Though respiratory issues are among the greatest concerns in these breeds, they often suffer from a variety of other non-airway related issues. Some of these include:

• • Inflammation/infection in skin folds (called pyometra)
  • Dental crowding and misalignment of teeth – more frequent and invasive dental care is often needed
  • Abnormal protrusion of the eye – these breeds are more prone to “proptosis” which is when the eye is dislocated from the orbit usually resulting in surgical removal of the eye
  • Fur or abnormally placed eyelashes rubbing on the eye
  • Allergies
  • Breeding/Birthing complications

These dogs can be a challenge to care for due to myriad health concerns resulting from their body and skull type. Owners of these breeds should expect to have a close relationship with their veterinarian to ensure that their dog remains healthy. Prospective owners should consider the potential time and financial investment involved in caring for these breeds before bringing one home.

The article describes the research findings of 524 cases of DCM reported to the FDA over a roughly 5-year period, in which one of the commonly shared characteristics was the feeding of a grain-free diet. More specifically, the two factors being more closely reviewed are the presence of legumes as an ingredient (peas, lentils, etc.) and sufficient levels of the amino acid taurine or its precursors. The release of this information and the listing of specific brands of food has prompted the question, “Is the pet food I buy harming my pet?”

Then he or she may be more prone to harmful sun exposure. Also, pets that are shaved in the summer or have lost hair for any reason are also at risk. This exposure can cause sunburns, skin cancer, and other sun-induced skin diseases. Sunburns in cats and dogs will appear as red skin or hair loss.

The most common places for a burn are on the ear tips, the skin around the lips, the bridge of the nose, and places with thinner hair and low pigmentation, like their belly if they enjoy sunbathing on their backs. Light colored cats sunbathing in a window are even at risk as well!

When using sunscreen, be sure to select something that is fragrance-free, non- staining, and at least SPF 15. There are pet-specific sunscreens available. However, if you plan to use human products, avoid sunscreens that have ingestion warnings on the label. For example, some sunscreens contain octyl salicylate and zinc – which are toxic if licked at by a dog or cat. If you’re worried about ingestion, UV protective clothing is a great option for your pets as well.

The easiest way to minimize UV exposure is to reduce the amount of sun exposure between 10 am and 3 pm. That’s not always possible, so be sure to remember your pet-safe sunscreen next time you take your furry friend on that all-day sunny adventure!

Giardia: In the U.S., this is a very common cause of diarrhea in both our pets and us. Giardia is a protozoan found mainly in fecal material, and sometimes in water. So be mindful what water sources your pets are drinking from, especially while out on a hike!

Hookworms: In dogs and cats, this intestinal worm is contracted by consumption of hookworm eggs (often found in feces). For humans, hookworm larvae can burrow into our skin and cause skin irritation. Be sure to wear shoes and gloves while working or walking through moist soil, to prevent infection.

Roundworms: Similar to hookworms, roundworms are passed by consumption of a roundworm egg and live in the small intestine. When people consume roundworm eggs, the larvae will burrow through the body, possibly causing cysts. Be sure to avoid areas where any feces could have contaminated the dirt

Tapeworms: Unlike the other parasites, tapeworm cannot be directly transmitted to you from your dog or cat. However, you can be infected by accidentally ingesting a flea. Another reason to be sure your pet is on flea prevention.

Toxoplasmosis: Cats can be an infective carrier for this parasite, and carriers are a risk toward pregnant and immunocompromised people. Another, more common, route of infection for people is through consumption of undercooked meat or improperly washed vegetables. Just make sure to either use gloves when cleaning the litter box or wash your hands and produce frequently to prevent infection.

It’s integral to keep your pets on a routine parasite prevention schedule – even if they’re indoor pets. Heartworm preventions typically also contain intestinal de-worming medication. Most of these parasites are easily diagnosed by a fecal examination – which you can call to set up anytime. If your pet experiences vomiting or diarrhea, let your veterinarian know!

Why Environmental Enrichment is Important for Indoor Cats
Feral cats and domesticated outdoor cats spend much of their time each day hunting for food and exploring their ever-changing environments. These activities are both physically and emotionally stimulating, engaging all five of the cat’s senses.

Though there are numerous reasons to keep cats predominantly or exclusively inside the house (communicable diseases, parasites and physical harm, just to name a few), we must consider how to satisfy their instinctual needs for environmental stimulation and hunting behavior.

If these innate needs are not addressed, many behavioral issues – such as excessive grooming and destructive behaviors – can arise. Cats who do not receive enough stimulation and exercise are also more prone to obesity and other health concerns.

When implementing an enrichment program to your cat’s indoor environment, remember to change things up regularly. This can mean rotating toys or simply changing the location of food, treats or stationary toys to keep your cat on their toes. Below are a few ideas to help get you started with you cat’s enrichment routine.

10 Ways to Keep Indoor Cats Entertained

1. Provide a large stuffed animal (at least half the size of your cat) for your cat to attack.
2. Cut holes in a cardboard box and hide toys or treats inside for your cat to find.
3. A large paper bag (such as a grocery bag) makes a crinkly noise that will ignite your cat’s curiosity, and can be fun for pouncing on or exploring inside.
4. Purchase a batting toy, or make one by securely attaching a toy to the end of a stick using some string. Batting toys can be held by you or hung from something for independent play.
5. Use a Kong, feeding cube or similar system to enrich your cat’s feeding time, allowing them to forage for their food.
6. Provide cat grass for your cat to graze upon.
7. Provide shelves or climbing areas for your cat, as they tend to enjoy being up high.
8. Pull back the curtains or blinds so your cat can gaze out the window at the outside world. Plants, humans, birds and other animals passing by will keep them entertained for hours.
9. Turn on the TV to a channel or show with lots of animal imagery. Your cat will be fascinated by the animals moving across the screen. There are even YouTube channels especially for cats!
10. Your cat’s favorite form of entertainment is playtime with you! This is the perfect time to break out a special or new toy.

Get creative with household items – just make sure that they are safe and free of loose items that your cat may accidentally swallow!

Starting fresh with a kitten? Check out our wellness guide for more information. Don’t forget, many of our locations offer toys that provide environmental enrichment for cats. Stop by to shop!

This category of toxins includes both over-the-counter medications as well as prescription drugs. In some cases, curious cats and dogs get into pill bottles or packages that have been left within reach. In other instances, well-intentioned pet owners give their pets human medications in an attempt to treat upset stomachs or pain.

While there are a small number of human medications that can be safely consumed by pets, many others are toxic and the dose is critical. Before giving any human medications to your pet, be sure to consult with a veterinarian. Below is a list of common human medications that are toxic for pets, and tips for keeping your pets safe.

1. NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) & Pain Medications.
NSAIDS are readily available over-the-counter medications that are used by humans to treat pain. This category of drugs includes Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).

When consumed by cats and dogs, NSAIDS can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach and intestinal ulcers and perforations, kidney and liver failure, and even death. Another common pain medication, Acetaminophen (Tylenol), can also cause liver failure and red blood cell damage, especially to cats.

If your pet is experiencing pain, ask your vet about dog and cat friendly NSAIDS, and neve give them something from your own medicine cabinet.

2. Antidepressants, Anti-anxiety, & Sleep Aid Medications
Antidepressants such as Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor); antianxiety medications such as Alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazapem (Klonopin); and sleep aids such as Zolpidem (Ambien) can cause pets to become severely sedated.

Pets who consume these drugs may also develop neurologic problems such as tremors or seizures, or become very agitated with severely elevated heart rates. One pill is often enough to cause severe problems and even death.

Though veterinarians may occasionally prescribe a select few medications of this nature to pets, the majority of these medications are dangerous. Because of their prevalence, accidental ingestion is common.

3. ADD & ADHD medications.
Medications used to manage ADD & ADHD (such as Concerta, Adderall, and Ritalin) are stimulants, and contain amphetamine. Just a small amount of this medication can lead to life-threatening tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures, cardiac arrest and respiratory failure in pets.

Symptoms may not begin immediately, and can worsen over time once they do begin.

4. Heart/Blood pressure medications.
When consumed by pets, beta-blockers like Atenolol (Tenormin), Metoprolol succinate (Toprol), and Carvedilol (Coreg) can cause life-threatening decreases in blood pressure and a very slow heart rate.

Less severe problems can also occur from pets ingesting ACE Inhibitors such as Lisinopril (Zestril) and Ramipril (Altace).

How to keep your pets safe from toxic medications
Accidental ingestion of medications is common, since our pets are curious and medications can look very similar to food and treats. It’s important to ensure medications are kept out of reach of pets to avoid accidental ingestion. Here are a few tips to keep your pet safe:

• Store mediations, pill vials, and weekly pill containers in a secure cabinet, out of the reach of pets (and children).
• Do not store medications on your nightstand, which can be easily accessed by pets.
• Be careful with keeping medications in your purse or briefcase. Ensure they are stored out of reach of your pet.
• Never store medications in plastic resealable bags, which are easy for pets to break into.
• Pick up any dropped medications immediately.
• Do not store pet medications in the same place as human medications.
• Contact a veterinarian prior to giving any human medications to your pet.

In the event that your pet ingests a medication meant for human consumption, call your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435.

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine. Humans can metabolize theobromine quite quickly, whereas dogs process it more slowly.

This allows the chemical to build up to harmful levels, leading to vomiting and diarrhea in small doses, and more severe symptoms such as tremors, abnormal heart rate, seizures, hyperactivity, and even death in large doses.

Are all types of chocolate toxic for dogs?
The severity of chocolate toxicity varies greatly depending on the type of chocolate ingested. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that the darker and less sweet the chocolate is, the more toxic it can be.

Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate pose the greatest risk of toxicity, as they contain the highest concentration of theobromine. If your dog ingests dark chocolate or baker’s chocolate, the symptoms can be extremely severe.

Milk chocolate contains lower volumes of theobromine, so symptoms tend to be milder; typically vomiting and diarrhea will occur. White chocolate carries the lowest risk, but it can still be harmful for your dog due to the sugar content.

What quantity of chocolate is toxic for dogs?
Dogs should never be fed any quantity of chocolate for any reason. However, the severity of the symptoms will depend on the size of the dog and the quantity of chocolate consumed.

The larger the dog, the more chocolate they can consume before suffering severe effects. Smaller dogs have a higher risk of chocolate toxicity, even when consuming just a few pieces of chocolate – especially dark chocolate.

A crumb of chocolate typically won’t trigger severe symptoms, especially for larger breeds. However, the dog may still experience an upset stomach and digestive issues.

Other hazards of chocolate for dogs
Additionally, it is important to be aware that some chocolate contains toxins such as macadamia nuts, raisins, espresso beans, or xylitol. If the dog has gotten into a box or bag of candy, they may also ingest wrappers which can cause obstructions.

Another serious risk associated with chocolate ingestion is pancreatitis. Pancreatitis results after eating an abnormally high-fat meal that the pancreas has to work harder to digest, which then leads to inflammation, pain, and potentially severe metabolic disease. Key signs of pancreatitis are vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog gets into that Valentine or Halloween chocolate stash you’ve been saving! Another good resource is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Hotline – 888-426-4435.

Before you go out and buy your dog the fluffiest down coat on the market, consider a few of these tips for keeping your pup cozy and comfortable all winter long.

Size
The bigger the dog, the more muscle mass they have – and therefore the more heat their body can produce. For this reason, large healthy dogs typically don’t require a jacket in normal winter conditions.

Small dogs tend to benefit from extra insulation during the winter, as they have a harder time retaining body heat. Medium or large dogs who have lost muscle mass due to age or illness may also need sweaters to help them retain the heat they do produce.

Breed
Size is not the only factor that can determine whether or not your dog needs a coat for winter. Certain breeds are more prone to becoming uncomfortable during cold weather due to their body shape or activity level.

For example, breeds with thin body types such as Greyhounds and Whippets usually benefit from sweaters during winter. Likewise, breeds with short legs – like Corgis and Basset Hounds – may need outerwear to protect their bodies from the cold snowy ground.

If your dog’s breed comes from a warmer climate or does not tend to be very active outdoors, they may need a sweater as well. This is why you see many Great Danes wearing sweaters during the winter!

Fur/Hair Type
Dog breeds with thick, heavy, long coats (such as Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, or Great Pyrenees) typically do not need sweaters or coats during the winter. Their fur is usually enough to keep them warm and cozy.

On the other hand, short-haired dogs have less natural insulation from the outside environment, and can quickly become too cold in winter conditions. A jacket (and booties) can keep your short-haired pup more comfortable on walks.

Other Factors
Your dog’s general health can also determine whether or not they need a winter sweater. Dogs who are elderly or sick are generally more sensitive to extreme temperatures, and may require more insulation. If your pup suffers from arthritis or other joint conditions, a coat can help make them more comfortable.

The amount of time you spend outside and the activity level of your dog will also make a difference. For instance, a dog who is playing and racing around at full speed will stay warmer than a dog going on a leisurely walk.

In general, even if your dog doesn’t need a coat to stay warm, it almost never hurts. A light coat can help even the fluffiest breeds stay dry and clean while playing in the snow on their outdoor adventure.

Signs of Hypothermia in Dogs
If you are playing outside with your dog and notice any of the following warning signs of hypothermia, bring them inside right away. Dry them off with a towel and help them warm up with a blanket.

• Strong shivering and trembling
• Feet, ears and skin cold to the touch
• Rapid breathing or labored breathing
• Lethargy

We also recommend calling your vet to make sure your dog is not suffering from severe symptoms, and to determine whether expert treatment is needed.

You want to choose a pet food that will be healthy and nutritious for your furry family member, but you also want something they’ll enjoy. Reading pet food labels and choosing the right food for your pet is certainly one of the trickiest challenges for pet owners!

Reading Pet Food Labels: The Basics
Step one is to make sure the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) approves the food as a complete and balanced nutritional diet. AAFCO is an organization that sets the nutritional standards for pet foods sold in the US.

Once you know the pet food is approved by the AAFCO, you can start thinking about whether or not it may be the right food for your pet. If your pet is still growing, make sure to find a food that is labeled for either all life stages, or specifically for puppies or kittens.

Puppy or kitten food contains much higher levels of certain nutrients than foods for adult maintenance. For dogs, you should also look for size-specific foods. A fast-growing, large breed dog needs different nutrients than a small dog.

Remember the Difference Between Ingredients and Nutrients
Nutrients are food components that support life and are metabolically useful, while ingredients are the vehicles that provide nutrients. For example, chicken is an ingredient that provides nutrients such as protein, fatty acids, and vitamins.

Also remember that ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, which is why meat is usually listed first. The high water content in meat (chicken, beef, lamb) makes these ingredients weigh more than grains, meals, and vitamins.

What Are the Best and Worst Pet Food Ingredients?
Science tells us that dogs and cats are carnivores by nature, and would consume protein-rich foods such as muscle and organ tissue in the wild. Unfortunately, the vast majority of modern pet foods are grain-based rather than meat-based.

That’s not to say that all grains are bad! Peas, potatoes, beans, oats, and barley can be healthful sources of energy in limited amounts. Likewise, vegetables can provide fiber, minerals and micronutrients.

On the other hand, steer clear of ingredients like ground yellow corn and corn meal. These are cheap filler grains with limited nutritional values. You should also avoid pet foods with artificial coloring and flavoring, which provide no value except making cheap foods look and taste better.

The most nutritious pet foods will list proteins like chicken, beef, eggs and fish as the first ingredients. Note that animal by-products are NOT a quality source of protein; this may include feet, beaks and undeveloped eggs.

How to Use Dry Matter Basis to Compare Pet Foods
One way to ensure that your pet is getting the right nutrients from their food is by checking the Guaranteed Analysis. This is a panel that shows the percentage of protein, fat, fiber and moisture in your pet’s food. These numbers are regulated and guaranteed.

Keep in mind that wet and dry food percentages will be different, so comparing them can seem tricky. However, you can convert wet food to dry matter in order to compare foods.

Let’s say you’re comparing two pet foods: one is a wet canned food that contains 10% protein and the other is a dry food that contains 25% protein. At first glance, it seems that the dry kibble is a much more nutritious choice…but what does the Dry Matter Basis tell us?

In this scenario, the wet food contains 75% moisture and the dry food contains 10% moisture. So we need to remove ALL moisture from both foods in order to accurately compare them.

To find the dry matter content of each food, subtract the moisture percentage (75% for the wet food and 10% for the dry food) from 100%. This gives us a dry matter percentage of 25% and 90%, respectively.

Dry Matter Protein Content = (Protein Percentage / Dry Matter Percentage) x 100

For these two foods, here’s the dry matter protein content:

• Wet food = (10/25) x 100 = 40%
• Dry food = (25/90) x 100 = 27.77%

As you can see, the wet canned food actually has a higher protein content than the dry food! This formula also applies to any other nutrient, not just protein. So if your vet has recommended a low fat or high fiber diet, you can use this formula to compare pet foods.

If you’re still unsure about how to read pet food labels and whether you’re feeding your pet the right food, ask your veterinarian. They can recommend high-quality, nutritious pet foods that they feed their own pets!

Often referred to as low level laser therapy (LLLT), or less accurately as “cold” laser therapy, these lasers are different from surgical lasers. Whereas high-power surgical lasers are used to cut or destroy tissue using a very concentrated beam, low level laser therapy is used to relieve pain and enhance cell function.

How does low level laser therapy work?
Low level lasers penetrate tissues on a cellular level, triggering a reaction that stimulates cell regeneration and boosts the cell’s energy. Increased energy means faster tissue repair and cell growth, leading to desirable results such as pain relief, decreased swelling, and faster healing of wounds and injuries.

Essentially, laser therapy initiates the body’s own healing process. This means that the anti-inflammatory response can continue even after the treatment is over – up to 24 hours after the procedure.

Pets and their owners usually find laser therapy to be an easy, simple and effective treatment. There is no need to sedate your dog or cat before laser therapy, as most pets find the process to be relaxing. Additionally, the area being treated does not need to be shaved or trimmed.

What are the benefits of laser therapy?
Low level laser therapy is a non-invasive, quick and essentially painless treatment for a wide variety of conditions. Even chronic patients can experience improvement after just a few treatments.

Lasers can be used to treat acute conditions such as

• Soft tissue injury
• Surgery recovery
• Wounds
• Bone fractures
• Muscular-skeletal abnormalities

Laser therapy may also be used to treat chronic conditions like:

• Arthritis
• Chronic pain
• Chronic ear infections and skin infections
• Tendon and ligament conditions
• Some neurological issues

The frequency and duration of treatments will depend on the condition being treated, but most treatments take less than 15 minutes. Additionally, most patients can decrease or stop laser treatments over time and still achieve the same results as their body begins to heal itself.

Pet owners may notice signs that their dog or cat is feeling better after laser therapy, such as regaining some mobility, going up the stairs more easily, or acting more playful at home.

If your pet is suffering from an injury or chronic pain, it may be worth incorporating low level laser therapy into their treatment plan. Schedule an appointment with your vet to discuss the possibility of laser therapy for your pet.