Queen Anne Animal Clinic December Pets of the Month

This is Ava Madeline. She is a three year old, Ragdoll-snowshoe mix. Her favorite toy is a dragonfly cat teaser. She loves sleeping and is a bit of a couch potato. She loves lounging at the top of the stairs to survey her kingdom and subjects. She is a silly girl who likes to be wrapped up in blankets and run up and down the stairs while some imaginary creature chases her. 

This is Mabli Grace! She is a three year old Grey Tabby, that will eat anything with catnip. She loves racing around the house and launching herself off walls. She is not overly fond of treats, but will occasionally eat Greenies. Her favorite spot in the house is located on the back of the couch, so she can survey her kingdom. Mabli Grace is a very sweet, affectionate girl who follows me around like a little shadow. As a result, she frequently gets smashed against the wall by my feet…

Green Lake Animal Hospital Pet of the Month: Minto

Hi!  My name is Minto and I was born on February 23, 1997, which means I’ll soon be 18 years of age. I’m a really old guy, but still pretty active.

When younger, I had loads of energy and became quite good at catching the Frisbee and tennis ball and a good swimmer, too. I used to go on hikes in the Cascades, the best of which was completing the WA state portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. I saw lots of wildlife and enjoyed sleeping under the stars.

For one year I lived in Amsterdam, Holland. I didn’t like travelling on the plane, but sure liked the cool weather and checking out the local sheep. They have great cheese, by the way.

My masters are Julie and Douglas. Julie feeds me the finest food and protects me in my old age. Douglas likes to take me on adventures and I’m his best companion.

Visiting the vet is not my favorite activity, but they do give me treats which makes it bearable. I should mention that I am obsessed with food!

Anyway, I can still walk a few miles per day and no doubt prefer the cooler weather of fall and winter.     I hope it snows!  

Ravenna Animal Hospital's Employee Pet of the Month

We are proud to honor Yoshi as Ravenna Animal Hospital's Employee Pet of the Month for December. Yoshi is owned by Jason, Client Service Team Member at Ravenna Animal Hospital. Yoshi is a 2 year old Chihuahua/Dachshund mix. His favorite toy is his "Spider Frog". He loves sun bathing, snuggling, and his favorite treat in the world is peanut butter!

Ravenna Animal Hospital Pet of the Month

Ravenna Animal Hospital is proud to honor Leica as our Pet of the Month! She is a three year old Labradoodle! She loves playing with her litter-mate Lexy and her new sister, Cayenne. Leica is also a sous chef and baking assistant to her Mom, Charlotte. Leica loves making treats for the staff at Ravenna Animal Hospital. A visit there is always fun for her!

Veterinarian Volunteerism

Last summer I spent 8 days working as a volunteer veterinarian for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. I joined the Rural Area Veterinary Service (RAVS) for their annual trip to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota.  RAVS provides veterinary care to underserved communities within the United States. Many of these communities are located on reservations in the western half of the US. These MASH-type surgical and medical clinics are held once a year at different community centers on the reservation. RAVS provides spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and parasite control.

The Standing Rock Sioux Reservation occupies 1 million acres and straddles the North Dakota/South Dakota state line. On this trip, 3 of the veterinarians and 1 LVT (licensed veterinary technician) were Humane Society employees. The additional personnel, all volunteers, consisted of:  4 veterinarians, 4 LVT’s, 35 veterinary students, and 2 clerical staff.  We gathered in Bismarck, ND for introductions and orientation. From Bismarck, we drove in caravan fashion to the Standing Rock Reservation.

The focus of this trip was to spay and neuter as many pets as possible. Vaccinations and parasite treatment were secondary to the primary mission of sterilization.  All services were free of charge to the clients. Veterinary students performed all of the pre-surgery and pre-treatment physical exams. They administered vaccinations and medications and talked to owners about exam findings, treatments, and preventive care. They assisted in anesthesia and surgery and monitored recovery of surgical patients. Most students were between the second and third years of veterinary school. These clinics provide the students with valuable surgical and clinical experience beyond what they get in veterinary school.  The students were extremely hard working, well prepared, flexible, and thorough. I was very impressed with their skills and their commitment to the well-being of the pets and the owners.

We admitted puppies and kittens as young as 6-8 weeks of age for surgery. Mature animal spays, which are rare here in urban practice, were common. These patients were primarily post- partum females, many of which were still nursing litters. Kittens and puppies as young as 2-3 weeks of age arrived along with mom and needed to be kept warm and quiet until mom was awake enough to be reunited with her babies. Every animal greater than 12 weeks of age received a Rabies vaccine, and all pets were dosed with oral worming medication and topical flea medication.

 The RAVS veterans stressed that this was likely to be the only opportunity many of these pets would have to be spayed or neutered. Pets that could not be found, caught, or transported to the site would miss the clinic and go on to produce additional litters of unwanted animals.  Neutered pets fight less, roam less, and are more likely to demonstrate behaviors that we find acceptable in household companions. Sterilized pets will lead more comfortable lives and suffer less traumatic injury and illness than their non-neutered counterparts. And they will not continue to contribute to the burden of unwanted animals on the reservation.

Clients frequently spent 2-3 hours waiting to have a pet assessed and admitted for surgery. Some waited 4 hours or more to have a pet or pets seen. Waiting for veterinary care was often a family affair, with 1 to 3 adults and 1 to multiple children and/or grandchildren piled in the car along with a variable number of animals. All pets in a family were treated as a unit-they were examined, treated, and returned to the owner at the same time.  It was not unusual for clients to arrive with 4-5 large dogs loose in the back of a truck, or 4-5 cats plus kittens loose in the passenger compartment of a car. 

Puppies and kittens seem to find homes fairly readily on the reservation. It was not uncommon for an owner to say the pet had been in the household less than a couple of weeks. Children are very involved with the puppies but interest and interaction wane as the puppy becomes an adult.  Many of the smaller dogs (a surprising number of Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes) live inside the house with the owners. Most medium sized and large dogs live outside of the house. 

Yards may or may not be fenced and are equipped with varying degrees of shelter. Many dogs wander freely. Some days they are observed by the owner and some days they are not. Feeding occurs if someone remembers to do it. Fighting is very common as are hit by car injuries and other types of trauma. It was rare to encounter dogs or cats over 6 years of age.

Pets come and go –household composition is very fluid – this is a different dynamic than what we are used to here in the city. Geriatric care is a major part of the services we provide to our clients. Most of the animals on the reservation do not live into these later years. But people clearly care about their pets. They would spend the entire day and into the evening waiting for their pets to be attended to. They were very thankful for the services we provided and for the interest we showed in their pets’ well-being. 

Clients’ knowledge of current recommendations for vaccination, nutrition, parasite control was minimal to non-existent. Their ability to provide the level of care that we provide for our pets is lacking. But these owners do want to do what they can within their means to improve the health and longevity of their pets. It is hard to see this when one first enters a situation so different from metropolitan Seattle but it is a large factor in the participation of so many professional volunteers. I fully anticipate accompanying RAVS on another trip next summer.

SOURCE:

Ann Whereat, VMD
Primary Location: Northwest Veterinary Hospital 

Dr. Whereat earned her degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She also received a B.A. in Biology from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.

She has a veterinary interest in internal medicine and the human-animal bond.

Outside the office, Dr. Whereat has one pet – a Great Swiss Mountain dog – and likes to spend time with her husband and three daughters.

Pet of the Month: Luna

Meet Luna. She is Northwest's Pet of the Month! Luna is a two year old American Pitbull Terrier. Her favorite toy is a Stuffed Octopus and she loves car rides and playing chase. 

She was a rescue from southern California in a very high kill shelter, while she was pregnant. 

She was adopted shortly after her puppies were adopted out. She was scared, shy, and not confident, but has since blossomed in one of the most loving, friendly, and curious pits. 

She is an absolute joy and we love doing fun things together. She loves her belly rubs! 

Halloween Safety Tips For Your Pet

The Holidays are fast approaching and when it comes to Halloween, our family pets often find the evening full of people, costumes, and noises overwhelming and even scary.  Here are a few things to consider when preparing for the festivities:

Candy – Chocolate is the most concerning toxicity.  Mild toxicity can lead to gastrointestinal upset, but if ingested in sufficient quantities it can be fatal.  Raisins are another possible toxin and ingesting even small quantities can lead to renal failure.  Candy wrappers can become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract leading to bowel obstruction.  Xylitol found in chewing gum can lead to hypoglycemia and liver toxicity.  Overindulgence of candy in general can lead to pancreatitis.  It is not surprising that Halloween is the busiest holiday for poison control hotlines.   Please do not leave the treat bowl unattended and keep all candy out of reach.

Decorations – Lit candles can easily get knocked over by wagging tails.  Cats find glow sticks intriguing and if punctured the contents can cause painful oral irritation.

Escape – With all of the commotion and a constantly open front door, many pets escape and flee.  Before the trick-or-treaters arrive, place pets in a separate room for safety and be sure all pets have proper tags and IDs, including a microchip, just in case.  

Noises – The constant ring of the doorbell can lead to anxiety.  Additionally, many pets are unnerved by unknown voices and the sounds of children yelling and laughing. 

Pet Costumes – It is important to make sure that pet costumes fit appropriately.  Pets can easily get entangled and if left unattended may chew up and ingest costumes leading to intestinal obstruction. 

BLOG CREDIT TO: Dr. Heeren

Dr. Heeren earned her degree from Iowa State University. She interned in small animal medicine and surgery at Denver Veterinary Specialists in Colorado and earned a B.A. in Medical Biology from Beloit College in Wisconsin.

She has a strong passion for surgery and emergency medicine, and volunteers her time spaying and neutering feral cats with the Feral Cat Project. She also provides veterinary care at the Doney Clinic.

She has one pet – a white domestic short hair named Dexter – and likes to spend time gardening or exploring the hiking trails in the Seattle area.

Tips for identifying & treating allergic dermatitis in your dog

Any dog owner whose pet suffers from allergic dermatitis is all too familiar with the constant scratching and itching this condition presents. Understanding the underlying cause for the disease is the first step in finding relief for your dog. There are three main causes of allergic dermatitis: flea allergy dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy dermatitis. Additionally, some dogs can have more than one type of allergy. 

Clinical signs of allergic dermatitis include pruritus (itching), rubbing, licking, scratching, and chewing. The scratching can be so intense that it causes alopecia (hair loss), reddening of affected skin, and hot spots. A real concern is that dogs suffering with these allergies are prone to secondary bacteria and yeast infections that can result from the damage inflicted by these reactive behaviors. 

Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy)

Atopy is a hypersensitivity reaction to inhaled allergens in the environment. Common allergens include pollens, dust mites, and mold spores. Antihistamines, glucocorticoid steroids, and medicated baths are often used to help alleviate the symptoms of atopy. In order to diagnose atopy in canines, veterinary staff use a technique called intradermal skin testing.  Allergy shots are then formulated to help desensitize the dog to the allergens that the dog reacted to. The onset of atopy occurs between one and three years of age in most cases, but can occur as early as six months or as late as seven years of age. The areas of skin most commonly affected are the face, areas around the eyes, ears, feet, axillary region (underarm), and groin.  However, itching can be generalized throughout the skin. Atopy can be seasonal or non-seasonal depending on the allergen.

Food Allergy

Food allergies are a hypersensitivity reaction to a substance in food. Some of the more common foods that dogs are allergic to can include beef, dairy products, wheat, chicken, chicken eggs, lamb, and soy. Food allergies can occur in dogs ranging from four months to around fourteen years of age, but approximately one third of these dogs will have the onset of food allergies within their first year of life. Skin areas affected by food allergies are practically identical as those caused by atopic dermatitis, making the diagnosis between the causes difficult.

To make this determination, a strict dietary elimination trial must be performed. These diets should consist of a single source of protein (such as duck) and single source of carbohydrate (such as potatoes). It is a requirement that the dog has not been exposed to these food choices previously. There are prescription diets that meet these requirements, such as novel protein or hydrolyzed protein dog foods. If feeding a home cooked diet, work with a veterinary nutritionist to make sure the diet is properly balanced. 

During the diet trial, the dog must AVOID the following:

• Flavored medications and vitamin supplements
• Treats
• Table scraps - keep your dog out of the kitchen, especially with young children that may drop food
• Medication in food
• Food intended for other household animals
• Flavored chew toys

The trial diet is fed exclusively for two to three months before reintroduction to the previous diet. If there is an allergic reaction to the reintroduced food within 14 days, then the dog has a food allergy and should return to eating the trial diet. Once the food allergy reaction dissipates again, individual ingredients can be introduced, one at a time, for a period of two weeks each. This will likely determine the specific food substance that causes the reaction. 

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a reaction to an antigen in flea saliva. FAD is very common in dogs. Although canines of any age can develop FAD, it usually affects younger patients. Individual dogs react differently to flea bites, and the reaction is worse if the dog has another skin disease as well. Symptoms of FAD include itching the tail base, thighs, and rear third of the dog’s back. 

Since flea allergy dermatitis is a reaction to flea saliva, the treatment is preventing flea bites, decreasing the duration fleas are able to feed, and decreasing the number of fleas present on the dog. This is best done by eliminating exposure to fleas. There are many flea control products available in both topical and oral formulations. It is important to treat all animals in the household when dealing with a flea infestation along with treating the inside (home) and outside (yard) environment.  Vehicles that pets commonly ride in should be treated as well.  

Canine skin allergies create a frustrating problem for dog owners, because what often begins as a seemingly simple condition can evolve into a confusing, and usually painful situation. By properly diagnosing, and subsequently addressing, the root cause of the allergic dermatitis, the daily comfort of your companion can be greatly improved. 

Dr. Catherine Gamber received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University.   Before moving to the Pacific Northwest she practiced general veterinary medicine in Dallas, Texas. 

Her special interests in veterinary medicine include internal medicine, dermatology, and soft tissue surgery. She is passionate about providing the highest quality of care for her dog and cat patients, and has a particular fondness for pot-bellied pigs.  

When she isn’t practicing veterinary medicine, she enjoys spending time outdoors running, hiking, and kayaking. Her own pets include a brown tabby cat named Amber and a pot-bellied pig named Eleanor Pigby.

SOURCE: http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/dog-blog/post/tips-for-identifying-treating-allergic-dermatitis-in-your-dog

Is Your Cat Missing the Litter Box?

You have a problem. Your cat is thinking outside the box, and not in a good way. You may be wondering what you did to inspire so much “creative expression.” Is your cat punishing you? Is Fluffy just “bad”? No, and no. House soiling and missing the litter box is a sign that your cat needs some help.

According to the Winn Feline Foundation, house soiling is the number one complaint among cat owners. The good news is that it is very treatable.

An accredited veterinarian can help you determine if the problem is medical or related to social or environmental stressors. In addition to a complete physical exam, the doctor will ask you specific “where and when” questions.

Health factors

Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, a specialist in feline urinary disorders at The Ohio State University, and founder of the Indoor Cat Initiative says that many veterinarians recommend a urine test for every cat with a house soiling problem. The urinalysis will determine if blood, bacteria, or urinary crystals are present — signs that your cat might have feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).

FLUTD is very common and can cause painful urination. Cats that begin to associate the litter box with pain will avoid it. Other medical possibilities include hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis and muscle or nerve disorders that might prevent your cat from getting to the litter box in time.

Environmental factors
If there is no medical cause, the next step is to look at environmental factors. Start with the litter box. Your cat might be avoiding the litter box because it is not cleaned well enough, you’ve changed the type of litter you use, or there is only one box for multiple cats.

Another possibility is that your cat is “marking” — spraying urine, typically on vertical objects such as walls and furniture, or in “socially significant” areas near doors or windows. Both male and female cats mark. The most common offenders are cats that have not been spayed or neutered.

Buffington says that stress can cause elimination problems too. For example, subtle aggression or harassment by other house cats or neighborhood cats may be an issue.

Indoor Cat Initiative

Even unremarkable changes in your home can make your cat anxious or fearful. Look around. Did anything change right before your cat started having problems? Did you get a new pet? A new couch? Maybe you just moved the old couch to a different part of the room, or had a dinner party. Cats are sensitive creatures and changes that seem small to you can throw your cat off his game. Check with your veterinarian about finding solutions that work for both you and your cat.

Source: http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/cat_care/behavior/missing_the_litter_box.aspx

Back to School Separation Anxiety

With all the excitement of the kids going back to school, many families may not think about what it means to the dog or cat. What you may notice are changes in behavior, a sad dog or cat, who mopes around or sleeps a lot more. Or your dog may suddenly started chewing things he shouldn't, or your cat does a lot more meowing. And you may not even connect the unusual cat or dog behavior with back-to-school time. Dogs and cats love routine, it makes them feel secure. They like knowing that certain things happen at about the same time each day, and they know where they want to be when it happens. If the kids have been around all summer, playing outside with the dog, or giving kitty extra love and snuggles, and suddenly they’re gone all day, it's upsetting. For some pets, they just feel sad and confused, and others feel real separation anxiety and may act up. 

Kids can help your pet through the back-to-school blues The first thing to note is that this is a family matter, and a good opportunity for the kids to take more responsibility for the care of their pets. Let your kids know that their dog or cat is going to miss them when they're gone all day, and discuss what they can do to help their pets through it. One of the best ways for a pet to get over the loss of one routine is to replace it with another. Your pet may be sad all day at first, but if he knows that at 3:45 your kids will be home from school and will actively play with him soon after each day, your pet has something new to look forward to. If your child has a set time to do homework or read, that's an excellent time for the dog or cat to curl up next to her and "help" with studying. Ask your kids to think of other ways to include their pets in their routines. 

More than just sad, it’s separation anxiety If your pet exhibits true separation anxiety, as in, he goes crazy when he sees your kids put on their backpacks to leave for school, or is destructive when everyone is gone, you'll have to do some gentle training to ease his stress. Your kids may feel sorry for their pet and do a long sad goodbye. This only reinforces your pet’s fears and builds up the anxiety. It’s better to make the goodbye upbeat and brief, or eliminate it completely. Depending on your pet, he may respond well to a goodbye petting, a little goodbye treat, or simply leaving with a cheerful "good boy!" as your kids go out the door. This should happen before your pet gets upset. If your pet is freaking out, absolutely do not reward with anything. If you can get your pet to calm down – if it’s a dog, a simple "sit!" command may help. Then reward with petting and telling him he's ok once he’s calm. If your pet gets upset just by the backpacks or car keys being picked up, pick those items up and walk around the house with them several times a day, but don't leave. Your pet will learn not to associate those items with the pending doom of your kids leaving.

When back-to-school means an empty house If everyone is gone all day, both parents included, your pets are going to be bored on top of being upset. It's important to leave them some interactive toys to help them pass the time. Eventually, they will get used to the new reality, and will likely sleep most of the day. You can balance the boredom by providing vigorous exercise each day when you or your kids are home. Remember, you and your kids may have had a very busy day, but your pet has done virtually nothing, unless there is evidence to the contrary, as in a shredded or chewed up sofa. Providing your dog or cat active, vigorous play each day will help them burn up their pent up energy. Take your dog for a run or go outside and throw a ball or flying disk. For your cat, run around the house with a little toy on the end of a string. You may also want to consider getting your pet a little buddy to keep him company when no one is home. Even an aloof adult cat is likely to accept a kitten into her life, and the kitten will entice the older cat to play. And dogs, being true social animals, nearly always accept another dog to play with. Remember, your pets can get nervous, upset, anxious or lonely just like people, only they don't have the benefit of knowing that you’ll be back when you leave. It's up to you and your kids to make your pets feel secure in ways they understand. 

Source: http://www.petcentric.com/08-24-2009/your-pets-view-of-kids-going-back-to-school

Car Sickness In Pets

Does your dog throw up in the car when you go for rides? He may be experiencing typical motion sickness, just like some people do. Motion sickness usually begins very shortly after starting the car ride. The dog will begin to drool and then vomit. It’s not serious, but certainly not something that we like to clean up! To solve the problem, first try acclimating the dog to car rides. Do this by simply putting him in the car for a few minutes each day without going anywhere. Then try just going down the driveway and back, and the next day going around the block. Gradually build up the distance and time the dog rides in the car. 

 Sometimes this will help to decrease the dog’s anxiety over riding in the car and may help to decrease vomiting. If that doesn’t work, there are some over-the-counter medications you can try. The medication will need to be given about an hour before the car ride. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation as to what drug to try and the dosage for your pet.

(Never give any medications to your pet without your veterinarian’s advice!) These drugs are safe, with drowsiness usually the only major side effect. But since your dog isn’t driving the car, that shouldn’t be a problem! If over-the-counter drugs don’t work, your veterinarian may be able to suggest another method for curing the car sickness.

Source: http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/dog_care/general_health/car_sickness.aspx

Pet Nutrition and Healthy Weight Management

We love our families. We love our children. We love our pets. We buy organic foods for our families because we believe that these foods are good for people and good for the earth. We ensure that our children are well nourished so that they can enjoy long and healthy lives. It is not surprising that we want the same for our furry family members. The problem is that over nutrition is negatively affecting our pets. Our pets are becoming overweight and even obese as we strive to do right by them and give them the best foods that we can afford. Pet foods sold in this country are composed of high quality ingredients which are of high nutritional value. It is exceedingly uncommon for our pets to experience disease due to poor quality diets. While we have eliminated nutritional deficiencies in our pets, we are only beginning to tackle the issue of overabundance of calories and disease due to over nutrition.

Recent studies have shown that  52% of dogs and  57 % of cats are overweight or obese.(www.petobesityprevention.org) Weight gain occurs when calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure. Our pets are gaining unnecessary and unhealthy weight because they are receiving too many calories in their diets. I say ‘receiving’ because it stresses the point that we are providing our pets with what they are eating. Our pets no longer  run free on the farm or perform the work of herding the flocks. Many dogs spend their days on the couch, waiting for family members to return in the evening. It doesn’t take a lot of calories to sleep all day. Cats are kept indoors, out of harm’s way.   Our cats and dogs are experiencing fewer traumatic injuries and fewer infectious diseases because we are careful to monitor their activities and eliminate hazards. Unfortunately, weight  gain and obesity have replaced  traumatic and infectious disease threats to our furry friends.

Owners  set the patterns involved in feeding  pets.  Daisy the Labrador Retriever  ‘demands’ the 6am breakfast and 6pm dinner because our behavior has led her to this expectation. If it was Daisy’s decision, every hour would be meal time, she is a Labrador Retriever, after all. She inhales her food.  Daisy  ENJOYS her food, or so we presume from the speed at which it disappears. We feel good about the premium brand dog food she eats since it brings her pleasure and we believe that it is good for her.  Emily the cat also enjoys her food but more surreptitiously, because a cat really doesn’t need an owner. (People are useful, at times, but not necessary.) Emily  likes  to see that the food bowl is  FULL when she passes by, regardless of whether she is hungry. Full is good; a concavity in the contour of the food mound is bad-and she will tell you about it. She does so because  she has had success with this strategy. Protestations yield a freshly topped-off  bowl and some degree of human interaction, even though our  sighs and scoldings  were not exactly  the type of attention she wanted.

Due to the abundance of pet food choices, it is difficult to answer the question-how much brand X kibble should Daisy be eating per day ? Or how many cans or scoops of wet food should Emily be  given? The calorie density of different foods is far more variable  than it was 20 years ago, when we could ball park “1/2c dry food per 10lb body weight per day” for Daisy. Dry dog foods now range from 300 to greater than 500 calories per cup. This is why we ask owners to look at food bags and cans for that brand’s  calorie  information( per cup or can)before we can specify an amount of a specific food to feed.   The recommended number of calories to feed per day can easily be calculated using age, activity level, body size, and standard values for resting energy requirement(RER).

Successful weight loss in pets is similar to successful weight loss in people-it is accomplished by  changing patterns and expectations. Weight loss that occurs because behavior has changed is weight loss that can be maintained. Re-gain of weight is as common in pets as in humans. Reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight IS work-it requires thought and perseverance.  Owners cannot  go from treat provision to treat elimination without  eliciting a surprised( and certainly confused !) response from the pet. But we can break the milkbone in half, providing ½ the usual calories per treat episode. We can also substitute lower calorie items (such as pieces of rice cakes and vegetables) for the higher calorie alternatives. Daisy  MAY  look at us askance if we offer a piece of broccoli instead of that milkbone-but if we gradually decrease the frequency of the milkbone and increase the frequency of the broccoli, without changing the routine   and patter( “Good girl!  Is it time for your bedtime treat ?”), she will adjust her behavior.  Our exuberance in offering the ‘treat’ need not change.   Dogs are social creatures-the interaction with the owner is as important to the dog as the substance of the treat itself (although Daisy might not admit to this the first time she receives a piece of broccoli).

Cats are a different story. Nutritionists agree that the optimal diet for a cat is 8-10 mice per day. Cats eat what they catch, when they catch it.(Then they nap!) They expend calories in the chase-and some days are leaner than others. There is also mental exercise involved in the hunt-something that our pets do not get when we open cans and bags for them. One way to regulate calories consumed and encourage some physical activity, is to take the daily dry food allowance-divide it into 5-6 portions and place those portions around the house. Another approach to engage the reluctant athlete is to feed individual pieces of dry food in a tossing game-the cat needs to chase and consume  each piece of kibble before the next piece is tossed. This is a way to interact with the pet that is fun for owner and pet alike.

 Physical exercise is important for our canine friends. One hour of walking per day is recommended, and this is great target for all of us-dogs and people alike! Dogs with orthopedic issues may need to have their activity adjusted to accommodate their restrictions. Even dogs with joint issues should exercise daily to maintain muscle tone and flexibility. It is obviously more difficult for these pets to lose weight, but it can be accomplished. We first need to identify the type of activity Daisy enjoys (walking, swimming) and the length of time she can exercise without becoming sore.  In many instances, multiple short exercise sessions per day are better tolerated than 1 long one. The exercise goal for cats is 5 minutes of vigorous activity (chasing lights or objects) 2 -3 times daily. Reluctant athletes can be motivated with the kibble game. Cats with orthopedic issues are definitely more challenging but weight loss can be accomplished if we are creative and persistent.

Talk to us about concerns you have about your pet’s diet and body weight. We are here to help your pet live a long and healthy life.

Ann Whereat, VMD

Dr. Whereat earned her degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She also received a B.A. in Biology from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.

She has a veterinary interest in internal medicine and the human-animal bond.

Outside the office, Dr. Whereat has one pet – a Great Swiss Mountain dog – and likes to spend time with her husband and three daughters. 

Pet Safety Tips for Memorial Day

Like many Americans, you may be planning a festive Memorial Day, complete with barbecue and fireworks. It’s important to remember, fireworks and dogs don't mix.

Unlike people, dogs won’t associate the noise, flashes, and burning smell of pyrotechnics with a celebration. Fireworks will often cause panic and anxiety in dogs. It’s important to remember that dogs panic at the sound of fireworks and flee into the night, often winding up lost, injured, or killed.

Here are a few tips to help keep your pet safe this Memorial Day.

1.      Keep your pet indoors at all times, if possible.

2.      Use Pet Friendly Repellent.

3.      Don’t give your pet table food.

Source: http://tiny.cc/4x14ex

Is your dog at risk for heartworm?

MAY 07, 2014 | BY JEB MORTIMER, DVM, SEATTLE VETERINARY ASSOCIATES

One of the advantages of our temperate Seattle weather is that it does not foster the development of particular parasites that are endemic to the warmer climates. One parasite of those parasites is Dirofilaria immitis otherwise known as heartworm. 

Heartworm is a parasite that is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. Up until a few years ago, we had no concerns about this parasite threatening pets in the Pacific Northwest. However, we are now seeing the incidence of heartworm creeping northward through the Willamette Valley of Oregon and it could some day be a threat in Eastern Washington.

When a mosquito carrying the heartworm parasite bites an animal and transmits the infection, the larvae develop and migrate through the host’s circulatory system over a period of several months to become sexually mature adult worms. These adults will eventually end up in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels.

After reproduction, they release their offspring, (microfilaria), into the blood stream.  The microfilaria can then be transmitted back to another mosquito through a blood meal. Once ingested by the mosquito, the immature parasite has to develop within the insect’s abdomen to become infective.This specific part of the life cycle is climate dependent and requires a minimum ambient temperature of 57° F to continue. The warmer the climate, the more efficient the maturation process is.  

Microfilaria can be detected in the blood about six to seven months after the infective larvae from the mosquito enter the dog. Male heartworms (four to six inches in length) and females (10-12 inches) fully mature about one year after infection, and their life span in dogs appears to average up to five to seven years. Detection of Heartworm disease can be accomplished through numerous means but the most common method of diagnosis is through a simple blood test that identifies the adult form of the parasite.

Most dogs with deartworm disease show no clinical signs. As the disease progresses, the most common early signs are coughing and respiratory changes. The severity of the clinical signs usually corresponds to the number of adult heartworms present, the timeline of the infection, and the activity of the dog.  

Dogs with higher numbers of worms are generally found to have more severe heart and lung disease due to inflammation that occurs in and around the arteries of the lungs. Later, the heart may enlarge and weaken due to an increased workload and congestive heart failure may occur. This can manifest further in more severe respiratory changes, weight loss, collapse, abdominal swelling (ascites) and exercise intolerance. 

Heartworm disease is treatable; however treatment is not always successful. And depending upon the worm burden it can prove to be deadly.Occasionally, a dog with a large number of heartworms may not only have worms in the heart, but also in the caudal vena cava (the large primary vein running from the body back to the heart).  If these worms are not removed surgically, this syndrome causes sudden collapse and death within two to three days.      

Prevention is the key and there are many options available – most of which are a monthly treatment. All treatments are prescription medications and a discussion with your veterinarian is important to determine your pet’s level of exposure and the timing of treatment.

Cats are also susceptible to heartworm infection and although their worm burden is usually lower, it can prove quite deadly and there is no real safe treatment for infected felines. Prevention is the absolute key with cats and it is recommended to treat indoor and outdoor cats if you live in an endemic area.

Dr. Mortimer earned his degree from Iowa State University. He received a B.A. in Biology from Baylor University, and completed an internship in Small Animal Emergency Medicine and Surgery in Rochester, New York. His interests include internal medicine and surgery, including minimally invasive surgery (endoscopy and laparoscopy).

“Above all, I have a strong interest in people and animals. The relationship between my patients and their owners is the reason I am in this profession.”

When away from the practice, he spends most of his time having fun with his family (his wife Kristie, three children, three cats and one “Labrador non-retriever”. Personal interests include fly-fishing, hiking, gardening and travel.

Seattle Veterinary Associates was founded in 1971 by Dr. Sanford Olson, Dr. Donald Canfield, and Dr. Stephen Jones. In 1971, the original practice opened its doors at the current location of Queen Anne Animal Clinic. Coupled with our considerate expansion and the advancement of our medical capabilities at all our hospitals, we are proud to be providing the highest quality veterinary care to pets and their families. SVA is comprised of four locations: Queen Anne Animal Clinic, Green Lake Animal Hospital, Ravenna Animal Hospital, and Northwest Veterinary Hospital.

With respect to the State of Washington, we currently do not see an incidence rate that justifies routine use of preventatives. However, if you are traveling out of state or live in the southern part of the state a conversation with your veterinarian is strongly advised.

For more information on Heartworm, please visit the Companion Animal Parasite Council website  or the American Heartworm Society’s website.

Jeb Mortimer, DVM