Florida Wintertime Myths

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Dr. Nan Rosenberry

Pet owners hear many different myths about how to take care of their pets, especially during the winter months in Florida. Dr. Rosenberry addresses some myths in this month’s adrticle.

Myth#1 - My dogs and cats don’t need to be on flea medication during the wintertime.

False. Winters in colder parts of the country, like the northeast, break the flea life cycle because the temperatures are cold enough for an extended period of time. This disrupts the cycle and makes the fleas less prevalent. However, the winters in Florida are usually mild and still have humidity, which does not break the flea cycle and the eggs stay fertile and there are still many fleas. So, in florida, your pets need to be on flea prevention year round.

 

 

Myth #2 – My dogs and cats don’t need to be on heartworm medication during the wintertime.

False. Heartworm is a year round problem in Florida. It is a disease that is spread by mosquitoes and there is no month that is mosquito-free. Just like with flea prevention, your pet needs to be on heartworm prevention year round in Florida.

Myth #3 – My pet will not have pollen allergies during the Florida winter.

False. In Florida, there are plants that have pollen or allergens even during the winter. It is possible for your pet to have an allergy to something blooming even in the middle of winter. Also, don’t forget other types of allergens that are indoors such as dust mites or molds! These can cause allergy symptoms at any time of the year.

Myth #4 – Dogs and cats with thick coats can live outside in the winter.

False. Dogs and cats need shelter during even the Florida winter. Even though the winters are mild, it is too cold overnight to leave your pet outside without some type of covering.

Myth #5 – Dogs and cats in Florida do not need vaccines.

False. Pets need vaccines no matter where they live. The only difference is what type of vaccines they get. Certain vaccines are not needed for pets that live in Florida year round, but these decisions need to be made by your veterinarian. Simply not vaccinating your pet at all can leave your pet at risk of becoming infected with rabies, parvo, lepto, etc.

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Attention: Leptospirosis Positive Dog Discovered in Sarasota

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Dr. David J Smith

A dog was brought to Bay Road Animal Hospital recently that was suffering from severe kidney disease. This dog was only 8.5 years old and had no previous history of kidney problems. Severe kidney disease usually strikes later in life. There was no history of vaccines being administered for several years. We suspected Leptospirosis (Lepto).

Lepto is transmitted in the urine of raccoons, possums, squirrels, rats, mice, dogs, and other animals. The organisms are ingested by drinking contaminated puddle water. Dogs that lick their paws after inadvertently stepping in urine from the infected animals can also get the disease.

A blood sample was collected from the 8.5 year old dog, and then was submitted to Idexx Laboratory for testing. We began treating the suspected Lepto with injectible antibiotics. We treated the kidney disease with IV fluids. This patient rallied in the first 12 hours but died within 24 hours. Three days later we received test results confirming our suspicion of Lepto.

Tests for this disease take time and may not confirm the diagnosis for as long as 6 weeks. We must treat these dogs on the suspicion of Lepto because we do not have the time to wait for test results. We have had some success treating but we also have seen some deaths. It’s reported that this disease is on the rise in some dogs.

Lepto vaccine can protect pets against the four most common forms of Lepto. This vaccine must be given yearly. It is a must for any dogs in Florida that could be exposed to the wild animal host population.

Don’t let your dog be the next victim of this preventable disease. Check your vaccine records or call your veterinarian to be sure your dog is protected. If you discover your dog has not had the Lepto vaccine, call your vet today!

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Pet Feeding Awareness

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Dr. Cheryl Adams

Feeding dogs and cats can seem fairly simple, and yet sometimes can be so confusing with all the  different brands and types of commercial pet  foods available. I am forever amazed at the clerk from whatever pet store perceived “as the expert,” and I wonder how many animal nutritional classes they have taken and passed. I have spoken to many people who have been misinformed or mislead by a pet food salesperson or a pet food marketing scheme. There are some basics that I routinely teach pet owners. Here are a few:

1.  Most commercial cooked dog and cat foods are nutritionally sound (Look for the AAFCCO seal of approval.) and are designed to be fed as an exclusive food. Feeding treats or table food changes the calorie intake for pets, thus they require less of the dry or canned food daily. Table food and store bought treats are extremely high in calories, and store bought treats usually have lots of artificial colors and preservatives. For example, I looked at the calories of one of the popular dental chew treats for a medium sized dog, and that treat had the calorie count that an average medium sized dog required for an entire day but was not nutritionally complete.  Table food is not recommended as some human foods are toxic to pets, such as grapes, raisins, and chocolate, and some human foods cause inflammation of the stomach, intestines, and pancreas causing vomiting and diarrhea. In my opinion, the best treats for dogs are fresh, clean vegetables such as raw or cooled, cooked carrots or green beans.  For cats, a nice treat is a small spoonful of a commercial can food with gravy, provided that the cat likes can food.

2.  All foods should be measured with an 8 oz measuring cup and put out fresh daily for each pet. Each pet should be fed based on body weight, and each food had a different calorie count. The amount to feed for each different food is typically on the label of each bag or can. Daily feeding is especially important for cats. The common perception that cats are self feeders is a myth;  cats that have access to an indefinite amount or several days of dry food will over eat and become obese. Twice daily measured feedings for cats allows them to maintain a healthy body weight and gives them a routine which they will readily interact with their owners.

3.  Raw meats should not be fed to pets, even frozen raw “commercial” diets as they may be contaminated with infectious bacteria such as E. Coli or Salmonella. Dogs and cats are just as susceptible to these infectious agents as people; cooking meats keeps pets safe from these bacteria, which can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea and possibly death. Proponents of raw diets for pets argue that raw meat is the most natural for dogs and cats; however, today’s commercial meat processing plants are not natural and contamination of harmful bacteria does occur.

Awareness to the amount your pet consumes each day is important to being aware of their health. Often, a decreased appetite is the first sign of a pet’s illness; this is especially true for cats. Always remember, the marketing for pet foods is more for us, the owners, because we are the ones purchasing the food.

For more information on pet food, visit http://www.petfood.aafco.org/

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National Feral Cat Day

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Dr. Cheryl Adams

This past Sunday, October 16, 2011, was National Feral Cat Day. The Animal Rescue Coalition of Sarasota also had it’s Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Day for October this past Sunday. Dr. Rosenberry and I again donated our time and skills along with approximately 10 other local veterinarians, multiple technicians, and numerous volunteers. Walking up to the building, I noticed about four large horse trailers that were used to transport the trapped cats to the facility, and cages filled almost every available space outside the building. To keep organized, areas were designated and roped off for intake/paper work processing, anesthesia, surgical preparation, surgery, and recovery. Volunteers were assigned to an area based on training and expertise. With so many resources and volunteers, another 147 cats were trapped, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and released back into their respective colonies this weekend. After reading about the National Feral Cat Day program on AlleyCat.org, I believe Buddy’s Feral Cat Program (part of Animal Rescue Coalition)  in Sarasota, Florida, is one of the best run programs caring for so many feral cats every month. If I had one wish for the program, the wish would be for more surgical packs to help improve the flow of the surgeries. “Hats Off” to all that participated and helped make feral cat day a success.

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Toxic Human Medicine

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Dr. Cheryl Adams

Over the past few decades, dogs and cats have become more important as companion animals to Americans. They live in our homes as family members. When they go to the veterinarian, often the veterinarian prescribes human medications as a treatment. However, we must always keep in mind that they are not human even though they may act human and take some of our medications. Many of the over the counter medications that humans take are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. I have seen several pets required extensive veterinarian treatment after they have been treated at home by the owner with an over the counter medication. I have also seen some of these pets die after taking over the counter medications given by the owner. When veterinarians prescribe or authorize human medication for use in a pet, these medications have been researched and published as to the dosage and safety for use in pets. Some human medications do not have an animal equivalent, and veterinarians only have the human medication as an option. Always remember, human medications prescribed by a veterinarian are still prescription medications, and they are not over the counter. Over the counter medications include some things like aspirin, antacids, antihistamines, and topical antibiotics. Many households have these in the bathroom cabinets, and owners often think that their pet can just take this for now because they may not be “that sick” or that their pet can take this until they get to the vet. Before ever administering anything to your pet, please always call your veterinarian and ask if an over the counter medication could harm your pet; and if not what, would be the correct at home dose for your pet’s size. Some things like Benadryl are acceptable for pets, and other things like Tylenol are deadly.

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Geaux LSU Tigers!

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Dr. Cheryl Adams

Well this past weekend the big game between the LSU Tigers and the FL Gators took place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I am elated the the #1 ranked LSU tigers won 41 to 11. Watching the game take place in my college home stadium reminded me of some fond memories and fun facts. The LSU tiger mascot is fondly named Mike, and a voluntary veterinary student provides daily care for him. When I was in school, one of my classmates took care of Mike during our third year, and I did get to go with him behind the scenes to observe the daily cleaning of the impressive housing facility and feeding of the massive tiger. The veterinary students are also responsible for moving Mike into his travel cage that is pulled around the football field before each game. The vet students ride in the truck as the cheerleaders sit atop Mike’s cage. Legend has it that for each roar Mike does during this lap, the football team will score a touchdown. I am certain that Mike roared five times this past Saturday.

As seniors in veterinary school, we had clinical rotations which sometimes required us to be on call for emergency care. Because of the close proximity of the stadium to the vet school,  the Saturdays when home football games took place, the on call students were required to be at the school about one hour prior to the game and to stay for two hours after the game. This is because all city roads leading to Tiger Stadium are one way into the school before the game and one way out for two hours after the game.  The capital city, Baton Rouge, has fully supported their college football ever since the 1930′s when Governor Huey P. Long wanted to advance the LSU football team. To do this, a football stadium needed to be built, but with the Great Depression, money was scarce. At the same time, LSU also needed a dormitory building, and there was only enough tax money to build one. So Governor Long got creative and built the football stadium with dorm rooms below the seating areas. As a result, LSU got both its needed dorm room space and a football stadium. Almost seventy years later when I was in vet school,  those dorm rooms were still in use. So for as much as Gainsville, FL is considered “Gator Land”; Baton Rouge, LA is “Tiger Territory.”

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Halloween and Pets Q & A

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Dr. Nan Rosenberry

Question 1– I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback at home and she has a knack for getting food left on tables, in cabinets, etc. I have heard chocolate is bad for dogs, is this true? If so, and she gets into the Halloween candy this year what should I do?

Answer 1 – Chocolate can be toxic to dogs when they eat a large amount of it. The ingredients of caffeine and theobromine found in chocolate are what cause the problem for dogs. Dark chocolate, especially baker’s chocolate, has high levels of these ingredients. Most chocolate candies or baked goods have a very low amount so are usually not a problem, especially for a big dog like a ridgeback. If a small dog eats a lot of chocolate candies, there may be some symptoms so please call your vet if you are concerned at all. The symptoms of chocolate toxicity can be as mild as a bout of vomiting or diarrhea; or they can be as severe as tremors, seizures, or even death. The safest thing is to keep ALL human food away from your pets! For more information, check out this article.

Question 2 – I love to dress my dog, Teddy, up for Halloween, but someone told me last year that my dog’s costume was hurting him. How can I tell if Teddy’s costume is causing him discomfort?

Answer 2 – Sometimes it is hard to tell because many dogs will tolerate whatever you do to them! But you need to check the fit around Teddy’s neck and belly to make sure it is not digging in tightly, just like you would with a collar or harness. Sometimes dogs will not tolerate anything other than their regular collar even if it is not hurting them. If Teddy is not placid and tolerant of the costume, you should not force him to wear it.

Question 3 – I want to go trick or treating with my kids, is it a good idea to bring our dogs along too?

Answer 3 – If your dogs love all people, then yes, you could bring them. But if your dogs are even slightly timid or scared of new people, new sights, and new sounds, then no, do not bring them. People’s costumes sometimes scare dogs, so it is not fair to put them through that. Also, there are a lot of loud noises and “boos” which can frighten even the bravest of dogs!

Question 4 – On Halloween, I normally stay in and hand out candy to trick or treaters. However, my dog Brutus gets worked up and barks a lot when people knock on the door or ring the doorbell. Is there anything I can do to keep him from doing this?

Answer 4 – There is no quick fix for this problem. If his barking bothers you, put him in a crate in the back room. It won’t do any good to yell at him when he barks.

One thing to work on for next Halloween, however, is to desensitize him to people at the door. It is not easy because it takes hundreds of repetitions. Brutus needs basic obedience first. Have him “sit and stay” in front of the door and give him a training treat for doing that quietly. Then you lightly tap on the door (from the inside) and give him a treat as he sits quietly. Over a period of days, gradually increase the volume of tapping on the door, giving him a treat as he sits quietly. Do not give him a treat as he barks, but do not punish him either. Eventually open and close the door, go outside and knock, until finally you can ring the doorbell. Like I said, it takes a long time, it is a slow process, but you can do it!

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My Dog Ate What?

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Dr. Cheryl Adams

This morning I was reading one of my veterinary magazines and came across an article that had winners of a national, annual x-ray contest. I always enjoy this because I’m amazed at what dogs will eat. This year’s grand prize winner was an x-ray of a dog that had eaten NINE hand balls; and the runner up was of a dog that had eaten not one but two metal collars off the other household dogs. I have no idea why dogs would want to eat these things, and I am always astounded as to how they actually swallow some things. However, in the case of a few honorable mentions, I do understand why these dogs ate some things, such as baby bottle nipples cause they smelled of milk; dentures that the dog found in a bowl of ice cream; and a spoon filled with peanut butter.  Just remember, when non food items are mixed with food, dogs can and will swallow both the food and the nonfood items.

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Old Poster, Good Information

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Dr. Cheryl Adams

In my exam room at the Crossing’s Animal Hospital, a poster hangs on the door. This poster has been there a few years now, but remains a source of good information and a conversation opener. Titled “Do You Know What Pet Poisons are in your Kitchen?”, the poster lists common toxins that people might accidentally feed to their pets. A few items are commonly known by pet owners, such as chocolate, onions, and garlic. By a few items take owners by surprise, such as grapes, yeast, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners. All the above items are toxic and can be life threatening and even lead to death. Over the years, dogs have moved out of the back yard and into our homes, becoming family members living and eating as we do. They can be so much like us it is easy to forget that they are different. So before you give them a snack from your plate, think first cause food for us just may be poison to them.

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What? No more heartworm treatment?

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Dr. Cheryl Adams

Yes, heart worm treatment for dogs is no longer available to veterinarians in the United States, and the manufacturer does not have a date when the medication will be available again. This does NOT include the preventatives such as Heartgard Plus, Interceptor, Sentinel, or Revolution. Immiticide is the medication used to treat dogs once they have become infected with heart worms, and this is the medication that is no longer available. So prevention with medications such as Heartgard Plus or Sentinel are even more important now. Currently, prevention is the key to maintaining your dog’s heart health. Just remember for the preventative to be effective, it must be given every 30 days, not in the beginning of one month and the end of the next. Skipping just a few days leaves a window open where your dog can become infected with heart worms from a biting, infected mosquito. Be sure to watch Dr. Rosenberry’s video about no more heart worm treatment.

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