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

Low fat dog treats

Wholesome Hearts Low Fat Dog Treats

Wholesome Hearts
Low Fat Dog Treats

I wanted to share a product that I get so many requests for: Low fat dog treats:


Fortified with L-Carnitine to help the body utilize fat, Wholesome Hearts are perfect for dogs that could stand to shed a few pounds. And the rich flavor and delicate aromatic spices make them simply irresistible. These heart-shaped treats are made with multi-grains, fruits, vegetables and other wholesome ingredients like chicken meal and eggs. Then they are gently oven baked with a “just from the oven” aroma and flavor.

Formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks, DVM.

“Whether your dog is experiencing a problem with weight, or if you just want to help your pup maintain a trim and healthy figure, you can’t do better than the nutrition of Wholesome Hearts. I highly recommend Wholesome Hearts because they are healthy low-fat treats that will satisfy your dog’s desire for a tasty snack in-between meals.”

Contains no corn, no wheat or wheat gluten, no soy or soy gluten. No artificial colors and no artificial flavors.

Click here for more information/purchase

Why does my pet do that?

Courtesy of Life's Abundance 2014 June Newsletter:

We love our companion animals. But sometimes their actions are mystifying, if not altogether baffling. Fortunately, our own Dr. Jane is on-hand to offer some rationale behind some of the most perplexing pet behaviors.

Why Does My Dog Stare At Me?

Dogs stare at their human companions for any number of reasons. Often, it’s because they want something from you: a tasty snack, a walk around the block, an impromptu game of fetch, etc. Dogs can also stare as a form of attention-seeking behavior. Others are simply indicating neediness for human touch, praise or direction. With more perceptive dogs, they may actually be attempting to read an emotion in our facial expressions. Rest assured that in most cases, staring is considered to be a positive behavior, as most trainers encourage dogs to stare at their pet parents. There are instances, however, where staring at a dog can be considered confrontational or a direct challenge (in the wild, canines stare down their challengers). Staring deeply into a canine’s eyes is an activity that should only be engaged within the bounds of a healthy human-dog relationship. If you aren’t sure, don’t do it before talking it over with an animal behaviorist.

Why Does My Dog Turn in Circles Before He Poops?

Not all dogs do it, but many pet parents have watched with confusion at a dog who spins in circles, then steps from one back paw to the other before doing his business. No one knows for sure why dogs do this, but there are several theories. Twirling in circles may be evolutionarily beneficial, in that it enables wild dogs to scan the horizon for predators, so as not to be attacked while in a vulnerable position. Other experts believe the walking helps get the bowels moving. Canines have scent glands in their paws, so twirling might be another way for them to spread their scent around, letting other dogs know that the territory has been claimed.

Why Does My Cat Lick Me?

How many of you have had a cat that licks you incessantly? Well, experts in feline behavior believe that when a cat grooms and licks another cat or a human, they’re conveying trust, affection and caring. These licks are actually ‘kisses’ and a sign that your cat feels happy and safe. When a cat bonds to a human, there can be no limit to feline affection.

Why Does My Cat Meow At Me?

Anyone who has ever lived with a vocal cat has certainly asked this question. The experts say that when a cat meows at their humans, they’re asking for something. Over time, felines have figured out that meowing gets results, but why is this so effective? Feline behaviorists believe that ‘meowing’ is actually a cat’s way of imitating the cry of a human infant. It’s a behavior that kittens learn early on, as kittens meow to their mothers, often because they’re hungry. I find it interesting that cat meows can vary depending on what they are asking for. For example, the meow to ‘go outside’ can sound very different from the one for ‘feed me’. Experts have also found that cats meow differently to different people. For the most part, when a kitty is making a vocal request, it is out of pleasure and trust that their human companion will fulfill the feline’s every need. If your cat is obsessively meowing and the behavior is increasing, it is always a good idea to get your kitty checked by your local veterinarian. Certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, can cause excessive vocalization.

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

 

Jogging with your Dog

Courtesy of Life's Abundance from the June 2014 newsletter: Dr. Sarah goes over in this video about:
running with your favorite canine:

- what the appropriate age for your dog should be
- what to watch for fatigue
- when to run use a leash?
- get a checkup for you and your dog before going and so much more !

 Watch this video !


 

Joint Problems in Dogs & Cats

Courtesy of Life's Abundance.

From the May 2014 Newsletter: Dr. Sarah, Staff Veterinarian goes over an alternative to surgery and evasive procedures to arthritis in dogs and cats!

This IS NOT medication which can have its own side effects as well as be costly.

Laser therapy provides immediate results without side affects and is drug free and surgery free! Awesome video about this fantastic alternative that is non-evasive! This video is a must see!

Click Below:

 





A great way to optimize healthy joints is Life's Abundance Joint Formula

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

Bravo dog & cat food recall

Bravo® Issues Nationwide Recall of Pet Food for Dogs and Cats
The Food and drug Administration page is above, please click above for more information

Video - Annual Exams for your Pets

Courtesy of Life's Abundance Newsletter for April 2014

Preventative care for our companion animals means more than just vaccinations.

Dr. Sarah goes over veterinarian annual exams and the detail it can include.
There are also semi-annual exams depending on the age of your animal.

Some of the points in this video that you and your veterinarian will discuss: -


- Does vaccination have to be given every year? -
- Has anything changed with your god and or cat? Eating, drinking, mobility, going to the bathroom etc.


The exam itself includes - Tip of the nose to tail exam!


So much goes into the exam to determine if anything might be going on.


Early detection of something now could be better than dealing with it when the issue has caused pain or problems later.


This video is amazing to see what an
exam covers on your animal!

Bully Sticks for dogs

Wow - Seems these are a favorite among all types of canines: Buffalo Pizzle - better known as Bully Sticks

SO happy to share Life's Abundance Buffalo Bully Sticks click here:

Buffalo Bully Sticks: Pack of Four - 9 inch sticks

Made from free-range, grass-fed buffalo, these wholesome dog treats:

Help reduce tartar and maintain canine dental health Supply a leaner alternative to beef
Are suitable for dogs with food sensitivities.
Contain no additives or preservatives Provide a rewarding chewing experience






 

Buffalo Bully Sticks: Pack of  Six - 6 inch sticks

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!

Cat, Dog, Human: Heart Disease

How wonderful to have Dr. Jane Bicks - important article regarding Heart Disease:
a must read!

Courtesy of Life's Abundance and the January 2014 Newsletter:

Heart Health Awareness Month is right around the corner, beginning February 1st. While technically concerned with human heart health, I think it’s vital that we expand the scope of the conversation to address canine and feline heart health, too.

Most people have a basic understanding of the risks of heart disease in humans, but when it comes to the heart health of our pet kids, that area remains a mystery to many. In the following seven frequently-asked questions, we’ll consider the parallels between all three species (humans, canines and felines), to better understand heart disease.

How Widespread is Heart Disease?

Humans: In America, heart disease is the #1 cause of death. Annually, about 600,000 people die of heart disease, one in every four deaths.

Dogs and Cats: Although reliable statistics are not readily available for adult felines or canines, heart disease is not the pressing problem that it is for humans. That being said, heart problems are still common, with one in ten dogs developing valvular heart disease. As with many health issues, the risk for heart disease increases with age, especially for dogs over the age of nine (the age varies from breed to breed).

When it comes to cats, tracking heart disease proves extremely challenging, as felines present virtually no physical symptoms from this condition.

What’s the Most Common Form of Heart Disease?

Humans: In adults, coronary artery disease is the most prevalent kind of heart disease. The main type involves plaque build-up in the arteries, which affects their ability to deliver blood to the heart. As the layers of plaque thicken and harden, blood flow to the heart is further restricted.

Dogs and Cats: The biggest difference here is that pet kids are not at-risk for coronary artery disease. While that’s good news, there are other medical conditions that dogs and cats face. Dogs can suffer from mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Mitral valve disease describes a condition where a valve on the left side of the heart fails to close properly. The problem with this is that blood pools into the left atrium, rather than exiting the left ventricle. Older, small-breed dogs are more likely to develop mitral valve disease, and the condition is only worsened by periodontal disease. DCM weakens the heart muscle so that it pumps less vigorously and regularly, a condition more common in large breeds.

Cats, on the other hand, are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Here, the walls of the heart thicken and the muscle becomes less flexible. The unfortunate result is that the heart pumps less blood. HCM is a genetic disease that is found in both pure and mixed breed cats.

What are the Symptoms of Heart Disease?

Humans: Symptoms vary depending on the disease, but patients with coronary artery disease often have chest pain, arm pain and shallow breathing. And, of course, there’s the big wake-up call of a heart attack.

Dogs and Cats: Dogs typically exhibit signs such as low energy, trouble getting comfortable, labored breathing and a low-pitched, chronic cough. On occasion, they might actually collapse or faint.

Cats may also become lethargic, as well as sleeping or hiding more than is typical. Often, cats will also lose their appetite. If a blood clot is swept from the heart and travels down through the aorta, felines can suffer a painful, sudden paralysis in their hind legs. Important note:

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical assistance immediately. And, if your companion animal experiences any of these symptoms, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

How Do You Test for Heart Disease?

Humans: Doctors can choose from a variety of diagnostic testing, including blood exams, treadmill tests, electrocardiograms and imaging analyses.

Dogs and Cats: For veterinarians, a stethoscope is the most effective way to identify heart disease. That being said, it is difficult to detect an issue absent a murmur. Sometimes an x-ray, ECG or echocardiogram may shed light on an undiagnosed problem.

What Medications are used for Treatment?

Humans: If you were to be diagnosed with heart disease, doctors might prescribe a blood-pressure medication, a blood thinner or a cholesterol-lowering drug (among other things). Patients often use medications to make the heart beat more slowly and to relax blood vessels.

Dogs and Cats: Many of the drugs we use are also used by dogs and cats. Treatments vary according to the animal and kind of heart disease. The important thing to note is that there are treatments available, and new research is presenting new avenues for improvement.

Can Diet Help to Prevent Heart Disease?

Humans: Diet has a big influence on heart health. Eating foods heavy with saturated and trans-fats can raise cholesterol levels and contribute to plaque build-up in the arteries. Conversely, a diet rich in omega fatty acids, whole grains and fiber can help to lower bad cholesterol levels and help prevent heart disease.

Dogs and Cats: A healthy diet has not been proven to significantly alter the rates of canine and feline heart disease … however much more research has been done on humans in this regard. It’s hard to overstate the importance of quality food and your companion animal’s quality of life.

What About Exercise?

Humans: Yes, definitely! Exercise lowers the risk of heart attack and reduces stress, another risk factor for heart disease.

Dogs and Cats: The kinds of heart disease commonly found in cats and dogs can't be avoided through exercise. But, as with people, regular exercise will improve overall health and help prevent obesity in pets. And don’t forget what researchers, healing experts and therapy animals have been demonstrating for decades … that by taking care of a dog or a cat, you’ll also be taking care of your heart.

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