Household Stress and Pets

From the Life's Abundance March 2015 Newsletter:

Like children, pet kids are susceptible to changes in family dynamics. Sometimes, stress can cause them to act out in unexpected ways. Changes in the household, such as separation and ‘empty nest syndrome’, can be particularly painful for companion animals. A dog has every reason to believe that their pack (humans and canines alike) will remain intact. When one member essentially ‘disappears’, it can lead to significant pet stress.

The study of behavior in companion animals, and how they handle stress, is a rapidly developing field, most extensively in the lives of military dogs. Just like their human-soldier counterparts, after combat duty, canines have demonstrated clear symptoms of PTSD. Some estimates indicate that more than 5% of the approximately 650 military dogs deployed by American combat forces have been diagnosed with canine PTSD.
Much like human PTSD sufferers, not all dogs exhibit the same degree of symptoms. Some dogs have drastic changes in temperament, ultimately becoming aggressive, clingy or timid. Some become hyper-vigilant which can increase anxiety. Others will actively avoid situations in which they were previously comfortable … like the tasks they were trained to perform, often resulting in their retirement from military service.

Companion animals living in households going through separation or the loss of a family member can be similarly traumatized. They can develop separation anxiety, personality changes and depression. Consequently, they may manifest negative behaviors, such as destruction, timidity or aggression. Pet anxiety can be expressed in a variety of ways, including pacing, panting, whining, destruction, loss of appetite, digging, chewing and excessive barking. The sad fact is that pet kids may be more traumatized by the sudden departure of a family member because they have no way of being prepared for the change.
Another unfortunate outcome of changing human relational dynamics is relinquishment. I know that many vets have received calls from newly separated couples who see no other option than to end their relationship with their dog or cat as well.
If you or someone you know is facing challenging times that could affect a pet negatively, here are some tips to minimize the impact and thus reduce the stress on your furry family member.

For Separation
Even though the loss of a pet during separation can be more heart-wrenching than losing money or material belongings, dogs and cats are still considered property in the eyes of the law. If retaining guardianship of your pet kid means the world to you, consider giving up something valuable, such as a car or cash, to gain full custody. If both sides refuse to budge on custody, draft a visitation plan you both can live with. Take into account post-separation schedules and living situations to determine who is better suited to be the primary caretaker. That individual must agree to completely care for the pet’s needs and make sure vaccinations are up-to-date and other medical care is provided.
If you are considering the possibility of relinquishing your dog or cat, try to remember that things will inevitably get better. Chances are that you will be happier with your pet in the long run. We all know that they can be reliable sources of comfort during rough times.

For Empty Nesters
Consider preventive measures before a grown child flies the coop for college. If your pet kids are accustomed to someone always being home, but will soon have to spend periods alone, schedule brief outings for yourself (anywhere from 15-60 minutes). These ritual changes can help ease a pet into the upcoming transition. Wake up a bit earlier to give yourself time to play with your schedule, to see what might fit your new routine best.
Once your child has gone, make time in the morning to either take your dog for a walk or play with your dog. Either activity will mentally stimulate and physically exhaust your dog so that more time will be spent resting when you have to leave the house. Make departures as low-key as possible. When it’s time to go, adopt the attitude that it’s really no big deal, and quietly leave.

Before leaving, stuff a treat-safe toy with food or a tasty snack. For a dog, try a smart toy that dispenses treats or kibble. For cats, no toy is required, simply hide treats at various locations throughout the house.
There are several over-the-counter products created to help lower stress in companion animals. For severe cases, there are a few options available with a prescription, such as Clomicalm, Reconcile and Xanax. These medications can help with animals that are suffering from anxieties that can’t be addressed by behavior therapy alone.
Regardless of the scenario, talk to your veterinarian about what will work best for your pet kid, given your unique situation.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals.

Dr. Jane Bicks

Why a Fish Oil Supplement for your Pets

Thank you Dr. Jane Bicks, Life's Abundance Veterinarian and the Life's Abundance February 2015 Newsletter.

Dr. Jane outlines the top 10 reasons your pet should be on fish oil:

Fish oil supplements are an ideal complement to your pet’s diet because they supply omega-3 fatty acids, which your dog or cat’s body cannot sufficiently produce on its own. Still in doubt? Here are the top 10 reasons why it’s important to supplement your dog or cat’s daily intake with a quality fish oil supplement.

 1. Your Pet Will Burn Fat More Efficiently

The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements help improve the metabolism of a dog and cat’s body in a natural way and cause body fat to burn more quickly. (2,10)

 2. Improved Development of Puppies & Kittens During Pregnancy

During a pregnancy, supply your canine or feline mama omega-3 needs with a pure, safe fish oil supplement. The reason is because the omega-3 fatty acid DHA helps improve brain development, concentration, immunity and eyesight, among other things. (1,5)

 3. Slow Down Your Pet’s Aging Process

We all want to age more slowly, right? EPA and DHA found in fish oil help slow down the aging process by reducing inflammation and extending the longevity of cells. In this way, omega-3s help keep your pet kids feeling younger for longer. (3)

 4. Improved Flexibility

Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of EPA from fish oil supplements, the discomfort in your pet’s joints and muscles may actually decrease. What you will notice is that over time, fish oil supplements can help with stiffness to rise and help your pet be more active and enjoy walks and games with you. (4)

 5. Improved Performance in Canine Athletes

Omega-3s in fish oil supplements improve the functioning of the lungs. For our active agility dogs, runners, Frisbee dogs, swimmers and mountain hiker companions, fish oil will help your dog keep up with you. (14)

 6. Better Concentration & Limiting Brain Cell Deterioration

Thanks to EPA and DHA from fish oil, your pet’s brain may age more slowly and perform optimally. The essential fatty acids in the omega-3s contribute to sounder sleep, an essential element in keeping concentration sharp. (6)

 7. Optimized Immune System Functioning

A daily supplement of omega-3s from fish oil supplements help the white blood cells perform their anti-inflammatory function optimally. This helps your pet’s defense against diseases and other ailments by strengthening the immune system. (15)

 8. Better Heart Health

The omega-3s in fish oil supplements help keep cholesterol levels at a healthy level and help keep this vital muscle healthy. (8,9)

 9. No More Grumpy Cat

Fish oil supplements are proven to improve mood in humans, and studies are forthcoming about their benefits in pets! (12, 13)

 10. Healthy Skin & Shiny Coat

The benefits of omega-3s in fish oil supplements for skin health are well documented, but did you know that omega-3s also help protect against sunburn? (6,7)

Adding health-promoting fish oil to your pet’s diet can be one of the best decisions you make for your companion animal. If you want to learn more, visit the website!

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals. Dr. Jane

References:

1. Zicker SC1, Jewell DE, Yamka RM, Milgram NW. Evaluation of cognitive learning, memory, psychomotor, immunologic, and retinal functions in healthy puppies fed foods fortified with docosahexaenoic acid-rich fish oil from 8 to 52 weeks of age. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012 Sep 1;241(5):583-94. doi: 10.2460/javma.241.5.583.

2. Xenoulis PG1, Steiner JM. Lipid metabolism and hyperlipidemia in dogs.Vet J. 2010 Jan;183(1):12-21. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.10.011. Epub 2009 Jan 23.

3. Figueras M, Olivan M, Busquets S, López-Soriano FJ, Argilés JM. Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) treatment on insulin sensitivity in an animal model of diabetes: improvement of the inflammatory status. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011 Feb;19(2):362-9. doi: 10.1038/oby.2010.194. Epub 2010 Sep 30.

4. Moreau M, Troncy E, Del Castillo JR, Bédard C, Gauvin D, Lussier B. Effects of feeding a high omega-3 fatty acids diet in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2012 Jul 14. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2012.01325.x

5. Bauer JE, Heinemann KM, Lees GE, Waldron MK. Retinal functions of young dogs are improved and maternal plasma phospholipids are altered with diets containing long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids during gestation, lactation, and after weaning. J Nutr. 2006 Jul;136(7 Suppl):1991S-1994S.

6. Bauer JE. Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011 Dec 1;239(11):1441-51. doi: 10.2460/javma.239.11.1441. Review.

7. Popa I, Pin D, Remoué N, Osta B, Callejon S, Videmont E, Gatto H, Portoukalian J, Haftek M. Analysis of epidermal lipids in normal and atopic dogs, before and after administration of an oral omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid feed supplement. A pilot study. Vet Res Commun. 2011 Dec;35(8):501-9. doi: 10.1007/s11259-011-9493-7. Epub 2011 Jul 23. Erratum in: Vet Res Commun. 2012 Mar;36(1):91

8. Smith CE, Freeman LM, Rush JE, Cunningham SM, Biourge V. Omega-3 fatty acids in Boxer dogs with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Mar-Apr;21(2):265-73.

9. Freeman LM, Rush JE, Markwell PJ.Effects of dietary modification in dogs with early chronic valvular disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2006 Sep-Oct;20(5):1116-26.

10. Laflamme DP. Understanding and managing obesity in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2006 Nov;36(6):1283-95, vii. Review.

11. Brown SA, Brown CA, Crowell WA, Barsanti JA, Allen T, Cowell C, Finco DR. Beneficial effects of chronic administration of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in dogs with renal insufficiency. J Lab Clin Med. 1998 May;131(5):447-55.

12. Hegarty B, Parker G. Fish oil as a management component for mood disorders - an evolving signal. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2013 Jan;26(1):33-40. doi: 10.1097/YCO.0b013e32835ab4a7

13. Hegarty BD, Parker GB. Marine omega-3 fatty acids and mood disorders--linking the sea and the soul. 'Food for Thought' I. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2011 Jul;124(1):42-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2011.01703.x. Epub 2011 Apr 11. Review.

14. Wakshlag J, Shmalberg J. Nutrition for working and service dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2014 Jul;44(4):719-40, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.03.008. Review.

15. Hall JA, Henry LR, Jha S, Skinner MM, Jewell DE, Wander RC. Dietary (n-3) fatty acids alter plasma fatty acids and leukotriene B synthesis by stimulated neutrophils from healthy geriatric Beagles. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2005 Nov;73(5):335-41.

Leash walking with your Canine

Awesome video courtesy of Life's Abundance from the February 2015 Newsletter:

Dr Sarah goes over Leash Control when walking your dog.

Basic tips give you an idea of where to start, what to avoid in the beginning, and more about reactions to certain situations and stimuli.

I love how Dr. Sarah goes over YOU have to be the one in control (worth the listen just for this)

No scolding and yelling - it may make the situation worse....

Canine IQ Test in 10 Minutes

Courtesy of the Life's Abundance January 2015 Newsletter:

In this video Dr. Sarah goes over how to score the IQ test for your canine.!

She goes over how old your dog should be - have FUN and the right conditions ..

Click below for the free 10 minute IQ test -

http://www.lifesabundance.com/ftpdocs/Canine-Problem-Solving-Abilities.pdf

Dr. Sarah 

Is your dog pawing at you?

Courtesy of the Life's Abundance Newsletter for August 2014.

Great video by Dr. Sarah about canine clawing. They do it to get your attention Mom or Dad!!

  How do you decrease this behavior: Watch to learn below!

Swimming Safety for your Dog

Great Video!

 Is your dog a boxer, bulldog or a pug?

 What about short legs? Is your dog a senior? Small breeds?

Find out what breeds are especially suited to swimming, what to do if you’re dog isn’t an accomplished swimmer, and the potential dangers of swimming at a new location. And, our staff veterinarian warns what to look out for when your pup has had a bit too much fun in the sun. All that and more in the most recent installment of our ongoing web series created to improve the wellbeing of your companion animals.

Dr. Sarah

Lyme Disease

Great read by Dr. Jane Bicks from the July 2014 Life's Abundance Newsletter:

It’s the height of summer, which means that mountain trails, bucolic meadows and forested thickets are beckoning your dog to romp and explore. This impulse may be at odds with concerns about new research on Lyme disease, which may have you more inclined to restrict your canine companion’s activities to the Great Indoors. Before you put the kibosh on outdoor fun, make sure you know all the facts about canine Lyme disease. According to Banfield Pet Hospital’s 2014 State of Pet Health Report, based on the medical data from over 2.3 million dogs, incidence of canine Lyme disease has increased 21% since 2009.

 As of last year, one in every 130 dogs carries the disease-causing bacteria. The risk of Lyme disease depends on where you live. In New England, Lyme disease rates are much higher than the rest of the country. New Hampshire has the highest rate of Lyme disease cases, with one in every 15 dogs affected! Compare this with Washington and Oregon, where only 1 in 1,000 dogs carried the bacteria. In the last five years, populations of the two species of ticks that carry Lyme disease have skyrocketed. As white tailed deer populations have escalated (chiefly due to declines of predator species), so too have the tick species that feast upon them. This is especially true in states east of the Rocky Mountains.

While much smaller in stature, but just as problematic in the Northeast, the white footed mouse is another carrier of the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. Greater numbers of animals that attract ticks translates to an increased likelihood that pet kids will be bitten. Lyme disease is caused by the corkscrew-shaped bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacteria are carried by ticks which transmit the infection when they feed on animals and humans. The disease can cause generalized illness in animals and humans. Even though about 75% of dogs living in endemic regions are exposed to infected ticks, only a small percentage develop symptoms.

Lyme disease was first discovered in 1975, when an unusual outbreak of rheumatoid arthritis occurred in the children of Lyme, Connecticut. In the U.S. today, it’s the most common disease transmitted to humans by insects, and perhaps dogs as well. Infections can also occur in horses and cattle … even cats. The most common sign of Lyme disease in dogs is arthritis, which causes sudden lameness, pain and sometimes swelling in one or more joints. Other symptoms include fever, lack of appetite, apathy and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, the infection can lead to kidney failure, which can prove fatal, although this outcome isn’t common (thank goodness). If your pet kid is diagnosed with Lyme disease, don’t assume that you too are contaminated. Transmission of the illness from companion animals to humans, or vice versa, is highly unlikely. You wear sunblock to prevent sunburns, so why not take preventative measures to deter ticks?

There are many highly effective veterinary products that will kill ticks before they can transmit the bacteria. Just keep in mind that the best way to avoid the problem is to steer clear of tick-infested areas, especially in the spring when young ticks are most active. After spending time outdoors, do a thorough search for ticks, on both yourself and your companion animals. If you locate any, they should be removed carefully with tweezers, pinching the tick near the head, where they enter the skin.

Researchers have learned that infected ticks must feed for about 24 hours to transmit the bacteria to a susceptible animal. That means quick removal greatly reduces the chance of contracting the illness. Fortunately, Lyme disease is easily treated in dogs with antibiotics.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals. 

 Dr Jane Bicks

Dr. Jane Bicks

Anal Glands

Thank you Dr. Jane for this great article regarding anal glands.

From the Life's Abundance May 2014 Newsletter:

If you’ve ever noticed a foul odor wafting from your pet’s hind end, there's a chance that anal sacs may be the source of the problem. As any pet parent will tell you, nothing smells as uniquely terrible as the material emitted from these glands. In some mammals, including dogs and cats, anal sacs are small pouches which store secretions from the glands between the internal and external sphincter muscles. A dog or cat can discharge the material collected in the sac through these ducts.

One thing this liquid has in common: it almost always has a terribly offensive odor, and one that is difficult to remove from carpets, beds and clothing. The function of these small but potent scent glands is believed to be for territorial marking and communication. Those unfortunate enough to have unexpectedly frightened a dog may have experienced the canine’s ability to ‘spray’ their glandular contents - sometimes as far as six feet! Some biologists believe, for the ancestors of modern day dogs and cats, these organs were not only used in communication, but could also have been used as defense (much as a skunk sprays for self-preservation).

I can assure you that when the trapped substances are released, they’re sufficiently foul to ward off any human predators! In most animals, anal glands function completely normally. For the most part, if it’s not a problem, you’d never have a reason to know about them. Many pet parents don’t even know that their pet has anal glands. However, for some dogs and cats, anal glands can be a real pain in the tukkis. With long-term inflammation, the sacs can become impacted and infected. In severe cases, they can actually rupture. The first sign of trouble is when your dog or cat hunches up and scoots his butt across the floor. That, or repetitively and excessively licks his hind end. If you notice either of these signs, a trip to the vet’s office is warranted. If the problem recurs, pet parents can feel helpless in warding off this noxious – not to mention, painful - problem. Adding fiber to the diet (such as a tablespoon of sweet potato with meals) can provide some relief. Some pet kids (dogs more often than cats) will need to have their glands emptied on a regular basis.

While some groomers offer this service, veterinarians and vet technicians are trained in techniques to completely drain the glands. Which is to say, if your pet is predisposed to this sort of problem, I recommend that a medical professional do the procedure (referred to as ‘expressing’). If the area becomes infected or impacted, understand that the condition is very painful, and should be addressed as soon as possible. They may require pain medication, and perhaps even a course of antibiotics. For some pets with chronic cases, vets may advocate surgically removing the glands entirely.

If you’re looking for a culprit, know that this is just an unfortunate consequence of genetics. While not unheard of, this medical issue is less of a problem for large and giant breeds. Even if your dog isn’t one of the small-to-medium size dogs predisposed to the difficulty, should you notice any signs of discomfort, don’t rule out anal sac problems. Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals.

Dr. Jane Bicks

Parvovirus

Courtesy of Life's Abundance and the March 2014 Blog

Parvovirus

Dr. Sarah goes over in this video the very dangerous disease Parvo:
Where it attacks
How it attacks
How contagious it is
Signs of the infection
What blood test to run from your Veterinarian
The supportive treatment 
There is a vaccination that is considered very important

Don't miss this information!

Canine Influenza By Dr. Sarah

Canine Influenza Courtesy of Life's Abundance and Dr.Sarah, staff Veterinarian
Some things Dr. Sarah covers:
How it got started
symptoms
what you can do
 a vaccine is available and much more!

Dr. Jane: Awesome tips for you and the pet sitter

From the Life's Abundance September 2013 Newsletter:
From Dr. Jane Bicks:


Pet Sitting Tips:

1. Make sure that the pet sitter you hire is bonded and insured. Ask if they have any certifications relevant to sitting. And don’t be afraid to ask for references. A big plus is if they are current members of a pet-sitting organization.

2. Try to make reservations as far in advance as possible. Some of the best sitters book up months in advance, so plan ahead to ensure the best care for your pet kid.

3. Gather everything needed to care for your pet in one easily accessible area. Supplies could include food, treats, food and water bowls, medications, a leash, a can opener, toys, garbage bags, litter and scoop, a dustpan, a broom, a watering can for plants, etc. Be sure to leave your supply well-stocked on the off-chance your return is delayed.

4. Clean out the refrigerator and empty the garbage before leaving the house, to help avoid food spoilage and to remove all temptation from your dog to go excavating. Pre-program the thermostat before you leave and give specific instructions for the sitter about an acceptable temperature range. Remember – an unventilated home can become very hot, very quickly.

5. Notify your veterinarian in writing that a pet sitter will be caring for your pet. Pre-authorize the sitter to provide emergency medical and/or surgical care during your absence, should a crisis arise.

6. If you plan to leave a gift for your sitter, i.e. garden produce, candy or a tip, leave a note of explanation. As a group, pet sitters pride themselves on honesty - if you don’t make it explicit that the gift is for them, they usually will not take it.

7. Communication is key to a successful pet-sitting experience. By-and-large, pet sitters want to learn as much as possible about your pets. They want to know about their health, habits, routine and how they might react to certain situations. In addition to exchanging contact information, they also want to know detailed information, such as if the toilet tends to run, if other people will be checking on your pet and veterinary contact information. Specific information helps a sitter to do their job to the best of their abilities.

Here are some examples of unclear and clear communication to help you know what level of detail you should share with your pet sitter:

Unclear: Feed twice daily, fill the bowl half-way.
Clearer: Feed 1 cup of Life’s Abundance kibble in the morning and 1 cup in the evening. Food is located in the pantry off the stairs, and the bowl should remain by the back door.

Unclear: Pills in the morning and evening.
Clearer: Willy gets 1 tablet (0.4 mg) levothyroxine in the morning and in the evening with food. Willy and Starfox each get one tablet of Life’s Abundance Skin & Coat Supplement once daily in the morning. Pills are on the counter next to the kitchen sink. Willy and Starfox will eat the Skin and Coat supplement, but you have to hide the levothyroxine for Willy in a piece of cheese. Starfox will eat the medication if Willy drops it, so make sure Starfox is in a different room when you give Willy his medication.

Unclear: Feed dogs separately.
Clearer: Starfox eats his food more quickly than Willy, and then tends to bully Willy away from his food. This has resulted in a couple of aggressive acts, but that’s rare. Feed Starfox in the living room and Willy in the kitchen. Be sure to keep them separated until they’ve both finished their meals. It generally takes Willy 20 minutes to finish his food. Each dog may have one dental treat after they finish their meals. Willy prefers to have his cookies broken in halves.

This information should be kept in the same area as all the supplies. Save everything in a computer file and you won’t have to duplicate the task every time you hire a sitter. Providing the right information, with all pertinent details, not only makes your sitter’s job easier, but keeps your pets happier and safer, which is the common goal we all share!

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals. Dr Jane Bicks Dr. Jane Bicks

Feline Digestive Disorders

From the Life's Abundance Pet Newsletter for February, 2012
Dr Jane Bicks shares about feline digestive disorders:

"Second only to upper-respiratory illness, digestive disorders are the chief reason for feline veterinary visits. Cats with digestive problems exhibit symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea, to weight loss, constipation and excessive gas. While the causes are many, feline IBS and IBD are two common digestive disorders. On many occasions, they are mistaken for one another, which is unfortunate because they call for very different treatments. In this post, we'll cover the basics and try to clear up the confusion surrounding these disorders." Please click here to read the entire article

Lymph Nodes in Your Dog/Cat

 "Courtesy of Life's Abundance"
From the February 2012 Life's Abundance Pet Newsletter, Dr. Sarah demonstrates where your pets' lymph nodes are and what size they should be and so much more.

Do you check your dog or cat's lymph nodes?

Canine Fear or Aggression?

From the Life's Abundance Pet Newsletter, March 2011:

Two common issues are fear and aggression in canines and Dr. Sarah says "common" because they are more common than most people would think.

In this video she will go over things like:
The very few weeks of the dog’s life are very important and very impressionable
Fear: - fear is running away or crouching
Should you immediately comfort you dog in a fearful situation?

Never strike a fearful dog or punish  – they need to feel safe with you and if they do not, your dog may become aggressive.

So many great tips for your pooch to over come some fears!


Is your dog growling? That maybe aggression and you may need to work with a professional.
Watch this video!
"Courtesy of Life's Abundance"