Queen Anne Animal Clinic: Employee Pet of the Month (Billie)

Billie 

We are proud to honor Billie as the Queen Anne Animal Clinic's Employee Pet of the Month for January. Billie is owned by Licensed Veterinary Technician, Katie Geiser. Billie is a seven year old Border Collie.

Billie's favorite things to do are play with his ball and Frisbee. His favorite treats are carrots, lamb lung, and yogurt.

Billie also likes bounding through the snow and eating snow balls!

We are excited to highlight Billie this January as Queen Anne Animal Clinic's Employee Pet of the Month!

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…

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.

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

How to Identify and Treat Stress in your Dog

Seattle Dogs are Vulnerable to Heat Stress

Seattle’s temperate weather provides the perfect environment for our pets to have a very comfortable summer.  However, when things start to heat up, pets have the potential for developing life-threatening heat stress – otherwise known ashyperthermia.

Cats and dogs lack the ability to effectively sweat and thus their only method of regulating body temperature is through breathing off the heat through panting or finding an environment that helps them maintain a proper body temperature (water, shade, etc.).

Signs of Heat Stress in Your Pet

Normal body temperature for cats and dogs can vacillate between 99-102.5 degrees.  When temperatures exceed this norm, pets will begin to pant, act lethargic or become restless.

As temperatures continue to elevate things can progress to the pet becoming unsteady on its feet, abnormal gum color (purple to bright red), abnormal stools and if untreated  - multi-organ failure and cardiac arrest.

Dogs are More Vulnerable to Heat Stress

Dogs are markedly more prone to heat stress due to the fact that they have more exposure to the outside and are also more likely to be riding with their owners in automobiles. Automobiles are a significant source of heat stress and can be a concern on a relatively cool day (70°F). 

A study from Stanford University Medical Center found the temperature within a vehicle could increase by an average of 40 degrees Fahrenheit within one hour regardless of the outside temperature.

Predisposing Factors to Heat Stress in Pets

• Exposure to hot/humid conditions without adequate shade
• Exercising in hot/humid weather
• Obesity and/or diseases affecting a pet’s airway
• Brach cephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as Pekingese, Pugs, Lhasa apsos, Boston terriers and Bulldogs have an anatomic predisposition based on a narrowed airway
• Age and hair coat

What to Do if Your Dog has Heat Stress

If you have a remote concern that your pet is experiencing heat stress, you need to take immediate action.

• First, remove your pet from the source of heat where the hyperthermia occurred to a shaded and cool environment
• If possible, obtain a rectal temperature and record it.
• Begin cooling your dog with cool water. You can place wet cold washcloths on the footpads, around the head, in the armpits and the groin region.  Remember to also replace them frequently as they warm up.
• Avoid covering the whole body with wet towels, as it may trap in heat. Directing a fan on these wetted areas will also help to speed evaporative cooling.
• Most pets with hyperthermia have body temperatures exceeding 105°F, and a reasonable goal for cooling is to reduce your pet’s body temperature to 102.5-103°F while transporting her to the closest veterinary facility. 
• DO NOT put your pet on ice or in ice water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. Over-cooling can also cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems.
• Offer your pet small amounts of cool water, but do not force water into their mouth or allow them to drink excessive amounts in one sitting.

Call or visit your veterinarian right away - even if your dog appears to be improving. Internal damage might not be obvious to the untrained eye, so an exam is recommended (further testing may be necessary). For advanced heat exhaustion, the sooner your pet receives medical attention the better its prognosis.

Most pets with hyperthermia have body temperatures exceeding 105°F, and a reasonable goal of cooling is to reduce your pet’s body temperature to 102.5-103°F while transporting her to the closest veterinary facility. 

In summary, heat exhaustion is a significant concern and can happen under what we would consider fairly mild temperature conditions.  If you suspect your pet has had a concerning amount of exposure act quickly and call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Jeb Mortimer, DVM 
Seattle Veterinary Associates

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.

Source: http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/dog-blog/post/how-to-identify-and-treat-heat-stress-in-your-dog

National Pet Preparedness Month

This month is National Pet Preparedness Month. In order to be sure your pet is prepared for a disaster, make sure your safety kit includes food, water, leash and collar, bowls, pet ID, medications, immunization records, pet carrier, first aid kit, and a contact list for all pet emergency contacts.

Giardia is a threat to dogs and humans

BY JULIE IRWIN, VMD, SEATTLE VETERINARY ASSOCIATES

Giardia is a protozoan parasite that is infectious to both humans and pets all over the world. It infects nearly 2% of adults and 6% to 8% of children in developed countries worldwide. Nearly 33% of people in developing countries have had giardiasis. According to the CDC, Giardia infection is the most common intestinal parasitic disease affecting people in the United States.

We are certainly seeing a rise in the numbers of our veterinary patients being diagnosed with Giardiasis. However, it is unclear whether the rise in the number of cases is due to a true increase inthe incidence of the disease or whether it is due to better methods of detection.

Method of transmission 
Giardia cysts are shed in the feces from infected people or animals and can persist in the environment for extended periods of time. When animals or humans ingest these cysts, the parasite attaches to the lining of the intestine in the new host.

An infected person might shed 1-10 billion cysts daily in their feces and this might last for several months. However, swallowing as few as 10 cysts might cause someone to become ill. Giardia may be passed from person-to-person and from animal-to-animal. There is also some concern that certain subspecies can be passed from animal-to-person.

Contaminated water is the classical source of a Giardia infection. This is one of the reasons that backpackers and campers are advised to boil or treat water obtained from fresh rivers or lakes prior to drinking.

Symptoms 
Infection with Giardia causes problems with normal intestinal absorption of vitamins and other nutrients. This leads to a profuse, watery foul-smelling diarrhea. Animals and humans can also be carriers of the organism without showing any symptoms.

Diagnosis
In the past, diagnosis in our veterinary patients was difficult. The stool sample being examined needed to be fresh, plus Giardia rarely show up on the usual fecal flotation testing methods used to detect other parasites. Additionally, Giardia cysts can be shed intermittently, so infections can be missed on a single fecal float.

Recently a commercial ELISA test has become available, which tests for the presence of Giardia proteins in the feces. This method has dramatically improved the ability to detect Giardiainfections and the test can be completed in the office.

Treatment 
A broad spectrum dewormer called fenbendazole (Panacur®) seems to be the most reliable treatment at this time. Metronidazole (Flagyl®) in relatively high doses has been a classical treatment for Giardia but studies show that it is not always effective as a sole agent. In some cases, the medications are used together.

Environmental Decontamination
Treatment with medication should also be combined with environmental decontamination.Because infected pets may have been shedding cysts into the environment for some period of time before detection, it is important to thoroughly clean the environment to prevent re-infection. Guidelines from the CDC for cleaning of the environmental are listed below. In addition, because cysts can stick to the fur of the infected patient and be a source for re-infection, the positive animal should be bathed at least once in the course of treatment.

Carpets: Steam clean the area at 158° F for 5 minutes or 212 F for 1 minute. Read the product labels for specifications, and follow all instructions.

Other items: Dishwasher-safe toys and water and food bowls can be disinfected in a dishwasher that has a dry cycle or a final rinse that exceeds one of the following: 113° F for 20 minutes, 122° Ffor 5 minutes or 162° F for 1 minute. If a dishwasher is not available, submerge dishwasher-safe items in boiling water for at least 1 minute. Toys and bedding can be washed in the washing machine and then heat-dried on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes. If a clothes dryer is not available, allow items to thoroughly air dry under direct sunlight.

The Yard: 

• Wear gloves when handling feces.
• Remove feces promptly and put it in a plastic bag.
• Limit access to common outdoor spaces, where possible, if pets have diarrhea or are being treated for Giardia. It has been demonstrated that dogs that play at dog parks are at greater risk for infection.
• Eliminate any source of standing water.
• Do not allow any new animals, especially young ones, to enter the yard or other outdoor spaces until the patient has been shown to be free of Giardia.

Giardia is hard to completely eliminate from the environment, but there are things you can do to help decrease the risk of pet reinfection and of human infection. Please remember that despite your best efforts to clean the environment, Giardia can persist in outdoor spaces and pet reinfection is possible. 

Follow up
In most cases, we do recommend follow up after treatment for Giardia to ensure that the organism has been completely cleared. In general, a fecal flotation is checked two weeks post-treatment to ensure that the animal is no longer shedding cysts. The ELISA test can be repeated 6-8 weeks post-treatment to ensure that the organism is no longer present.

Julie Irwin, VMD

Julie Irwin, VMD was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Cornell University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in Mathematics and Biology. She then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1998. Julie and Steve met in veterinary school and were married shortly after graduation. Julie's other interests include rowing, cross-country skiing and hiking. She and Steve, along with their three children, have recently relocated to Seattle and are enjoying exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Source: http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/dog-blog/post/giardia-is-a-threat-to-dogs-and-humans

Green Cleaning for Humans Can Still Sicken Pets

LOS ANGELES (AP) — As the time nears for spring cleaning and companies offer more environmentally friendly alternatives to toxic cleaners, veterinarians say pet owners should keep in mind that what's green to a human can be dangerous — even deadly — to animals.

"People expose their animals without even realizing the risk," said Dr. Karl Jandrey, who works in the emergency and critical care units at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis. "That's the most common thing that happens when you come to our emergency room — the clients put their pets at risk because they were unaware of how significant the damage could be."

Most household cleaners are safe if used as directed on labels, but pet owners who make their own cleansers using natural ingredients don't have the warnings or instructions that come with commercial products.

Cats, for example, can get stomachaches from essential oils added for orange, lemon or peppermint scents in cleaners, said Dr. Camille DeClementi, a senior toxicologist at the Animal Poison Control Center run by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Urbana, Ill.

Most commercial green products are safe for animals, DeClementisaid, but owners should still exercise the same precautions as with chemical alternatives, such as keeping pets away from an area being cleaned, not using sprays directly on a pet and making sure that dogs don't chew on the products.

If a product says "Keep out of reach of children," keep it away from pets too, DeClementi said.

Caroline Golon, an Ohio mother of two children under 5 and owner of two Persian cats, said she became concerned about cleaning products before her children were born, when she noticed how often the cats jumped between floors and counters. The Columbus resident uses only unscentedgreen products or vinegar and water to clean, a water-only steam mop on floors and washes the cats' dishes and litter boxes with hot water and green dish soap.

"There are varying degrees of green, and there are a lot of mainstream brands now that have a green version. You have to do a little research to see what you like best," said Golon, a pet blogger.

The "green" label on products can be misleading because it still can be dangerous, Jandrey added. "Some still have their own toxicities. In general, they probably are a little less toxic, but not free of toxic potential. They just have a need for a larger dose to cause the same kind of symptoms," he said.

He cited antifreeze as an example. The pet-friendly version of antifreeze, propylene glycol, is "still an antifreeze product. It's still intoxicating to patients, our dogs and cats. It's just not as intoxicating as ethylene glycol."

It takes more of the propylene glycol to be as deadly as the ethylene glycol, "but it is still intoxicating though it might say pet-friendly in the ads or on the bottle," Jandrey said.

Labels can't always account for every reaction, Jandrey said. "Each intoxicating product has different concentrations and each dog or cat, each species, has a different sensitivity to that product. So what might be intoxicating to a dog is really, really intoxicating to a cat because cats might be more sensitive," he said.

Nancy Guberti, a New York City nutritionist and healthy lifestyle coach for the past 15 years, said some products will say green when they are not.

"Natural means nothing. The consumer has to be educated. It's all about awareness," she said.

Extra care also should be taken when cleaning around a pet's area, such as its toys or bedding, the experts say. Don't use fabric softener sheets that contain cationic detergents because they will give your pet — especially cats — stomach distress, DeClementi said, referring to a type of chemical soap that kills bacteria.

Such detergents and soaps, normally associated with helping to get clothes clean and fresh-smelling, can have chemicals that can sicken humans and pets alike.

Guberti switched to green cleaners out of necessity when her youngest son developed a liver disorder and many allergies. Guberti said the whole family became green — even their family's 6-year-old Shih Tzu, Flower, because her son can't hold Flower "if she is full of toxic chemicals or perfumes."

She recalled how she took the dog to a groomer for the first time, and Flower came out covered in perfume. Guberti washed her again at home, and now she brings her own bottles to the groomer.

"I have a bottle of shampoo and a bottle of conditioner with her name on it. I always remind them: 'No perfumes whatsoever,'" Guberti said.

Golon, who uses a maid service once a month, said she had the same problem when they brought their own products when they first started cleaning the house.

"I hadn't thought about it but the smell was so overpowering, it really bothered me. I can just imagine what it was doing to the cats with their sensitivity to scents," she said.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/green-cleaning-humans-still-sicken-pets-103315875.html

Why Small Pups Outlive Large Dog Breeds

Big dogs apparently die younger mainly because they age quickly, researchers say.

These new findings could help unravel the biological links between growth and mortality, the scientists added.

Normally, across species,larger mammals live longerthan their smaller counterparts; for instance, elephants can get up to 70 years old in the wild, while house mice reach only 4 years. Puzzlingly, within species, the opposite seems true — in mice, horses and perhaps even humans.

The apparent cost of bigger bodies is especially conspicuous with dogs, a species that people have bred over the millennia to come in an extraordinary range of sizes. The heaviest known dog may have been Zorba, an English mastiff that weighed 343 pounds (155 kilograms), while the smallest dog alive may be Meyzi, a terrier less than a quarter-pound (110 grams) in size.
Large breeds often die young compared with smaller ones, with a 155-pound (70-kg) Great Dane having an average life span of about 7 years, while a 9-pound (4-kg) toy poodle can expect to live up to 14 years. [The 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds]

To shed light on the possible tradeoffs of large size, researchers analyzed ages at death in 74 breeds, using data from more than 56,000 dogs that visited veterinary teaching hospitals. The researchers focused on why large dogs lived shorter lives on average.

"My main scientific interest is life-history evolution. I'm also a bit of a dog nerd in private life," said researcher Cornelia Kraus, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Göttingen in Germany.
The scientists found that large breeds apparently aged at faster rates; the speed at which the risk of death increased with age was greater with larger breeds than smaller ones. Indeed, among dog breeds, an increase of 4.4 pounds (2 kg) in body mass leads to a loss of approximately 1 month of life expectancy.

"Their lives seem to unwind in fast motion," Kraus told LiveScience.
The investigators now want to follow the growth and health histories of a large number of dogs and pinpoint the leading causes of death for large dogs. For instance, bigger canines apparently suffer from cancer more often, which could make sense; large dogs grow more than smaller breeds do, and cancer is rooted in abnormal cell growth.

"This research should be feasible in dogs, since I found that dog people in general seem very open, interested in and interested to contribute to research on their favorite species," Kraus said.
Kraus and her colleagues Samuel Pavard and Daniel Promislow detailed their findings in the April issue of the journal American Naturalist.

Source: http://www.livescience.com/27676-why-small-pups-outlive-large-dogs.html

Is Fostering a Pet Right for You?

Do you have it in you to foster a pet? Loving animals is a no-brainer, but fostering a pet can be a whole different ballgame.

Fostering is a Big Time Commitment

For starters, fostering a pet involves a very large time commitment; you really need to think about it and weigh your options before becoming involved.

“We ask foster parents to commit until the pet is adopted, which can be anywhere from a week to two months,” says Clare Joscelyne, Interim Foster Coordinator for San Antonio Animal Care Services. Foster parents should also make sure they have the time to socialize the pet and have basic training skills. “A lot of times, housebreaking makes the dog more adoptable.”

Joscelyne adds that that time commitment includes taking foster pets to adoption events while in their care. Most foster parents take on a maximum of two animals at a time, except when they agree to foster litters of puppies or kittens.

“It is important in the foster program to ensure that foster [parents] don’t take on too much at one time and are able to dedicate sufficient amount of time and attention to each foster animal in their care, so we find that the majority of foster parents care for one dog/cat at a time,” says Joscelyne.

Foster Requirements

Deciding whether fostering is right for you requires you to think about the requirements before the process begins. Requirements can vary from shelter to shelter (or rescue group). The ASPCA, for instance, requires that foster applicants be 21 years old and that windows be screened.  Additionally, every member of the family needs to be on board with the decision.

While the ASPCA prefers people who have had some dog experience, all potential foster parents are trained first at the ASPCA adoption center in New York City. Joscelyne also conducts monthly foster orientations at San Antonio Animal Care Services for those interested in learning more about the program.  

What Makes a Good Foster Pet Parent?

“A good foster parent is someone who loves animals and who is willing to open their home to pets temporarily until it’s time for the pet to be adopted,” says Julie Sonenberg, administrative manager of volunteer programs at the ASPCA in New York City. 

A good foster parent should also have some basic experience with animals. Erin Brodbine of San Francisco, who fosters dogs for Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, insists that foster parents need not necessarily have their own dog or cat, but suggests that potential foster parents know the basic tenets of guardianship, such as avoiding potentially dangerous situations.

Another attribute for a good foster parent is being able to say goodbye.

“I think about adopting each and every dog that I foster and then they find a home,” says Karen Stevens, a publicist based in Los Angeles.

Stevens started fostering in late 2011 for Furry Angel Foundation in Rancho Mirage, taking in fluffy little Malteses and Bichon Frises, dogs she was used to. Typically, Stevens has a dog for about three weeks. “I don’t want them longer than three weeks because I’ll start falling in love with them and they get attached to you.” Stevens always tries to give herself a week or two of down time between fosters.

Some foster parents, though, inevitably fall in love with the animal in their care and want to keep it. 

“We actually have quite a few foster [parents] that become attached to their [pets] and end up providing a forever home for their animal,” says Joscelyne. “The foster parents just have to go through the adoption process with the shelter.”

Fostering Can Be a Worthwhile Experience

If you’ve ever considered taking in a pet until he or she finds a forever home, it’s worth trying, says Sonenberg.

Brodbine of San Francisco started fostering because the shelters were so full that dogs were on borrowed time before being euthanized and she wanted to save their lives.

“The best experience is taking in a dog and seeing how precious and absolutely loving they are,” she says.

In its own right, fostering is beautiful because you have the ability to continuously help the animal or animals you work with.

“The foster parent has the advantage of passing on information she’s learned about the dog to the dog’s eventual owner,” says Brodbine. “I’m often asked ‘how do you let them go?’ If you find a forever home for one, there’s always another dog that needs to be rescued.”

http://www.petside.com/article/fostering-pet-right-you?WT.z_mod=HPDL

Protecting Pets From Contaminated Food: Be Informed, Be Prepared

Since the dawn of documentaries like Super Size Meand Food, Inc., America's relationship with food and nutrition has undergone a significant change. Words like gluten-free, sustainable and free-range have entered our lexicon, and many of us are taking a second look at labels and thinking twice not just about what we put into our bodies, but also where it comes from. It follows naturally that as we make better and more informed choices about our own food, we would also start giving more careful consideration to what we feed our pets.

As Co-CEO of the nation's leading pet health insurance company, and executive editor of fetch!magazine, I consider myself an informed consumer. Like most pet parents, I try to make the very best choices in pet food and I am willing to pay for a better, more healthful product to help my pets live their best life. But it turns out that knowing what to look for on labels is only the beginning, and that even products from companies with a sterling reputation can sometimes come up short.

This lesson hit home at the Petplan offices just recently. As the editorial team was putting the finishing touches on our Gourmet Issue (due in homes and stores on August 31), the news broke that a product we planned to recommend was being recalled. Though this is just the latest in a string of pet food recalls making headlines this year, we were rattled. After all, this was a high-end treat made with cage-free chicken, Vitamin E and flaxseed, from a manufacturer we trust. While we love to cover policyholders when they make unexpected trips to the vet, we certainly don't want those visits happening because of a product we endorsed! It begs the question -- how can you really know if what you're feeding your pet is safe?

We chewed on that for some time as our Gourmet Issue went to press. Pet food recalls are a problem our team of expert veterinarians have written about in the past, and while we can share insight into the health dangers associated with unsafe products, it is much harder to know what to say to pet parents who want to be proactive about safeguarding their pet's diet. In our global world, where food from our corner store often hails from faraway places, even healthy, nutritionally-rich food or treats can pose a risk. That said, taking a measured approach to pet food can help you avoid potential pitfalls.

Do your homework
Carefully examine the ingredients -- and ingredient sources -- in your pet's food. Talk to your vet about your pet's age, breed and health history and ask for recommendations as well as suggestions of foods to avoid. Take to the Internet to check out the manufacturer; see if they have a Veterinary Nutritionist on staff and look for any recent recalls in the news. Don't forget to give due diligence to treats!

Stay informed
One advantage of our 24-hour news cycle is that it is relatively simple to track topics of interest. Setting up a "pet food recall" Google alert, subscribing to FDA alerts and following experts on Twitter like @AVMARecallWatch can help you stay ahead of the curve. Keep up with veterinarians who blog, like Dr. Ernie Ward, Dr. Kim Smyth and Dr. Jules Benson for the latest pet health news and information.

Trust your gut
If you suspect something is wrong, go to your vet -- whether a recall has been issued or not. You know your pet better than anyone, and any interruptions to or changes in their eating patterns and behaviors can spell trouble. Food-borne illnesses and complications from food contamination can develop rapidly, so it is always best to seek medical attention for your pet at the first sign of trouble.

Expect the Unexpected
Of course, no matter what plans you make, life has other plans. After asking ourselves how you can really know if what you're feeding your pet is safe, we all arrived at the same unsettling conclusion -- you just can't. Which is why you should consider the worst case scenario and put a plan in place to tackle it. Take it from someone who has been there -- the emergency vet is no place to make expensive decisions about your pet's health. Prepare for surprises, protect your pet with dog or cat insurance and pray that you never have to use it.

At the end of the day, by arming yourself with knowledge and expecting the unexpected, you can avoid letting worry about your pet's diet overshadow the simple delight of providing him or her with a nourishing meal or tasty treat. Food is one of the ways we bond with one another, one of life's pleasures that can be shared with those we love, whether they have two or four legs. Our increased awareness about where our food comes from (and this year's increased frequency of recalls!) may cause a touch of trepidation, but ultimately, our understanding can lead to a deeper appreciation for how food keeps our bodies healthy, gives us energy to care for ourselves and our pets, and inspires us to taste all that life has to offer.

Natasha Ashton

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natasha-ashton/healthy-pet-food_b_1757699.html