S. Fontana is a LifeLearn author.
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Nothing hurts pet parents more than believing their pet is in pain. And we can’t blame them. It’s hard to know exactly how much pain or discomfort our lovable pets may be in since they can’t ask for aspirin or show us where it hurts.
We love that September is dedicated to taking a closer look at pet pain and finding ways to improve the lives of all animals.1
Pain is complex. But we know that animals, large and small, experience pain in a similar way to us. While their emotional reactions and sensitivity may differ, the physical process that creates the pain sensation is similar in most mammals.
Turkeys, raptors, parrots, and chickens express distress from pain. Studies of birds demonstrate that they’re not immune to pain. Even fish feel pain!2
Enough about how our pets feel pain… And more about how we can help them feel better! All pets, just like us, have different thresholds for how their pain affects them. We’ve seen dogs with broken legs wagging their tails like there’s no tomorrow and other dogs that limp and cry out after putting any weight on a toe with an ant bite.
The good news is that no matter how much your pet’s acute or chronic pain bothers them, there are ways to help them feel better.
The first step to help your sweet bundle of joy feels better is to recognize they are in pain. How else would you know to find solutions if you didn’t realize your pet is feeling less-than-perfect?
Not all pets will express they’re in pain the same way. Cats are especially Houdinis when it comes to making symptoms of pain disappear. But some common signs of pain include:
Nutraceuticals may sound like a foreign language, but these are just simple compounds found in foods and plants. They can do wonders for pets struggling with cancer and joint-related pain.
How do they work? They often reduce inflammation and relubricate joints.
Not just for dogs and cats: they work for reptiles and birds!
Your senior pup or cat might actually be up for a game of laser tag after their cold laser therapy. Laser therapy can assist your pet to heal from chronic or acute pain without an invasive procedure.
And dogs often love the experience! Most relax as if they’re at the spa and come in for their next session with their tails wagging because their last treatment helped them feel better.
How does it work?
Your pet lies or stands on a bed or mat. And the cold laser uses a concentration of light to promote cell regeneration and increased blood flow. And the process releases endorphins in your pet’s brain, making them feel comfy and content.
Acupuncture may sound ‘out there,’ but it works! This treatment effectively reduces pain for young, adult, and senior pets. This practice is exceptionally beneficial for pets suffering from chronic pain.
How does it work?
The tiny pin-pricks trigger your pet’s brain to release its own endorphins and anti-inflammatory chemicals. The minuscule pokes encourage blood flow and increase oxygen. The blood and oxygen wash toxins away from the inside. The needles don’t just relieve pain in the area they’re placed, results show that dogs and cats experience less pain all over.
Hot lasers in tiny pinpoints offer the same healing effect of traditional acupuncture and can be less cumbersome when it comes to wiggly dogs and cats.
One source of pain that is often overlooked is oral discomfort. Dogs, cats, and other pets can feel terrible when their teeth aren’t healthy. From infection to receding gums, dental problems can cause your pet pain as they eat, drink, and even play.
Come in for a checkup. We’ll take a look at those chompers. We can even clean up that smile and extract any problem teeth.
Your pet depends on you for the quality of life they deserve. There are are some simple day-to-day things you do can help to keep the pain away. Keep your dog or cat at a healthy weight to reduce joint issues. exercise daily, and provide your pet with a quality diet.
Don’t let pain become a pain in your pup! If you have questions about these techniques or any other strategies we can help with, give us a call.
1 https://www.iflscience.com/
2 https://www.smithsonianmag.
Summer is here! Whether you have a hairless Sphynx or a hairy Husky, the heat this time of year can be dangerous for pets. Whatever the breed or size of your kitty or canine, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping your pet safe and comfy as the mercury rises.
While you may be drenched from head to toe in perspiration, your furry friends release heat and regulate their temperature differently. This means you have to help keep them cool.
There are some facts you should know about how they regulate their body temperatures.
Common Myths About Dogs and Body Heat
There are ways you can help your dog or cat beat the summer heat and stay safe in the sun! Here are some of our top tips for keeping your pet cooler than a cucumber:
Dogs and cats experience heat differently than we do. Because their bodies respond to heat differently, they can more rapidly slip into heat exhaustion or heatstroke. These occur when your pets’ body temperatures rise and they cannot release enough heat to cool themselves down to a safe temperature. Heatstroke is always an emergency!
Some common signs of heatstroke include:
How to respond if you suspect your pet is experiencing heatstroke:
Dogs with brachycephaly (short snouts) have a higher likelihood of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. So, if you have a Pug, Frenchie, Bulldog, or another flat-faced beauty, be very careful when it comes to summer heat.
We hope you have a wonderful summer!
You have probably heard of the town in Italy that switched to silent firework shows to help the town’s pets better cope with the booms and blast of traditional fireworks. But did you know there aren’t really “silent fireworks?” Until they invent truly silent firework shows there are other steps you can take to keep your fur family safe and calm this year while you enjoy hotdogs, sparklers, and other holiday favorites. From beer to bugs, the Fourth of July has a long list of stresses and dangers that pet parents can watch for to keep tails wagging and kitties purring. As you celebrate your patriotic love of America, you can take these measures to keep your patriotic pups, cats, and other pets safe.
Here are some of the most common questions regarding the Fourth of July and pet dangers. We tried to answer some questions you may have and suggest ways you can help keep your pet safe this Independence Day!
1. Should I Bring My Dog Along for the Celebration?
Between crowds, noise, and handouts, it’s best to let your best buddy try to relax at home. The Fourth of July can be quite stressful and any means to keep your dog’s routine the same can help reduce your pup’s anxiety.
2. How Do I Help Keep My Canine Companion Comfortable During the Firework Shows?
Mutt earmuffs for noise protection don’t quite cut it. While there are products on the market for noise protection for pups, we find very few dogs are willing to keep them on. So, how can you keep your pup calm, cool, and collected while fireworks blast near and far?
Try playing your dog or cat some relaxing music. If your dog takes medication for noise anxiety (like thunderstorms), be sure to medicate her before the shows begin. If you’re having guests over, a nervous dog may be better off crated in a quiet room away from the excitement.
3. How Do I Keep My Pet Safe During the Excitement of the Holiday?
If you’re having guests over, be sure to prepare them with your pet-friendly policies before they arrive. These should include:
After the celebrations slow to a few stray fireworks in the distance, survey your yard for any remnants of fireworks or other things you don’t want your pet to play with or eat. Kids drop food and there may be wrappers here and there. Keep this in mind when you walk your dog the next day, too.
4. Know Your Pet and When to Ask for Help
Sometimes precautionary measures are just not enough, and the noise and bustle of the holiday are too much for our four-legged companions to handle. Give us a call – there are a variety of medications and remedies that can help in easing this extra stress on your pet. We’re happy to help.
Happy Fourth of July from our clinic and staff!
Summer is the best season to be a dog! The sunshine and great weather lead to endless possibilities of fun outdoor activities. From doggie paddling on a beach summer vacation to leaping through the woods, summer is dog-gone fun!
As a dog owner, you probably have some summer activities prepared. If not, you might still have a few summertime ideas in mind for your next adventure. Help your dog start her summer off on the right paw and keep her safe with some of our summer safety tips.
1. Be mindful of the temperature: keep your dog hydrated and limit her time in the midday sun.
When the temperature rises, you want your dog to have fun in the sun. Most importantly, you don’t want your dog to feel the heat.
To keep your dog cool this summer:
2. Take some precautions before letting your dog doggie paddle this summer.
Not all dogs know how to swim and others aren’t physically cut out to be the next Michael Phelps. If you have a Pug, Boston Terrier, Frenchie, or Bulldog, you will want to suit your pup up with a life vest.
Take your time and teach your dog to swim. Go slowly and enter the water with her. Never throw your dog into a pool, from a boat or dock. This is traumatizing to your pup and can lead to a fear of water.
And if you’re considering taking your pup fishing, don’t leave fishing hooks or lures lying around, and use caution when you cast.
3. Keep her vaccinations up-to-date before heading to the dog park.
The dog park is a blast, especially during summer. There are so many tails wagging that it’s one of the best places to spend your summer mornings or evenings. Dog parks help your dog learn important social skills, but the dog park also comes with some risks.
Dog waste can spread illness. Dogs that are out of date on their vaccines can be vulnerable to getting ill or spread bacteria, getting other pups sick. Leptospirosis spreads at the dog park through urine or secondary contact with infected urine. Don’t let your dog drink standing water at the dog park or elsewhere. Give yourself peace of mind, and ask us about the vaccine that can prevent your pup from getting leptospirosis.
It’s important to remember that while you may be an amazing dog owner, others may not be as vigilant. We often hear about dogs that bring fleas and ticks home from the dog park. This puts pups at risk of tapeworms and Lyme disease. Avoid the risk of your dog collecting hitchhikers while enjoying the summer festivities. Make sure she’s protected from fleas and ticks with preventative medicine.
“The dog lives for the day, the hour, even the moment,” according to Robert Falcon Scott. Help your dog make the most of each moment while keeping her safe.
This year, make memories and make the most of summer while keeping your canine companion out of trouble. If your dog is due for a checkup, don’t hesitate to call us to make an appointment. We can help you and your family make the most of summer with a healthy and happy dog.
Heartworms can have devastating consequences for your pet, including death. It is especially tragic when dogs and cats succumb to heartworm disease when it’s entirely preventable. Now that warm weather is finally here, your dog or cat has a much greater likelihood of acquiring heartworm just by being outside since the most common route of transmission is a bite from an infected mosquito. However, pets can pick up the heartworm parasite any time of year. This is the reason we recommend year-round heartworm protection at Cypress Veterinary Hospital.
Heartworm Prevention and Testing
Although it’s more common for dogs to get heartworm disease because they make an ideal host and typically spend more time outdoors, it’s important to understand that cats get heartworm as well. Unfortunately, for our feline friends no effective heartworm treatment exists for cats who test positive.
Puppies should start preventive medication for heartworm by eight weeks old. While it isn’t necessary to test puppies that young before starting on a product, puppies over six months old do require testing. Puppies and dogs need only one simple blood test to determine the presence of heartworm. Similarly, cats should be started on a heartworm preventive once they are eight weeks old.
Common Signs of Heartworm Infestation
When dogs acquire heartworm, the parasite usually lives in the heart and the right ventricle. This produces the following types of symptoms:
It’s also possible that your pet won’t show any indication of heartworm even when he has them. Sadly, the first indication of heartworm in some pets can be sudden collapse and death. All pets should have year-round heartworm protection, even those who never go outside. It’s too easy for mosquitoes to get into your home and infect them.
If you suspect that your dog or cat has heartworm based on these symptoms, please schedule an appointment at Cypress Veterinary Hospital right away. We will complete testing and discuss treatment options if results come back positive.
It’s Easier to Prevent Heartworm Than Treat It
We’re happy to let you know that we carry many heartworm prevention products in our clinic and online store. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you would like a recommendation on the most effective product for your pet. You can schedule an appointment by calling our clinic at (281) 469-8056.
It can be scary when your pet has ingested a potentially toxic substance, especially when you didn’t see what he licked or swallowed. To help raise awareness of the issue and prevent illness or fatality in pets, the American Veterinary Medical Association named the third week in March Pet Poison Prevention Week. Below are some hazards you should be especially aware of this time of year.
Antifreeze
To a thirsty dog or cat, antifreeze can look just like water. Unfortunately, it can cause severe symptoms such as seizures immediately upon ingestion. It also takes less than a capful to be fatal to pets. Be sure to keep your pet away from the driveway if you know that your car drips antifreeze, and keep whatever you’re not using stored on a high shelf in the garage.
Chocolate
It seems like we just got past Valentine’s Day. Now it’s almost time for Easter and the chocolate treats that come with it. While this can be an occasional sweet treat for humans, dogs or cats should not have even a small amount. Chocolate contains an ingredient called theobromine that can be difficult for pets to digest. Mild symptoms include diarrhea and fatigue. However, pets eating chocolate can also cause serious symptoms like respiratory distress, high blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrest.
Household Cleaners
Spring cleaning is an annual event in many households. Before you get started, place your dog in a kennel or your cat in another room to avoid a curious pet from ingesting toxic substances. Dishwashing detergent and cleaners for the toilet, oven, and drain can be particularly hazardous. Signs that your pet might have gotten into your household cleaners include drooling, lethargy, fever, lack of appetite, and pawing at her mouth.
Lilies
Lilies are an especially popular springtime and Easter plant. Certain types of lilies, including Asiatic, Day, Easter, Japanese Show, and Tiger are extremely toxic to cats. Eating just two or three petals can result in kidney failure. Calla, Peace, and Peruvian lilies typically cause minor symptoms such as drooling. In either case, be sure to seek prompt medical attention for your cat. Lilies can also be toxic for dogs but to a lesser degree.
Spring Lawn and Garden Supplies
It’s exciting when you can start working in the garden again after a long winter. You just need to be careful when you have a pet since weed killer and certain garden supplies can be hazardous to his health. If your pet licks a plant you have sprayed with weed killer, symptoms of illness such as vomiting and diarrhea could start right away. Cocoa mulch also contains harmful properties for pets. If you do choose to use it, consider placing a fence around the area so your pet can’t access it.
Slug Bait
Slugs are pesky critters that can ruin your garden in a hurry. To prevent this, many gardeners use slug bait that contains metaldehyde that kills the slugs by causing dehydration. With household pets, the ingredient can cause tremors that increase body temperature and can cause death to muscle cells. That can lead to kidney failure and eventually death of the animal. Please don’t wait to seek help if there’s any possibility your pet could have ingested slug bait.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many foods, including sugar-free candy. With Easter coming up, we encourage you to keep all treats out of your pet’s reach whether they contain Xylitol or not. It’s far better to take a preventive approach than to have your pet become extremely ill after trying to sneak some Easter treats.
Cypress Veterinary Hospital is always available to answer your questions about poison prevention or any other area of pet care. You may contact us at (281) 469-8056 if you have an emergency or need to make an appointment for your pet.
Consider all the joy and love your dog brings into your life. Now, imagine if you could take measures to help your dog live longer with a better quality of life. Wouldn’t you want to return the happiness your dog provides you for years to come?
Fortunately, with proper care over your dog’s lifetime, she can live happier, healthier, and statistically longer.
1. Your Dog’s Diet Matters
Whether you have a chow-hound or a finicky furry friend, diet is one of the most important aspects of care when it comes to your dog’s health.
Dogs are not strict carnivores, which means that they need a diet of meat with some fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains. A balanced diet of meat along with fruits and vegetables provides your dog with Omega fatty acids, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You want to provide your dog with food that reflects their dietary needs.
So, don’t skimp on your dog’s diet. Make sure you check the ingredients on your dog’s food and check with us to make sure it’s a good option for your pup. We’re always happy to answer questions about your dog’s diet.
2. Exercise is Essential
Chubby dogs are darling, and dog obesity is on the rise. And the frightening reality is that obesity shortens a dog’s lifespan. Unfortunately, obese dogs also have a higher risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, in addition to bladder issues, and osteoarthritis.
Luckily, there’s a solution for canine obesity. In addition to eating well, your dog should receive plenty of exercise that raises her heart rate and burns calories.
Get your canine couch potato up and moving. Embrace playing fetch, going to the dog park, or walking your dog around the block.
3. Mind Your Dog’s Mental Health
We often get questions from owners about their dog’s mopey or lethargic disposition. Often, people don’t realize dogs can develop depression. They also have a tendency to get bored.
If you notice your dog isn’t as spunky as she used to be, pick up some new toys that are more mentally engaging. We’ve found that a lot of dogs love new puzzle toys! Another trick is mentally engaging your pooch with training.
With a few fun toys and activities, you’ll notice your dog feeling reinvigorated.
4. Stop By Our Office
If you first brought your dog home as a pup, you probably visited our office more often than you thought possible.
Your adult dog also needs the care and attention we provide. It’s important to let us check your dog’s overall health, and prescribe her with medicine to prevent heartworms, fleas, and ticks. And we can protect her from rabies, Bordetella, and other diseases, too.
As your dog grays around the muzzle, she’ll need to visit us a little more frequently. Senior dogs should stop by twice per year for a checkup.
5. Don’t Forget Your Doggy’s Dental Care
Say Cheese! Did your dog smile? If her teeth or breath made you cringe, it’s probably time for cleaning.
Oral issues and dental disease can cause your pup pain. This makes eating difficult and uncomfortable. This can lower your dog’s quality of life and have long-lasting negative psychological effects.
In addition to brushing your dog’s teeth at home, bring her in for regular cleanings. We will provide your pup with a professional cleaning and an exam. Your dog will leave here saying “Bone-Voyage” to dental pain.
Keep your dog’s tail wagging as long as possible! With a quality diet, exercise, dental care, mental stimulation, and regular visits to our office, your best friend will continue to keep you company for years to come.
Now that the calendar has officially flipped over to 2019, you may be focusing on meeting some new resolutions for the upcoming year. Perhaps one of those is to be an even greater pet owner than you already are. This is an excellent resolution, and Cypress Veterinary Hospital wishes to offer some tips below to help you achieve it!
Just as growing children and adults at various stages need regular preventive care, the same is true of our pets. Puppies and kittens will likely have several visits during their first year of life to ensure they are off to a great start and to receive both required and optional vaccinations. These appointments are also a good opportunity to discuss behavioral concerns and get started on a proactive parasite prevention plan.
Adult dogs and cats should come in for a preventive care exam at least once a year. Pets reach middle age when they are around seven years old and the senior years by age 10 (this varies by breed). We recommend bi-annual preventive care exams starting at age seven. This gives us the chance to detect common age-related diseases as early as possible and to intervene to give your pet a more comfortable and healthy life.
Some pet owners assume that they can stop parasite prevention treatment during the winter months because their pets don’t go outside as much. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that people continue to use products to kill fleas, ticks, heartworm, and other highly devastating parasites all year long. We understand it can be a challenge to determine which products are most appropriate for your pet and will work with you and your pet to determine the appropriate products based on age, health, and lifestyle.
Imagine the terrible condition your teeth would be in if you didn’t brush them daily, or even more so, for your entire life. Unfortunately, some dogs and cats do go a lifetime with no routine oral healthcare. It’s important to establish a tooth brushing routine with your pet as soon as he or she comes to live in your home. You might be surprised at how quickly your pet will come to accept it if you’re consistent, gentle, and offer plenty of praise (TREATS!) for cooperation. Just be certain to use the right size of toothbrush and proper toothpaste for your pet’s species.
Pets also benefit from an annual dental appointment that includes professional cleaning of their teeth. This is typically done under anesthesia to allow for deeper cleaning below the gumline and to ensure the pet’s cooperation with the process.
Although having a pet comes with much responsibility, it is a relationship that brings great joy. In 2019, resolve to spend as much one-on-one time as possible with your pet to help deepen your bond. The rewards are priceless!
To schedule an appointment with Cypress Veterinary Hospital, please call (281) 469-8056.
The hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving is a part of the tradition for many families. But in the commotion, it’s important to keep safety in mind for our four-legged family members. Our Cypress Veterinary Hospital veterinary staff offers these Thanksgiving safety tips to help you all have a safe and special holiday!
Even if your house will be full of guests or your entire family is traveling, double-check that all pets are wearing a collar and identification tags with current contact information. The same goes for microchipped pets. Make sure all pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite prevention before traveling also.
If your pet is staying behind for the holiday, use a reputable pet sitter or boarding facility. Pets should never be left at home alone, even with food and water, for any extended length of time.
Stay in the same exercise and meal routine with your pets during the holiday. Going on your daily walk with your pet will also help you counteract that large Thanksgiving feast!
With guests in the house, pets may have sensory overload and need a little distraction from the distraction. Keep pet-safe toys and treats on hand and reward your pet for good behavior. Our online store is a great source of pet-friendly treats and toys, and you may even find a special gift for your four-legged friend!
Remind guests and hosts alike that your pet should not eat table scraps. Not only are a lot of human foods high in sodium and sugar that can cause gastrointestinal issues in pets, but many of our common Thanksgiving foods are also highly toxic to pets, especially those containing onion, garlic, grapes or raisins, and chocolate.
If your pet seems to be eyeing the counter for any accidentally dropped food while you are cooking, have a reliable guest or family member keep her occupied in a different room.
Before everyone settles into their post-meal naps, take all trash outside away from pets. Bones, scraps, and packaging from food may seem like a tempting chew toy, but they can cause serious harm to your pets, especially if ingested.
If you have any questions about having a safe Thanksgiving holiday with everyone in your family, contact us at (281) 469-8056. Happy Thanksgiving!
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