studies show that switching to a low-carbohydrate and high-protein canned food diet is the most effective dietary routine for most diabetic cats. Speak with our veterinarian about what if any nutritional changes are necessary for your particular pet. Weight loss is also important because obesity is a common cause of insulin resistance. Fatty tissue releases factors that impair the effects of insulin. To promote weight loss, you should exercise your pets in addition to following your veterinarian’s dietary suggestions. At-home monitoring makes a huge difference in the quality of life of pets with diabetes. Through proper veterinary care and the right at-home blood glucose monitor, calibrated specifically for dogs and cats, diabetes in pets can be successfully managed on an ongoing basis.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE
Diabetes is an increasingly common problem in dogs and cats. Become familiar with the signs and symptoms of diabetes and watch for their development in your pet. Take your furry friend to their veterinarian for regular examinations and screening tests since it is best to catch diseases early before they become advanced and develop complications. If you discover that your animal has diabetes, remember diabetes is a manageable disease and with treatment most pets with diabetes can live long healthy lives.

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Pet of the Week

Pet of The Month-Pappy

November 8, 2019November 8, 2019
by ruthmacpete

In honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month, Pappy from Best Friends Rescue in Los Angeles is the Pet of The Month. Pappy is an 8-year-old male terrier/chihuahua mix with diabetes. He may be small and weigh only 13 lbs., but he has a huge heart and loves everyone, and I do mean everyone. He loves dogs, cats, and people of all ages. He loves going for walks, being carried (in a baby Björn), snuggling, and like all pets, loves taking naps. His foster parents say he has great manners and a sweet happy personality. No wonder he is a staff and volunteer favorite at Best Friends.

Pappy is an amazing dog. The only reason this little guy hasn’t been snatched up is that he is diabetic. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that pets, just like humans, can live long healthy and happy lives with diabetes. Pappy’s diabetes is well controlled with twice a day insulin shots and a special diet. For more about information about diabetes in pets check out my latest blog Diabetes in Pets: Do You Know the Signs?

If you think you have what it takes to be Pappy’s fur-ever home, please contact Best Friends to meet Pappy.

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Pet Tips

Halloween Hazards all Pet Parents Need to Know

October 17, 2019
by ruthmacpete

Halloween is almost here! Halloween is my all-time favorite holiday. Ever since I was a kid, I have loved Halloween but… not everyone loves Halloween. In fact, many animals are downright terrified by the holiday. In addition to being scary, Halloween can be dangerous to our pets. It is important all pet parents know the four most common Halloween pet hazards and how to keep their pets safe this Halloween.

1.Open Doors
The spooky decorations, eerie noises, ghoulishly dressed little people ringing doorbells and yelling “trick-or-treat” can be frightening to our pets. If you have a nervous, shy or easily frightened pet it is best to keep them inside your house and away from the door. Likewise, if your pet is very protective, keep your pet safely secured inside the house. Sadly, many frightened pets get lost during Halloween every year when they dart out of an open front door or escape from their yard. It’s best to give your pet a treat and keep them safely away from the commotion in a back room.

2.Candy
Scary trick-or-treaters aren’t the worst hazard to our pets. Candy is probably the biggest danger. As most people, know chocolate is toxic to our pets and can be fatal. However, it’s not just chocolate that we have to watch out for. Candy with xylitol, like sugar-free gum, is also vey dangerous to pets. Xylitol causes insulin release and low blood sugar levels and can lead to liver failure. Be sure to keep all Halloween candy away from your pets. If your pet manages to steal some candy, immediately call your veterinarian for help or take your pet to a veterinary emergency clinic.

3.Decorations
Halloween decorations can be another big danger to our pets. Flickering candles, jack-o-lanterns, and twinkling lights don’t just capture our attentions, pets are curious by nature and are drawn to these lights as well. Unfortunately, pets can get burned if they get too close to a candle or jack-o-lanterns, or worse, start a house fire. Halloween lights are pretty but can also be dangerous to ours pets. Pets can get tangled in lights, or worse yet, they can get electrocuted if they chew on them.

4.Costumes
Some people, like me, love to dress their pet up for Halloween. Just be sure you use a costume made especially for pets and never leave them in a costume unattended. Pet costumes are designed to fit your pet comfortably and to come off easily. Even so, you should never leave your pet alone in a costume. Some animals may decide to take their costume off themselves and become entangled, while others may decide to eat the costume in order to ensure they won’t have to wear it again.

This Halloween, make it a priority to keep your pets safe and sound. Keep your cats inside if you don’t already do so, and put your dog in a back room, especially if they are shy, nervous, or easily frightened by kids, loud noises, and lights. Be aware of common Halloween hazards like candy and decorations. Finally, if your pet doesn’t already have a collar, ID tag and microchip, get these before Halloween just in case your pet gets frightened and runs away during all the spooky commotion.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

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Pet Tips

Bloat-What dog owners need to know

August 29, 2019
by ruthmacpete

What is Bloat?
Gastric Dilatation –Volvulus, more commonly referred to as bloat, occurs when a dog’s stomach becomes distended with food, liquid or gas. Once distended the stomach can rotate or twist causing a life threatening condition where blood flow is decreased to the stomach and an animal quickly goes into shock.

Does it occur only in large breeds?
Certain breeds, like large or giant breeds, are more likely to develop bloat due to their body confirmation, specifically their deep chests. The breeds most commonly affected include: Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles. However, any breed can develop bloat.

What are the common signs of bloat?
Animals suffering from bloat may initially have trouble swallowing, drool excessively, try to vomit (though typically nothing comes out), pant, pace and act uncomfortable. As the condition progresses and the stomach rotates and compromises blood flow the animal may go into shock and then will exhibit signs common to shock which may include: pale mucus membranes, tachycardia, collapse, etc.

What to do I do if I suspect my dog might have bloat?
If you think your dog may be suffering from bloat it is imperative that they receive treatment immediately. Call your veterinarian or go to the nearest emergency clinic for treatment. Left untreated bloat can be fatal within a few hours. If you see any of the above signs or are concerned that your pet may be developing bloat don’t wait, call your veterinarian immediately for assistance

Is Bloat or GDV preventable?
The best way to prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus in at risk breeds is to have your veterinarian preform gastropexy surgery. This is often done when your dog is young and is spayed or neutered. This procedure attaches the stomach to the body wall so that it is unable to twist if dilated. While it does not prevent gas dilation of the stomach it does prevent the stomach from rotating which is the reason GDV is life threatening.

How do you treat GDV?
Again its important people realize that bloat is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. The first thing your veterinarian will do is stabilize your dog, as most will be in shock. This will likely involve giving intravenous fluids, pain medication (bloat is very painful), antinausea medication and more. Then your veterinarian will remove the air, fluid or food from the stomach. Once stable immediate surgery is needed to reposition the twisted stomach.

Can dogs get bloat twice?
Yes unless a gastropexy is performed a dog can develop bloat again. Even with a gastopexy an animal can develop gastric dilation but should not have twisting or rotation of their stomach, which is what causes an animal to go into shock and is ultimately fatal if untreated.

Common myths about Bloat or GDV:
There are a lot of myths out there about bloat. One of them is that giving your dog simethicone (gas X) will prevent bloat. Unfortunately this is has not been proven to be effective for treating bloat. Another common myth is that drinking ice water can cause a dog to bloat. Again there is no scientific evidence to support this theory.

For more information about bloat or if you have any questions about bloat prevention it is always best to speak with your veterinarian.

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