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+the importance of feline vaccinations march 23 2023 kittens and cats whether they live indoors or outdoors can be exposed to diseases caused by viruses or bacteria vaccinations help protect our feline friends by preventing the spread of these diseases and boosting their bodys defense against potentially fatal illnesses because of this dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences encourages owners to vaccinate their kittens and cats against common yet fatal diseases sooner rather than later kittens should begin pediatric visits to the veterinarian when they are 6-8 weeks old where vaccinations will initially be given as a series until the animal is 16-20 weeks of age teller said on the other hand cats adopted as adults should visit a veterinarian and receive their vaccinations as soon as possible some common diseases that cats should be protected against include panleukopenia a viral disease caused by feline parvovirus and rhinotracheitis an infection that leads to upper respiratory infections if a cat gets panleukopenia all of their white blood cells are wiped out leaving it unable to fight off any other infections; this disease frequently results in death teller said additionally once a cat has rhinotracheitis cats will generally become carriers for life and may experience flare-ups of respiratory problems when they become stressed or when their immune system is suppressed teller explained that there is a combination vaccine that can protect cats against panleukopenia rhinotracheitis and calicivirus a virus that causes upper respiratory infections and ulcers or sores that develop in the cats mouth and on the tongue additionally cats who venture outside should be vaccinated against feline leukemia a highly contagious virus that spreads easily between cats feline leukemia is most commonly spread through saliva and nasal secretions so cats that share food and water bowls groom each other or bite each other in a fight can spread the virus teller explained this virus can lead to a suppressed immune system and leaves a cat susceptible to other infections as well as cancer all of which can potentially be fatal there also are vaccines that cats require no matter their lifestyle such as rabies teller pointed out that rabies which is almost always fatal can be transmitted to cats by wildlife including bats coyotes raccoons and skunks in addition to vaccinations teller suggests that owners protect their cats from diseases spread by mosquitoes fleas and ticks keeping pets on year-round preventives will kill fleas and ticks and prevent the development of heartworm disease and intestinal parasites which can be infectious to humans teller said finally a visit to the veterinarian will help determine if your kitten or cat requires any additional vaccinations your cats age environment and current health status can help your veterinarian best determine the appropriate vaccinations for your pet to receive teller said vaccinations protect our pets from a variety of diseases that can cause significant illness or death and are always less expensive than the cost to treat illnesses vaccinations are vital for protecting pets against illnesses and by vaccinating kittens and cats against dangerous diseases owners can ensure their feline friend lives a healthy and happy life pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+spring vaccinations for dogs march 16 2023 springs warmer weather signals the time for more outdoor adventures especially for dogs who tend to be curious while outside it also signals a time when owners should begin thinking about protecting their dogs from outdoor dangers by vaccinating them dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says there are vaccines that dogs require regardless of going outside these include vaccines against parvovirus a viral disease that causes vomiting bloody diarrhea and the shedding of the intestinal tract lining and distemper a viral disease that can lead to disorders that affect the nervous system and sometimes even death parvovirus and distemper can be vaccinated against with one vaccine that also includes protection against canine adenovirus which is a cause of hepatitis in dogs teller said when parvovirus is caught early enough veterinarians can potentially save the dogs life but it can be challenging and expensive to treat this is definitely an instance where an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure teller explained that vaccinations against parvovirus distemper and adenovirus should initially be given by veterinarians when puppies are 6-8 weeks old followed by boosters until they are 16-20 weeks old for animals adopted as adults teller recommends owners visit their veterinarians as soon as possible so that their dog can receive any missing vaccinations additionally dogs should be vaccinated against rabies which is mandated by law and receive preventives to protect against diseases spread by fleas ticks and mosquitoes rabies is almost always fatal and dogs can contract it from wildlife such as bats raccoons skunks and coyotes teller said also keep your pets on year-round preventives that kill fleas and ticks and prevent the development of heartworm disease heartworms are spread by mosquitoes so have your pet tested for heartworms every 12 months there also are activity-dependent diseases that owners should consider vaccinating their dogs against this spring for pets who spend any time outside teller advises owners to vaccinate them against leptospirosis a bacterial disease that can lead to liver and kidney failure leptospira is a bacteria that is spread in the urine of mice rats raccoons deer and many other animals that inhabit urban suburban and rural areas teller said the bacteria can live a long time in dirt as well as in lakes and ponds so dogs across texas whether those that live in the middle of a city or that wander open fields are susceptible to the disease teller also recommends certain vaccinations for dogs who travel with their owners owners traveling with their dogs to areas where ticks carrying lyme disease are common may want to vaccinate against this disease teller said also owners who take their dogs to areas where rattlesnakes are common should talk to their veterinarian about the rattlesnake vaccine which can lessen the impacts of rattlesnake venom and may lead to a better chance of recovery teller explained that vaccines for lyme disease and rattlesnake venom are initially given as a series followed by annual boosters if owners place their furry companions in doggy day care or visit dog parks teller suggests vaccinating their dogs against parainfluenza and the bacteria bordetella which are leading causes of kennel cough a common respiratory infection that is rarely fatal but frequently makes dogs sick its a good idea for dogs to be vaccinated against kennel cough if they go to areas where dogs congregate teller said kennel cough vaccinations should ideally be given a week before the dog will board or visit a dog park and then repeated yearly finally teller recommends owners discuss with their veterinarian their dogs need for a flu vaccine given the recent outbreaks of canine influenza a respiratory virus around texas and the rest of the country ultimately teller encourages owners to discuss their pets age current health status and lifestyle with their veterinarian to determine what vaccinations a pet needs as vaccinating pets appropriately can protect both pets and their owners some of the diseases that we vaccinate our pets against are diseases that are also contagious to humans such as rabies and leptospirosis teller said so by protecting our pets we are also protecting public health before you and your dog go on your next adventure make sure to visit your veterinarian to determine the best vaccinations for your pet protecting your furry friend from illness can keep both of you healthy and ready for the next springtime activity ### for more information about the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences please visit our website at vetmedtamuedu or join us on facebook instagram and twitter contact information: jennifer gauntt director of vmbs communications texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences; jgauntt@cvmtamuedu; 979-862-4216 print
+backyard chickens part 2: maintaining healthy birds march 9 2023 after researching preparing for and buying healthy chickens first-time flock owners will need to know all that is involved in keeping their backyard birds healthy dr isabelle louge a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences encourages owners to first contact their veterinarian after bringing home their chickens to discuss resources for maintaining flock health because there is a shortage of veterinarians who are willing to see poultry in backyard flock scenarios it is important to reach out to clinics before you have a problem to ensure that you can find reliable information and help with managing the health of your flock louge said among the most basic considerations to keeping flocks healthy backyard chickens should always have clean water and a nutritional diet according to louge water and its container should be checked daily to ensure that they are clean louge said containers should also be cleaned out disinfected fully and rinsed out thoroughly at least twice a week to prevent bacteria buildup that can make your birds sick for a nutritional diet louge advises owners to match the correct feed with a chickens life stage this will depend on if you are raising a flock of laying birds or chickens that lay eggs; broilers or chickens raised for meat production; or a combination of the two chicks require specially formulated diets before they are transitioned to a layer feed for layers or a finishing diet for broilers louge said we are very fortunate to have many commercially available well-balanced chicken feeds which should be fed as per label directions and be the main source of the chickens food owners can also feed their chickens treats such as mealworms or chicken scratch but louge specified that treats should make up less than 10% of a chickens diet additionally louge encourages owners to be cautious when feeding chickens table scraps because moldy and spoiled food can make them sick in addition owners should avoid foods that are poisonous for chickens including avocados dried beans uncooked potatoes tomato plants salty foods onions pits of stone fruits like peaches and rhubarb louge recommends owners also provide laying birds with extra calcium which is needed to make eggshells and can be found in free-choice crushed oyster shells or commercial calcium supplements made for laying hens finally new flock owners should be aware of common injuries caused by other chickens or predators that enter the coop such as snakes raccoons and coyotes and understand how to address those injuries as basic first aid for wounds no deeper than the skin owners should clean the surface of the wound with warm water and dilute iodine or betadine louge explained owners should also separate any injured birds until they fully heal to prevent flock mates from pecking at the wound and making it far worse louge suggests placing the injured chicken in a small-sized see-through cage in the coop to keep them with their flock while they recover but also to prevent bullying from other chickens this can prevent bullying when the healed chicken re-enters the flock as well but if the wound appears deeper than the skin or the wounded chicken seems sick louge advises owners to seek veterinary help as soon as possible to determine the best treatment plan sick chickens tend to hold their head low appear fluffed out are lethargic have no appetite lose weight and limp in addition to looking out for the birds health it is also essential that owners protect their own health when caring for their chickens which carry salmonella a bacterial infection that can cause humans to experience diarrhea fever and stomach pains it is very important for human caretakers to always wear gloves when cleaning out a chicken coop avoid breathing in any dust produced by the birds or found in the coop and wash your hands thoroughly after handling chickens or chicken products like eggs louge said since chickens carry diseases that can make humans very ill louge recommends supervising children when interacting with chickens and discourages kissing chickens and touching faces after handling chickens to raise a healthy backyard chicken flock you should follow good chicken management that can protect the health of your flock and you as a chicken caretaker leading your chickens to have egg-ceptionally healthy lives pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+backyard chickens part 1: preparing to buy healthy birds march 2 2023 after egg prices hit record highs in late 2022 and early 2023 having a flock of backyard chickens to provide a personal supply of eggs can be tempting dr isabelle louge a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers tips for designing coops and researching hatcheries before bringing chickens home and keeping them healthy and happy first louge suggests that owners prepare a spacious coop with fencing to prevent overcrowding and predation which is the act of one animal killing another for food overcrowding can lead to disease aggression and even deadly injury among the chickens louge said additionally poor fencing and housing can lead to predation; a single mink could come in through a hole barely larger than half an inch and kill an entire flock at once the coop should have at least 3 square feet per standard heritage breed chicken such as barred rock or australorp according to louge smaller breeds need at least 2 square feet per bird while giant breeds need 4 or 5 square feet per bird providing ample space within the coop makes it easier for owners to clean as well which is necessary to keep chickens healthy the buildup of droppings leads to poor air quality and increased rates of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases louge said owners should clear out the coop frequently at least every two days louge explained that combining a deep bedded pack system with appropriate ventilation or the movement of fresh air in a closed space can reduce how often a coop requires cleaning a deep bedded pack system is created by turning over the soiled bedding repeatedly and adding a new layer of bedding to allow the droppings to decompose this ventilation is necessary to maintain healthy chickens according to louge the best ventilation systems circulate air at the level of the birds heads when they are roosting and standing on the floor louge said this will help keep the air fresh prevent harmful gas buildup produced by droppings and help keep the birds cool when it is hot out for owners who buy layers or hens suited for regularly laying eggs louge advises owners to provide at least one nest box per four birds with nesting materials such as straw or shredded paper once owners are prepared to house their chickens they should research the best place to buy chicks or pullets female chickens under a year old who have not started to lay eggs louge encourages prospective bird owners to buy chickens from commercial hatcheries that vaccinate for mareks disease a common and highly contagious disease among chickens there is no cure or treatment for the disease so prevention is critical chickens can only be vaccinated in the egg or at 1 day of age since vaccinating later in life does not ensure protection louge explained some hatcheries also are certified to protect chickens from other dangerous diseases the best sources for chicks and pullets are hatcheries that are national poultry improvement plan certified for at minimum salmonella pullorum and ideally monitored or certified for mycoplasma and avian influenza louge said salmonella pullorum a bacterial disease and mycoplasma a chronic respiratory disease are infectious among chickens but louge points out that avian influenza is an important problem in chickens all chicken keepers should contact a veterinarian if they notice respiratory issues in their flock or if they have multiple birds that die in a short period of time louge said louge also recommends owners familiarize themselves with tips from the united states department of agriculture on recognizing and preventing avian influenza before joining the family backyard chickens should be healthy in a comfortable environment designed with their needs in mind once they are at ease in their new home theyll become egg-cellent additions to the family pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+finding the right approach to socializing cats february 23 2023 whether they are a purring housecat or a prowling neighborhood cat felines react differently to new experiences depending on how they were socialized owners can choose to increase their cats comfort level in new experiences but should first consider different socialization strategies dr stacy eckman a clinical associate professor and the associate dean of hospital operations for the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary medical teaching hospital advises owners to adjust how they socialize their cat because each cat will respond differently to a specific approach just like some humans are introverts or extroverts cats have different personalities also so how owners socialize cats depends on the individual cat more than anything else eckman explained the key to successful socialization experiences is for owners to gradually expose their cat to new environments sounds and situations to determine what works best for them this will ensure a more positive experience for cats and owners alike one of the best ways to socialize cats according to eckman is to allow cats to explore indoor and outdoor spaces; listen to common noises such as vacuums cars and dogs barking; and experience small gatherings with a variety of people animals and objects owners should watch their cats responses to make sure they feel safe and not overwhelmed eckman said if their cat responds negatively to socializing owners should slow down or stop eckman encourages owners to visit their veterinarian to help identify their cats body language when relaxed once theyve identified this owners should pay attention to their cats body language to determine their comfort level with different socialization methods and adjust the method if needed for example an owner can socialize their cat by bringing them in direct contact with a new person or animal but their cat may respond negatively an alternative to this method of socializing is for the owner to present their cat with the new persons or animals scent offer smells of the particular human or animal that the cat is socializing with by rubbing a towel on the new human or pet and presenting it to the cat eckman explained the cat can then grow accustomed to their presence by scent first eckman also suggested placing cats in a separated space as a way for cats to grow accustomed to new animals without being in direct contact with them owners should create a barrier that their cat cannot get through such as closing the door to a room eckman said make sure the cat has all the essentials – food water and a litterbox while the same socialization approaches can be used regardless of age eckman pointed out that kittens will accept these conditions easier compared to cats who grew up without being socialized properly the best socialization period is when they are young kittens up to 12 weeks old eckman said if they are not exposed at younger ages they become more fearful rather than accepting of new environments sounds and situations in the end each cat may be comfortable staying at a certain socialization level whether they enjoy being around other people or prefer quiet solitude when presenting them with new experiences ensure your cat is comfortable and happy above all and they might reward you with a loving purr pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+understanding and resolving lower utis in cats and dogs february 16 2023 for pets with urinary tract infections (utis) an everyday task like peeing can be uncomfortable and possibly painful since utis are common in cats and dogs owners should understand the cause and symptoms of utis as well as how to resolve them with veterinary guidance dr johanna heseltine a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains that most utis are caused by bacteria entering the bladder through the urethra two organs that form the lower urinary tract signs that their pet is experiencing symptoms of a lower uti include straining to urinate; urinating small amounts frequently; urinating in inappropriate places such as outside the litter box for cats; and sometimes passing blood in the urine heseltine said male and female animals experience similar signs of utis but heseltine says that females are more susceptible because they have shorter and wider urethras than males which makes it easier for bacteria to enter back into the bladder regardless of your pets sex the path to testing and treating utis depends on the number of times your companion has had an infection for a dogs or cats first uti veterinarians may complete a urinalysis a common test that uses a urine sample to diagnose infections before setting a treatment course it is likely that a urinalysis will be used to determine if there is a uti and if antibiotics are needed heseltine explained in this situation an antibiotic might be given without additional testing on the other hand veterinarians may decide more testing is required before providing the best treatment option for your pet two of these tests include a urine culture test to determine the specific bacteria causing the uti and an antibiotic susceptibility test to identify which antibiotic will stop the growth of the bacteria urine cultures and antibiotic susceptibility tests are especially important for pets who have been treated with an antibiotic before or have had multiple utis because these tests allow veterinarians to be more accurate when recommending the best antibiotic according to heseltine heseltine pointed out that veterinarians also practice antimicrobial stewardship to ensure that the infection is resolved using the correct antibiotic with the right dosage the term antimicrobial stewardship refers to optimizing the use of antibiotics to appropriately treat bacterial infections while avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use that can result in antibiotic resistance heseltine said owners can also practice antimicrobial stewardship by following their veterinarians recommendations regarding testing and whether antibiotics are needed if a pet continues to have utis frequently or does not respond to antibiotics heseltine said there may be a different medical issue present such as an immune system problem or structural damage in the urinary tract dogs and cats can get occasional urinary tract infections without an identifiable underlying cause heseltine said however if they have recurrent utis a veterinarian should evaluate them for a medical cause that predisposes them to infections for example young adult cats can develop a syndrome called feline idiopathic cystitis which causes inflammation and the signs of a uti without an infection the signs of fic resolve on their own within a week so if an antibiotic is prescribed unnecessarily it can seem like the antibiotics are the cause of the improvement when in fact it is just the episode of fic resolving on its own heseltine explained if you see your furry companion peeing abnormally visit the veterinarian to determine if an infection is the culprit having utis treated or allowing an fic episode to run its course will help your pet get back into their happy groove sooner pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+exploring treatment options for osteochondrosis february 13 2023 in both veterinary and human medicine artificial joint replacements have become more common as technology has advanced animals may receive an artificial joint for a variety of reasons one of which is osteochondrosis dr brian saunders a veterinary orthopedic surgeon and associate professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses this condition and its treatment options including joint replacement surgery osteochondrosis (oc) is a developmental skeletal disorder in which improper cartilage development leads to abnormally thick areas of cartilage this thickened cartilage is predisposed to weakening and can develop fissures or cracks or even break off to float freely within joints we see oc most commonly in the shoulder of dogs but we also see it in other locations such as the knee the elbow and the ankle saunders said this problem is not limited to our canine patients; it occurs in a variety of species although any joint can be affected by oc patients do not necessarily experience pain from the condition in all of those joints clinical signs of pain are most often seen when substantial pieces or flaps of cartilage have dislodged from the weight-bearing surface of the joint many cases of oc can be treated with a minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery followed by rest rehabilitation and if needed follow up medications if the dogs activity is reduced for a period of time a form of cartilage called fibrocartilage can form to cover the affected area of the joint in cases of extreme damage however another option is to replace the joint with an artificial implant while hip replacements have become relatively common in veterinary medicine joint replacements more commonly affected by oc are less frequent and carry more risk a lot of dogs with problems in these joints have already undergone surgeries and in many of these cases there is a documented or suspected infection at some point along the way saunders said when there has been an infection in a joint even if the infection is clinically resolved theres a high likelihood that a joint replacement implant will become infected even if advanced measures are taken in surgery to prevent infection of the implants however for younger dogs with oc or those that have not undergone numerous previous surgeries joint replacement can be a viable option for treatment saunders team in the texas a&m small animal teaching hospitals orthopedics service performs dozens of joint replacements each year including elbow knee and ankle replacements one factor for owners to consider is the lengthy and intensive recovery period the main commitments for the client are the finances the exercise restrictions and the need to bring the dog back for multiple rechecks after surgery saunders said its a pretty intensive postoperative recovery including leash walks only for three months no off-leash activity indoors or outdoors two to four medications for several weeks after surgery and a fair amount of physical therapy but after getting through the recovery dogs that have undergone a successful joint replacement will have no limits to their activity even better they will no longer be in pain from oc saunders highly recommends that owners of dogs with oc speak to a veterinarian who has specialized in orthopedics to learn more about all treatment options every dog deserves to live without pain and through treatments that range from medications and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to joint replacement surgery owners have the opportunity to advocate for their animal to make that happen pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+steering horses away from botulism february 2 2023 theres nothing more satisfying than filling an empty stomach with food but unknowingly serving or eating spoiled or contaminated food can cause health concerns while humans may experience food poisoning as a result horses can develop botulism which is deadly to keep horses healthy dr amanda trimble a clinical assistant professor of equine internal medicine at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences recommends familiarizing yourself with botulism symptoms and preventative measures botulism a neuromuscular disease develops in horses who have ingested the bacterium clostridium botulinum this bacterium is commonly found in the environment but can grow rapidly in food spoiled by climate or contaminated with dead animals like rodents or birds when it grows rapidly the bacteria releases a potent neurotoxin that causes botulism when ingested there are two common forms of botulism in horses that are determined by ageshaker foal syndrome and flaccid paralysis shaker foal syndrome is typically seen in foals aged 1-2 months at this age the gastrointestinal tract has not developed fully and does not have the natural defenses to prevent the toxin from colonizing the intestine this results in difficulty swallowing coughing drooling and muscle tremors on the other hand flaccid paralysis is seen in adult horses with botulism which affects the whole body the most common presentation of this form of botulism is severe weakness adult horses impacted by botulism can also show signs of dysphagia or difficulty swallowing eating and holding feed; increased salivation; tiredness; difficulty exercising and taking more time to rest; muscle weakness such as droopy eyelids and floppy tail; muscle tremors; stumbling or buckling at the knees; and an unwillingness to stand or difficulty standing signs are typically dose dependent meaning the more toxin that is ingested the worse the clinical signs trimble said horses who have ingested a low dose may only have mild clinical signs that resolve over a week or two regardless of the suspected dose amount trimble recommends owners contact their veterinarian as soon as signs of dysphagia or weakness appear because foals and adult horses will experience progressive weakness collapse and even death if botulism is left untreated depending on the amount of toxin ingested a horse can respond to therapy more quickly if owners identify the signs of botulism and intervene early trimble said early administration of the antitoxin and select antibiotics in addition to intensive supportive care is important to resolving botulism botulism can be prevented by maintaining the quality of a horses food to prevent the bacteria from growing trimble suggests that owners properly store hay and feed in climate- and pest-controlled environments and check for spoilage before feeding hay should smell sweet whereas spoiled hay smells sour may be warm and moist to the touch or you may see mold trimble explained haylage and silage however are more prone to spoil because they have a higher moisture content than hay and feed while hay is fresh cut grass left out to dry until it has a moisture content of less than 12% haylage and silage is wilted or fresh cut grass packed into bales to hold more moisture as a result haylage has a moisture content between 15% to 40% and silage has a moisture content greater than 40% when possible avoid feeding silage haylage and other fermented feeds to horses due to an increased risk of spoilage trimble advised in addition to checking for spoilage trimble recommends owners check for animal carcasses and bones before feeding their horse and if dead animals are found throw out the food and provide horses with fresh hay or feed if owners suspect their horse has ingested spoiled or contaminated food they should visit the veterinarian just as they would if they saw their horse exhibiting the clinical signs of botulism to prevent the risk of botulism owners should first be aware of the disease and its consequences then by watching carefully for the clinical signs and maintaining the quality of horses food you can keep your horse safe from botulism pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+preparing your food animals to beat the cold january 26 2023 when the weather dips into cold and freezing temperatures especially at night humans stay cozy by turning on heaters and pulling out extra blankets food animals on the other hand require special preparation to stay warm and survive cold weather conditions dr isabelle louge a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences pointed out that the best way to keep food animals warm is to make sure they have enough food this is because when animals shiver from the cold to increase their internal body temperature they use more calories using calories without replenishing them by eating can lead to health risks such as losing too much weight providing animals especially those that are still growing with extra calories will continue to keep them warm as they shiver this is especially necessary for very young animals that are being bottle raised louge said owners who are bottle feeding during the colder months should use milk or milk replacer mixed according to the manufacturers instructions and ensure the liquid is warmed prior to feeding according to louge herbivores like ruminants generate more heat after eating hay than grain because hay has more fiber herbivore gut microbes or microorganisms that live in the digestive tract of animals ferment the fiber in hay which produces extra heat as a byproduct of the fermentation grain is very quickly broken down by the fermentation process while hay takes longer for the bacteria to break down louge explained so the longer breakdown process of hay produces more heat over time than grain breakdown if herbivores are fed grain during the winter louge advises owners to increase the amount of grain slowly and not give excessive amounts since overeating can lead to digestive problems and digestive diseases local veterinarians can guide owners on the amount to feed their animals omnivores such as pigs and chickens on the other hand can warm up by increasing the total amount of feed in addition because water is the most essential nutrient louge encourages owners to check their animals water every three to four hours to ensure it remains unfrozen during freezing temperatures alternatively owners can use thawing devices and immersible water heaters to keep water thawed for longer periods of time animals can become dehydrated quickly in the cold louge explained often one of the challenges is encouraging them to drink when the water is very cold; many do not enjoy drinking water below 60 degrees fahrenheit you can sometimes encourage drinking by offering warmer water (50-70 degrees fahrenheit) another way to keep animals toasty is to provide areas that keep them out of the elements its easier to be warm when you are dry and out of the wind louge said very muddy and wet conditions will make an animals fur and hair less efficient at trapping heat and chill them much faster as the temperature drops providing additional heat sources in an animals environment can be beneficial but not all sources of heat such as heat lamps are safe for animals if owners insist on using heat lamps louge recommends following the manufacturers instructions when hanging lamps and ensuring lamps are hung far away from bedding and the walls to avoid a fire additionally owners should check that their animals cannot reach the lamp in general i always advise against heat lamps louge shared ive had too many clients lose their animals to barn fires even when they were being careful instead louge suggests using deep bedding as an alternative to heat lamps for keeping animals warm during winter weather incorporating these tips into your winter preparation routine is an easy way to keep food animals warm during colder months by having plenty of food warm water and cozy bedding food animals will remain comfortable and you can have peace of mind knowing they are safe pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+choosing the best probiotic for upset tummies january 19 2023 having a stressed or sick pet is concerning especially if diarrhea gas and digestive issues are present a probiotic could ease those digestive issues but there are some considerations that an owner should be aware of before choosing one dr emily gould a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary medical teaching hospital explores reasons for using probiotics and what makes a probiotic more effective probiotics are supplemental live bacteria found in certain foods or pills that generally improve gut health when there is too much harmful bacteria present this irregularity of bacterial imbalances can be caused either by an intestinal disease or following the use of antibiotics for example when a pet visits the veterinary clinic because of an illness a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to treat an infection in addition to eliminating the bacteria making your furry friend sick the antibiotics can also decrease beneficial bacteria causing an imbalance in the digestive tract your pet may experience diarrhea as a result the purpose of administering a probiotic would be to replenish ‘good bacteria in the pets gut in order to restore a healthier intestinal gut ecosystem correcting the imbalance gould said because there are limited studies on probiotics in veterinary medicine it can be difficult to decide which supplements are beneficial the range of probiotics available offer different varieties types and amounts of good bacteria; while researching the best probiotic can take time it will also benefit your pet in the long run there are a few products that either have studies to show it benefits our veterinary patients or veterinarians have enough experience with them to know they provide benefits gould said for example we think of probiotics with more different types of bacteria as being more balanced and in general ‘better probiotics to give increased diversity of good bacteria is associated with a better product probiotics should not cause any side effects as long as they are purchased from a reliable company that is known to be safe for pets explained gould for those whose pets are going through an elimination diet trial a strict diet that slowly reintroduces foods to determine a pets allergies gould recommends looking at a probiotics label to make sure there is no flavoring probiotics from a reputable company will be of good quality and not have flavoring contamination many probiotic products will have animal protein flavoring or just not have good quality control during product manufacturing which can result in contamination gould said this can definitely confound the effects of your food trial gould pointed out however that probiotics are supplements and will not treat other health issues if there is chronic or severe vomiting diarrhea or changes in appetite pet owners should take pets to their veterinarian to discuss the best solution although cats and dogs with chronic intestinal disorders might have symptoms that benefit from the probiotic owners should know that probiotics are usually not a sole treatment gould said other diagnostics and therapeutics are usually necessary to find the root of the problem and treat it nevertheless gould says probiotics are great for pets with tummy troubles in the event your furry friend is having a tough time with their gut talk to your veterinarian about different types of probiotics as a possible solution so that your pet can get back to feeling like themselves sooner they might even thank you with a wagging tail! pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+making national dress up your pet day a paw-sitive experience january 12 2023 this weekend offers an opportunity for pet owners to celebrate their furry friends with a little extra attention and pampering on national dress up your pet day to make the jan 14 holiday a positive experience for participating pets harmony diers a veterinary technician at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains ways to ensure pets are comfortable wearing clothes when choosing an ensemble for dogs and cats owners should take into consideration three things: mobility of your pet in the outfit clothing materials and weather appropriateness for mobility owners should look for costumes and clothing items that allow pets to move about freely and see clearly for example costumes that are too tight will restrict movement and costumes that are too loose can cause pets to get tangled or trip diers recommends owners measure their pets neck chest back and stomach and compare these measurements to the sizing chart that comes with costumes a costume should fit snugly enough to allow for normal movement and not have dangling pieces that impede mobility diers said typically if you can slip two fingers between the material and your pets body the fit will be good clothing can also hide a pets body language when reacting to another pet if you and your pet celebrate with others it is especially important that pets be able to see each others ear position tail position and piloerectionthe bristling of a pets hair when they react to fear threats or excitementin order to react appropriately body language may be difficult for the visiting pet to detect and the costume-wearing pet may not be able to convey proper signals such as ‘stay away or ‘lets play diers explained after determining if a costume will allow a pet to move see and communicate clearly owners should look at what materials were used to make the costume clothing with pieces that can be ingested should be avoided when picking out clothing for your pet make sure its not going to cause any irritation diers said if your pet has an open wound skin infection or skin allergy you should consult with your veterinarian before putting them in clothing as this may interfere with any treatment or worsen the problem additionally owners should take the weather into consideration when choosing costumes so that their pet does not overheat clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton or polyester is the better option as it will keep pets cooler than other fabrics once youve purchased a costume its time to dress up your furry friend dogs and cats will show owners they are comfortable wearing clothes through their movements if a pet is content with wearing a costume they will move about freely be excited and act as they normally would according to diers if wearing a costume is a new experience for your pet its a good idea to start out with having your pet wear the costume for a short period of time diers said owners can then slowly and positively increase the duration of time they wear it diers recommends owners give their pets treats and praise as encouragement for wearing outfits turning the experience of costume wearing into a positive one nevertheless owners should not force their furry friend to wear a costume if they show signs of being uncomfortable diers said pets who are uncomfortable will remain still avoid moving or walking bite at the costume or try to remove or shake it off as is the preference for many human beings fashion for pets should prioritize comfort a comfortable pet will ensure that this national dress up your pet day is a wonderful experience for the whole family pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+new years resolutions for owners and their furry friends january 5 2023 with the new year comes the tradition of making new years resolutions while most resolutions are aimed at improving your life pet owners should also consider making a resolution or two that will benefit the health of their pets dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that many resolutions pet owners set for themselves can also be extended to their pets dietary resolutions aimed at improving your physical well-being are an example of this if you are focused on eating better and making more nutritious choices in the coming year then take the time to make sure your pet is on the appropriate diet as well teller said this is a great time to chat with your veterinarian about how to best meet your pets nutritional needs teller also suggests exploring healthy treat alternatives for dogs like blueberries or green beans and introducing cats to homegrown cat grass and catnip increased exercise is another popular resolution that can benefit both owners and their furry friends most pets benefit from a walk around the neighborhood so consider gifting your pet with a new leash for the holidays and then make a resolution to go for a daily walk teller recommended you can also play fetch in the yard or resolve to take trips to the dog park for those with more socially inclined dogs in addition to resolutions aimed at improving physical health teller said pet owners should consider resolutions that improve our pets mental health too because new experiences are mentally stimulating consider introducing your pets to a new section of the neighborhood during your regular walking routine to boost their mental health other unique experiences include food puzzle toys the introduction of new sights and smells or learning new tricks both dogs and cats can be trained to learn new tricks so teach your pets to give a ‘high five or bust out the latest dance moves teller said teller also recommends making resolutions aimed at preventing medical emergencies such as to keep choking hazards and harmful items hidden or out of reach from pets some items to keep away from pets include electrical cords poisonous plants rodent bait raisins grapes any food containing xylitol and trash it is always helpful to puppy- or kitty-proof your home teller explained having a first aid kit at home to manage minor problems can also be helpful another way to prevent unwanted medical concerns is to routinely visit the veterinarian which can also help pet owners save money over time an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; this adage is as true today as it was decades ago teller said when veterinarians can detect and intervene early in the course of a disease we can help the pet and the owners pocketbook teller recommends taking pets at least once a year for a physical exam and talking to the vet about parasite prevention dental health and vaccinations against diseases that are costly and potentially deadly some diseases to include in your discussion include parvovirus leptospirosis distemper feline leukemia and rabies kennel cough and canine influenza should also be vaccinated against for dogs that stay in doggy day care whether your new years resolutions are aimed at improving physical and mental health preventing future medical emergencies or monetary savings including your pet in those resolutions will help the whole family start 2023 happy and healthy pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+firework safety for new years eve december 22 2022 with 2022 coming to a close family and friends may be eager to celebrate the new year with fireworks many pets however may not welcome the loud noises or bright lights that accompany the celebratory event because these festivities may be more than a nuisance for animals dr audrey cook a professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains some dangers of using fireworks and solutions for keeping pets calm throughout the night many pet owners have witnessed their pets scared reactions to the loud popping noises that occur when fireworks explode; these can be dangerous to pets as dogs that are confined to a crate or small room may hurt themselves trying to escape the noise explained cook alternately if dogs are not confined to a small space they may run off or hide when frightened by the sounds in addition the chemicals that help the fireworks explode and produce the colors that we see can be left behind in the fireworks smoke which if inhaled can irritate a pets airway cook pointed out however that the greatest danger do-it-yourself firework displays pose to our pets occurs before and after the explosion the biggest danger is with direct contact when a pet may chew an unlit firework grab a lit one or touch hot materials after detonation cook said those are pretty much the same concerns as you would have with small children and fireworks if fireworks are used to celebrate the new year all of the firework debris should be picked up as soon as possible so that animals arent exposed to the chemicals that contaminate the waste material because there is no such thing as a safe firework when pets are around cook recommends owners leave their pets at home and go to a display organized by professionals to see fireworks for the new year do-it-yourself fireworks are a danger to you your family your pets wild animals and the environment cook explained the best thing to do is keep fireworks well away from pets as a pet-friendly alternative to watching fireworks cook suggests staying in as a family and taking precautions to minimize the light and sound of firework displays nearby especially for pets that are known to be anxious close the curtains and leave the lights on to minimize the effect of firework displays and have music or tv on to drown out the noise cook said it is helpful if the attending person is very matter-of-fact and does not make a big effort to reassure an anxious dog as that reinforces a sense of danger some dogs may be more anxious than others especially if they have a history of being very upset after hearing loud noises if your pet is one that reacts negatively to loud noises and you live in an area where fireworks go off consistently on new years eve cook recommends talking to your veterinarian to determine if medication may help reduce your dogs anxiety there are a lot of drugs that can safely be given by owners in the home environment cook said it would be worthwhile however to try a dose at home on a routine weekend to assess the effect of the drugs cook also recommends pet owners familiarize themselves with recommendations from the american society for the prevention of cruelty to animals ahead of any holiday celebrated with fireworks whether it is watching fireworks or enjoying a night in on new years eve owners should ensure their pets safety from potential dangers so you and your furry friend can welcome the new year with ease pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+decorating safely for christmas december 15 2022 as the holiday season brings christmas trees decorations and holiday foods pets may take the opportunity to create mischief dr murl bailey a senior professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences provides some common dangers for pet owners to be aware of throughout the holiday season festive plants holiday plants such as christmas trees holly and mistletoe can make their way indoors throughout december the us department of agriculture estimates that between 25-30 million christmas trees are sold annually in the us this time of year while it is not common for cats and dogs to eat tree needles during the holidays according to bailey those that do can experience health issues; fortunately those issues are self-limiting meaning symptoms can be resolved without veterinary treatment if cats and dogs eat christmas tree needles they might develop vomiting and a little diarrhea bailey said owners should withhold food and water until the symptoms go away bailey explained that the dangers between eating live tree needles and artificial tree needles are about the same; however dangers associated with the lights and trimmings used to decorate the tree may pose greater threats to pets i worry more about pets chewing on the electrical wires and getting some electrical burns in and around the mouth bailey said in addition to trees there are numerous holiday plants that could be problematic if ingested by dogs and cats before bringing festive plants home bailey recommends pet owners familiarize themselves with the dangers associated with common plants used to celebrate the season such as the following: holly: the common signs that a dog or cat has eaten holly include excessive saliva vomiting diarrhea head shaking and lip smacking mistletoe: serious symptoms are not common if a pet has eaten mistletoe but symptoms can include vomiting and depression poinsettia: the sap of a poinsettia can cause skin irritation which can be resolved by bathing your pet with soap and water if a pet has eaten some of the plant they may experience excessive saliva vomiting and rarely diarrhea rosemary: depending on the amount of rosemary eaten mild symptoms can include nausea and vomiting while harsher symptoms include weakness depression and weight loss if your pet has had contact with any of these festive plants it is recommended that you call your veterinarian for guidance delectable decorations with the holidays comes delicious foods too which can be in the form of edible ornaments just as certain plants can make a pet sick if ingested edible ornaments like candy canes or ornaments made of pastry can make a pet sick and should not be hung on lower limbs where pets have easier access bailey explained bailey also advises owners to not let pets and especially dogs have access to chocolate or foods that have xylitol xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and can be found in sugar-free candy gum baked goods and some peanut butters dogs are very susceptible to xylitol bailey explained it causes hypoglycemia which makes dogs develop a very low blood sugar and this is an emergency it is similar to when diabetic humans forget to eat causing their blood sugar to drop and become life-threatening bailey recommends looking for xylitol under the ingredients list for foods that use sugar or sugar substitutes so that pets can avoid getting sick if a pet does eat too much xylitol they should be taken to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible to receive the best possible treatment to prevent emergency situations during the christmas season owners should keep electrical wires out of reach or hidden place dangerous plants where pets cant get to them and be mindful of what holiday treats pets eat taking such precautions will ensure that you and your pets will have a season that is merry and bright! pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+brushing up for shedding season december 8 2022 while some dogs shed year-round others shed seasonally during fall and spring months in preparation for winter and summer weather although shedding is a natural process there are ways to reduce shedding and keep loose hair to a minimum which can improve your dogs skin and coat health harmony diers a veterinary technician at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that reducing a dogs shedding begins with grooming ideally brushing your dog at least three to four times a week for 5 to 10 minutes can help soften your dogs coat and reduce the amount of hair that is shed diers said you should also consider bathing your dog weekly during shedding season and two to three times a month during the months they shed less choosing the best type of brush can help reduce shedding as well diers recommends brushes with metal or plastic-tipped wire pins and combs for short-haired dogs; dogs with thicker coats would benefit from brushes specifically made for deshedding for curly-coated dogs a slicker-style brush characterized by a flat head with rows of wire pins would work better grooming tools are not one size fits all diers shared choose the most comfortable option for your dog and their specific coat type certain dog breeds that have continuously growing hair need professional haircuts to keep up with shedding groomers have access to professional tools and brushes that make deshedding an easier task so taking dogs to the beauty salon is the better option for some many dog owners take a hybrid approach of bathing their dogs at home and taking them to a professional groomer on occasion diers said the most important thing is that your dog gets routine bathing and brushing choosing the right shampoo will also reduce shedding skin irritation and dry flaky skin the best shampoos are those without chemicals and artificial colors; instead diers suggests using shampoos that include all-natural ingredients such as oatmeal chamomile aloe vera olive extracts or lavender these shampoos can benefit a dogs health by maintaining their skins normal ph balance and essential skin oils she also recommends consulting with your veterinarian to discuss vitamins supplements and dietary modifications that may help improve your furry friends coat some veterinarians recommend omega fatty acid supplements to reduce excessive shedding and promote healthy skin diers explained a well-balanced high-quality dietincluding those containing omega fatty acids and biotin a b vitaminwill benefit your dogs skin and coat finally dogs may shed excessively or have a dry coat and skin because of a medical condition such conditions include flea or tick reactions; allergic skin conditions caused by environmental factors (pollen grasses etc); food allergies; an unbalanced diet; or fungal bacterial and yeast infections diers said these problems typically wont resolve without intervention so owners should consult their veterinarian if they suspect one of these conditions even though excess hair can be a nuisance during shedding season owners have different options to reduce the shedding whether it is finding the best type of brush selecting the right shampoo or adding helpful nutrients to their pets diet finding what works best for your pet will keep them happy and healthy as the colder and warmer months approach pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+ignore those puppy eyes: feeding dogs healthy treats during the holidays december 1 2022 some dogs enjoy the spoils of begging for food; they might even swipe something off of a plate or the table when they think no one is watching yet these scraps arent always healthy for dogs and can create health issues over time because of this dr katie tolbert a clinical associate professor in small animal and comparative gastroenterology at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences reminds pet owners to pay special attention to foods their furry friends eat especially as pets may have easier access to human meals this holiday season for a healthy dog with no food sensitivities low-fat and high-fiber foods like fruits (except grapes and raisins) vegetables and skinless chicken breast can be given to dogs in small amounts however foods that are high in fat or larger pieces of food that may obstruct a smaller esophagus can present health and emergency concerns a lot of the problems that we see over the holidays for dogs are due to foreign body ingestion so things like giving dogs turkey bones or ham bones tolbert shared obstructions from bones can be deadly so if an owner sees their dog struggling to swallow after sneaking a bone it is better to visit your veterinarian as quickly as possible to help remove the foreign object issues that are harder to resolve however come from consistently feeding dogs high-fat items leading to obesity and eventually other diseases diseases like worsened airway disease and worsened heart disease are linked to having more fat in the body tolbert said pancreatitis a disease that causes an inflamed pancreas is a potential long-term effect of feeding dogs too many high-fat items pancreatitis symptoms include stomach pain vomiting dehydration and shock if your dog is experiencing these symptoms head to the nearest clinic so a veterinarian can determine whether your dog has pancreatitis for pets to stay healthy and avoid diseases such as pancreatitis pet food is carefully formulated to provide all of the nutrients your pet requires tolbert said homemade meals can provide dogs these nutrients as well if prepared correctly with input from a board-certified nutritionist pet treats on the other hand pose a threat to pets nutritional balance when given in excess because treats are not balanced for the nutrients dogs need giving them too many treats can create a really challenging situation tolbert said they can develop a state of malnutrition in the sense that youre not giving your dog enough vitamins or minerals that they actually need tolbert advises limiting treats to 10% or less of your dogs total caloric intake for example if your dog eats 500 calories a day you should give your dog 50 calories or less in treats additionally each dog can have different treats depending on their diets food sensitivities and health issues be cognizant of your own dog tolbert said each dog is an individual with specific dietary needs finally tolbert recommends that owners consider treats such as sweet potatoes carrots or celery and even marshmallowsin moderationwhich are better holiday-appropriate alternatives the next time your dog flashes puppy eyes at you at the dinner table think carefully about the health concerns associated with feeding your furry friend from your plate knowing how to safely treat your dog during the holidays will keep your dog happy and healthy into the new year pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+adopting a shelter/rescue cat part 2: purr-paring your home november 17 2022 after finding the perfect feline friend at a rescue or shelter to add to the family many people cannot wait to bring their new addition home because cats from a shelter or rescue will need time to adjust to a new environment paula plummer a cat friendly veterinary professional certified technician at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary medical teaching hospital offers some general guidelines to help ensure that everyone will start off on the right paw importantly owners adopting a new cat should consider preparing for the pets arrival typically it can take up to a month for a new pet to adjust to the family and routine as well as for the previous family members to adjust to the new cat plummer said cats that have experienced any type of trauma or are not socialized may take longer to adjust to the new surroundings like people each cat is an individual with its own personality and will therefore have its own unique timeline for adapting as new cats become more comfortable they will interact with the family more and more plummer said every pet in the family should have its own quiet hiding space to rest and each cat should have its own litter box food and water bowls and toys or other items that provide environmental enrichment as for litter boxes plummer says there should be one more than the number of cats in the house; for example a three-cat household would ideally have four litter boxes located in different areas of the home these necessities should be acquired before bringing the cat home purchasing new items that dont smell of another animal and cleaning the cats environment also will help the cat transition with minimal stress according to plummer another way to ease stress is to use feline pheromone diffusers or sprays which bring a calming effect to new cats (and any other cats already in the household) during the transitional period cats are natural hunters; their sense of smell is superior to ours plummer said separating the new cat in one room for a short period of time and bringing it out for supervised interactions with the rest of the family can reduce stress for the new cat while youll likely want to be around your new cat as much as possible work and other daily obligations typically require leaving the pet unsupervised for some portion of the day while pets are still becoming accustomed to each other they should be separated when not under supervision finally within a week of bringing a new cat home an appointment should be made with the family veterinarian for a check-up and to receive any vaccinations the pet may require if there are no other cats in the house if there are other cats in the house the new cat should visit the veterinarian before being introduced to the household veterinary care is important for all pets but especially new pets plummer said regular physical examinations and preventative care will help ensure a long happy life to help learn the ins and outs of taking care of a new cat plummer also recommends making use of reliable resources like the cat friendly homes website which is affiliated with the american association of feline practitioners by providing a gentle warm welcome your new furball will start to feel at home before you know itand youll grow used to the mischief love and meows soon enough too pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+adopting a shelter/rescue cat part 1: finding a feline friend november 10 2022 adopting a shelter or rescue cat is a great way to establish a lasting friendship with an animal in need of a forever home if the adoption process seems daunting however there are a few considerations to make beforehand to ensure an easy experience paula plummer a veterinary technician at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary medical teaching hospital and certified cat friendly veterinary professional says that the first step when considering adoption is to examine your work schedule and home life reflection of your home and work life may help you determine what age cat is best for you plummer said kittens are still learning about everything in life; they are curious and playful depending on the kittens history and age they may require litter box training or transitioning from kitten milk to solid food adult cats can still be curious and playful but to a lesser degree she said this is when they start becoming more set in their behaviors older cats or seniors are typically not playful and will normally start to experience age-related changes this could require adjustments to a new environment that might take a little longer than with a younger cat between daily treatments and veterinary visits medical needs also will affect the amount of time and attention a new cat will require while at a shelter or rescue asking about previous veterinary visits and health care records is important to ensure that the cat is up to date on its medical needs before bringing the new pet home additionally plummer recommends asking about the cats personality to determine if it will make a good fit for the family this is especially important if there are children or pets in the household already gaining as much information about the behaviors likes and dislikes and routine is very helpful when bringing a new cat into a household plummer said if pets or children are in the house knowing how the new pet interacts with them will be important if possible have any existing pet and/or child meet the new cat before adoption to get an idea of how everyone interacts together she said pet owners should seriously consider if any pets in the house might be unfriendly to the new cat to ensure that it will not be harmed once youre sure that you want to bring home a new furry friend timing for the adoption also should be a consideration in order to make the transition as smooth as possible the addition of another pet into the house will cause a layer of stress to existing pets for a period until the family is a cohesive unit plummer said if existing pets are ill or exhibiting behavioral problems a new addition to the family can be postponed plummer also recommends waiting until the home has stabilized if any other big changes have been made recently such as a move or other addition to the family bringing home a new cat can make for a deeply rewarding experience for all involved by being mindful of the considerations to make beforehand you can ensure that the new pet will be a good fit for the household and in doing so have the opportunity to provide the love and care that an animal deserves pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+what to do if your pet is bitten by a snake november 3 2022 the beginning of autumn brings pumpkins falling leaves and baby snake season as snakes are born and hatched in late summer to early fall the cooling weather also makes snakes more active putting our curiously natured dogs and cats at higher risk of venomous bites its a good idea to take your pet to the nearest vet clinic as safely and quickly as possible if they fall victim to a snake regardless of whether or not you believe the snake is venomous dr lance wheeler a veterinary resident at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences advises pet owners to familiarize themselves with venomous snakes indigenous to their region texas is home to 15 potentially dangerous snake species or subspecies according to the texas parks & wildlife department with a majority of them falling into the pit viper subspecies pit vipers include various rattlesnakes copperheads and cottonmouths or water moccasins only one snake in the cobra snake family the coral snake is native to texas snake bite symptoms to watch for in dogs cats and other household pets include shaking or twitching of the bite victims muscles difficulty breathing hind limb weakness causing collapse loss of bladder and bowel control vomiting paralysis salivation and enlarged pupils it is not always easy to spot bite marks on our furry friends because the bites are easily concealed in their fur if your pet is showing signs of weakness and fatigue call the vet treatment for a venomous snake bite starts at home with pre-hospital care and varies slightly between pit viper envenomation and coral snake envenomation with pit viper envenomation the most important thing is to keep the pet as calm as possible wheeler shared the higher their blood pressure the more anxious they are; thats going to increase blood flow and increase circulation of venom throughout the body so try keeping them calm go to the nearest vet clinic he said i know its tempting to go somewhere where theres anti-venom but the nearest vet can always stabilize them assess them and then transport them quickly somewhere else if they need anti-venom while its important to know what to do if your dog or cat has been bitten by a potentially poisonous snake its also important to keep in mind that not all venomous snake bites have high levels of envenomation there is a chance that your pet will not have been injected with any venom even if the snake inflicting the bite is venomous your vet will run some medical tests to determine whether or not your pet needs antivenom the most important thing for pet parents to do is get a suspected snake victim to the nearest vet hospital or clinic while remaining calm and keeping the pet as still as possible once a bite has been detected or the pet starts exhibiting envenomation symptoms wheeler also advises pet owners against practicing common myths associated with snake bites before heading to the nearest clinic its not super helpful to ice pack or hot pack these guys he said its not been shown to be helpful to incise or suction the bites at the site where the biting incident occurred also no tourniquets or compression bandages ice packs hot packs and tourniquets can cause dramatic tissue damage by isolating the venom in one area venom isolation concentrates exposure and may lead to severe damage to the muscle skin and other organs in the area wheeler explained that suctioning a pets snake bite is complicated by their fur research on the benefits of suctioning the snake bite to remove venom suggests the time it takes to do so would be better spent getting the victim to the nearest vet clinic the most important thing to keep in mind is safety for both you and your pet while identifying the snake can be helpful you should not risk your personal safety trying to capture the snake doing so wastes time that you could be using to get your pet to the veterinarian if you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake take them in for veterinary care immediately instead of trying to capture the snake wheeler recommends taking a photo from a safe distance he also recommends leaving dead or decapitated snakes behind as they can still envenomate both you and your pet if youre not able to identify the snake err on the side of caution and head to the vet clinic with your pet as quickly and safely as possible if you are able to safely identify the snake as venomous pay close attention to whether the snake is a pit viper or a coral snake coral snakes are easily recognizable by their bright red yellow and black stripes; however they are also easily confused with scarlet kingsnakes to differentiate a coral snake from a scarlet kingsnake take note of the head color and the order in which their colorful stripes are patterned coral snakes always have a black head with a striped pattern of black yellow red yellow black if the snake is a coral snake pre-hospital treatment may require pet parents to perform mouth-to-nose ventilation en route to the nearest veterinary hospital because coral snake venom can trigger respiratory paralysis causing the pet victim to slow or stop breathing coral snake venom is the most toxic however coral snake envenomation only occurs in about 60% of exposures to coral snakes according to a 2011 study published by drs lyndi gilliam and jill brunker while many theories exist about why coral snake exposure only results in venomation in 40% of exposure cases wheeler noted that its still important to get your pet to the vet as quickly as possible if you suspect theyve been exposed to a coral snake nobodys got coral snake antivenom so just go to the nearest veterinary hospital wheeler advised the most common cause of death from coral snake envenomation is [an abnormally low concentration of oxygen in the blood] so we need to hospitalize these guys for at least 48 hours of monitoring because clinical signs can develop within up to 36 hours post envenomation if you find your pet has fallen victim to a snake bite this season stay calm and get them to the nearest veterinarian as safely and quickly as possible for examination doing so will help get you and your pet back outside enjoying the autumnal change in season pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+ruminating on grain overload: avoiding rumen acidosis october 27 2022 ruminants like cattle sheep and goats have a unique digestive system that allows them to gain energy from forage such as mature pasture grass and hay the carbohydrates found in these feeds help to provide ruminants with healthy energy but did you know that consuming high amounts of certain other types of carbohydrates can be dangerousand even deadly dr brian shoemake a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses the physiology behind grain overload treatment methods and how to safely incorporate grain into ruminants diets ruminants are herbivores with four stomach chambers that each play a unique role in digestion they get their name from the rumenthe first and largest chamberwhich acts as a storage area and the location where microbes digest and ferment feed according to shoemake a ruminant can eat roughly 2% of its body weight in forage per day quality forage (which provides protein energy vitamins and minerals) can adequately and efficiently maintain the dietary needs of many ruminants supplementation with grain may be helpful if there isnt enough high-quality forage available however feeding too much grain at once or not acclimating ruminants to the new diet can result in a condition called grain overload grain overload also known as rumen acidosis is typically a severe incident that occurs mostly in ruminants after excessive ingestion of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates shoemake said these types of carbohydrates can come from young immature plants; root crops like sugar beets and potatoes; and cereal grains such as wheat corn and milo overindulgence in these feeds causes a shift from the healthy microbial fermentation byproductswhich provide the basis of energyto unhealthy byproducts especially lactic acid shoemake said the lactic acid produced causes the rumen contents to become more acidic which disrupts normal digestion once the rumen becomes acidic at a severe level other systemic symptoms develop symptoms of grain overload may include bloating fever profuse and malodorous diarrhea anorexia lethargy and an inability to stand in the most severe cases death can occur within 24 hours of the initial grain ingestion as such if you suspect that a ruminant has consumed an unusual amount of grain it is important to seek treatment from a veterinarian quickly treatment varies based on a few factors including predominantly the severity of the disease shoemake said the first step in treatment is to stabilize the animal which may involve relieving the bloat and dehydration the next step is to remove the offending feed material and then rebalance the rumens ph with medications or replace the rumen fluid with healthy rumen fluid from another donor animal additional therapies might include the use of pain medications and antibiotic treatment complete recovery of the rumen may take up to six weeks at safe levels cereal grains can be included in a ruminants diet as nutritional supplementation but its important to introduce this supplementation slowly ruminants can typically consume 05% of their body weight in grain without complications once an animal is acclimated to this amount of grain (05% of its body weight) more grain can be added slowly to the desired consumption level shoemake said before introducing additional grain shoemake advises consulting a ruminant nutritionist or veterinarian to ensure a safe and healthy transition and to verify that an animal is able to tolerate an increase in grain as some cannot providing grain can increase the risk or incidence of disease for some animals shoemake said for example grain feeding programs in male sheep and goats can induce urinary stones that become obstructive and life-threatening incorporating grain into the diet can be beneficial for some ruminants but with such a close connection to the animals health changes should always be made with care pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+foods to avoid feeding your pet october 20 2022 fall and winter holiday celebrations often include festive eats and treatshalloween and candy are synonymous as are thanksgiving and turkey as the holiday season approaches its important to remember that increased candy and other holiday foods in the home may be cause for paw-se for pet parents dr lori teller a clinical associate professor of telehealth at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says there are several foods people should avoid giving their pets but especially any foods containing xylitol anything that contains xylitol should never be given to dogs teller said it is extremely toxic and can lead to liver failure and death it is a common replacement for sugar in many human foods but it is so toxic to dogs that there has been legislation filed in congress to require that any products containing xylitol be labeled as such the bill is titled the paws off act of 2021 traditional holiday cooking and baking ingredients also can be dangerous for pet consumption some such items include chocolate especially dark or baking chocolate; grapes or raisins; fatty foods; macadamia nuts and walnuts; bones; alcohol; raw dough; seeds and pits from fruits (such as apples apricots cherries peaches); caffeinated products; avocado; and onions and garlic any dangerous foods should be stored in a pet-proof cabinet pantry or container teller advised some pets are ‘counter-surfers and will jump up on a counter to steal something that smells irresistible one year we had hidden our halloween candy in the coat closet so our son wouldnt get into it before the trick-or-treaters arrived she said unfortunately someone didnt make sure the closet was closed and latched and our labrador ate 4 pounds of halloween candy that was a fun trip to the veterinary hospital teller said that while some foods should be avoided in pet consumption at all costs such as products containing xylitol and grapes or raisins the effects of other foods are dose-dependent one example is chocolate she explained if your healthy labrador retriever gets a hold of a couple of milk chocolate m&ms then the risk is pretty low for any problems however if the dog eats a couple of squares of baking chocolate there is a much higher risk of toxic effects and you should seek veterinary care when in doubt talk to your veterinarian if you find yourself in a situation this holiday season where your pet has consumed something potentially detrimental to their health the aspcas animal poison control can be reached at (888) 426-4435 and the pet poison helpline can be reached at (855) 764-7661 while some traditional holiday eats and treats are dangerous for pets others can be enjoyed together in celebratory moments these include most fruits (minus the seeds or pits) such as apples bananas blueberries and watermelon most vegetables are healthy as well including carrots green beans chickpeas lettuce leaves and cucumbers teller said white rice and plain bread in small quantities are also acceptable cooked chicken turkey or fish without the skin or bones is also safe for pets safe pet consumption of these foods depends on portion size any treats or human foods given to pets should not exceed 10% of their dietary intake teller shared more than this and their diet may become nutritionally unbalanced it is always a good idea to talk with your veterinarian to make sure foods that you want to give your pet will be safe especially if your pet has an underlying health problem keeping your pet away from potentially toxic foods may also involve educating children and visiting relatives or even keeping the pet out of the kitchen entirely keeping your pets safety top of mind will help ensure that the entire family has a happy healthy holiday season pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+should you keep dogs away from acorns october 13 2022 every dog owner knows the difficulty of keeping their curious canines from eating just about anything they can find and with fall in full swing scattered acorns are likely to catch plenty of pets attention so does eating acorns pose a risk to a dogs health dr erin ray a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that generally acorns are not toxic to dogs most dogs would need to ingest large quantities of acorns over a long period of time to become sick ray said however that doesnt mean dog owners shouldnt keep an eye out for a dog that manages to snag an acorn or two as some dogs might experience stomach and intestinal issues like vomiting diarrhea and an upset stomach according to ray aside from the issue of toxicity the relatively large size and hard texture of acorns can cause a number of health issues for a dog acorns can be physically problematic for dogs if ingested whole or in large pieces ray said they can cause dogs to choke or get stuck and obstruct the gastrointestinal tract and they can even cause dental trauma if they are hard enough when chewed on because ingesting acorns might even result in the need for surgical removal if they become stuck dog owners should try to prevent their pets from chomping on acorns whenever possible it would be best to try to gently remove the acorn from your dogs mouth if youre able to do so safely ray said otherwise most dogs are fine if they eat an occasional acorn as long as its chewed prior to ingestion if the dog does end up swallowing the acorn the pet should be monitored closely for any choking vomiting or low appetite afterward; ray recommends seeking veterinary care if these or other issues occur pet parents can help to prevent the temptation of chewing acorns by raking your yard during times of the year when acorns are most abundant and avoiding areas where acorns are most densely found during walks additionally ray recommends training with commands such as leave it or drop it to prevent dogs from consuming any objects that might cause them harm the fall brings respite from the summer heat and plenty of reasons to enjoy the great outdoors by being mindful of your dog during your outside time together you can ensure your pet avoids any acorn-related accidents pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+spotting depression in pets september 29 2022 for pets accustomed to a certain routine or way of life having to adjust to great or sudden changes can be extremely difficult for some pets these changes can even result in a depressive state dr ashley navarrette a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that depression in pets is usually associated with a major change or event the most common event associated with depression in pets is the death of a family membereither a human or another pet navarrette said however it can also be caused by other events such as a major change in routine; for example a pet may have difficulty adjusting if a family member who was previously working from home has returned to work on-site pets that are depressed often act unlike themselves common symptoms of depression include hiding acting reserved or unsociable and experiencing a low appetite owners may also notice that pets no longer seem interested in activities they used to enjoy navarrette emphasizes the importance of consulting a veterinarian if a pet displays these or any other unusual symptoms or behavioral changes as owners should not immediately assume that depression is the cause; many medical conditions such as chronic pain or disease can result in a pet showing symptoms of depression at a clinic veterinarians will evaluate the pet for possible underlying issues depression is something that is difficult to diagnose navarrette said often it is a diagnosis of exclusion meaning you have to rule out all of the potential medical causes before assuming this is something behavioral when it comes to treating depression in pets the best route involves activity engagement and some tender loving care generally veterinarians dont utilize medication for treatment of depression but rather encourage increased enrichment to keep a pets mind active navarrette said we may also recommend spending more time with pets that may be dealing with depression seeing your pet acting sad lethargic or unlike itself for any reason is difficult getting an appointment with a licensed veterinarian is the best way to develop a treatment plan and ensure that there isnt an underlying medical issue at play with plenty of care and lots of love owners can help their pets bounce back from a difficult time as quickly as possible pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+chronic pain in pets part 2: physical and psychological treatment september 15 2022 a diagnosis of chronic pain may sound scary to anyone fortunately many treatment options are available to ease and improve the symptoms of chronic pain in pets dr daniel eckman a staff veterinarian at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary medical teaching hospital says that because every pet is unique finding the right treatment can be a process chronic pain can have major impacts on pets both physically and psychologically and it should be addressed aggressively with frequent rechecks and modifications eckman said the best approach to managing symptoms is multimodal treatment also called combination therapy which allows for customized treatment; as part of this holistic treatment system veterinarians may incorporate a combination of pain medications based on the severity of a pets pain multimodal treatment for chronic pain also typically involves working with a practitioner who is versed in rehabilitation techniques these specialists might make use of techniques such as photobiomodulation (also known as laser therapy) extracorporeal shockwave therapy (in which a high-intensity sound wave is directed at an area of the body) acupuncture massage chiropractic care joint injections and radiation therapy because chronic pain can also be taxing on a pets emotional well-being psychological treatments also may need to be incorporated there is a large anxiety component when it comes to how we perceive pain eckman said if a cat or dog is going to the veterinary clinic and is very anxious then its response to a painful stimulus can become increased this could lead to further anxiety so that when a pet is even touched at home it could be perceived that pain is going to happen for these pets veterinarians may choose to integrate antidepression or anti-anxiety medication into treatment plans some pets also may benefit from seeing a behavioral specialist according to eckman in addition to medical interventions there are plenty of accommodations that owners can make to ease pets pain as much as possible at-home modifications are important eckman said some of these include using ramps instead of stairs not allowing pets to jump up and down from high places bringing food and water to a level that the pet has mobility for and providing soft bedding for pets to lay on exercise also must be tailored to a level that the pet can handle exercise for patients with chronic pain usually needs to be altered to be lower-impact eckman said this would include not taking long walks or runs on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt and not doing uncontrolled ball play across the backyard at texas a&m we would use our water treadmill to aid in mobility with a lower impact additionally owners should closely monitor pets to ensure that the pain is not worsening i recommend keeping activity logs and filling out pain or activity surveys on a regular basis if the patient is diagnosed with chronic pain eckman said finding the best treatment plan for a pet is an ongoing process and involves continuous conversation between owners and veterinarians by maintaining a positive encouraging environment during treatment owners can help alleviate both the physical and psychological effects of pets chronic pain––one step at a time pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+chronic pain in pets part 1: causes symptoms and prevention september 12 2022 pets can develop chronic pain for a variety of reasons but because they cannot verbally tell us when theyre hurting overcoming the communication barrier can quickly become challenging for pet owners who want to alleviate any and all pain in their four-legged friends dr daniel eckman a staff veterinarian at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary medical teaching hospital discusses some of the most common causes and symptoms of chronic pain in pets firstly it is important to distinguish chronic pain from acute pain acute pain also known as adaptive pain serves a purpose eckman said it tells us not to use or do something in the short-term acute pain usually goes away within minutes to days weeks or months on the other hand chronic pain is generally believed to last three months or longer and stops acting in direct response to an illness or injury chronic pain serves no purpose and creates changes within the body and nervous system that can lead to further pain states or psychological changes eckman said a variety of medical conditions can lead to the development of chronic pain in pets the most common cause of pain in pets is osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease eckman said other causes of chronic pain could include neurologic disease or injury dental disease cancer pain and untreated or improperly treated acute pain because chronic pain can manifest differently in individual pets there are a number of symptoms and behavioral changes that pet owners should watch out for signs of chronic pain might include lameness or limping a decrease in activity levels having trouble standing a reluctance or inability to jump up on objects a decreased appetite overgrooming of an area or being withdrawn from the family or other pets eckman said as a pet owner it is important to act quickly if you notice a pet showing symptoms of pain and seek treatment from a veterinarian untreated pain can worsen and lead to additional health complications chronic pain is usually prevented by treating the underlying disease state that causes acute pain eckman said if pain is not recognized early enough such as with a chronic arthritic dog this can also lead to chronic pain that could have been prevented by treating it earlier in the next part of this series on chronic pain eckman will discuss some of the common treatment methods that veterinarians and owners can employ to keep the symptoms of chronic pain at bay pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+preventing monkeypox transmission between people and pets september 1 2022 the 2022 outbreak of monkeypox has caught the attention of healthcare professionals worldwide especially after the world health organizations declaration of monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern in late july additionally the first confirmed case of monkeypox in a 4-year-old greyhound appears to confirm that the viral disease can also be transmitted from humans to dogs in light of this dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses some of the precautions owners should take to prevent the transmission of monkeypox to their pets the symptoms to look out for and how to continue providing care for a sick pet as safely as possible pets can become infected with monkeypox via close contact with an infected individual teller said this can happen when a pet snuggles or sleeps in the same bed as someone who has monkeypox the pet is at risk when exposed to the skin sores or respiratory droplets of the infected individual as with many infectious diseases the best way to prevent further spread is to minimize physical contact for those infected with monkeypox this includes minimizing contact with pets if a human in the household contracts monkeypox and the pet has not been in contact with the person it will be important to avoid contact for 21 days teller said if they have been in contact then the pet should be monitored for symptoms over the next several weeks whenever possible a non-infected person in the household should care for the pet she said if an infected person is the only one who can care for the pet they should use good hygiene by washing their hands before caring for the pet or handling food or bowls and wear long sleeves pants and a mask while providing care for the pet also make sure your pet cannot come into contact with contaminated clothes or linens that have been used by the infected person teller said that the symptoms of monkeypox in pets appear similar to those in people and can include skin lesions that look like blisters or pimples fever cough inflamed eyes swollen lymph nodes and a runny nose however teller also highlighted that only one case of transmission from owner to dog is currently known and these symptoms are common to a variety of pet diseases if your pet is exhibiting symptoms of monkeypox the first thing to do is to contact your veterinarian she said try to keep your pet away from other people and animals in the household if possible to minimize the potential for further spread while this separation may be difficult to maintain it is especially important if others in the household are immunocompromised pregnant younger than 8 years old or have underlying health conditions even during this stressful time though owners can still find ways to provide comfort and reassurance to a sick pet owners can wear protective gear when interacting with their pets identify special toys or treats that can be easily cleaned to entertain their pets and follow their veterinarians instructions to ensure the pet stays otherwise healthy teller said as for contaminated items teller said things such as bedding bowls and toys should be washed thoroughly or replaced these precautions help to maximize the safety of everyone within a household both people and pets in addition the risk of a person catching monkeypox from an animal remains low according to teller it is much more likely that a pet will catch monkeypox from a person rather than a person catching it from a pet she said although monkeypox is an ongoing issue healthcare professionals worldwide are working to better understand the disease and its spread as always following medical advice and hygienic practices will help to keep you and your furry friends as healthy and happy as possible pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+what to do if a pet is having a seizure august 25 2022 one of the scariest things a pet owner can witness is their beloved companion having a seizure especially if it is the first time knowing what to do in this situation can not only help an owner stay calm and collected but can also help protect a seizing animal from injury dr joseph mankin a clinical associate professor of neurology at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses the causes of seizures in companion animals and what an owner should do during and after a seizure takes place seizures are the most common neurologic disease we see in small animal medicine happening more frequently in dogs than cats mankin said in dogs the most common cause of seizures is idiopathic epilepsy a recurring seizure disorder that has no known underlying cause the condition tends to be more common in purebred dogs implying that genetics play a role in its development cats can also have idiopathic epilepsy but are more likely to have seizures with an underlying cause such as cancer an interruption of the blood supply to the brain or an infectious disease talking with your veterinarian is key to determining if your pet has an underlying disorder causing the seizures or if it is more likely idiopathic epilepsy mankin said also your veterinarian will discuss with you the need for medications for the seizures as pets may need daily medications if their seizures are frequent or severe there are several things owners should keep in mind if they witness their pet having a seizure a classic seizure is characterized by the pet becoming nonresponsive and they may often paddle vocalize and lose control of their bladder or bowels mankin said once they recover from this event they may pace or act abnormal for several minutes seizures can be a scary and traumatic experience for an owner so the most important thing is to remain calm and make sure the pet cannot hurt itself he said if the pet is on a couch near stairs or someplace they could fall then you can move them to a safer area the pet is unconscious during this time and they may paddle claw or have chomping motions of their mouth as part of the seizure so be careful when moving them owners should note how long the seizure lasts what the pet was doing just before it began and if the pet could have ingested a toxin this information can help the pets veterinarian determine what caused the seizure and if treatment is needed its a good idea to contact your veterinarian as soon as possibleif you think there is a chance your dog ingested a toxin that could have caused the seizure if the seizure lasts more than three minutes or if they have more than one seizure in a row mankin said even if a pet has only one seizure or a seizure that lasts less than a minute scheduling a veterinary appointment for the near future can help make sure everything is ok and put an owners mind at ease for owners of pets with idiopathic epilepsy learning to deal with seizures may become a regular part of life and pet care by keeping calm and paying attention to important details owners can help make sure they are helping their veterinarian provide the best care for their canine and feline friends pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+thyroid conditions part 2: hyperthyroidism august 18 2022 while dogs are more likely to develop hypothyroidism caused by an underproduction of thyroid hormones cats are more likely to develop hyperthyroidism caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormones hyperthyroidism is the opposite of hypothyroidism in many ways and has vastly different symptoms dr kathleen aicher a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses these symptoms and more in the second part of this two-part series on thyroid conditions thyroid disorders occur commonly in middle-aged to older dogs and cats and therefore should be on the radar of pet parents as well as their primary care veterinarians aicher said both disorders can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of patients particularly untreated hyperthyroidism hyperthyroidism often appears in cats when excess thyroid hormone is released from either benign enlargement of the thyroid glands or far less commonly a cancerous growth this is rare in dogs however which typically only develop hyperthyroidism if their hypothyroidism is being inadvertently over managed if they develop a tumor that produces thyroid hormones or if they eat meat containing neck tissue with thyroid glands patients with hyperthyroidism have weight loss despite eating well or even eating more than usual aicher said these patients can also have increases in thirst and urination be agitated or vocal and may have gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea internally patients with hyperthyroidism can have increases in their heart rate structural changes within their heart and hypertension cats with hyperthyroidism may also appear to have an unkempt haircoat and changes with their body condition which may be mistaken by their families as changes expected with advanced age for this reason annual blood tests for hyperthyroidism are beneficial for all cats once they have reached middle age or about 7 years old there are four major ways that cats can be treated for hyperthyroidism: daily medication to reduce thyroid hormone synthesis radioactive iodine that destroys thyroid tissue surgery to remove the overactive thyroid tissue (thyroidectomy) or exclusively feeding an iodine-restricted diet aicher said it is really important to get hyperthyroid cats to a euthyroid (normal) state to stop the systemic effects that thyroid hormone excess has on their bodies she said therefore definitive treatments such as radioactive iodine are preferred as they have a very high likelihood of curing the cat without the need for a long-term medication or diet change the downsides to radioactive iodine treatment include a higher initial cost and that treated cats must remain in the hospital for a few days following treatment because canine hyperthyroidism is usually caused by the dogs diet or hypothyroidism over management treatment is usually as simple as adjusting or stopping the dogs medications or foods in the rare case that a dog has developed hyperthyroidism due to a thyroid hormone-producing tumor they should be evaluated by a veterinary oncologist to talk more about treatment options for the tumor aicher said most of the time thyroid disorder treatments can substantially improve the quality of life for affected dogs and cats she said if your pet is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism do not fret; once a treatment plan is established and put into place most pets will recover from hyperthyroidism and go on to live a long wonderful life pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+thyroid conditions part 1: hypothyroidism august 11 2022 the thyroids are small but important glands located in the neck that produce hormones affecting all aspects of metabolism and many other vital body functions dogs or cats experiencing problems with the thyroid can have a variety of physical symptoms and behavioral changes the majority of thyroid problems in pets are because of an underproduction of thyroid hormones known as hypothyroidism or an overproduction of thyroid hormones known as hyperthyroidism in the first part of a two-part series on thyroid conditions dr kathleen aicher a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses hypothyroidism and how it can impact our canine and feline friends thyroid problems are encountered commonly in veterinary medicine but they tend to affect dogs and cats differently aicher said cats commonly develop hyperthyroidism and very uncommonly develop hypothyroidism while dogs commonly develop hypothyroidism and rarely develop hyperthyroidism a pet with hypothyroidism will often be less active than usual and may have changes to its skin and hair such as dull/brittle fur hair thinning symmetrical hair loss and scaling of the skin they may also be intolerant of cold have inappropriate weight gain demonstrate neurological abnormalities have reproductive abnormalities and in rare cases become critically ill hypothyroidism most often occurs in dogs when an autoimmune disease affects the thyroid glands or the thyroid tissue atrophies (shrinks in size); it also can sometimes occur if a drug is disrupting the synthesis of thyroid hormones when cats develop hypothyroidism it is most often caused by over management of their hyperthyroidism aicher said rarely cats can have congenital hypothyroidism or can develop it spontaneously as adults when a pet is tested for thyroid problems their veterinarian will take into account any illnesses the animal is experiencing or medications it is taking there are some patients who may appear hypothyroid on their lab results but do not actually have hypothyroidism (known as ‘sick euthyroid syndrome) aicher said therefore a veterinarian will evaluate drug history clinical signs other lab work abnormalities and maybe even additional thyroid testing to make the diagnosis with confidence fortunately treating hypothyroidism is usually relatively simple if there is a drug dietary or environmental exposure that could be causing a thyroid problem in a patient it should be taken away first aicher said however the majority of thyroid problems are not created this way and there are well-established medical treatment options for spontaneous hypothyroidism the most common treatment is a daily dose of a thyroid hormone replacement medication which will bring the hormones back up to normal levels a diagnosis of hypothyroidism may seem scary but with help from a veterinarian treatment can be easy and effective and will allow the pet to get back to normal in no time pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+what to expect when your horse is expecting august 4 2022 witnessing the birth of an animal can be a beautiful experience but it can also be stressful or even scary if things do not go as planned while most animals can give birth with little to no human interference its still important to be prepared and watch for signs that help is needed dr leslie easterwood a clinical assistant professor of equine community practice at the texas a&m school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses the normal birthing process in horses also known as foaling as well as how to best care for a foal in the first hours of its life with horses the foaling process goes by relatively quickly so its important to closely monitor a mare that is getting close to its due date the normal foaling process is divided into two stages easterwood said stage 1 starts with mild discomfort and restlessness; this stage can take one to three hours stage 2 begins when the mares water breaks and should be very quick only 15 to 20 minutes most foals are born with little to no intervention but if more than 20 minutes go by after the water breaks and the foal has not been delivered easterwood recommends calling a veterinarian for assistance once the foal is delivered the 1-2-3 rule can be used to make sure everything is progressing smoothly the foal should stand within one hour it should begin to nurse within two hours and the placenta should be passed within three hours easterwood said if any step of the ‘1-2-3 rule is not on time the veterinarian should be called these first few hours are critical and should include close supervision of the mare and foal if a foal seems to be having trouble standing or nursing a veterinarian should be contacted as soon as possible however if everything looks to be going well it is best to stay out of the way and leave the mare alone with her new baby since the first few hours after birth are an important part of the bonding process if all progresses well a new foal exam should be performed by a veterinarian between 12 and 24 hours after birth easterwood said at that time an igg (immunoglobulin) test should be run to check for failure of passive transfer (when a foal does not receive sufficient antibodies from the mare) congenital defects and potential developmental issues as long as the foal is declared healthy and needs no extra medical care it should be up and moving in no time easterwood said that one fascinating aspect of horses is that like most other species of prey animals they usually begin walking and even running soon after birth if your horse is expecting a foal soon rest assured that you will most likely get to enjoy the miracle of birth without having to get involved even if veterinary care is necessary your preparedness and confidence can help make sure your new family member enters the world safely and smoothly pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+the benefits of surgery in the fight against veterinary cancer july 28 2022 when it comes to treating cancer in pets there are several options available depending on the type location and severity of the cancer in some cases using surgery to remove a cancerous tumor can be a great way to heal a pet and help them maintain a great quality of life dr vanna dickerson an assistant professor of small animal soft tissue and oncologic surgery at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses surgery as a cancer treatment and when it is most effective cancer comes in several forms many of which create solid tumors that can be removed surgically but in some cases like cancers of the blood the lack of a solid tumor means that surgery is not an option surgery is generally most effective for tumors that have not spread to other parts of the body and can be removed completely without harming vital structures dickerson said this includes tumors on the skin in the chest in the belly or even in the mouth if a pet is given multiple treatment options there are several factors to consider when deciding whether to pursue surgery in many cases surgery alone can be completely curative for a patient with cancer tumors of the skin are the most common type for which surgery can be curative but there are many other situationsit just depends on the patient dickerson said it also greatly depends on the tumor type location and whether it has spread even if a tumor cannot be removed entirely a veterinarian may choose to remove as much of it as possible to give the pet more time with its family and a better chance at fighting the disease if not curative surgery often can improve the patients quality of life for the time they have left or make other modalities such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy more effective dickerson said like any other surgery removal of a tumor comes with some risks including the need for general anesthesia and the potential for complications like infection at the incision site pets will also have to go through a period of recovery time after surgery during which they will need special care and extra attention surgery can be scary but veterinarians are here to answer your questions dickerson said it is always important to make sure you understand the goal of surgery and the long-term plan depending on the surgerys outcome just like with human oncology veterinary oncology is becoming more advanced every day in the fight against cancer many current treatments were not possible a decade ago and researchers are continually working to make those treatments even better with advancements in medical and radiation oncology we can make a huge difference for patients we previously thought surgery was not indicated for dickerson said if your pet is facing a cancer diagnosis veterinarians advise that owners not give up hope surgery is one of several options that can provide a good chance for a long life and with help from a surgical oncologist your pet may have a great chance at defeating the cancer entirely pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+regular grooming can keep your cat ‘feline fine july 21 2022 cats are known to be fastidious groomers but this doesnt mean they can do it all on their own in the summer especially the heat and humidity may make owners more conscious about the ways they can help their feline friends stay clean cool and well-groomed dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses a few aspects of cat grooming in which owners can play an important role a cats tongue is covered in barbs that allow it to comb the top layer of hair but regular brushing can still have many benefits for cat and owner regularly brushing your cat removes dirt grease and dandruff teller said while most cats are fastidious about keeping themselves clean removing dead hair with brushing also minimizes shedding and the amount of hair that the cat ingests while grooming which can then help limit hairballs the time spent brushing a cat is also a good opportunity to check for lumps and bumps areas of hair loss lesions and fleas and ticks plus since most cats enjoy being brushed it can be a great bonding activity with regular brushing and the grooming cats do themselves it is rare that a cat will need a bath unless they have a medical condition that requires bathing or get into something messy or dangerous to ingest sometimes especially for cats that go outdoors owners are tempted to shave off long fur in an effort to keep the cat cool but this is rarely necessary or recommended since a cats fur actually plays a role in keeping it cool during the summer by creating a barrier of cool air within the coat shaving may be necessary however if a cat develops large mats in its fur or has difficulty grooming itself brushing your cats fur regularly will help prevent mats from occurring teller said if your cat does develop mats you may be able to tease out small ones with a comb and your fingers a cat that is overweight or obese may have a hard time grooming certain areas especially near the rear end of its body she continued sometimes these cats will need a ‘hygienic shave in this region to prevent the accumulation of urine or fecal matter which could damage the cats skin when it comes to cleaning ears owners rarely need to get involved unless things appear extra dirty if you notice that your cat appears to have excess wax or dirt in the ears or if your cats ears are red or inflamed or have discharge or an odor it is important to have your veterinarian examine your cats ears before cleaning them teller said if your cats ears do need to be cleaned your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate cleaner and show you how to clean them without hurting the cat or potentially rupturing an ear drum another important aspect of cat grooming is keeping their claws trimmed which can protect the cat its owner and the owners furniture this should be done every two or three weeks and sometimes more often for older cats claw trimming can be a stressful experience for cats and owners who are new to it so teller recommends taking things one step at a time to reduce anxiety the first step is getting your cat used to having its paws handled pick up a foot gently massage it and press on a toe to extend the nail once your cat is used to having its paws handled you can then trim the nails she said when starting out just do one or two feet as your cat accepts the procedure youll eventually be able to do all four feet in one session it can also help to do the nail trim after a cat has had a play session and is feeling relaxed and to reward positive behavior with the cats favorite treats regular grooming can help keep a cat healthy and happy in addition to looking good when a cats feelings are taken into account grooming can also be a pleasant and relaxing way to spend time together pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+handling gastric ulcers in horses july 14 2022 stomach ulcers are often associated with stress but they can also be caused by a variety of factors including diet and medications for horses equine gastric ulcer syndrome (egus) is a common condition that is often diagnosed without its true cause ever being known between 50-90% of horses will experience this condition at some point in their lifetime according to dr amanda trimble a clinical assistant professor of equine internal medicine at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences the prevalence of egus varies with breed and activity level with gastric ulcers most commonly seen in high-level performance horses and racehorses as well as individuals and breeds that tend to be a bit more high-strung such as thoroughbreds or young fillies trimble said however gastric ulcers can occur in any horse even those living out on pasture full-time and not being ridden while gastric ulcers can occur in both parts of a horses stomach they are more common in the squamous (top) portion than in the glandular (bottom) portion although veterinarians still do not know exactly why many horses develop egus risk factors include the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs stressful events eating a diet high in starches or concentrate feeds and not eating often enough horses stomachs continuously produce acid so grazing and small frequent meals are important for neutralizing this acid and preventing it from splashing up in the stomach and causing ulcers trimble said fasting should be avoided and horses should always have access to fresh clean water if a horse develops egus the most common sign is that it will prefer to eat hay rather than grain other signs we may see are a lack of appetite weight loss behavior changes such as grinding teeth or mild signs of low-grade colic (abdominal pain) particularly right after eating trimble said many horses show no clinical signs at all and the ulcers may be an incidental finding a veterinarian who suspects egus in a horse will perform a gastroscopy to look at the stomach lining and the beginning of the small intestine with a small camera horses will need to be briefly fasted before this procedure to ensure the stomach is empty and clean and sedation is often required if egus is confirmed the most common treatment is giving one dose of omeprazole each day for a month to buffer the stomach acid and give the stomach lining time to heal trimble cautions horse owners to only use omeprazole formulations approved for horses by the us food and drug administration and to avoid specialty omeprazole products that may contain lower less-effective doses of the drug we also recommend dietary changes when managing gastric ulcers she said small frequent meals are ideal as well as having hay or grass available throughout the day possibly in a slow feeder or a toy if the horses metabolic status allows for that fresh green grass and pasture grazing is great for decreasing stress and helping gastric ulcers heal after a month of treatment another gastroscopy can help determine if the ulcers are resolved or if treatment needs to be continued for horses prone to ulcers some precautions can help reduce the risk of egus including giving a low dose of omeprazole before a stressful event feeding a low-starch diet offering alfalfa hay and adding a small amount of vegetable oil to the horses food being aware of your horses behavior deviating from normal and working with your veterinarian to develop a proper nutrition and management plan can help to prevent gastric ulcers from forming in the first place trimble said because the lack of specific clinical signs means that many horses with egus go undiagnosed the condition is most likely even more prevalent than believed fortunately ulcers often resolve on their own with time and cause no lasting issues pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+confidently caring for pets after surgery july 7 2022 from routine spays and neuters to dealing with unexpected health conditions surgery is a nearly inevitable part of pet ownership by knowing ahead of time what recovery will look like owners can feel more confident about any procedures their pet may need while pets are typically sent home with printed post-operative care instructions there are many shared features among surgeries that owners can expect dr jacqueline davidson a clinical professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences shares some general advice to help owners prepare for a successful recovery by the time a surgical patient is sent home they usually have fully recovered from anesthesia but some side effects may linger some pets may feel a little ‘off for the first evening and occasionally it could take a day or two to regain their normal attitude but it depends quite a bit on what procedure or procedures were done davidson said if they seem a little less energetic than usual the best approach is to encourage them to rest in their favorite quiet place anesthesia may also affect the digestive system most pets will eat and drink normally after surgery particularly by the next day but some pets may not have their full appetite back for two or three days davidson said anesthesia can also slow the activity of the intestinal tract often pets may not have a bowel movement for several days or even up to a week after anesthesia if a pet is less active following a procedure it is usually best to let them set their own pace for getting back to normal activity levels however many surgeries require a period of reduced activity for proper healing to take place which may involve keeping a pet in a contained low-stress area the recommended time for activity restriction depends entirely on the procedure and could vary from none to days to weeks davidson said in some cases full activity may be restricted for several months your veterinarian will let you know what activity restriction if any is recommended for your situation one shared feature among most surgeries is the risk of infection because infections are easier to treat before they become severe owners should be on the lookout for any changes at the incision site after surgery signs of infection at an incision site include redness or swelling that is getting worse davidson said in addition there may be fluid or pus draining from the incision site drainage that is cloudy yellow or green is particularly suspicious for infection although it can be more difficult to notice a deeper infection owners can watch out for lethargy or a decreased appetite and contact a veterinarian if they have any concerns in addition by monitoring the incision site daily owners can reduce the risk of infection if there are incisions make sure that your pet is not excessively licking rubbing or scratching them this is sometimes ensured by having the pet wear a cone-collar t-shirt sock or bandage depending on where the incision is located davidson said any bandages must be kept clean and dry if they become damp dirty or begin to smell they should be assessed by your veterinarian every type of surgery will have different post-operative care instructions so the most important thing an owner can do is have a thorough discussion with their pets veterinarian about what to expect and how to best care for their animal after the procedure surgery can be a confusing experience for pets but they will appreciate their owners reassuring presence during recovery in addition to being prepared and taking measures to keep the risk of infection low showing a pet love and comfort is a great way to ensure recovery goes well pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the cattle battle: bovine respiratory disease june 30 2022 one of the greatest issues cattle owners face is bovine respiratory disease (brd) a complex condition that can affect cattle of any age and breed in north america brd is the leading cause of illness and death in cattle production systems according to dr matthew scott an assistant professor of microbial ecology & infectious disease at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary education research & outreach campus in canyon texas every year the united states is estimated to lose approximately $1 billion due to treatment costs and production loss attributed to brd scott said additionally we can expect that nearly 20% of all cattle raised for beef production will require clinical treatment for brd at some point in their lives brd is considered a multifactorial disease complex because several factors play a significant role in its development including genetic susceptibility suppression of the immune system stress co-mingling with sick cattle sudden weather/climate shifts and exposure to bacterial viral and/or parasitic pathogens we in the industry understand risk factors that lead to increased rates of brd but we do not fully understand how these factors develop into brd in each individual animal scott said because of the communicable nature of brd both small and large herds are at risk of brd development and outbreaks another challenge associated with brd is that as a prey species cattle naturally try to hide signs of illness making it difficult to detect the disease before it causes serious symptoms one of the earliest signs of disease particularly brd is that cattle will tend to lag behind or isolate themselves from the rest of the group scott said other clinical signs can include fever greater than 104 f discharge from the nose and eyes coughing a tilted head/ear position and signs of depression such as decreased appetite slow body movement and an unwillingness to stand when treating brd veterinarians focus on both the health of the individual animal and the herd as a whole veterinarians working with cattle examine and treat diseases including brd in individual cattle but always with the herd in mind scott said because of the difficulty in diagnosing or predicting brd prior to clinical signs historical clinical information and disease rates within herds play an important role in making the decisions in treating and managing brd although there are many unknowns with brd there are also several known precautions cattle owners can take to reduce the risk of their animals becoming sick the first of these precautions can start as soon as new calves are born at birth calves are dependent on colostrum (the first milk produced by a cow) to receive passive immunity for many different diseases scott said calves should receive an adequate amount of colostrum typically 10% of its body weight within the first few hours of life as calves grow their immunity can be boosted further with vaccines de-wormers and adequate nutrition for cattle of all ages reducing stress is one of the best ways to lower the risk of brd this can include proper ventilation minimal pen movements low-stress handling techniques clean bedding and free access to feed and water historically brd was often referred to as ‘shipping fever as cattle transported from cow-calf operations to feeding operations were at an increased risk of developing brd scott said by making efforts to boost cattle health prior to the move and allowing several days of rest upon arrival owners can reduce the risk of brd developing during the shipping process because of challenges associated with brd many scientists and veterinarians including scott are studying the disease in an effort to find better ways to detect treat and prevent the disease while no one approach or drug will solve all brd cases advancements in disease prediction models and diagnostics could get us ahead of the disease process possibly before cattle ever show signs of disease scott said veterinary involvement and research related to these advancements could allow us to significantly reduce the negative impacts associated with brd pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+does the nose knowthe truths and myths of canine nasal health june 24 2022 it is a common belief that a wet nose is the sign of a healthy dog and that a dry nose indicates illness but this is not necessarily true for every canine companion according to dr erin ray a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences this historic belief is not true across the board ray said there are many factors that can cause a wet or dry nose in dogs a wet nose can indicate that a dog is well-hydrated or simply has a tendency to lick its nose often which is one way a dog enhances its sense of smell however wet noses can also be caused by a runny nose or respiratory infection; wetness caused by heavy discharge in particular can indicate the need for medical care alternatively a dog with a dry nose may live in a drier/warmer climate or just naturally have a drier nose ray said usually a dry nose on its own is not concerning unless the nose appears cracked painful or there is a dramatic change in its appearance such as a change in color or going from bumpy to smooth another issue to watch out for is sunburn which is more common in dogs with lighter-colored noses it is best for dogs to avoid being outside in the heat of the day for extended periods of time especially during summer ray said there are some sunscreens you can apply in a thin layer to the top of the nose but because sunscreens can also be toxic its best for an owner to reach out to their veterinarian to determine the safest choice if a dogs nose is normally wet but becomes dry or vice versa a trip to the veterinarian may be warranted likewise any cuts or other irregularities on the nose should be evaluated by a veterinarian to avoid infection and rule out any serious causes in general ray recommends that owners evaluate their dog as a whole and try to avoid making health assumptions based on the wetness of their pets nose alone even though a wet nose is not always useful as an indicator of health it does enhance a dogs sense of smell when compared to a dry nose the inside of the nose itself typically works a bit better if its moist or hydrated just like the rest of the respiratory system ray said if a dog usually has a dry nose applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or the contents of a vitamin e capsule to their nose can help provide extra moisture in addition making sure your dog always has access to clean fresh water can help make sure dehydration is not a factor just as every dogs nose print is unique every dog has a unique set of factors affecting the health of its nose if you have any questions about your dogs overall condition a veterinarian can help you sniff out the truth pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+time for a summer cut tips for warm weather dog grooming june 16 2022 while people tend to dress differently depending on the season most pets wear the same coat year-round shaving off this hair during the hot summer months may seem like a good idea to keep a dog cool but it can actually have the opposite effect for some animals dr ashley navarrette a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses summer grooming and other techniques for helping pets beat the heat while some pets may benefit from a thorough grooming fully shaving a dog is not usually necessary unless there is matting involved navarrette said trimming may be useful in long-haired breeds to make the hair more manageable but this should be done by a professional to avoid injury for dogs the type of grooming required in summer depends on the breed and type of coat an important distinction is that some dogs have hair which grows continually as a single layer while others have a specific type of hair called fur which grows in two layers to a specific length there are some breeds that require frequent grooming (for example poodles) which may involve shaving coats down to less than 1 inch in length; however these breeds tend to have hair rather than fur navarrette said during the summer owners may be tempted to shave dogs with thick double coats like siberian huskies labradors australian shepherds and pomeranians but this thick fur is actually beneficial in warm weather it serves as natural insulation to help dogs thermoregulate by creating a barrier of cool air within the coat we often see issues with shaving these breeds as the undercoat may grow back first and interfere with the growth of the guard hairs or the main part of the coat we see navarrette said this can result in an altered coat after it grows back in addition to cosmetic concerns shaving a dogs fur may make it less tolerant of high temperatures because of the loss of natural insulation rather than shaving dogs with thick fur navarrette recommends frequent brushing to remove excess hair brushing is 100% recommended as many of these breeds will naturally thin the undercoat portion of their coats during warmer months she said if this hair is not physically removed via brushing combing or blowing out the coat may not be serving its true purpose of keeping the pet cool while grooming can certainly play a factor in keeping dogs cool there are many other ways to make sure pets stay comfortable this summer whenever possible i recommend that pets should be kept in an air-conditioned environment navarrette said i can appreciate that some dogs spend the majority of their time outdoors and in these cases shaded areas can provide the feeling of being 10-15 degrees cooler and should be readily available whether inside or outside pets should always have access to cool clean water products like cooling mats can also help provide relief from the heat walking of dogs should be done early in the morning or in the late evening to avoid the hottest times of the day navarrette said while temperature is one factor in keeping pets safe its also important to take into account humidity the temperature of the asphalt/concrete the pets age and conformation (for example short-faced breeds are more prone to heat stroke) and health status keeping all of these factors in mind is a great way to make sure your pet has a fun and safe summer and before pulling out the trimmers or heading to a pet salon consider whether your dogs coat is helping or hindering its ability to stay cool pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the steps for conquering colic in horses june 9 2022 no one enjoys the queasy feeling of a stomach-ache which can turn eating into a chore while leaving most of us slightly if not extremely irritable a horse dealing with colic is no stranger to these feelings or symptoms because learning how to spot when a horse is experiencing colic and when to call the veterinarian are important lessons for every horse owner dr leslie easterwood a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers some insight on recognizing the common signs of colic as well as the steps owners should take when their horse demonstrates those symptoms equine colic is simply the occurrence of abdominal pain one of the first signs of colic owners may notice from their horse is an unwillingness to eat to begin assessing whether the horses food aversion is the result of colic owners can take their horse to a green grassy area; if the horse manages to graze on the green grass without lying down owners may be able to hold off on calling their veterinarian until more signs of distress or discomfort arise as a horses pain increases they may paw the ground with their front foot turn their neck to look at their belly/flank area or lie down and roll around when it comes to a horses well-being easterwood is an advocate for erring on the side of caution colic is best resolved earlier rather than later she said at the first sign of abdominal discomfort it is not a bad idea to get your veterinarian involved conditions that can cause this level of pain in horses range from a mild impaction that dissipates over time to an intestinal twisting in need of surgical intervention while colic is a large umbrella over a multitude of conditions that cause abdominal pain there are a few preventative measures owners can take to help better protect their horses keeping horses on a regular feeding schedule providing enough fiber/roughage in the diet and providing green grass turnout are all considered helpful to prevent colic she said other factors such as keeping their teeth in good shape and preventing them from getting into excessive amounts of grain can also be essential colic can be scary but it also is a real daily risk for horses well-managed feeding schedules and a nutrition plan can help to minimize the risk but owners must remain diligent in observing for signs of abdominal pain and acting quickly when they see anything out of the ordinary pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+grappling with giardia: tips for avoiding infection june 2 2022 when pet owners think about protecting their animal from parasites the first creepy creatures that come to mind are often fleas ticks and heartworms but one less well-known parasite to watch out for is giardia which has strains that infect dogs cats and even people dr meriam saleh a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers advice for protecting pets from this protozoan parasite giardia infections can cause diarrhea gas abdominal discomfort nausea and vomiting while it tends to be more of a threat in other countries giardia is also regularly seen in the united states last year across the us about 1 in 15 dogs (67%) and 1 in 25 cats (41%) that were tested for giardia infections at their vets office were positive saleh said for context this makes giardia more common than some other parasites like whipworms which were detected in 1 out of every 200 dogs tested at veterinary clinics last year or roundworms which were found in 1 out of every 50 dogs according to the companion animal parasite council giardia has two lifecycle stagesmature parasites that live in an animals intestine and cysts that are shed in feces cysts are immediately infective when passed in the feces saleh said even very small or microscopic bits of feces can have cysts in them and contaminate objects in the home the outdoor environment and the pets own fur if the dog or cat has some feces on their paws and then walks around paws at its food/water bowls or scratches its side the microscopic cysts are contaminating those areas if a pet ingests infected feces or cysts that have spread to another object giardia will infect its new host and begin the cycle again even though the parasite can infect multiple species it usually uses different strains to do so generally dogs are infected with canine strains of giardia and cats are infected with feline strains but in very rare cases dogs and cats may have strains that have also been found in people saleh said while the risk of the parasite spreading to owners or pets of a different species is very low it is still important to take precautions the risk increases in households with a severely immunocompromised person who might be more susceptible to new germs but it can be decreased by practicing good hygiene for both pets and people such as washing your hands after picking up or petting your dog or cat saleh said while some pets infected with giardia experience diarrhea and problems digesting food others show no symptoms at all therefore its important to have a pet tested if there is a chance it came into contact with cysts if your dog or cat tests positive for giardia your veterinarian will prescribe an oral medication to treat the infection saleh said treatment is usually given anywhere from three to 10 days depending on the drug being used in some cases your veterinarian may prescribe a combination of two or more drugs that are effective against the parasite fortunately most pets recover well from giardia infection with standard treatment to ensure the parasite is completely removed from the pets environment serious cleaning will be necessary your veterinarian will recommend that you pick up after your pet and dispose of the feces; use a disinfectant to wash and clean objects and hard surfaces that your pet comes into contact with; and bathe your pet toward the end of treatment to prevent reinfection from any giardia cysts in their fur saleh said unlike fleas ticks and heartworms giardia cannot be prevented with a monthly medication instead prevention comes down to maintaining a clean environment and paying attention to the other animals a pet interacts with as long as these precautions are taken your dog or cat safe should be able to avoid infection with this pesky parasite pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+when to see a veterinarian for a dogs stomach ache may 26 2022 just like people dogs can get stomach aches for a variety of reasons from eating something they shouldnt have to catching a disease because these causes have a wide range of severity many dog owners are unsure of how to respond to a dog showing gastrointestinal (gi) upset and if a trip to the veterinarian is always necessary dr emily gould a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses the common causes and symptoms of digestive issues as well as what owners can do to help their pup through the pain the most common gastrointestinal issues causing owners to seek veterinary care for their dogs are dietary indiscretion (eating of food that upsets their gi tract) ingestion of a foreign object intestinal parasites pancreatitis and chronic inflammatory intestinal disease (caused by food allergies/intolerance or immune-mediated inflammation) she said the most common symptoms for any form of gi upset are vomiting and diarrhea which can appear as acute symptoms with a sudden onset or chronic symptoms with multiple episodes over several weeks some animals with gi upset will also become nauseous which can manifest as excessive drooling/salivation lip licking and lack of interest in food gould said the development of flatulence and/or loud ‘gut sounds (known as borborygmi) might also be noted in some cases many cases of gi upset will resolve on their own but there are several symptoms owners can watch out for to determine if a trip to the veterinarian is necessary including if the dog stops eating or drinking is depressed/lethargic has frequent or persistent vomit or diarrhea (lasting beyond 24 hours) blood in the vomitus or diarrhea or is known to have ingested a foreign object for the most part if your pet is still acting like itself and eating and drinking normally there is not always a need to bring them in for signs lasting less than 48 hours gould said if signs continue for more than 48 hours or any of the earlier criteria are noted veterinary care is warranted as vomiting and diarrhea can cause life-threatening dehydration if medical care is not provided one notable cause of gi upset in puppies specifically is parvovirus a condition that can be life-threatening for dogs that have not been fully vaccinated unvaccinated puppies with gi issues should always be taken to a veterinarian because parvovirus can cause extreme dehydration and death within 24 hours without supportive care puppies in general also become dehydrated very quickly so more than one or two episodes of vomiting or diarrhea in a young dog necessitates veterinary care gould said if a dog begins showing signs of stomach upset but is still willing to eat and drink its owner can first try offering a bland low-fat highly digestible diet to resolve the issue boiled skinless chicken or turkey breast mixed with white rice or low-fat cottage cheese can be offered in the short term gould said the low-fat component makes the food easier to digest and helps the stomach empty its contents quickly however these are not balanced diets for long-term consumption and continuing to feed an unbalanced diet can result in life-threatening nutrient deficiencies she reminds owners long-term home-cooked diets must be formulated via a board-certified veterinary nutritionist other dietary changes that may help resolve and prevent gi upset are feeding smaller more frequent meals throughout the day and not giving a dog table scraps raw meat or foods high in fat because the causes of digestive issues can range from mild to severe dog owners should always be on the lookout for any signs of discomfort a quick response and trip to the veterinarian if necessary can save time money and even a dogs life gastrointestinal upset can be very distressing for owners and it is always better to be on the safe side with having your dog evaluated if you are at all concerned gould said while many causes of gi upset are not life threatening some can be which is why assessment by a veterinarian is never wrong pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+keep it cool this summer: tips for taking dogs swimming may 19 2022 when the weather heats up many people and pups love getting in the water to cool down whether a dog enjoys swimming or just splashing in the shallows there are several things to keep in mind to ensure they stay safe this summer while its a common belief that all dogs can swim this is actually a myth according to dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences most dogs will make a paddling motion when in the water but some are not able to propel themselves forward or even keep their heads above water she said in particular brachycephalic dogs with large heads and flat faces like pugs and bulldogs tend to have the most trouble swimming if your dog is not interested in swimming dont force it teller said never toss your dog in the pool to make it swim for dogs that want to get in the pool but cannot swim or if you have a dog that may be at risk of drowning use a doggie life jacket if your dog falls in or cant swim this will allow your dog to float in the pool until it can be rescued dogs that enjoy swimming should be provided a bowl of fresh water to drink even though the small amount of chlorine in swimming pools is usually not strong enough to cause harm chlorine tablets and undiluted chemicals however can cause serious danger and should be kept out of reach lakes and rivers can also be a fun swimming spot as long as owners take care to avoid areas with cyanobacteria also known as blue-green algae these algae bloom most commonly in stagnant shallow warm water and produce some toxic substances teller said it takes a very small amount of the toxins to cause serious illness or death in a dog the toxins cause a range of symptoms including bluish mucus membranes (gums and inside the nose) vomiting muscle rigidity seizures and liver failure because the effects are so serious many state agencies have monitoring programs for public recreational water locations and post announcements about blue-green algae on their websites some dogs that arent interested in swimming in pools or lakes can still enjoy splashing at the beach and running into the waves but the salty water can bring its own set of issues if your dog ingests a small amount of sea water while playing it may develop a little diarrhea but otherwise be ok teller said however if your dog ingests large quantities of sea water it can potentially be fatal the increased level of salt can disrupt the function of multiple organs and lead to seizures and kidney problems therefore it is important that owners always provide fresh water at the beach and seek emergency veterinary care if a dog begins vomiting or exhibiting abnormal behavior after drinking sea water after swimmingwhether in a pool river lake or oceanrinse off your dog with clean water to remove chlorine other chemicals and any debris teller said dry your dog well especially any skin folds and the ears to avoid inflammation or infection if your dog gets ear infections after swimming ask your veterinarian about a medicated cleanser that can help prevent problems teller reminds owners to be cautious when bathing or rinsing dogs with a hose during the summer be sure to run the water in the hose for a few minutes before wetting your dog she said the water that remains in the hose between uses gets extremely hot and if it contacts your dogs skin it can cause second- or third-degree burns these are extremely painful require intensive veterinary care and can lead to permanent scarring finally for every dog that loves swimming there is another that wants nothing to do with it dogs that dont like to swim may still enjoy hanging out at the waters edge sharing a float with their owner cooling off in a kiddie pool or playing with kids on a slip-n-slide teller said owners can also help their dogs enjoy the summer by going on walks during the cooler parts of the day and making dog-safe popsicles out of frozen chicken or beef broth whether a dog loves the water or prefers dry land there are many ways to stay cool while having fun in the sun this summer is the perfect time to discover new activities that the entire family including dogs will enjoy pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+considerations for camping with canines may 12 2022 summer presents a wonderful opportunity to spend time in the great outdoors with your pet from long hikes to relaxing nights sitting around a campfire there are many fun camping activities dogs enjoy being a part of dlisa hidalgo a veterinary technician at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary medical teaching hospital has several tips for owners who want to bring their furry friends camping much like providing for your own basic needs youre going to have to think about providing for your dogs basic needs while on a camping trip she said this includes packing everythingfrom food and water to bedding and toysthat a dog might need while away from home you want to be sure to bring your dogs food in an air- and watertight container hidalgo said make sure that you have enough for the number of days that youre going plus a little bit extra just in case if your car breaks down on the way home and you have to stay in a hotel its pretty easy to run to the store and get food for yourself but you want to make sure that you have enough food for your pet too if a dog is taking any medications on a regular basis those need to be packed as well special preparations may need to be made for medicines like insulin that have to stay refrigerated many state and national parks require dogs to be kept leashed and some even have a leash length requirement another tool for keeping pets contained at the campsite is a wire kennel with soft bedding a lot of dogs are really comfortable in these kennels because they can see hear and smell everything going on around them hidalgo said plus if your pet gets spooked by thunder or strange sounds in the middle of the night and tries to bolt a kennel will keep them safe hidalgo also recommends packing a canine first aid kit containing bandages styptic powder or corn starch to stop bleeding benadryl for bug bites eye wash and a spare slip lead one of the less pleasant aspects of a camping trip is bugs which can also be a bother for pets ticks especially can transmit diseases like lyme disease if a pet is not appropriately protected if your pets regular heartworm and flea prevention does not include tick prevention you might want to consider adding it on hidalgo said one of the quickest and easiest things to add would be an over-the-counter flea and tick collar before camping owners should also make sure their pet is vaccinated against rabies and leptospirosis two diseases that can be spread by wild animals finally knowing the signs of heatstroke or hypothermia depending on the season can help owners make sure their pet gets treatment as soon as possible if these conditions arise no matter how prepared an owner is accidents and emergencies can still happen so hidalgo recommends locating in advance the animal emergency hospital closest to the campsite whether camping is a one-time experience or a regular outing a small amount of time devoted to packing and preparing will ensure that you and your dog can spend your camping trip enjoying quality time outdoors pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+feline nutrition part 2: what to know about feeding your cat prescription food may 5 2022 with so many different cat foods on the market it can be difficult to choose the best option for your feline friend when it comes to cats with illnesses and chronic conditions prescription foods are a great option for giving your cat the tailored diet it needs these diets can be prescribed by a veterinarian for a variety of conditions like chronic kidney disease and diabetes and other medical needs like weight loss and dental care while prescription diets are an important tool for managing cats medical needs they should only be fed under the guidance of a veterinarian according to dr debra zoran a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences prescription food must be fed like medicine and only administered as intended zoran said these foods have a specific purpose and are meant to be fed only to cats with specific diseases while some may think that feeding a healthy cat prescription food meant for a specific condition will help prevent that condition that is not the case; in fact this can cause negative side effects that can lead to serious health issues for example prescription diets for chronic kidney disease (ckd) usually contain less than half the amount of protein normally present in cat foods because cats with ckd have more difficulty excreting protein waste products from their kidneys feeding this diet to a cat without ckd however would not provide enough protein and would have an altered mineral balance compared to what a healthy cat needs for a complete and balanced diet healthy cats that are being fed prescription ckd diets will start to lose their muscle mass because their body will use its own muscle to replace what is missing in the diet zoran said they will also often gain weight because of the added fat and carbohydrates in the diet that are there to replace the protein the potential consequences make it important for owners with multiple cats to feed each separately if only one is on a prescription diet or to at least talk to a veterinarian about the diet situation in your household fortunately there is no need to worry if one of the cats sneaks a few bites of the others food every now and again it is not a problem if your healthy cat eats some of the prescription food occasionallyjust as it will not be terrible for a cat with a specific disease to eat some of the non-prescription food once in a while zoran said ultimately many of the special diets are just not intended for normal healthy adult cats as a maintenance diet however that is not true for all prescription diets she said for example prescription diets for cats with allergies or intestinal problems are complete and balanced and could be fed to a normal healthy cat the difference is that the diet may have a different protein source (venison for a cat allergic to beef) or a more highly digestible mix of ingredients (for cats with intestinal problems) although these diets are safe to feed to any cat they are more expensive and unnecessary for a cat that doesnt have a health issue if a veterinarian determines that your cat would benefit from eating a prescription diet you may be able to purchase the food directly through their clinic otherwise the veterinarian can provide a prescription card that can be used to buy the food at most pet stores and many online retailers whether your cat is diagnosed with a specific illness or is simply needing a healthier lifestyle prescription foods may be a beneficial addition to their regular medical care sometimes something as simple as switching foods can even be the key to getting many more years with your loving companion pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+feline nutrition part 1: how to choose the purr-fect diet for your cat april 28 2022 wild cats eat a diverse protein-heavy diet which can sometimes be difficult for pet owners to replicate for their domesticated feline friends fortunately there are several guidelines owners can follow to make sure their cats meals are both nutritious and delicious dr debra zoran a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers advice for mimicking a cats natural diet and finding the best option for your particular pet when it comes to feline diets the words complete and balanced are key according to zoran even though cats are carnivores a meat-only diet will result in fatty acid vitamin or mineral deficiencies; therefore commercial diets are typically the easiest option for owners because they contain the necessary nutrients to ensure a balanced diet feeding cats a complete and balanced canned food will be the easiest way to have a high protein/low carbohydrate diet that will also help with calorie control and assure your kitty meets their daily water needs zoran said canned foods ability to increase water intake is a major reason zoran recommends them over dry foods; cats that eat only dry foods consume less water overall and are more prone to dehydration many indoor cats are prone to health issues including urinary tract blockages and constipation from being dehydrated she said increased water intake from eating canned food is an important way to decrease the risk of these problems occurring or re-occurring dry food diets also tend to be higher in fat carbohydrates and caloriesall of which can increase the risk of obesity dry diets are documented to lead to obesity and diabetes in cats that live indoors zoran said indoor cats typically have less opportunity to exercise have food continuously available or are fed too much food in general for healthy adult cats the best option is a canned food with a protein content of 40% or higher (greater than 10% if the can is greater than 78% water) and a carbohydrate content of 10% or less another way to determine this is to make sure that a carbohydrate source is not one of the first five listed ingredients because each cat or kitten is an individual just like people they may have taste or texture preferences and unique dietary needs zoran said anyone who has more than one cat in their house knows that while you may want to feed every cat the same food (for convenience or simplicity) that is not always possible for this reason she recommends tailoring each cats diet to its specific needs life stage and preferences in terms of flavor and texture and making sure that each cat eats only from its own bowl in addition to their regular canned diet owners can occasionally treat their cats with small pieces of unseasoned cooked meats or cat grass which can be a great source of fiber next time youre shopping for your cats food take a moment to read the label and make sure your choice is promoting your cats overall health and happiness youre sure to be rewarded with plenty of purrs at dinner time pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+scratching the surface of atopic dermatitis april 21 2022 for many people and pets spring (aka allergy season) is a time of excessive sneezing itching and scratching for some pets however their allergy season is never ending lasting into summer fall and winter veterinary dermatologist dr adam patterson a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses allergic skin disease and how to best relieve the itch for affected pets which can include dogs cats horses and other species environmental allergy aka atopic dermatitis is a skin condition in which the immune system overly reacts to the pollens of grasses trees and weeds as well as to indoor substances like house dust mites mold and dander he said clinical signs may be seasonal or year-round in presentation of these allergens the most common to affect pets in central texas are dust mites and grasses as well as cedar and oak pollen many pets are also allergic to flea bites which can perpetuate the effects of atopic dermatitis unlike people who experience lots of sneezing and runny eyes with allergies pets main sign of atopic dermatitis is itching in addition to scratching pets may try to relieve an itch by rubbing licking chewing biting head shaking or scooting common itchy body areas include the face ears paws armpits groin rump and anal region patterson said every pet has its own itch tolerance which means the intensity and reason(s) for your pets itch may not be the same as another animal recurring bacterial and/or yeast skin infectionswhich appear as red and/or black skin red bumps pimples scabs dander hair loss or thickening skinoften accompany allergic skin disease similarly owners may also notice recurring ear infections that cause itchy red and swollen ears that may leak pus if a pet is showing any of these signs a veterinarian can help determine the various causes if atopic dermatitis is determined to be the cause in addition to itch relief medications initial treatments may include baths flea prevention and anti-infection medication as well as a possible change in diet given the safety and effect of many allergy medications today dogs in central texas should have allergy signs for at least five to six months out of the year before considering skin testing for environmental allergies in order for the diagnostic tests and treatment to be cost effective over the long haul patterson said if the condition is left untreated it can have mild to serious consequences it can cause unrelenting itch odor remodeling of the ear canal (an increase in skin thickness and collapse of the ear canal) and multi-antibiotic resistant bacterial skin infections patterson said ear canal removal an expensive surgery may be required to avoid excessive costly treatments and extra discomfort for your pet make sure to talk to your veterinarian if your pet is showing signs of an environmental allergy to determine a plan which could even include referral to a veterinary dermatologist getting rid of that annoying itch will help make spring and possibly the entire year more enjoyable for everyone pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the ins and outs of pet feeding tubes april 14 2022 when dealing with pain illness or stress some pets choose to stop eating no matter how many enticing meals they are offered in certain cases because a lack of nutrition can lead to serious health complications veterinarians can suggest using a feeding tube until the pet begins to eat on its own again feeding tubes can be used short-term while a pet recovers from disease or surgery or long-term for an animal with a chronic illness dr johanna heseltine a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that while feeding tubes can be a scary concept for pet owners they are actually easier to manage than you might imagine feeding tubes are generally recommended when a pet has not eaten in three or more days the tubes can be used to provide food water and even medications an important benefit is that most oral medications can be given through a feeding tube heseltine said for cats or dogs that are difficult to medicate this can greatly reduce the stress for the pet and owner water can be given through the tube as well which is helpful for certain patients that need extra water such as those with kidney disease the three main types of feeding tubes are nasoesophageal (ne) tubes esophageal (e) tubes and gastrotomy (g) tubes ne tubes are very small tubes that go through the nose and into the esophagus; they are typically only used in-hospital e tubes enter the esophagus from a tiny incision on the side of the neck while g tubes go directly into the stomach through a small incision on the side of the abdomen while ne and e tubes can be used for short-term cases g tubes must stay in place for at least two to three weeks for a seal to form where it enters the stomach both e and g tubes can be used for many months as long as no infection or other issues arise and are typically easy for an owner to learn how to use feeding your dog or cat through an e or g tube is not difficult to learn but it may seem a bit strange at first heseltine said it helps if you stay calm and make your pet feel relaxed often it also helps to have a second person pet the cat or dog so they stay still during the feeding any canned food can be used for tube feeding as long as it is blended with water to create a smooth and thin consistency heseltine often recommends choosing a high-calorie diet so that it can be given less frequently it is important to go slowly when feeding generally the feeding is done over a period of 20 to 30 minutes she said when it is done this way the feeding should not be uncomfortable for the pet you should also watch for any signs of nausea (such as gagging drooling and lip licking) which tells us that we need to stop feeding or go more slowly owners can also reduce discomfort by using room-temperature food; cold food can cause stomach upset and hot food can cause burns inside the digestive tract if the food has to be warmed heseltine recommends using a warm water bath instead of a microwave after the tube feeding spend a little time petting and talking to your cat or dog to help make the whole experience a positive one she said owners will need to keep the tubes entrance site clean and watch for signs of infection; many special collars and pet shirts are available to help keep the tube in place and prevent the pet from picking at it if the cat or dog starts eating on its own after an e tube is in place (or g tube if it has been in place at least two to three weeks) we recommend leaving it in until the pet has been eating the full daily calorie requirement on their own for at least a week heseltine said no matter how daunting feeding tubes may seem a veterinarian can help you learn the process so that your pet can feel good and be healthy again for my own pets i have used feeding tubes three times to get them through major medical conditions heseltine said it can be very stressful trying to get your pet to eat and take medications but a feeding tube puts you back in control pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+keep your family safe from dangerous e coli april 7 2022 while many animalsincluding humanshave harmless strains of e coli living inside their gastrointestinal tracts a dangerous form that often makes headlines is e coli 0157 which can cause serious illness in people although e coli 0157 outbreaks are usually caused by contaminated vegetables meats or other foods these bacteria can also be spread by live animals practicing good hygiene around animals is one of the best ways to prevent an e coli infection according to pam douglas infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary medical teaching hospital animals like cows goats sheep and deer can carry e coli in their stomachs and shed the germs in their feces douglas said the germs can live on their skin or fur and in the areas where they live or are housed the most common symptom of e coli infection in animals is diarrhea but the bacteria often do not cause any signs of illness; therefore even if an animal looks healthy and clean and even if it is your own animal there is still a chance it can spread the bacteria people can get e coli when they touch an infected animal or a contaminated surface and then their mouths douglas said the best way to prevent e coli infection is to wash your hands the best course of action is to wash your hands as soon as possible after touching animals their food or any supplies in their environment; after visiting places like petting zoos and farms where animals live and roam (even if you did not touch an animal); and after removing shoes and clothes that have been worn around animals or their environments other ways to stay healthy include not eating drinking or preparing food around animals as well as cleaning the areas where animals have been douglas said if an owner notices that their animal has diarrhea or is otherwise concerned that it might be carrying e coli they should seek advice and/or treatment from a veterinarian douglas also recommends visiting the centers for disease control and preventions website on e coli for more information as long as proper precautions are taken there should not be any danger from interacting with animals that could potentially be carrying e coli like many germs this one can be easily defeated simply by washing your hands pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+no more creepy crawlies: keep reptiles safe from parasites march 31 2022 household chores are an important but often looked part of our daily lives for our reptilian friends though having a safe and tidy environment is one of the best prevention methods against parasitic infections according to dr ashley navarrette a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences navarrette says that reptiles living in unsanitary environments are at a greater risk of contracting intestinal parasites as these diseases are most often transmitted via the fecal-oral route typically this is seen as a reptile ingesting contaminated eggs insects or other materials found in fecal material parasite transmission also has been known to occur through wounds in a reptiles skin most captive reptiles get parasites from contact with other reptiles this means it is imperative that owners are diligent in having veterinarian screenings of new reptiles entering the home in addition to maintaining a clean environment for them to live in so many disease processes can be prevented by proper husbandry navarrette said because reptile owners are not able to actually see many of the microscopic intestinal parasites that veterinarians are concerned with it is important that owners are able to spot tell-tale signs of parasitic infections while clinical signs tend to vary from parasite to parasite common symptoms are regurgitation weight loss diarrhea bloating and anorexia if your reptile is suspected to have intestinal parasites do not wait long to see your veterinarian navarrette said often once reptiles start showing clinical signs the disease is pretty advanced in addition to a clean environment another preventative measure owners can take is feeding their reptiles an appropriate diet when an under-nourished animal experiences other health concerns they tend to suffer more than those well fed because of their lack of reserves potentially leading to an increased mortality risk even if owners do not believe their reptile has a parasitic infection navarrette recommends that reptiles have a fecal examination by a veterinarian every six to 12 months as a preventative step cleaning up after our pets may not always be the most of entertaining of chores but for a reptile it is one of the easiest ways to keep them safe from parasites or other diseases the simple steps of proper cage management and nutrition will help our reptilian friends live long and healthy lives pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+wobbly cat syndrome: an interesting but harmless condition march 24 2022 while most cats are nimble and graceful some are born with a rare condition commonly known as wobbly cat syndrome that affects their ability to balance but despite a lack of coordination these cats can live full and happy lives like any others dr joseph mankin a clinical associate professor in neurology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences goes into detail on this condition technically called cerebellar hypoplasia and how owners can make life easier for affected cats cerebellar hypoplasia is a condition in which the cerebellum the part of the brain that is responsible for coordination and balance does not develop properly mankin said it results in cats that have exaggerated movements of their legs and head as those movements are normally controlled by the cerebellum the main clinical sign of this condition is ataxia or a lack of coordination this is usually seen as wobbling when standing or walking as well as jerking movements of the head while eating or drinking this condition is not contagious and does not develop over time; if a cat has cerebellar hypoplasia it will be present from birth the most common cause is an in-utero infection with the feline panleukopenia virus mankin said the virus attacks the developing cerebellum resulting in a cerebellum that is not able to form properly if a cat without cerebellar hypoplasia suddenly becomes wobbly or shows a lack of balance or if a cat with the condition has symptoms that become worse than usual it should be examined by a veterinarian as there is most likely another factor causing the issue while this condition has no treatment or cure it usually does not cause cats any serious or harmful effects these cats can live long and healthy lives; they just look a bit funny when they walk around mankin said as they grow older they may learn to compensate for their cerebellar dysfunction and although their clinical signs will not go away they may improve greatly despite some small changes in their environment cats with cerebellar hypoplasia typically do not need any medication or extra care these cats should ideally be kept indoors and in a place where they are less likely to fall or injure themselves mankin said overall cerebellar hypoplasia is nothing to fear and can even be seen as an endearing trait of these uncoordinated kitties as long as an owner is willing to keep an eye out for hazards and be patient with a cat that moves a little slower than most wobbly cat syndrome should have no negative impact on their bond with their feline friend pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+keep your bovine feeling fine: pain management in cattle march 17 2022 unlike many animals that vocalize their discomfort cattle tend to suffer in silencemaking it all the more important for an owner to recognize the subtle signs of pain whether from age injury or illness early detection of pain is an important step in bringing an animal back to health cattle are like most prey species in that they tend to hide their pain says dr jenna funk a clinical assistant professor & beef cattle veterinarian at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary education research & outreach campus when pain reaches the threshold where it starts affecting behavior one of the first signs will be reduced feed intake funk said if it hurts to move they will be reluctant to move cattle will also grind their teeth when they are uncomfortable; you can hear it when they grind them hard enough if the pain is associated with a single limb they may limp to reduce the amount of weight placed on that leg if the source of pain is in the abdomen cattle may tuck their bellies up by standing with all four feet close together depending on the cause of the pain there are several options a veterinarian may suggest for treatment the most common pain management medications for cattle are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids) which can come as injections oral pills or a pour-on liquid steroids can also be used for pain management in short-term situations funk said while long-term use of steroids is not recommended because of the negative impacts they can have on the immune system short courses can be very effective at reducing swelling and relieving pain there are also several non-medication options that can help relieve pain in cattle including acupuncture and chiropractic manipulation by licensed practitioners pain associated with the feet can often be managed with corrective foot trimming funk said making sure that all four feet have proper confirmation (structure and alignment) will allow the animal to evenly distribute their weight and reduce the chances of secondary musculoskeletal injury from favoring a painful or misshapen foot to prevent painful injuries from occurring in the first place owners can commit to low-stress handling techniques such as using pressure points to move cattle instead of noise and fear move slow and never surprise cattle this will reduce the likelihood of cattle running and pushing each other which can lead to injury funk said in addition animals recovering from injury should be kept on solid surefooted ground and with only a few herd mates to prevent potential re-injury from shoving and pushing maintaining clean and well-lit facilities can also reduce the likelihood of injury in addition to the ethical reasons for reducing pain in cattle owners will likely notice other benefits when herds are kept happy and pain-free well taken care of animals perform better funk said controlling pain will increase production and help make the animal more efficient which in turn is more profitable for the producer whether owners keep cattle as pets or production animals reducing pain should be a top priority by keeping an eye out for subtle behavioral differences you can help make sure your cattle experience as little pain as possible pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+when you shouldand shouldntgive your cat a bath march 10 2022 bath time is usually a stressful occasion for both pets and their owners leading many to wonderis bathing cats really necessary to the relief of many a cat owner the answer is typically no according to dr alison diesel a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences in general cats do not need to be given a bath by their owners she said their fastidious grooming behavior makes this a non-necessary task which most owners are quite thankful for some cats may not groom themselves appropriately because of obesity arthritis or an underlying medical condition if an owner notices any change in their cats normal grooming behavior a veterinarian can help determine the cause but even if these kitties need some help getting clean a true bath is usually not necessary unless the cat is especially dirty a good brushing may be sufficient unless there are fecal/urinary incontinence concerns diesel said i rarely recommend bathing for my feline patients there are certain topical products that i may consider for cats like a leave-on antiseptic mousse if they have a skin infection but a true bath is typically not recommended or indicated for many medical conditions from fungal infections to allergies a bath with a medicated shampoo can be a treatment option but diesel said owners should be confident in their ability to safely bathe their pet first beyond cats ability to clean themselves diesel usually recommends not bathing cats because of the damages it can cause to a cat-owner relationship the act of bathing cats can cause behavioral trauma which may affect the human-animal bond if this is not something the cat is used to she said for an adult cat that has not had a bath previously the experience can be quite traumatic they may lash out bite and scratch; this obviously introduces safety concerns for the owners although most cats rarely need baths one major exception is for hairless sphynx cats which require bathing as part of their routine skin care for cat breeds like sphynx in which there are known genetic conditions that cause them to produce and secrete an excess amount of skin oil routine bathing can help decrease the extra debris and the chance of secondary skin infections diesel said in general though this doesnt need to be more than once every one to two weeks owners of sphynx cats can make the bathing process easier and less stressful by introducing it when the cat is young getting a sphynx kitten used to baths early in life is imperative for managing this breed diesel said she recommends using lots of treats and making the experience as fun as possible to help the cat feel safe and stay calm for most cat owners however bath time is thankfully a rare experience as long as your fastidious feline spends plenty of time on hygiene like most cats tend to do you should not have to worry about bathing your water-fearing friend any time soon pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+polishing up on animal nail care march 3 2022 while getting a manicure or pedicure is often seen as a luxury for people proper nail care is a necessity for dogs and cats regular nail maintenance in companion animals is important for a multitude of reasons including your pets overall health if a pets nails become overgrown everyday activities such as walking or running can become extremely painful nail trims can be a daunting activity for both owners and pets but according to harmony peraza a veterinary technician at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences there are several ways to help make this task easier getting an animal used to nail trimming early in life and keeping them on a regular trimming schedule can greatly increase their acceptance of the task peraza said an adequate trimming schedule for pets varies on how active the animal is and what surfaces their nails are exposed to a dog that runs on concrete may naturally have shorter nails than one that typically walks on carpet but trimming every six to eight weeks is good practice she said peraza recommends that owners introduce the process of nail trimming in a series of steps to help reduce pets anxiety first gently handle the pets feet and then move on to letting the pet smell and investigate the trimming tool peraza said finally begin to trim the nails one at a time offering praise physical petting and treats to create a positive association if a pet continues to appear anxious about this process owners can try exercising their pet before a nail trim begins to calm them down during the trimming process owners should remember that dogs and cats have what is called a quick in the middle of their nails this internal blood supply contains little nerve endings and if nails are not regularly trimmed the quicks can overgrow causing severe pain when standing or walking and potentially leading to an injured foot tendon a pets nails should be trimmed at an angle to follow the natural slant of the nail growth which is roughly the angle that the nail and quick grow at on average the end of the nail should reach no further than halfway down the front of the paw pad one thing that can support the process is using a nail trimmer that is made for animal use and is the appropriate claw size peraza recommends options like scissor clippers guillotine clippers and grinding trimmers owners who are comfortable with and knowledgeable about the nail-trimming process are perfectly capable of trimming their pets nails at home however if an owner is unsure it would be best to talk with a groomer or veterinary professional about the proper method nail care may be an easy grooming step to overlook but it is vital to keeping our pets running and walking with the same free spirit they always have pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+how to care for a deaf dog february 24 2022 whether they stand up straight or flop over your dogs ears help give your canine friend an amazing sense of hearing that plays a large role in hunting playing and everyday life what are the implications then for a dog that is born deaf or loses its hearing dr lori teller an associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that dogs may experience hearing loss for a multitude of reasons some dogs are born deaf or are predisposed to hearing loss because of their breed or a congenital issue this can be the result of an inherited disease or a virus or toxin that the dogs mother was exposed to while pregnant teller said typically dogs with a white or merle coat are more prone to congenital deafness breeds such as dalmatians bull terriers and australian cattle dogs are also more prone to hearing loss conditions because of that dogs that are deaf because of an inherited condition should not be used for breeding teller said in addition while hearing loss is most common in senior dogs it can occur for a multitude of reasons ranging from chronic otitis (inflammation) infection trauma excessive ear wax cancer or persistent exposure to very loud noises if your dogs hearing loss seems to have come about suddenly teller said then a veterinary exam is definitely warranted to check for evidence of trauma infection neoplasia (change to a tumor) or other potential problems for dogs experiencing deafness caused by underlying disease they may need to see their veterinarian more frequently than normally recommended if a dog is in the early stages of hearing loss owners may notice that the pet is harder to wake up or tends to bark more frequently than usual your dog also may be experiencing some hearing issues if it is no longer responsive to sounds it previously responded to such as a doorbell vacuum cleaner or can opener teller said while hearing loss does drastically change a dog and owners life it does not mean the ending of a wonderful relationship deaf dogs can lead normal lives with extra work and dedication by the owner teller said through obedience training for example dogs can learn hand signals in replacement of the usual verbal commands in addition because deaf dogs or those experiencing hearing loss may startle more frequently than those that can hear owners should find ways to gently awaken or alert their dog; finding a safe place for the dog to sleep and eat away from potential startles can help avoid injury outdoors owners also should take extra precautions to keep the dog safe from moving vehicles and unknown animals as they will be less aware of their surroundings than other dogs while it may not be an easy road the loss of hearing does not necessarily limit a dogs ability to live a full and happy life if its owners are dedicated and patient pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+home is where the heart is: creating a cat-friendly environment february 3 2022 home is all about having a space to make your own as humans we all need a space where we are comfortable enough in our own skin to relax and believe it or not our feline friends have similar needs creating an environment where pets are free to roam and be themselves has been directly linked to reducing a multitude of medical and behavioral issues according to paula plummer a credentialed veterinary technician and feline advocate at texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary medical teaching hospital when it comes to cat-friendly atmospheres pet owners should think about creating an environment of plentymeaning plenty of room to roam plenty of litter boxes plenty of food and fresh water and plenty things to do all of this to create an environment pets can consider home toys can be a great source of entertainment for cats plummer said pet owners can also work on testing different toys to see what their cat likes while some may like toys with catnip others may like toys with bells or lasers finding the toy a cat will like and play with can take a little time due to all the options on the market she said an added bonus of making time to bond with your pets is creating meaningful relationships over time that will last playing with cats and their favorite toy can incorporate quality time that both you and your cat will look forward to plummer said this kind of routine is also important for reducing a cats stress and anxiety when a cat is stressed they will exhibit negative behaviors such as inappropriate urinations or defecation pulling out their hair scratching or behaviorally acting out plummer said therefore by creating an environment that promotes natural behavior owners can help combat this issue and ease their cats stress scratching posts also are an excellent outlet for cats to ease some stress by allowing a cat to scratch only on these posts from a young age cats are able to embrace this natural behavior without their owners furniture paying the price over time environmental enrichment will help reduce incidence of behavioral and medical issues because your cat will be living a fulfilled lifestyle without need of expressing themselves in a negative manner plummer said another tip for enriching your cats environment include devices like puzzle feeders to encourage natural hunting behaviors owners can also try hiding food throughout the room as another way to encourage such activity if any behavioral or medical concerns such as inappropriate elimination or behavioral changes arise plummer always recommends a thorough physical examination by a veterinarian as the best starting point for addressing those concerns there are many different ways pet owners can tailor their home to their pets needs these little changes may seem insignificant but can greatly impact the mental health of our feline friends pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+seeing the bigger picture: how cataracts affect pets january 27 2022 just as humans may develop vision loss or impairments our animal friends also can experience issues such as cataracts as they age the term cataract refers to an opacity of the lens within the eye causing both a discomfort and a loss of vision while all species are susceptible to developing cataracts dr lucien vallone a clinical professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says cataracts are most often found in dogs and horses and less frequently in cats the most common and noticeable sign of cataracts is a cloudy white pupil other warning signs of vision loss can include running into walls clumsier movement and less spacial awareness because the severity of pet cataracts ranges from a small inconvenience that causes little or no vision issues to affecting the entire lens and resulting in blindness vallone encourages pet owners to pursue evaluation with a veterinarian if there are any concerns of cataract or vision issues in their pet it can be difficult to predict whether a small cataract will progress to a large one vallone said veterinary ophthalmologists generally recommend periodic eye exams to identify if a cataract is present and to then track progression cataract severity and treatment varies greatly from patient to patient some cases can be treated with topical therapies such as eyedrops while this form of treatment will not reverse or repair damaged vision it can ease any discomfort or inflammation caused by the cataract if cataracts progress too far however surgery can be done to restore lost vision in pets the majority of cataracts are consequences of inherited genetic mutations while many of these mutations have been found in certain breeds of dogs they are not necessarily present in the entire population vallone said it is tough to accurately pinpoint which breeds develop cataracts due to the major variations within a breed around the globe owners who acquire their dogs from breeders should ask the breeder if annual orthopedic foundation for animals (ofa) exams have been performed within their breeding program the ofa organizes breeding soundness examinations with ophthalmologists that are intended to help responsible breeders avoid breeding dogs affected by cataracts vallone said if breeding soundness steps were not taken prior to adoption or a dog was adopted from a shelter the best strategy an owner can take is to schedule regular (annual) evaluations with their vet for screening purposes a key element to pets living a full and happy life comes from their ability to clearly see both their owners and the world around them although cataracts have the potential of putting a cloudy haze on an animals happy life by staying observant to the well-being of their animal companions pet owners can catch conditions like cataracts early so that their pet can be treated as soon as possible pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+does the covid-19 omicron variant spread affect pets january 13 2022 with the holiday season winding to a close covid-19 cases are spiking across the country as pet owners quarantine questions of pet safety against this disease and the quickly spreading omicron variant continue to arise as well drs sarah hamer and lori teller both associate professors at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offer insight on how the spread of the omicron variant may affect pets and the precautions owners should take hamer who has been leading a research team in examining how covid-19 is impacting our pets since summer 2020 said she anticipates dogs and cats will continue to be exposed to the same strains of covid-19 that are circulating in humans in our study here at texas a&m university we have sampled more than 580 household pets that all live where at least one person was infected with covid-19 and we confirmed infections in about 100 animals hamer said as far as we know pet infections result from spillover from humans; infected people who share space with their pets can infect their pets just as humans can infect other people hamers research team has discovered that some of the variants that have circulated among humans have also been present in their animals; because omicron is transmitted among humans much easier than other variants researchers suspect it is likely to transmit easier among pets as well our team was the first to find the alpha variant of concern in a pet dog and cat that had mild symptoms of diseasejust some sneezing that resolved after several days hamer said fortunately our active surveillance is revealing that covid infections in animals are generally not major concerns for the health of dogs and cats as only about one-quarter of the infected animals were reported to have signs of disease by their owner and in all cases they were mild however considering these high rates of omicron variant transmission it is important that pet owners realize animals are susceptible to infection just like other humans so that they can isolate from their animals if they develop symptoms are awaiting test results or get a positive result hamer said pets with covid-19 typically exhibit mild upper respiratory signs according to teller; any pet suspected to have covid-19 should be examined by their veterinarian most pets will not be symptomatic but if a pet has been exposed to someone with covid and the pet exhibits signs of a respiratory infection then testing for a variety of pathogens that cause respiratory disease can be checked teller said your veterinarian can request that covid be included in the respiratory panel generally if an animal is symptomatic the symptoms are mild and the pet can be treated with supportive care teller said this includes plenty of rest and fluids and on occasion anti-inflammatory medications to reduce any discomfort teller said that because avoiding all contact with a pet while isolating may be difficult for some pet owners it is ok if owners need to keep their pets at home with them pets are a tremendous source of comfort especially when we are sick and we understand that you may want share a brief snuggle with your pet teller said talk to your veterinarian–if your pet is healthy and your veterinarian agrees take appropriate precautions and enjoy a short time of togetherness around the world many mammal species in zoos have been confirmed as infected with covid-19 while many of these animals are now being vaccinated these vaccines currently are not being considered for household pets although covid-19 continues medical teams and researchers alike are learning new ways to better protect both human beings and those around us including our furry friends from this disease by continuing to get tested and self-isolating when needed together we can work to prevent the spread of covid-19 pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+teaching an old dog new tricks: adopting senior dogs january 6 2022 the day a family adopts a new dog is exciting for everyone as dogs get a second chance at a happy life and owners find a new best friend for senior dogs especially being adopted into a comfortable home can make a world of difference for their health and happiness harmony peraza a veterinary technician and project manager for the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences dog aging project says senior dogs are often overlooked in the shelter for adoption but have the potential to make wonderful pets you will be saving a life and giving a sweet companion a wonderful next chapter peraza said dogs are considered seniors at different age levels depending on their size generally the larger the dog the earlier they reach their senior years larger breeds such as labradors boxers or german shepherds are considered seniors around 7 years old while smaller dogs such as chihuahuas yorkshire terriers or miniature poodles are considered seniors around 8 to 9 years of age because senior dogs are fully grown their personalities are much easier to identify than those of a puppy allowing them to be more easily paired with a compatible family when adopting an older dog it is important to discuss the details of your household with the shelter or rescue staff peraza said this conversation is the first step in discovering which adoptees will be better matched in a household with kids or other pets it is good practice to introduce new dogs to other pets family members and parts of the home slowly as it can take dogs around three weeks to adjust to a new environment it is also important that these introductions are always made under close supervision to ensure the safety of everyone involved many senior dogs have lived in homes before and may be ahead of the curve on good manners and some level of training peraza said this possibility combined with the calm demeanor and greater attention span of an older dog can make them more receptive to training however because older dogs are more prone to mobility challenges it is important for owners to be mindful of stairways or other potentially dangerous areas by using pet gates owners may also consider investing in pet stairs to help older dogs onto allowed furniture as well as a pet ramp for ease in and out of the car similarly every senior dog comes with its own set of special health considerations getting your senior dog examined by a veterinarian soon after the adoption is a good idea peraza said because our seniors are aging more quickly than younger dogs having a baseline for their current state of health is a great start daily exercise is crucial to a senior dogs heath barring any physical disabilities the intensity of their activity should be appropriately matched with the dogs stamina and overall condition and level of health exercise also keeps your older dog cognitively engaged and mentally sharp peraza said with just a few extra considerations a senior dog can provide as much joy excitement and love to their new family as a younger dog or puppy would in return you can give your new friend a loving and supportive home for their golden years older dogs have just as much ability to bond and make great memories with a new family as a puppy peraza said consider adopting a senior companion; they have got a great story to tell and so much love to give! the dog aging project at texas a&m is working to understand how genes lifestyle and environment influence canine health and aging through research that asks pet owners to complete surveys about their dogs to learn more or to enroll your dog visit https://dogagingprojectorg pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+home for the holidays: introducing your pets to new guests december 21 2021 the holiday season is a great time to invite new and old friends alike to join in the festivities but introducing these guests to your pets has the potential to be either an exciting playtime or stressful evening for them dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers some guidance on how to introduce pets to new guests in hopes of keeping the holidays enjoyable for everyone many dogs and cats may be distressed when there are changes to their environment teller said this can be especially apparent when there are guests in your home typically distressed pets will try to find a place to hide this may be another room under the bed or in a kennel pets that cant find a safe place to disappear may instead become reactivethey could hiss growl or even scratch or bite teller said another telltale sign some animals will exhibit under stress is a change in body posturetail tucked ears down dilated pupils or hunched over; some may even urinate on the floor while new people can be frightening for some animals not all pets will be hesitant around guests social animals may be very comfortable greeting each guest as they arrive whereas others may prefer to join the party once the initial excitement has dissipated and the energy level in the room has stabilized teller said ideally pets should be allowed to approach the guest when the pet feels comfortable doing so she said the guest should be calm move slowly and not bend over the pet similar to an introductory handshake owners can have their guests extend a closed hand or fist for the pet to sniff they can also try feeding the pet their favorite treat as a peace offering as new people arrive energetic dogs may have a tendency to jump on guests if this occurs guests should turn around and move away from the dog it is never too soon to start training a dog not to jump on people teller said if the dog knows the word sit this can be used as a substitute behavior but it will only work if the owner is consistent about reinforcing it dogs with a history of jumping should either be left in another room or kept on a leash as a preventative measure alongside new guests may also come new younger friends such as infants or toddlers owners should take particular precautions when younger friends come around their animals for the first time if your pet is not used to being around children especially young ones it may be best to save introductions for a time when they can be done slowly and in a calm environment teller said this can be for the pets benefit as much as it is for their human counterpart some animals may be spooked by kids who tend to run around and make quick unpredictable movements while others may want to join in the fun young children especially when excited may pull an animals ears or tail causing pain and potentially leading to injury teller said it is important that this type of play is supervised as pets also may accidently knock down the child or scratch them when playing if an owner has concerns that their pet may be anxious around guests they should have a conversation with their veterinarian about some short-term medications to manage their anxiety teller said the holidays are a great time for friends and family to come together keeping pets emotions in mind as their daily routines change is key to helping keep this season the most wonderful time of the year for owners guests and our furry friends pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+holiday travel with pets part 2: how to safely fly with your pets december 16 2021 whether it be for vacation getaways or seeing family and friends the holidays are a great opportunity to travel as people begin to pack their bags for this travel season owners who plan to take their pets along with them should also begin preparing their furry friends for the travel experience dr lori teller a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that owners wanting to take their pets with them by plane should first check with their airline before booking their flights the only animals that can fly in the cabin are those that fit in a carrier under the seat (for a fee) and service dogs (no fee) teller said all other pets (ie larger dogs) have to fly in cargo in airline-approved hard plastic crates with ventilation holes almost all airlines ban brachycephalic dogs (those with a short muzzle and flattened face) from flying especially in cargo she said some airlines ban other breeds as well (such as pit bulls) for domestic travel the united states department of agriculture requires that a puppy or kitten be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before traveling by air airlines also can institute a higher age minimum requirement after checking with your airline owners should check with their veterinarians to ensure that their pets are healthy enough for flying if your pet has a chronic disease such as diabetes or heart failure then it is definitely worth asking your veterinarian if problems may result with management of the medical condition that could be exacerbated by air travel teller said the changes in altitude can exacerbate cardiovascular or respiratory problems when flying with pets owners also should have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel as well as proof of rabies vaccination pets will be required to travel in an airline-approved carrier each airline may have their own requirements but generally animals should be in a hard plastic kennel with ventilation holes; some airlines will allow a blanket towel and/or toy in the crate but others may not it is very important that a pet owner makes sure their pet is acclimated to and calm while in the kennel teller said for several weeks leading up to travel owners can put their pets in the kennel with a favorite treat or feed them while they are in the carrier so that the pet associates being confined with good things however because pets are not allowed to have food and water in the carrier while flying it is recommended that they have a small meal a couple hours before flying and that water be removed at that time pet owners may also try driving around with their pet inside the kennel so that they get accustomed to movement while inside for animals that are flying sedation is generally not advised because it can potentially interfere with an animals ability to breathe normally during changes in altitude or to regulate its body temperature teller said ultimately the decision to give a sedative to a pet should be made between the pet owner and the veterinarian if the veterinarian thinks it is medically indicated once at the airport dogs should be walked as close to check-in time as possible taking the necessary precautions to ensure a pets physical and emotional health when traveling by airplane is one of the best ways owners can help turn a potentially hectic holiday travel season into an exciting adventure for their furry friends pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+holiday travel with pets part 1: secrets to a stress-free road trip december 9 2021 many families opt to bring their pets with them when they hit the road for the holidays whether it is a quick drive across town or a longer road trip traveling with pets has the potential to bring about its own level of chaos dr lori teller a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers some best practices for traveling in cars with pets and preparing for trips away from home before embarking on a long trip owners should make sure their pet is comfortable with riding in the car teller said the best way to ensure the safety of everyone in the vehicle is to properly secure pets in a carrier or pet car seat; loose animals can injure themselves and have the potential to distract the driver it is not recommended that a dog ride with its head out of the window because debris can easily get in their eyes causing damage teller said dogs riding with their head out the window have also been known to easily get excited and jump/fall out of the car teller also advises that owners avoid having their dogs ride in the back of truck beds unless they are confined to an anchored-down carrier for longer car rides owners should be mindful of their pets need for breaks similar to humans dogs and cats need to stretch their legs after a few hours of being in the car how frequently these breaks occur will mostly depend on the health status and normal activity levels of the petmore active dogs may need to get out more often and walk around in general it would be good to let the pet out every couple of hours to stretch have a drink of water and have the opportunity to go to the bathroom teller said cat owners also may look into purchasing travel litterboxes to cut down on bathroom breaks with longer car rides comes the potential of a pet experiencing motion sickness leaving them extremely uncomfortable during the journey there are prescription medications available to combat motion sickness so it worth speaking with your veterinarian to determine what will be best for your pet and receive instructions on how to administer the drug teller said during any form of travel bringing a copy of the pets medical records including proof of vaccination can be particularly important if a pet becomes ill while on the road and needs to see a veterinarian in the unfortunate event that an owner and their pet get separated while traveling it is a good idea for owners to have a picture of their pet readily available teller said this can be a helpful proof of ownership reconnecting with a lost pet also can be facilitated by ensuring pets are microchipped with up-to-date contact information and wear proper identification on their collar or tag so if something does happen the owner can be contacted finally it is good practice for owners to travel with all of their pets necessary supplies including medications or special diets as it may be hard to obtain anything beyond the basics while out-of-town as pet owners pack their bags this holiday season taking the extra steps to ensure their pets safety during their travels will help to keep everyones spirits merry and bright pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+dont fly blind when it comes to bird nutrition december 2 2021 picky eaters come in all shapes and sizes and our avian friends are no exception despite birds tendency to favor some foods over others creating a balanced diet is a crucial factor to pet bird ownership dr ashley navarrette a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers guidance on developing a healthy diet for pet birds like with any pet diet plays a crucial role in maintaining bird health and preventing disease navarrette said when it comes to bird feed owners typically are presented with two optionspellets and seeds while a majority of seed-based diets are supplemented to assure all needed nutrients are provided many birds will be selective in what they choose to eat from the feed this can often lead to nutrient deficiencies in pet birds on the other hands the benefit of a pelleted diet navarrette said is that it allows for multiple ingredients to be combined and formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of specific species of pet birds because pellets are homogenous pet birds consume the entire pellet which allows for a more balanced diet a pelleted diet also contains protein sources such as egg and legumes which will supply pet birds with the protein they need one might compare pet bird pellets to canine and feline kibble that provides total nutrition navarrette said i routinely recommend that pellets/formulated diets make up approximately 70-85% of the diet and the rest can be supplemented with fruits vegetables and legumes fruits and vegetables high in vitamin asuch as bell peppers carrots sweet potatoes squash mango and papayaare great options other tasty treats are asparagus cooked beans cucumber fig kale and zucchini birds should never be given avocado as it is highly toxic to them navarrette also suggests limiting greens that contain high water content and little nutritional value such as iceberg lettuce and celery when switching from a seed to pellet diet bird owners should consult with their avian veterinarians who can help troubleshoot any transitioning issues this change must be done slowly as it may take weeks if not months for birds to become accustomed to a new diet smaller species such as budgerigar may not initially recognize pellets as food this conversion may require owners getting creative to entice their pet bird to try out the new diet navarrette said a proper balanced diet is important to anyone living a healthy life including our avian friends owners should be mindful of what their pet birds are consuming and how they can better adapt such diets to the needs of their animals pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+turtle brumation: the benefits & dangers of the hibernation cycle november 18 2021 some animals like bears are known for their infamous hibernation periods but many people may not be aware that some reptiles including many turtles and tortoises experience a hibernation cycle as well this period of dormancy which occurs in reptiles during the colder months in known as brumation dr ashley navarrette a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers insight on best practices for caring for a turtle or tortoise going through brumation brumation is fueled by colder nighttime temperatures paired with decreasing daylight hours this process usually occurs around october/november and lasts until early spring but slightly variates based on ones distance from the equator while pets kept indoors may not experience brumation because of the lack of environmental change navarrette explained that brumation is a necessary process for reproductive and overall health brumation plays a huge role in the regulation of hormones both reproductive and other within the body she said it is found that if bromating turtle species are prevented from bromating they tend to be more prone to illnesses and a shortened life span although brumation is a natural process in wild species reptile owners can support the process with their pets; however because this process can be quite dangerous for turtles/tortoises it should only be initiated by an experienced caretaker or veterinarian it is important that an owner educate themselves on the species of turtle/tortoise they have and if they are a species that undergoes brumation navarrette said in preparation for brumation turtles/tortoises should spend the summer months gaining weight and preparing nutritionally especially with foods rich in vitamin a turtles/tortoises also should have pre- and post-brumation physical examinations with a veterinarian who is well versed in reptile medicine in preparation for brumation animals will stop eating bury themselves and may or may not intermittently wake to drink navarrette said it is generally accepted that turtles/tortoises will lose 6-7% of their body weight during brumation at a rate of 1% per month; however if greater body weight losses are appreciated this can be indicative of disease while turtles and tortoises may be less active during brumation these 10 to 14 weeks are not a time for owners to simply forget about their pet brumation involves routine soaking to prevent dehydration weigh-ins and closely monitored environments whether outdoors or indoors if a turtle/tortoise undergoes brumation outdoors it is at the mercy of the environment which can include temperature extremes and predators such as dogs foxes racoons and rodents severely cold temperatures also have the potential to result in the freezing of the turtle/tortoise if they are not adequately insulated or buried deep enough owners can help prevent this by providing an alternate indoor environment during periods of extreme weather for example during the hard freeze last february all of my outdoor brumation turtles were brought into a garage and additionally insulated so the enclosure temperature remained around 30 f navarrette said a sick or injured turtle/tortoise as well as any under the age of 4 should never undergo brumation these animals can be housed indoors with appropriate light hours (usually greater than 12 hours) and temperature in order to help prevent bromating brumation can be dangerous but is often necessary for the reproductive and overall health of both wild and captive turtles/tortoises navarrette said please consult with your exotic veterinarian prior to this process many exotic veterinarians will actually provide brumation services to their clients for a small fee with any pet an owner has a responsibility to educate themselves on nutrition and special care requirements such as brumation with the support of a trusted veterinarian and a bit of research on best practices pet owners can help their reptile friends safely rest during the winter pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+this little piggy had a healthy balanced diet: avoiding pig obesity november 11 2021 the age-old saying you are what you eat is not an exception for our swine friends even though pigs are primarily portrayed as round and plump this may not be the healthiest lifestyle for them dr evelyn mackay a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers some guidance on healthy pig weight how to maintain it and the consequences of not doing so according to mackay a healthy weight may look different in appearance depending on the breed of pig while many breeds such as the vietnamese pot-bellied pig characteristically possess a round belly all pigs should have a waistline when viewed from above many veterinarians turn to the body condition score (bcs) which allows the veterinarian to visually assess an animal based on their shape and the amount of fat they have and categorize them as ideal over- or underweight when evaluated on bcs scale of one through nine a healthy pig will be a bcs of four to six mackay said fat deposits are a tell-tale sign of surplus weight gain pigs with obesity have fat deposits around their eyes; the development of these deposits can lead to what is called fat blindness which occurs when the pigs upper lids/brows cover their eyes a pig should not have so much fat that it obscures the pigs vision causes its belly to drag on the ground or makes rolls on its face or neck mackay said healthy pigs are active vocal and engaged with their environment pigs that have gained an overabundance of weight become less active and more sedentary when overweight pigs are much more likely to struggle with lameness and unwillingness to rise this change in behavioral lifestyle can quickly lead to a string of unwanted health problems extra weight puts more strain on their joints and can cause them to be less active mackay said this then creates a vicious cycle of weight gain and decreased activity in addition pigs and especially pot-bellied pigs are naturally prone to arthritis as they age due to their conformation including small legs and large body size when it comes to a healthy diet the stereotype of pigs eating slop or garbage could not be more wrong pigs should be fed a balanced diet formulated to meet their specific nutrition requirements such as a commercial pelleted diet formulated for mini pigs starchy or sugary goods such as oatmeal or sweet fruits should be avoided or fed in very limited amounts for a low-calorie treat pet owners can try feeding their pigs watermelon celery leafy greens and carrots for guidance on pig nutrition and addressing the needs of overweight pigs mackay encourages pet owners to consult with their veterinarian weight loss should be gradual and not in excess of 05-1% of bodyweight per week she said integrating daily activity to a pigs routine can better help pet owners balance the scales this can come in the form of teaching pigs tricks; constructing puzzles with their food; giving them a small mud wallow or kiddie swimming pool to play in; or training them to walk on a harness preventing inappropriate weight gain is always easier than getting a pig with obesity pig to lose weight mackay said having regular wellness examinations with a veterinarian and discussing the appropriate amount to feed a pet pig from a young age will help prevent obesity and ensure that pet pigs can maintain a healthy weight and enjoy maximum quality of life knowing the needs of their animals and working hard to maintain them is important for pet owners through a balanced diet and regular activity owners can help their pigs live a long active and healthy life pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+finding the purr-fect pet halloween costume october 28 2021 with spooky season right around the corner many pet owners have begun their hunt for their furry friends perfect halloween costume but finding a costume that is both festive and safe can be a challenge dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers some guidance on what to look for to ensure that the holiday isnt so tricky for your pet while many pets are tolerant of costumes a costume has the potential to bring about unneeded stress and anxiety knowing your animals level of comfort with a costume is important for their well-being and safety some dogs and cats will just freeze and not be willing to move when put in a costume teller said others may whine paw or chew at various parts of the costume to try and get it off if your pet is noticeably uncomfortable in their costume it is best to leave the costume at home allowing them to enjoy the night for those that are costume-tolerant the primary concern in dressing your pet is whether the costume limits their pets ability to see hear breathe or move if any of these abilities are restricted in the slightest way the costume should be avoided costumes that interfere with a pets ability to move or see increases the animals risk of falling tripping or getting loose teller said owners should evaluate costumes for loose hanging pieces which can present fire hazards if the pet walks too close to halloween décor involving lit candles if an animal chews at the costume they also have the potential to choke and end up with a foreign body that could cause gastrointestinal obstruction teller said a pets ambient temperature should also be taken into account if it is warm outside and your pet is in a thick costume the animal may be at higher risk of heat stroke teller said this could be exacerbated if your pet gets excited and overheated when trick-or-treating pet owners may also be interested in using dyes or paints to diy a costume for their furry friend in general if these particular products are labeled as ‘pet-safe then your animal should be ok teller advised with that being said every animal is different so if your animal has sensitive skin it would be better to avoid these products when applying pet-safe dyes or paints avoid areas around and on the animals eyes ears nose or mouth if the pet chews or licks itself frequently this is a sign the dye may be irritating their skin so it would be worthwhile to wash the dyes/paint off as soon as possible teller said overall your pets comfort and safety should be the top considerations when planning halloween costumes if your pet is comfortable wearing clothing items then go for it teller said if your pet does not enjoy dressing up then go with a halloween-themed collar or bandana to celebrate the festivities instead having pets join in on festivities and traditions can make any holiday a memorable time so as you buy candy decorate the house and go trick-or-treating do not forget to take some time to be sure your pets also have a happy and safe holiday happy howl-oween! pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+preparing your cat for a visit to the veterinarian october 21 2021 as every cat owner knows taking your feline friend to visit the veterinarian can be a challenge but regular veterinary check-ups are one of the most important things you can do to keep your cat happy and healthy to help make this process less stressful for both you and your cat paula plummer a surgical oncology technician at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences veterinary medical teaching hospital offers some tips on preparing for a visit to the veterinarian one of the first questions pet owners have is how often should they take their cat to their veterinarian as kittens they will need checkups monthly as they go through their kitten vaccine series plummer said as your cat matures a visit may only be required yearly your veterinarian may change their recommendations depending on the needs of your cat so it is best to follow their advice whether you are taking a new kitten to its first appointment or checking on an older cats health it is helpful to create a list of questions ahead of time so nothing is forgotten during the appointment if youre seeking veterinary attention because you have adopted a new kitten you should ask about nutrition environmental enrichment vaccines flea/tick/heartworm/parasite prevention and general care information plummer said if you are seeking veterinary attention for a cats medical condition ask about that condition specifically; medications; treatment options; and any lifestyle changes that may occur if you are taking your pet to a new veterinarian for the first time it is important to provide the doctor with a complete record of your cats medical history past medical can either be brought with you or emailed to your veterinarian in advance these records can include but are not limited to current medications radiographs and other imaging lab work and test results for newly adopted kittens owners should bring along any paperwork they received from the adoption having a good understanding of the brands of food your cat eats along with how much will also help your veterinarian get acquainted with your animal for cats the hardest part of a visit to the veterinarian may not occur in the hospital at all but rather in the car ride there for cats with little experience riding in vehicles a long car ride has the potential to cause a great deal of stress to help ease car ride anxieties plummer recommends carrier training as early as kitten stage when choosing a cat carrier please be thoughtful of the veterinary team and their ability to safely remove your beloved feline family member from it when at the hospital plummer said the safest carrier for both your cat and the team is a hard sided carrier with a soft cozy bed in it to help your cat become familiar with the carrier plummer suggests leaving the carrier out in the house to allow your pet to get used to it because cats are sensitive to smell if there is still a hesitancy when approaching a carrier owners may try incorporating comforting scents to help provide a sense of familiarity this can include using old bedding or clothing covered in their owners scent inside the carrier or spraying a synthetic feline pheromone on and around the carrier above all else car owners should remember that a veterinarian who personally knows your animal will provide the best advice for dealing with travel-related anxieties veterinarians and their support staff work to understand each and every cats individual needs through interpreting their body language and facial reactions plummer said being able to assess a cats anxiety levels allows staff members to help ease the stress of veterinary check up and make the experience enjoyable for both the owner and their cat because of this it is always best if you seek veterinary advice for specific r4ecommendations on easing anxieties for you and your beloved feline family member she said learning to care for our feline friends starts with routine veterinary visits to ensure your cats individual health needs are being met by being mindful of a cats anxiety levels and comfort zones owners can help transform a potentially anxiety ridden check-up into a stress free adventure pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+weighing in on feline obesity october 14 2021 through grocery store tabloids and tv commercials inundating us with new fad diets it seems that we as humans are constantly focusing on our weight but what about when it comes to where our feline friends fall on the scales dr ashley navarrette a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers insight on how to manage your cats weight to determine a cats healthy weight veterinarians perform body condition scoring (bcs) as part of any physical examination when evaluating body condition on a cat veterinarians look and feel to determine the fat coverage on a patient and assign them a number on a scale –generally 1-9 – navarrette said an ideal body condition ranges from a bcs 4-6 with a score of 5 being ideal we start to get concerned when cats are a bcs 7 and above which is where we start to label a patient as overweight and progressing toward obese (8 and 9) thankfully most people can weigh their cats at home using the trick of weighing themselves first weighing themselves and the cat and then doing some simple math she said i recommend owners routinely check their cats weight at least once a month to catch any upward or downward trends early because patients typically only see their veterinarian one to two times a year navarrette says it is heavily (no pun intended) the responsibility of the owner to keep their pet at an appropriate weight owners should begin working with their veterinarians on a healthy eating plan as early as kitten stage as a healthy feline diet will vary depending on their age and health status their veterinarian can also help determine proper calorie requirements generally we recommend a higher protein diet that is appropriately balanced and contains all necessary nutrients for an apparently healthy adult feline she said we also recommend decreasing calorie intake by 25-30% after spaying or neutering some owners may believe that a couple of extra pounds isnt a big deal; however navarrette warns that that fat and happy does not exist while your pet may seem content being overweight their body systems are being affected by the excess fat tissue and even so much as a pound overweight can make a big difference to a cat she said cats that are overweight and obese tend to be less social and less active we also tend to see decreased grooming because they simply cannot reach due to their size being mindful of your pets weight also is important because obesity can quickly lead to a poor quality of life such as a lack of motor skills for our feline friends it can also lead to type ii diabetes mellitus orthopedic issues such as osteoarthritis and urinary issues such as an increased risk for feline lower urinary tract disease fortunately there are several things pet owners can do to help manage their cats weight including scheduling mealtimes in some cases your veterinarian may also suggest transitioning your cat to an over-the-counter or a prescription weight-loss diet; these foods are traditionally higher in protein and fiber than other cat foods however transitioning from one food to another can be a more difficult task than it sounds cats like what they like and hate what they hate navarrette said often cats become accustomed to a particular diet and you may have to trial various diets before your cat accepts one switching foods also should be done slowly over the course of seven to ten days to help prevent possible gastrointestinal issues if any issues arise during this process navarrette advises owners to contact a veterinarian to talk about their concerns finally when managing your cats weight integrating exercise into their everyday life through indoor cat trees interactive toys or cat perches can stimulate their metabolism as with any weight loss journey whether that be feline or other pets this is a marathon and not a sprint weight loss will take time; patience and consistency are key to this process navarrette said check-ups may need to be as frequent as every six to eight weeks to monitor progress and make necessary modifications pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+taking a raincheck on equine rain rot october 7 2021 while rain and drizzle can be good for crops and counting sheep at night wet weather is also suitable for two less desirable thingsfungi and bacteria the spread of either type of organism can leave horses susceptible to developing rotten skin conditions the most rotten and prevalent being rain rot as in the calm before the storm if rain rot symptoms are overlooked bacteria can penetrate the horses skin layer and contaminate it triggering additional more painful problems such as mud fever and even cellulitis fortunately dr leslie easterwood a clinical assistant professor in equine medicine at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says rain rot can be easily treated and prevented with the proper care rain rot is the common term for a crusting skin condition caused by the gram-positive bacterial organism dermatophilus congolensis easterwood explained this bacterial organism is a normal inhabitant of the skin but may invade the skin when the skins normal defenses are compromised under wet conditions especially in rainy weather the outermost layer of a horses skin can quickly break down resulting in cuts and abrasions combined with humid conditions the moisture accumulated by continuous rain and drizzle can foster mold and bacteria growth on a horses coat even though the bacteria causing rain rot is primarily dormant under the right (or in this case wet) conditions it can cause an inflammatory response that goes far beyond skin-deep a compromised immune system pre-existing conditions and chronic wet weather can predispose a horse to be affected by dermatophilus easterwood said rain rot is usually found on horses backs but can manifest in many other areas of their bodies including their rump face and legs rain rot is characterized by thick crusts that cause a ‘bumpy feel to the skin the hair will come off in clumps attached to the crusts leaving patches of hair loss easterwood said even though these symptoms sound grim this bacterial disease is easily treatable especially when caught early according to easterwood most mild-to-moderate cases can be resolved in two to three weeks mild cases can be resolved with topical medicated shampoos to kill the bacteria and help loosen the crusts she said severe cases will respond to systemic doses of antibiotics with penicillin being the antibiotic of choice under cold and wet conditions precautions are especially imperative for instance while blankets are of great warmth and comfort for your favorite equine companion a blanket can also create a hot cozy environment for d congolensis to germinate so owners should thoroughly clean and dry all of your horses bedding along with all grooming tools besides regular grooming and paying particular attention to blanketing easterwood explained that avoiding prolonged wetness of the skin and having a barn or protection from the weather can be additional help rain rot can be intimidating to deal with but with proper preventative measures and regular grooming owners can help their horses stay healthy and prancing come rain or shine pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+big animals require big plans: preparing herds and large animals for disasters september 23 2021 preparation is always key in any type of emergency response but this is especially true when taking care of large animals in a disaster situation unlike household pets which can usually be relatively quickly and easily transported moving large animals can take time which is usually in short supply during a disaster according to dr wesley bissett director of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary emergency team there are several things to prepare and practice when it comes to show animals and horses a simple one is just making sure your animal is trained to load into a trailer bissett said time is going to be the major factor in getting you and your animals to safety and you dont want the first time youre loading an animal to be in that situation another tip from bissett is to create a go kit inside waterproof containers that includes three to five days worth of food and water and at least two weeks worth of medications as well as first aid supplies cleaning supplies and extra lead ropes halters and blankets resources could be scarce immediately following a disaster so making sure you have at least several days worth of supplies ready to go can make a huge difference he said its also important to have copies of your animals medical records (and coggins papers for horses) and a way to identify the animal such as having them freeze-branded or microchipped in case youre separated if you have to temporarily house your animal in an emergency shelter having those medical records and identification methods will make the process significantly smoother bissett said for livestock herds preparation is even more important because of the number of animals that can be involved a big key for preparing a livestock herd is just being aware of what parts of the property will usually flood first bissett said where are the low-lying areas what parts of the property get cut off from others every disaster is different but this will at least help you determine potential evacuation routes and where to place food and equipment so that you arent trying to make those decisions in the moment evacuating a herd and positioning food and equipment will take a significant amount of time so bissett recommends having a formal written evacuation timeline and sticking to it if it looks like a disaster could be approaching one of our natural tendencies in disaster situations is to wait as long as we can in the hope that we dont have to do anything he said but when youre talking about a large number of large animals food and equipment if you wait too long it could be too late you need to have an idea of how long the process is going to take a disaster situation for a large animal herd could mean more than just natural disasters though and bissett said the vet can help ranchers make continuity of operations plans having a good biosecurity plan in case of an infectious disease outbreak can make a huge difference in how impacted your operation is he said a good biosecurity plan can not only help minimize infections to the herd but even allow you to continue operations during an outbreak finally for all kinds of disasters and whether you have one show animal of several thousand head bissett said to be familiar with the local emergency management offices and plans getting to know your local animal control offices veterinarians and emergency veterinarians county agrilife agents and other people in your local emergency management will help not only prepare you for disaster but could also allow you to help others he said in times of disaster people will come together and help but you need a plan on how youre going to communicate and coordinate resources or you could create even more problems pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+take action now to prepare pets for evacuation september 16 2021 when a disaster strikes theres often not much time to prepare yourself let alone your pets to evacuate to a safe location and the stress of the situation only compounds the likelihood of forgetting something important thats why the best way to deal with a disaster is to plan ahead as much as possible in recognition of national disaster preparedness month this september dr deb zoran a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences and member of the texas a&m veterinary emergency team shares a couple easy steps that can save pet owners a number of potential headaches during an evacuation the first is to create a pet disaster preparedness kit with three to seven days worth of food and water two weeks worth of any medicines your pet needs first aid supplies and a copy of your pets medical records showing theyre up to date on vaccinations or any medical issues they have this kit should also include a carrier or collapsible kennel (for cats the carrier should be large enough to have a sleeping area and litter tray); a few comfort items such as favorite toys or a blanket for destressing your pet; and cleaning supplies such as waste bags and sanitizing wipes the medical records are important because they may be required at an emergency shelter zoran said its also a great idea each year before storm season to be sure your pet is up to date on appropriate vaccines especially bordetella (also known as kennel cough) for dogs and respiratory virus vaccines (fvrcp) for cats respiratory infections are common in highly stressed animals and especially in unvaccinated pets admitted to an emergency shelter as importantly owners should to have a way for their pet to be identified in case of separation there are a number of identification methods including collars tattoos or other permanent markings and microchips zoran said collars are less expensive but can be lost easier and are sometimes inappropriate in cats that go outdoors once a microchip is implanted it is a permanent way to identify the animal but even if you have your pet microchipped or your pet is wearing a collar it is also a great plan to have a photo of you and your animal on your phone that can be used to verify ownership she said lastly zoran emphasized that owners should absolutely never leave a restrained pet alone whether in a vehicle crate tied or chained up or in any other kind of containment if it is unsafe for you to stay there its also unsafe for your pets to stay because disasters are sometimes unexpected zoran also reiterated the importance of having a pet evacuation plan written out ahead of time and even practicing it with your family and animals in an emergency situation it becomes really hard to remember details she said following pre-written steps or checklists not only saves time but can help you remember little things you might forget and practicing your plan when its not an emergency situation can also help you solve problems you might not have thought about no matter the type of disaster being as prepared as possible is always key to keeping your entire family including your pets safe pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+how to protect your pets from heartworms september 9 2021 heartworms is a term many pet owners hear but few really understand when left untreated these infections transmitted through mosquito bites can slowly spread to the heart or lungs damaging vital organs and eventually leading to death fortunately preventative medications can allow owners to fight back dr ashley saunders a veterinary cardiologist and professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences gets to the heart of the matter regarding heartworms from a parasites point of view the heart is both an easy and devastating target since the heart collects blood from all over the body and has no protective barrier it is easy to reach and invade because of this if you live in an area with mosquitoes your pets are at risk for heartworm disease saunders cautioned these blood-sucking skeeters can live in almost any environment and are especially common near standing pools of water where they lay their eggs saunders recommends keeping pets inside as much as possible during the summer and other months when mosquitoes are active so that they are less likely to contract the disease the most common signs of heartworm disease include cough; increased breathing effort especially with exercise or activity; lethargy; weakness; and in the most severe cases heart failure and sudden death the worms trigger an immune response by the body causing damage to the lungs and also injuring the heart and kidneys saunders said once a mosquito bites and transmits heartworms to your pet it is the preventative medication that you give them that keeps the worms from continuing to grow and causes disease because of this giving your pets heartworm prevention routinely is the key to preventing heartworms while heartworm medicine can be a hard pill to swallow for many pets saunders says several alternatives to pills for preventing heartworms heartworm preventatives come in all forms that can be given orally as a tablet or beef chew topically on the skin or as an injection there are also options for pets with food allergies or when it is difficult to give oral medications saunders said most preventatives also include medications against various other parasites like hookworms roundworms fleas ticks and others consult your veterinarian to identify the best preventative for your pet heartworms can be an unpleasant and challenging disease to treat should your pet receive that diagnosis treatment involves a series of injections to kill adult worms living in the heart and blood vessels after treatment rest is crucial because as the adult worms decompose which begins within a few days the debris lodges in small blood vessels in the lungs absorbed back into the body heartworm fragments cause most complications following a heartworm treatment so it is essential to keep pets quiet and reduce their activity for a month following the final heartworm treatment saunders said ultimately if you suspect heartworms in your four-legged companion it is crucial not to lose heart the recovery rate with treatment depends on how bad the disease is at the time it is treated and which treatment protocol is used saunders explained dogs can recover following treatment but those with severe damage may have long-term clinical signs or develop them at a later date staying current with preventative medications keeping your pets inside during mosquito season and routinely consulting with your veterinarian are all critical factors in safeguarding your pets heart pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+what you need to know about protecting dogs from parvo september 2 2021 pet owners know that their beloved furry companions are susceptible to various health problems ranging from heart murmurs to parasites to contagious diseases but for dogs and puppies in particular there is one diagnosis that is the last thing any pet parent wants to hearthat of parvovirus according to dr michael hung a second-year internal medicine resident at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences canine parvovirus also known as parvo is one of the most fatal viruses a dog can contract parvovirus is the worlds most common canine infectious disease hung explained this is a viral infection that is well-known for its contagiousness and severe damage to the intestines particularly among puppies it causes serious diarrhea at its best and life-threatening shock at its worst because it is highly contagious canine parvovirus can quickly jump from dog to dog the virus typically enters through a dogs nose or mouth and is shed through saliva or diarrhea the parvovirus is not airborne but nearly all surfaces can carry it including human skin after an individual has been exposed to the disease an infestation can occur on the ground on surfaces in kennels on their hands and on their clothing a dog can also carry contaminated fecal material on its fur or paws because of this if an owner comes into contact with a dog suspected to have parvo they should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water to further prevent the spread disinfectants are necessary for cleaning toys clothes and cages the virus can be found anywhere worldwide and year-round but this infection seems to be more common in the summer months and warm/humid environments hung said the virus can persist in most environments but dogs are more at risk in heavily trafficked locations like dog parks and boarding facilities unfortunately puppies between 6 weeks and 6 months have a high susceptibility to illnesses because their immune systems have not yet fully developed however parvovirus is also very preventable with proper vaccinations while there is little debate on why the parvo vaccine is a core vaccination for puppies and dogs there are some concerns on whether feed-store vaccines are reliable and effective vaccines require appropriate administration storage and verification of good health of the patient for which it is intended hung said veterinary personnel are specifically trained to ensure that the appropriate requirements are met and can give dependable proof of vaccination furthermore if something happened to go wrong with the vaccination (ie vaccine failure or vaccine reaction) veterinary personnel can also make sure that your pet gets the attention or help it needs he said although the highly effective parvovirus vaccine has reduced the risk of this disease it is still widely prevalent so owners should watch out for the common signs of parvo these include vomiting lethargy inappetence abdominal pain fever and bloody diarrhea parvovirus infection absolutely requires veterinary attention and support if your dog is diagnosed with parvovirus it should be kept separate from other dogs until it has been treated and has recovered hung said owners with parvovirus-infected dogs should also be wary of their property and clothing so they do not spread the virus unknowingly to other owners and their dogs parvo is a severe and highly contagious disease nevertheless understanding how it spreads the symptoms the treatment options and the best ways to prevent it will help you keep your four-pawed friends safe pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+unearthing the truth about scorpions: how to prevent stings august 26 2021 our curious cats and daredevil dogs are always eager to investigate anything moving across the carpet or in the grass if that object of your pets curiosity is a scorpion your pet may find itself in a situation worse than just getting painfully stungyour animal can be in a potentially dangerous situation dr dalton hindmarsh a veterinary resident at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvmbs) explains what our pets may encounter when it comes to scorpions and how to treat as well as prevent their painful stings texas is home to more than 18 species of these eight-legged critters which can be recognized by their distinctive curved tail that curls up and over its back to avoid being stung by scorpions it is helpful to understand their habits as well as their natural habitats; they are naturally attracted to humid conditions and are particularly active during the rainy season scorpions are nocturnal and come out at night during hot dry weather scorpions may seek water or shelter indoors hindmarsh said their bodies are flat which allows them to hide in small cracks under rocks wood piles or other debris because of this pet owners often do not see scorpions lurking around and may only learn of their pets proximity to one after hearing a yelp the best way to minimize the risk of scorpion encounters is to keep debris away from the house sealing cracks/crevices and treating with pesticides hindmarsh said and for the pooches or kitties that cannot resist a good dig hindmarsh advises keeping a watchful eye on what they could unearth although most scorpion stings are not lethal they do have a common factorthey are painful to respond appropriately to scorpion stings it is crucial to recognize the symptoms which almost always include lameness or limping scorpion stings cause a painful numbness to tingling sensation which usually resolves in a few hours hindmarsh said some dogs may also develop a slight self-resolving cough it is also possible for an allergic reaction to develop which could range from mild localized swelling hives and itching to life threatening vomiting diarrhea respiratory distress and/or collapse he said there is a wide range of severity when it comes to scorpion stings so it is imperative to stay sharp on scorpion prevention and take quick action when necessary veterinary care should be sought immediately if pet owners see any of these signs or suspect their pet has been stung by a scorpion it is imperative that scorpion stings be treated urgently hindmarsh said even though the majority are not fatal owners should monitor for signs of an allergic reaction and seek further veterinary care if an allergic reaction develops or their pet has progressive pain (ie continued limping) hindmarsh advised i would not recommend giving any over-the-counter medications without first consulting a veterinarian scorpion stings can be scary but by taking the right precautions and veterinary actions pet owners are much more capable of taking the bite out of the scorpion and returning the bark back to their furry friends pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+west nile virus doesnt pose a huge threat but animal owners should remain cautious august 19 2021 this summer mosquitos sampled as part of routine surveillance in texas have tested positive for west nile virus a disease commonly associated with humans but that can also affect birds bats horses cats dogs and rabbits although the summer months are waning because mosquitos remain active during warm months people and pets are not out of the woods for wnv even during the fall dr sarah hamer an epidemiologist and associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences and director of the texas a&m schubot center for avian health said that mosquito bites are the most common source of wnv transmission and a mosquito typically contracts and spreads the virus after feeding on an infected bird before spreading it to people and other animals wnv is the most common mosquito-transmitted disease in the us it historically occurred in africa and the middle east and has since spread across europe and the us explained hamer who is an expert in many zoonotic diseases including wnv the virus infects many animals in nature predominantly birds many wild birds are natural reservoirs and amplify the virus to a high level in their blood so that they then infect mosquitoes that feed on them as a zoonotic disease wnv can affect animals for a long time before it spreads to humans most infected animals are asymptomatic and modern medicine has yet to find a treatment for the virus or a vaccine for most animals viral infection such as wnv can lead to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord) in animal companions and pet owners alike in some cases febrile illness (fever) may be noticeable among the symptoms and the range of signs that may manifest in animals includes weakness trembling head tremors inability to fly or walk and inattention dogs and cats can become infected but are unlikely to show signs of disease and infected dogs and cats are unlikely to infect mosquitoes other animals or people hamer said fortunately wnv is not a major concern for companion animal health for horses however wnv does pose a much more virulent and lethal threat according to the american association of equine practitioners horses represent 969% of all reported non-human mammalian cases of wnv disease equine wnv complications range from debilitating to lethal according to the aaep horses showing clinical signs of wnv infection have an approximate 33% mortality rate and research indicates that 40% of horses that survive the acute illness caused by wnv still exhibit residual effects such as gait and behavioral abnormalities six months post-diagnosis fortunately an equine vaccine is available and hamer recommends that owners vaccinate their hoofed friends each spring before the insect season begins additionally preventing mosquito bites from occurring is crucial in preventing diseases like wnv owners can help prevent mosquito bites by following mosquito control efforts around the neighborhood this includes getting rid of standing water around the home and yard so mosquitoes will not lay their eggs in it hamer advised even though there is no cure for wnv the risks to your pets are low most infected animals will not show signs of disease but those that do can be treated with supportive care hamer said as with most mosquito-borne diseases prevention is key with the right vaccinations and veterinarians owners have the power to transform this mosquito season into just another nuisance pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+getting to the heart of the matter: canine cardiac murmurs august 5 2021 dog owners do not need to be veterinarians to know that a healthy heart is as important for our furry friends as it is for humans yet there can be a lot of confusion surrounding cardiac issues in animals especially when it comes to heart murmurs dr sonya wesselowski an assistant professor of cardiology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers insight on murmurs given her expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in animals wesselowski describes a heart murmur as an extra whooshing sound heard during a heartbeat that is typically caused by turbulent or rapid blood flow inside the heart some murmurs are considered to be harmless or physiologic while other murmurs are considered pathologic or disease-related in dogs common reasons for a disease-related heart murmur include leaky or narrowed heart valves not all heart murmurs are dangerous though some soft heart murmurs can be normal in young puppies under 4-6 months of age wesselowski said the majority of heart murmurs however do indicate that some sort of heart abnormality is present this might be a congenital abnormality that a dog was born with or an ‘acquired heart disease that developed later in life with these diseases ranging from mild to severe she said luckily if your pup is found to have a heart murmur there are likely some good treatment options to keep their heart healthy and pumping for as long as possible step one however is confirming a diagnosis if your veterinarian identifies a heart murmur in your dog additional testing should be pursued to determine the type and severity of any underlying heart problems wesselowski said the heart murmur itself should be thought of as a red flag that possible heart disease is present but it cant speak to the severity of any underlying heart problems so additional testing is needed to sort out the next best steps some types of heart disease can remain mild for the life of a pet without ever requiring treatment while others may result in symptoms of heart disease that require cardiac medications lifestyle changes and/or diet modifications to combat she said additional testing can help sort out which of these scenarios may be the case for your dog the heart is one of the hardest-working organs in the body depending on the results of diagnostic tests your veterinarian will discuss the prognosis and treatment options available for your dog in all cases in which heart disease is identified it will also be necessary to monitor the condition on a regular basis and to perform periodic diagnostic testing to guide future care it is important for owners to not lose heart when it comes to cardiac disease in dogs with the right treatments monitoring and veterinary team working together owners can keep their beloved dogs active and happy even in the face of heart disease pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+a little support can go a long way: mobility care and rehabilitation july 23 2021 aspen uses the water treadmill in the texas a&m small animal teaching hospitals sports medicine & rehabilitation service veterinarians are making strides in learning more and more about mans best friend thanks to recent discoveries in the field of canine health but a lot of questions still exist when it comes to mobility issues in our four-pawed friends a dogs mobility may be compromised because of age injury or birth defect and animals suffering from these conditions may experience serious pain as such pet owners should know how to recognize when their canine companion is lacking a certain spring in their step dr daniel eckman a staff veterinarian in rehabilitation at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary medical teaching hospital weighed in on the problems that can come from mobility issues in dogs many of the common signs include reduced walking distances persistent lameness not being able to perform a sport that they previously could and being painful when touched eckman said rehabilitation can be necessary at any point mobility issues can be breed-specificsome larger breeds including labradors golden retrievers and german shepherds tend to have joint problems while dachshunds tend to be more susceptible to back complications one of the most powerful tools owners can use in identifying these kinds of issues is observation eckman said when dog owners notice some of the key symptoms associated with mobility issues the exact location and cause of the pain can be identified by consulting your veterinarian to determine if there are any infections or imbalances that could be contributing to the immobility your veterinarian may order radiographs or clinical blood tests such as a complete blood count urinalysis and a biochemistry profile another way to support pets during this process is working with a certified animal rehabilitation practitioner to develop rehabilitation plans and/or home exercises according to eckman physical exercises can be used to increase the range of motion of joints he said they also can increase strength and limb awareness other techniques like joint mobilizations may increase the range of motion and decrease the pain of joints massage can reduce muscle fatigue and restrictions therapeutic ultrasound laser therapy and extracorporeal shockwave also can reduce pain and treat various conditions there are many exercises that can be done at home that offer a great workout for pets who need to be active while not adding insult to injury low-impact exercises may be walking on softer surfaces such as grass or dirt; you could also incorporate sand try to avoid concrete or asphalt when possible eckman said animal rehabilitation facilities may use a water treadmill to allow lower impact but increase resistance as your dog ages joint and cartilage problems can be difficult to treat; however owners can work to ease or even delay the onset of these mobility diseases through diet in addition supplements such as glucosamine chondroitin and green lipped musselwhich have been proven to reduce inflammation and pain improve function and slow progression of joint damage and arthritis in both humans and animalsand diets that are protein rich and include omega-3 fatty acids such as those derived from fish can also support increased mobility good quality nutrition keeping pets lean and avoiding high-impact and or dangerous sports are some of the best preventions for arthritis and mobility issues eckman said finding and treating underlying conditions as soon as a problem is noted is also important as is working with a veterinarian on best treatments and practices for their individual pet although a dogs mobility naturally declines as they age their quality of life doesnt have to managing your dogs weight and incorporating a flexible low-impact exercise routine into a comprehensive support program can allow our furry friends to enjoy their golden years pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+being the voice for the voiceless: rehabilitating abused animals july 15 2021 rescued animals often come from difficult backgrounds of abuse neglect or both and as a result sometimes exhibit erratic behaviors in their new homes these behaviors can come as a surprise to pet owners and can leave the animals adopted family feeling ill-equipped and unprepared dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that when trying to rehabilitate an animal that has been abused finding the right regimen can feel like a game of blind go-fetch many pets are adopted with no information about their past history teller said some of these pets may not have been physically abused but may have been inappropriately socialized as puppies or kittens others may have suffered from neglect isolation or physical abuse in many cases an animals behavioral problems can lead to excessive punishment in their new homes which leads to a worsening of those behaviors and can create a vicious cycle some of these inappropriate behaviors may include inappropriate elimination (having accidents in the house or not using the litter box); inappropriate vocalizing (howling crying or non-stop barking); destruction of property; attacking or biting people whether known or unknown to the pet; hiding when others are around; or shaking and trembling when approached by people teller said canine ptsd has yet to become an official term; however research from tufts universitys cummings behavior clinic shows that dogs and humans have similar chemical and behavioral responses to trauma researchers have also found that dogs abandoned after the 2011 japanese earthquake had higher levels of cortisol a stress hormone than abandoned dogs that had not lived through a similar kind of trauma no one can correct past abuse so we need to focus on ways to alleviate the animals anxiety or fear and find ways to help the pet enjoy life teller said the long-term effects of abuse are not as well studied in animals nor is there a way to know if an animal is suffering from traumatic brain injury it can take a long time for a pet to recover from the effects of abuse so patience and persistence are key while animals that have been previously abused may be more of a challenge to care for because of problematic behaviors and increased anxiety there are steps pet owners can take to ensure a happier and healthier pet the most important thing that an owner can do is consult with their veterinarian about how to best help the new pet the veterinarian can help customize an appropriate plan to manage the pets return to a happier quality of life teller explained one thing to consider is to take it slow while the animal gets used to people (and other pets) in the household this may mean sitting in the same room without talking to or approaching the pet although you could toss out some treats at strategic times she said other things include providing proper nutrition and fresh water on a regular schedule; communicating in a confidently quiet voice; providing a safe place to relax; taking the dog on brief outings such as a ride in the car or for a short walk in a quiet area; and providing environmental enrichment without overwhelming the pet in addition pharmacology-based treatments for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders for pets have become increasingly popular supplements or medications may be warranted to help alleviate anxiety or fear and to make it easier for the pet to learn new behaviors and build confidence teller said a veterinarian can determine which supplements or medications would be best for each individual case it will be important for a management plan to be in place in addition to administering supplements or medications although it is impossible to rewrite a pets past owners can improve the narrative of their four-legged friends by being understanding consistent and compassionate with the right steps it is very possible to create a much happier and brighter future for our pets pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+the warning signs of rabies in cattle july 8 2021 rabies is usually associated with dogs or bats but it also can develop insidiously in a variety of mammals rabies in livestock such as cattle may be rare but its ability to spread through the herd still poses a serious risk recently rabies in cattle has been increasing in texas; cases this year have already exceeded cases in 2020 during which twice as many cases were reported than in 2019 as a result state authorities are recommending cattle owners take extra precautions when handling animals that appear ill pam douglas the infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences shares her insights on the rabies virus and its potential impact on cattle rabies can occur in all warm-blooded animals and is almost always fatal douglas said rabies is caused by a virus that affects the nervous system and is transmitted by the saliva of an infected animal usually via a bite or by saliva coming in contact with mucous membranes (eyes nose or mouth) or an opening in the skin rabies is uncommon in cattle but there can be some instances when cases in nearby wildlife increase because there are more opportunities for exposure infected animals exhibit a few common behavioral patterns owners can watch out for in their herds anorexia itching impaired coordination lameness hypersalivation the appearance of choking and bellowing are some of the signs of rabies in cattle douglas said affected animals may also exhibit aggressive behavior muscle spasms convulsions and anxiety considering the serious nature of this disease and the difficulty of treating it prevention should be the key focus for owners rabies vaccinations are strongly recommended for any animal or human at risk of contracting the disease as rabies exposure transgresses to humans as well almost always causing death once people begin showing symptoms if owners are exposed to the saliva of an infected animal douglas suggests washing the contaminated area with soap and water as soon as possible especially if the saliva came in contact with an open wound and consult with your healthcare provider people tend to be exposed because they try to assist an animal that appears to be choking because it cannot swallow douglas said if saliva contacts your mucous membranes flush with clean water and consult your healthcare provider the consequences of rabies can be grim; however the good news is that the disease is easily prevented with yearly vaccines if rabies is suspected in your livestock working with your local veterinarian and state health authorities is imperative in containing the outbreak from further spreading with the right precautions owners can reduce rabies and create a healthier reality for our animals pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+fireworks picnics heat stroke–oh my!: keep pets safe on fourth of july july 1 2021 independence day is a lively outdoor holiday that offers many opportunities to include your furry friend although these summer festivities can be enjoyable for both pet and person owners should be wary of possible hazards associated with the celebration kate kimble a fourth-year veterinary student at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences advises owners on how they can keep their pets safe this fourth of july when attending a social event with your dog make sure to keep them leashed and up to date on all their vaccines so they can interact safely with other people and pets kimble said pet owners also may want to consider providing guidelines to their friends and other partygoers on how they should interact with a pet for example an owner might ask that others refrain from slipping their pooch table scraps during holidays we often have an abundance of decadent foods that we as people look forward to and love kimble said avoid feeding your pets scraps or bites of human foods as they can often lead to an upset stomach vomiting and diarrhea in severe cases a gastrointestinal disorder may develop obstructions may also occurespecially if your pet gets their paws on a bone or corn on the cob in addition alcohol should never be given to pets because it can be fatal your pet can also become ill from chowing down on non-food party items like decorations or sparkly streamers and develop a serious medical condition such as a blockage kimble advised owners who suspect that their pet has ingested a toxic substance should contact the animal poison control center at (888) 426-4435 or their veterinarian pet owners should also keep an eye out for their pets temperature especially in a texas summer preventing overheating is paramount owners should be aware of the dangers of heat stroke during fourth of july gatherings make sure to keep your pet cool with plenty of access to water shade and place to retreat from the hot summer air kimble said fireworks are a highlight of the holiday for many people but our pets may not enjoy the loud explosions and flashing kimble warns that pet owners should be cautious of allowing their pets outdoors during fireworks shows as the loud noises and lights might spook an animal and cause them to flee their yard if they feel unsafe some of our furry companions are not the biggest fans she said to ensure the safety of pets during a fireworks display keep them inside or away from the fireworks in an area in which they are shielded from the loud noises bright lights and sparks if pet owners are concerned about how their furry friend handles disruptive events they should reach out to their veterinarian to best determine how to keep their pet calm and happy kimble advises that there are tools to help your pet better manage stress including veterinarian-prescribed medications and calming treats or chew toys another option to help pets through scary times such as a fireworks display is to dress them in a compressive vest or shirt that applies constant pressure which mimics swaddling and promotes a calming sense in the animal she said outdoor games and gatherings hosted on independence day can provide wonderful enrichment for your pet although pet owners should remain vigilant and keep an eye out for any dangers this holiday brings it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our nation and freedoms with friends family and pets pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+bad to the bone: fibrous osteodystrophy in large animals june 25 2021 horses camels llamas and alpacas have more of a bone to pick with metabolic bone diseasesdiseases associated with dietary deficienciesthan many owners realize fibrous osteodystrophy in particular can have serious consequences if not caught and treated early dr evelyn mackay a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvmbs) explains the details of this bone disease and how owners can keep their animals safe fibrous osteodystrophy in large animals is usually caused by an improper diet that creates nutritional deficiencies in calcium and vitamin d often accompanied by an excess of phosphorus these nutritional deficiencies cause the affected animals body to reabsorb calcium from bones which leads the bones to be replaced by fibrous connective tissue or bundles of collagen fibers found in tendons and ligaments fibrous osteodystrophy can also be caused by tumors of the parathyroid gland and chronic kidney disease this weakening of the bones causes swelling of the upper and lower jaw dental problems lameness difficulty standing and if severe enough fractures of bones symptoms vary from animal to animal but most affected animals also display a decreased appetite and lethargy due to discomfort to diagnose this condition we start with x-rays which confirm that the bone is less dense than it should be we also perform bloodwork to look at calcium and phosphorus concentrations in the blood kidney function and hormone concentrations mackay said a far sneakier and invasive contributor to the bone ailment in camelid species like alpacas llamas and camels is parasites texas has serious issues with parasites mackay said gastrointestinal parasites probably contribute to animals inability to absorb nutrients appropriately especially vitamin d while the condition is unfortunately irreversible treatment can help stop the worsening of swelling and improve the animals comfort level and quality of life the most important treatment for this condition is to ensure that the animal is on a balanced and appropriate diet supplementation of vitamin d may be helpful in some cases and additional medications exist for the treatment of horses with this disease mackay said although affected animals are calcium deficient usually part of the problem is they have excessive phosphorus in their diet which exacerbates the calcium issues owners should have a good relationship with their veterinarian discuss what is the most appropriate diet for their animal and make sure to choose feeds that are formulated for that species or something as close to that species as possible she said if your large animal is diagnosed with fibrous osteodystrophy taking appropriate timely action to prevent the further exacerbation of the diseases symptoms is the best way to help your animal recover and live a healthier happier and pain-free life pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+some angels have fur: coping with the loss of a pet june 17 2021 we all know that death is an inevitable part of life and pet ownership; however the grief that comes with the loss of a loved one including pets is never easy although some pet owners may feel uncomfortable mourning an animal michael hawkins a licensed professional counselor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary medical teaching hospital said that grieving is a natural response to the heartbreak associated with this kind of loss grief does not ask if the loss was a person or an animal hawkins said a bond with an animal is no less impactful than a bond with a person sadness and grief are our ways to feel the weight of the loss regardless of with whom the attachment was its never wrong to feel sadness over a significant loss there are many coping strategies owners can use to make the grieving process less difficult such as practicing self-care and seeking support from others mourning owners need to make sure that they are taking care of themselves hawkins said eating sleeping and exercise are vital to the healing process when needed seek out the help of a grief counselor or a support group writing down feelings and staying connected with friends and loved ones is also very important mourning pet owners may also benefit from studying the grief process and the stages most people experience when dealing with lossdenial anger bargaining depression and acceptance by understanding the stages of grief and loss a person can recognize that what they are feeling is a normal part of grieving he said its important to be kind and patient with oneself and treat oneself as you would a loved one similarly if a friend or family member is grieving the loss of a pet there are many ways to show support and provide comfort during their difficult time when someone is grieving many times it is better to listen than to talk hawkins said empathetic listening without judgment can be healing for a person who is grieving also grieving with them and just being physically present with them can be very healing even though a pet has passed away it is still very much alive in its owners memory going through the right healing process will not only help pet owners with the pain of losing their beloved furry feathery or scaly friend but it will also set the stage for navigating loss with grace empathy and resilience for the entire family the loss of a beloved pet can be tragic but we can never completely lose what we have once loved and cherished regardless of the limited time we get to share with our two- or four-legged family members the love we have for them lasts a lifetime pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+taking the right steps: what to know about hoof care june 11 2021 in the equine world the saying no hoof no horse is well-worn for a reason a correct foot care regimen may be the key to keeping a horse happy and trotting and having a good working relationship with a farrier is essential to solving and preventing common hoof problems jason maki a farrier at texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stresses that routine hoof care is the best way to ensure a horses long-term foot health the hoof is constantly growing if the amount of growth is too great hooves may chip crack and break maki said also excessive length increases the strain on the tendons ligaments and bones of the hoof and leg a regular schedule of trimming and shoeing helps minimize these risks horsing around with their podiatric needs can lead to a variety of health concerns according to maki untrimmed or long hooves are prone to myriad issues he said simple capsular issues such as flaring of the hoof capsule crushing of excessive heel length cracks and chips are common separations within the hoof create a pathway that allows ingress for bacteria and fungus these infections are commonly called white line disease (wld) maki said wld is an erosion of the inner hoof wall by opportunistic fungi overgrown hooves can also collapse on themselves and create bruising and abscesses being proactive about your horses hoof care includes both an equine veterinarian and reining in the right farrier services finding the perfect fit for your horse can be tricky considering that farriery is a loosely regulated industry the educational levels of farriers are incredibly diverse maki said finding a farrier who meets your and your horses needs is a personal journey and different horses and owners will have different requirements deciding what is important for you and your horse then seeking someone who meets those needs would be a good course of action maki recommends choosing a farrier registered with the american farriers association which offers voluntary certifications with a more comprehensive understanding of the field from horse anatomy to practical shoe fitting to trimming hooves taking the right steps in equine care requires a consistent regimen of hoof care with the right team of farriers and veterinary specialists by taking a load off of their horses feet owners are leading their equine companions down a much happier healthier and prosperous path pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+pet diarrhea: when to run to the vet june 3 2021 diarrhea is a natural part of lifeall pets (and pet owners) have had it at some point while diarrhea can be smelly messy and potentially embarrassing dr michael hung a small animal internal medicine resident at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers the run down on what causes it and when a pet owner should be worried diarrhea is defined as loose watery and more frequent bowel movements and simply indicates that something is irritating the gi tract according to hung it occurs when something either impairs the intestines ability to absorb water or causes the intestine to secrete more water he said this can be from a problem originating within the intestinessuch as parasites inflammatory bowel disease a sudden change in diet or even stress when diarrhea is caused by something obvioussuch as a pet getting into the garbage or eating too many table scraps intestinal worms or stress from a recent moveand the episode passes quickly it can be considered normal and self-resolving however diarrhea can also reflect a more serious issue elsewhere in the body hung warns more sinister causes may include infectious diseases the ingestion of poisonous substances and a variety of illnesses such as kidney disease or even cancer while there are serious causes for diarrhea the majority of diarrhea cases are uncomplicated and do not require hospitalization hung said if a pet has a sudden bout of diarrhea there are some at-home measures that pet owners can take to help their loved ones hung says that pet owners can make sure that plenty of water is available to their pets although they should never force feed the water a bland and low-fat diet can also be offered for a short period of time examples include shredded non-seasoned fully cooked chicken breast or cottage cheese mixed with cooked plain white rice since this diet is not balanced however it should not be offered for more than a couple of days pet owners also can try to prevent diarrhea by making sure their pets are on appropriate thoroughly cooked and balanced diets treats (including human food) should be kept to a minimum hung said any changes to diet should occur gradually over a couple of days pets should also be kept on a consistent parasite preventative regimen and vaccine schedule occasional diarrhea is unavoidable and a pet may be able to overcome minor bouts on their own or with the help of their owners ultimately the cure for diarrhea depends on its cause hung said adding that some pets may need to see a veterinarian for medical help any diarrhea that is profuse and watery mostly bloody or that lasts longer than seven to 14 days should be addressed by a veterinarian hung advises because diarrhea can be a warning sign of a systemic disease if not addressed in a timely manner these systemic diseases can progress and become harder to treat ongoing diarrhea can result in weight loss nutrient deficiencies and dehydration signs of dehydration including lethargy inappetence unwillingness to drink also indicate the need for veterinary attention that said if your pet has diarrhea but is eating and drinking and seems like themselvesdont panic! although a pet with diarrhea in the house can certainly be stressful it is not necessarily an emergency he said you can schedule an appointment with your family veterinarian and they can help you decide what is needed for your pet pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+bone voyage: international travel with pets may 20 2021 as summer approaches and the promise of widespread covid-19 vaccination becomes more hopeful those with cabin fever may be planning exciting vacations abroad after spending the past year in their homes if pet parents are considering a vacation overseas and intend to bring their animal they should plan for their furry friend far in advance and do ample research according to dr christine rutter a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences travel outside of the continental us has specific rules certifications and potentially vaccination requirements rutter said some international travel requires preparation up to six months in advance and/or a quarantine period each country is different so it will require some leg-work on the part of your certifying veterinarian to make sure you are in compliance pet owners should visit the us department of agriculture – animal and plant inspection service (usda-aphis) website to review country-specific requirements for pet travel their pet resource page may help to answer many owner questions most countries require that your pet be checked by a federally accredited veterinarian and that a united states interstate and international certificate for health examination for small animals (7001 usda-aphis form) be issued by that veterinarian and endorsed by the usda before considering traveling with a pet owners should consult their veterinary practice and see if any veterinarians there have experience providing documentation for international travel it is also important to check with your local usda service center to ensure that your veterinarian is usda accredited if they are not endorsed by the usda the paperwork they provide will not be valid the timetable for examination statements and certifications can be very tight so owners should plan well in advance and ask questions of the relevant authorities to be sure all required paperwork is complete in time for your trip in addition to submitting required paperwork to the relevant agencies owners may also want to keep paper copies of this documentation on-hand during their travel have a digital or hard copy of your pets vaccination history (including rabies certificate) microchip number medications and health records such as if they have chronic illnesses or have had major surgeries rutter said ask your veterinarian what records she/he recommends you take with you in case your family vets office is closed (if they are needed while youre abroad) you may also need to get your pet a rabies vaccine booster and/or have rabies antibody titers checked prior to traveling to a country considered to be high-risk for rabies although the us recognizes three-year rabies vaccinations some countries require annual rabies immunization foreign nations may also require a quarantine period after your arrival its best to check with the local government prior to your arrival to avoid any unwanted surprises for a long international flight its also a good idea to have your veterinarian perform a check-up to confirm your pet is healthy enough to fly and while there you may consider asking about medication that may help your furry friend during the stress of travel if your pet struggles with anxiety or motion sickness ask your veterinarian how to best manage your pets needs during travel rutter said this is probably a needed conversation if your pet has never traveled before or if your pet has fireworks phobia owners should also research the different facilities they will be stopping at on their journey to see what amenities are offered for pets especially in terms of their bathroom needs most airports have a ‘pet relief area and many have one in the air-side terminal do a little cyber-sleuthing or ask an airline representative where to find it nervous bladders may need to ‘go a bit more often and a walk is good to settle the mind rutter said be sure your pet wears a collar or harness with a tag at all times while traveling in case of escapes outside of their normal environments pets can become fearful or excited and bolt rutter also recommends having pet necessities on-hand for the duration of your international travel carry waste bags water time-sensitive medications and at least a small portion of your pets food on hand she said i also carry a cheap set of medical exam gloves (purchased over the counter) in case things get messy it is also important to ensure that the appropriate arrangements have been made to accommodate your pet confirm with your lodging that animals are allowed research nearby veterinary care facilities you can contact in case your pet has an emergency while on your trip and have a plan for either bringing needed pet supplies with you or confirming that nearby stores carry the essentials your pet needs if you have activities planned during your trip can your pet go with you or stay at your lodging location unattended many hotels and rentals will allow your pets to stay with you but do not allow pets to stay unattended while you are away rutter said it may also be beneficial to research the local cultural attitudes surrounding pets some countries may be more lenient about allowing pets in public areas than others taking a pet abroad is a considerable endeavor and its important to do ample research and plan in advance to avoid unwanted surprises and ensure your animals well-being with the help of an experienced veterinarian and the right preparations owners can determine the best option for their pet as they embark on their next adventure pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+beat the heat: how to keep pets safe from heatstroke may 13 2021 summer is a time for barbeques picnics and other outdoor fun with family friends and pets but with summer comes high temperatures making it more important for owners to know how to recognize the symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion in pets heat exhaustion is a general term for the lethargy discomfort and weakness caused by high heat while heatstroke is an actual illness caused by increased body temperature dr dalton hindmarsh an emergency and critical care resident at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that while some pets are more susceptible to heatstroke any pet can develop the illness under certain conditions heatstroke is most commonly caused when pets are left outdoors during the hot humid summer without adequate access to shade and water or when pets are left in vehicles without ventilation at any time of the year hindmarsh said heatstroke can also develop any time of the year in pets with respiratory conditions or obese pets especially when the weather changes abruptly and becomes more humid animals with prolonged seizure activity or full body tremors may also develop heatstroke because of the increased body temperature caused by muscular activity heatstroke is extremely dangerous because it has the potential to harm the body in multiple ways and causes increasing damage as an animals body temperature rises body temperatures above 105 degrees fahrenheit can result in life-threatening blood clotting problems shock severe dehydration kidney and liver damage and neurologic changes hindmarsh said literally every cell in the body is affected as the extreme temperature damages proteins if the body temperature rises above 107 degrees fahrenheit the animal may also experience multi-organ dysfunction and even death for this reason it is very important for pet owners to be aware of and watch for the signs of heatstroke whenever a pet is outside for an extended period of time these signs include collapse; a sudden onset of vomiting and/or diarrhea; respiratory distress and nonstop panting; drooling; and bright red purple or blue gums if you notice that a pet has any of these signs hindmarsh suggests taking immediate action remove the pet from the environment start the cooling process with a fan and seek veterinary care as soon as possible he said i would caution owners against placing them in an ice bath or submerging them in water because it may drop their temperature too low in addition to carefully monitoring pets there are other steps owners can take to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke hindmarsh recommends making sure pets always have access to fresh water and shade when outdoors avoiding exercise during the hottest and most humid times of the day and never leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle owners should consult their family veterinarian and always start slow when reintroducing activity to a previously inactive pet especially in the spring he said your veterinarian can also provide further advice on keeping your pet safe from heatstroke and heat exhaustion summer heat has the potential to be dangerous but by carefully monitoring an animals condition and the environment owners can enjoy this time of year with their beloved pets pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+tips for feline medi-cat-ion administration april 30 2021 as many cat owners know trying to coax a reluctant feline into anything they dont want to do can be an extremely difficult task however in some cases such as when giving a cat medication owners need to place their cats health above their desires to ensure the pets well-being dr lori teller an associate professor in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that owners should recruit an extra set of hands to give a reluctant cat their medication ideally there will be two people involvedone person to gently restrain the cat and the other to administer the medicine teller said if you are alone (or even if someone is restraining the cat) you can snugly wrap the cat in a towel or blanket so that only the head is sticking out it also helps to have the cat in your lap with the head facing away from you after properly restraining your cat the administration method may depend on whether the prescribed medication is liquid or in a pill format liquid medicines can either be trickled or squirted into the back of a cats cheek pouch teller said try to avoid squirting the medicine directly in the back of the throat as cats are more likely to aspirate a liquid medication than a tablet or capsule although putting the liquid dose in a cats food bowl may seem to be a clever workaround your cat wont receive the correct dose if they dont finish their food this may also make the cats food taste bad in which case they may stop eating and be without their required medication and essential nutrition putting its health in greater danger therefore its important that cat owners administer liquid medication directly into their cats mouth to administer a pill hold the pill between the first finger and thumb of your dominant hand with your non-dominant hand grasp the cats head at the cheeks be careful not to squish the whiskers teller said point the cats nose toward the ceiling the jaw will drop open slightly use the third or fourth finger of your dominant hand to gently pull down the jaw and then quickly drop the pill into the back of your cats throat and poke it down with your index finger when administering pills to a cat teller says owners can also purchase a device called a pill popper these devices look like long syringes that the pill can be placed inside of and used to deposit the medication without the owner needing to stick their fingers in the cats mouth and risk being bitten owners can use this device by loading the pill popper with the pill and placing the device in the back of the cats throat and nudging the pill down cat bites can be very serious teller said if your cat does bite you while trying to administer medication please seek the advice of a human health care professional after depositing the liquid medication or pill in the cats throat through either method hold the cats mouth closed and gently stroke its throat and/or blow in its nose until the medicine is swallowed owners should follow the pill with a small amount of water so that it doesnt get caught in the cats esophagus the most stubborn cats may react by spitting out the medication or vomiting immediately after it is administered if the cat just spits out a tiny amount you probably dont need to worry about it but it would be good to ask your veterinarian she said if it spits outs all of the medicine or immediately regurgitates it up then you may need to repeat the dose definitely speak to your veterinarian about this after successfully medicating their pet owners should show their furry friend a little love to make the experience more positive have one of your cats favorite treats ready and give it to your cat make sure it is something your cat really likes to use as a reward teller said you can also rub your cat in its favorite spotunder the chin behind the ears or at the base of the tail if you are unable to give oral medication to your cat it is very important to let your veterinarian know so they can try to provide a more tolerated alternative such as compounding the medication into a transdermal gel that can be applied to the ear or compounding the medication into a flavorful cube or liquid your veterinarian wont be able to help if you dont voice your concerns about medication administration so it is important to speak up! teller says owners may want to prepare for the possibility of giving medication prior to their cat becoming ill this way they wont have to deal with the added stress of administration on top of having a sick pet the easiest way to give medications to a cat is to train the cat to accept medication before it actually needs it she said there are ways to train a cat to take pills without the owner ever having to restrain or touch the cat! pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+making your home dairy less scary: pasteurization and safe milk production april 22 2021 hobby farmers can reap many benefits from owning food animals in a domestic environment; among these are eggs fiber companionship and for owners of animals like cows miniature cows and goats milk however milk obtained from an animal needs to be treated through a process called pasteurization in order to be fit for consumption pasteurization is the process of heating milk (or other foodstuffs) to a specified time and temperature in order to kill organisms in the milk that may cause spoilage or disease if consumed said dr benjamin newcomer a clinical associate professor with the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvmbs) veterinary education research & outreach (vero) program pasteurization is practiced widely to enhance food preservation and promote food safety newcomer says that raw milk may contain a variety of bacteria including salmonella e coli listeria and campylobacter which are capable of causing disease when consumed by humans even if the milked animal is not sick and visually appears healthy these bacteria may still be present the health risks of contaminated raw milk are greatest for infants and children senior citizens pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems luckily pasteurization is a straightforward process that can easily be done at home on the stove in a pan or double boiler or through relatively inexpensive small batch pasteurizers newcomer says that conventional pasteurization requires heating milk to 145°f (63°c) for 30 minutes milk can also be pasteurized by heating it to 161°f (72°c) for at least 15 seconds when heating to the target temperature it is important to use a thermometer to verify that the correct temperature has been reached the milk should be stirred occasionally while heating to ensure a consistent temperature is reached throughout caring for a milking animal is similar to providing proper care for any member of their species newcomer says milking animals should be fed a healthy balanced diet and provided with plenty of clean fresh water to maintain the health of the animal as well as to provide the necessary inputs for milk production he said a combination of good-quality forage and energy sources are needed to keep the animal healthy when a milking animal requires veterinary care that includes the administration of medication owners should be aware that residues of the medicine may be present in the animals milk for a period of time even after their course of treatment has finished with the exception of some nutritional supplements such as vitamins and minerals approved medications will have a withdrawal time during which time milk from treated animals may not be consumed this is to ensure the milk does not contain any drug residues newcomer said all drugs approved for use in milk cows will have the established withdrawal period displayed on the label extra-label use of medications can only be performed by a licensed veterinarian who can assist with establishing proper withdrawal times if needed with the appropriate precautions and attention to animal care owners of milking animals can experience the satisfaction of producing their own food in addition to the companionship and other benefits raising cattle for home milk consumption can be very rewarding but attention to animal health and food safety is important newcomer said pasteurization does not decrease the nutritional value of milk; it remains an excellent source of calcium protein and other nutrients pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+cognitive decline in aging dogs: what to know april 15 2021 just as humans may develop neurodegenerative conditions such as alzheimers disease as they grow older our aging canine friends also can develop dementia also referred to as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (ccds) a complex of behavioral and neurological symptoms the prevalence of which increases with age dr kate creevy the chief veterinary officer of the dog aging project dr brian gray barnett a veterinary research fellow in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences and member of the dog aging project research team says that as the level of veterinary care we are able to provide canine companions improves the number of dogs affected by ccds rises as well this is because the biggest risk factor for developing ccds is age with onset usually occurring between 12 and 15 years old one study found that 28% of 11- to 12-year-old dogs and 68% of 15- to 16-year-old dogs have ccds said barnett a similar study found that 225% of dogs over the age of 9 years show cognitive impairment ccds can present itself in many ways so it is important for owners to familiarize themselves with all possible signs many symptoms associated with ccds may also be indicative of other conditions so owners should seek veterinary advice to rule out other diseases before concluding that their dog is affected by ccds barnett says owners can use the acronym dishal to remember specific signs to look out for this stands for disorientation interactions sleep-wake cycle changes house soiling activity changes and learning difficulties/memory loss: disorientation: may include staring blankly at walls or floors getting trapped in corners or behind furniture going to the wrong side of the door etcinteractions: may include abnormal interactions with familiar people or pets this could be witnessed as aggression irritability or a change in frequency of social interactionsleep-wake cycle changes: may include increased sleeping during the day and/or increased difficulty sleeping through the nighthouse soiling: may include urinating or defecating in areas previously kept clean decreased signaling to the owner when they need to go out or eliminating inside directly after coming in from outsideactivity changes: may include decreased activity increased time spent resting and increased repetitive activity such as pacing wandering aimlessly and walking in circles changes in activity may be triggered by anxiety associated with certain people places or situationslearning difficulties/memory loss: may include being slow to or unable to learn new tasks or tricks or difficulty performing previously learned tasks or tricks while any of these signs could be seen as a first sign of ccds one study found that disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle were more prevalent in the early stages of ccds than altered interactions and disorientation barnett said barnett stresses that each dog is different and may have a different progression of symptoms the first symptoms will typically be milder and worsen as the disease progresses if an owner suspects that their dog is presenting any of these symptoms they should bring their concerns to the attention of a veterinarian their veterinarian will have the best plan to identify the underlying cause of the behavioral changes and find the best intervention he said this can include treating a contributing medical condition maintaining a consistent routine reducing environmental stress factors introducing enrichment activities changing diet and recommending specific supplements and medications when appropriate ccds is unfortunately a progressive disease with no effective treatment yet developed to significantly reverse its effects as such the current standard of care aims to delay progression luckily veterinary researchers such as those working with the dog aging project are hard at work studying the aging mechanisms of our furry friends with the goal of understanding the underlying cause of ccds to develop better strategies for diagnosis and treatment the dog aging project a multi-institutional endeavor funded by the national institute on aging is the most ambitious canine science initiative in the world led by researchers at texas a&m and the university of washington the dog aging project team will follow tens of thousands of companion dogs for 10 years in order to identify factors that maximize healthy longevity and help future generations of dogs live the best lives possible ccds is one of many conditions that will be helped by this research we are learning more and more about the changes that happen in the nervous system in dogs with ccds barnett said further understanding not only might allow us to better diagnose and treat ccds but we may be able to apply these findings to alzheimers disease in humans the dog aging project is an innovative initiative that brings together a community of dogs owners veterinarians researchers and volunteers to carry out the most ambitious canine science project in the world their work is centered on two fundamental goals: understanding how genes lifestyle and environment influence aging and intervening to increase healthspan the period of life spent free from disease the dog aging project is a community science project dogs of all ages from all around the us including purebred and mixed breed dogs are invited to join the dog aging project nominate your dog at dogagingprojectorg pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+take a trip on the wild side: ethical exotic pet ownership april 9 2021 the term exotic pet encompasses a broad range of animals loosely meaning any pet that is not a dog cat or farm animal dr alice blue-mclendon a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences and director of the winnie carter wildlife center says that it is also important to differentiate between exotic pets which can be kept ethically in domestic settings and wildlife which should not be kept domestically there are a lot of animals for sale that should not be kept as pets it is a big problem said blue-mclendon someone is saying an animal makes a good pet doesnt make that information credible common exotic pets that can be kept responsibly include pocket pets such as rabbits guinea pigs and hamsters birds reptiles fish and amphibians owners choosing to purchase one of these animals should take into account the proper enclosure requirements as providing adequate caging is where many owners fall short in properly caring for these animals according to blue-mclendon people should spend time researching the needs of animals looking at different websites and talking to people who own some of those animals so they really understand what the needs are she said being prepared to invest a little bit into big enough caging is important in providing the animal with a decent home blue says that owners should consider the source through which they obtain their pet when getting any animal exotic or not it is important for potential owners to consider whether an animal is bred and housed ethically by the breeder prospective owners can try to get references from whoever theyre buying the animals from and buying locally is always really good blue-mclendon said asking questions of the owners including asking to see where their animals are bred is a good way to help ensure animals were produced ethicallyare they in little tiny cages are they allowed to exercise do they have outdoor areas exotic animals also require specialized care that may differ from the needs of more common pets owners should contact local veterinarians before getting a new exotic pet to ensure that the necessary care is available in their area prospective owners should consider that there could be veterinary expenses in the purchase and the acquisition of any animal she said more and more veterinarians are willing to see some non-domestic animals such as pocket pets it also is important for owners to be realistic about their exotic animal choice and to put the needs of the animal over their desire to have an attractive and unusual pet some animals such as big cats cant be kept domestically in an ethical manner it can be easy to succumb to the allure of having a beautiful spotted cat as a ‘pet but theyre just not suited for households blue-mclendon said you cant meet the animals needs and a lot of those animals end up in some kind of a sanctuary or theyll have an unhappy life; they may also be more susceptible to diseases they otherwise wouldnt contract just like the decision to purchase any new pet getting an exotic animal is a major decision and responsibility; therefore it should be treated as such its important to not be spontaneous about the acquisition of any animal its so much more than satisfying human curiosity and human satisfaction blue-mclendon said it should be about providing the animal with what it needs for its happiness and welfare pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+hop to it: tips for a pet-safe easter april 1 2021 for many people the start of spring is accompanied by an easter holiday that brings loved ones together in a joyful celebration involving many traditions for those with furry family members it is important to note that some of these traditions might introduce new hazards into their pets environment dr lori teller an associate professor in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that some easter decorations can put pets at risk easter lilies in particular are extremely toxic to cats; even just a small lick of pollen from the flower or nibble of leaf can lead to severe kidney failure and death with symptoms developing within six to 12 hours after exposure curious cats may also be tempted by the plastic grass in easter baskets which can cause an intestinal obstruction and require emergency surgery dogs may be tempted by rotten eggs left unfound after an egg hunt and become ill after consuming them the signs of toxicity will vary depending on what the pet has been exposed to teller said symptoms of easter lily toxicity include vomiting inappetence (having a lack of appetite) lethargy changes in urination (too much or not enough) water consumption (not drinking or excessive thirst) or rarely disorientation and seizures signs of gastrointestinal obstruction can include retching and attempts at vomiting inappetence straining to pass a bowel movement and abdominal pain owners who suspect that their pet has been exposed to an easter hazard should seek veterinary care for their animal immediately easter treats that are harmless to humans may also become dangerous if consumed by a pet chocolate is well-known to be toxic to pets chocolate toxicity can cause vomiting diarrhea tremors seizures heart arrhythmias and other symptoms including coma and death teller says that the darker the chocolate the more toxic it is owners should be cautious about sharing any human foods with their pets for many pets ham or lamb may be too rich or fatty and the bones can be dangerous especially if a dog were to break off and swallow large splinters teller said the risks of ham or lamb and their bones can be gastrointestinal obstruction intestinal perforation vomiting and diarrhea or pancreatitis the hot cross buns many people serve with their easter brunch may also be dangerous if they contain the common baking ingredient zante currants which are actually small grapes and are toxic to dogs true red black or white currants are not toxic to dogs teller says that while its best not to feed pets from the table any time of year it is especially important not to do so when potentially dangerous foods and unknowing guests are present she recommends putting particularly insistent pets in another room with a pet-safe easter treat of their own people want to include their pets in the easter fun so make a pet-safe easter basket and fill it with some dog or cat treats and toys teller said instead of a basket you could use a new pet bed you could also fill some plastic eggs with catnip or fill some puzzle toys with dog treats and hide those so your dog can participate in the easter egg hunt although your pet may not be able to participate in all the easter festivities they can still take part in this holiday with a few adjustments happy easter! pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+a sound season: what to know about bull breeding and the bse march 25 2021 cattle owners who are looking to expand their herd should consider a breeding soundness examination (bse) a quick and routine evaluation of a bulls reproductive abilities done by a veterinarian prior to the breeding season a vital tool in supporting our nations food supply this examination facilitates a bulls ability to breed more effectively and safely and for owners in an economical and healthy manner dr benjamin newcomer a clinical associate professor with the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvmbs) veterinary education research & outreach (vero) program says that a bse evaluates and screens for bulls with fertility or physical issues that will reduce the number of cows bred in a season bulls that pass a bse are expected to be able to successfully breed a full complement of cows or heifers newcomer said a bse consists of a physical exam and an assessment of semen quality the physical exam is an overall evaluation of bull health including an examination of the eyes feet and legs and assessment of body condition score semen quality is assessed for motility (ability to move) and morphology (correct structure) with minimum standards established in order to pass the bse breeding bulls should be examined for breeding soundness at least annually preferably a few months before the start of their breeding season this timeline allows for the problems of any bulls who dont pass the bse to be addressed or for the breeder to acquire new bulls before the breeding season begins failure of the bse does not necessarily mean that a bull is unable to impregnate a cow rather than just identifying bulls that are infertile a bse helps identify bulls that are subfertile newcomer said subfertile bulls will not be able to cover as many cows as expected and conception/pregnancy rates will be lower than expected and desired in addition to receiving a standard bse prior to breeding newcomer says owners should have their bulls tested for bovine trichomoniasis commonly known as trich a venereal disease reportable in texas bulls infected with trich do not show clinical symptoms but are able to spread the disease to cattle which results in infertility and early embryonic death newcomer said although not always included with a standard bse a trich test is strongly encouraged and is required by the state of texas for any bull offered for sale lease exchange or otherwise change of possession with the exception of certified virgin bulls less than 24 months of age breeding bulls are a considerable investment both financially and timewise bses are an important tool to helping owners make the most of each breeding season pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+birds of a feather flock together: social behaviors of birds part 2 march 18 2021 while the bond between an animal and their human is important considering the relationships between petsin both interspecies and same species interactionsalso is an important part of making sure your home is a happy and healthy environment some bird species including parrots chickens canaries and pigeons are very flock oriented and are often adopted and kept in groups dr sharman hoppes a professor emerita affiliated the schubot center for avian health at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said birds are flock animals and we need to recognize that when we adopt one a bird in the wild would never be left alone so being alone all day in a cage can be stressful debra turner aviary manager of the schubot center says that when adopting multiple birds owners should be mindful of the relationships between their birds to ensure a safe environment subtle signs of a not overly happy pair of birds might be each sitting on opposite ends of a perch or the dominant bird not letting the other bird perch at the same height turner said the dominant bird may also not let the other bird approach the food dish and in the worst-case scenario outright physically attack the other bird some birds might not ever get along and two cages would be the best option for them she said they could come out for playtime but each would have their own ‘home to return to when introducing a second bird the new bird should receive a health examination from a veterinarian before entering the house or room where your current bird resides the veterinarian will test for diseases like chlamydia which also affects humans; psittacine beak and feather; or avian bornavirus once the new bird arrives house the bird in a separate cage and adjust proximity to the current bird to start acclimation turner said over time the pair will become used to each other and eventually may be housed together the inside of a pet birdcage is a microenvironment that is very near and dear to a bird who could display possessive nature toward their home space when introducing two birds together a new cage or an old cage that has been thoroughly cleaned with perching and toys repositioned would be helpful to reduce the possessive tendencies of one bird against the new bird entering the space she said an owner may choose to adopt only one bird in which case it is important that the bird flying solo spends time in the presence of people and other pets (such as dogs and cats) which it may see as part of its flock it is also important to provide the bird with activities such as toys the opportunity to forage for food and other forms of enrichment to keep them busy when alone although birds may form positive social relationships with the other animal members of their household it is important to remember that birds are prey animals and should not be left alone when out of their cage around even the most well-meaning dog or cat mediating interactions between pets reduces the risk of either animal getting hurt turner also says that owners should position their birds enclosure out of reach from exploring dogs and cats this can help reduce stress for your bird and prevent an accidentally tipped cage birds are highly intelligent creatures who need stimulation and enrichment as with any other pet for their mental and physical well-being turner said in the right home a bird can be your best friend and one of your longest relationships but they a very high-maintenance pet to keep healthy and happy hoppes said before you get a bird you should do research on the type of bird and their specific needs and have a relationship with a veterinarian comfortable caring for your bird pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+birds of a feather flock together: social behaviors of birds part 1 march 12 2021 pet owners often form close bonds with their animal companions owners of feathered friends might be pleased to learn that this relationship is reciprocal as birds can form strong bonds with their owners and other non-human members of their household debra turner aviary manager of the schubot center for avian health at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that different species of birds exhibit different social behaviors parrots chickens canaries and pigeons are all very flock oriented raptors like hawks and owls are not as social or flock oriented added dr sharman hoppes a professor emerita affiliated with the schubot center since most birds are prey animals they tend to be more alert and nervous around new people and elements in their environment however hoppes says that pet birds hand-raised by humans will often become imprinted on their owner and behave differently birds see their owners as part of the flock this can lead to a very close bonding relationship that is fun and entertaining in our homes hoppes said but in some cases birds may see their owner as a mate; this stimulates abnormal reproductive behavior affecting nesting chronic egg-laying and territorial behaviors in some cases an unhealthy relationship with the owner can lead to health issues such as cloacal prolapse (a protrusion of the reproductive tract) and hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency) from laying too many eggs she said another potential issue that may arise from the bond between bird and owner is that they may become protective of and bite individuals who get too close to their imprinted human they may also become protective of their cage or become defensive if they feel threatened also leading to biting flock-oriented birds have evolved to live with other members of their species and form social relationships with their fellow feathered friends if only one bird is adopted being alone all day in a cage may become stressful luckily our birds will often see people and other pets such as dogs and cats as part of their flock so having other animals in the home and lots of activities for them to do (such as enrichment toys foraging for food etc) will help keep them busy when alone said hoppes although our feathered friends may seem very different from the furry pets most people are accustomed to the relationships they form with their owners are strong and rewarding bonds that last a lifetime pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+when to be concerned about feline vomiting march 4 2021 while there are many joys that come with owning a cat one drawback some owners may be familiar with is the occasional discovery of cat vomit this aspect of cat ownership may spark concern in pet parents but vomiting in cats can result from a variety of conditions from benign to harmful dr lori teller an associate professor in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that one common reason a cat may vomit is hairballs when cats groom themselves they may swallow loose fur that clumps in their gastrointestinal tract these clumps eventually become irritating causing the cat to vomit up the hairball to prevent an obstruction cats may also vomit because theyve gotten into something such as plant material loose thread or string-type material rubber bands or paperclips bones a piece of toy or something toxic teller said foreign bodies can cause partial or complete obstruction of the gi tract and lead to vomiting a range of illnesses can also cause vomiting an inexhaustive list includes kidney disease liver disease gastrointestinal parasites food sensitivities inflammatory bowel disease cancer hyperthyroidism and other metabolic conditions teller says that it is also important to distinguish vomiting from regurgitation which is when a cat brings up undigested food as a result of eating too quickly this is typically not a cause for concern and can be corrected by using food puzzle toys or special slow feeder bowls to decrease the speed of the cats eating almost all cats will vomit on occasion so its pretty common teller said if a cat vomits every now and then and is otherwise healthywith a normal appetite water consumption activity level and bowel movementsthen generally we are not too worried about it if a cat vomits frequently or is showing other signs of illness such as lethargy inappetence (a lack of appetite) drooling hiding diarrhea or constipation then the cat needs to be seen by a veterinarian teller said vomit that is thick and yellow or that contains foreign material may indicate a more serious problem especially if its accompanied by other signs of illness it can also be a problem if the cat has non-productive retching or is trying to vomit but nothing comes up this could be a sign of an obstruction cats that have a sudden change in the frequency of their vomiting episodes should also be seen by a veterinarian although teller says there is no hard and fast rule about an acceptable frequency of vomiting incidents in general if a cat vomits more than a couple of times per month or if the cat displays other symptoms of illness it needs to be seen by a veterinarian many medical problems can be controlled or treated with early intervention so it is important that concerned pet owners err on the side of caution and consult their veterinarian if they think their pet may have a medical issue teller said a veterinarian would much rather see a vomiting cat and determine that the cat is otherwise healthy than have an owner delay a visit because they think that its normal for a cat to vomit and it turns out the problem is very serious pet talk is a service of the school of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamuedu print
+hen molting: what to egg-spect february 19 2021 while the average pet owner may be familiar with the seemingly never-ending tufts of fur shed by their cat or dog the hobby farmer may be more familiar with another loss of overcoathen molting molting is the annual process through which hens cease to lay eggs and instead divert their energy toward replacing their feathers molting occurs in both backyard and commercial flocks though commercial flocks generally molt by artificial stimulation hens molt to replace their feathers for the winter months coming said dr ashley navarrette a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discontinuing egg production at this time allows them to focus all nutrients on feather regrowth navarrette says that hens typically exhibit their first full molt around 18 months of age after this first instance they will continue to molt annually this process generally begins in the fall months and can extend into the winter hens are stimulated by decreased day length more so than changes in temperature navarrette said location in relation to the equator can also affect the timing of molting the rule of thumb is that most molting takes eight weeks from feather loss to replacement but can range from one to three months based on variations between birds and environment during molting navarrette advises that hens should be fed a diet high in protein to provide the nutrients necessary for feather regrowth this high-protein diet is different from the diet of an actively laying bird when calcium supplementation is the focus to support strong eggshells as a general suggestion a 20% protein diet is usually adequate but owners should consult their veterinarian to best determine the needs of their flock owners of hens going through a molt should also take into account other aspects of their birds well-being beyond their diet including handling practices their behavior and pecking habits the replacement pin feathers are very fragile and can be easily damaged navarrette said owners should limit handling and use caution when handling molting chickens its also important to limit stressors during molt chickens are notorious for pecking behavior so be on the lookout for any signs of this behavior between hens it is expected for a hen to lose feathers and stop laying eggs during this time but changes in a hens eating drinking or behavioral habits may be indicative of larger health concerns while remaining educated about their flocks health is an important first step to ensure happy and healthy hens owners should always consult their veterinarian with specific questions and concerns veterinarians can provide the best help and guide you through this annual flurry of feathers pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+straight from the horses mouth: equine dental care february 11 2021 february is national pet dental health month a time when pet owners are reminded that routine oral care is an important aspect of their animals well-being just like their small animal counterparts large animals such as horses also require veterinary attention to keep their mouths in top shape dr leslie easterwood a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that there are not many preventative maintenance procedures owners can do at home with their horses teeth so it is important that owners keep an eye out for signs of discomfort and contact their veterinarian if any concerns arise dropping grain holding their head funny while chewing odors resistance to the bit and performance issues are all signs that there could be dental issues easterwood said easterwood says that the most common dental issue seen in horses is due to normal wear sharp enamel points along the cheek side of the upper arcades and tongue side of the lower arcades occur because of the side-to-side grind of a horses mouth which is normal however these sharp edges cause ulcers along the horses cheeks and tongue and smoothing the sharp edges allows the ulcerations to heal quickly dental floating is a procedure to smooth these sharp enamel points easterwood said floating is the common term for routine maintenance of a horses mouth the term ‘floating comes from woodworking in which boards are planed smooth horses that are going to be ridden should start having their teeth floated prior to introducing the bit most horses need their teeth floated annually but missing teeth unlevel arcades or other dental problems may require more frequent maintenance horses may also require dental attention for the removal of their wolf teeth which are usually removed prior to introducing the bit a horse can have zero to four wolf teeth but usually have only two on the upper arcades easterwood said these teeth are small and are actually the first cheek teeth staying up to date on your horses oral health can help prevent unnecessary discomfort and larger health issues since most equine dental maintenance practices require the care of a veterinarian it is important that owners establish a relationship with their veterinarian that includes discussion of oral health although equine oral care may look very different from the dental care required for humans and smaller animals regular maintenance and veterinary care can keep your horse happy healthy and champing at the bit pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+tooth be told: what to know about gingivitis february 4 2021 celebrated every february national pet dental health month aims to bring awareness the importance of oral health care for pets in addition to bad breath poor oral health can contribute to damage to the teeth and gums as well as periodontal disease which can negatively impact the kidney liver and heart muscle one common type of periodontal disease known as gingivitis causes inflammation of the gums around the teeth and can act as a wake-up call for owners to pay attention to their pets pearly whites before more serious conditions develop dr bert dodd a clinical professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that gingivitis is very common and every pet has it to some degree until gingivitis reaches a more advanced stage it can be difficult for pet owners to detect on their own and their animal may not exhibit any symptoms as such its important that pets are regularly checked for signs of gingivitis by their veterinarian just like in humans gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup on the tooth this plaque is made of food saliva and bacteria through an interaction between these foreign bacteria and the bodys immune system enzymes are released that break down the gum tissue leading to inflammation at more advanced stages this can lead to chronic pain and gum erosion if left untreated gingivitis leads to perodiontis or inflammation and destruction of the hard tissues around the tooth said dodd in addition to increasing the potential for heart kidney and liver disease unchecked gingivitis may result in missing teeth and bone loss in severe cases luckily gingivitis can be easily prevented through routine oral care habits dodd recommends brushing your pets teeth daily to remove harmful bacteria and prevent a buildup of plaque although some pets may be resistant to having their teeth brushed at first over time a regular routine will acclimate them to the practice according to dodd special toothbrushes and toothpastes safe for pets can be purchased from most pet supply stores when brushing a pets teeth owners should never use human toothpaste as this is toxic to pets pet owners may wish to consult with their veterinarian for tips on brushing a pets teeth dodd also recommends having your pets teeth professionally cleaned every year many clinics offer special deals on dental care for national pet dental health month so now is the perfect time to reach out to your veterinarian if a pet does develop gingivitis it can be managed through teeth cleaning and debridement or the surgical removal of damaged tissue under anesthesia by a veterinarian proper management of your pets oral health is very important for their well-being with routine care owners can prevent the development of serious oral health conditions and ensure the continued well-being of their furry friend pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+got milk the ins and outs of dairy goat ownership january 28 2021 for the more adventurous pet owner there are many advantages to owning goats including companionship land management by grazing and milk production while companionship and grazing come naturally to these critters potential owners interested in collecting dairy from their goats need to take into consideration additional factors to encourage lactation and ensure that their goats milk is safe for consumption dr evelyn mackay a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that the production capacity of a dairy goat depends on their breed management and nutrition the most common dairy goat breeds are nigerian dwarf goats alpines saanens nubians lamanchas and toggenburgs; nigerian dwarves are significantly smaller than the other breeds and may be preferred by hobby farmers who would like a smaller milk yield since goats will only lactate after giving birth to a kid the relationship between parent and offspring must also be taken into account depending on the goat and management conditions dairy goats can produce milk for many months after giving birth if owners are letting the kids nurse owners will have a smaller milk yield than if they weaned the kids and only milked the goat mackay said some full-sized high-producing goats can produce over two gallons per day at some stages of lactation a home dairy goat would likely produce less than a gallon per day especially if she is nursing kids regardless of the goats desired milk yield mackay recommends that owners allow for a dry period between milking a goat and it giving birth again in order to impregnate a dairy goat owners may keep their own male goats for breeding or can rent one via a stud service its easier to own a male goat but they are smelly and sometimes poorly behaved mackay said some people will borrow or lease a male if they only have a few females to breed artificial insemination can be done but is expensive and is more labor- and time-intensive than in other species typically dairy goats should be milked fed and cared for twice daily after a goat is milked it is important that owners ensure the goat milk is safe for consumption owners should absolutely pasteurize their milk she said raw milk is not safe for human consumption and can transmit dangerous diseases to people such as q fever brucellosis listeriosis salmonellosis and many others although the benefits of owning a dairy goat are many potential owners should be aware of the care requirements to keep their goat healthy and fit for milk production they require just as much attention as other livestock and paying close attention to udder health and overall health of dairy goats is very important mackay said they can get mastitis (inflammation or infection of the breast tissue) and other diseases related to pregnancy and lactation owners need to learn appropriate milking hygiene procedures and be prepared to seek veterinary attention for their dairy goats if they become ill pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+working out pet weight loss january 21 2021 for pet owners with an overweight animal companion there can be a difficult balance between wanting to treat a pet and wanting to keep them in the best health possible however with moderation and consistency owners can ensure their pet reaches a healthy weight without discomfort dr lori teller an associate professor in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that a healthy diet is integral to successful weight loss treats whether specially made for pets or table food should not make up more than 10% of an animals diet and when given the calories of a treat should be included in a pets total daily intake she said healthy treats may include green beans baby carrots celery sticks or apple slices teller said there also are other ways to treat pets besides food; many pets may be satisfied with some attention whether that is a game of fetch a catnip toy or a chin scratch veterinarians can make recommendations on healthy treat options as well owners with an overweight pet also should consult with their veterinarian to set a weight loss plan that is best for their animal as a general rule teller says that a gradual reduction in body mass is safest weight loss should be done in a stepwise fashion; pets should be weighed monthly to determine if they are losing weight appropriately teller said rapid weight loss can lead to problems such as liver disease or nutritional imbalances and weight loss that is too slow prolongs the adverse effects of excess weight to the pets health exercise can also be a healthy tool in promoting a pets weight loss for dogs this can include walks swimming frisbee or fetch if a dog is resistant to exercise teller recommends starting slowly taking walks in new areas may help mentally stimulate your dog in new ways and as a result your dog may not even realize that they are going out for exercise if your dog is hesitant to get moving teller also recommends ruling out underlying health problems that may make exercise painful for them dogs that are extremely overweight or obese may have an orthopedic problem such as a torn cruciate ligament or herniated disk that causes pain or discomfort with exercise she said rule out or treat underlying medical problems and talk with your veterinarian about an appropriate exercise plan some dogs may benefit from a few sessions of physical therapy to gain better mobility cats and other non-walkable pets can also benefit from exercise cats may be encouraged to move with certain toys such as a laser pointer teller says owners can place the cats food in a location where they will have to work to get it such as on top of a tall cat tree it is possible to train a cat to walk on a leash and go for walks she said this needs to be done slowly over time but there are many owners who make this work just as humans trying to lose weight may find themselves tempted by snacks pets can also get impatient between meals teller recommends breaking a pets food into multiple meals throughout the dayanywhere between two and fourand providing food on a regular schedule to reduce hunger one more way that owners can help their pets is to feed the pets entire daily food supply in puzzle toys teller said this is both mentally and physically stimulating the pet will need to figure out how to get the food out of the toy this will also make the pet eat more slowly thus helping the pet to stay satiated for longer periods of time although saying no to a begging pets puppy dog eyes may be difficult the health of a beloved pet is well worth the discipline remember that animals that maintain at a healthy weight throughout their lifetime can live an additional two years over that of an overweight pet teller said that two years is worth the effort to keep your pet at a healthy weight! pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+bark voyage: traveling with pets january 7 2021 pet owners choosing to travel domestically while following the appropriate precautions or those planning a post-covid adventure may be apprehensive about leaving their animal companion at home during their vacation carrying a critter cross-country may seem daunting but with the proper planning owners should be confident that they can get their furry friend where they need to go dr christine rutter a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that pet owners need to notify their airline lodging and veterinarian of their intention to travel with their pet as early as possible owners should also reach out to the appropriate authorities to ensure their pet has the proper documentation technically any transport of an animal across state lines requires a usda health certificate issued by a usda certified veterinarian rutter said it is best to check the specific requirements of your destination to ensure that you are in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations when you arrive when obtaining the proper documentation from your veterinarian owners should ensure that their pet is up to date on all vaccinations heartworm prevention ectoparasite (such as fleas and ticks) prevention has a registered microchip with current contact information and has a legible tag on their collar or harness tags should include a pets name an emergency phone number and any pertinent medical information if your pet receives daily medications be sure you have enough to last through your trip and ask your veterinarian if it would be worth having a paper copy of prescriptions in case medications get lost rutter said owners of pets who rely on a medical device such as a glucose monitor or pacemaker should speak with their veterinarian about what resources are available near their destination if your pet struggles with anxiety or motion sickness ask your veterinarian how to best accommodate their needs during travel many of our pets dont live terribly exciting lives when it comes to travel so the hustle and bustle of travel can come as a real shock rutter said weeks before you travel familiarize your pet with the crate or carrier that they will be traveling in hiding treats or feeding your pet in the carrier providing a comfortable bed in the carrier and going on short drives in the car (full of praise!) in the carrier can help make the travel experience less scary rutter also recommends keeping your pet in a travel crate or carrier when they are unattended in a new environment this keeps your pet out of mischief and ensures that your pet is in a safe and familiar place owners can also help foster a familiar environment for their pet by using the same litter their cat uses at home when traveling and by feeding them a consistent diet avoiding the introduction of new food and treats while traveling may also reduce the risk of digestive incidents most importantly rutter recommends that pet owners anticipate the needs of their furry friend and prepare for emergencies this includes carrying waste bags water time-sensitive medications and at least a small portion of your pets food owners should also be aware of airport pet relief areas as applicable owners may wish to research where local emergency veterinary centers are along their route or near their destination they may also wish to purchase pet insurance for their animal and should keep their policy on-hand when traveling if possible include insurance information on your pets collar or harness tag finally rutter reminds owners that their furry friend may behave differently when exposed to the stressors of travel be sure your pet wears a collar or harness with a tag at all times while traveling in case of escape attempts fearful pets may also bite so give your pet ample time to acclimate to new environments before challenging them with meeting new people and other animals and ensure that they are properly monitored although traveling with pets requires additional preparation and consideration of their special needs it is possible to transport your furry friend safely and comfortably to wherever they need to go pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+its a wrap: pet-safe diy toys and treats december 17 2020 the holiday season is a time to show appreciation to our loved ones both people and pets handmade toys and treats are a wonderful way to do so and allow owners to avoid busy stores during the pandemic to ensure their gift is pet-safe and to add a personalized diy touch courtney markley a veterinary student ambassador at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers some ideas for pet-safe holiday fun that can be found around your home pet-approved treats while the roast fido may reach for during your holiday dinner can cause gastrointestinal issues pet owners can provide safe and tasty treats as alternatives that hit the spot for their pooch markley offers up two holiday recipes that dog owners can make from pantry staples: holiday ice cream treats for dogs blend together 3 ripe bananas 32 oz plain yogurt and 1 cup peanut butterpour mixture into holiday shaped ice cube traysfreeze rub coconut oil on the ice cube tray before adding the mixture to make getting them out easier markley recommends for a more traditional treat owners can make pet-safe holiday cookies for their dog to enjoy peanut butter holiday cookies for dogs grease a cookie sheet with coconut oilmix together 1 cup flour (or wheat flour) ½ cup oats 1 egg 1/3 cup peanut butter 1 mashed banana and 1 tablespoon honeyin a separate cup lightly beat 1 egg whiteroll out the dough to ¼ inch thick on a floured surfaceuse holiday cookie cutters to cut into desired shapesplace on cookie sheet and brush with the egg whitebake at 300 degrees until golden and firm about 35 minutes terrific toys for a more permanent gift pet owners can make low-cost but high-fun toys out of common household items for dogs markley says all pet owners need to make a festive toy is a holiday themed sock and a tennis ball place an old tennis ball inside a holiday sock and tie a knot in the sock just above the ball she said these toys are fun to throw long distances and for tug of war! cat owners can also get in on the fun for a simple but effective toy pet owners can decorate empty toilet paper rolls with a holiday theme and cut fringe on the edge of the roll or shapes out of the middle if you have an old mitten or a mitten thats missing its mate you can pour cat nip into the glove and hand sew it closed with a simple stitching pattern markley said your feline friend wont be able to keep their paws off of it! keepsakes for pet parents owners also can make a holiday decoration for themselves to remember the merry season spent with their pet markley offers a recipe for a simple salt dough that can be stamped with your pets paw and baked to harden pawprint ornaments mix together 2 cups flour 1 cup salt and 1 cup of water by hand until a dough is formedroll out the dough to ½ inch thick and smooth out the topuse cookie cutters or free hand a design in the dough into whatever shape you desiregently and firmly press your pets paw into the dough until you can see the impression of the paw on the doughimportant: thoroughly rinse the paw to remove any dough that may have stuck to it alternative: use your own fingers to create a paw shape in the doughuse a straw to create a hole at the top for the ribbonbake at 250 degrees for about 2 hours until it is hardenedcool overnight and then decorate with paint markers or whatever you have availableattach a ribbon through the hole to hang it it is important that owners do not allow their pet to eat the dough or the baked ornament because the quantity of salt will make them sick there is plenty of holiday fun to be found at home this season by using common household items and a bit of creativity when crafting gifts pet owners can help their animals have a happy holiday without ever needing to brave the cold! pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+deck the paws: ensuring a pet-safe holiday home december 10 2020 the holiday season is a favorite time of year for many who transform their homes with festive decorations bake winter treats and open their doors to guests because these traditions introduce new variables into their furry friends environment pet owners should be aware of any potential hazards that might arise dr lori teller an associate professor in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that owners adding a floral touch to their holiday decorations should be mindful of which plants they select lilies european mistletoe amaryllis bulbs and pine needles can all cause serious health complications if consumed in general they can cause oral irritation and may cause your pet to salivate and drool excessive quantities can lead to gastrointestinal upset teller said it is a myth that poinsettias are toxic to pets other holiday decorations pet owners should avoid include candles which may burn pets or cause a serious fire if knocked over and liquid potpourri which is extremely toxic to cats if your pet is a curious climber consider anchoring your christmas tree to a wall or ceiling to avoid falling and sharp broken ornaments when opening gifts keep in mind that batteries are toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach any decorative elements containing string such as ribbons or tinsel may also cause an obstruction if ingested ornaments made from food like popcorn balls can also be a source of danger hang these ornaments well out of reach teller said when putting presents under the tree or around the fireplace make sure that any gift-wrapped food items are out of reach pets hunting for a holiday snack may also be at risk chocolate especially dark and baking chocolates; raisins; bones; alcohol; and fatty foods can all cause serious issues macadamia nuts can cause neurologic problems in pets as well anything that contains xylitol an artificial sweetener found in many foods from gum to peanut butter is toxic to dogs leading to acute liver failure and death if not treated immediately normally raw dough is a seasonal problem during the holidays but this year there has been an exponential increase in the number of yeast and dough intoxications because so many people have been perfecting their baking skills during the pandemic teller said dont stop baking your delicious goodiesjust keep the raw versions away from your pets! pet owners choosing to host a holiday gathering should be mindful of whether their animal enjoys company pets that prefer to keep to themselves should be confined to a quiet area of the home with a comfortable place to rest owners can leave on a radio or tv to help mask the noise from a party and provide a favorite toy if a pet is known to become excessively nervous when guests visit owners can reach out to their veterinarian to discuss remedies that may alleviate anxiety these may include pheromones or some medications some people may opt to board their pet at a kennel if your pet enjoys a good get-together make sure to keep it away from doors that are frequently opened so that you dont have to worry about your pet getting loose in all of the excitement teller said just in case make sure your pet is wearing a collar and identification tag and that it has a microchip that is registered with your current information in a microchip database advise guests not to slip treats to your pet as well during the season of gratitude and family many pet owners may wish to include all of their loved ones human and animal in their celebrations creating a pet-safe environment ensures that both owners and their furry friends can enjoy the holidays worry-free our pets have played a huge role in our lives especially during the pandemic be sure you take some time to give them extra attention teller said that will be the best gift of all pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+seeing the signs: what to know about cherry eye in dogs december 3 2020 spotting a red bump in the corner of a pets eye is a concerning but not uncommon experience for many dog owners colloquially called cherry eye this bump may be a prolapsed gland of the nictitans also known as the third eyelid dr sean collins a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that ophthalmologists dont entirely understand why the gland of the nictating membrane sometimes protrudes from its original position but it is believed to be a result of a weakness in the connective tissue responsible for holding the gland in the correct position this condition can happen to any breed of dog but is seen most commonly in certain breeds including the american cocker spaniel english bulldog lhasa apso and the pekingese collins said pet owners who spot a red swollen mass in the inner corner of their pets eye large or small should bring it to their veterinarians attention promptly in addition to causing irritation to the dog this condition can have lasting consequences when left untreated without correction chronic prolapse can lead to conjunctivitis (pink eye) and ocular discharge (liquid coming from the eye) collins said it has also been shown that with correction dogs are less likely to develop low tear production later in life low tear production can result in multiple problems if left untreated in addition to pain and decreased vision corneal ulceration may also develop which can become infected and result in a ruptured eye this condition responds well to tear stimulant therapy in most cases but lifelong medication is usually required your veterinarian will be able to confirm whether your pet has cherry eye and can develop a treatment plan that works best to resolve cherry eye and reduce the potential for ocular issues as your dog ages initial therapy may consist of topical anti-inflammatory therapy if local inflammation may be contributing to prolapse of the gland he said if a short course of medical therapy does not work or re-prolapse develops surgical repositioning is indicated there are numerous surgical techniques to reposition the gland with overall high success rates if surgical treatment is required collins stresses that this treatment will benefit your pet in both the short- and long-term surgical repositioning is very important if initial medical therapy fails as the gland is responsible for about 30-50% of the aqueous tear production in the dog he said we commonly see low tear production in the same breeds that develop a prolapsed gland of the nictitans it has been shown that dogs with surgical repositioning of the gland have a lower chance of developing low tear production later on in life compared to those where the gland has been excised or remains chronically prolapsed unfortunately there are no known preventative measures to protect against cherry eye in dogs collins says this condition can develop in both eyes usually before the age of 2 the best way pet owners can protect their furry friend is to remain vigilant in monitoring their pets health and to bring concerns to their veterinarian promptly in case an issue does arise pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+‘squash pet hazards this thanksgiving november 20 2020 this thanksgiving holiday many people will be gathering for smaller and safer celebrations amidst the pandemic at these more intimate celebrations pet owners may find that their animal receives more attention or is allowed more access to the feast than in years past dr dalton hindmarsh a resident in emergency and critical care at the texas a&m veterinary medical teaching hospital (vmth) says to prevent any pet-related issues commonly associated with holiday celebrations owners should set clear guidelines from the beginning on how the pet should be treated by dinner guests regardless of your gatherings size or guest list owners should really avoid feeding their pet any thanksgiving foods as the sudden change in diet could cause gi upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea) and lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) hindmarsh said foods that contain chocolate artificial sweeteners (xylitol) large amounts of garlic or onions grapes or raisins certain nuts such as macadamia nuts and bread dough can all lead to toxicity if a pet does manage to chow down on the humans feast hindmarsh recommends that owners call either their nearest emergency facility or a pet poison control center such as aspca poison control this doesnt mean your pet cannot indulge during the holidays; small treats may be given to pets provided they are safe these can include store-bought treats marketed for pets or small amounts of vegetables such as carrots or green beans cooked potatoes also can be a tasty low-calorie treat for pets so long as they arent covered in toppings like butter sour cream or marshmallows according to hindmarsh owners can also give thanks to their pet by spending extra quality time with them during thanksgiving and the holiday week this can be a relaxing activity for both pet and owner the holidays can be very stressful times for pets and it is important to take spend a few minutes with your pet doing something they enjoy like going for a walk or playing fetch hindmarsh said because pets like their human owners may get worked up in the holiday commotion owners should keep an eye on their animal to determine what environment is best for them every pet is a little different; for some it may be more stressful to separate them from the party while others may need a space where they can retreat to if they become overwhelmed with the holiday festivities hindmarsh said thanksgiving is an exciting time that marks the beginning of the holiday season for many with the proper precautions and preparations pet owners can ensure that their furry friends are safely included in the celebration after all what owner isnt grateful for their pet pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+put a paws on hunting: keep your cat safe from rodent-carried disease november 12 2020 the image of a cat hunting mice is as classic as their love of milk and yarn or their dislike of water and dogs while we may be familiar with this archetype in practice the hunting of rodents can expose our feline friends to harmful diseases and parasites that can even pose risks to their human owners dr lori teller an associate professor in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that cat owners should ideally discourage their pets from hunting rodents because cats are natural predators and hunting is instinctive to them this can be easier said than done teller said cat owners can place a bell on the cats collar to warn the prey and give it time to escape since cats are nocturnal and rodents are more prevalent after dark keeping a cat indoors overnight may also limit hunting opportunities this is important because there are several diseases cats can contract from mice including the plague leptospirosis hantaviruswhich humans cannot contract from cats but can contract from rodents brought home by a catand toxoplasmosis which can be problematic for pregnant women mice can also transmit roundworms an intestinal parasite that can cause vomiting diarrhea and weight loss in cats and can lead to a condition called visceral larval migrans in humans indoor cats also can get fleas and ticks from rodents that come into the home teller said these parasites can make your cat itchy and they can also bite you spreading potential disease such as the plague lyme disease and others to you and your family members if a cat owner has rodents in their home they should take precautions in their pest-control efforts as most rodenticides are extremely toxic to cats and some traps carry the risk of injuring both pet and pest indiscriminately there are different types of rat poisonsuch as anticoagulants neurotoxins and agentsthat cause a life-threatening increase in calcium levels teller said if treated quickly enough there are some antidotes for the anticoagulant-type of rat poisons there are no good treatments for the agents that increase calcium levels or the neurotoxic rodenticides once theyve been systemically absorbed a couple of pet-safe pest control options are ‘rat zappers that electrocute the rodents but are too small for a pet to access and bucket traps that rodents can fall into and then drown and again are too small for pets to access there are also specific types of bait boxes called tier 1 boxes that adult cats cannot get into but rats can traditional mouse traps can definitely cause pain and trauma to a pet but are rarely fatal teller recommends that depending on how severe the rodent infestation is pet owners consult with a professional exterminator to discuss pet-friendly ways to remove the rodents and ensure that the only animals in their homes are the pets they choose! pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+a thin line: normal shedding vs feline alopecia november 9 2020 as any cat owner who has tried to wear a black shirt knows…well shedding is a normal aspect of cat ownership however there are times when the hair just keeps coming and an owner may become concerned that their pets hair loss is abnormal and indicative of a larger issue dr alison diesel a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that cat owners can differentiate normal shedding from feline alopecia or hair loss if the hair coat is noted to be thin or has the absence of hair in areas the biggest difference between normal shedding and alopecia in cats is that with normal shedding there is not appreciable hair loss on the animal said diesel while the owner may see tufts of fur and hairballs around the home the cat looks to have a normal haircoat in regard to thickness length and density feline alopecia can have many causes according to diesel ranging from parasites such as fleas or mites to infections such as dermatophytosis or ringworm we can also see it with underlying allergies including to things like fleas food or the environment she said genetics can also be a ‘cause of alopecia; this is normal in certain breeds of cats such as the sphinx lastly there are some normal variants in cats that appear as alopecia examples include hair loss on the ear flaps of aging siamese cats and sparsely haired skin in the preauricular region (top of the head in front of the ears) on cats of any breed if an owner notices their cat is losing an abnormal amount of hair they should also keep an eye out for accompanying symptoms that may point towards a larger problem the most important thing to look for is whether the cat is also itchy this can be shown by certain behaviors include scratching biting licking chewing pulling out hair over grooming and/or increased hairballs additionally owners should monitor if there are any sores on the skin along with the hair loss she said lastly if anything has obviously changed with the overall health of the cat–signs of internal illness such as vomiting change in appetite or energy levelsowners should seek veterinary care pets experiencing unusual hair loss should be evaluated by their primary care veterinarian or a veterinary dermatologist to help determine the reason for hair loss they may conduct diagnostic tests and/or suggest a treatment plan tailored to your pets specific case while overgrooming most commonly has an underlying medical reason typically related to itch or possibly pain there are some cats where stress and behavioral contributions can play into the excessive grooming observed owners concerned that their pet is overgrooming may also wish to modify their pets environment in addition to bringing them in for a check-up ensure your pet has plenty of enrichment which can include toys window access and hands-on playtime in addition to areas where the cat can retreat and relax alone hair loss may be reversible depending on the cause; diesel said you cant all of a sudden make a sphinx grow hair but hair can grow back following resolution of ringworm as an example although the line between normal shedding and feline alopecia may at times seem thin prudent monitoring and prompt care can help owners keep their feline friend as happy healthy and fluffy as possible pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+having a pet-safe howl-o-ween october 29 2020 holidays are enjoyable occasions for animals and owners alike but they do provide a disruption in routine that introduces new variables into a pets environment rather than be haunted by the potential hazards that halloween festivities may introduce pet owners should be informed of possible risks before their spooky celebration so they and their pets can enjoy the night worry-free kelsi early a third-year veterinary student and ambassador at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that owners should take their pets individual dispositions into account when planning for the night while also keeping in mind that pets may behave differently when exposed to unfamiliar situations we should always take precautions when it comes to our pets and trick-or-treaters early said even the best-behaved pets can become spooked by the abnormal shapes from the costumes and high volumes of visitors to what they consider their space early says pet owners should keep their animals indoors on halloween night as the noise and excitement of visiting trick-or-treaters can act as a stressor that might cause an animal to flee if your pet is prone to guarding the door she also recommends hanging a sign that asks visitors to knock or leaving a candy bowl outside as pet owners enjoy special foods on halloween night they should also keep in mind that sugary treats that are enjoyable to them can be toxic if fed to pets most owners may be familiar with the danger of feeding chocolate to pets but early says that any treat high in sugar shouldnt be fed to an animal they are not able to process it in the same way that we do so high amounts of sugar can upset their pancreas and lead to a serious condition that can require hospitalization she said halloween decorations can also present dangers if consumed early recommends that pet owners consider their furry friends personality when decorating owners of dogs that love to chew may want to keep decorations out of their poochs reach while owners of cats who cant resist pulling at strings may want to pass on fake cobwebs if owners plan on purchasing a costume for their pet they should take care in placing their animals comfort over aesthetics while snapping that picture of your cat dressed as a dumpling is cute its not worth compromising their well-being my biggest advice on costumes and pets is to take the time to truly assess your pet and their reactions to them early said i love dressing up my dog for halloween but i always make sure to tailor my costume choices to his comfort for example my dog hates if anything is on his head and will instantly take it off; however he doesnt mind things on his body she said as a result i make sure to stay away from any costume that might have a head piece to it like a dragon and stick to things that are similar to a shirt like his current hot dog costume by being aware of potential hazards that halloween may introduce to their pets environment owners can properly prepare for themselves and their pets to have a safe and worry-free night of spooky celebration pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+cancer and large animals october 22 2020 cancer is a unique ailment in that it can be found in nearly every species no matter how small or how large luckily our fight against cancer is as widespread as the disease itself and veterinarians are able to provide treatment to many animals from cats and dogs to cows and horses dr leslie easterwood a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences works with horse and livestock owners at the large animal hospital to manage cancerous growths in our larger furry friends easterwood says that there are many different symptoms of cancer in large animals dependent on the location and impact of the mass but that the most common signs noticed by owners are external (visible) tumors and unexplained weight loss owners of white-skinned horses may wish to pay extra attention to the well-being of their animal as they are particularly prone to tumors around their eyes nose and genitalia; therefore these animals should be screened regularly have masses looked at as soon as possible easterwood said it is far easier to resolve a tumor when it is small and it is much more likely to have a good outcome when having an animal screened a veterinarian will likely perform a physical exam and conduct the appropriate diagnostic tests to determine whether a mass exists and if so if it is malignant this may include blood tests imaging and a taking a biopsy of the tumor for large animals the first step to any cancer treatment is a definitive diagnosis of the tumor type she said this is usually done by sending the tumor tissue to a lab for analysis under the microscope once the tumor is identified a veterinarian will likely debulk the tumor or surgically remove as much of the mass as possible the small amount of remaining tumor can be treated with a variety of adjunctive therapies or therapies used in conjunction with a primary treatment a veterinarian may recommend chemotherapy cryotherapy (freezing the mass) photodynamic dye therapy (a light-activated targeted drug therapy) electrochemotherapy (which uses electric pulses to improve absorption of chemotherapy drugs) and/or hyperthermia (killing cancer cells with heat) easterwood notes that while small animals and humans are usually treated with systemic chemotherapy agents large animals are usually injected with a localized treatment or treated with topically administered drugs there are also additional medication regulations to be considered for animals intended for human consumption beyond the need for repeated visits there are not many additional treatment factors for large vs small animals easterwood said just as cancers may be similar across many different species so are their treatments described most simply cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells so the goal in all cancer treatments is to halt the growth of and remove these abnormal cancer cells though a cancer diagnosis is certainly never a welcome event owners who take prompt action can provide their animal with the best chance of full remission to live as happy and as healthy a life as possible following diagnosis pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+prevention is key: what to know about felv october 15 2020 cancer prevention is often framed through healthy lifestyle choices and frequent screenings however in special cases where the disease can be caused by a virus scientists have developed vaccines that can be instrumental to reducing cancer risk as in the case of feline lymphoma dr lori teller an associate professor in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that lymphoma is the most common cancer in domestic cats and that prior to the development of a vaccine feline leukemia virus (felv) was recognized as the most common cause of feline lymphoma before there was a vaccine it was believed that felv was responsible for 70% of lymphoma cases in cats teller said current estimates are that 10 to 20% of infected cats will develop lymphoma or related cancers in addition to causing cancer felv may also cause various blood disorders and may weaken the cats immune system opening it up to secondary infections that the immune system of a healthy cat would normally be able to fight felv can cause a 60-fold increase in the risk of lymphoma teller said the development of cancer secondary to felv is complicated much has to do with the interaction of the virus with the cats immune system teller says that cats with felv may show symptoms such as loss of appetite weight loss poor coat condition fever pale gums gingivitis diarrhea and more if an owner suspects their cat is suffering from felv they should immediately consult a veterinarian who will confirm a diagnosis with a blood test if a cat is positive for felv they should be kept indoors to avoid contracting a secondary infection or any injury their weakened system will be unable to heal at the rate of a healthy cat this will also help them limit spread to other cats who can be infected by bite wounds mutual grooming or sharing food water and litter containers there is no definitive treatment for felv infections teller said the ones that exist are iffy at best are expensive and may have significant side-effects the best thing is prevention teller says that all cats who spend time outdoors even indoors-only cats who occasionally escape should be vaccinated against felv when adopting a new feline friend owners should also test their new pet for felv before introducing them to their full fur family although management of felv is difficult recent vaccination campaigns have been very effective at reducing the incidence of felv teller says these efforts have reduced the rate of felv-associated lymphomas by more than 50% with the institution of widespread testing and vaccination the prevalence of felv in the us has dropped to about 2% in healthy cats and 30% in high-risk or sick cats she said high-risk cats are those who spend time outdoors (even in their own yards) live in multi-cat households or may be ill with another disease such as fiv chronic herpesvirus or anything that can suppress the immune system the concept of a vaccine protecting against cancer may be unfamiliar to many but in the case of felv it is an instrumental tool in preventing felv-associated feline lymphomas and immune suppression it is an easy and effective preventative treatment that reduces your pets risk of contracting a preventable disease pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+how human and animal cancers compare october 8 2020 companion animals and their owners usually face very different medical concerns while humans rarely worry about developing kennel cough and pets have no concern of catching chickenpox cancer is unique in that nearly every species can develop it and that it may present similarly across species lines dr shay bracha an associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that 1 in 3 dogs and 1 in 4 cats will be diagnosed in their lifetime with cancer compared to 1 in 5 humans diagnosed in addition to chemotherapy and radiation humans may receive targeted therapies that are not widely available to animals a result of extensive research into drugs that effectively fight specific types of cancer however bracha says that veterinary researchers are working to develop similar targeted therapies for animals in the meantime most pets are treated with the same chemotherapy drugs or radiation humans receive we do use many of the same medicationssame drugs same chemotherapy radiation and so onto treat animals that we use in human medicine bracha said so many of the medications are pretty much the same the differences are in the dose and the frequency that we give our animals versus humans animals receive more conservative doses to reduce toxicity and side effects since pets cant communicate with their doctor the same way a person can oftentimes this lower dose leads to fewer side effects from treatment such as decreased nausea diarrhea and bone marrow suppression unrelated to treatment dose bracha says that most pets wont lose their fur during chemotherapy as animal fur doesnt grow continuously like human hair does however some breeds that grow hair instead of fur such as poodles might still lose their fluffy coat like humans pets may also be affected by similar mutagens or cancer-causing agents such as air pollution and pets living in polluted urban areas may be at higher risk for certain types of cancers as a result of their environment theres enough evidence for other cancers that are associated with mutagens for example specific herbicides and pesticides are known to be linked to bladder cancer in dogs he said dogs that live in rural areas and run into fields that have been sprayed with an herbicide can develop bladder cancer at a higher frequency than dogs that dont live in this environment certain breeds may also carry genetic risks for certain types of cancers as well for example terriers are at higher risk for bladder cancer than other breeds large dog breeds also tend to have higher rates of osteosarcoma or bone cancer than smaller breeds in addition to the shared phenomenon of genetic risk canine cancer often develops very similarly to human cancer the progression of osteosarcoma is very very similar between humans and animals he said they start in the same locations in the body they metastasize to the lungs and they oftentimes have a very aggressive course of disease other forms of cancer including bladder cancer non-hodgkins lymphoma and soft tissue sarcomas also share similarities between the two species canine cancers are so similar to human malignancies that the national institutes of health (nih) has designated research into canine cancers a priority using them as a model for human cancers to improve treatment outcomes in both species our pets live with us and therefore are exposed to the same toxins and environmental stressors which makes the disease closer to their human counterparts he said there are a lot of efforts to learn new therapies in the dog and try to move with that model to the human side of healing although cancer is a tragic disease in both our furry friends and their human owners veterinary and medical researchers are working hard to better understand this disease and develop a more effective fight against it in the coming years we can look forward to more targeted and effective therapies for humans and pets alike pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the first steps: cancer diagnosis in pets october 5 2020 although any illness in a beloved pet is stressful for their owner cancer holds an especially alarming stigma that may be a point of fear for many however the veterinary field is continuously improving the treatment of this disease leading to more favorable outcomes dr christopher dolan an oncology resident at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that the first step to fixing this problem is diagnosing it and that knowing when to take a pet in for screening can be difficult as cancer can present in a variety of different ways one of the more common symptoms that owners will report is that their pet is losing weight even if theyre eating the same amount of food and performing at the same level of activity dolan said sometimes we also see animals that are slowing down and dont have as much energy as they used to dolan also says owners may observe more alarming symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes or limping before bringing their pet in for a screening however the diverse ways in which cancer presents itself means that owners shouldnt discount less obvious symptoms such as lethargy when pet owners bring in their animal for a screening their veterinarian will first try to assess the overall systemic health of their animal which may include less invasive tests such as bloodwork they may also conduct a physical exam to direct their diagnostics toward any areas that appear to be abnormal your veterinarian might next try to do some degree of diagnostic imaging either with chest x-rays or abdominal ultrasound or sometimes even ct scans or mris to see if they find anything alarming he said if we do see a tumor or something else thats concerning well try to get a sample of that to confirm a diagnosis this sample called a tissue biopsy is the current standard of care however some groups are developing tests using liquid biopsies or samples of blood tested for circulating signs of tumors in a less invasive procedure researchers at texas a&m including dolan and his team are among those at the forefront of cancer research working to improve the diagnostic process a lot of these tools are still in the research-and-development stage but i think its an exciting path forward he said we might be able to use them to aid in our diagnosis we can use them to see what kind of treatments could be useful to treat cancer we also can use them to monitor response to therapies or you can even sometimes use them to monitor remission status in these dogs and cats as well for now pet owners should consult their veterinarians and trust that they will provide the best care available to their furry friend in difficult times if pet owners are concerned about the health of their animal taking them in for a visit is the first step to keeping them as healthy as possible if youre going through this take it one step at a time we all know this is a lot of information to take in ask questions; talk to your veterinarian about what your concerns are dolan said were very open to working within whatever the goals of therapy may be being communicative with the treatment team or with any of your veterinarians is important and then just take it one step at a time and trying to figure out whats best for you and your family pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+backyard chickens: a compre-hen-sive guide september 24 2020 while many people are content with a pet dog or cat others may seek less traditional animal friends for those looking for more exotic pets chickens can offer not only companionship but also benefits such as egg production soil fertilization and educational opportunities to help forge the connection between farm and table dr ashley navarrette a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that chickens are quite intelligent and can even be trained they are very food motivated and can even be taught to complete agility courses though this requires a lot of time and patience chickens are often well-suited to life in suburban or semi-suburban environments they require about 2-3 square feet per chicken inside their coop with an additional minimum of 8 square feet of outside access potential owners should be aware that even if they have the space their property may not always be the right place to keep chickens they also should verify how many chickens their city allows them to keep before adopting look into your local ordinances or regulations within your home owners association before considering acquiring a chicken or multiple chickens as a pet or backyard project said navarrette also understand that chickens can live up to 8 years and therefore are a long-term commitment navarrette says that while they can be kept as solitary pets chickens are a social species and are best kept in groups owners of multiple chickens should be wary of overcrowding which can lead to stress and conflict as with any group of animals there will be social dynamics and there will be an established hierarchy she said there is usually a dominant hen and subsequent ‘pecking order below males will also fight for the top spot one must be careful in regard to housing roosters as they can be aggressive loud and against many city ordinances owners must also be wary of interactions with other species as many dogs cats ferrets and larger reptiles will see chickens as prey navarrette says interactions between chickens and other pets should be limited and always supervised children should also be taught appropriate behavior around chickens and handling not only for the safety of the chicken but also the child navarrette said it is also important to note that chicken feces can harbor salmonella and it can be present on the wings feet etc salmonella can pose a public health risk particularly to children all individuals handling the chickens should appropriately wash their hands afterwards navarrette says that most chickens require minimal veterinary care and are usually treated as issues arise health issues can be largely avoided with appropriate care most commercial chickens are vaccinated for mareks disease before 1-2 weeks of age but unless an owner intends to show their chickens or there is a disease outbreak within a flock additional vaccinations are uncommon to keep chickens in their best health owners should feed their birds a diet based on their stage of life their diet can also be supplemented by allowing chickens to forage in dirt or grass which is a natural behavior appropriate diets can be found at feed stores and its best to stick with those from nationally recognized brands as they tend to have the greatest amount of research behind them and are appropriately balanced navarrette said it is best to avoid breads/starches chocolate onions caffeine avocado and excess salt as these can be harmful to chickens and other bird species be sure to research toxic plants in your backyard as well although many individuals might consider chickens to be more livestock than domestic pet they can offer the benefits of food production while still providing companionship to make your days a little more sunny side up pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+welcome home: introducing a new baby to pets september 18 2020 many expecting parents prepare for months in anticipation of a new baby for pet parents this preparation also often involves encouraging appropriate and positive behaviors in their animals during the time leading up to birth however even with adequate preparations there are still important precautions owners should consider after the arrival of their new addition to ensure the safety of both pets and child dr lori teller an associate professor in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences advises new parents to approach the introduction of pets and babies with caution even if they trust their pet to be gentle the most important thing to remember is that a baby and a pet should never be left alone together even if you think your pet would never hurt anybody she said this cannot be overstated the initial introduction can be eased by acclimating pets to the babys odor prior to bringing the newborn home when the baby is born have someone bring home some of the clothing or blankets used by the baby while in the hospital for the pets to smell before the baby is discharged teller said when the baby is brought home teller recommends that new parents bring backup to make sure both the baby and pet are consistently monitored where possible someone else should hold the baby while the parents pay attention to the pets she said encourage them to be calm while you greet them once everyone is calm you can introduce your pets to the baby if necessary have your pets on a leash one person can be seated while holding the baby and someone else can control the pets if you have multiple pets teller recommends introducing them to the baby one at a time after the initial introduction pet owners still need to be vigilant in monitoring animal interactions with their child teller says owners should also actively work to maintain a positive pet-baby relationship its important to find a way to pay attention to your pet while your baby is awake and active you want your pet to know that the baby is a part of the family and everyone can enjoy time together she said you can toss a few treats or verbally praise your pet for good behavior around an active baby unwittingly by only paying attention to your pet when your baby is sleeping you are teaching your pet that the baby is a negative in the pets life pet owners should keep in mind that changes to their home environment can pose a danger to their animals some baby supplies such as pacifiers baby bottle nipples and small toys can all be swallowed by pets and may require surgery to remove many medications such as diaper rash ointment can be toxic to pets and should be kept in a secure location teller also recommends that owners are careful to keep their pet away from dirty diapers pet supplies should also be kept away from a baby teller said these include medications such as heartworm and flea and tick preventives pet toys and chew bones are also not appropriate for a baby to put in his or her mouth when bathing your pet with a medicated shampoo make sure your pet is dry before interacting with the baby pets also may pose a hazard to a new baby because by nature it is sometimes difficult to predict the behaviors of animals even if a pet owner fully trusts their furry friend to be gentle the unfamiliar presence of a baby could put the pet on edge an owner needs to be concerned if the pet growls hisses or otherwise tries to interact with the baby in a negative manner she said any kind of negative interaction should be stopped immediately if your pet is acting aggressively it should be isolated and you need to speak with your veterinarian ensuring the safety of a new baby is the top priority of any new parent and proper precautions can help build a safe and positive relationship between the new baby and existing pets there is tremendous sweetness and beauty in watching a child and a pet develop a mutually caring and loving relationship teller said make sure your pet is encouraged and rewarded for good behavior as your baby grows make sure they understand how to treat a pet kindly as wellno pulling on ears and tails or trying to take a pets food or toys reward your childs good behavior as well pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+preparing the entire family for a newborn september 10 2020 expecting parents are often as busy as they are excited while theyre preparing to welcome a new baby to their family in this happily hectic time those who also own pets should consider how their fur babies and their new baby can safely interact when they eventually meet dr lori teller an associate professor in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says expecting parents can begin preparing their pets for a new arrival as soon as they know they are expecting a new baby this is a great time for an obedience refresher for your dog make sure your dog knows and obeys commands such as sit down stay come wait off and go to bed teller said if your dog likes to jump on people this is a great reason to teach them to stop this behavior the relationship between your pet and your child will be so much the better if your dog has good manners the arrival of a new baby will interrupt a pets schedule almost as much as it alters the parents schedule teller advises pet owners to adjust their pet to their new schedule and new rules such as not allowing pets to enter rooms reserved for the baby before the babys arrival bring new baby products and furniture into the house before your baby comes home these may include diapers lotion baby wash formula and linens teller said let your pets get accustomed to these smells so that by the time the baby arrives those smells will be a normal part of the environment dont allow your pet to sleep in the babys crib or any other location where the baby may rest teller also recommends that pet owners acclimate their furry friend to the sound of a baby crying prior to their arrival this can be done by playing a recording of crying at a low volume and practicing obedience commands owners can reward their dog for obeying and remaining calm then slowly increase the volume continuing to reward their pets positive behaviors if you will be walking your dog while pushing the stroller start training your dog to walk next to it she said initially your dog may find it scary to walk next to the stroller so its better to get your dog comfortable with it now before all of you end up in a tangled mess owners can also help their animals adjust to their diverted attention by holding a doll in the chair where they will feed or rock the baby and by carrying the doll around owners should reward their pet for resting calmly while they are occupied with the doll while practicing these techniques can be greatly helpful in ensuring a smooth transition pet owners may also wish to consult their veterinarian with any behavioral concerns if your pet is anxious by nature it would be good to discuss this with your veterinarian before the babys arrival teller said your pet may benefit from an anti-anxiety supplement or the use of a calming pheromone some pets may need medication and a behavioral modification plan to address anxiety issues preparing a pet prior to the arrival of a new baby is instrumental in ensuring that your new expanded family gets off on the right paw not only can these preparations support a safer environment for the new baby but they can also help reduce stress for new parents in their first joyful weeks of parenthood pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+a whole ‘llama fun: alpacas and llamas as pets september 3 2020 llamas and alpacas are closely related animals both hailing from south america although they may have an exotic allure they are commonly kept as companion animals and can make rewarding and unexpected pets for owners with the space and time dr evelyn mackay a clinical assistant professor of food animal medicine and field service at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that the benefits of owning a pet llama or alpaca include companionship fiber production the opportunity to train and show them and protection as a guard animal potential owners who are considering adopting a llama or alpaca should take into account the important care these animals require including vaccinations and routine dental care as they are prone to tooth abscesses and require trims for overgrown incisors llamas and alpacas also need their hooves trimmed as they have two claws that continue to grow mackay said in addition they should have regular fecal exams to check for intestinal parasites theyre very sensitive to intestinal parasites that also affect sheep and goats i usually recommend that healthy llamas and alpacas get checked every three to six months and more frequently in any animals that have had problems with parasites it is also vital that potential owners are able to provide the appropriate environment for their new pet mackay says they can happily live in a relatively small dirt pen but that there should not be any grazing area if their enclosure is small to reduce the risk of parasites if they will be at pasture she recommends at least a couple acresthe larger the better owners should also consider the management of their pets waste llamas and alpacas produce little formed pellets; rakes and scoops can be used to clear it from your yard or pasture she said in large pasture situations where they have many many acres to roam and graze you usually dont have to maintain the feces that much as it will decompose as the season goes on but the feces can be a source of parasites and should be removed in smaller areas to avoid contaminating the environment it is also very important that these animals have a supplied water source in their environment that is monitored and changed daily adequate water intake can help owners manage the risk of heat stress heat stress is a really important problem that we see here in texas with llamas and alpacas mackay said they grow this beautiful fiber coat but it needs to be shorn at a minimum of once per year although i recommend twice per year heat stress can be life threatening for these animals if not treated quickly she said they should always have shade available and some enjoy having access to a fan or gently being wetted down with water to stay cool the diet of llamas and alpacas is largely hay- or grass-based animals requiring extra calories may be fed special food formulated for llamas and alpacas its really important that they always have access to forage mackay said forage means either grass they can graze or access to hay coastal bermuda grass hay is a great forage source that many llamas and alpacas in texas are fed with if theyre not on enough pasture these animals are also very social and enjoy being kept with other members of their own species however unneutered alpaca males may tend to fight so owners should be aware of the group dynamic of their herd mackay also adds that some llamas may be ok as solitary or guard animals but most members of this species need social interaction to be happy llamas and alpacas often can very happily coexist in pastures with goats sheep donkeys horses and other animalsoftentimes cattle as well mackay said owners should be very careful about interactions with dogs they are susceptible to dog attacks and can be badly injured by them as a final note mackay adds that a common misconception that paints llamas and alpacas as spitters may deter potential owners but this behavior is often misunderstood and fairly uncommon llamas and alpacas get a bad rap for spitting its not actually their spit that they might throw at you; its the contents from their first stomach compartment so its actually a little bit of thrown up food she said its not as common as people think they typically only do it when they feel threatened or upset if you have a good bond with your llama or alpaca and youre giving them enough space and making them feel safe its unlikely that theyll spit on you pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+turmeric and canine uveitis: not so far-fetched august 27 2020 many of the medications that improve our daily lives were first found in naturethe discovery of aspirin began with willow tree bark penicillin was first extracted from a common species of mold and countless other life-improving compounds have roots in the natural world dr erin scott an assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has found inspiration in the turmeric plant a member of the ginger family known for its vivid yellow color that may have powerful anti-inflammatory properties useful in the treatment of uveitis in dogs uveitis is inflammation inside the eye that can cause discomfort and sensitivity to light scott said it occurs commonly in dogs and has many causes we can see uveitis secondary to infectious diseases cancer and auto-immune diseases uveitis can also occur with longstanding cataracts and after cataract surgery is performed uveitis is a leading cause of complications after cataract surgery in dogs scott says and the management of postoperative inflammation inside the eye is a major challenge in both veterinary and human ophthalmology symptoms of uveitis include ocular pain and reddening of the eye an owner might suspect their pet has this condition if they keep their affected eye shut by squinting and avoiding bright lights a pets eye may also appear cloudy or exhibit excessive tearing current treatments for canine uveitis include a combination of systemic and topical anti-inflammatory medications either in the form of steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids) scott said while these medications are effective in the treatment of uveitis they can cause unwanted side effects such as vomiting diarrhea stomach ulcers negatively impact kidney and liver function and increase glucose levels in diabetic patients for these reasons scott and her colleagues at the texas a&m college of pharmacy have investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin a compound found in turmeric and discovered that when processed to a special nanoparticle formulation that boosts absorption this natural compound is safe and effective at managing uveitis without any known side effects though the nanoparticle formulation of curcumin used by scott in her research is not yet available to the public she is optimistic that her findings will lead to advances in the management of uveitis for both humans and dogs for now pet owners who suspect their dog is suffering from uveitis should contact their veterinarian who will help determine the most current and best path of treatment for their furry friend this formulation is something to look for in the future as further testing is necessary for us to confirm our findings at this time pet owners should follow the recommendations of their veterinary care professional scott said we do hope to start a clinical trial with this new medication in the near future pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+herd of miniature cattle august 20 2020 miniature pigs and miniature horses are well-known pets that offer unusual and adorable companionship but the increasingly common miniature bovine is also making an entrance to the modern homesteading scene dr evelyn mackay a clinical assistant professor of food animal medicine and field service at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says the care requirements of miniature cattle are similar to those of their larger counterparts just on a smaller scale miniature cattle are basically just smaller cattle mackay said while theyre more manageable because of their size they still require training and time to be halter broke and tame selectively bred to be shrunken down for the domestic sphere miniature cattle usually range between half and a third of the size of traditional cattle depending on their breed although their smaller size does reduce their space requirements mackay does not recommend these animals for suburban dwellers as they still require about a half-acre of space for each animal miniature cattle are still herd animals and enjoy social stimulation mackay said they should be kept with other cattle usually same size to avoid injury from fighting they can also be kept with other species the diet of a miniature cattle is the same as a full-sized bovine just at a reduced volume mackay advises this means they consume hay or fresh pasture and need access to fresh water at all times typically miniature cattle consume 2% to 4% of their body weight in food per day miniature cattle also have similar health requirements as full-sized cattle meaning they require the appropriate vaccines hoof trims and fly control to keep them healthy potential owners should be prepared to provide routine veterinary care to their new pet as they would any other animal owners looking into a new bovine buddy should be aware that the temperament of these animals is variable although they are often more tame than full-sized cattle they are fully capable of being mean too mackay said beyond companionship potential owners may be interested in the other benefits miniature cattle can offer mackay says that while miniature cows produce milk for their calves she doesnt know that anyone is using them as dairy animals on a large scale some breeds such as the miniature belted galloway have a soft wooly undercoat that can be used to produce yarn others like scottish miniature highland cattle will clear your yard of wood lots and tree sprouts with a rich history miniature zebu cattle one of the oldest breeds of cattle are often kept for showing although miniature cattle may be an unexpected choice their smaller size makes them a more manageable alternative for hobby farmers than their full-sized counterparts as is often said good things come in small packages! pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+have a paw-sitive transition after quarantine august 13 2020 a silver lining to the stress of stay-at-home orders for many has been extra time spent with pets whether that means extra-long walks for dogs chin scratches for cats or quality time and attention for all of the other critters many of our furry friends have benefited from this pause in society dr lori teller an associate professor in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says pets that have grown used to having near-constant contact with their owner may experience separation anxiety when their owner returns to a more regular routine because of this she recommends that owners prepare now for a return to work or school before the pandemic people would come and go and most animals were quite used to this but now owners have been at home for much of the day and their pets are used to getting frequent walks or other types of attention an abrupt change in the schedule can be very stressful for some animals teller said it also is possible for a pet that has not had previous symptoms of separation anxiety to develop these symptoms as people return to work or school following stay-at-home orders owners can help their pets adjust by leaving the house for short periods of time and monitoring the pets response teller said an owner may need to set up the camera on a phone or tablet to record the pets response to his or her departure if the animal seems fine increase the amount of time away from home to determine if there will be problems teller also recommends identifying high-value treats a pet enjoys such as food puzzles or toys filled with frozen treats if owners only provide these treats when they leave the house the pet will associate good things with their departure and be less prone to anxiety owners should also make their departures as low-key as possible after giving their pet a special treat you can also leave on some music for the pet she said studies have shown that dogs and cats like classical music and soft rock and some dogs have a preference for reggae by beginning to match their quarantine routine with what owners expect their future schedule to look like they can acclimate their animal to certain walk lengths times and cuddling schedules before any big changes teller also says that people who adopted a new puppy or kitten during the pandemic should be extra mindful as these pets have only ever lived in a household where humans are always around dogs with separation anxiety may pace pant salivate or bark or howl excessively in more serious cases a dog may become destructive and scratch or chew at doors or windows in an effort to escape teller said cats may groom excessively or stop urinating in the litter box the most important step owners can take in preventing separation anxiety is to prepare early even if a pet is only exhibiting mild signs of separation anxiety their owner should reach out to a veterinarian to get help before a pet hurts themselves or damages their home for mild cases veterinarians may recommend some of the dog or cat pheromones that promote calmness and relaxation she said there are also some nutraceuticals (a pharmaceutical alternative that claims psychological benefits) that help with calming and relaxation as well as a variety of prescription medications that can help lessen anxiety a veterinarian can help you determine what is best for your pet and how you can best help your pet adjust to time alone they may also refer you to a veterinary behavior specialist for more severe cases if separation anxiety is allowed to go unchecked it can be that much more difficult to treat teller said reach out to your veterinarian as soon as you suspect a problem anxiety issues generally have a good prognosis when intervention happens early pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+bee aware of insect stings this summer july 31 2020 the summer season offers many opportunities for pets and their owners to get outside and enjoy nature these adventures can provide wonderful opportunities for enrichment but blooming flowers gardening and spending more time outdoors can increase a pets exposure to stinging insects dr christine rutter a clinical assistant professor and emergency and critical care specialist at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says pet owners may not always know when their animal has been stung by an insect as bees are the only insect that actually leave stingers behind a common sign that an owner can use to identify a sting is that a pet may have an acute lameness/pain or cry out for an unknown reason while outside rutter said sometimes pets will have pain on their face paws or areas that may appear swollen these signs can occur immediately after or within a few hours of a sting if an owner suspects that their animal has been stung they should immediately seek emergency veterinary care most topical medications and home remedies arent a good idea for pets and a veterinarian should be consulted before administering any medications to your pet with prompt treatment the majority of insect stings can be managed even if a pet is allergic pets that have facial swelling severe itching hives vomiting diarrhea and/or collapse after a sting could be allergic to stings rutter said it is uncommon for pets to have repeat episodes of life-threatening reactions after stings but it does happen rutter says pets are usually stung on their face or a paw but that stings may occur anywhere most stings are isolated and the result of an overcurious pet annoying a stinging insect that was previously minding its own business she said keeping control of your pet and supervising them when outside is keybut its easier said than done many stings (even for supervised pets) arent witnessed owners outside with their pets should keep an eye out for foraging bees on flowers swarms of bees and beehives especially if africanized bees a more aggressive version of the european honeybee are present in their area they should also be wary of wasp nests and yellow jacket burrows which can be a source of multiple stings if a pet gets too close a single sting is usually not a big deal but multiple stings can be life threatening and potentially have long-term complications she said keep pets from investigating under porches/houses in shrubbery outbuildings or known locations of nests/hives for pets with a known severe allergy to stings rutter says that there are therapies available to desensitize them to insect venom if your pet has more than one severe reaction to an insect sting she recommends addressing the issue with your veterinarian to see what options are best to protect your furry friend though insect stings are never pleasantfor pets or humansprompt veterinary care can minimize the risks of insect stings and ensure your pet has a safe and pleasant experience with the great outdoors pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+pandemic pet-care precautions july 24 2020 although only a small number of companion animals have tested positive for the sars-cov-2 virus pet owners may experience anxiety about the best way to care for their pet amidst a pandemic when stories about confirmed cases in pets begin appearing closer to home such as those recently reported by the united states department of agriculture in texas california south carolina and georgia dr deb zoran a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that pet owners can maintain a high standard of care for their pet but should be sure to do so while following the appropriate centers for disease control & prevention guidelines owners concerned about taking their canine companions on walks or to the dog park should not avoid these activities provided pet parents practice proper social distancing and follow mask guidelines for themselves to date there is no evidence that dog-to-dog or dog-to-person transmission of the virus is a likely mechanism for sars-cov-2 spread especially in the outdoor environment where aerosolization of respiratory droplets (the primary means of coronavirus transmission) must occur repeatedly and in a place where the aerosol is not dispersed by moving air or by the dogs moving around zoran said zoran says that the key is for humans to exercise the proper precautions during these activities as the few pets that have been infected likely have been infected by their owners dogs playing together at a dog park are much more likely to share or get infected with more common canine respiratory infections such as bordetella or kennel cough and canine flu she said also key is that if an individual within your household develops covid-19 they should be separated from other humans as well as from pets to prevent infecting them pets in close contact with infected individuals have been known to test positive for sars-cov-2 to date no specific signs of sars-cov-2 infection have been described in clinical studies of dogs or cats with covid-19 since it is uncommon zoran said but if a pet living in a household with a covid-positive person develops a fever respiratory signs (sneezing coughing runny eyes nasal discharge) or gastrointestinal upset (vomiting or diarrhea) then the pet should be considered to be possibly infected with the virus too in this case the pet should be taken to their veterinarian preferably by a well person or pet sitter living outside of the household owners also should prepare for the well-being of their dog in the event that they themselves are infected zoran recommends finding a trusted individual to care for your furry friend while you isolate to protect your pet from infection if a person with covid-19 requires hospital care and has a pet living with them and there is no one else living in the house to take care of the pet the pet will have to live in a temporary shelter or veterinary hospital and be quarantined for 14 days zoran said thus it is highly advisable that you make plans ahead of time for care of your animals in the event that you or members of your family get sick although caution is paramount in such uncertain times owners who remain informed and follow appropriate guidelines should feel confident in their ability to continue providing a healthy full life for their dog at this time even with newer cases the role of pets in the transmission of covid-19 appears to be a very low likelihood zoran said the key is to think about your pets care and do your best to avoid contact with your pets if you become ill to reduce the likelihood that they will get infected pet owners wishing to stay informed on how to keep their animal and human family safe should consult reputable sources such as the american veterinary medical associations covid-19 resources or the cdcs current guidelines pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+caring for a dog with ptsd july 16 2020 just as our pets often help their owners through difficult times animals that have suffered from traumatic events may need extra support dr lori teller an associate professor in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that because dogs can suffer from psychological conditions like their human counterparts owners can benefit from having an awareness of possible causes diagnosis and how canine post-traumatic stress disorder may be managed to give your furry friend the best life possible following periods of stress and trauma roughly 5 to 17% of dogs are affected with canine ptsd but because the condition has only been recognized in dogs within the past 10 years teller says there is still much to learn we dont always know what may cause ptsd in dogs but some potential causes are military or police work being a bait or fighting dog being raised in a puppy mill severe abuse living as a stray after being abandoned trauma from a disaster (flood fire earthquake tornado explosion) or being attacked by other dogs or animals teller said the symptoms of ptsd in dogs are similar to those in humans and include chronic anxiety; hypervigilance; avoidance of certain people places or situations; sleep disturbances; fear of being alone; decreased interest in a favorite activity; or aggression teller said teller also says that these symptoms may not be apparent at the time of adoption because as a survival mechanism some dogs will mask their symptoms until they gradually adapt to their new home depending on the animals trigger pet owners who suspect their furry friend may be suffering from this condition should ideally seek help from a veterinary behavioralist who will develop an appropriate treatment plan pet owners seeking this care may wish to reference the american veterinary society of animal behaviors directory if access to a veterinary behavioralist is not possible your primary veterinarian will still be able to help your dog get the care they need the best ways to manage ptsd in dogs will be a combination of behavioral therapy and medication teller said behavioral management might include desensitization therapy in which a dog is exposed to low levels of stress and then this level is gradually increased to build tolerance for that stimulus playtime with a well-socialized dog increased exercise and mental stimulation medications prescribed could include anxiolytics anti-depressants or beta-blockers teller adds that time and patience are vital to the management of canine ptsd owners will need to actively work with their dog on a daily basis and be in regular communication with their veterinary team although adopting a dog with a history of trauma requires a caring and dedicated owner the bond that is formed between rescued dog and pet-parent can be an unbreakable gift that is well worth the time and effort pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+what to know about vesicular stomatitis july 9 2020 vesicular stomatitis or vsv is a virus endemic to the warmer regions of north central and south america texans with livestock and horses are likely familiar with the disease as outbreaks of vsv typically occur in the state every few years the current national outbreak of vsv began on april 13 when the national veterinary services laboratory reported vsv-positive premises in new mexico on april 23 the first in-state vsv finding of this outbreak was reported at an equine facility in starr county texas dr leslie easterwood a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences informs horse and livestock owners on what they should know about this virus and how they can keep their animals safe and healthy vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease that affects horses donkeys mules cattle and swine easterwood said this virus is spread by insect vectors including blackflies sand flies and members of the culicoides species (usually ‘no-see-um gnats) the current serotype or version of vsv causing this outbreak is known as the new jersey serotype which easterwood characterizes as being very virulent and contagious the virus causes crusting ulcerative and vesicular (fluid-filled) lesions of the lips tongue coronary bands (where the hairline meets hoof) mammary glands muzzle and nostrils these lesions are very inflamed causing swelling pain and excess salivation she said many affected animals are lame due to the inflammation of the coronary bands and have a hard time chewing and swallowing their feed due to the lesions on their lips and tongue easterwood says that vsv is self-limiting meaning the disease tends to go away on its own but that anti-inflammatory medications may help to decrease pain and swelling caused by the lesions to protect animals from contracting vsv easterwood recommends practicing good fly control and limiting exposure to infected animals as the virus can be spread directly from animal to animal or between shared spaces and equipment such as water buckets in addition to causing harm to individual animals vsv can also be more broadly dangerous to agricultural industries this virus can be especially detrimental to our milk producing cows easterwood said they can become lame and the lesions decrease their milk production with horses infected individuals are not allowed to travel to events where they could be comingled and transmit the virus vsv could have economic impacts on our show horses racehorses commercial dairy cattle and commercial swine operations if an owner suspects that one of their animals is suffering from vsv or has been exposed to an infected animal they should consult their veterinarian promptly due to the highly contagious nature of the condition this viral disease is a reportable disease which means that the texas animal health commission (tahc) will be informed when an animal tests positive easterwood said tahc will then control how the animals movements are restricted until the symptoms resolve and the outbreak is over pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+having a safe paw-triotic fourth of july july 2 2020 independence day is a lively outdoor holiday that offers many opportunities to include your furry friend although these summer festivities can be enjoyable for both pet and person owners should be wary of possible hazards associated with the celebration kate kimble a third-year veterinary student and student ambassador at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences advises pet owners on how they can keep their pets safe this fourth of july when attending a social event with your dog make sure to keep them leashed and up to date on all their vaccines so they can interact safely with other people and pets kimble said pet owners also may want to consider providing guidelines to their friends and other partygoers on how they should interact with a pet for example an owner might ask that others refrain from slipping their pooch table scraps during holidays we often have an abundance of decadent foods that we as people look forward to and love kimble said avoid feeding your pets scraps or bites of human foods as they can often lead to an upset stomach vomiting and diarrhea in severe cases a gastrointestinal disorder may develop obstructions may also occurespecially if your pet gets their paws on a bone or corn on the cob in addition alcohol should never be given to pets because it can be fatal your pet can also become ill from chowing down on non-food party items like decorations or sparkly streamers and develop a serious medical condition such as a blockage kimble advised owners who suspect that their pet has ingested a toxic substance should contact the animal poison control center at (888) 426-4435 or their veterinarian pet owners should also keep an eye out for their pets temperature especially in a texas summer preventing overheating is paramount to keeping pets safe this independence day owners should be aware of the dangers of heat stroke during fourth of july gatherings make sure to keep your pet cool with plenty of access to water shade and place to retreat from the hot summer air kimble said fireworks are a highlight of the holiday for many people but our pets may not enjoy the loud explosions and flashing kimble warns that pet owners should be cautious of allowing their pets outdoors during fireworks shows as the loud noises and lights might spook an animal and cause them to flee their yard if they feel unsafe some of our furry companions are not the biggest fans she said to ensure the safety of pets during a fireworks display keep them inside or away from the fireworks in an area in which they are shielded from the loud noises bright lights and sparks if pet owners are concerned about how their furry friend handles disruptive events they should reach out to their veterinarian to best determine how to keep their pet calm and happy kimble advises that there are tools to help your pet better manage stress including veterinarian-prescribed medications and calming treats or chew toys another option to help pets through scary times such as a fireworks display is to dress them in a compressive vest or shirt that applies constant pressure which mimics swaddling and promotes a calming sense in the animal she said outdoor games and gatherings hosted on independence day can provide wonderful enrichment for your pet although pet owners should remain vigilant and keep an eye out for any dangers the fourth of july brings it is a wonderful opportunity to safely celebrate our nation and freedoms with friends and family person and pet pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+gesundheit! reverse sneezing in dogs june 25 2020 snorts yips growls and groanspet dogs make a variety of sounds that can entertain or worry their owner depending on the circumstance though owners who have concerns about the health of their pet should always consult a veterinarian dr lori teller an associate professor in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) weighs in one of the many unusual noises a pet dog can make: reverse sneezing also known as inspiratory paroxysmal respiration reverse sneezing is caused by a muscle spasm at the back of a dogs mouth where it meets the throat this spasm which lasts around 30 seconds causes a temporary narrowing of the opening of the trachea making it difficult for the dog to inhale a reverse sneeze is a sudden involuntary respiratory reflex but instead of forcefully expelling air out like a regular sneeze air is sucked into the nose with a series of rapid forceful inhalations teller said episodes of reverse sneezing can occur in any breed of dog but teller said they seem to be more common in brachycephalic smushy-faced dog breeds like pugs shih tzus and bulldogs a reserve sneeze sounds like a combination of a loud snort honk and choking noise teller said the dog may stand very still with their front legs and neck extended the owner will notice their pets chest and abdomen rapidly moving in and out while a reverse sneezing episode may be cause for concern for some pet owners teller wants owners to know that it is not painful or harmful for your pet people are concerned that their dogs cannot get air and are suffocating or choking to death teller said however it is much scarier to the owner than to the dog if pet owners find their dogs experiencing reverse sneezes teller says there are several techniques owners can use to calm their dog and get the episode to stop during an episode an owner can try speaking in a soothing voice while gently massaging the dogs throat teller said the owner can also gently blow in the dog face to make it swallow or gently open the dogs mouth and press down on the tongue to alleviate the spasm occasional episodes of reverse sneezing are normal and are not of concern to the health of the dog but always consult a veterinarian if your furry friend is experiencing respiratory symptoms that impact their ability to breathe or if reverse sneezing episodes are recurring if your dog has chronic episodes or other respiratory issues such as coughing nasal discharge or difficulty breathing or just does not seem to feel well then its important to seek veterinary attention to determine if there are other problems going on teller said pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+dont brush off feline dandruff june 18 2020 dandruff may be a cosmetic inconvenience that many people dread but cats can suffer from this condition as well dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences shares with pet owners the diverse causes of this condition and how to treat dandruff in a feline friend the causes of dandruff in cats can range from relatively simplesuch as obesity that limits a cats ability to groom allergies or the build-up of the undercoatto more serious issuessuch as fleas or a skin infectionto very serious issuessuch as cancers like cutaneous lymphoma teller said there is also a condition called ‘walking dandruff that is caused by the cheyletiella mite this mite is usually prevented by flea control products other potential causes of feline dandruff include other external parasites (such as ticks and demodectic mange) bacterial or fungal infections malnutrition or an interrupted ability to groom (caused by factors like kidney disease diabetes mellitus pancreatitis or even discomfort from arthritis) if an owner notices dandruff it is certainly worth having the cat checked to rule out an underlying problem especially if the cat has other concurrent problems teller said if the cat is itchy; losing hair; vomiting; has a change in appetite water consumption or litter box use; or if the owner notices skin lesions or parasites it is worth a visit to the veterinarian teller also advises that cat owners who are allergic to their pet may be bothered by cat dander and that a veterinary visit may allow for treatment of the cat that can help alleviate allergy symptoms in their owner the treatment for feline dandruff will depend on the cause teller said some parasites may be treated with good flea control infections may require topical or systemic antibiotics or antifungals certainly any underlying systemic disease should be treated if obesity or arthritis is part of the problem weight loss or pain control may be recommended if no underlying problems are determined an owner might be advised to brush their cat daily to distribute their pets natural skin oils throughout the coat and remove existing dandruff if a cat has long hair or a thick coat the cat may need to be brushed several times a day cat owners should consult their veterinarian to determine which grooming practices are best for their pet if the dandruff is more than just a few flakes if the cat is itchy or is not acting normally or if anyone else in the family (human or animal) develops skin lesions it is worth a trip to the veterinarian teller said although it is important for pet owners to practice their due diligence and check in with their veterinarian to rule out the more serious causes of feline dandruff teller says that in many cases dandruff is a minor condition most of the time dandruff is a benign problem for the cat she said fortunately other cats dont judge them for flaky skin so if your veterinarian gives your cat a clean bill of health dont get too bothered by the dandruff pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+reining in the facts on equine strangles june 11 2020 since the first vaccine was invented in 1796 the practice of immunization has transformed how we view infectious diseases taking many pathogenic invaders from being deadly threats to easily preventable maladies for humans and animals alike vaccines are important healthcare tools dr leslie easterwood a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says the equine strangles vaccine is one that is of particular importance for horse owners in protecting their animal strangles is the common term for the bacterial respiratory disease caused by streptococcus equi subspecies equi easterwood said strangles infections most commonly present as an upper respiratory infection that primarily involves the lymph nodes in a horses jaw symptoms include high fevers thick nasal discharge depression and a lack of appetite the bacteria that causes strangles in horses may sound familiar to their human owners; a cousin of this bacteria called streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat in people though these bacteria are genetically similar and cause upper respiratory symptoms in both species horses with strangles cannot infect humans and humans with strep throat cannot infect horses strangles is spread via respiratory secretions from infected horses easterwood said it is highly contagious from horse to horse and is pretty common since equine strangles is easily transmitted between horses vaccination is an important tool for minimizing the spread of this disease although the disease rarely results in a fatality it will make horses sick and can lead to loss of production decreased performance and quarantine in some circumstances easterwood said vaccination does not provide complete protection as with all vaccinations but it can help to decrease the chance of contracting the disease in susceptible populations since horses are often kept in groupsgrazing together at pasture sharing pens or neighbored in stallscontagious diseases can quickly work their way through a herd as such vaccination remains an essential tool for both individual and herd health ultimately the decision of whether to vaccinate an animal comes down to the owner easterwood says although there might be situations during which a third party takes interest in a horses vaccination records there are no governmentally mandated vaccinations in horses easterwood said some boarding and breeding facilities will require vaccination to board at their location but that is not a legal requirement even if no legal requirement enforces the vaccination of horses owners should still consider consulting with their veterinarian to determine what care is best for maintaining the health of their animal pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+hot topic: keeping your pet safe as temperatures rise june 4 2020 texas is known for hot summers that leave many residents ready for air conditioning and a cool drink because pets bodies expel heat less efficiently and generate more heat pound-for-pound than humans our furry friends can be even more impacted by rising temperatures and heat stress dr christine rutter a clinical assistant professor and emergency and critical care specialist at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses the dangers that summer heat may present to animals including heat exhaustion and heat stroke heat exhaustion is the feeling of lethargy discomfort or weakness that is experienced when the body gets too hot rutter said heat stroke is an actual illness that occurs from increased body temperature it can be life-threatening and cause permanent damage heat-related issues are prevented through a process called evaporative cooling which is one of the most efficient ways for an animal to expel heat rutter explains humans accomplish this largely by sweating but dogs and cats can only sweat through the bottoms of their feet so they must expel heat by panting very young geriatric brachycephalic (short-nosed breeds) and pets with heart respiratory or endocrine disease are at higher risk for heat injury rutter said obesity and respiratory noises can also identify at-risk groups while its harder to pin down pets that arent acclimated to hot environments will heatstroke more easily humidity plays an important role in how efficiently an animal can expel heat as humidity increases water evaporation and the resulting heat exchange decreases once the humidity in the air reaches about 85 percent evaporative cooling is almost totally inhibited for pets this can have serious consequences pet owners should keep a keen eye on their animal when the weather is hot and when the humidity is high; even if you feel ok your pet might be affected any dog that wants to take a break or is panting heavily should be given fresh cool water and a shady spot to rest until their breathing normalizes and they want to return to activity rutter said motivated dogs will return to activity as soon as it is physically possible which may not be the best plan owners have to make some dogs stop and cool off fully as heat stress worsens pets may have gi signs (vomiting and/or diarrhea) lethargy weakness red gums and coagulation (blood clotting) changes that can cause small red bruises to form (most commonly in the mouth whites of the eyes and the skin of the abdomen) rutter says that cats tend to limit their activity and seek shade when heat becomes an issue but they still should also always have access to fresh water and be in a familiar environment to cool an animal i recommend wetting the pet down with cool (not cold) water turning a fan on high over them and putting them in a shaded air-conditioned environment she said if your pet is displaying signs of heat stress you should wet them down crank up the ac and head directly to your veterinarians office it is most definitely an emergency when walking a pet in the heat owners should also consider whether the pavement temperature is appropriate for their pets paws rutter recommends feeling the pavement with your hand; if the pavement is too hot for you to touch it its too hot for your pet vehicles parked with no air conditioning also can be a serious threat during warmer months the temperature in parked cars rises quickly even with the windows cracked rutter says that cars can become lethally hot in as little as 15 minutes but that time is shorter for animals prone to heat injury always have your pet inside the vehicle with the air conditioning on if the temperature is 85 degrees or greater she said even at temperatures below 85 degrees never put your pet in the bed of a truck and never ever leave your pet in a parked car rutter recommends that pet owners see their veterinarian with any concern for heat stress or heat stroke heat injury becomes a serious condition very quickly; luckily however these precautions are usually effective at preventing heat stress and a mindful pet owner should have few worries as they enjoy their summer with a furry friend by their side pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+grains or no grains: addressing pet owner concerns may 28 2020 pet parents want to feed their dogs the best diet possible to keep their furry friends happy and healthy but there are so many options on the market: prepackaged or home-cooked wet food or dry and grain-free recently interest has arisen surrounding grain-free diets and their impact on canine health when searching for the right food for their dogs pet owners often focus on corn and wheat; however many other grains are used in pet foods that have great nutritional value including rice barley oats and millet much of the initial push for ‘grain-free diets for dogs came from folks who were drawn into the marketing strategy that dogs are carnivores and grains were unnatural said dr deb zoran a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvmbs) dogs are in fact omnivores; they are actually programmed metabolically and nutritionally to use the building blocks from both plants (grains) and animals to meet their requirements for essential nutrients and energy she said this is illustrated by wild dogs and wolves eating the ingestacontents of the digestive tract that are largely plant material or grainof large animal species they kill pet owners choose what diet to feed their dog based on word-of-mouth online marketing of pet stores or veterinary recommendations but according to zoran many owners tend to choose their pets diet based on pet food company marketing the pet food industry is a very competitive place and many of the smaller companies and boutique foods do a fantastic job of marketing their products zoran said unfortunately those same companies do not all have the same resources for research and development and quality assurance testing a recipe for good food is one thing but if you dont test the product once it is made processed and packaged you cant be sure the food still contains what you intended and that is where potential problems start zoran said it is important for dogs to have a balanced diet in order to thrive and zoran said dog owners should know that there are nutrients present in grains that are essential for a complete and balanced diet if grains are removed from a diet they must be replaced by another food source that has those nutrients in sufficient quantities to balance the diet she said some dog owners have switched their pets to a grain-free diet because of concern about possible wheat gluten allergies or intolerance but according to zoran these conditions are relatively uncommon in dogs compared to other types of food-related conditions many people have been convinced that their dogs have a ‘grain allergy much like celiac disease or gluten disease in humans zoran said however true dietary allergies in dogs are caused by the protein or meat sources in a diet it doesnt mean that your dog cant have an intolerance to wheat gluten or another food ingredient but it is not the same as an allergy the bottom line is your dogs skin hair coat or gastrointestinal (gi) function may sometimes improve on a grain-free diet but it may simply have been the diet change itself and not the lack of grains per se she said zoran recommends that pet owners choose diets that have rigorous standards for research and quality testing; a well-developed reputation for providing complete and balanced foods; and back up their label claims with nutritional quality control testing additionally owners should always seek advice from their veterinarian before changing their dogs diet if your dog seems to do better with diets without wheat or corn consult a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist for information about the safest diet options available on the market zoran said they can provide commercial and homemade options that can meet your dogs specific nutritional needs pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the facts of feline lower urinary tract disease may 21 2020 feline lower urinary tract disease (flutd) is a common condition in cats encompassing many disorders that affect the animals bladder or urethra to avoid flutd it is important that owners keep an eye on the bathroom habits of their furry friend to ensure that they are as happy and healthy as possible dr audrey cook a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences weighs in on the symptoms causes and treatments that owners should know about flutd flutd is a syndrome caused by a number of different underlying disorders; therefore the range of symptoms is broad abnormal urination habits including frequent urination blood in urine difficult or painful urination and frequent accidents outside the litterbox may be indicative of a urinary tract disease these symptoms may arise from inflammation of the bladder or urethra the presence of crystals or stones in the bladder obstruction of the urethra and more always seek veterinary care if your cat is straining to urinate but very little or no urine is passed cook said adding that your veterinarian will likely need to conduct an evaluation to determine the exact cause owners concerned about their cats urination habits should consult their veterinarian as soon as possible as flutd may cause more severe problems if left untreated although many cats with flutd will improve within a few days with symptomatic care cats with this problem can become unable to urinate cook said this is a medical emergency and must be addressed as soon as possible treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause but might involve medication dietary changes or surgical removal of stones male cats are at a higher risk for urinary tract obstruction caused by flutd such as bladder stones blocking their urinary tract because their urethras are longer and narrower than those of female cats additionally this condition has a high rate of recurrence as some cats are more prone to urinary disorders than others it is best practice for cat owners to ensure their pets litterbox is kept clean that there are enough litterboxes for the number of cats in the household (at least one per cat plus one additional litterbox) and that the cats always have access to fresh water appropriate environmental enrichment may also help prevent flutd since occurrence is higher in cats that are sedentary or obese stress may also play a role in triggering a condition called idiopathic cystitis a sterile inflammation of the bladder which is one of the most common causes of abnormal urination in cats although flutd may be a stressful experience for you and your cat prompt and proper veterinary care can help keep your pet comfortable and happy pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+down to business: ferrets as pets may 14 2020 pets can come in all shapes and sizes while some animal lovers may consider themselves dog or cat people others enjoy smaller pets also referred to as pocket pets like ferrets many people like ferrets because they are relatively low maintenance similar to a cat according to dr alice blue-mclendon a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences unlike cats ferrets are happy to spend part of their day inside of a cage which can allow their owner to rest easy knowing that their pet is safe from harm and easily accessible in case of an emergency the general rule is that ferret cages should be the largest you can afford that fits in your house like any other animal however ferrets should be given plenty of time outside of their cages to run around and get exercise blue-mclendon said they may even play with other pets in the home most often with cats and smaller dogs all ferrets need to be allowed bigger areas to run in whether its a bedroom or living room but they should never be in a house unsupervised because they eat all kinds of little things blue-mclendon said one of the things potential owners need to be aware of is that pet ferrets are really curious so theyll eat what we would consider foreign bodies which means they eat things that can then get stuck in their stomach or intestines that can cause illness and death if not dealt with she said pet ferrets also can have an odor if they havent been spayed or neutered according to blue-mclendon pet ferrets should get spayed or neutered and some people will get them de-scented blue-mclendon said de-scenting is a surgery that removes some of the glands that produce odor pet owners should consult their veterinarian to see if this procedure is right for them to keep your home clean and reduce any foul smells ferrets can be trained to use a litter box just like pet cats ferrets naturally will go to a certain spot so oftentimes owners will just put the litter pan in that spot to get them to use it blue-mclendon said some of them will inherently use a litter pan because theyre generally neat little animals blue-mclendon said the time commitment associated with having a ferret is about the same as a cat youve got to clean their litter pan make sure they have food and fresh water and give them love and attention she said be sure that youve spent the time to know about the general husbandry ferrets live on a simple diet but theyll need to have constant access to their food since they tend to eat many meals throughout the day theres a number of commercial ferret diets on the market that can be supplemented with additional treats blue-mclendon said healthy treats for pet ferrets include bits of cooked egg or meat like chicken when considering getting any new pet blue-mclendon believes future pet owners should do their research before making the decision before people get ferrets just like all small mammals they should really do their homework and consider whether they are prepared to put in the time that it takes to give their ferret exercise in their house blue-mclendon said if a ferret is right for you and your family they can be an inquisitive and adorable companion that provides years of pint-sized love when it comes to choosing a pet a ferret might not be your first thought but one could be your first choice pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+an update on sars-cov-2 and your pet may 7 2020 as our knowledge of the sars-cov-2 virus and resulting covid-19 disease evolves the news and guidelines we must follow are changing as well the dynamic nature of this situation may be difficult for some who may find keeping up to date with current best practices and precautions to be a time-consuming endeavor dr kate creevy an associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that while several news stories have recently detailed pet cats dogs and even zoo tigers testing positive for sars-cov-2 pet owners should be assured that these are rare and seem to be one-way occurrences we have no evidence that sick pets can transmit coronavirus to otherwise healthy uninfected owners creevy said creevy said that most viruses prefer to infect one species above others; under our current understanding sars-cov-2 prefers infecting humans and is less effective at infecting pets like cats or dogs the very most important way this virus spreads is from person to person she emphasizes most dogs and cats that have tested positive for the virus in their bodies had known contact with infected humans for some stray cats that have tested positive it is not possible to determine what contact they may have had with infected people and although these animals tested positive for the sars-cov-2 virus it is not clear whether the virus made them ill given how common cat and dog ownership is and how uncommon detection of sars-cov-2 in these pets has been creevy says it is highly unlikely that dog or cat transmission of the virus will become a major factor in the pandemic most importantly creevy said researchers around the world are paying very close attention to whether or not pets can transmit the virus to humans and have found no supporting evidence this is an emerging virus which means that we dont yet know everything about it but we will continue to provide updates to the public any time our understanding changes pet owners should practice good hygiene around their pets and other humans maintain social distancing and avoid exercising their animal in crowded areas or busy dog parks keep in mind that pets fur like any other surface may carry the sars-cov-2 virus if touched by an infected individual creevy recommends that pet owners follow the following precautions: wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after playing with or petting a dog or cat especially after contact with pet saliva or fecesavoid touching your eyes nose and mouth hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses once contaminated hands can transfer the virus to your eyes nose or mouth from there the virus can enter your body and can make you sickpractice good respiratory hygiene which means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze then dispose of the used tissue immediatelystay home if you feel unwell if you have a fever dry cough or difficulty breathing seek medical attention and call your provider in advance so they can be prepared for your arrival follow the directions of your physician or local health authorityif you are sick avoid close contact with other members of your household including your pets have another member of the household care for your animals if you must look after your pet while you are sick maintain good hygiene practices and cover your face if possible the current crisis caused by sars-cov-2 is stressful for many but pet owners can mitigate their worries by following the recommended guidelines and practices as a community we can beat covid-19 by staying clean staying home and staying well pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+hobby hazards: maintaining a pet-safe environment april 30 2020 after spending part of march and all of april at home many people are finding that their television queues are watched their video games are won and their chores are done (or avoided!) as they search for more creative ways to pass the time hobbies like painting embroidery and jogging are making a resurgence though finding fun and productive ways to pass time is important for wellbeing dr christine rutter a clinical assistant professor and emergency and critical care specialist at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that pet owners should be cognizant of any hazards these new hobbies might introduce into their pets environment im seeing a very different variety of injuries at the veterinary medical teaching hospital rutter said im seeing a lot of pets eating a sewing needle because their mom is home and sewing something that she wouldnt normally do or ‘i took the puppy fishing and now theres a fishhook in his paw if pet owners are learning a hobby like sewing knitting crocheting fishing or another activity that relies on sharp tools and supplies it is important that they keep potentially dangerous equipment stored out-of-reach from their pet other craft supplies like some paints modeling clays and glues can also be dangerous if ingested decrease opportunities for environmental injury rutter said if youre trying out new hobbies or activities make sure that youre keeping the things (tools etc) associated with those hobbies safely away from your pets pet owners exploring more physical hobbies such as jogging should also be mindful of how a change in routine affects their animal whenever youre starting a new exercise routine with your pet you want to do the same thing that we would recommend for any human starting a new exercise program rutter said talk to your veterinarian; if your dog has co-morbiditiesthings like underlying chronic illnesses such as heart disease respiratory disease chronic coughing if theyve had any changes in their bark or difficulty breathing or if your pet has an orthopedic disease a history of limping history of joint issues or replacementyou really want to make sure that you start off slow as the weather warms up it is also important that owners consider how the heat may affect their pet especially during exercise in texas heat and humidity are a big deal she said you probably should not go out and exercise your dog a lot when its very humid; with humidity over about 60 percent or temperatures over about 80 or 85 we start worrying about heatstroke also keep exercise sessions short when you cant stay underneath those environmental restrictions heatstroke is a very serious condition that requires emergency veterinary care if you suspect your pet has heat stress at any time that is not a time to wait and see what happens if your pet seems exhausted on a walk has trouble breathing is panting and cant stop vomits or seems dazed or cant stand up those would be emergencies rutter said you should not feel at all bad about going to your veterinarians office immediately it can also be helpful to cool your pet down by wetting them she said however you should not put them in ice waterjust lukewarm water wet their fur and head to the closest veterinary hospital because heatstroke is a huge emergency and dogs die of it every day though it is important that pet owners are mindful of how changes in activity might affect their furry running partner rutter says that most dogs would benefit from being included in this new hobby i wouldnt want to dissuade people from exercising their pets or having a good walk because they need ways to get out their frustration and their anxiety she said they need a way to get that out and a walk is a really great way to provide them not just the physical exercise but also that social structure a new hobby can be a healthy outlet and productive way to pass the time at home there are plenty of activities owners might wish to pursue while sheltering in place and many can be done with a cat in your lap or a dog by your side provided owners make the correct adjustments to keep their furry friend safe pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+sit… stay… at home: pet-friendly quarantine activities april 23 2020 social distancing has created a new sense of normal for many of us including our pets dogs are probably excited that we are staying in our slippers all day while some cats may be less than enthusiastic that were disturbing their outrageously long naps though social distancing presents some benefits many may be finding the abundance of free time to be challenging courtney markley a veterinary student ambassador at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers some ideas to change up the monotony of the day pet owners can introduce new activities in their normal daily schedule to help pets adjust to all of these changes markley said pets will still expect an early breakfast and may need time to relax alone either in their crate or a room by themselves if theyre not used to constant excitement during the day when your pets are ready to come out and play markley recommends some shelter-in-place-friendly activities that can occupy both pet and owner owners of a feisty feline probably already know cats frequently enjoy the package a store-bought toy comes in more than the actual toy which is great news now that were staying home she said along these lines a few budget-friendly ideas to spice up your cats day can include: cutting little holes in cardboard toilet paper rolls or adding some fringe along the edges before tossing it on the floor kids can even decorate them with non-toxic markerscutting a cat-sized hole in the side of a box or covering an open box with a t-shirt so that the neck hole creates a door to give the cat a place to hide cutting multiple holes of various sizes creates opportunities for sneak-attacks during playtime!using laser pointers can be fun for cats to burn some energy always give them a treat at the end of the game to make their hunt successful if not they may become frustratedtying wine corks (boiled for sanitation) to a string adding some feathers or just tossing it to your cat can also make a good toy dogs can get in on the fun too markley says noting that the free time many people have found in quarantine is perfect to brush up on their training there is a wealth of dog training information available online; positive reinforcement training is a great place to begin your search she said if the usual activities like fetch walks and training begin to get old markley recommends trying the following ideas: creating rope/tug toys out of a cut-up t-shirt (or old fleece jacket if you need a stronger toy) simply cut three strands of fabric of decent length then tie them in a knot at one end braid the strands just like you braid hair and finish it with a knot before play time beginsblowing some bubbles! dogs enjoy bubbles just as much as kids so this idea is a double-winplaying a game of hide-and-seek either tell the dog to stay and go hide somewhere before calling them or send the kids to go hide somewhere with a squeaky toy while you help fido count to 10 once everyone is in position call your dogs name or squeak the toy to help them find youpracticing nose work put a few treats in a muffin tin and cover them with tennis balls dogs will have to use their noses to determine which tennis balls are covering treats and then figure out how to remove the tennis balloffering self-entertainment some toys can be filled with store-bought treats or snacks from the fridge if your pooch needs to entertain themselves for a while freezing the toy before you give it to them can increase the time it takes to get all of the snacks out when filling toys with treats it is important to stay away from toxic foods like raisins and other dried fruits onions garlic chocolate fatty foods and foods that contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol which is sometimes found in peanut butter fruits and veggies make great snacks for dogs and even your cat if theyre an adventurous eater markley said my go-to treat recipe includes peanut butter or nonfat plain yogurt kibble and a fruit like frozen blueberries or bananas if you choose to give some extra snacks especially peanut butter remember to decrease the amount of kibble your pet receives for breakfast or dinner so they dont consume extra calories when making homemade toys markley points out a few potential hazards pet owners should avoid some dogs love water bottles but the cap and any plastic pieces they chew up can become choking hazards so stay away from those she said when making toys for cats be careful using string because they might try to eat that too quarantine has many of us chasing our own tails though current circumstances may be stressful pet owners can use this time to reconnect with their furry friends and make the best of their time at home pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+close quarters: avoiding inter-pet aggression during quarantine april 17 2020 with much of the nation under stay-at-home orders cabin fever is at an all-time high cohabitating with our loved ones and furry friends provides many benefits but being in close quarters for extended periods of time can be difficultfor humans and their animals dr christine rutter a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences is an emergency and critical care specialist who has plenty of experience with dogs both at work and at home she talks about the challenges pets may face in the covid-19 era and how owners can help by providing structure to their pets through routine (in the veterinary medical teaching hospital) im seeing a different subset of emergencies because people are home rutter said im seeing a lot of inter-pet aggression such as big dog-little dog injuries or big dog-cat injuries; those kinds of things pets take their anxiety out the same way we do which is on the people around us or on the pets around us just as humans have found the disruption of daily life to be stressful and upsetting pets have also picked up on the change rutter says it is important to provide pets with a strong routine to minimize their stress and reduce the risk of inter-pet aggression one excellent outlet that can benefit both pet and owner is exercise a walk provides a really important behavioral structure between an owner and a dog rutter said it tells them ‘im the leader; im taking care of you you dont have to be anxious about all of this because im in control walking two dogs together also can be beneficial in fostering a peaceful household because it teaches them to work together rutter compares this dynamic to working with a coworker you may not likethe encounter creates a shared cooperative experience owners may also use their extra time at home to touch-up on their pets training which can provide structure and enrichment its a great time to start teaching your dog tricks it may seem superfluous to teach your pet to sit to heel to stay or to roll over but it actually provides a really good way of communication rutter said thats a really solid way for your pet to know that theyre making you happy which is kind of what a lot of them live for right if pets do begin to behave aggressively toward each other rutter recommends watching for raised hackles (the hair along the dogs backbone standing up) mounting behavior having their ears perked straight up and other dominant-type behaviors confrontation can be prevented by separating the animals by using a basket muzzle or by removing factors that spark conflict feed your pets separately have toys enjoyed separately and remove those items from the environment whenever animals are together that have had conflict rutter said if the pets have ever had conflict in the past they are going to continue to do so and so no food items no possessions toys or anything like that; all those things need to be separate pet owners can also help by reducing stress within their household as a general rule things that would be stressful for a child are also going to be stressful for an animal rutter said for example raised voices lots of chaos in the environment changing routines and having kids at home who wouldnt normally be at home all the time in extreme situations aggressive pets may become dangerous to their humans and especially to small children who are unable to pick up on signs of aggression rutter recommends that pet owners review the american veterinary medical association website on dog bite prevention to learn more about safe practices animal bites can be very serious regardless of how they look on the surface and always require urgent care by a physician rutter said identifying and avoiding opportunities for injuries to adults children and other pets is key if pet owners have any concerns about their animals behavior they should strongly consider reaching out to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist these specialists have a unique set of skills that help them identify problem triggers and develop solutions for the whole household repeated worsening or dangerous situations are best handled through professional care rutter said though the current situation is stressful for everyoneperson and petmonitoring your animals for signs of inter-pet aggression while providing enrichment and routine to their daily lives can help your furry family stay happy until more normal circumstances return pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+safety tips for an egg-cellent easter april 9 2020 though current circumstances might change the way we celebrate easter this sunday many people are looking forward to the holiday and accompanying festivities as a break from the serious rhetoric of the covid-19 pandemic dr murl bailey a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) advises pet owners to be cautious with some popular easter decorations and treats in order to make the holiday as enjoyable for your furry friend as it is for you for cats the biggest problem will be the easter lilies bailey said easter lilies affect the cats kidneys and we dont know what the toxic agent is the clinical signs that we see in affected cats is they stop eating and act abnormally bailey adds that this abnormal behavior may include lethargy vomiting and dehydration if the affected cat does not receive prompt veterinary care these symptoms may progress to excessive urination or the inability to urinate not drinking or excessive thirst or other indicators of acute kidney failure cats who have eaten this plant must be brought the emergency room bailey said they have to be given fluids for about 48 hours if they dont get treatment within 48 hours after the cat has ingested the plant the results could be fatal bailey says dogs are more at risk for eating human foods that are toxic like chocolate or snacks containing xylitol an artificial sweetener xylitol causes the pancreas to secrete insulin bailey said it drives the dogs blood glucose or the blood sugar down to levels that are extremely dangerous a dog with xylitol toxicity may display signs of vomiting lethargy or depression; a lack of coordination; tremors; or even seizures they should be taken to a veterinarian immediately to stabilize their blood glucose chocolate is also toxic to dogs and dogs are notorious for scarfing it down bailey said it causes the dog to vomit theyll also develop diarrhea and convulsions that need to be controlled with veterinary intervention it is specifically a component called theobromine in chocolate that is toxic to dogs as such the severity of a dogs response to eating chocolate is dependent on not only their size and the amount of chocolate consumed but also the type of chocolate consumed (dark chocolate for example contains more theobromine than milk chocolate) if an owner suspects that their dog has ingested (amounts of) chocolate and the animal begins to vomit they should seek emergency veterinary care bailey recommends calling the clinic ahead of time to inform them about apparent issues and when you will arrive because of current social distancing measures many families may opt to host an egg hunt at home this year those planning to do so should take care that their pets are kept away from the eggs as many candies contain toxic xylitol or chocolate owners also should be cautious about which non-toxic human foods they feed their pets many human foods are too rich for pets and may cause digestive problems instead of slipping your pet a bite under the table bailey recommends feeding them a treat made for petsbut in moderation pets really should not be fed from the table at any time bailey said its not good on their teeth and its not a balanced meal being mindful of what your pet eats is essential to avoiding a veterinary emergency during any holiday though pet owners should keep an eye on their furry friend during these special times there is no reason why a pet cant be included in your easter festivities pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+veterinary telemedicine in the age of covid-19 april 2 2020 in light of covid-19 and the associated restrictions on public activity many people are looking for ways to safely go about their daily lives indoors and online luckily veterinary telemedicine supports this goal and allows individuals to ensure their health and the health of their pets digitally dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences speaks to pet owners about the basics of veterinary telemedicine and how this tool can be especially useful in the midst of a pandemic telemedicine is the exchange of medical information from one location to another using electronic communications to diagnose treat or improve a patients health status teller said in most cases all that an animal owner needs to connect is a smartphone with a working camera microphone and chat feature a computer or tablet may also be used provided that it is capable of two-way communication and has internet access in many cases a telemedicine appointment will be a real-time live video and audio exchange a veterinarian can evaluate many things via telemedicine teller said the first thing will be to obtain a patients history and determine what the current problem is if the problem is something that can be visualized such as a skin lesion or limping then pictures or videos will be helpful behavioral and nutritional problems can often be handled via telemedicine as well telemedicine appointments are most effective when there is an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship (vcpr) as the veterinarian may be able to more accurately make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan if there is no established vcpr a veterinarian will still be able to provide general advice rules on what the outcome of a telemedicine appointment can be including the prescription of medications vary by state it is important to note that telemedicine does not replace a physical exam so there will be times when the veterinarian will tell the client that the patient needs to be seen teller said telemedicine can play a huge role especially in times of disaster such as a pandemic or hurricane in helping a client determine if a trip to the veterinarian is needed and if so when is it needed if a pet has a life-threatening emergency difficulty breathing pale or bluish gums has ingested a toxic substance or something large enough to cause an obstruction is unable to urinate or to stand has increased seizures is non-responsive is experiencing difficulty during labor has vomiting and diarrhea and lethargy or is experiencing other serious veterinary conditions they should be brought to a veterinary clinic teller recommends calling ahead of time to let the clinic know youre coming and what the problem appears to be telemedicine is an extremely valuable tool to help provide care for a patient she said it is not a substitute for in-person veterinary care that requires a physical exam or diagnostic tests such as blood work or imaging but is a way to manage patients in-between visits to the hospital during times of disruption such as the current pandemic veterinary telemedicine can be an excellent way to ensure that your furry friend continues to get the care they need while also following social distancing requirements and staying safely indoors telemedicine is especially valuable during a pandemic because it can be used to help the veterinarian and the client determine if and when the patient needs to be seen in the hospital or if the problem can be managed at home at least for the short term teller said it also helps conserve ppe (personal protective equipment) and other resources for emergencies and for human health care facilities pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+bathing our furry friends can reduce covid-19 transmission march 26 2020 the rapid and dynamic spread of covid-19 necessitates that we all make changes to our lifestyles including important measures such as social distancing increased hygiene and maintaining a sanitized environment pet owners may need to take additional precautions because while there is currently no evidence that pets can contract covid-19 a pets body like any other frequently touched surface may carry particles of the virus if touched by infected individuals dr deb zoran a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) informs pet owners of what steps they should be taking to protect themselves and their homes from the virus just as healthy members of a household should avoid contact with anyone who may be infected pets should also be kept away from sick or quarantined individuals to reduce covid-19 transmission everyone with pets should plan ahead and be prepared to separate from your pets when you separate from your family if you have someone become ill she said a sick person who lives with or pets an animal may shed the virus onto their pet who could then infect a healthy individual who pets them; this includes all animals with fur from dogs and cats to pocket pets like ferrets hamsters and guinea pigs if a pet is living in close quarters with sleeping with or frequently touched by a sick person and that sick person has to go to the hospital that pet is going to need to have a decontamination bath or have its coat wiped down with a moist towel or paper towel before that pet can stay with somebody else zoran said zoran also emphasizes that the risk of contracting the disease from a pet by any other means is almost non-existent based on all of the scientific evidence and the testing of pets that has occurred to date if we just separate the animal as soon as the person feels unwell has a fever or is diagnosed with covid-19 then these bathing precautions or concerns for being a carrier would not be needed she said it also is important to remember that any animal that comes in contact with an infected person can be cleaned to ensure that the animal is not carrying covid-19 in their fur according to zoran the bath process for pets should be gentle and without spraying them aggressively so as to prevent the material spraying into your face zoran said when bathing your dog simply get their coat wet all over and use enough soap to lather the soap will breakup and loosen the oils on the skin and haircoat which is where the virus sits and then with gentle water washing to remove all of the soap lather will remove anything that is attached on the coat including the virus zoran recommends that owners use dish soap but pet shampoo or even baby shampoo if you dont have a specific shampoo for dogs will work when cleaning animals for this purpose in addition to avoid the splash back of soap or water onto the person bathing the pet owners should take care to use low water pressure and wear protective clothing cover up your face with a bandana for example wear goggles glasses or other shielding for your face bathe the animal slowly to prevent them from struggling use low pressure or low volumes of water to prevent splashing zoran said once the bath is completed dry the pet and remove it from the area into a kennel or other clean area then remove the clothes you are wearing launder these and if you got any wash water on you during the process take a shower or wash hands/arms or other exposed areas with soap and water she said if you have access to waterproof clothing such as a rain suit poncho or even a homemade trash bag rain jacket zoran recommends wearing that as a barrier against the bath water animals should be bathed in areas that are easily cleaned (bathtub or deep sink)and following the bath the area should be sanitized with standard cleaning products if picking up a pet from a sick relative zoran recommends bathing the animal before traveling with the pet if possible or keeping the animal in a pet carrier until the pet can be bathed at the new location once the pet arrives the pet carrier can be sanitized with standard cleaning products to reduce the chance of covid-19 transmission owners of pets that are resistant to bathssuch as cats hamsters or ferretsmay want to take their animal to a veterinarian so they can be sedated before being bathed this avoids putting unnecessary stress on the animal and reduces the risk of dirty water splashing the owner or bites/scratches that can occur during the process the other alternative when a veterinarian or a bath is not an option is to use a wetted towel to wipe down the cat from head to tail and then top to bottom zoran said soap can be added to the wipe but it must completely removed as the cat will groom themselves and consume the soap with covid-19 and pets its important to plan ahead if at all possible but if a pet is living with a sick person the pet can be safely cleaned will not be dangerous to other family members zoran said people do not need to be fearful of their pets getting the virus or making other people sick but their pets could carry it around on their fur which means their fur is just like the surfaces in a house (doorknobs keyboards phones etc) that can be a source of virus exposure the biggest difference is we cant use sanitizing wipes or hand sanitizer on fur though pet owners should be cognizant of with whom their pet has recently interacted there is no reason to believe it is unsafe to keep their pet in their homes or to take them for walks or other activities that you can do while maintaining social distancing during this difficult time pets will continue to serve as hopeful companions that see us through to healthier times pets are so important to family and theyre so much a part of peoples peace of mind zoran said have a plan in case somebody gets sick so you know that you can take care of that pet and you dont have to worry about it pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the biting truth of snake envenomation march 18 2020 one of the joys of owning a pet is being able to observe their curious nature however when they stick their noses where they dont belong a dangerous situation can arise especially in a state like texas which is home to more than 75 different species of snakes dr dalton hindmarsh a veterinary resident at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) advises pet owners on what to do if their furry friend falls victim to a snake bite first you should keep your pet calm and seek veterinary care he said contrary to what you may read on the internet i would not recommend giving any medications at home including things like benadryl without first consulting your veterinarian i would also not recommend a tourniquet or trying to suck the venom out hindmarsh also said that prophylactic antibiotics are typically not prescribed since the risk of infection from a snake bite is less than 1 percent steroid medications or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (nsaid) pain medications are also not usually involved in treatment of a snake bite as they have a high risk of side effects and no documented treatment benefit hindmarsh adds that snake bites are very common in dogs and less frequently seen in cats its also important to remember that if a snake is able to harm your pet they are likely a danger to you as well so hindmarsh recommends that owners exercise caution after the bite if the snake is already dead you can take a picture of it to show veterinary staff he said please do not bring the snake with you! if the snake is alive do not put yourself in danger and leave the area with your pet once a bitten pet has reached a veterinary care facility there are a variety of treatment options available the recommended treatment ultimately depends on the severity of the bite but most cases are treated with iv fluids to address shock pain medications and monitoring hindmarsh said antivenom is readily available but is not always indicated for every snake bite owners should be mindful about preventing their pets from interacting with snakes especially when in regions where these slithering creatures are more common in the areas near texas a&m copperheads are the most common venomous snake owners may consider avoidance training (teaching dogs to leave snakes alone) for outdoor and working dogs hindmarsh said keeping pets on a leash may also reduce the chance they encounter a snake if pet owners have concerns about their animal encountering snakes they should contact their veterinarian to discuss how they can best protect their pet owners who suspect that their pet has been bitten by a snake should contact their veterinarian immediately if you end up seeing a snake the next time you and your pet are enjoying the outdoors hindmarsh advises that you leave the snake alone back away and leave the area pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the rundown on equine shoulder sweeney march 5 2020 horses are remarkably active animals that make good use of their limbs and joints as they canter gallop and trot as such it is important that owners are cognizant of their horses health and of potential conditions that might arise dr jeffrey watkins a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences weighs in on shoulder sweeney also known as suprascapular neuropathy a condition affecting the nerves and muscles of a horses shoulder region shoulder sweeney refers to an injury of the suprascapular nerve which runs over the front part of the scapula and provides the nerve supply to two major muscles that support the shoulder joint watkins said when the nerve is injured these muscles are unable to function normally and will undergo atrophy which can occur very rapidly this condition presents in two forms chronic and acute according to watkins the chronic form of shoulder sweeney was once common in horses that often pulled heavy loads such as wagons and farm equipment and was attributed to repetitive nerve injury often associated with ill-fitting harness collars in these chronic cases clinicians typically find significant atrophy of the two major muscles that are supplied by the nerve overlying the scapula and when these muscles atrophy the bony spine of the scapula becomes very prominent chronic shoulder sweeney has become less frequent as workhorses are less common what we see today most of the time is a much more acute injury he said usually its because the horse is running fast and hits something immovable another horse or a fence post very forcefully with the point of their shoulder this impact causes an acute nerve injury that results in dysfunction of the two major muscles noted above these muscles are responsible for maintaining the lateral stability of the shoulder joint and when they lose their nerve supply acutely the shoulder region becomes unstable watkins said it is important to consider other potential conditions that can occur secondary to a high-impact injury to the shoulder region an examination by a veterinarian including high-quality radiographs of the shoulder region is necessary to rule out other injuries such as a fracture equine shoulder sweeney is usually diagnosed by observing the gait of the horse and tends to be straightforward they have a very characteristic gait where whenever they try to put weight on their leg their shoulder joint partially dislocates to the outside watkins said these horses dont walk well; they have a very obvious gait abnormality that basically makes them unusable in the short-term though this condition can significantly impact a horses function in the short term the good news is that most horses suffering from an acute shoulder sweeney will recover stability in that joint over time and will be able to function normally again but the process requires rest and patience its important to recognize it can take quite a long time for that nerve to heal and to basically regrow watkins said we usually say it will take six to eight months for that nerve to begin to regain function and for that shoulder to stabilize and no longer have issues although most horses recover their ability to move normally atrophy of the muscles overlying the shoulder blade will usually be permanent and the horse will have the characteristic boney protrusion of the shoulder area associated with equine shoulder sweeney for the remainder of its life pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+on the right track: activity monitors for pets february 27 2020 activity trackers are wearable electronic accessories that many individuals use to track their health and help them meet their fitness goals though activity trackers are a useful tool for humans looking to improve their well-being they may also be beneficial to pet owners looking for more insight into the health metrics of their furry friend dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers some insight on the benefits and drawbacks of these monitors as well as whether an activity tracker is right for your pet activity monitors for pets may be able to measure step count quality of sleep heart rate respiration rate ambient temperature and the pets location via gps owners who use their own trackers may find it fun to compare with their pets information or use it as motivation to increase their pets activity teller said data collected from these activity trackers also can be useful in establishing trends in your pets health if a pet has maintained a certain level of activity and then it decreases that could be reflective of early illness or an injury teller said veterinarians could also use the activity data to measure response to treatment activity trackers most commonly attach to a pets collar for accurate data collection it is essential that the tracker and collar fit correctly since some trackers are heavy a proper fit can also decrease the likelihood that your pet experiences discomfort from wearing the device these monitors also may encounter more challenges than their human counterparts because dogs and cats have four legs and a different walking motion than bipeds measuring steps in the classical human sense is very difficult teller said the technology behind 3d accelerometers (used in pet activity monitors) measures motion instead of steps this technology is used in research studies and appears to be reliable though activity trackers for pets provide an innovative method for pet owners to engage with the health of their animal teller advises owners to exercise caution in how much trust they place in these devices owners should determine if an activity tracker will provide them with information that they want or that their veterinarian could use especially when monitoring chronic conditions or response to treatment plans teller said this is a relatively new area in veterinary medicine so the data obtained from activity monitors should only be used as one method of assessing your pets health she said activity monitors do not replace regular veterinary visits and common sense pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+shrink your carbon pawprint with eco-friendly pet care february 20 2020 for many people making efforts to reduce their environmental impact is important but some pet owners may find that making this lifestyle change can be a complicated process because of the additional supplies needed to care for their animals emerald rodriguez and kristy yu two veterinary students at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) and members of the green vets student organization advise pet owners on what steps they can take to keep their furry friend happy while being more environmentally conscious oftentimes pet owners may be able to swap out their usual pet care products for more eco-friendly versions for example rodriguez and yu recommend that owners seek out compostable cat litter biodegradable waste bags and pet toys and accessories made from recycled or plant-based materials when pet care essentials are not offered in more sustainable options owners can still be proactive in disposing of packaging waste responsibly pet owners can recycle empty and clean items such as aluminum cans for wet pet food and cat litter containers yu said there are also recycling programs for certain brands of pet food bags owners may also reduce waste by donating items that their pet no longer needs this not only keeps trash out of landfills but also reduces the number of items that must be produced donating old pet care supplies to charitable organizations has the added benefit of supporting valuable causes rescues and shelters may accept donations of gently used pet items including dog beds toys pet carriers crates exercise pens collars leashes and bowls yu said they might also accept household items including newspapers towels and blankets contact your local animal shelter to learn what gently used items they will accept in addition to supporting shelters and rescues by donating supplies owners can also adopt pets from these agencies to reduce overcrowding and spaying and neutering pets can benefit the environment by preventing overpopulation says rodriguez one significant but preventable environmental issue is large populations of feral cats and the disruptions they introduce to an environment when pet cats are allowed outdoors they will sometimes breed and generate populations of stray cats that disrupt local ecosystems by hunting wild birds for this reason pet cats allowed outdoors should be spayed or neutered and should have a bell on their collar to help lessen their success when hunting although some aspects of pet care generate unavoidable waste there are also areas in which owners can make adjustments to care for their furry friends in an eco-friendly manner there is no reason why pet owners cant take care of their pet and the earth at the same time! pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+dont brush off your cats dental health february 13 2020 february is pet dental health month an opportune time for pet owners to check on in the health of their furry friends mouth while pet owners may be more familiar with the importance of the oral health of their dogs cats especially are at risk for developing dental disease so regular dental care is paramount to maintaining their healthy set of teeth dr bert dodd a clinical professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says oral diseases have serious repercussions on a cats well-being and that the prevention of developing these and similar conditions should be the main goal of dental care cats are at risk for periodontal disease caudal stomatitis tooth resorption and oral cancer dodd said adding that an at-home dental care routine for cats should include daily tooth brushing a water additive a dental diet and dental chews liquid water additives that owners can add to their pets water bowl can prevent a buildup of plaque and tartar many brands will also freshen your pets breath similarly kibble dental diets are designed to gently scrape plaque and tartar from your cats teeth as they chew both water additives and dental diets promote a cats dental health but should be used in addition to not instead of good oral hygiene and regular brushing cat owners should brush the teeth of their feline friend daily dodd advised special feline toothbrushes and toothpaste can be purchased from most pet supply stores human toothpaste should never be used to clean the teeth of an animal as cleaning agents harmless to humans may cause toxicity in pets when first implementing a dental care routine pet owners may wish to consult with their veterinarian for advice on brushing techniques and acclimatizing their animal to a new routine dental care chew toys and treats for cats can also help clean the animals teeth dodd said aside from a regular at-home dental care routine dodd also said owners should bring their pet in annually for a dental cleaning and check-up since february is pet dental health month many clinics may offer specials on dental care services in the coming weeksnow is a great time to schedule an appointment for your pet! cats acting abnormally including dropping their food head shyness and lack of self-grooming might be suffering from dental problems cat owners should not to ignore these signs and should seek veterinary help if they suspect their pet is unwell according to dodd preventative dental care efforts pay off in the long run by protecting your cats mouth from disease and you from costly dental procedures though the notion of brushing a cats teeth might seem silly it is necessary to ensure your pet feels their best pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+when to be concerned about coronavirus with your pet february 6 2020 the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-ncov) outbreak has been at the front of many health professionals minds especially with the world health organizations recent declaration of the virus as a public health emergency of international concern although the threat of the mutated 2019-ncov strain should be taken seriously veterinarians at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) discuss how this dangerous variant of coronavirus is different from strains that may infect your pet dog or cat coronaviruses are fairly common and often mild infections in cats and dogs contributing to illnesses such as infectious tracheobronchitis complex (itb) also known as kennel cough while there are also forms of coronavirus that can be more serious and even life-threatening for pets dr deb zoran a professor at the cvm emphasizes that the coronaviruses that infect animals do not infect humans unless the virus mutateswhich is what 2019-ncov did in the wuhan china region however dr kate creevy an associate professor at the cvm assures pet owners that at this time we do not believe humans can catch (any form of) coronavirus from their pet in addition veterinarians do not currently believe that pets are susceptible to the 2019-ncov mutated virus there is no evidence that the disease can be transmitted to animals or that animals are involved in current transmission of the disease to humans said dr wesley bissett director for the cvms veterinary emergency team the centers for disease control & prevention does recommend avoiding animals if traveling to china and to not handle pets or animals while sick since the more commonly encountered coronaviruses are species-specific cats ill with a coronavirus are able to transmit that virus to other cats but not to dogs similarly dogs are able to pass canine coronavirus to other dogs but not to cats for this reason zoran says it is best practice for owners introducing a new pet into their household to separate the new animal from their other pets until the new animal can be examined by a veterinarian or until the owner is sure their new pet doesnt have signs of ill health (which may be a week or more) cats infected with coronavirus may exhibit mild diarrhea fevers jaundice fluid acclimation in the chest or abdomen and weight loss depending on which strain of the virus is present dogs infected with a coronavirus may have either an intestinal or respiratory variant creevy says canine intestinal coronaviruses typically cause mild diarrhea and may resolve without veterinary intervention dogs infected with respiratory coronavirus alone or with other itb complex pathogens typically show mild nasal discharge and coughing creevy said in most cases they will recover on their own with supportive care including rest steam therapy to soothe their cough and soft food thats easier to swallow with a sore throat as with all viral infections there are antiviral drugs that can help slow the virus effects in the body but clearing the infection requires the infected individuals immune system to do the work dog owners can protect their pet from disease by practicing good hygiene for their pets and themselves including avoiding contact with areas that have feces from other dogs and washing their hands after contact with dog feces pet dogs should be well-nourished receiving the correct anti-parasite medications and vaccinated against preventable infections for cats since there are no effective vaccines for either coronavirus the best prevention is good health and hygiene practices and especially litterbox cleanliness as the virus is present in feces zoran said owners should clean their cats litterboxes daily and make sure they have enough litterboxes at least one per cat to avoid over-crowding when possible owners should keep their pets away from other animals that are sick and should seek veterinary care if their illness does not resolve worsens or if they have concerns about their pets well-being humans coming into contact with pets should take care to wash their hands and avoid touching their eyes nose and mouth with unwashed hands according to the centers for disease control and prevention (cdc) the agency also recommends avoiding contact with other people who are sick and staying home if you feel unwell for more information visit the cdc website by keeping with their usual practice of good hygiene and staying up to date on official information surrounding outbreaks such as this one pet owners have little to worry about in the case of the novel 2019-ncov coronavirus strain behind the wuhan outbreak dealing with emerging viruses is always difficult because when a new virus emerges we cannot predict its behavior creevy said for instance more americans are currently infected with the flu and more americans are at risk of death from flu than from 2019-ncov but 2019-ncov is capturing all the news attention because it is more unpredictable its appropriate to pay attention to 2019-ncov while we try to figure out what it does but its also essential to keep preventing flu which is far more likely to affect most americans similarly for pets there is a possibility that 2019-ncov has mutated in a way that it could affect pets but that is unlikely she said its ok to be aware of that and pay attention to emerging news but its even more important for owners to understand the things that we already know coronavirus can and does do the first and most important thing to remember is that most coronaviruses are very specific to the species they infectmeaning the cat coronaviruses dont infect dogs or humans and vice versa zoran said as with all viruses a clean environment healthy diet and good husbandry is the best way to ensure that viruses dont cause problems for you or your pet pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+hurricanes fires & tornadoes: how to protect your pets during an emergency january 30 2020 when faced with an emergency everyone needs to know how to protect their family their home and lets not forget their pets our furry friends rely on us to protect them especially during times of disaster veterinary emergency team members scan a puppy to check for a microchip dr wesley bissett an associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences and director of the veterinary emergency team (vet) advises pet owners to prepare in advance for an emergency situation to provide the best possible outcome not only for your family but also for your pets during times of disasterbe it a hurricane wildfire or tornadopeople experience physical economic and psychological devastation the loss of a pet can significantly add to that devastation as pet owners prepare for large-scale emergencies it is critical to include their pets both large and small in their family emergency plan and especially for the possibility of evacuation monitor news channels and public information from governmental entities when risk is heightened bissett said obey evacuation orders and if possible evacuate early evacuation is a common occurrence for those in the midst of a natural disaster so to prepare for evacuation pet owners should have kennels available that are appropriate for travel and make sure your animals are trained to spend time in them bissett said bissett also recommends training pets to come on command and to have leashes and other equipment easily accessible pets trained to travel will be less stressed in the event of an emergency evacuation if you and your pet are separated having them microchipped and the information appropriately registered can help ensure their safe return the american veterinary medical association (avma) says that microchipped pets are returned to their owners about 52 percent of the time whereas pets without microchips are returned about 21 percent of the time in addition to being microchipped owners should make sure to complete the microchip registration process there are so many animals that are chipped but not registered bissett said also make sure your animals are current on vaccinations not only should homeowners keep an emergency kit for themselves in the event that evacuation is necessary but bissett says pet owners should prepare a kit for their pets too he recommends the following items for your pet kit: five to seven days worth of foodthree to five days worth of watertwo-week supply of your pets medicationskennel or cratefavorite toyfavorite bedcoggins papers (for horses)health summary from your local veterinarian sudden changes in a pets environment can cause them to be anxious and exhibit changes in behavior it may take some time for pets to adjust to the changes in their environment but having a plan in place as well as familiar items can help in the transition recognize that your pets will be just as stressed as you are so try and provide quiet stress-free situations for them bissett said pets may react differently for a period of time so take things slow and allow them to adjust to their new normal pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+barn cats: made to live in the great outdoors january 23 2020 whether your feline friend is curled up next to you on the couch or lives outdoors cats have a way of making their way into our hearts one way or another when dr elizabeth jeter isnt lecturing in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences department of veterinary pathobiology she can be found bringing fourth-year veterinary students to care for the animals at the aggieland humane society including those in the barn cat program while some cats do prefer living outside all cats are considered domestic jeter said adding that there are some differences that set these felines apart from others one of those differences is that barn cats serve a specific purpose most people seek out barn cats for the main purpose of having a form of organic pest control jeter said they help control mice and rat populations which is especially important in barns due to diseases that can be transmitted to livestock according to jeter outdoor cats can have a wide range of personalitiesthey can be very social and friendly or they can be feral meaning they do not associate with humans and may even avoid human contact altogether each cat is as unique as a person jeter said because of this the level of interaction between barn cats and humans will depend on the cat as well as the human some cats become a household icon greeting everyone who comes to the barn while others are rarely seen jeter said both cats are still working catsthey just have different attitudes barn cats have the same basic needs as other pets but jeter says its important for owners to acknowledge that caring for barn cats looks a little different special care needs to be taken with these cats since they do not obey the same rules as friendly or indoor cats and are often treated more as wildlife she said an example of this special care may be working with veterinarians who understand how to handle feral cats since they cannot be caught and handled like friendly or indoor cats and may need to be trapped in humane live traps when owners bring a new barn cat home they should be placed in a secure location like a tack room or an indoor enclosure where they cannot escape for the first three to four weeks this allows them to acclimate to their new environment and familiarize themselves with where they will be fed jeter said as with any other pet it is important to provide outdoor cats with protective medical care including vaccinations and spaying/neutering jeter explained that long-term medical care is necessary especially since barn cats are exposed to hazards such as wildlife more than your standard house pet it is most ideal to spay or neuter barn cats so they are not reproducing or displaying nuisance behavior such as fighting or yowling jeter said spaying or neutering will also help them to do their job more effectively and make them more likely to stick around sometimes the barn cat life chooses you and other times there may already be outdoor cats established in your area jeter said its important for prospective owners to be willing and able to provide care for their outdoor companions to help them live their best lives pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+hard to hear: the facts of canine ear infections january 16 2020 while ear infections are pesky conditions that affect many species dogs are especially at risk because of the shape of their ear canals dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that diagnosis and treatment should always be handled by a veterinarian but dog owners should still be informed on the nature of this condition to keep their furry friend in tip-top shape there are multiple causes of ear infections (otitis externa) including allergies (most common) ear mites a foreign body (this can include polyps or neoplasia) excess hair in the ear canal anatomic changes in the ear canal excess moisture in the ear canal injury immune-mediated diseases endocrine disease and excessive cleaning teller said any of these causes allow for bacteria and/or yeast to overgrow in the ear leading to the infection symptoms of canine ear infections include head shaking scratching at or rubbing the affected ear discharge bad odor redness inside the ear swelling of the ear canal pain itchiness and crusts or scabs inside the ear or along the ear margin owners who suspect that their dog may be suffering from an ear infection should seek veterinary help immediately as these infections can become more severe if left untreated once diagnosed your dogs treatment plan will depend on what caused the ear infection in the first place teller said that topical ointments may be used to treat bacteria and yeast present in the canal severe infections or those involving the middle or inner ear canal may be treated with oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs medicated ear cleansers to clear away discharge and debris from the infected canal may also be prescribed dogs that develop ear infections frequently will need to have the underlying cause addressed teller said some may require therapies to control allergies if a food allergy is a cause of the problem then switching to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet may prevent future problems it is very important to work with your veterinarian before switching your dogs diet dogs that swim frequently are also more prone to ear infections and special care should be taken by owners to appropriately clean and dry their pets ears after being in the water cotton swabs should never be used in the inner canal of a dogs ear teller also advised that dog owners should not allow other dogs to lick their pets ears to diagnose your pet a veterinarian might sample ear discharge or look through the ear canal to observe the state of the eardrum your dog may need to be sedated for this procedure depending on the situation although the prospect of a canine ear infection may be daunting timely veterinary intervention can prevent permanent damage from occurring proper care will have your pooch back to their super-hearing self in no time! pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+chew on this: goats as pets january 9 2020 though goats are often associated with an agricultural lifestyle these animals are being kept as pets more and more frequently the owner of a pet goat benefits from companionship the potential for milk production land management by grazing and more dr evelyn mackay a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses the ins and outs of goat ownership that every potential owner should know goats are fun social and playful animals mackay said they make great companions and are often very interactive and bonded to their owners this social nature means that potential owners should commit to getting multiple animals so their goat has a companion although goats can be companions for other animals such as racehorses they are happiest when with another member of their species however owners of multiple goats must ensure that their goats are treating each other kindly goats have a social structure and sometimes dominant goats may bully and steal food from less dominant goats mackay said this can cause problems in large groups if there are ‘disagreements between goats generally they work out their issues and exist harmoniously but groups of goats should be similarly sized and goats with horns should not be housed with goats without horns potential owners living in suburban areas should consider adopting smaller breeds of goats like pygmy goats or nigerian dwarves which can be kept in large yards full-sized pet goats such as dairy goats and boer goats need plenty of room for grazing and exercise; therefore mackay does not recommend those breeds for potential owners living in suburban environments in addition parasites can become an issue if goats are too crowded or housed in an area that is too small ultimately mackay recommends consulting with a veterinarian to determine the best type of goat for your family and living situation regardless of goat size and location it is essential that their environment provides proper nutrition; an improper diet including human food treats or excessive amounts of grain can cause gastrointestinal issues and make goats very sick pet goats should always have access to some type of forage like hay or grass mackay said their diet can be supplemented with a little bit of concentrate (grain or pellets) but the foundation of a healthy diet should always be high-quality hay or grass they should only be fed grain formulated for goats since grain for other species like cattle and horses can cause toxicities if they want to feed treats consider small amounts of fruit or vegetables but avoid kale and broccoli which can also be toxic like any animal a goat requires annual vaccines and wellness exams with a veterinarian as outdoor pets goats must also be protected from predators; mackay says owners should ensure their pet goats are kept where they cannot be chased by dogs one final aspect potential owners should consider is that as with any pet a full-grown goat will be considerably larger than the baby they adopt everyone thinks baby goats are very cute mackay said but people should be prepared for even the smallest breeds of goats to be a minimum of 60 pounds at maturity! pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+resolutions for a paw-some new year january 6 2020 the new year is an exciting milestone during which we often check in on our wellbeing and set goals for self-improvement this year consider using the holiday as an opportunity to evaluate and improve the health of your pet as well by including them in your new years resolutions dr christine rutter a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers some resolutions owners can set to improve their pets wellness in 2020 just as owners may reflect on their physical health every january the start of the new year is a wonderful time to take stock of your pets health for example how are their activity levels and weight if you are unsure rutter advises that owners ask their veterinarian those questions i think a resolution to spend more time with your pet is a great one if your dog can tolerate walking this is a great way to improve your own mental and physical health as well as strengthen the bond between pet and owner rutter said for cats enrichment such as a laser pointer feather wands and crinkle toys can really get them movingand they are delightful to watch! on a similar note rutter recommends that pet owners establish a dental care routine for their pet in the new year a great way to begin this is to bring your pet in for an evaluation and cleaning because february is pet dental health month rutter advises that pet owners schedule an appointment early to take advantage of discounts that many veterinarians may offer on their dentistry services another resolution can be to check up on your pets check-ups make sure your pet has an annual wellness visit scheduled for routine vaccinations knowing which immunizations will be expiring allows owners time to schedule appointments for them to be renewed owners should also consider updating their pets heartworm testing and medication as well as parasite prevention plans with your veterinarian there are a lot of new parasite and heartworm prevention products out there and its a great time to check and see what is right for your pet(s) rutter said owners may also want to take a second look at the snacks they feed their pets many dog treats and rawhides are high in calories sodium and fat dogs especially smaller breeds require far fewer calories than humans do and are easy to overfeed because the little snacks owners feed their pets really add up rutter suggests owners consider healthier options dogs typically love baby carrots apples green beans cauliflower and melon just stay away from onions peppers grapes raisins and garlic rutter said each dog is different and if youve been giving them delicious stinky dog treats (or even worse table food) they may turn their nose at these offerings initially they will come around once the table food and tasty treats decrease in frequency the new year marks the beginning of many commitments to health and personal improvement in 2020 why not extend your resolutions to improve the lives of the pets who love you the most pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+tips for a pet-safe howliday season december 19 2019 its the time of year when a festive holiday spirit brings together friends and family in celebration but this happy time can also bring unintentional hazards to your pets environment luckily with advance preparation most risks can be mitigated to ensure that your pets holiday experience is as joyful as any humans! kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) shares with owners how to ensure that their pet has a safe and positive holiday experience holiday decorations are an important aspect of introducing winter cheer to a gathering however some pretty trinketssuch as ornaments bows ribbons tinsel and lights as well as electrical cordsmight have less-than-pretty effects on your pets health if ingested your pet may think holiday decorations are toys to play with or to chew darling said please keep all of these out of your pets reach eating holiday decorations may cause signs such as vomiting diarrhea depression or abdominal pain; chewing lights or electrical cords may cause an electrical shock resulting in burns difficulty breathing loss of consciousness and even death more natural decorations may also pose a threat to the well-being of your pet holiday plants such as holly mistletoe lilies japanese yew christmas rose and amaryllis can be dangerous to pets the needles and the oils from a christmas tree also can cause skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset darling said do not allow your pets to drink the water around the christmas tree; it may be contaminated with fertilizers or bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal upset additionally foods served at your celebration that are safe for you may still be dangerous for your pet owners should avoid feeding pets fatty foods such as turkey skin meat fat and gravy bones and fried foods other snacks that may cause serious consequences if consumed by a pet include grapes raisins onions garlic chives chocolate macadamia nuts yeast dough alcohol coffee caffeine and xylitol keep food out of your pets reach darling said do not allow counter or table surfing place trash in a closed-lid can in a secure location pet owners should keep an eye out for open doors and double-check that their pet has proper identification such as a collar or microchip in case their furry friend slips out accidentally it is also important that owners have contact information for a veterinarian easily accessible during the holidays our routine changes as we have family and friends visit this can be confusing stressful or frightening to our pets darling said even pets that enjoy people may become overwhelmed with lots of guests allow your pet to have access to a comfortable quiet place away from all of the commotion and when guests are arriving or leaving to help relieve stress in both pet and owner owners should consider taking the time to provide their pet with extra attention and exercise it is important to remember that although pets provide many emotional and physical benefits they are a serious responsibility you may think a new puppy or kitty is a great present but the holidays are a busy time darling said it might be better to acquire a new pet at a less hectic time if you are thinking of giving someone a pet ask the person if they want a pet or if it is a good time for them to have a new pet the holiday season is a wonderful time to show appreciation to those you love furry friends included! with a few precautions to remove pet hazards there is no reason your pet cant be included in your holiday celebration pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+emergency fur-st aid for pets december 12 2019 a medical emergency is among the worst nightmares for any pet owner even minor injuries can be stressful especially if they happen far from available medical care or during non-business hours though an owner cant always prevent every ailment in their four legged friend they can prepare to handle these situations dr igor yankin a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences advises pet owners on what supplies and knowledge they should have to administer basic first aid to their pet in an emergency yankin first advises that pet owners take a basic first aid course geared toward their animal these courses can be found online or can be taken in-person at certain locations your veterinarian may be able to help you find a class that is the best option for you and your animal financial preparation is also important in case of a pet emergency in addition to an emergency examination fee owners may also need to finance diagnostic tests and treatments if your pet must stay the night at a medical facility prices inflate further yankin said pet owners can purchase health insurance for their pet to ensure that they are able to receive the care they need it is well-known that veterinary care can be cost-prohibitive for owners and during emergencies the financial constraints can sometimes affect whether an owner is able to have their pet treated he said it is also imperative that pet owners have emergency contact information on-hand so the proper medical authorities can be contacted promptly yankin advises owners to have readily available the phone number clinic name and address of their primary veterinarian as well as the contact information of a local veterinary emergency clinic owners should also have contact information for the aspca animal poison control center (888-426-4435) yankin said pet owners should also keep a pet emergency first-aid kit readily available containing the following items: absorbent gauze pads adhesive tape cotton ballsfresh 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in dogs (always check with veterinarian or animal poison control expert before giving to your pet as this solution cannot be used in cats)ice packdisposable glovesscissors with blunt endtweezersoral syringe or turkey basterliquid dishwashing detergent (for bathing)towelssmall flashlightalcohol wipesstyptic powdersaline eye solutionartificial tear gel pet owners should check in on their emergency first-aid kit every few months to ensure nothing has expired or needs to be replenished as the year draws to a close pet owners should be particularly cognizant about their pets environment and double-check that they are prepared for possible incidents the holiday season is the busiest time for emergency veterinarians yankin said pets gain easy access to table scraps that can be poisonous for them (eg chocolate grapes raisins macadamia nuts) foreign objects that can create bowel blockage if swallowed (eg bones toys christmas tree ornaments etc) and human drugs that were brought by house guests yankin said that owners who have any concern about their pets health should call their local veterinarian or emergency clinic from there a veterinary technician or veterinarian can help determine whether or not the pet should be brought in for examination in general pets with difficulty breathing seizures unresponsive state acute weakness fainting wounds intractable vomiting and diarrhea or severe pain should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible yankin said this list is not exhaustive and i recommend to call a veterinarian if you have any doubts pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+feline fine: the benefits of catnip december 5 2019 for many cat owners busting boredom in their feline friend is a sizable concern cats are notoriously choosy about their toys and an under-stimulated cat might result in shredded furniture and shattered knick-knacks one way owners can capture their cats interest is with catnip dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains more on what this plant is and how owners can use it to enrich their cats environment catnip is a member of the mint family according to teller formally known as nepeta cataria catnip is a perennial herb that can grow to be up to three feet high it contains a chemical called nepetalactone in its leaves and stems that can impact your cats behavior when cats are exposed to nepetalactone by smell it acts as a stimulant causing some cats to have an uptick in activity when ingested nepetalactone has a sedative effect it is thought that this chemical mimics natural pheromones acting on those receptors to elicit a response catnip has a psychoactive effect meaning that it can make cats high for about 15-30 minutes after exposure teller said cats under the influence of catnip may roll around dart across the room flip over and exhibit general hyperactivity others may be very chill however teller warns that not every cat is susceptible to these effects cat owners interested in introducing this herb to their pets environment may do so by purchasing toys containing catnip or they may purchase the herb loose and sprinkle it over areas they would like their cat to frequent such as a scratching toy the herb can be given fresh or dry though some cats might have a preference in which form they like best crafty cat owners might consider growing the herb themselves as it thrives in most of north america and is relatively easy to care for though catnip can be a great way to enrich your furry friends routine owners should be cautious in how often they expose their cat to this herb catnip is unlikely to cause an overdose but too much can cause nausea and vomiting if this occurs pet owners should remove catnip from their cats environment frequent exposure might also reduce the effect catnip has on your cat pet owners concerned about introducing catnip to their pets routine should as always consult with their veterinarian catnip can be a unique and stimulating treat for your pet that may enrich their playtime and provide an adorable display of activity for you to watch! pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+(tur)keys to a pet-friendly thanksgiving feast november 26 2019 each thanksgiving we are brought together through food community and tradition to reflect on the year and give thanks this holiday pet owners can make sure they are showing appreciation to their furry friends by protecting them from any hazards these festivities may bring kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) advises pet owners on how to best approach the thanksgiving holiday to keep their pets safe and happy many of the foods we eat at thanksgiving are rich and can cause digestive problems pancreatitis and may be poisonous to our pets darling said foods that can be harmful to our pets include turkey skin dark meat and bones garlic sage grapes raisins bread dough macadamia nuts chocolate alcohol and the artificial sweetener xylitol darling also advised pet owners to be wary of which decorations they keep in their home some festive plants including ferns lilies amaryllis babys breath and sweet william are toxic to cats and dogs in general darling said that animals should be kept away from table decorations if your pet does get their nose into the wrong dish or decoration they may exhibit signs of poisoning including vomiting diarrhea depression and behavioral changes as always prevention is key keep the food out of your pets reach to prevent table or counter surfing darling said put the trash out of the way where the pet cant find it in a closed trash container that is behind a closed door or outside in a secure location be careful to keep plastic strings foil and bags out of their reach if a pet owner suspects that their animal has consumed a harmful substance they should seek veterinary care as soon as possible darling recommended that pet owners save emergency numbers into their phones so they are prepared in case of emergency the american society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (aspca) animal poison control center hotline is 888-426-4435 that there are certain things pets should not eat does not mean that owners shouldnt treat their furry friend to a sampling of the feast; however doing so in moderation and being careful about the type of food they share are key to a pet-friendly thanksgiving some foods that you can give your pet are small amounts of white meat turkey raw or steamed green beans carrots with no seasoning pumpkin and apples darling said a dog might enjoy a bully stick dental chew a kong stuffed with their favorite treats or a food puzzle toy darling also advised owners to be aware of the hectic environment a holiday gathering might create especially if guests are unfamiliar with the pet or bring children having a house full of guests may be stressful for your pet she said if your pet is shy or fearful put the pet in a crate or a quiet room put your pet in a secure location when guests are arriving and leaving so the pet does not run out the door let your guests know not to feed your pets any food unless you have provided them with appropriate treats darling stressed that it might be difficult to keep an eye on your pet for the whole celebration especially if you are hosting as such it is important to communicate guidelines on how to interact with a pet to your guests so they dont unknowingly cross a line with the proper knowledge and communication your pet-friendly thanksgiving will be a safe and memorable event for all of your loved ones pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+dont sugarcoat it: the facts of feline diabetes november 21 2019 november is diabetes awareness month a time that calls attention to the impact this disease has on millions of americans and to the daily health choices we make but while most associate diabetes with humans many do not realize that our feline friends are also susceptible to the disease dr audrey cook a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences who is board certified in feline practice shares with cat owners how this condition may present in their pet and how it can be managed diabetes mellitus (dm) is a fairly common endocrine disease in domestic cats cook said although there are many reasons why cats become diabetic most cats have underlying insulin resistance much like people with type 2 diabetes this means that an affected cat may still be able to produce some insulin but the body does not respond to this appropriately and the insulin produced is not enough to control blood sugar concentrations symptoms of feline dm include excessive urination excessive thirst lethargy weight loss and increased appetite cats who are obese older than 7 years inactive male and neutered are at a higher risk for developing dm certain breeds may also be predisposed and some commonly used medications such as glucocorticoids (steroids) may also increase the risk of diabetes if your cat shows any signs suggestive of diabetes please talk to your veterinarian immediately cook said most cats respond well to treatment with insulin but a delay in starting therapy can cause serious problems most cats will require insulin injections twice daily though a variety of treatment options are available a veterinarian will likely recommend a specific diet and will address weight issues if the cat is carrying any extra pounds owner participation plays a key role in the management of feline dm in addition to the administration of insulin owners must monitor their cats daily activities including water and food intake and urine production many owners also check blood-glucose levels at home although this is not a requirement for successful diabetic regulation we have a lot of options for monitoring our feline diabetic patients cook said some of our diabetic cat owners learn to collect a tiny amount of blood and others prefer to check the blood glucose using a device that is placed on the back of the cats neck and scanned with a smartphone we can also run tests in the hospital that let us know how well the insulin is working regular veterinary visits are important for long-term disease management as insulin doses may need to be adjusted over time some cats undergo remission in which case insulin is no longer needed although a diagnosis of diabetes can be daunting many cats do well with treatment and live happy comfortable lives owners should find a veterinarian who is interested in this disease and who has experience in caring for cats with dm cook said treating a cat with dm takes some extra effort but most owners are very satisfied with the outcome and say that caring for their cat made the bond between them even stronger pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+a scent-sitive subject: essential oil diffusers and your cat november 14 2019 essential oils are often presented as a naturalistic approach to personal care and home fragrance however just because these oils are derived from plants doesnt make them healthy or even safe for your cat dr murl bailey a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvmbs) advises pet owners to use essential oils with caution when essential oils are used in fragrance diffusers the oils are widely distributed within a room because many of the oils commonly purchased in stores can be toxic to cats if a cat breathes in a harmful oil it may cause respiratory irritation diffused oils are very dangerous as the oils are inhaled bailey said not only are these oil droplets dangerous themselves but the inhalation of these oils can cause a foreign body pneumonia in cats symptoms of respiratory irritation include a watery nose and eyes drooling vomiting and difficulty breathing in cats difficulty breathing may be mistaken for the animal trying to expel a hairball difficulty breathing can be distinguished by the cat crouching low to the ground with little abdominal movement and no hairball production if a cat owner suspects that their pet is in distress they should move their cat to fresh air immediately if the cat does not quickly recover the owner should seek emergency veterinary care for any instances of poisoning owners can also call the pet poison helpline at (855) 764-7661 or the aspca animal poison control center at (888) 426-4435 essential oil diffusers also pose the hazard of tipping over if this happens there is the possibility that a cat might ingest spilled oils which bailey warns against essential oils should never be given by mouth or in the animals food bailey said oral ingestion can cause vomiting diarrhea and central nervous system depression which can cause symptoms such as decreased heart and breathing rate seizures are also possible from large doses some diffusers which act by aerosolizing the oil release micro-droplets into the air that may collect on the fur of a pet cat when the cat grooms itself the oil may be ingested and the cat may suffer the above consequences though cat owners should consult with their veterinarian before introducing new products to their pets environment bailey provides a list of more common oils that are toxic to pets: basilbergamotbitter almondcinnamonclove leafeucalyptusgeraniumjuniperlavenderlemonlemongrasslimemint (including wintergreen spearmint and peppermint)myrrhorangepineroserosemarysandalwoodsassafrastarragontea treethymewormwoodylang ylang other less common essential oils that are also toxic include armoise bay leaf (w indian) birch (sweet) boldo leaf buchu calamus clary sage cornmint horseradish japanese yew hyssop lanyana mustard oregano pennyroyal (n am) pennyroyal (eur) sassafras (brazilian) savin savory (summer) southernwood spruce tansy thuja tree wormwood large wormwood western red cedar and wormseed these products offer a natural method of home fragrance but what works for you may not always be best for your pet when using essential oils in the home a cautious approach is best as always pet owners should consult with their veterinarian about any hesitancy they have before using these products to ensure that they are acting in the best interest of their pet pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the stone-cold facts of uroliths in livestock animals november 7 2019 water belly urinary blockage stonesuroliths have many names but their presence in livestock animals is a serious condition dr evelyn mackay a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences speaks of the dangers of uroliths and how livestock owners can recognize the causes and effects of these obstructions in their animals a urolith is a stone that forms in the urinary tract of small and large animals mackay said there are a few different types of stones that can form and theyre usually dependent on the diet and the location of the animal the most common types of stones we see in texas are calcium carbonate and struvite stones made of accumulated minerals these stones typically form in the bladder of the affected animal but can also originate in the kidney and then move down into the bladder if the stones remain in the bladder they are largely unproblematic however they can become harmful if they migrate from the bladder into the urethra where they cause a blockage we see the biggest problems when the stones move into the urethra in male animals which either completely or partially prevents them from being able to urinate mackay said male animals are more likely to suffer the harmful effects of uroliths because their urethras are smaller in diameter mackay says that uroliths are also more common in some livestock animals such a sheep and goats but she also treats cows and pigs for these stones there are a variety of treatment options available from the less invasive to the more invasive once the animal cannot urinate it can be challenging to treat mackay said early treatment is really important because they can rupture their bladder symptoms of stones include difficulty urinating a distended abdomen and distressed behavior symptoms can vary widely depending on the circumstances of each case so livestock owners suspecting that their animal might be suffering from a urolith should seek veterinary care promptly dietary management is also important mackay said feed a forage-based diet mostly grass and hay water intake is really important and doing whatever you can to ensure that your animals are drinking and not getting dehydrated it is also best to feed them the minimum amount of grain as high-grain diets increase the likelihood of stone formation she also stresses the importance of waiting as long as possible before neutering males as this allows more time for their urethra to widen while prevention and understanding the risk factors for uroliths is important mackay says that the most impactful thing a livestock owner can do is seek treatment quickly if owners think that their animals have any signs of a urolith they should definitely get a veterinarian to look at it immediately because early treatment is really important mackay said the longer you wait the harder it is to get a good outcome pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+eating your greens: the basics of cat grass october 31 2019 when confronted with the topic of healthy eating we as humans are frequently reminded of the importance of including daily greens in our diets does your cats diet need the same dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses the basics of cat grass that every cat owner should know cat grass isnt any one type of grass but can be a combination of grasses such as rye barley oat and wheat teller said cat owners can buy kits at many stores to grow cat grass for their kitties most owners dont need to rush to the store to purchase this grass for their pet however as it is not always necessary to complete their diet cat grass is not a required part of a cats diet if the food they are eating is well-balanced but it is something that many cats enjoy teller said especially for indoor cats it can be a source of environmental enrichment in some cases it may provide some micronutrients such as vitamins a and d the reasons cats seek out such grass are still unclear though veterinarians have yet to come to a consensus on one definitive answer several theories exist one theory is that cat grass is a source of fiber that can either act as a mild laxative or trigger vomiting teller said when cats lived in the wild they may have eaten grass to trigger vomiting to rid their stomachs of the non-digestible parts of the prey they ingested it is also thought that the chlorophyll contained in the grass could serve as a mild pain reliever and help keep the cats breath fresh teller also advises that owners shouldnt be nervous about introducing cat grass to their pets environment even if it something their pet hasnt yet encountered for outdoor cats homegrown cat grass will be safer than what they may nibble on outside because those plants may have been exposed to chemicals or water contaminated with bacteria that may cause disease teller said while it would not be dangerous to have the cat grass freely available if a cat seems to eat it voraciously then it may be worth consulting with a veterinarian to determine if the cats diet is meeting all of its nutritional needs owners residing in multiple-pet households can also be assured that cat grass is likely a safe addition to their home it is not likely that cat grass would be a problem for other animals in the household teller said the bigger concern would be if a cat or other animal confused cat grass with other plants in the home that are potentially toxic it is important to keep those plants out of reach of any pets ultimately the decision to introduce cat grass to a feline friend is up to their owner as always cat owners should consult with their veterinarian if they are concerned about nutritional deficiencies in their cats diet pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+tricky treats: protecting your pet from a halloween scare october 24 2019 halloween is an exciting holiday marked by costumes decorations and treats that set the spooky scene while these festivities may ensure a fun evening they can also pose additional threats to your household pet dr christine rutter a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) speaks to the dangers of pet poisoning on this holiday and how to react if intoxication does occur the clinical signs for intoxication are extremely varied rutter said most intoxications will cause a sudden onset of signs but these signs can range from subtle to severe altered behavior clumsiness vomiting diarrhea difficulty breathing and seizure are the most common signs that i see in relation to pet poisonings halloween celebrations may introduce toxic foods and objects into your home that your pet would not be exposed to normally most of the things we worry about at halloween are things like candy (including chocolate) sugar-free gum glow sticks and items they get into at halloween parties like party foods recreational drugs and alcohol rutter said glow sticks arent actually toxic but the fluid within them is irritating and pets (especially cats) will drool and be very upset if they open one rutter advises that pet owners who suspect their animal has ingested a toxic substance seek medical advice as soon as possible i recommend that owners contact their veterinarian or the aspcas animal poison control center hotline for advice about how to handle a potentially poisoned pet rutter said an additional benefit is that the aspca animal poison control center hotline provides owners with a case number that their veterinarian or a veterinary emergency doctor can use to call and speak directly to a toxicologist about the pets specific case should the pet need to go to a hospital even if the potentially poisoned pet is not exhibiting symptoms rutter recommends seeking medical help if you are unsure of whether your pet has ingested enough of a toxic substance for harm to be done an expert should still be contacted as soon as possible i wouldnt recommend the ‘wait and see plan with toxins limiting the animals absorption of the toxin before the pet is symptomatic is very important rutter said if we can prevent problems before they happen thats going to be a lot more effective than trying to reverse clinical signs that are already present part of toxin management is minimizing the impact of the toxin it is imperative that pet owners remember that foods that are harmless to themchocolate sugar-free gum party foods and alcoholcan be toxic to their furry friend families have to be very careful to limit exposure to hazards during the halloween season all candy and food items have to be kept out of an animals environment sometimes that means keeping candy in a refrigerator microwave or other closed space rutter said its also a good idea to keep pets confined during halloween parties and trick-or-treating events all of the new people strangers in costume at the door and access to tempting treats can be a recipe for anxiety increased scavenging behavior and exposure to toxins pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+genetic testing for dogs october 17 2019 mail-in genetic test kits are a health trend that claim to offer users remarkable access to individualized information on their health at a molecular level you may know that a sample of saliva can reveal the secrets of your genetic code but did you know that such genetic testing kits can do the same for your dog these genetic tests for dogs allow pet owners to trade a sample of their poochs saliva for information on the pets breed ancestry health risks and more the concept may seem like its straight out of a science fiction novel but these services are readily available at pet supply stores and online dr gus cothran a professor emeritus at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences (cvm) explains the benefits and drawbacks of such tests pet owners should always be cautious as these tests do not actually address specific health issues but rather indicate a breed cothran said members of the same breed may carry a specific genetic disease that is known to be in the breed but not all will have it tests for specific genetic diseases may be available for use if there is concern at the cvmbs cothran works with the animal genetics laboratory which utilizes dna genotyping to determine genetic information for horses goats sheep donkeys and cattle these tests are similar to those offered to consumers through mail-in services there is no real difference between tests done by these services and tests done by laboratories although most commercial tests are patented cothran said cothran adds that these genetic tests can be useful to owners who know little about the background of their dog and wish to learn more about their breed however owners should be aware that the accuracy of these tests is not absolute most breed tests are based upon probability so that even though a particular breed is indicated there is always a possibility that the result is not correct cothran said the physical traits of the animal should be compared to the breed standard and if they match then the probability is that the tests assignment is correct cothran advises that pet owners who do opt for such testing should share the results with their veterinarian though these tests on their own are not sufficient to diagnose your dog with a condition they provide more information on your pet that if you have doesnt hurt to share with the veterinarian while these tests might provide an interesting peek into the genetic makeup of your furry friend it is important to remember that there is no substitute for responsibly monitoring your dogs habits and proper veterinary care pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+feeling peckish: nutritional disease in pet birds october 10 2019 a proper avian diet goes beyond the colorful bags of grocery-store seed commonly associated with bird food failure to meet a pet birds nutritional requirements can lead to nutrient deficiencies and diseases with severe health consequences dr jill heatley an associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains the health consequences of feeding your pet bird an inadequate diet and how to get your feathered friends health back on track nutritional disease is a nutrient-related condition that causes illness in an animal heatley said in birds this often includes deficiencies in the diet; however obesity and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease are also included since nutritional disease encapsulates a wide range of nutrient-related health problems it can have varied causes diet is the main factor for nutritional disease in birds and some species of birds are more prone than others to nutritional disease heatley said certain diseases that affect the liver gastrointestinal tract or nervous system can also put birds at risk for nutritional disease symptoms of nutritional disease are also varied depending on the inciting factor a veterinarian can best recognize the symptoms and determine the specific cause weight loss or gain poor quality of feathers or flaky scurfy skin are all common signs of nutritional disease in birds heatley said additional signs may include yellow spots in the mouth inflammation around the eyes or ears or thinning of the skin on the bottom of the feet bird owners concerned about their pets health should take care to ensure that their bird is being fed a diet meant for their specific species of bird nutritional disease can be prevented by using the appropriate diet for the particular species of bird not just seeds a pelleted diet appropriate for each species of pet bird is available for most species which along with select fruits and vegetables for some species provides a balanced diet heatley said pet birds afflicted with nutritional disease should be placed on a healthy diet as soon as possible with the proper food and care your bird can fully recover and be as happy as a lark feeding a nutritionally appropriate diet is best but sometimes additional supplementation can be recommended by your veterinarian in extreme cases heatley said early signs of resolution of nutritional disease may only take a few days but better feather and skin quality may take months as some birds only molt twice or even once yearly pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+what to know about equine osteoarthritis october 3 2019 osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that compromises the joint health and mobility of many animals while osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder for people in the united states the condition is also prevalent in horses dr jeffrey watkins a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences provides insight into equine osteoarthritis and how owners might manage this condition in their horses osteoarthritis refers to deterioration of a joint or joints that is characterized by progressive loss of cartilage watkins said the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis causes pain and swelling of the affected joints cases of equine osteoarthritis can be divided into two groups: primary and secondary primary osteoarthritis arises from the wear and tear of everyday activities resulting in a slow breakdown of joint cartilage performance horses are at particular risk for this form of osteoarthritis often the first indication of a problem is a change in the horses behavior willingness to perform and/or ability to perform at their expected level watkins said these are often subtle indications of a developing joint problem and are due to the low-grade pain associated with the insidious onset of osteoarthritis secondary osteoarthritis comes when an injury to a joint is severe enough to begin the process of cartilage breakdown horses with a history of joint infections fractures involving the joint ligament and tendon injuries and preexisting joint defects are at risk for secondary osteoarthritis osteoarthritis secondary to an injury or infection will be characterized initially by the signs associated with the inciting injury once the initial injury has been resolved osteoarthritis is manifested as continued loss of function due to pain and stiffness of the affected joint watkins said if an owner suspects that their horse might be suffering from equine osteoarthritis they should contact their veterinarian who might conduct a physical evaluation and lameness examination as well as recommend diagnostic imaging such as radiography ultrasonography computed tomography (ct) or magnetic resonance imaging (mri) prevention of equine osteoarthritis varies depending on the type for secondary osteoarthritis prompt and proper treatment of the initial joint injury is vital primary osteoarthritis is more complicated involving many factors including proper hoof care responsible training regimens and the monitoring of any predisposing factors management of osteoarthritis is a multifaceted approach and includes modification of the affected horses activity level attention to body weight and body condition appropriate hoof care medical therapy and surgical therapy watkins said as with all conditions owners concerned for their horses health should consult with their veterinarians to establish an individualized management strategy luckily research into equine osteoarthritis management is ongoing so we might one day see options for complete rehabilitation pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+home alone: separation anxiety in dogs september 26 2019 does your dog whine when he sees you heading for the door are shredded pillows a frequent welcome home from work does your otherwise housetrained pooch have a problem with accidents in your absence if so your dog might have a case of separation anxiety kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says canine separation anxiety is a condition born from love since dogs have been domesticated over thousands of years there has been the development of a bond between dogs and people darling said dogs are social animals and thrive on companionship they would like to spend all of their time with you if they could separation anxiety arises when a dog becomes stressed and anxious in the absence of their owner oftentimes this distress manifests in symptoms that mimic misbehavior signs of separation anxiety include excess whining barking or howling; having accidents even though housebroken; chewing things; scratching at doors and windows; digging holes; excessive drooling and panting; pacing; and trying to escape darling said while there are many theories on why dogs develop separation anxiety the exact cause can be difficult to pinpoint risk factors include coming from a shelter being left alone or seldom left alone as a young puppy change of ownership change in family routine or schedule experiencing a traumatic event when the dog is alone moving to a new house and loss of a family member darling said when managing canine separation anxiety a kind and patient approach is best do not scold or punish your dog because it might make the dog more upset and fearful darling said the behaviors exhibited in separation anxiety are not the result of disobedience or spite if your dog has mild separation anxiety counter-condition training may be helpful this is done by associating the sight or presence of the feared or disliked situation with something the dog really likes she continued over time the dog will learn something feared will predict something good distraction can also be a valuable tool as a tired dog has less energy available for destructive activities darling suggests food puzzles aerobic exercise interactive games daily walks and playdates with other dogs to keep your dog busy each dog is different so you have to find out what motivates him and sets him up to be successful darling said providing lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation decreases your dogs stress and enriches his life pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+vaccines are key: protect your pet from rabies september 19 2019 rabies is a deadly disease that can harm pets wildlife and people luckily thanks to modern medicine it is also easily preventable through vaccinations and responsible pet ownership dr katie mccool a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses the most common signs of rabies and what to do if you or a pet is bitten by a rabid animal rabies is a virus that is spread through contact with the saliva of infected animals most commonly through a bite from the infected animal mccool said in rare cases rabies also can be spread when infected saliva gets into an open wound or the mucous membranes such as the mouth or eyes rabies can spread to any mammals including humans but not to birds fish reptiles or amphibians the virus is diagnosed in cats more than any other domestic animal but it is most commonly seen in wild animals like bats raccoons skunks coyotes and foxes rabies is exhibited through both behavioral and physical changes in an animal including fearfulness aggression excessive drooling difficulty swallowing difficulty walking and seizures wild animals that have contracted rabies often approach humans without fear and are seen wandering around in the daytime even if they are normally nocturnal animals showing these behaviors should be avoided and reported to a local animal control department as soon as possible we only rarely see rabies cases at the texas a&m small animal hospital which is good news because rabies is a fatal disease once animals start to show signs of infection mccool said however this disease is definitely present in our area; there are reports of rabies in our county every year though these reports are primarily wildlife such as skunks and bats she recommends visiting the texas department of state health services webpage on rabies for more information on cases by county in texas or the equivalent site for other states while there is no treatment for rabies the disease is completely preventable with vaccines dogs cats ferrets horses and livestock can all be vaccinated against the rabies virus your veterinarian is an excellent source of information about keeping your pets safe from rabies mccool said owners can also decrease the risk of exposure to rabies by limiting your pets contact with unvaccinated animals she said keep cats and ferrets indoors and do not let your dogs roam free if a pet is bitten by a wild or unknown animal contact both a veterinarian and local animal control authorities immediately the pet will need to be revaccinated for rabies kept under quarantine and observed for a specific period of time depending on state and city laws if you or another person is bitten by a suspected rabid animal clean the wound with soap and a disinfectant for at least 15 minutes contact a doctor for medical advice and report the bite to the local health department mccool recommends visiting the avma website rabies and your pet for more information vaccinations are one of the easiest ways to protect a dog cat or other pet from rabies while also reducing the transmission of a deadly disease that can harm wildlife and people as well vaccination is a key part of responsible pet ownership and can help ensure your animal lives a long and healthy life pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+recognizing a pet emergency september 12 2019 many pet owners have found themselves in difficult situations in which they know something is wrong with a pet but the veterinary clinic is closed how do you know when its a true pet emergency and how do you know when it can wait until the clinic opens the next day to answer this question dr christine rutter a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses some common situations that often cause pet owners concern if an animal is showing lameness such as abnormal movements or the inability to use a limb the severity will determine the degree of urgency if lameness is severe suddenly worse associated with bleeding or persists for more than 24 hours it should be considered an emergency situation weight-bearing lameness or limping can typically be evaluated within one to two days by a primary care veterinarian rather than on an emergency basis rutter said sources online may recommend giving non-steroidal over-the-counter medications to pets for pain relief but this can cause serious toxicity or drug interaction issues if an owner feels that a pet needs pain medication they should always contact their veterinarian prior to administering medications rutter said i dont recommend any over-the-counter human pain medications for use in animals we have veterinary medications that are much safer more effective and interfere less with our ability to diagnose and treat more complicated causes of lameness bleeding cuts and injuries are also considered emergencies when severe especially if accompanied by lethargy or weakness in addition pale pink or white mucous membranes including the gums and tissues inside of eyelids can indicate severe or rapid blood loss any bleeding that is excessive or doesnt stop within 10 to 15 minutes should be evaluated by a veterinarian rutter said any wound that is ‘full-thickness which means it goes all the way through the skin so that you can see underlying muscles and tissues should be evaluated this especially applies to bite wounds; all bite wounds are an emergency bite wounds not only cause physical damage but can also lead to infection and spread diseases between animals so they should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible if a dog or cat swallows a foreign object or plant the best option is to immediately call the aspca poison control hotline (888-426-4435) to determine if the ingested substance is toxic the aspca hotline does cost money but it could either save you a trip to the er if the intoxication isnt serious or it can provide your er veterinarian with important initial and follow-up information through the case number you receive during the consultation rutter said another common cause of concern for pet owners is when a dog or cat becomes lethargic or refuses to eat or drink the urgency in this situation often depends on the pets normal behavior for example if a dog that normally eats all its food in a minute suddenly refuses to eat it should probably be seen by a veterinarian sooner rather than later in general a dog or cat that doesnt eat or is lethargic for more than 24 hours should be evaluated rutter said cats are especially sensitive to prolonged anorexia and they can have secondary illness solely from not eating vomiting or diarrhea that does not resolve within 12 to 24 hours should also be evaluated when it comes to seizures the pets medical history will determine whether a trip to the emergency room is necessary a single short seizure that is ‘typical for a known epileptic pet is probably not an emergency rutter said seizures than last more than three to four minutes violent seizures new seizures more than one seizure in 24 hours or severe after-effects of a seizure are emergencies overall if you think a situation may be an emergency take the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible it is better to over-react and have to pay for an emergency room visit than to do nothing and lose a pet i dont recommend scouring the internet for information about how to treat your pet rutter said also veterinarians and veterinary technicians cannot evaluate diagnose and treat patients over the phoneits illegal and can cost us our license by knowing how to recognize a true emergency pet owners can quickly make the best decisions for their animals and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes being prepared for emergencies can save money time and possibly even a pets life pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+senior dogs part ii: the joys of loving an elderly dog september 5 2019 throughout their lives dogs are experts at showing unconditional love and acceptance for their owners once dogs have moved into their senior years owners can return that love by helping them stay comfortable happy and healthy harmony peraza a veterinary technician and the study subject manager for the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences dog aging project has seen from her own senior dog just how rewarding it can be to care for an elderly animal while the adage may be that you cant teach an old dog new tricks senior dogs can usually do anything that younger dogs can do as long as they have some patience and help from their owners old dogs can learn new tricks! in fact older dogs may be easier to teach peraza said they likely have a longer attention span and more focus than a young puppy additionally teaching your older dog new things can help to keep his mind sharp and slow the signs of senility owners can also help older dogs stay more youthful by making small changes to their diet and activity to better suit their aging bodies diet changes for a senior dog may be recommended by a veterinarian to treat certain health conditions encourage weight loss or help maintain an ideal weight often an older dog does not need to consume the same number of calories as a younger dog peraza said this can be accomplished by simply feeding less or moving to a lighter or low-calorie food older dogs may need fewer calories but this doesnt mean that they should live a sedentary life if vigorous exercises like running or jumping have become too difficult for a senior dog it can still benefit from walking jogging swimming or playing just as with younger dogs regular trips to the veterinarian are important for keeping senior dogs healthy and comfortable peraza recommends taking old dogs to the veterinarian for exams and lab work every six to 12 months and keeping up with flea tick heartworm and intestinal parasite control having your dogs health regularly monitored can lead to early discovery of problems and early discovery of problems can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome peraza said most importantly owners should remember to care for an elderly dog by giving it the love attention and comfort it deserves offer a comfortable cool place for your pup to rest peraza said regular baths and grooming are a great way to not only keep your dog clean but also provide an opportunity to give a nice little massage to your aging family member a little patience understanding and a gentle hand can go very far with older dogs she said dogs spend their entire lives loving us so it is the least we can do to make sure they stay just as loved until the end saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts of dog ownership but researchers across the us are taking some of the first steps toward extending the lifespans of our canine companions we all love our companion dogs and want them to stay with us as long as possible said dr kate creevy cvm associate professor the dog aging project seeks to understand how genes lifestyle and environment influence lifespan and health span the period of life spent free from disease this project will enroll 10 000 companion dogs and their owners from across the us to advance the understanding of the aging process in dogs learn more at dogagingprojectorg pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+senior dogs part i: the signs of an aging dog august 29 2019 as a dog ages several changes may occur besides a greying muzzle senior dogs have more health concerns than younger dogs but they can still make playful loving companions harmony peraza a veterinary technician and the study subject manager for the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences dog aging project discusses the most common health conditions that may arise in a senior dog while there is some variation among breeds a dog is typically considered a senior at 8 years old large dogs may age faster becoming seniors as early as 6 or 7 while smaller dogs may not start showing signs of age until they are 9 or 10 one of the most common concerns in senior dogs is arthritis which can cause a dog to move stiffly and slowly and sometimes also gain weight because of decreased activity providing a soft surface to lay on and reducing exposure to the elements are easy ways to help a dog with arthritis stay comfortable i also recommend reaching out to your dogs veterinarian for suggestions of supplements and in some cases medications that can potentially help with the discomfort of arthritis peraza said aging doesnt have to be painful for your dog many dogs also lose their hearing and vision as they age but this does not mean that they can no longer live a full and happy life if you notice that your older dog seems withdrawn is sleeping deeper than usual doesnt come to you as readily when called or seems lost and confused these can be signs that he or she has lost some vision or hearing ability peraza said blind and deaf dogs are great at finding new ways to navigate and stay active but they do need more patience and understanding from their owners even dogs that go blind can manage to get along very well peraza said it is recommended to keep furniture or objects in the home and yard in familiar order for the dog rearrangement of items can be confusing and cause the dog to bump into the newly arranged items dogs have an increased risk for cancer as they age as well as wear on important organs like the heart and kidneys if a senior dog has increased panting decreased activity vomiting diarrhea or a change in appetite thirst or the frequency of urination it should be seen by a veterinarian as these can be symptoms of heart and kidney problems pet owners can help prevent heart and kidney problems in senior dogs by keeping up with oral hygiene a red gum line and tartar build up on a dogs teeth indicate bacteria or infection within the mouth peraza said bacteria is shed into the bloodstream and directly affects the health of the pets heart and kidneys dental disease is much more than just smelly breath and yucky looking teeth beyond physical changes an aging dog may also develop dementia causing it to act withdrawn or confused keeping a dog engaged through play and training activities may help keep its brain healthy and sharp peraza said additionally your veterinarian can recommend special foods and supplements that in some cases may help delay or minimize the onset of senility finally it may be common to find an older dog napping but a dog that suddenly becomes less active should be evaluated by a veterinarian while some laziness is expected from a dog that has lived a long active life excessive sedentary behavior could indicate health problems even though dogs may develop health conditions as they age they can still make great pets and live well past the point of becoming seniors saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts of dog ownership but researchers across the us are taking some of the first steps toward extending the lifespans of our canine companions we all want to help our companion dogs live long and well said dr kate creevy cvm associate professor to accomplish this a better understanding of the aging process in dogs is needed the dog aging project brings together a community of dogs owners veterinarians researchers and volunteers to advance this understanding this project seeks to understand how genes lifestyle and environment influence lifespan and healthspan the period of life spent free from disease it will enroll 10 000 companion dogs and their owners from across the us learn more at dogagingprojectorg pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+hay is for horses: maintaining a proper equine diet august 22 2019 nutrition plays a large role in a horses energy level performance and overall health there are many feed and treat options available for horses but some are more important than others for a complete and healthy diet dr leslie easterwood a clinical assistant professor of equine community practice at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences shares her recommendations for a proper equine diet components of most horse diets are roughly divided into two sections: grain concentrate either pelleted or whole grain and roughage such as hay or fresh grass easterwood said she recommends feeding 1 percent of a horses body weight as concentrate and 1 to 2 percent as roughage with adjustments made to suit the horses activity level and ideal weight proper amounts of high-quality grain and roughage are essential for adequate nutrition and fiber intake and can help avoid health issues like colic there are many options for delicious treats for horses such as carrots apples and commercially made treats but they should only be fed in small quantities as with any other pet there are special considerations for owners when making changes to a horses diet the most important factor when considering a diet change is to gradually change from one type of foodstuff to another allowing the gastrointestinal tract to adjust to the new foodstuff or amount easterwood said horses also can benefit from eating several small meals each day rather than a few large meals wild horses are designed to intake small meals throughout the day she said this keeps their gastrointestinal tracts active and healthy meal feeding is not what their systems were designed for but it is the standard practice for horse owners when assessing the effectiveness of an equine diet horse owners should watch out for signs of both undernutrition and overnutrition luckily easterwood said it is usually easy to tell if a horse is gaining or losing weight a poor dull hair coat can also be an indicator of poor nutrition or parasite infestation she said undernutrition either from too few calories or a lack of certain nutrients can have obvious consequences on a horses weight energy and overall health similarly overnutrition which can refer to obesity or the excessive intake of specific nutrients can stress a horses heart and lungs increase disease risk and cause greater lethargy according to the american association of equine practitioners an equine veterinarian can help you develop the best possible diet for your horse tailored to its individual needs a well-fed horse will be happier and healthier and will have more energy to spend time with its owner pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+providing enrichment for a pet bird august 15 2019 birds make beautiful entertaining and intelligent pets caring for them can be rewarding but also challenging especially when it comes to keeping them mentally stimulated and energized with 20 years of experience as an aviary manager debra turner a senior research associate at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has advice on some of the most common and effective ways to provide enrichment for a pet bird birds are typically happiest when given a variety of forms of enrichment which could include toys visual and auditory stimuli and human interaction every bird is different so it may take time to determine what yours is most curious about and entertained by i have observed that different birds appreciate different types of toys turner explained for instance cockatoos are mechanically inclined and enjoy unscrewing stainless steel metal objects for many birds texture can be the factor that drives them to like or dislike certain toys turner said macaws tend to love shredding wood or paper while cockatiels often prefer to play with plastic toys color is also an important factor to consider as birds are very color-oriented; some birds might not appreciate a bright red object entering their environment she said in addition noise can be a form of enrichment for many birds especially when toys have features like bells rattles or crackly corn husks the most important thing is safety turner said ensure lead-free child-safe plastics for birds stainless steel is the safest option if metal is around the bird she also advises choosing toys with polyethylene rope instead of string because birds have been known to get tangled up in string and become trapped while plenty of colorful interesting toys can be found online and at pet stores owners also can consider creating homemade toys using safe materials and plenty of creativity simple objects like empty paper towel rolls coffee filters plastic wiffle balls and clean popsicle sticks can be connected with leather laces and sisal rope to make a variety of entertainment options toys may be the most common form of enrichment but a birds cage location can also have a big influence on the mental stimulation it experiences in a house setting cage placement should be near a window for outdoor viewing and sunlight turner said if you wish to move the cage outside if possible ensure it is inside a second larger cage or screened area to protect from raptors and raccoons good airflow and partial shade are also necessary to protect a pet bird in an outdoor cage from the elements birds can often be surprising in what gets them excited and energized some love to dance to certain music types and artists while others prefer to play on a swing and many enjoy watching other animals one of the easiest ways to provide a pet bird with enrichment is to give it attention and affection once a bird is trained and has come to trust its owner both will enjoy getting to spend time together the best enrichment one can give a bird is some time to interact in a positive manner turner said look up positive behavior training on the internet and the world will open up to you and your bird pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the remarkable ruminant digestive system august 8 2019 cows are notorious for chewing their cud but did you know this is actually a key part of their digestive process this chewing of cud also called ruminating is one feature of an interesting and complex digestive system that allows cows to extract all of the necessary nutrients from their food ruminants such as cattle sheep goats llamas alpacas and white-tailed deer are mammals that have a multi-chambered stomach used to digest plant materials through fermentation dr kevin washburn a professor of large animal internal medicine at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains the features of the ruminant digestive system and how owners of these animals can provide a healthy complete diet the four components of a ruminants stomach are the reticulum rumen omasum and abomasum food first travels to the reticulum to begin digestion and then to the larger rumen for more mixing and fermentation the two biggest populations of microbes in the rumen and reticulum are bacteria and protozoa washburn said without these two populations fermentation and digestion would be impossible these microbes have the ability to digest many types of plant materials from grass and leaves to a variety of grains all of the bacteria and protozoa are necessary ingredients for the ruminant to make glucose proteins vitamins and fat for itself washburn said the very most unique thing is that ruminants can survive on grass and water alone in order to get the most out of their food ruminants spend a lot time chewing their cud even up to eight hours a day in healthy animals cud is made up of some of the longer tougher pieces of forage and serves as a means for the ruminant to ‘re-chew it to further aid digestion washburn said after the rumen comes the omasum where the fermented food is filtered and turned into a mixture of small particles and fluid that then passes through to the abomasum the abomasum is most like our stomach in that acid is produced here for digestion washburn said this is the last portion the food passes through before going into the small intestine after the food enters the small intestine the ruminant digestive system resembles that of most other animals with food continuing on to the large intestine for the last stage of digestion to ensure digestion is occurring as it should in each compartment ruminant animals need to eat quality food that promotes a healthy digestive system high-quality grass in the form of pasture or hay is vital to good ruminant health washburn said in times when the grass is of lower quality or quantity such as during winter it can be supplemented with grains he added that goats in particular tend to be browsers feeding on leaves of bushes and trees for additional forage make sure that any plant material your animals have access to is non-toxic as with any animal diet is an important feature of a cow goat or other ruminants overall health and wellbeing using their unique digestive system these animals have found a way to get the most out of their food while also maintaining a simple diet pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the magic of pet therapy august 1 2019 does your pet have a talent for comforting those in need volunteering for pet therapy is a great way to spend more time with your pet while also improving the lives of people in your community kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says pet therapy can have a multitude of benefits for many different types of people as president of aggieland pets with a purpose a pet therapy organization in the bryan/college station area darling has personally seen the positive impacts that therapy animals including her own dogs can have on people in need animals have a non-judgmental nature darling said it does not matter what you look like or if you are happy or sad they can provide joy and comfort for you pet therapy is often used to help people in hospitals or long-term care facilities including assisted living rehabilitation centers and skilled nursing facilities therapy animals can also comfort people with special needs such as autism down syndrome depression post-traumatic stress disorder or brain injuries therapy animals can lower blood pressure relieve stress and anxiety decrease loneliness increase activity improve communication and enhance social opportunities darling said by brushing playing with and talking to animals patients in physical occupational or speech therapy can become more motivated to complete therapy activities in schools therapy animals can provide a source of stress-relief before exams and even encourage kids to speak and read more in the classroom children can read out loud to the animal and it will not judge criticize or laugh if the child does not pronounce a word correctly darling explained the animal can help the child improve their self-confidence self-esteem and social skills pets that are friendly calm around people and animals and well-trained may make good therapy animals to get involved in pet therapy darling recommends searching for local groups and seeing what requirements they have although every organization may have slightly different requirements the canine good citizen test can be a good starting point for training therapy dogs this test determines how a dog reacts to loud noises meeting new people or animals and being touched or tugged on as well as how it does with leash walking and basic commands like sit and stay besides local organizations larger groups like therapy dogs international and pet partners can also help with certifying an animal for therapy work and finding a place to volunteer if you have the desire to make a difference in your community look into volunteering for pet therapy with your dog cat or other animal even little things like hugging a dog or hearing a cat purr can make a big difference for someone who needs to experience the unconditional love of pets pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+how to ‘chews the best dog chew toys july 25 2019 pet stores often carry an overwhelming number of dog chew options from rawhides and antlers to rubber toys and ropes with so many choices how do you know which is the best for your dog to help with this decision dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences weighs the pros and cons of the most common types of dog chews teller describes dogs as innate chewers that enjoy having some sort of dog chew or toy to sink their teeth into from a young age they often explore the world with their mouths so it is better to give them their own chew toys rather than sacrifice your shoes and furniture chewing can help relieve stress and anxiety keep their teeth clean and keep their minds stimulated she said puppies also chew to relieve the pain and irritation of teething while there are countless dog chew options on the market the most common include rawhides real bones and antlers pig ears and chew toys made from nylon or rubber rawhides can help limit plaque and tartar buildup keep jaw muscles strong and potentially slightly freshen a dogs breath teller said look for rawhides sourced from american beef and processed in the us while rawhide has its benefits it can also cause some problems that dog owners need to watch out for some dogs develop gastrointestinal upset vomiting or diarrhea after chewing rawhides and others may chew off pieces that can become choking hazards or create intestinal blockages rawhides approved by the veterinary oral health council tend to be safer and cause fewer problems teller said it is also important to pick a rawhide chew that is the right size and shape for your dog to minimize these risks she said in multi-dog households separate the dogs when giving chew treats to eliminate potential competition or the urge to gulp down a treat before another dog can steal it real bones antlers and hooves can seriously injure dogs if pieces splinter off and cause obstruction or puncture wounds the us food and drug administration also warns owners against giving dogs these chews because bones can cause cuts in the mouth and fracture teeth when antlers became popular as dog chews veterinarians and veterinary dentists noticed an uptick in the number of fractured teeth they were seeing and started cautioning owners to avoid these chews for their dogs teller said most dogs enjoy the strong scent of pig ears but these chews are frequently contaminated with bacteria like salmonella which can be dangerous for both dogs and people who come into contact with the chews finally while chew toys made from nylon and rubber can be good options they can also be dangerous if a dog begins to tear off and eat pieces that are too large to pass through the gastrointestinal tract remove any toy that has reached the size where it can become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal obstruction teller said if your dog chews off large pieces of the toy and swallows them then that toy should also be taken away teller recommends testing nylon toys by trying to indent them with a thumbnail and avoiding extremely hard options that could break teeth for both these and rubber toys make sure to buy an appropriate size toy; larger dogs have been known to swallow or choke on small toys similarly rope toys can be a lot of fun for dogs but should only be played with under supervision when ropes begin to fray remove them to avoid pieces of string getting stuck in the dogs gastrointestinal tract while some dog chews are better than others it may still take time to find the best option for your pup keep in mind the potential health concerns and focus on finding a safe option that will allow your dog to be a happy and healthy chewer pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+stop the spread of vesicular stomatitis july 18 2019 outbreaks of vesicular stomatitis (vs) occur in texas every several years but until this june there were no reported cases since 2014 because horses near austin were recently diagnosed with this disease horse and livestock owners in nearby areas should take precautions to keep their animals safe vs is a highly-contagious zoonotic disease that causes blisters in the mouth tongue teat or hooves; crusty sores around the muzzle or hooves; and excessive salivation in horses and livestock according to dr michelle coleman assistant professor of large animal internal medicine at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences while this viral disease can affect horses cattle sheep goats and other livestock on rare occasions the disease can spread to people and cause flu-like symptoms though vs is not highly contagious to humans the virus can be spread through direct contact with infected animals through saliva that can contaminate the environment or by blood-feeding insects coleman said people handling sick animals should wear gloves luckily most animals are able to recover from vs with proper treatment which mainly involves supportive care as blisters and sores heal by ensuring that animals continue to eat drink and behave normally due to pain of the blisters around the mouth horses may be reluctant to eat coleman said while animals are being treated for vs they should stay isolated from healthy animals to avoid spreading the disease owners should watch out for any new physical symptoms or behavioral changes and talk to a veterinarian if concerned additionally there are several preventative steps that livestock owners can take to keep vs from spreading to their animals strategies suggested for the prevention of this disease include control of biting insects and isolation of affected animals which is essential to reduce the burden and spread of disease coleman said the texas animal health commission mandates a 14-day quarantine period from the onset of lesions in the last affected animal on any premises with suspected or confirmed vs cases she said because of the recent vs outbreaks it is especially important that livestock owners watch out for signs of the disease and contact a veterinarian if they suspect their animals may be ill if vs is caught early and treated persistently infected animals can recover and go on to live healthy lives if everyone does their part to prevent the spread of this disease texas can once again be free of vesicular stomatitis pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the benefits of a balanced microbiome july 11 2019 the term gut microbiome is often used to refer to all the organismsincluding bacteria viruses and fungithat live in an animals gastrointestinal (gi) tract for people and pets these organisms have a large impact on the health of both the gi tract and the entire body dr audrey cook an associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses the importance of a dogs gut microbiome and the consequences if it were to become altered or imbalanced the sheer number of organisms in a healthy gut is tremendous; any one of us has more organisms living in our gi tract than there are people on the face of the earth cook said although we used to think that those bacteria were just along for the ride we now know that they play a key role in maintaining health scientists have yet to discover the gut microbiomes full impact but they do know that it plays a large role in a dogs overall health and well-being impacting gi tract function nutrient absorption immune status body condition and many important hormonal responses cook compared a healthy microbiome to an ecosystem such as a coral reef or rainforest where organisms work both independently and in relationship with each other unfortunately many things can disrupt this complex system of microorganisms creating a condition called dysbiosis these disruptors include many medications particularly antibiotics; infection with gi tract pathogens; changes in diet; anesthesia; stress; and starvation cook said it can take a long time for the microbiome to return to normal after an upset though the full impact of dysbiosis is still unknown cook said there are a variety of symptoms that can occur because of the condition dysbiosis can result in weight loss bloating flatulence poor appetite and changes in stool consistency such as diarrhea she said some research in other species suggests that an abnormal microbiome may also contribute to numerous non-gi disorders including obesity mental illness and type 2 diabetes to avoid the effects of an unbalanced microbiome cook says there are several ways to foster a healthy community of gut microorganisms in a dog first she recommends avoiding the unnecessary use of antibiotics because even a short course of antibiotics can have a big impact on the gut microbiome antibiotics are prescribed to kill bad bacteria that cause illness or infection but they also kill good gut bacteria in the process feeding a consistent high-quality diet is also helpful and we certainly want to avoid introducing pathogens such as salmonella by feeding raw foods cook said probiotics are live good microorganisms found in some foods and supplements that can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome many veterinary products claim to contain probiotics but dog owners should consult with a veterinarian before choosing one of these options as some are poorly researched similarly some dog foods contain prebiotics such as soluble fibers that feed good bacteria but there is only limited evidence of these foods effectively improving the health of the gut microbiome while feeding your dog and giving medications pay attention to the effect they may be having on the gut microbiome though an altered microbiome can have negative consequences a gi tract full of good microorganisms can be the key to a healthy dog pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+detecting the subtle signs of pain july 5 2019 the first step in caring for a sick or injured animal is being able to recognize the signs of pain that indicate something is wrong acute pain tends to be easier to identify but chronic pain can have a variety of less-noticeable symptoms to help pet owners recognize these symptoms dr daniel eckman a veterinarian at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses the most common indicators of pain in cats and dogs signs of chronic pain in cats may include a reluctance to jump or a change in jumping a change in overall mobility a change in sleeping locations or positions and the inability to get comfortable when laying down eckman said chronic pain may cause cats to have changes in appetite or thirst and to use the litter box less often especially if it has a high rim to climb over odd grooming behavior such as excessive licking biting and scratching at one spot or lack of grooming can also indicate that a cat is in pain cat owners may notice more subtle behavioral changes as well such as odd facial expressions increased vocalization or a reluctance to be petted similarly dogs also tend to be more withdrawn while in pain and may even show aggression when approached or touched signs of chronic pain in dogs may include limping difficulty getting up or down from a lying position changes in jumping ability restlessness and difficulty walking on a slippery floor or going up and down stairs eckman said like cats dogs may also exhibit odd grooming behaviors or facial expressions and may even pant or tremble when in pain determining the cause of pain may be difficult so it is best to team with your veterinarian to identify the sources of pain and the best ways of treating it eckman said dogs and cats often have the natural instinct to hide signs of pain as this would keep them alive in the wild so it is very important that pet owners know the subtle signs of pain and take pets to a veterinarian if they exhibit any signs eckman recommends visiting the international veterinary academy of pain management blog (https://ivapmorg/pet-owner-blog/) for more information on recognizing signs of pain in cats dogs large animals and exotic pets our pets may not be able to verbally communicate with us but they do have their own ways of telling us when they need help as pet owners it is our job to recognize those behavioral changes and do what we can to keep our animals free from pain pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+fourth of july pet safety: fireworks barbecues mosquitos oh my! june 27 2019 many of us celebrate our nations independence day by barbecuing relaxing with loved ones and watching the bright-colored flashes of fireworks that light up the night sky the fourth of july may be a fun-filled holiday for you but for pets the holiday can potentially be scary and hazardous dr stacy eckman a clinical associate professor for the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains that our celebrations could put pets at an increased risk for anxiety or injuries most of the time injuries to pets during the holiday are related to them getting out of the house or yard because they are frightened or having anxiety about the fireworks eckman said the injuries range from minor cuts and lacerations to more serious injuries such as being hit by a vehicle if your dog is frightened by fireworks eckman recommends minimizing the pets exposure to the noise by finding a safe quiet room in your home where your pet can stay relaxed if the dog will be outside during a fireworks show keep it locked in a yard or leashed to prevent it from running away or jumping a fence in an attempt to find safety in addition eckman said a veterinarian-prescribed medication can help a pet remain calm when loud noises are present especially if the animal is known to have anxiety there are also several products on the market that are designed to wrap around pets making them feel safe in a blanket-like material ultimately people should seek their veterinarians advice on what may work best for their pet eckman said besides fireworks other potential dangers to pets may arise from barbecues and other holiday meals eckman discourages owners from feeding table scraps to their pets as they can cause upset stomach vomiting and diarrhea in severe cases a gastrointestinal disorder can develop and obstructions can occurespecially if the pet eats a bone or corn on the cob in addition alcohol can be potentially fatal to pets and should never be left out where they can get into it finally if you plan to bring your pet to the party be cautious of the dangers of mosquitos fleas and ticks preventative medications and effective flea and tick repellants prescribed by your veterinarian can help keep these pests away since heartworms are transmitted to pets through mosquitos also make sure your pet is taking heartworm preventative before they enjoy the holiday outdoors as a pet owner it is important to consider all of the dangerous situations your pet may experience during the holiday if you are concerned about the dangers your pet may face and want to fully protect them it may be best to leave your pet at home pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+combating pet cancer june 19 2019 cancer is a scary subject especially when a loved one has been diagnosed because the first reactions and decisions can make a huge impact on treatment options and outcomes it is important to be prepared and know what questions to ask first dr brandan wustefeld-janssens an assistant professor of surgical oncology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences uses his years of oncology experience to advise pet owners on the early steps of cancer detection and treatment in order to get an early diagnosis a pet with an unusual mass should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible pet owners should then be willing to do whatever is needed to ensure that a full diagnosis is made early detection and intervention can be the difference between a cure and a poor outcome as well as the difference between a short non-complex procedure or an expensive extensive treatment protocol wustefeld-janssens said once the mass is examined the veterinarian will need to run tests to determine if it is cancerous and if so what stage of cancer is present with fine-needle aspiration a cheap but very effective test a hollow needle removes cells from the mass that are then viewed under a microscope to see if the tumor is malignant or benign if the mass is determined to be cancerous the pet owner can begin discussing treatment options with the veterinarian get as much information as you need to make an informed decision wustefeld-janssens said the most important aspect of all is finding a balance between being aggressive with treatment to increase the chances of a good outcome and maintaining a good quality of life (at the texas a&m veterinary medical teaching hospital) we have extensive discussions with owners about treatment options and costs that may be associated with those options he said while small low-grade tumors may be cured with a minor low-cost surgery other tumors may need more extensive treatment plans some pets will need a combination of radiation chemotherapy and surgery to treat cancer and the cost can build quickly wustefeld-janssens recommends that pet owners look into pet insurance or ask about payment plans to make the cost of cancer treatment more manageable one of the most important things to remember after a cancer diagnosis is to not lose hope our goal is always maintenance of a good quality of life so there may be little change to the daily routine though some pets will be on chronic medication or need minor changes to exercise (regimens) wustefeld-janssens said as a group we veterinarians are committed to supporting families and their pets through a diagnosis and treatment he said we have options and there is always something we can do pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+what to know about swine fever june 13 2019 over the past couple of months stories of african swine fever (asf) spreading through asia have frequented us and international news while asf is not currently present in the us there are still precautions pig owners can take in case this disease does spread to america to offer clarification on this topic dr brandon dominguez a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has information that pig owners need to know about asf and the similar classical swine fever (csf) csf also known as hog cholera is caused by a virus that has been eradicated from the united states since 1978 dominguez said csf can be contracted when pigs eat undercooked food or come into contact with infected pigs contaminated objects or flies and other vectors if pigs become infected with csf they usually exhibit high fevers and will huddle together and stop eating dominguez said constipation diarrhea and red eyes are common; young pigs may also show weakness and incoordination csf is not always fatal but it tends to cause more harm in populations of pigs that have not been exposed to the disease in the past by contrast asf the current concern in asia has never been seen in the us it can be spread in the same ways as csf but also by ticks serving as vectors for the virus asf has many of the same symptoms but can cause a more serious illness and prognosis if a pig with asf does recover it will be a carrier of the virus for several months and should be kept away from healthy pigs though both are viruses asf and csf are from different viral families dominguez said csf is a pestivirus an rna virus related to bovine viral diarrhea virus while asf is an asfivirus a dna virus the us department of agriculture and state animal health authorities have strategies to reduce the occurrence of these diseases if they were to show up in the us but other countries including many in asia are struggling to keep the asf virus from spreading one of the biggest concerns with the spread of african swine fever in asia is the amount of trade that occurs between the us and asian countries dominguez said on one hand the decrease in their swine population may drive more demand for us pork; however as the prevalence of asf increases the risk of it being transported to the us through imported products increases luckily there are many preventative steps pet pig owners and pig farmers can take to reduce the chance that asf or csf could harm their animals prevention of these diseases requires vigilance on the farm and national levels to practice the highest levels of monitoring and security to keep these diseases out dominguez said restricting visitors from coming to a farm especially if they have been near other pigs and pigs outside of the country is one important step pig owners can also help keep viruses away from animals by getting feed and other supplies from reliable sources and practicing good farm biosecurity including maintenance of fences and hygiene policies for personnel if traveling to other countries especially those where these diseases are found it is best to throw away any clothes that came into contact with animals and be wary about bringing regulated agricultural products back to the us although we in the us currently have nothing to worry about in relation to asf and csf owners of pet pigs and those who raise pigs to sell should always take precautions to keep animals safe from any swine disease including asf and csf thankfully strong agriculture laws in the us are doing the most to help keep our animals healthy pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+keep pets cool in the summer heat june 6 2019 summer brings with it an expectation of sweltering temperatures sometimes to the point of danger as temperatures climb remember that if you are hot your pet is probably feeling even hotter dogs and cats generate more heat than people and usually also have a thick layer of fur to trap that heat inside dr christine rutter a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has some tips on identifying signs that your pet may be too hot and suggestions on ways to keep them safe and cool on hot summer days while people sweat all over to get rid of excess heat dogs and cats are only able to sweat through their paw pads most pets rely on panting to cool down but animals with shorter noses like bulldogs and persian cats tend to be less heat tolerant meaning they have a harder time getting rid of excess body heat very young and older animals especially those with underlying conditions are also less heat tolerant than healthy adult animals rutter said if you hear snoring coughing or gurgling when your pet tries to pant or gets excited its not going to be heat tolerant factors such as obesity long hair and medications can also make pets more sensitive to heat if any of these apply to your pet rutter advises talking to a veterinarian about increased heat sensitivity luckily there are many things people can do to help their pets cool down on hot days the simplest solution is to keep pets inside an air-conditioned building but there are other options if the pet will be spending time outside shade cool water to drink or play in a fan and a cool surface such as grass help pets cool down–just like how we seek out a glass of lemonade a shady spot to rest and a breeze when we are too hot rutter said cats usually limit their own activity and seek out shade if they get too hot but should still be provided a fresh source of water and should be not be put outside for the first time during the summer working agility and motivated dogs like retrievers or game dogs however may not slow down when they get too hot so owners should be mindful to limit their activity as the temperature rises according to rutter any dog that wants to take a break doesnt want to walk or is panting heavily should be given fresh cool water and a shady spot to rest until their breathing normalizes and they want to return to activity rutter said avoid exercise during the heat of the day and take a 10- to 15-minute break to cool down every 15 to 20 minutes when the temperature is over 80 degrees if an animal cannot get rid of excess heat it may develop heat exhaustion or heat stroke; environmental temperature humidity and the pets activity level can all play a role in developing these conditions heat exhaustion is the feeling of lethargy discomfort or weakness that is experienced when the body gets too hot rutter said its the bodys way of saying ‘slow down! in comparison heat stroke is an illness caused by increased body temperature according to rutter it is much more serious and can even be life-threatening if not caught early if a pet is showing signs of heat exhaustion it should be wet down with cool (not cold) water and be put near a blowing fan in a shaded air-conditioned area if the pet vomits acts lethargic has red gums or seems to have small red bruises on its mouth eyes or abdomen it should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible if you are unsure of whether it is an emergency situation it is better to have the pet checked out just in case because heat stroke can cause serious damage very quickly rutter also reminds pet owners that it is dangerous to leave a pet inside a parked car during any time of the year but especially during the summer; in as little as 15 minutes the inside of a car can become lethally hot the best way to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke is to be aware of the amount of time a pet spends outside in the summer and to watch for any symptoms of these conditions with these simple precautions pet owners can ensure that their dogs and cats stay safe during the worst of summer pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+tips for safe travel with pets may 30 2019 summer is the season for fun vacations with the whole family often including pets before hitting the road kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has some helpful tips for keeping pets safe and calm during road trips plane rides and any other type of trip away from home just like people need to wear seat belts in the car pets also need to be strapped in to stay safe while traveling pets can be secured with a harness that attaches to the seat belt or they can travel in a well-ventilated crate before attempting a car ride acclimate your pet to the harness or crate darling said begin with short rides and then gradually increase the time in the car taking frequent breaks every two to three hours to allow the pet to get some exercise and go to the bathroom pets should never be allowed to ride unrestricted in a truck bed or be left alone in a parked vehicle as heat builds very quickly and can be extremely dangerous do not allow your pet to ride with his head outside of the window as dirt and other debris can enter the eyes nose and ears causing injury or infection darling advised if traveling by airplane pets will need to ride in an approved crate for the full flight if the pet is not small enough for its crate to fit under a passenger seat in the cabin it will have to ride in the cargo bay of the plane contact the airline to find out what they require for pets traveling on planes darling said the airline may have a restriction on breed size or age of the animal most airlines also require a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of travel no matter how the pet will be traveling there are many ways to make sure it stays safe and comfortable upon arrival first darling advises double-checking that pets are welcome at the destination even if the host will be a friend or family member good pet manners such as using a leash and cleaning up after the pet can help make sure they stay welcome throughout the trip whenever leaving the pet alone put it in a crate and leave your contact information darling said in a hotel or motel put a do not disturb sign on the door inform the front desk and leave your contact information when traveling with a pet all supplies needed for that pets care should be brought along darling recommends packing a separate bag with the pets food bowls medications toys proof of rabies vaccination veterinarian contact information and any other necessary supplies bringing along a familiar blanket or towel with the pets or the owners scent can help the animal feel relaxed in a strange place pets may be tempted to run away if nervous so they should be microchipped and/or wearing a collar with current contact information on the tag darling also recommends labeling the pets crate with contact information especially for airplane travel most importantly remember to show your pet plenty of love and attention to help it feel safe calm and happy in an unfamiliar environment summer vacations are more fun when the entire family is having a good time pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+avoiding heartworms & other mosquito-borne diseases may 23 2019 fleas and ticks are not the only parasites that can cause problems for our dogs cats and other pets mosquitos are the number one vector of diseases and pathogens worldwide but preventative medicine can make a big impact in reducing infection with summer swiftly approaching and with it an increase in mosquitos dr guilherme verocai a clinical assistant professor in the department of veterinary pathobiology and director of the parasitology diagnostic laboratory at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has advice for combatting the most common mosquito-borne diseases including heartworms the most significant parasite of dogs in the us heartworms are most frequently found in dogs but they can also infect cats ferrets and even wild canids like coyotes adult worms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries verocai said the larval worms also known as microfilariae are found in the bloodstream and are picked up by mosquitoes during a blood meal the larvae will develop inside the mosquito and pass to another dog during a subsequent blood meal the symptoms of heartworms in pets include coughing and abnormal lung sounds followed by heart lung liver or kidney damage verocai said early treatment is vital for heartworms but the best option is to use preventative medications to stop infection before it occurs the american heartworm society recommends testing annually for heartworm antigens and microfilariae in addition to keeping pets on preventative products all 12 months of the year these products kill heartworm larvae once they enter the pets body and may also work against gastrointestinal worms fleas ticks and mites verocai said topical products can be used as an additional measure to repel mosquitos but these products only reduce the pets chance of getting heartworms rather than eliminate the risk altogether there are several topical products for dogs that contain repellents and insecticide drugs that have label claims against mosquitoes and are effective for up to a month he said there are no labeled products to control mosquitos in cats that are effective for an entire month but there are over-the-counter products that have repellency activity for shorter periods of time besides spreading heartworms to pets mosquitos can also transmit several viruses to other animal species and people such as malaria yellow fever dengue and zika virus various forms of encephalitis can also be spread to horses through mosquito bites but vaccines are usually able to prevent infection for horses cows and members of the deer family mosquitos can transmit roundworms that live in the hosts body but rarely cause disease despite the many possibilities for harm mosquito bites are usually no more than a nuisance to pets if preventative medicine is used year-round for dogs and cats these medications often help kill fleas and ticks as well making it easy to prevent all three pests at once pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the importance of flea & tick control may 16 2019 tick season is here and flea season is soon to follow these pests dont just annoy our cats and dogs but they also serve as vectors that spread a large number of diseases between animals vector-borne diseases are transmitted by parasites that carry bacteria viruses or other pathogens these diseases may be dangerous but pets can usually avoid them with preventative flea and tick control medicine dr guilherme verocai a clinical assistant professor and director of the parasitology diagnostic laboratory at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences and dr maria esteve-gasent an assistant professor at the cvm discuss the various vector-borne diseases transmitted by fleas and ticks verocai and esteve-gasent both from the cvm department of veterinary pathobiology said that vector-borne diseases spread by fleas and ticks present a large threat to our pets and other animals the most common disease-causing flea is the common cat flea which can spread disease to both cats and dogs verocai said fleas transmit bacterial pathogens so most flea-borne diseases can be treated with antibiotics like doxycycline most of the life cycle of cat fleas happens in the environment and then they are highly adapted to our household finding a perfect place to live in crevices in the floor and carpets verocai said therefore adequate flea control programs should eliminate the fleas found on pets and environmental infestations and prevent subsequent infestations in addition to spreading pathogens fleas can also cause anemia and intense itching in pets some dogs may also develop flea allergy dermatitis which is an allergic reaction to the flea saliva verocai said some fleas can even carry tapeworms which live in the small intestine of pets but rarely cause symptoms dogs and cats can get these tapeworms if they ingest an infected flea while grooming like fleas ticks can also transmit bacterial pathogens to a variety of animals including dogs cats horses cattle and deer tick control is important not just to take care of pets but also to prevent establishing a transmission cycle where the pathogens can be transmitted to the humans in the household esteve-gasent said ticks can transmit many diseases to pets including lyme disease and rocky mountain spotted fever ticks also spread canine babesiosis which esteve-gasent found in a recent study to be most common in pit bull-type dogs another tick-borne disease of large concern is tick-borne relapsing fever which causes low blood platelet counts and increased bleeding a 2016 project on which esteve-gasent collaborated found that this disease is often underdiagnosed in dogs but can be successfully treated with antibiotics most of the clinical signs associated with tick-borne diseases are lethargy fever weight loss joint pain and swelling weakness enlarged spleen or lymph nodes and changes in gum coloration she said for both fleas and ticks there are several topical and oral options for repelling these pests pet owners are encouraged to consult with their veterinarian to find the best option for their pet and to remember that canine medications can be dangerous or even fatal to cats with help from flea and tick control medications your pet can make it through the summer and fall free of parasites and the diseases that come with them pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+watch out for canine eye conditions may 9 2019 vision may not be a dogs strongest sense but it still plays an important role in daily life a dogs eye health can deteriorate because of aging or disease so dog owners should be aware of the various eye issues that can occur dr lucien vallone a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences specializes in ophthalmology and regularly treats eye conditions in dogs vallone said there are three main categories of canine eye problems: diseases of the ocular surface diseases that cause inflammation within the eye and glaucoma diseases of the eyes surface impact the conjunctivathe mucous membrane over the eyeand the corneathe clear protective outer layer of the eye vallone said these diseases include inflammation of the cornea dry eye and eyelid abnormalities the second category is diseases that cause inflammation within the eye collectively called uveitis uveitis is often linked to diseases that affect the dogs body systemically like certain tumors or infections vallone said lastly glaucoma occurs when there is increased pressure inside the eye resulting in loss of vision he said this is one of the most common causes of pain and blindness in dogs a dog experiencing any of these eye conditions will usually have red squinty eyes that leak discharge if the dog has reduced vision it may also have altered behavior such as a reluctance to climb stairs or go outside these signs might occur more frequently at nighttime rather than daytime vallone said these subtleties may help a veterinarian discern one cause of vision loss from another if a dog is diagnosed with any of these eye conditions its veterinarian may recommend medical surgical or even supplemental therapies common supplements are believed to provide beneficial antioxidant effects to the lens and retina within the eye these effects may help to delay or prevent several progressive and degenerative diseases of the eye vallone said though he added that more research is needed before these effects can be proven he said many causes of eye discomfort or vision impairment are correctable especially if treated early if you suspect your dog has any eye conditions or if you notice any indications of vision loss see a veterinarian for a diagnosis fortunately if a dog does become blind either from aging or an eye condition it is not as serious as some may believe dogs are excellent at using their noses and ears to navigate and are great at re-learning how to do things after losing their sight pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+every-bunny watch out for gi stasis may 2 2019 if you have a pet rabbit you know how much they love to eat the quality of a rabbits diet plays a huge role in its health and an improper diet can lead to potentially serious diseases including gastrointestinal (gi) stasis dr j jill heatley an associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has advice for avoiding this disease and keeping your rabbit healthy gi stasis occurs when the stomach and intestines slow down or stop completely in the digestive process rabbits are vegetarians herbivores and lovers of fiber heatley said as such their gastrointestinal tract should always be moving she said gi stasis can be caused by many things but is often from a lack of fiber bad teeth insufficient exercise toxins or even some antibiotics it could also be a result of bad bacteria colonizing the gastrointestinal tract and causing gas pain and fever since gi stasis has many possible causes rabbit owners should always watch out for any symptoms of the disease heatley said rabbits with gi stasis may feel a lot of gut pain which would cause a hunched posture they may also be less active eat less or have small dark droppings some may even drool because of teeth or nose problems if any symptoms of gi stasis are noticed the rabbit should be taken to a veterinarian who has experience working with exotic pets as soon as possible treatments for gi stasis include fluids to hydrate medications to control pain and special diets and probiotics to help the gastrointestinal tract return to normal function the veterinarian may also do x-rays or other tests to rule out more serious causes of gi stasis such as kidney or heart failure with an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment the likelihood of complete recovery is good heatley said luckily there are many things rabbit owners can do to reduce the chance that gi stasis will occur providing a good diet of mainly fiber from hay and vegetables avoiding sugary treats providing plenty of fresh water and offering only one tablespoon of pellets per pound of rabbit are good choices heatley said she recommends making sure rabbits stay active and have access to fresh air and sunlight regular trips to the veterinarian can also help keep a rabbits teeth feet and diet in good condition gi stasis can have very serious health implications but it can usually be avoided with careful monitoring and preventative steps if you have a pet rabbit make sure you are always watching out for any changes in behavior or other symptoms of this disease pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+handling a hairball hassle april 25 2019 as every cat owner knows hairballs are not very pleasant for the cat or the person who cleans them up they can also be an indication of other health issues especially if they are happening frequently in honor of national hairball awareness day on april 26 dr carly patterson a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses the causes of hairballs and how to reduce their occurrence she said that while any cat can get hairballs they tend to be most common in long-haired cats there are two basic mechanisms by which hairballs are generated patterson said hairballs form when too much hair accumulates in the cats gastrointestinal tract or when there is a change in overall gastrointestinal tract motility frequent hairballs can be a sign of an underlying disease or health issue so if a cat is having them regularly it should see a veterinarian cats may have itchy skin and groom excessively which causes them to ingest more hair than usual patterson said cats may also over-groom when they are in pain once the cause of the hairballs is known a veterinarian can recommend a personalized treatment plan often involving diet changes daily grooming and sometimes even medications if a cat frequently vomits hairballs and it is not due to gastrointestinal disease then it is possible that increasing overall dietary fiber may help minimize hairball formation by moving material through the gastrointestinal tract patterson said feeding multiple small meals throughout the day rather than one or two big meals can also reduce hair buildup in the gastrointestinal tract she said in addition daily brushing can reduce the amount of excess hair especially for long-haired cats if the problem persists the cats veterinarian may recommend medications such as lubricant laxative drugs to promote hair movement through the gastrointestinal tract and to reduce hairballs it is important that an owner work with their veterinarian to address any underlying medical problems first patterson advised long-term medical management with drugs should not be the first choice hairballs may be a common problem but they can usually be greatly reduced with simple changes in diet and grooming life without regular hairballs will be much happier both for you and your cat pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the truth about feline aids april 19 2019 feline immunodeficiency virus (fiv) is commonly known as feline aids because of its similarities to human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) fiv is relatively uncommon but it can have serious impacts on a cats health and well-being with proper care cats with fiv can live many years and usually can share a household with other fiv-negative cats medications and good nutrition can help greatly increase the lifespan of a cat with this disease dr debra zoran a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses the stages and prognosis for cats that become infected with fiv fiv is not a virus that is easily contracted by contact in normal household settings such as from grooming eating from the same food bowl or contact with other secretions from the nose mouth or urine of infected cats zoran said fiv does not survive well outside the body; it is mostly transmitted through bite wounds and blood transfusions or is passed to kittens during birth it is also spread through breeding so cats that are spayed or neutered have a much lower chance of contracting the disease a cat with fiv that is neutered and not prone to fighting can live with another cat in a household and the virus will not affect the other cat zoran said zoran highly recommends that cats with fiv become indoor-only cats both for their own safety and to reduce the risk of transmission to other cats she said that if a cat becomes infected with fiv the disease will go through three stages the first of which is characterized by a lack of symptoms after the virus gets into the body it enters the bodys t lymphocytes and lives in them without causing problemsoften for years zoran said some infected cats that have poor immune function can get signs of illness in months but most cats carry the virus for months to years before the virus transitions into the active stage during the active stage which can also last for years cats are more prone to illnesses because the virus interferes with the immune system they may have frequent respiratory skin or urinary tract infections but veterinary care can allow these cats to recover completely cats with this stage of the disease do best if they live inside because they are exposed to fewer things to cause illness zoran said during the third stage of fiv called the aids stage cats typically develop chronic illnesses or cancers as of now there is no cure for feline aids but cats with fiv can have a good quality of life if they live indoors and have good veterinary care pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+managing feline acne april 15 2019 acne may be most common with teenagers but many cats also develop this skin condition on the chin and lips fortunately feline acne is usually minor and easy to treat brandi miller a veterinary student at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has advice for managing cat acne and avoiding infections cat acne can occur for many reasons though the specific cause is usually unknown typically the hair follicles on the chin produce too much oil causing lesions and other bumps the severity and painfulness of the lesions vary miller said most commonly owners will see comedones or ‘blackheads on the chin and lips and the cat may be itchy and want to rub its chin on furniture though this condition sounds rather unpleasant it really is no worse than an average case of human acne miller said feline acne tends to need lifelong management but is usually treatable with over-the-counter medications this condition is often cosmetic and does not affect the quality of life of the animal as long as there is no infection miller said daily topical wipes gels and shampoos may help manage the lesions but it is important to avoid alcohol and peroxide-based products as these may be irritating to the skin and make matters worse miller said that human acne medicines should also be avoided as they can be very harmful to animals sometimes one of the best treatment options is simply cleaning the cats chin on a regular basis popping zits is the absolute worst thing you can doit causes a lot of pain and irritation disrupts the structure of the hair follicle and can spread the infection to other parts of the chin she said miller recommends being careful when treating cats as some may try to bite and scratch if they are in pain consulting with your veterinarian is always recommended because while feline acne is usually minor it can become a larger issue if infections occur infected lesions can develop into painful bruises if left untreated we dont always know why this occurs miller said however plastic food dishes tend to harbor microbes so we recommend that owners switch to metallic dishes and clean them daily if a cat is prone to infections its veterinarian may want to test for other skin conditions or parasites that could be causing the acne treatment for feline acne can easily be incorporated into a daily routine and usually takes only a minute or two if properly cared for cats with acne should be able to live the same pain-free life as any other cat pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the joys and challenges of adopting an animal april 5 2019 adopting a pet from a shelter is a great way to find a new best friend but its also a great way to make a huge difference for an animal and potentially even save its life sadly many of the animals that end up in shelters come from bad situations adopting a mistreated animal can have extra challenges but can be a great lesson in love patience and trust kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains the benefits of adopting an animal that has been mistreated and discusses the best ways to earn its trust adopting an animal can greatly improve its quality of life; an animal that has known nothing but loneliness and fear can be given the chance to feel love and safety darling said in return these pets can provide unconditional love and support for their owners the benefits of pet ownership may take longer but can be just as strong in the end it takes patience and consistency to gain the trust of an animal that has been mistreated darling said it may take a while for the animal to trust and accept your love go slow take baby steps and do not expect too much at first these animals may show signs of fear or aggression such as cowering growling or shying away from touch some may even have an injury if they did not have time to heal at a shelter animals that have been mistreated may show significant emotional reactions to certain situations or objects darling said she explained that fear may cause these adopted animals to be withdrawn unwilling to play or have the inclination to hide some may also show separation anxiety when away from their new owner darling recommends giving the animal a secluded quiet place to retreat to so that the animal feels safe and secure and is not rushed into frightening situations she said that trust building begins by spending quiet time together on a daily basis speak clearly in low tones give the animal treats and do a quiet activity nearby to help the animal learn to trust you allow the animal to meet his new family one by one and at a pace that is not overwhelming she said if he is fearful of people or other animals do not force interactions with them once the animal has begun to adjust to you and your household basic training can be used to decrease any remaining fear consulting with a veterinary behaviorist or certified animal behaviorist can be helpful when dealing with mistreated animals darling advised it can take a short or long period of time before the animal is fully comfortable with its new family some animals will always retain a bit of fear but many others will fully recover and go on to live a normal life it is important to be patient consistent and persistent in the rehabilitation process darling said it can be rewarding to see an animal overcome their fears and enjoy life again if you are willing to take the time and open your heart and home to helping a neglected animal it can give you a joyous and rewarding experience pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+dont horse around when it comes to hoof care march 29 2019 proper hoof care is essential for a horse to be comfortable and active comprising a large part of horse veterinary care the maintenance of horses feet is performed by a farrier a skilled tradesman who specializes in equine shoeing and other hoof-related issues jason maki the farrier at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences regularly trims and maintains horses hooves he said that improper hoof care can have serious consequences so it is important that horses see experienced farriers the symbiotic relationship between horses and humans is thousands of years old maki said farriers have been trimming and shoeing horses the entire time farriers should be experienced at trimming hoof growth as well as creating modifying and applying any braces or supports a horse may need some horses may only need simple horse shoes while others require surgical shoes with removable plates or braces what might be needed for the horses comfort usefulness or recovery varies from horse to horse and situation to situation maki said the ability to ascertain these needs and meet them is the hallmark of a skilled farrier how often a horse needs to see a farrier varies from animal to animal he said that cold weather slows hoof growth rates so horses may not need hoof care as often during the winter there are also normal variations between different horses for example athletic horses tend to grow their feet faster than sedentary horses some animals require an every-four-weeks schedule while others may be well into the seventh or eighth week before attention is needed maki said an important point to remember is that excessive growth will cause the hoof to deteriorate; therefore more frequent work is better than allowing hooves to grow long hoof trimming also is necessary to prevent other foot distortion problems; poor hoof care can make horses more prone to injuries and can cause fungal infections sole bruises or abscesses of the hoof untrimmed or poorly trimmed feet are prone to flaring chipping and hoof defects maki said these all reduce the effectiveness of the hoof in bearing the weight of the horse farriers also work to provide horses with shoes for protection traction comfort or other special needs maki said that farriers must be able to select and fit the perfect shoe for each horse as an improper shoe will be less effective and may even harm a horses overall health the role of the farrier in the human-equine relationship is to provide the best hoof a horse can have and then provide that animal whatever is required to perform its job comfortably he said although shoeing horses is a large part of a farriers job maki said shoes are not necessary for every horse and that he evaluates each individual horses need on a case-by-case basis if an animal can work and live well without horse shoes then he should be barefoot maki said the horse should be provided with what is needed for his comfort and usefulness that is our obligation to the animals we are partnered with pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+what to know before bringing home a puppy march 21 2019 for national puppy day on march 23 dog lovers may be considering adding a new puppy to the family before you bring home a new companion make sure you are prepared for everything that comes with owning a puppy dr lori teller a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences reminds pet owners that caring for a new puppy can take a lot of time and money she recommends considering how long the puppy would be left alone each day and your own activity level as many dogs need frequent exercise in addition it is important to remember that dogs do not stay puppies forever and often live for 10 to 20 years if you feel that you are ready to bring home a puppy the next step is deciding where to get one one of the most common options is adopting from an animal shelter adoption fees tend to be lower than the price of obtaining a dog from a breeder or pet shop teller said (shelter) puppies usually have had their first series of immunizations and have been spayed or neutered if you are happy with a mixed-breed puppy then a shelter is a great place to begin your search she said that there are many pure-bred rescue groups though they usually have more adult dogs than puppies adopting a dog also does not always give you the full information on its history and personality or why it was put up for adoption in the first place another option is finding a dog breeder who will usually have very young puppies of a specific breed it is important to find a responsible breeder who truly cares for the dogs and works to improve the health of the breed teller said to do this she recommends visiting the breeders facility to make sure it is clean and has everything the dogs need the puppies should be excited to see the breeder and meet visitors and they should be at a healthy weight a good dog breeder is also a great source for learning more about a specific breed teller advises asking about any common genetic diseases and what the breeder has done to reduce the chance of occurrence a responsible breeder will ask questions to determine why you want a dog in general and of this breed in particular teller added she said the final option for finding a puppy is buying one from a pet store but this option does not allow people to learn about the puppys history no matter where you get your puppy teller said to watch out for eye ear or nose discharge labored breathing coughing or sneezing skin irritations and pests if any of these signs are noticed after the puppy is brought home it is best to contact the shelter breeder or pet store to discuss your options it can be heartbreaking to return a puppy so these places may offer to help pay for any medical costs schedule an appointment with your veterinarian within 48 to 72 hours of bringing home the puppy teller advised your veterinarian will do a complete physical exam and check for problems you may not have been able to detect when you acquired your puppy puppies need to go to the veterinarian regularly during their first year to make sure that no other health problems develop and to keep up to date with shots it may seem like a lot of work to find and bring home a new puppy but it can be extremely rewarding both for you and your new family member pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+toxic plants to avoid at home march 13 2019 dogs and cats often nibble on plants in the house or yard but not all plants are safe to be eaten as you are shopping for plants this spring keep in mind that many common options are very toxic and even deadly to pets murl bailey a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has advice for pet owners who are not sure which plants to avoid common indoor plants that are toxic to cats include the easter lily tiger lily day lily and dieffenbachia commonly called spotted dumbcane bailey said that if a cat eats a lily treatment needs to begin within 24 hours to avoid serious kidney damage dieffenbachia is also toxic to dogs as well as kalanchoe a small flowering succulent that can cause vomiting heart problems and convulsions bailey said that there are several plants commonly used for outdoor landscaping that are also very toxic to pets all parts of sago palms also called cycads are very poisonous but the seeds contain the most toxins oleander a pink flowering shrub has toxins that harm cellular metabolism and can cause gi tract issues or heart problems bailey said this plant is very dangerous for horses as well as dogs and cats brunfelsia a plant with purple flowers also known as yesterday today and tomorrow is also poisonous especially to dogs and cattle it grows wild in florida but is commonly found in gardens all over the southern us tulips azaleas rhododendron lilies yews and castor bean plants should also be avoided the best option for pet owners is to keep these plants out of the yard or at least in an area that pets cannot access bailey also recommends looking at the aspca websites poisonous plants page for information on other plants that may or may not be toxic the website can be found at https://wwwaspcaorg/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants if a pet does eat a toxic plant owners may begin seeing symptoms right away or they may develop over time initially when pets ingest toxic plants the first symptom is vomiting bailey said depending upon which plant is ingested the animal may develop loose bowels become depressed or show excitement pets who have eaten toxic plants should be taken to an animal emergency clinic as soon as possible pet owners can also call the aspca poison control line at 888-426-4435 dogs and cats often try to eat plants due to boredom or curiosity but they do not need them for nutrition bailey suggests training pets to leave plants alone or providing toys as a distraction the best solution is to keep all plants out of a pets reach plants may be beautiful and great for landscaping but they are not worth the loss of a pets life smart plant choices are the best way to make sure your pet is not at risk for any plant poisoning pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+scratching beneath the surface of allergic skin disease march 12 2019 spring is coming and its bringing allergy season with it while you may suffer from all of the excess pollen in the air your pets may also be affected by seasonal allergies or they could be allergic to a more permanent feature of their environment there are several causes of allergic skin disease in pets including biting insects diet and environmental factors if the allergies tend to get worse during certain times of the year external parasites biting insects or environmental factors tend to be the more likely culprits dr alison diesel a clinical associate professor in dermatology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has advice for pet owners who may be noticing some extra itching from their dog or cat the most common cause of allergic skin disease worldwide is fleas diesel said the saliva that is injected when a flea bites can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive dogs and cats diesel said it is common for pets to be allergic to environmental factors such as mold dust (as well as the associated dust mites) or pollens from weeds grasses and trees a common misconception is that dogs and cats can have allergies to things like cleaners or laundry detergents she added this is something that is essentially never seen while itching is the main indicator of allergic skin disease diesel said to watch for more than just scratching because biting licking rubbing rolling head shaking and scooting can also indicate that a pet is feeling itchy cats also may show excessive grooming behaviors which can result in bald patches and hairballs it is important to remember that other things such as infections and parasites can also cause the same symptoms diesel said these first need to be investigated before jumping on the allergy train contact your pets veterinarian to help determine what may be causing the itch observed a veterinarian can also help determine if the amount of itching is normal or excessive diesel said the texas a&m small animal hospital uses a scale of one to 10 to help rate a pets itching level if the animals scratching is disrupting their normal behavior their sleeping habits or their owners sleeping habits this is considered to be too much itching she said more extreme signs of itchingsuch as hair loss red skin scratch marks and rashesalso indicate that the pet is itching more than a normal amount once the cause of the allergy is determined treatment can begin diesel said that flea prevention is the first step for any pet with allergic skin disease even when fleas are not seen this is very important she said even a small amount of flea saliva that is injected into a sensitive patient can cause a massive allergic response she said other treatments include medications special shampoos topical products dietary changes and allergy immunotherapy which involves giving the pet allergy injections or oral drops the severity of the itch duration of the itching and other health conditions will determine which treatment is the best choice diesel also said that some human antihistamine medications can be given to pets but a veterinarian should always be consulted first pet dosages are very different from human dosages and some decongestant medications may be toxic some veterinarians like diesel specialize in allergic skin disease if your primary veterinarian cannot stop the itching a veterinary dermatologist may be able to do further testing and prescribe different treatment options pets deserve to spend each day as comfortable as possible free from itching and pain now that spring is almost here make sure you watch out for any of the symptoms of allergic skin disease in your dog or cat pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+conquering the silent killer–hypertension february 28 2019 high blood pressure also called hypertension affects pets as well as people pet owners are often unaware that their pets may be at risk for this condition and that it can be very dangerous if not treated dr john n stallone a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences studies hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases in pets he discusses the common causes and symptoms of hypertension as well as the methods used to treat this disease and bring blood pressure down to normal levels in people high blood pressure is usually diagnosed as essential hypertension which is when the cause of the elevated blood pressure is unknown in contrast high blood pressure in pets is most likely a result of other diseases and health conditions most people are unaware that their pet has hypertension until it is detected during a visit to the veterinarian in general high blood pressure does not have any symptoms which is why it is often called ‘the silent killer by the american heart association stallone said if symptoms do appear they are usually during advanced stages of hypertension he said that in these stages vital organs such as the kidneys eyes brain and heart may be damaged symptoms of organ damage include renal failure blindness stroke and shortness of breath in extreme cases paralysis and heart failure may occur additionally stallone said that some of the most common causes of high blood pressure in pets are diseases of the kidney adrenal gland and thyroid gland this could include renal failure renal infections or tumors adrenal hormone abnormalities and an overactive or underactive thyroid gland if you suspect that your pet has a disease that puts them at risk for high blood pressure visit a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment treatment of high blood pressure in your pet will depend upon the cause of the hypertension but most commonly medications would be used to lower blood pressure directly stallone said besides direct treatment with anti-hypertensive drugs veterinarians may also suggest treating the underlying cause of the high blood pressure for example drugs may be given to block an overactive thyroid gland if that was found to be the cause of the hypertension if these underlying problems are treated successfully then blood pressure can return to normal and anti-hypertensive drugs can be discontinued he said pets with hypertension will need frequent visits to the veterinarian for blood pressure checks and treatment of the underlying disease but after treatment they should be able to return to a normal routine like with any other medical condition the first step is visiting a veterinarian to identify the problem and create a treatment plan best suited for your pets needs pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the dos and donts of feeding pets people food february 21 2019 when a pet is begging for food it is sometimes hard to resist giving them a little taste of your meal before you do this though it is important to know which foods are ok to give as treats and which can cause serious health concerns kaitlyn upton a veterinary student at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discusses some common human foods that are either safe or toxic to pets though pets of all kinds are known to beg dogs tend to do so most often there are several human foods that can be given to dogs occasionally lean meats can be a great treat if you want your dog to feel a little bit of extra love upton said you can easily add them in to one of your pets mealsjust avoid fatty pieces or meat with lots of spices or seasoning meats with high fat content can cause stomach upset including vomiting and diarrhea it is also best to avoid seasoned meats that may contain high levels of sodium or toxic seasonings such as onion pets should also never be fed bones which are a serious choking hazard raw vegetables such as green beans and carrots also make great treats for dogs; green beans can be great for training because of their low calorie content and carrots can help with teeth cleaning upton also recommended occasionally adding canned pumpkin to meals to increase a dogs fiber intake which can help with weight loss like meats these vegetables should not have any extra flavorings or seasonings while there are several human foods that are safe for dogs there are also many that can cause serious health problems the most well-known of these dangerous foods is chocolate in addition to potentially harmful levels of caffeine chocolate contains a compound called theobromine which is toxic to dogs upton said adding that dark and pure bakers chocolate contain the highest amounts of theobromine but all types of chocolate should be kept away from dogs upton also said to avoid feeding dogs grapes and raisins which can cause kidney failure or plants from the onion family which can damage red blood cells most people do not try to feed their dogs whole onions or garlic cloves she said however it is easy to forget that we often use garlic and onion salts on our meats or when cooking vegetables all of these toxic foods have the same effects on cats as they do on dogs though upton said garlic can be even more harmful to our feline friends cats can also be given the same human food treats as dogs but because of their carnivorous diet they should not be given too many vegetables she advises keeping toxic foods out of the reach of pets and being aware of the types of seasonings you use when cooking symptoms from eating toxic foods can take up to a day to develop and may not be noticed right away the most common symptoms are vomiting diarrhea weakness and seizures it is helpful to keep a phone number for an animal poison control center or emergency veterinary clinic in an easily accessible location the aspca poison control line is open 24 hours every day at 888-426-4435 upton says pets should generally keep a consistent diet to avoid any gastrointestinal tract issues and any major food changes should be done gradually and discussed with a veterinarian pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the unconditional love of pets february 15 2019 the human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and their animals influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both according to the american veterinary medical association kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has spent years studying the human-animal bond this bond is most evident in the relationship that forms between people and their pets think about the feelings you have when you come home to a pet that is excited to see you darling said pets are non-judgmental and provide unconditional love meaning and joy to our lives the relationship pet owners form with their animals can be emotional psychological and physical according to darling pets can help decrease loneliness relieve stress and anxiety and provide opportunities for exercise play and recreation spending quality time and doing activities with your pets can strengthen your bond with them darling said this may include going for walks doing training classes participating in shows and events and doing animal-assisted activities though all pets can provide emotional support and love for their owners through the human-animal bond dogs have a history of being used for therapy work there are some special animals such as therapy dogs that are trained to provide unconditional love affection and comfort to groups of people darling said many cities have local organizations that focus on pet therapy work in college station aggieland pets with a purpose teaches people how to train their pets for therapy work and takes volunteers to visit places in the community darling said therapy dogs can comfort people in hospitals long-term care facilities hospice schools and disaster areas the dogs can help people accomplish goals in physical occupational and speech therapy she said people are excited to come to their therapy sessions when the dogs are present; i have seen people respond to therapy dogs when they have not responded to people residents at nursing homes anxiously wait in the lobby when our dogs visit she continued a college student studying for finals enjoys taking a break to visit with the dogs and relieve stress nursing staff at a hospital find a little relief from a busy day while petting a dog like therapy dogs all pets can provide comfort joy emotional support and more thanks to the powerful bond between humans and animals they do not judge and are quick to forgive they are always happy to spend time with you whether playing or simply sitting in the same room think about how your pets enrich your life through your relationship with them and the activities you do together darling said we provide them with care and love and they share their unconditional love with us to brighten our days pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+equine dental health: straight from the horses mouth february 8 2019 horses use their teeth for several functions including eating grooming and defense like most other pets horses need regular check-ups and maintenance for their teeth which should be done by an equine veterinarian for national pet dental health month this february dr leslie easterwood a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has advice for keeping a horses teeth clean and healthy easterwood said the most common dental issue for horses is the development of sharp enamel points that form naturally when horses grind their teeth horses develop sharp enamel points along the cheek side of their upper cheek teeth and along the tongue side of their lower cheek teeth she said these sharp enamel points can cause ulcerations down the insides of their cheeks and along the sides of their tongues easterwood said these ulcers can be very painful especially when a bit is used for riding as a result the horse may be resistant to riding or otherwise not behave normally there are many signs horse owners can look for that indicate their horse is having dental issues according to easterwood these include drooling dropping grain refusing to eat long-stem roughage performance issues and turning the head to the side when eating the sharp enamel points can be reduced by an equine veterinarian through a procedure called dental floating which involves smoothing down the edges with a dental file horses should have their first dental floating prior to putting the bit in their mouth for the first time easterwood said after that most horses should have their teeth floated once a year she added that the teeth may need to be examined at least twice a year if they are wearing abnormally a dental check should also be performed anytime the horse is eating strangely or reacting to the bit equine veterinarians may also perform other dental procedures such as addressing soft tissue problems in the mouth and pulling teeth loose or broken teeth along with retained baby teeth may need to be removed older horses can have other developmental issues that also require removing teeth easterwood said if your horse is showing any of the signs of dental issues or has not had a dental checkup in a while make sure to contact your veterinarian your horse will be happier with a mouth full of clean healthy teeth pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the benefits of crate training january 31 2019 deciding to crate train your dog is a great way to start the new year it can reduce household stress help with housebreaking a puppy and improve overall dog behavior though a relatively simple form of dog training crate training does have its challenges in recognition of national train your dog month this january kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has advice and tips to help make the process easier crate training can help with house training prevent destructive behaviors provide a safe way to transport your dog in a car and provide a safe calm place for your dog during hectic times such as holiday meals and parties darling said she explained that when traveling it is helpful for dogs to see the crate as a familiar place which will reduce the stress they may feel when away from home if they are in an environment where other dogs are present such as a veterinarians office or dog competition event crates can help keep everyone present safe and relaxed when purchasing a crate there are several options to choose from including plastic wire and fabric darling recommends starting with a sturdy plastic or wire crate for dogs that are new to crate training she added that many dogs feel more secure in a plastic crate with solid walls or a wire crate with a blanket draped over the top wire crates are also convenient for traveling as they can fold down when not in use the crate should be just large enough for the dog to stand up turn around and lay down comfortably darling said if you are training a puppy you can buy a crate large enough to accommodate the dog as an adult then place a divider in the crate to accommodate the puppys size as he grows darling said dogs usually will not soil the area where they sleep so using a crate without extra space can help with housebreaking one of the challenges of crate training is getting the dog to see the crate as a safe place rather than a punishment darling recommends associating the crate with toys or treats feeding the dog in the crate and making the crate comfortable with a soft pad and blankets to begin crate training darling said to place the crate in an easily accessible location in an active part of the home treats or toys can then be used to slowly encourage the dog to enter the crate once the dog is completely comfortable being inside begin shutting the door for short periods of time gradually increasing the length of time the dog is kept inside at first do not leave the room when the crate door is shut darling advised once 10 minutes has been successfully achieved begin leaving the room if the dog starts to whine ignore him and let him out when he is calm crate training can be helpful in many situations but should not be used for excessive amounts of time or to punish the dog darling also advised limiting crate time for puppies to one hour for each month of age and letting the dog outside to exercise and go to the bathroom before putting it in the crate darling said that if the crate training process is done slowly and without stress the dog may even come to enjoy spending time in the crate when the door is open if you are still having difficulties with crate training a veterinarian or licensed dog trainer can provide more advice pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+pain management for pets january 24 2019 one of the most difficult parts of being a pet owner is knowing how to best care for pets that are in pain as pets age it is important to make sure they are living each day happy and pain-free animals with illnesses or injuries often try to hide their pain so pet owners should always watch for any changes in their pets behavior if you suspect your pet is hurting the first thing you should do is to take it to a veterinarian who can determine the best plan for pain management there are many options for managing pain both long-term and short-term that can help keep pets feeling good despite health problems dr daniel eckman a veterinarian at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has advice for pet owners when working with a veterinarian to choose the best pain management approach for their pet the best strategy for pain management in pets is to identify the source type and severity of pain present eckman said this will allow you to tailor an individual plan for the pet eckman said he tends to develop multimodal approaches in which he combines medications physical modalities and other forms of therapy including laser and shockwave therapy physical modalities include treatments such as acupuncture heat and cold therapy electrical stimulation stretching and massage according to eckman physical rehabilitation is beneficial for the majority of pets in pain especially those that are weak or have restricted movement he explained that physical rehabilitation can help these pets become stronger and more active which can help to reduce pain eckman said he does not often prescribe natural products for pain relief because they could have negative interactions with other medications that the pet is being given it is important to tell your veterinarian which natural products you are giving your pet we also do not know exact doses for some of the natural products that are used as safety and efficacy studies have not been performed on many of them he added the one product we use most frequently is fatty acid supplementation as it helps to reduce inflammatory mediators in the joints of arthritic pets for pets dealing with long-term pain management such as from chronic diseases eckman says there are many options that may help as the pain persists or worsens over time more layers of medications or types of treatments may be needed to continue to address the pain he explained he said opiate medications are not typically recommended for long-term therapy as they can cause negative side effects however they can be used for short periods of time if pain flares up above normal levels although it may be heartbreaking to see a pet in pain it is important to not give up hope there are many options for reducing or even eliminating pain and a veterinarian can help you find the best option for your pets unique needs pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+a cats five senses january 22 2019 in the animal kingdom big cats have developed several adaptations that allow them to be top predators in a variety of ecosystems while modern house cats may not need to hunt to the same extent as wild cats our pets have still kept several interesting abilities that enhance their senses dr carly patterson a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences shares some interesting facts about cats senses and unique abilities cats are often seen playing and wandering around at night leading many to believe cats can see in the dark while this is not strictly true patterson said cats can see in near darkness much better than people and many other animals cats can dilate their pupils in low-light situations and they have a special reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum that allows them to reflect more light to the back of the eye she explained in addition cats like many other animals have an extra fold on their ears called henrys pocket according to patterson the exact function of this feature is not known but many believe it helps to enhance high-frequency sounds sounds that may be inaudible to people such as the squeak of a mouse are easily heard by cats cats hear sounds of varying frequencies and they are especially adept at hearing high-frequency sounds patterson said sounds that humans may perceive as normal background noise could be stressful to the cat for example high-pitched noises that are barely audible to human ears such as the buzz from an lcd computer screen can be loud and annoying to cats this problem can be greatly reduced by turning electronics off when not in use while cats have above average vision and hearing their ability to taste is comparably weaker than the human sense of taste patterson explained that cats lack the sweet taste receptor so even if they seem attracted to some sweet foods they are likely detecting only the fat and texture on the other hand cats are able to smell much better than people but not as well as dogs while cats have far fewer scent receptors than dogs recent research has shown that cats may be better at discerning between different smells finally cats use their whiskers to enhance their senses of touch and balance patterson said whiskers are located in several places on a cats body though the pattern changes with different cat breeds whiskers are strategically located on a cats face to transmit critical sensory information such as the ability to fit through passageways potential obstacles and even a sense of overall balance she explained although house cats tend to spend more time napping than hunting their senses give them abilities that are shared with many of the worlds top predators next time you watch your cat play youll know that their dilating pupils rotating ears and other characteristics are signs that they are using their keen senses pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+keeping a pet pig january 10 2019 imagine a pet that is loyal affectionate and intelligent youre probably thinking of a dog or cat but this description can also apply to pigs many people have come to find that pigs make excellent and entertaining pets and are often similar to dogs in terms of care and behavior evelyn mackay a resident veterinarian in large animal internal medicine at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has advice for people who may be thinking about bringing a pet pig into the family pigs are intelligent and affectionate animals that can thrive as pets but they require patience and time just like an active dog mackay said they definitely develop strong bonds and often prefer their main caretaker to other household members or strangers they can even be protective of their owners she said a common misconception is that pigs are dirty animals pigs actually prefer a clean environment and take well to housetraining although they still enjoy spending time outside to graze and sunbathe like dogs and other common pets pigs need appropriate diets to stay happy and healthy according to mackay pigs can easily become obese so it is important to feed them well and give them plenty of exercise although some people have the misconception that pigs can be fed ‘slop they actually need to be fed a commercial diet formulated for swine i discourage feeding treats other than green leafy vegetables due to pet pigs propensity for obesity she said mackay recommends taking pet pigs to a small or large animal veterinarian for vaccines hoof trimming and dental care she also said spaying or neutering pigs can limit unpleasant behaviors and reduce the risk of certain cancers just like other species pigs need regular preventative care and wellness visits with a veterinarian she said the common health problems we see in pigs are quite similar to dogs – obesity arthritis musculoskeletal injuries respiratory infections and gastrointestinal upset from eating things they shouldnt have one of the unique challenges of keeping a pet pig is caring for an animal that can weigh hundreds of pounds although photos of teacup or mini pigs are all over the internet mackay said these are misleading due to the fact that once fully grown even the smallest pigs are 60 to 80 pounds the cute photos we see on the internet of 5 pound pigs are just babies and no pig will ever stay that size even pigs that grow to be 800 pounds as adults are often only 1 pound when theyre born she explained keeping a pet pig may seem challenging but it can be a unique and rewarding experience just like any other animal pigs need time and attention to thrive as pets but in the end they often turn out to be excellent companions pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+keep outdoor pets safe and warm january 3 2019 winter weather can be both uncomfortable and dangerous for pets that spend a majority of their time outdoors january and february are often the coldest months of the year so it is important to be prepared to keep pets comfortable and safe during the cold temperatures cold weather affects pets the same way it does people said dr christine rutter a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences she recommends bringing pets inside whenever it is cold enough that people feel uncomfortable outside if pets are left in the cold with no protection serious health issues can occur the majority of cold weather related illnesses have to do with exposure to the cold itself rutter said in some climates generalized hypothermia and frostbite of toes ears lips the nose and the tail can certainly occur she said that hypothermia may cause pets to seem mentally dull or antisocial while frostbite shows up as swollen red lesions frostbite does not occur at a specific temperature but rather results from a combination of cold weather heat loss and decreased blood flow according to rutter some pets are especially sensitive to cold weather including older animals newborn animals underweight and small animals and those with shaved fur if it is not possible to bring a pet into the house during cold weather there are several options for keeping them safe and warm rutter recommends using a garage or mud room for a pet shelter as long as any trash and hazardous chemicals are inaccessible she also said a small shelter such as a dog house can be filled with bedding to keep the animal warm the key is that it has a small entrance and exit and that its protected from water wind and drafts rutter said its very important that if you provide your pet with a heat source that it not be a fire carbon monoxide or anything that could be an electrocution risk she recommends using rice or oat bags that have been warmed as long as they are not hot enough to cause burns rutter also reminds pet owners that some common winter items including sidewalk salt de-icing fluids and chemicals for winterizing pipes can be toxic to dogs and cats if a pet will be outside for a short period of time such as for exercise owners can take several steps to ensure the pet stays warm and comfortable rutter advises drying pets off after exercise protecting their feet with boots or a waxy layer and dressing them in a coat to help with heat retention even if you do not have a pet that stays outside you can help keep stray animals and neighbors pets safe during the cold winter rutter said temporary shelters can be made out of storage bins or travel kennels she also recommends banging on car hoods before starting the engine because cats may have crawled under the hood for warmth pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+watch out for nasopharyngeal cicatrix in horses december 20 2018 some horses in a narrow region of texas have developed a condition known as nasopharyngeal cicatrix which causes scarring of the upper airway researchers believe this disease is the result of an environmental agent but no one knows for sure what causes it or why it is so localized dr canaan whitfield an assistant professor of large animal surgery at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences who has seen many horses with this condition explains some of the symptoms horse owners can watch out for symptoms are variable and depend on the stage and severity of disease whitfield said in early stages you might see nasal discharge coughing difficulty swallowing and other similar signs he compared the early stages of nasopharyngeal cicatrix to pharyngitis commonly known as a sore throat in humans because these early symptoms are mild they often go unnoticed by owners; however nasopharyngeal cicatrix is progressive and if not caught early it can lead to serious health issues once the early stages have passed scar tissue begins to form whitfield explained this scar tissue can be small and cause no signs or it can be large and start to obstruct airflow he said that if airflow is obstructed owners may hear a strange noise when the horse is breathing especially when it is exercising if the scarring becomes severe enough the horse will eventually become unable to breathe nasopharyngeal cicatrix is most commonly seen in central and southeast texas according to dr michelle coleman an assistant professor of large animal internal medicine at the cvm whitfield and coleman see multiple horses with this disease every week at the texas a&m large animal hospital they say it is often diagnosed as an incidental finding when horses are being seen for other health concerns the mystery of this disease is that the cause is still unknown despite all the research that has been done according to whitfield most of this research was done by dr tracy norman a former cvm internal medicine specialist she showed that horses that live exclusively outside are more at risk as compared with horses that are stalled for significant amounts of time whitfield said this suggests to me that the cause is environmental and likely something in the pasture beyond that we really do not know he said we are looking at various fungal and bacterial causes but have not yet nailed down the culprit unfortunately because the cause is unknown there is not an effective prevention strategy or treatment method for nasopharyngeal cicatrix whitfield said that many productsincluding antifungal vaccines antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory drugshave been used in an attempt to treat the disease but none have been proven successful coleman said the only option for horses with severe cases is a permanent tracheostomy a procedure in which the horse is given an alternative airway through the trachea reducing pasture time may help lessen the chance that a horse will get nasopharyngeal cicatrix but this can lead to other problems such as sand ingestion and colic according to whitfield nasopharyngeal cicatrix may be causing problems now but whitfield believes a cure will be found in the near future he said determining the cause of the disease is the key to finding a way to treat it once we know the cause we can develop effective prevention strategies he said it is going to take time and money but i think we can get there while researchers work toward understanding the cause and developing a treatment horse owners can help protect their horses by keeping up with regular veterinary check-ups watching for early symptoms and developing a plan for health emergencies pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+a safe and happy holiday for your pet december 12 2018 with new years eve around the corner it is important to remember that many pets especially dogs are frightened by loud and sudden noises such as fireworks or thunder this fear can range from mild anxiety to full panic which can lead to dangerous situations there are many reasons why fireworks and thunderstorms can cause fear in pets kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains some of these reasons and has advice for comforting scared dogs during these situations with excellent auditory senses dogs can hear better than humans in both range and frequency darling said if a noise is already loud to human ears it is even louder for dogs they are also often scared by sudden flashes of light dogs like predictability and routine darling said both fireworks and thunderstorms disrupt routines and are unpredictable dogs may feel stress when they do not know what is happening dogs may also be frightened by fireworks or thunderstorms if they have had a traumatic experience with loud noises in the pastwhile some dogs become anxious in by these situations others may not have a reaction at all dogs like people may react differently to stress and negative experiences some dogs might be naturally easygoing or they may have been exposed to loud noises when they were young darling explained desensitizing puppies to loud sudden noises can help reduce fear later in life; puppies can be trained between the ages of 3 weeks and 3 months to associate these sounds with positive rewards rather than fear according to darling if a dog does show fear in response to loud noises darling said it is important that owners not take the dog to a fireworks show keep your dog inside during fireworks and thunderstorms provide them with a special area in which they can feel safe such as their crate or bed she said she also suggested covering windows to block flashing lights and putting the dog in an anxiety wrap which provides a gentle constant pressure that helps to reduce fear and anxiety darling also recommends playing with dogs or giving them chew toys to distract them from the loud noises playing soft music or having the tv on can also help she said it is very important to stay calm and relaxed as dogs can sense peoples emotions and tend to react in a similar way if your dog continues to be frightened by fireworks or thunderstorms make an appointment with your veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist to discuss additional behavior measures or medications darling advised darling warned that scared dogs may use drastic measures to escape and run so it is best to walk dogs before fireworks begin if you have to go outside with your dog keep it on a leash she said be sure your dog is microchipped and/or has identification tags with current contact information in addition to keeping pets calm during fireworks there are other ways to keep them safe during the holiday season darling reminds pet owners to avoid feeding dogs dangerous foods such as turkey skin or dark meat turkey bones garlic sage onions grapes raisins macadamia nuts chocolate bread dough the artificial sweetener xylitol alcohol and human medications all pets should be kept away from decorative plants flowers candles foil and electrical cords finally because dogs may become scared or overwhelmed when a lot of visitors are over it is important to provide them with a quiet area of the house to which to retreat the holiday season is best when spent with family including pets it is important to keep those pets safe and happy so that they can enjoy this time of the year as much as we do pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+choosing the best diet for your kitten december 5 2018 kittens have very specific dietary needs in order to grow into healthy active adult cats as carnivores all cats need more protein than many other pets but kittens also require a variety of nutrients to provide energy for growth and development dr deb zoran a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has advice for kitten owners on choosing acceptable diets for kittens at birth kittens rely on their mother for everything especially nutritious milk if a kitten is separated from its mother it needs a suitable milk replacement zoran said the best option is to find a foster queen which is a different mother cat who will accept and feed the orphaned kitten if this is not possible commercial kitten milk replacers are the next best option cows goats dogs or other milk sources may actually induce diarrhea and wont have the needed nutrients especially amino acids that kittens need–they are very different from other species zoran said after a kitten is about 2 to 3 weeks old owners can start looking for the signs that a kitten is ready to begin the transition to solid food most kittens can start to eat small amounts of wet food after their eyes are open and they are starting to move around well on their own zoran saida until the kittens are about 4 weeks old and weigh at least a pound they will still need the milk or milk replacer in addition to any wet food the wet food can be introduced by placing small amounts on a plate or saucer it needs to be warm not hot; cold foods do not have a good odor and are less likely to be accepted zoran said she also suggests pureeing wet food at first and gradually offering it in a more solid form dry kibble should not be offered until kittens are at least 6 weeks of age and should not be fed as the sole food zoran said wet food has more protein and more water both of which are very important for young kittens once a kitten is fully weaned from milk zoran advises choosing a kitten food with more than 50 percent protein and less than 10 percent carbohydrates she said that kittens can develop diarrhea if they are fed a poor quality food or a food with too many carbohydrates looking at the first five ingredients on the label can help owners determine whether a food has too many carbohydrates; the ingredients on a label are listed by weight so those listed first are present in the greatest amounts an appropriate kitten diet should not have a carbohydrate source listed in the first five ingredients but instead should have water and protein sources according to zoran the name of a kitten food can also help with determining if it is a good option for example zoran said a food named chicken and rice would indicate that it is high in carbohydrates in addition she said the food should say on the label that it is complete and balanced for all life stages or for growth although providing a good diet is only one aspect of caring for a kitten it is a very important one that sets a kitten up for a long healthy life with good nutrition a kitten will quickly grow from a sleepy newborn to a strong playful young adult cat pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+managing canine diabetes november 29 2018 diabetes or diabetes mellitus is not the most common disease found in pets but it can be a serious health concern if not treated caring for a pet with diabetes may seem daunting but many pet owners find that it is not as difficult as it seems in honor of national pet diabetes month in november dr audrey cook an associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has advice for pet owners on caring for a diabetic dog your vet will create a specific treatment program focused on twice-daily insulin injections cook said a consistent well-balanced diet is also key canine diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to control blood glucose levels cook said this is most likely due to the destruction of insulin-producing cells or a damaged pancreas there are several symptoms that could indicate that a dog has diabetes cook advises pet owners to watch for increased urination and thirst as well as rapid weight loss if owners notice these signs they should take their dog to a veterinarian to be tested for the disease as soon as possible if the dog is diagnosed with diabetes the owner will need to begin insulin injections if insulin is not started promptly affected dogs will become very ill with vomiting dehydration and weakness cook said if a pet is diagnosed with the disease cook recommends partnering with a veterinarian who specializes in or has an interest in pet diabetes though diabetes can occur in any dog some are at more risk than others female dogs can become diabetic after going through repeated heat cycles so spaying prevents this from happening cook said certain medications can also trigger diabetes so your dog may be monitored for this risk when on those drugs a genetic component also causes certain breeds to be predisposed to canine diabetes according the journal of the american veterinary medical association these breeds include samoyeds miniature schnauzers miniature poodles pugs and toy poodles owners of these breeds should not fear however as a predisposition does not mean the dog will get the disease in addition to insulin injections and a proper diet exercise is a main requirement involved in caring for a dog with diabetes with a little extra time and attention from their owners dogs with diabetes can live full happy lives modern methods for caring for dogs with diabetes have made things simpler but this condition will require a daily commitment by the owner cook explained having said that many owners have told me that caring for their diabetic dog has just brought them closer pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+thanksgiving pet safety november 16 2018 thanksgiving is a special holiday that brings together a few of our favorite thingsfamily friends and food while your furry friend may be an important member of the family its important to remember there are some traditions your pet shouldnt take part in this thanksgiving according to kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences food outside of your pets routine diet is likely to cause digestive upset and there are several holiday foods that are hazardous to pets some rich foods may cause digestive problems or pancreatitis she said do not allow your pets to ingest turkey skin or dark meat turkey bones garlic sage onions grapes raisins macadamia nuts chocolate bread dough or the artificial sweetener xylitol turkey and ham bones cause choking hazards and can splinter in the digestive tract which could lead to an unplanned holiday trip to the emergency room fully cooked and boneless ham or turkey meat is ok to feed pets; however owners should avoid feeding them anything with excess fat or seasoning as an alternative to thanksgiving food owners can give their pets their own treat or safe chew toy away from the food preparation and dinner darling said owners can stick to their pets typical diet by mixing a bowl of their normal food with lean boneless and skinless pieces of turkey or ham fresh vegetables such as green beans or sweet potatoes will also make a great addition to your pets thanksgiving feast owners should also keep an eye on special holiday displays which may attract the attention of your pet as well pets should be kept away from pine cones decorative flowers and plants candles and electrical cords in addition visitors can upset your pets leaving them stressed or anxious during the holiday a solution for this is to keep pets in a quiet room or crate with a treat or toy according to darling thanksgiving can be stressful for you and your pets with changes in their routine visitors and travel she said remember to give your pet attention and provide them with a safe place to retreat to if things get too loud or intense before the holiday it may be beneficial to give your pet the opportunity to be around people of all ages when visitors arrive or leave darling reminds owners to secure their pets to prevent them from running or sneaking out of the house if your pet does happen to make a run for it identification tags and microchips with current contact information will play a major role in their return home by following these simple precautions you can ensure your pet remains safe and happy this thanksgiving in the spirit of thanksgiving your pet will be forever thankful that you kept them healthy for the holiday season pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+national animal shelter appreciation week november 12 2018 bringing home a new furry friend can be an exciting experience for everyone involved when that furry friend has just been adopted from an animal shelter the experience can be not only exciting but rewarding as well this national animal shelter appreciation week kailey kestner a third-year veterinary student at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained why she believes adopting from an animal shelter is so important there are many benefits of adopting from an animal shelter including but not limited to adoption fees that are typically inexpensive a variety of animals and breeds to select from getting a unique pet and the satisfaction of knowing you helped an animal in need kestner said according to kestner the adoption process is not as long or difficult as you might think as long as you meet the shelters criteria and your application is approved you will be able to bring home a new best friend the application may include things such as a description of your residence approval from your landlord or apartment complex the number of other animals or children in the household and how many hours you will spend away from the animal each day she said the shelter wants to ensure that the pet you have selected is the best fit for you and your environment before sending them home with you once you have been approved there will typically be an adoption fee to cover the cost of vaccinations treatments and surgical procedures the pet may have received while at the shelter one of the most beneficial surgical procedures that shelters provide is spaying and neutering one of the missions of most shelters is to reduce the number of homeless animals so by spaying and neutering these animals it helps ensure that they do not have litters that end up back in the shelter or on the streets kestner said if you are unable to adopt there are still several ways to get involved with animal shelters such as fostering volunteering and donating during times of high animal intake the shelters are in critical need of supplies such as food towels kitty litter blankets dog toys and much more also volunteers are needed to help walk and play with the dogs to ensure that they remain socialized and adoptable kestner said animal shelters are overflowing with loving happy animals waiting for someone to take them home when you adopt an animal you are saving a life and making room within the shelter for other animals in need if you are interested in helping animals call or stop by your local shelter today to see how you can get involved pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+avoid mushroom poisoning in pets november 5 2018 although commonly underestimated mushroom intoxication ranks near the top of the list of pet poisonings each year of these deadly fungi death cap mushrooms are the number one cause of fatal mushroom poisoning worldwide death cap mushrooms are an invasive species that favor oak and pine trees while they can be found across texas death cap mushrooms tend to thrive in cool damp climates and are usually seen during rainy seasons unlike some poisonous plants most mushrooms present an initial identification issue for pet parents although it can be difficult to tell the difference between a toxic and non-toxic mushroom a common identifier of a death cap is a yellowish-green cap that grows large and flat as the mushroom ages another important characteristic of the death cap mushroom is the fish-like odor it emits while decaying this odor seems appealing and appetizing to dogs and cats and typically leads to the mushrooms ingestion dr justin heinz an assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences urges pet owners to contact their veterinarian immediately if they believe their pet has ingested a mushroom we dont necessarily see a lot of cases that we can directly attribute to ingestion but the development of clinical signs are usually delayed by six to 12 hours heinz said initial clinical signs are usually gastrointestinal in nature resulting is vomiting and diarrhea and blood may occasionally be noted in either heinz added that these signs will typically resolve within 24 hours however it is important for owners to understand that this does not mean that their pet is in the clear unfortunately after about 48-72 hours following resolution of these signs the patient will develop liver and kidney failure with liver failure being far more common he said prognosis at that point is pretty guarded according to heinz all mushrooms vary in toxicity some cause self-limiting gastrointestinal distress while others cause neurological effects such as tremors and seizures a misidentification can lead to serious illness or death in your beloved pet identification of some of these mushrooms may actually require a mycologist he saidfor this reason i recommend keeping pets away from any mushrooms in the yard or on walks better safe than sorry as always pet owners should contact their veterinarian if they believe their pet has eaten anything suspicious by removing mushrooms from your path and keeping a close eye on your pet during walks and outings you can ensure their good health will remain intact pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+keep your pets safe this halloween october 26 2018 halloween is meant to be a fun festivity for all involved however for our furry friends the holiday can turn into a frightful time the tradition of trick-or-treating has long been a fun festivity for both children and adults while we might appreciate the large assortment of chocolate and caramel kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said that all halloween candy should be kept away from our pets many candies are toxic to pets including chocolates darling said candies and gum containing the sugar-free sweetener xylitol are also toxic so its important to keep candy secure from our pets according to darling lollipops and candies with plastic wrappers and components can cause intestinal blockage if ingested additionally owners should clean up all trash leftover from the candy other items to keep away from your pets include candles pumpkins pumpkin seeds lights and electrical cords darling said if you suspect your pet has ingested anything harmful contact the animal poison control center at (888) 426-4435 another halloween tradition dressing in costume may not be suited for our pets while they may look adorable dressed as superman or cinderella pets typically do not enjoy the costume experience as much as we do to ensure your pet is comfortable and dressed appropriately darling recommends following these simple guidelines dont dress your pet in costume unless you know they are fine with it owners should try the costume on their pet before halloween to ensure it does not restrict their movement hearing sight or breathing costumes with lights or batteries are a safety hazard and should be avoided unfortunately halloween is notorious for being a time when pranksters steal tease or injure animals black cats are especially at risk so they should be kept indoors several days prior to and after the holiday continuous doorbell ringing and people dressed in costume may cause anxiety in your pet so try to put them in a secure location such as a crate or a room away from the front door darling said this will minimize their stress and keep them from running out of the door pets should always be equipped with some form of identification but it is especially important on halloween night as pets may become frightened and escape from the safety of their home if you plan to take your pet trick-or-treating this halloween be sure to walk them on a leash with a reflective collar or tape halloween should be a festivity enjoyed by adults children and four-legged friends alike this year be prepared for the holiday by taking the necessary precautions to make it a safe fun-filled night for every member of the family pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+october 21 is reptile awareness day october 22 2018 once thought to be extinct crested geckos were rediscovered in 1994 since their reemergence this geckos easy-going personality and low-maintenance lifestyle has made it a popular pet among children and adults alike this reptile awareness day rachel ellerd a second-year veterinary student at the texas a&m college of veterinarian medicine & biomedical sciences reminds us just how unique and important crested geckos are to the reptile family crested geckos are easily identifiable and come in a wide array of colors and markings their interesting name stems from the fringed crest that runs from their eyes to their necks and backs according to ellerd the reptiles distinct features set them apart from other geckos crested geckos have tiny projections over their eyes resembling eyelashes which is why some people like to call them eyelash geckos ellerd said they also have two rows of soft spines along their sides and instead of eyelids they have transparent scales over their eyes they lick to keep moist specialized toe pads are another unique feature of the crested gecko; these pads allow them to easily jump and move along vertical surfaces which is an important attribute for owners to remember when choosing the correct tank for their pet since these geckos are semi-arboreal meaning they spend most of their time in trees they need upright tanks when living in a home environment ellerd said adult crested geckos can reach lengths of 4 inches or more not including their tails so they need 20-gallon tank if not larger crested geckos do not require special heat lamps or light and ellerd said their environment should remain at room temperature they do require moderate humidity but this can be accomplished by lightly misting the tank using a spray bottle filled with warm filtered water once or twice a day because crested geckos are omnivores eating both fruits and insects in the wild owners have a variety of options when it comes to choosing the right food for their pet while ellerd prefers to feed her crested geckos a commonly used and accepted commercial diet many owners choose to supplement small insects and mashed fruit such as bananas peaches and pears into their geckos daily diet along with easy maintenance ellerd recommends owning a crested gecko because of their docile temperament although they might be a little jumpy as juveniles as they age they tolerate handling well ellerd said if youre looking for a great low-maintenance pet a crested gecko will be the perfect fit for you if cared for properly crested geckos can live anywhere from 15 to 20 years as long as owners can commit to caring for these unique creatures they can make for great long-lasting companions for you and your family pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciencessuggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+dont let ringworm put you through the wringer october 11 2018 ringworm or dermatophytosis is one of the more common skin conditions affecting pets of all shapes and sizes despite its name ringworm is not caused by a worm but by protein-eating fungi that invade the hair shaft and the surface of the skin while there are many species of ringworm dr alison diesel a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said that microsporum canis is the most common that affects dogs and cats the fungus can be spread animal to animal as well as animal to human through direct contact with the infected animal or with whatever the infected animal had come in contact diesel noted that shared brushes bedding clippers cages and the surrounding environment can be sources of infection for this organism the most common identifier of ringworm in dogs and cats is a circular area of hair loss generally there is also a ring of redness and scales surrounding the alopecic area according to diesel the hair loss often starts in a very circular formation but can spread and be more generalized diesel said small red bumps and crusts can also be present body areas most affected include the face ear flaps and paws; however any surface of the body can be effected once symptoms have been noted diesel advises owners to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible the veterinarian will likely recommend performing tests such as cytologyto rule out other causes such as bacterial infection or mitesas well as a fungal culturefor ringworm to identify the species of fungus involved in the infection newer tests may also be recommended and provide more rapid results depending on the animal species infected with ringworm as well as the severity of the disease ringworm can be treated with topical therapy and/or oral medication to address the fungus she said topical therapy may include creams or ointments; however these tend to not be very effective especially in cats rather a full body shampoo or dip containing antifungal ingredients is recommended after receiving the ringworm diagnosis and the recommended treatment plan diesel stresses the importance of disinfecting any and all exposed areas in your pets environment environmental decontamination will be key in effectively eradicating the infection this involves isolating the infected animal to a readily cleaned area bleaching all able surfaces steam cleaning and the use of other cleaning products she said one of the most important things for owners to remember is that there is not a quick fix for ringworm and often times it can take six to eight weeks to treat the infection with a little patience a lot of cleaning and the recommendations of a licensed veterinarian ringworm can be effectively and efficiently treated pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+feline inappropriate elimination–thinking outside the litter box october 4 2018 inappropriate elimination or urinating outside of the litter box is one of the most common problems noted by indoor cat owners currently it is a dominant reason for owners to surrender their cats at a shelter while it is a frustrating issue inappropriate urination can stem from a number of underlying causes including behavioral or medical problems dr carly patterson a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences recommends that owners consult their veterinarian first to discuss the possibility of a medical issue medical problems may predispose a cat to change urination habits whether it is due to underlying pain or the increased volume of urine produced patterson said disorders of the lower urinary tract or other medical conditions that increase a cats overall urine volume must be ruled out before proceeding with behavioral issues one of the most common behavioral issues associated with inappropriate urination is marking which occurs when intact cats mark their territory as a part of their normal habits according to patterson deciphering between marking and normal urination behavior with simple observation will differentiate the two behaviors marking behavior is characterized by a cat in a standing posture with the tail raised usually the cat will spray back against an object and the tail may flicker slightly as a small amount of urine is sprayed she said in contrast cats observing normal elimination habits will typically dig before fully emptying their bladder or bowels in a squatting position and most cats will cover their eliminations using the litter in the box if marking is not an issue owners should note any environmental changes including those in the family dynamic or the presence of new animals in the household cats with behavioral issues may feel anxiety within their environment and because of this cats may develop an aversion to the litter box itself patterson advises that owners keep a complete and detailed history of the cats elimination habits which will be paramount in determining whether a behavioral issue is at play owners should record details such as the frequency and duration of the issue environmental or household changes types of elimination postures location of the inappropriate elimination and litter box hygiene habits she said although it may seem like an annoyance at the time if inappropriate urination becomes a problem owners should consult with their veterinarian who can work with the owner to develop a tailored treatment plan as well as share some of the new discoveries and promising options available for your beloved furry friend pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+preparing your horse for severe weather september 27 2018 severe weather can be troublesome for humans and animals alike while small indoor pets are easier to board and travel with horses require additional preparedness and precautions dr jessica millwood a resident in equine practice at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said that planning ahead and paying attention to weather alerts are the keys to keeping horses safe during severe weather pastures should be clear of hazardous items debris and known entrapments for horses and safe fencing and holding areas should be available around the property millwood said owners should install lightning suppression systems sprinkler systems and smoke detectors on all high-risk buildings in particular those where animals are kept millwood suggests considering several factors before determining the most ideal form of shelter owners should consider their horses anxiety level during storms the horses past experience during severe weather the severity of the thunderstorms forecasted and the storm-worthiness of the barn she said if a horse spends more time outdoors and is not accustomed to any other housing it could be more stressful to try and place them in an enclosed environment according to millwood a small semi-covered secure paddock might be a better alternative for horses that react poorly to being stalled on the other hand if the horse tends to show nervousness or anxiety outside during storms a stall in a strongly-built barn may be a better alternative than being left outdoors she said visual contact with herd mates may also help diffuse anxious behavior contact information for you or your local veterinarian should be posted in the barn or stable horses should also have a microchip brand or any other form of identification to ensure they are returned home safely if they escape from the enclosure in the case of flooding millwood says that owners should ensure their horses have safe drinking water without which horses may become dehydrated or be forced to drink contaminated flood water flooding may also destroy food resources available to horses and eating moldy hay or feed can lead to clinical signs such as colic or respiratory disorders she added owners should ensure adequate food is available for at least 72 hours after a predicted flooding event is suspected to subside and they should store feed securely to prevent contamination or spoilage another concern that comes with flooding is standing in polluted water through which the horses skin is exposed to irritants and contaminants owners should bathe their horses as soon as possible after a flood and keep their horses up-to-date on core vaccines to prevent any potentially fatal diseases most severe weather conditions are tracked in advance with the most likely scenarios forecasted if necessary millwood suggests that owners evacuate their horses while it is still possible to do so owners have a heightened responsibility to care for and keep their animals safe during severe weather by taking the necessary precautions and having a disaster plan ready you can ensure that you and your horse are prepared when a situation arises pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+grappling with grackles september 21 2018 weve all seen and heard themlurking in well-lit open areas swooping down from trees lining up on power lines and pecking at food left on the ground great-tailed grackles are notorious for congregating in our most frequented parking lots and city parks but have you ever considered the diseases these pesky birds may carry dr sarah hamer director of the schubot exotic bird health center and an associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has focused her studies on just that this species has expanded in geographic range and thrives in urban environments where it breeds and communally roosts hamer said with such a large number of birds in close proximity we have been interested in the disease-causing organisms that might be transmitted among the birds and potentially to people and other animals to test for these pathogens hamer and her team including students enrolled in a field research course trapped birds in parking lots around town and collected blood and fecal samples from them although our pets typically do not hang out in parking lots where grackles roost there is a chance for fecal exposure when walking your dog on well-lit sidewalks around city parks or in other areas where grackles hang out to avoid exposure and contamination it is imperative that owners keep their pets away from any disease-carrying bird and its feces we tested the feces of the grackles for salmonella a bacterium that lives in the gut of animals and can be excreted she said fecal contamination can lead to transmission of the salmonella to other animals or humans we found that a small percentage of the birds 2 of 114 birds or 18 percent were shedding salmonella in the feces we also examined the blood of the grackle under microscopes using molecular and immunology methods for parasites according to hamer the grackles they have studied were found to be infected with tiny microscopic roundworms protozoan parasites related to malaria and west nile virus some of these parasites are zoonotic meaning they can spread to humans whereas others only infect birds avoiding avian feces or any wildlife feces is good practice in general hamer said if shopping carts are in parking lots with grackle roosts washing the handles with a hand sanitizing wipe would also be wise like many other wild animals they can be infected with pathogens that are detrimental to our health and the health of our furry friends; however avoiding direct contact with the birds and their feces can minimize risk pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+september is national service dog month september 14 2018 from providing companionship to keeping an eye-out for medical emergencies emotional support and service dogs assist their handlers in a variety of ways while both roles are vital for the well-being of their owners their job descriptions are not the samean emotional support animal is a companion animal that can benefit its owner by providing comfort to the individual for a number of medically deemed reasons while a service dog is a working animal that has been trained to aid people with disabilities such as visual or hearing impairments mental disorders mobility impairment and diabetes as a member of patriot paws of aggieland since 2016 angelica frazer a texas a&m student and certified service dog trainer understands the important roles service dogs play in their handlers lives patriot paws focuses on training service dogs to assist those who have combat-related disabilities such as mobility issues or post-traumatic stress our dogs are trained to pick up dropped items; retrieve items such as a phone prosthetic or wheelchair; push an alert button; get help in the event of their handler falling unconscious; open and close doors; and help their handler do laundry among other things she saidaccording to frazer service-dogs-in-training dedicate a significant amount of time practicing in-house manners and going for outings to work on avoiding distractions from the moment the puppies wake up they work on house manners and then depending on their age they go for a public outing frazer said our puppies will do shorter low-distraction outings while our older dogs typically spend all day with their trainer going to class working and running errands frazer said their ultimate goal is to prepare the dogs to pass the canine good citizen (cgc) test a certification that evaluates dogs in simulated everyday situations once the dogs pass the test they are considered reliable family and community members and are paired with a veteran during a two-week process that matches fit and compatibility according to frazer these kinds of dogs are not pets and serve as a medical tool for the veteran if you spot a service team on an outing there are a few important rules to remember including always treating the service team with sensitivity and respect and never touching the service animal without the permission of its handler if you happen to have your dog with you try to keep your distance and do not allow your dog to approach the service dog without permission the attention of outside people and dogs may provide an unwanted distraction for the service animal while they are still dogs they are dogs with an important job she explained if you see a service dog or a service-dog-in-training it is important to remember that these dogs are a medical necessity to their handler emotional support and service animals continue to play a crucial role in the health and well-being of their owners and handlers this national service dog month be aware and respectful of the purpose necessity and benefits of these brilliant animals pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+fatty tumors are nothing to fear september 6 2018 finding a mysterious growth under your dogs skin can be a frightening experience; however owners can find comfort in knowing that these mystery bumps are not as uncommon as they may think as dogs age they can develop benign growths beneath the skinthe most common of these being lipomas or fatty tumors according to dr brandan wustefeld-janssens an assistant professor of surgical oncology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences lipomas arise from adipose tissue or fat cells and are typically found on the chest or abdomen some dogs can develop numerous tumors and some can grow very large lipomas are soft often moveable and not painful to the touch while owners may be able to detect the mass beneath their dogs skin touch as a form of detection should never be used as a diagnostic tool according to wustefeld-janssens if a new growth is found on your dog making an appointment with your family veterinarian is an appropriate course of action he said your veterinarian will likely perform a test called fine needle aspirate to get a sample of the tumor to look at under the microscope this test however cannot differentiate between the non-invasive forms of the tumor and the infiltrative form infiltrative lipomas do not spread but are known for their penetration into the soft tissues differentiating between the two tumors is usually done with advanced imaging like ct scans or during surgery wustefeld-janssens added after further testing a veterinarian will be able to diagnose the fatty tumor and assess the need for treatment in most cases lipomas are not an immediate cause for worry and most dont require surgery lipomas are mostly asymptomatic unless they are causing compression of a vital structure or become so large that they interfere with mobility this means that the majority of lipomas do not require surgical removal and are instead actively monitored for a change in size wustefeld-janssens said tumors that we generally treat with surgery are those that arise from deeper areas like the thigh or if we are suspicious that they are the infiltrative type although there is very little an owner can do to prevent lipomas from forming keeping your dog lean and healthy and scheduling yearly check-ups with a veterinarian will allow for early detection of these tumors with the guidance and expertise of a veterinarian discovering a lipoma on your four-legged friend is nothing to fear pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+helping our pets cope with loss august 31 2018 like humans pets experience a complex array of emotions the loss of a beloved human or a housemate can be devastating to pets in a household leading to a period of grief and mourning it may be difficult for owners to tell if their pet is in mourning but kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences suggests that when a loss in the family occurs owners can help their pets cope first by keeping an eye out for physical signs and changes in normal day-to-day activities pets mourn in different ways but some of the signs to look for are changes in eating and sleeping habits; lethargy or lack of interested in daily activities; insecurity; or vocalization darling said they may not want to eat or play and they may not want to participate in activities that they normally enjoy or even sleep in the same place not all signs of mourning are obvious and darling advises owners to watch for subtle changes in their pets behavior one of my dogs would not go in his crate upon command when his housemate passed away their crates were in the same room and even after moving his crate into another room he still would not go in it unless i actually picked him up and put him in she said so its important to note changes in behavior no matter how small although experts are uncertain of the level of comprehension dogs and cats have of death pets can perceive emotion through body language and will sometimes respond to or mimic our demeanor darling reminds owners to continue about their day-to-day routine and never forget to show their pet how much they are loved and cared for i think the owners and veterinarian should decide what works best in each situation she said some ways to help our pets cope include keeping normal feeding and exercise schedules taking a positive obedience or agility class introducing new toys and exploring new places and doing the things your pet loves most like going for walks playing with toys and cuddling no matter how you choose to help your pet cope with loss it is important to remember to remain patient throughout the process the death of a loved one can take an emotional toll on humans and animals alike but with a little extra love and affection the mourning period will seem less painful for both you and your four-legged friend pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+bovine vaccinations keep cows ‘happy august 23 2018 vaccinations are an essential component of preventative medicine when it comes to protecting the health of a herd of cattle as national immunization awareness month comes to a close dr brandon dominguez a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences recommends that cattle begin a routine vaccination schedule at a young age with the guidance and administration of an accredited veterinarian cattle should receive their first vaccination against clostridial diseases and respiratory viruses at least two weeks prior to weaning dominguez said when heifers are developed into replacements for the breeding herd vaccination against leptospirosis campylobacter and brucellosis may be recommended vaccination for brucellosis should occur between four and 12 months of age dominguez stresses the importance of vaccinating for clostridial diseases respiratory viruses and bacteria that cause reproductive problems in cattle after the initial vaccination cattle in breeding herds should be vaccinated annually against some diseases and other vaccinations are on a semi-annual basis to determine what vaccinations are necessary for their herd owners should consult a veterinarian to discuss the proximity and potential exposure to disease owners may notice mild side effects after vaccination like swelling at or around the injection site if any uncommon or severe side effects are noted owners should contact their veterinarian immediately injection site swellings may be a concern modified live vaccines are known to cause problems when given to pregnant cattle especially if they have not received the vaccination previously dominguez advised vaccination against gram-negative bacteria which are many of the disease-causing bacteria may cause a reaction if too many gram-negative bacteria are vaccinated against at the same time there are many factors to consider when deciding on the right vaccination program for a herd of cattle as always owners should look to their veterinarian with any questions concerns or recommendations regarding immunizations pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+routine vaccinations are essential for equine health august 7 2018 vaccines are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to protect your horses health preventing the contraction and spread of infectious diseases including rabies west nile virus and influenza in continuation of national immunization awareness month dr leslie easterwood a clinical assistant professor at the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers recommendations for equine vaccinations suggesting that horses begin a routine vaccination schedule at a young age we typically start foal vaccinations at 90 days of age easterwood said if the mare is currently vaccinated and boosted late in her pregnancy she will provide temporary immunity to the foal until they are able to respond to vaccinations if the mare was not boosted late in pregnancy we may choose to start vaccinations at 60 days depending on their location and proximity to disease horses should receive vaccines for a number of harmful and potentially life-threatening illnesses in texas the routine vaccinations for horses are rabies venezuelan equine encephalitis (vee) eastern equine encephalitis (eee) western equine encephalitis (wee) west nile virus influenza rhinopneumonitis type 4 and strangles easterwood said rabies vee eee wee and west nile virus cause neurological conditions in horses while influenza rhinopneumonitis type 4 and strangles cause respiratory infections vaccines that are not commonly administered in texasbecause the likelihood of contracting the disease is low include potomac horse fever and botulism vaccines according to easterwood because of the differences in risk what is recommended for one group of horses may not be best for all groups she said a possible vaccination schedule could be rabies once a year and the other recommended vaccinations twice a year a consultation with your veterinarian to discuss the risk of exposure for your horse based on activity and travel schedule will allow them to develop a recommendation for vaccination schedules easterwood said she believes the risk of contracting disease significantly outweighs the minimal amount of risk associated with vaccinations as always if any serious or unusual side effects are noted owners should contact their veterinarian immediately horses may become sore at the injection site similarly to how people get sore after a vaccination she said usually minor reactions are controlled with anti-inflammatories and a little time the most important resource for questions or concerns regarding vaccinations will always be your veterinarian by planning ahead establishing a vaccination schedule and maintaining a relationship with a veterinarian owners can ensure their horse stays happy and disease free pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+august is national immunization awareness month august 2 2018 immunizations are one of the easiest ways to ensure that your pet lives a long and healthy life according to dr kate creevy an associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences vaccinations are an essential component of preventative medicine for companion animals the diseases against which vaccinations have been developed are typically highly dangerous highly contagious or both creevy said vaccinations can protect pets from serious disease or potential death and can also minimize the spread of disease among pets vaccines contain some or all of the inactivated protein parts of pathogens that cause infectious disease after vaccination the animals immune system recognizes the pathogen from these inactivated partsif the animal is exposed to the real disease in the future their immune system is capable of fighting back against it this in turn prevents or substantially limits sickness in the vaccinated animal most initial vaccinations are given to puppies and kittens between 6 and 8 weeks of age or to adult animals with no known vaccine history in a series of several injections creevy explained dogs and cats should be boosted at 1 year of age and after that core vaccinations should be boosted every three years many of the non-core vaccines are boosted more often core vaccines are those that all dogs and cats should receive these immunizations prevent diseases in pets like rabies distemper parvovirus and hepatitis in dogs and herpesvirus calicivirus and panleukopenia in cats non-core vaccines are used more selectively because the diseases they prevent are less dangerous are only dangerous to certain groups of animals or only exist in certain parts of the country these diseases include lyme disease and kennel cough in dogs the owner and the veterinarian can discuss each individual pets risk of disease and decide whether or not each individual pet should be vaccinated with any of the non-core vaccines creevy said creevy reminds pet owners that immunizations are always safest and most effective when administered by a veterinarian and when it comes to the risks and side effects associated with vaccines she advices owners to consult with their veterinarian before making any decisions modern vaccines are highly effective and generally safe; however adverse events can occur with the administration of any medical substance which is why administration by a veterinarian in a medical facility is always preferred she said according to creevy the most common adverse effects of vaccinations include pain swelling or soreness at or around the injection site if any other side effects are noted creevy suggests owners speak with their veterinarian as soon as possible this national immunization awareness month remember that establishing a relationship with your veterinarian and determining an immunization strategy tailored to your pets age and health status will promote a long happy and most importantly healthy lifestyle for your four-legged friend pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+be on the lookout for vision impairment in pets july 29 2018 like people pets can experience poor or failing eyesight as they age the onset of vision impairment in our pets can occur for a number of reasons including cataracts glaucoma and retinal diseases such as sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (sards) and progressive retinal atrophy (pra) sards a disease that affects the function of the light sensing cells of the retina primarily affects middle-aged dogs and results in blindness over a very short period of time symptoms include difficulty navigating bumping into objects and dilation of the pupils some dogs may also have systemic changes such as an increased appetite increased thirst and weight gain pra causes the light sensing cells of the retina to gradually deteriorate over the course of several weeks to months this condition primarily affects middle-aged to older dogs early signs may include decreased night vision and a pet becoming more reluctant to go outside when it is dark or hesitant to walk around in low-light settings if vision impairment in a pet is suspected dr erin scott an assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences recommends that owners begin by performing simple at-home tests on their pets to determine if their sight is impaired owners can test how well their pet tracks a cotton ball when its tossed in the air or how well their eyes are able to follow a laser pointer because neither of these items produce a scent or a sound that their other senses will be able to detect scott said if any changes in vision are noted scott advises owners to keep a close eye on their pets appearance and behavior they should pay attention to their pets ability to navigate around the house in different light settings as this can be an early sign of retinal degeneration she said most importantly any form of ocular discomfort like rubbing at the eye squinting or increased redness tearing or cloudiness should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately if detected soon enough and depending on the underlying causes of the vision loss restoration may be possible with timely treatment or surgery by a veterinary ophthalmology specialist if diagnosed early dogs can undergo cataract surgery to restore vision scott explained glaucoma often leads to an irreversible blindness; however there are medical and surgical treatment options for glaucoma and if caught soon enough we can maintain vision for as long as possible unfortunately as of now there is no proven therapy to help restore vision in veterinary patients with any form of retinal degeneration fully restored eyesight may not always be possible but scott reminds owners that our beloved pets have an incredible ability to cope with the loss of one of their senses dogs and cats do remarkably well with vision loss as they can compensate with their sense of smell and hearing much better than we ever could she said if only one eye is affected you may not notice a change in your pets ability to see at all although pets have their own coping mechanisms owners should make navigation as seamless and easy as possible until their pets have adjusted to a life without vision it is important to protect them from dangers such as stairs and pools scott said use tactile cues such as mats at the top of stairs to help orient them; placing scents around the perimeter of your house or yard can also be helpful lastly toys that produce a sound or have a certain scent can allow them to play and continue to enjoy an excellent quality of life despite their vision loss while the fear of the unknown can be the scariest aspect of dealing with your pets vision loss by being on the lookout for the early signs of impairment and protecting affected pets from any possible dangers owners can ensure their furry friends still live a happy healthy life pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+texas a&m theriogenologist explores alternate method of identifying genetic disease in horses july 23 2018 dr allyson ripley a senior equine theriogenology resident in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) has been working on an exciting research project for the last year that aims to find an alternate means of determining fetal genotype and detecting genetic diseases before birth currently determining if future offspring will be filly or colt roan or sorrel or a carrier of one of the many genetic diseases seen in the quarter horse breed such as hypp can only be done by waiting until the foal is born or by performing embryo biopsy in the very early stages of pregnancy embryo biopsy has many costs and considerations involved with its completion and therefore may not be an option for everyone ripley said is there another clinically feasible way that private practitioners could obtain the dna needed for these tests early in pregnancy without the costs and efforts of embryo flushing sampling and transfer that is exactly what this study was designed to explore funded by the legends premier stallion season auction the research took ideas from human medicines amniocentesis procedure performed on pregnant mothers and expanded them with techniques already used in other equine reproductive procedures in the case of identifying carriers of genetic diseases it would be ideal to receive dna results and make decisions in a timely manner early in pregnancy so as to be able to rebreed in the same season if necessary ripley said the procedure developed in this study allowed for fetal dna samples to be obtained from pregnant horses and successfully analyzed for genetic diseases from pregnancies that were less than 30 days of gestation due to the nature of developing new procedures and the invasiveness of acquiring dna from a fetus residing inside of the mare there were some potential risks to the developing pregnancy ripley said because of this three of the pregnancies were allowed to develop to term both to monitor the remaining 10 months of gestation and to assess the resulting foals researchers were excited to find that all three pregnancies resulted in normal healthy foals that were born in april although this procedure is not yet ready for clinical application its development and current success has sparked the possibility for new a method of genetic analysis in the equine industry projects like this and others performed at texas a&m university with support from the legends premier stallion season auction are what keeps this industry advancing and that is made possible by the generous contributions of our donors said warren w hohertz program coordinator for equine reproductive studies/legends premier stallion auction we thank you immensely for your unwavering support! print
+brucella canis is a disease of dogs and humans july 21 2018 brucella canis a strain of brucellosis that can be carried by dogs is one of the leading causes of canine infertility the highly contagious and often underrecognized bacterium can lead to abortions stillborn puppies testicular abnormalities and failure to conceive but can also cause back pain and inflammation of the spinal column in dogs dr angela arenas an assistant professor in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences recently published an article in emerging infectious diseases that explores the impact of brucella canis on both dogs and humans arenas the studys lead researcher and a diplomate of the american college of veterinary pathologists said that humans infected with b canis may experience flu-like symptoms such as malaise recurrent fever muscle pain and a decreased appetite long-term effects of brucellosis include arthritis and chronic fatigue there is certainly no cause for alarm but those who come in direct contact with reproductively intact dogs or their tissues such as animal shelter caretakers dog breeders veterinarians and laboratory workers especially those in bacteriology labs are at a higher risk of exposure arenas explained others at a higher risk of infection include those with compromised immune systems and children an average healthy adult typically would not contract the disease unless they were exposed to high-risk events such as helping during delivery of puppies although the bacterium is believed to spread through urine blood or reproductive secretions in dogs it is still unclear exactly how prevalent the disease is within the dog population which makes it difficult to assess the risk to public health according to arenas for dogs several diagnostic tests are commercially available if a dog has a positive test it should be isolated and retested at four weeks diagnosing b canis in people is difficult because there are no tests available treatment in dogs is also difficult arenas urges those who work in close proximity to reproductively intact dogs to always practice good hygiene including wearing gloves when assisting with whelping or breeding and washing your hands thoroughly after potential exposure the best prevention for brucella canis is good hygiene after handling any potentially infectious materials from infected dogs such as aborted puppies or placenta semen blood and urine from dogs that have exhibited reproductive failure said martha hensel a doctoral student who worked on the project if someone thinks they may have signs of brucellosis after handing any infectious materials then they should consult their physician immediately likewise the best prevention for b canis is to buy your pet from a trusted source and have your pet tested before coming into contact with other pets for owners of reproducing dogs prevention is possible through routine screening and by quarantining any new animal for 8-12 weeks testing them at the beginning and end of the quarantine period before introducing the new dog b canis can threaten the health of our furry friends and their human companions alike but with proper pet testing and good hygiene practices both can be safe from possible infection pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+training your pet parrot july 12 2018 the benefits of training a pet parrot extend well beyond the entertainment value of owning a talking bird who can do entertaining tricks training strengthens the bond between owner and parrot provides companionship and increases the health and well-being of the parrot connie woodman is a bird enthusiast and a graduate student at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences she studies animal welfare as part of the national science foundations i-corps and air-tt programs woodman believes the training parrots should be enjoyed by both the parrot and the owner if the training session is uncomfortable or coercive then the training is being done improperly woodman said a good training session should be a mix of behaviors the animal already knows and behaviors that challenge their abilities a common misconception is that outcome of training should be a ‘well-behaved parrot however the goal of training is actually to keep your bird mentally and physically active most parrots do not need to be taught manners; in fact woodman said that the natural behaviors of a healthy parrot are pretty compatible with the human lifestyle the less compatible behaviors of parrots such as chewing on wood or making loud noises really cant be avoided woodman explained however if your bird does have a behavioral problem such as fighting or repetitive screaming then behavioral modification training can help improve the birds behavior one frequently practiced form of behavioral-modification training is operant conditioning in which the bird develops an association between their behavior and a punishment or a reward operant conditioning can be used on all kinds of birds including parrots finches doves or chickens however there is a crucial step to take before training your parrot woodman said parrot owners should begin with socialization because it is the most important and beneficial step in training parrot socialization must begin when the bird is young and continue throughout their life a well-socialized baby bird will readily step up onto the hand go in and out of the pet carrier try new foods play with a new toy and will sit quietly and happily while accepting petting woodman said however some pet stores and breeders socialize parrots before they go to their forever home in this case woodman said to expect a price increase for adoption this price increase is worth it woodman said for bird owners looking to train their pet woodman believes the best place to start is an internet search for videos so new trainers can observe the process woodman also recommends training books like most companion animals parrots require a large amount of attention and affection socializing and training a pet parrot requires time energy and effort however in the end the benefits of socializing and training your parrot will outweigh the demands pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+protect your pets from coyotes and other wild animals july 6 2018 although most wild animals mind their business and dont bother humans some wild animals such as coyotes can wander into human environments and cause harm to pets its pretty amazing how much damage coyotes can do to pets especially when you consider that coyotes are roughly the size of a domestic dog said christine rutter a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences coyotes are very effective predators pets that come to our emergency room after a coyote attack often have severe injuries because coyote bites have the potential to cause severe body and organ damage rutter recommends that every pet that is attacked by a coyote bobcat or an unknown animal be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible owners should not attempt to address wounds at home a bite from a wild animal also poses another threatthe spread of potential diseases such as rabies we dont often think of the coyote as a major vector of rabies but it is possible rutter said however the most common carriers for rabies are raccoons skunks foxes and bats thankfully most pets have had a recent rabies vaccination which will protect them from this virus she said however saliva in the pets wounds can expose people who are not commonly vaccinated for rabies to the virus i always recommend that owners wear gloves when handling pets that have been attacked by a wild or potentially unvaccinated animal while humans might not be able to control the behavior of wild animals pet owners can take steps toward protecting pets from potential coyote attacks coyotes and other wild animals thrive in urban and suburban environments due to the availability of food and shelter provided by people rutter explained it seems that the only thing we can really do is to limit access to these resources i recommend that people secure food sources including trash compost outdoor pet food and wildlife feeders i would also be sure that outbuildings are secure and dont make comfortable homes for wildlife since many wild animals including coyotes are most active from dusk till dawn keeping pets safe during this time is crucial keeping pets indoors during this time seems the most obvious choice but its not realistic in some situations rutter said i recommend that pets be limited to a fenced area or leash walked i would also have a good outdoor light visually check the yard and make a bit of noise before pets are allowed outside especially at night its important to supervise your pets when they are outside pets of any size can find trouble but pets under 50 pounds are especially vulnerable if your pet primarily resides outdoors a completely enclosed kennel with a roof may also be an effective way to keep unwanted visitors out ventilation holes in the kennel should be small enough to keep out any animal larger than a rat and the kennel should be large enough that the confined animal should be able to at least stand up turn around and escape any water accumulation on the floor rutter said webcams and security systems can also help you monitor your yard at both day and night we cant predict the behavior of wild critters but we can take steps to protect pets by lessening the chance that they come in contact with coyotes and other dangerous animals pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+could your pet benefit from acupuncture treatment july 2 2018 if youve ever wanted to try a safe and effective form of alternative medicine for your pet consider acupuncture part of traditional chinese medicine acupuncture the act of inserting small needles in certain parts in the body can offer many benefits to a variety of pets according to dr daniel eckman a veterinarian at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences the needles can be plain or accompanied with gentle currents of electricity medication or burning herbs although the idea of needles sounds painful eckman said that pets tend to tolerate acupuncture well and may even go to sleep during treatment when performed by trained and skilled veterinarians acupuncture is safe and side effects and complications such as piercing a nerve are rare acupuncture can be used to treat many conditions including pain skin disorders and problems in the liver kidney heart respiratory system nervous system gastrointestinal ocular urinary tract and reproductive system eckman said acupuncture can also help with anxiety disorders and pain management acupuncture is great to use for pain control eckman said recent studies have shown that acupuncture can be equally as effective as opiates but with no addictive side effects eckman adds that acupuncture can be added at any time in the treatment course but the earlier the better if you would like to learn more about acupuncture as a treatment for your pet eckman recommends talking to your veterinarian to see if they work with a veterinary acupuncturist you can also visit these three websites to find veterinary acupuncturists near you: curacores medical acupuncture for veterinarians at https://curacoreorg/find-a-practitioner/ international veterinary acupuncture society at https://wwwivasorg/vets/ chi institute of traditional chinese veterinary medicine at http://wwwtcvmcom/resources/findatcvmpractitioneraspx if youre looking for a way to enhance your pets current treatment plan or find a natural way to heal your pet acupuncture may be a good fit for your furry friend pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+heartworms in cats june 25 2018 heartworms which are spread by mosquitos can cause serious health complications in pets although heartworms are more commonly diagnosed in dogs cats are also at risk for this disease megan arroyo a veterinary student at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained how heartworms can harm our feline friends the adult worms like to live in the right side of the heart and in the pulmonary artery which is the blood vessel that supplies blood to the lungs arroyo said adult heartworms can cause chronic inflammation that can cause permanent changes to the heart and even heart failure these symptoms however most commonly happen in dogs cats immune systems are better at fending off the worms before they become adults it takes approximately six months for heartworms to become an adult in a new host according to the american heartworm society however fighting off heartworms can cause inflammation which can lead to an immune reaction in cats this syndrome called heartworm associated respiratory disease is associated with significant inflammation and permanent damage to the lungs arroyo said to protect your cat you should give your pet preventative medication against heartworms even if your cat primarily resides indoors as much as we hate it mosquitos definitely do get in the house and it only takes one bite from one heartworm-infected mosquito for a cat or dog to get heartworms arroyo said heartworm disease in cats can cause irreversible lung damage coughing difficulty breathing weight loss and even sudden death why wouldnt you choose to protect your beloved cat from this easily preventable disease prevention arroyo said is key in protecting cats against heartworms because the treatments available for dogs are toxic to cats if your cat has heartworms all you can do is prevent further infection and manage symptoms arroyo said prevention truly is the best and only medicine for heartworms in cats no cat parent should skip out on protecting their cat against heartworms after all kitty hearts deserve just as much love and protection as their canine counterparts arroyo said pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+mammary tumors in dogs june 14 2018 many of us know someone affected by cancer unfortunately cancer in the mammary glands (similar to breast cancer in humans) can also occur in both male and female dogs in fact mammary tumors are the most common type of tumor seen in intact (not spayed) female dogs dr brandan wustefeld-janssens assistant professor of surgical oncology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) described some of the clinical signs of mammary tumors in dogs the most common clinical finding is a firm non-painful nodule associated with the mammary chain wustefeld-janssens said these nodules can range from very small to very large and may grow fast continued growth of bigger tumors can lead to the skin overlying the tumor to become thinned which can cause the skin to ulcerate bleed and become infected tumors may also be swollen hot and painful to the touch however only about 50 percent of mammary tumors are cancerous with a majority of these cases being carcinoma (arising from the lining of the ducts in the mammary gland) wustefeld-janssens said luckily you can take preventative action to help lower your pups risk of developing a mammary tumor dr heather wilson-robles associate professor of oncology at the cvm said that spaying or neutering your pet before they have their first or second reproductive season is the most effective way of preventing mammary tumors in dogs regular checkups at the veterinarian is also a good way to protect your pet yearly physical examinations of both male and female animals should include careful palpation of the mammary chains wilson-robles said any nodule should be further investigated; often this would include some form of biopsy we strongly recommend against a ‘wait-and-see approachany mammary tumor that is growing rapidly or is swollen hot or painful should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible the chances of a tumor being cancerous increases with age so pay special attention to any abnormalities in your older pups mammary glands if your dog does develop a tumor surgery is the standard of care for mammary tumors in cases where there is high risk of tumors reoccurring or spreading radiation and chemotherapy may be used for treatment we cant control the development of cancer but we can learn the signs and symptoms of the disease and report any abnormalities to a veterinarian additionally pet owners can help prevent mammary tumors by considering spaying and neutering their dog pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+kittens born to feral cats can still be purr-fect pets june 7 2018 feral cats may look cute and cuddly but they are a lot different than a typical house cat while feral cats are considered wild animals and prefer to live their lives outdoors their kittens can be rescued from the streets and put into loving homes as pets feral cats have never been socialized to humans in fact feral cats are generally afraid of people and may even run away if approached according to megan arroyo a veterinary student at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences because feral cats live their entire lives independent from humans they may not be spayed or neutered by a veterinarian this can lead to an overpopulation of feral cats as well as kittens being born in unsafe areas however local pet shelters veterinarians and other programs may be able to help prevent the overpopulation of feral cats by giving kittens born to feral cats a good home if you find a potentially feral cat with a litter of kittens one of the best places to start is by contacting your local animal shelter or animal control arroyo said they should be able to help you to decide the most appropriate action to take which is often trapping the mom and the kittens so that the mom can be spayed and the kittens socialized and placed in homes a properly socialized kitten is exposed to humans and other species such as dogs between the ages of 2 to 7 weeks arroyo said once they are weaned from their mother at around 4 to 6 weeks kittens can socialize even more in a foster home or their permanent home socialization is basically what it sounds likeyou want to expose the kitten to experiences you would like it to be comfortable with as an adult such as gentle handling and petting arroyo said socialization is beneficial because it gives kittens a better chance at finding a loving home that can provide veterinary care which can help significantly increase the kittens lifespan arroyo said since adult feral cats prefer to live out their life in the wild the mother feral cat will typically be re-released after she is spayed and her kittens are weaned this allows her to live out her life where she is happiest but keeps her from contributing to the feral cat population arroyo said there are many benefits of rescuing kittens born to feral cats but the biggest reward is knowing that you saved a pets life pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+june 3-9 is pet appreciation week may 31 2018 while every day with our pets may be special we celebrate with extra love and attention to our pets during pet appreciation week june 3-9 kit darling the infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said pets offer more than just companionship we should remember to recognize our pets everyday as they provide unconditional love and help us to alleviate stress anxiety loneliness and depression darling said pets help improve our mood they have a non-judgmental nature while encouraging playfulness laughter and increased energy levels these activities are good for our health and well-being all pets offer some sort of therapy but some pets are specially trained to spread love throughout communities in our local community we have an animal-assisted therapy group called aggieland pets with a purpose darling said our pets visit most of the nursing and assisted-living facilities schools and the juvenile detention center in our community some healthcare professionals even use our pets to help with physical occupational and speech therapy besides providing therapeutic relief pets also teach us valuable life lessonsresponsibility and patience we can show affection to our pets this pet appreciation week by making sure that they have plenty of food water exercise and veterinary visits additionally training our pets to be well-behaved can require a lot of dedication pets are like a baby or a young child learning which behaviors are acceptable darling said they will make mistakes but consistency in training is important for them to become good pets the more time you spend teaching them appropriate behaviors the better pet they will be this is also a great way to bond with them caring for pets can also be self-fulfilling as they can help us to feel needed and purposeful above all pets teach us how to love unconditionally pets are often more forgiving than we are darling said they want us to love them our pets enjoy the present and do not worry about the past or the future; they remind us to take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and not worry so much with all of the pawsitive benefits of having a pet its easy to see why they have such a special role in our lives for pet appreciation week be sure to give your pet some extra love pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+does your dog have poor potty manners may 24 2018 no matter how well-behaved your pet is chances are that your pet has inappropriately urinated at least once in its life but before blaming fido or fluffy for bad behavior ask yourself how often you are taking your pet outside inappropriate urination may just be an accident especially if your pets potty breaks arent frequent if your pet gets plenty of potty breaks and still inappropriately urinates your pet may have a behavioral problem or a medical condition all underlying medical conditions should first be considered before assuming there might be a behavioral problem dr carly patterson a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said these health conditions include infections in the urinary tract weakness in the urethral muscle urinary tract stones or inherited congenital/anatomic abnormalities additionally pets with neurological disorders may urinate inappropriately if youre worried that fido or fluffys inappropriate urination is caused by a health condition try watching their behavior the next time they urinate dogs with underlying health conditions affecting the urinary tract may strain to urinate display an increased urination frequency or have blood in their urine patterson said dogs in particular may dribble urine continuously or intermittently depending on the nature of the disorder if your veterinarian rules out health conditions as the cause of your pets inappropriate urination then it might be time to consider potential behavioral problems incomplete house training may result in inappropriate urination behaviors patterson said for example some dogs may urinate in the house due to submission or excitement; it is important to discuss all observed behaviors with your veterinarian so that you can develop a plan of action together a plan of action may include a trainer or a visit to a veterinary behaviorist patterson said the plan will depend on the specific behavior and background of the pet and owner your pets poor potty manners may even be caused by their natural instinct to mark their territory this instinct is especially common in intact male dogs in this case spaying or neutering may help reduce the pets inappropriate urination patterson said however older dogs who have been marking for a long period of time may not respond to spaying or neutering the bottom line is before assuming that your pet is trying to make your life harderor wetterbe sure to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing your pets inappropriate urination pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+dangers of essential oils may 18 2018 many people have turned to essential oils as part of their holistic approach to well-being as the popularity of these products grows some pet owners may wonder about incorporating essential oils into their pets healthcare routine although essential oils may be beneficial to pets dr murl bailey a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said to use essential oils with caution essential oils can be a gentler alternative to traditional medicine applied topically these oils quickly absorb into the skin and can help strengthen the immune system however not all essential oils are safe to use on pets and some pets may be allergic to specific oils additionally the oils can be harmful if ingested or given in large doses essential oils should never be given by mouth or in the animals food bailey said oral ingestion can cause vomiting diarrhea and central nervous system depression which can cause symptoms such as decreased heart and breathing rate seizures are also possible from large doses bailey added that oils applied to the animals skin may be ingested during the animals self-grooming therefore it is best to apply the oil at the base of the neck where the animal cant reach additionally if you apply essential oils to your own skin avoid allowing your pet to lick your skin after application bailey included this list of toxic essential oils: armoise basil bay leaf (w indian) birch (sweet) bitter almond boldo leaf buchu calamus clove leaf cornmint horseradish hyssop lanyana mustard myrr oregano pennyroyal (n am) pennyroyal (eur) pine oil sasafras (brazilian) sassafras savin savory (summer) southernwood tansy tarragon tea tree thuja tree wormwood large wormwood western red cedar wintergreen wormseed wormwood ylang ylang if your pet displays any signs of poisoning you can call the pet poison helpline at (855) 764-7661 or the aspca animal poison control center at (888) 426-4435 you can also contact your veterinarian if you are interested in using essential oils on your pet your primary care veterinarian may be able to help you can also search for a veterinarian through the american holistic veterinary medical association at https://wwwahvmaorg/ natural ways to treat pets such as essential oils are growing in availability however bailey reminds pet owners that essential oils are not regulated and the concentration and safety listed on the label may be unknown in pets as always it is always best to consult your veterinarian before beginning any new treatment regimen pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+turtles and tortoises as pets may 11 2018 if youre looking for a unique low-cost pet that enjoys a relaxed lifestyle a pet turtle or tortoise may be for you what is the difference between turtles and tortoises most turtles have webbed feet or flippers and primarily live in water while tortoises primarily live on land and do not have webbed feet in fact if you took a tortoise to a body of water it likely would not know how to swim whether you are interested in a turtle or a tortoise dr alice blue-mclendon a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said doing your research before getting one as a pet is extremely important different breeds of turtles and tortoises require a specific diet and habitat additionally the adult size of turtles and tortoises vary by breed for instance the sulcata tortoise can easily weigh up to 200 pounds which may not make it a suitable family pet other breeds are much smaller and can be easily held by supervised children the sulcata tortoise may not be the best option for a pet (especially since they are capable of out-living humans) but other tortoises such as the hermanns tortoise and red-footed tortoise can make great pets for turtles blue-mclendon recommends the red-eared slider be sure to get your pet turtle or tortoise from a reputable breeder in almost all circumstances you should not take an animal from the wild and turn them into a pet blue-mclendon said you change their life forever and potentially decrease their life expectancy no matter the breed you choose you should consider their adult maximum size before purchasing a tank and setting up their habitat additionally doing your research will help you determine the appropriate temperature bedding (for tortoises) and amount of lighting for your turtle or tortoise you should also determine through research an appropriate diet for your breed and the life stage of the turtle or tortoise although some commercial food is conveniently sold at pet stores this food may not be nutritionally balanced blue-mclendon recommends primarily feeding your pet turtle or tortoise leafy greens since they are herbivores some species may enjoy fruit as a special treat additionally drinking water for tortoises should be available at all times according to the centers of disease control and prevention (cdc) nearly all reptiles carry salmonella including turtles and tortoises salmonella is a bacteria that can cause temporary infection in humans especially in children under 5 years old elderly adults pregnant women and anyone with a compromised immune system therefore these individuals should avoid handling turtles and tortoises if you are set on getting a turtle or tortoise the cdc recommends washing your hands thoroughly after handling your pet additionally you should disinfect surfaces that your pet touches and not let your pet come into contact with the kitchen sink or other areas that might contaminate human food and drinks if you want a unique pet a pet turtle or tortoise may convince you to come out of your shell however be sure you are ready for the commitment pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+squamous cell carcinoma may 3 2018 squamous cell carcinoma (scc) a type of skin cancer that commonly occurs on white-skinned areas of horses can be difficult to treat thats why dr leslie easterwood a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said early detection and treatment are key scc most commonly occurs at mucocutaneous junctions such as the eyes nose sheath vulva and rectal sphincter easterwood said although scc has some genetic predispositions sun exposure can also accelerate the disease easterwood added that scc also can develop if the horse has prolonged liver disease or if the horse has had a thermal injury long-term exposure to toxic plants may also increase the risk of liver dysfunction and thus lead to scc on the affected white skin early scc lesions look like ulcerated erosions of the skin or sun burning these lesions can develop into tumors and spread to other areas of the body including the lymph nodes and sinuses if you think your horse may be developing a scc tumor immediate care is recommended as treatment can be challenging scc tumors tend to enlarge and damage surrounding tissue easterwood said as the tumors enlarge they invade larger areas and this makes removal more difficult eyelid lesions are particularly important to catch and treat early so that we can maintain enough eyelid tissue so that the horse will be able to blink and lubricate the eye in advanced cases we sometimes have to remove the eye even though it is not effected by the tumor because we do not have enough functioning eyelid to maintain lubrication of the globe there are a variety of ways to treat scc; the ideal treatment for each case is based on many factors such as the location of the tumor and the risk of the tumor spreading easterwood said surgery chemotherapy and cryotherapy are some of the traditional options photodynamic dye therapy (pdt) has been used at the texas a&m veterinary medical teaching hospital (vmth) and has shown great promise for the treatment of scc pdt involves the removal of most of the tumor and injecting dye into the affected area the dye is then activated by exposure to a therapeutic light this activation causes the release of molecules that result in death of the remaining cancerous cells to date we have performed about 100 of pdt procedures at the vmth and have had overwhelmingly positive results easterwood said there are also ways to help prevent scc any decrease in sun exposure is likely helpful easterwood said face masks with uv protection spf protective lotions and limited turnout during daylight hours are all ways to decrease scc risk horses that have had squamous cell carcinoma tumors in the past are more likely to develop them again its best to always keep an eye on your horse and report any skin abnormalities to your veterinarian pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+april 30 is national adopt a shelter pet day april 27 2018 in honor of national adopt a shelter pet day on april 30 helena wayt a veterinary student at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained some of the major reasons to adopt a pet from a shelter for one wayt said you are saving a life and giving an animal a second chance additionally adopting from a shelter allows space for another animal to be taken off of the streets and put into an adoption program so really you are making a difference in the lives of multiple animals another great reason to adopt is that the animals almost always come spayed or neutered have been vaccinated and are dewormed wayt said most shelters have their animals examined by a veterinarian and are aware of or are currently treating any medical conditions animal shelters also offer meet-and-greets to help you find and adopt the perfect pet it is important that you choose an animal that fits your lifestyle wayt said puppies require frequent bathroom breaks and need to be trained and socialized if you work long hours an older dog who can hold their bladder may be a better choice some pets at shelters have been fostered or are currently in foster care if this is the case the pets foster parents can provide the inside scoop on how the pet behaves in a home environment once you have decided on a pet you will typically fill out some paperwork and may receive some quick education on microchips heartworms and veterinary care wayt said sometimes there is a great deal of paperwork or even background checks but trust me its worth it! this only means the shelter or rescue you are adopting from cares deeply about their animals and wants to ensure that they go to the best home possible there is typically a fee associated with adopting a pet from a shelter but this fee is usually significantly less than buying a pet elsewhere and paying for the same basic veterinary care that is provided in shelters wayt said it is important to remember however that all pets require life-long veterinary care beyond the services provided in animal shelters be sure to keep this in mind before adopting if you arent ready to adopt a pet you can still make a difference for animals in shelters by fostering a foster home can provide comfort for animals and allow them to show their true personalities this is a great opportunity to work on some training with that animal and get to know them wayt said as a foster parent you can help find a perfect forever home because you will know exactly how that animal behaves in a home if you are ready to welcome a pet into your home consider adopting from a shelter not only will you be giving an animal a home you will be giving other animals a chance to be put into an adoption program too pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+miniature donkeys as pets april 13 2018 if you live on at least one to two acres of grass and want a unique pet a miniature pet donkey may be for you however like any pet miniature donkeys need training food shelter and veterinary care which means you must be fully committed before getting one evaluating your commitment to a miniature donkey is especially important since they can live for an average of 25-30 years john n stallone a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said owners should be able to dedicate a minimum of one hour per day to the animal this hour includes feeding twice a day and any grooming you might want to do such as brushing their coat or cleaning feet stallone said most donkeys love human attention so you would need more time if you take your donkey for a walk or do other activities such as training to do obstacle courses or pulling a cart donkeys are very intelligent and learn quickly whether it is a new trick or a bad habit additionally pet miniature donkeys are a financial commitment stallone said owners should expect to pay for feed (usually hay) deworming every three months trimming hooves every three to four months and routine veterinary care such as yearly vaccinations for rabies encephalitis viruses and west nile virus other expenses include dental care which is advised every two to three years it is also smart to budget for emergency veterinary care in case something happens to your donkey pet miniature donkeys also need appropriate shelter and a field in which to graze stallone recommended a three-sided shelter with the opening facing to the south miniature donkeys should have some pasture to graze on as the grass intake will help to promote good intestinal motility and to prevent constipation or colic stallone said four hours of grazing per day will also help to prevent destructive behavior such as wood chewing which is sometimes called ‘cribbing cribbing can be bad because is it destructive to wooden structures such as fences barns and chairs however because donkeys are much more efficient than horses in using their feed for energy stallone does not advise allowing your miniature donkey to graze on grass or hay 24/7 additionally feeding your donkey any kind of grain such as pellets or oats can promote obesity even if you arent planning on extensively training your donkey to do obstacle courses or pull a cart carriage all pet donkeys should get used to being around people its fun to give them treats to promote friendliness and help with training but avoid excessive treats because some donkeys will start to nip at fingers stallone said a loud ‘no! will often stop this as well as quickly pushing their muzzle away from you with your open hand avoid slapping or hitting the donkey on the head or face as this will just cause the donkey to become ‘head shy and fear your hands if you like being outside and are looking for an animal companion to grow old with then consider a pet miniature donkey just be sure you are ready for the financial and care commitment pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+chagas disease in dogs (2018) april 5 2018 whether your dog stays outside for hours at a time or is primarily an inside dog all dogs are at risk for chagas disease a potentially fatal disease that affects the heart and other organ systems chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite trypanosoma cruzi which is spread to dogs through insects in the reduviidae family also commonly known as cone-nose or kissing bugs kissing bugs are blood-sucking insects that often hang out in or around places where sources of blood are readily available such as dog kennels woodrat nests and unfortunately sometimes in human dwellings said dr sarah hamer an associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences the parasite is transmitted to dogs when they are exposed to the feces of the bug or when they eat the bugs about 60 percent of kissing bugs across texas are infected with the parasite many dogs can be infected with the chagas parasite and show no signs of disease while others may develop life-threatening heart complications hamer added chagas symptoms can appear within weeks of infection (acute) or months to years later (chronic) typically dogs that are younger than 2 years old are more likely to develop acute disease with possible symptoms of diarrhea lethargy seizures swollen lymph nodes fluid retention and heart failure symptoms that occur during chronic disease are those of congestive heart failure including lethargy fainting increased heart rate or abnormal heart rhythm and fluid buildup in the abdomen or lungs although there is no vaccine or veterinary treatment for chagas disease pets can be protected through insect control by reducing the amount of outdoor lighting at night kissing bugs may be less attracted to an area if you keep your dog in a kennel outside at night consider installing a protective screen on the kennel in addition try to keep your backyard free of wood piles and other brushy areas because these areas can serve as a breeding ground for infected insects hamer added that licensed pest control operators can help recommend a pest control plan to combat the bugs to better protect humans and animals from chagas hamer and a team of researchers have been coordinating a special project since 2013 we run a ‘kissing bug citizen science program to engage the public in chagas research and provide resources for people to better protect themselves and their pets hamer said our program accepts kissing bugs encountered by the public across the southern united states submitters provide important data including the location time and behavior of the bug when it was encountered each bug provides a wealth of information for our researchweve received over 4 000 kissing bugs since the start of our program hamer added that her research helps to characterize the natural cycle of chagas transmission and determine risk factors for human and animal exposure for more information on hamers project please click here a kissing bug app is also available on itunes and google play through the website and apps hamer said the public can submit photos of bugs if they are unsure if they are kissing bugs with no vaccine or treatment available prevention is key in protecting your pet from chagas fortunately hamer and her team are working to learn more about chagas and how to better protect you and your pets pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+before adopting a pet rabbit make sure you are committed march 29 2018 if youre looking for a new furry friend this spring then a pet rabbit may be for you however selena zalesak a veterinary student at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says before making that commitment it is best to do your research rabbit purchases are very popular around easter zalesak said however many people arent aware of the time commitment rabbits require as a result up to 80 percent of those easter bunnies end up in shelters rabbits can live seven to 12 years and are not a low-maintenance pet they can make fantastic companions for both humans and other pets in the household but rabbits require a lot of care and lovejust like any other pet if you are considering a pet rabbit you need to invest in a large enclosure with plenty of room for shelter a food bowl with a hay feeder water bottle or bowl toys for enrichment and a litter box if you would like to litter train zalesak said rabbit cages need to be cleaned at least once a week additionally rabbits need to be handled regularly to build their comfort level with people she said they require daily time outside of the cage for exercise and bonding with your family the best rabbit cage should have a solid bottom with bedding and be located indoors rabbits also appreciate multiple levels to climb around and love to play with toys and relax in hiding areas zalesak said if youre wondering what to feed a pet rabbit zalesak said rabbits dont just eat carrotscontrary to what bugs bunny tells us rabbits eat an array of forage including fresh hay (which should be available at all times) and grass leafy greens such as kale and spinach are also great for rabbits zalesak said however watery greens such as iceberg lettuce should be avoided as they can cause diarrhea apple slices carrots and broccoli make great treats for rabbits but should be limited due to high sugar content additionally rabbits should be fed high-fiber low-protein pellets to ensure they are getting all their key nutrients pet rabbits also need regular checkups at the veterinarian much like dogs and cats it is important to find a veterinarian who can see your pet rabbit and do yearly health checkups zalesak said this usually requires finding an exotic veterinarian as not all veterinarians have experience with rabbits rabbits need to be spayed or neutered and may require regular teeth trimmings rabbits are also susceptible to parasites like fleas and mites and will need veterinary care to ensure their well-being as a reminder zalesak said children should not be the sole care-provider for rabbits and young children should always be supervised when handling their pet rabbit before adopting a pet rabbit both children and adults should be prepared and committed to giving a rabbit a good home because rabbits are the third most commonly surrendered animals to shelters zalesak encourages you to consider reaching out to your local shelter to adopt a rabbit pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+cats are carnivores so they should eat like one march 22 2018 diet can have a big impact on health just like humans cats have special dietary needs to help them stay healthy however feline diets are a lot different than human diets cats are obligate carnivores meaning they require meat in their diet and need little carbohydrates in the wild cats usually prey on small animals such as mice and birds but as a pet a cat might only be preying on a can of cat food because pet cats often dont get the opportunity to hunt for their own food its important for cat owners to mimic the high-protein low-carbohydrate diet their cat would naturally eat in the wild dr deb zoran a professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said the best way to mimic a cats natural diet is to feed them canned food that has a protein content of 40 percent or higher and a carbohydrate content of 10 percent or lowereating canned food will also help your kitty meet their daily water needs cats are used to getting a large percentage of their daily water needs from their diet zoran said adding that if a cat is primarily eating dry food it may have a harder time staying hydrated all dry foods are low moisture so cats that eat only dry foods consume less water and are more prone to dehydration dry food diets can also present other health challenges because they are typically high in fat carbohydrates and calories in fact a high-carb diet can lead to obesity and diabetes zoran said in addition a dry food diet may also upset your cats stomach since cats are not built for carbohydrate digestion and absorption so what should you feed your cat zoran said it is best to choose a canned-food diet that says on the label complete and balanced if you want to feed a homemade cat diet or other type of whole-food diet zoran said thats ok too just make sure to consult a nutritional expert to ensure the diet meets all of your cats needs additionally its ok if you want to give your cat a treat every now and then zoran recommended plain cooked meats that are not seasoned and do not contain onions and garlic which can be toxic other foods that can be poisonous for pets include fruits such as grapes and raisins in fact zoran said to avoid giving your cat fruits and vegetables unless your vet has given you permission there are also many plants that are toxic to cats such as easter lilies they are extremely deadly to cats zoran said chewing on a single leaf can cause kidney failure it is best to know what plants you have before you put them in the house as a cat owner it is your responsibility to keep your pet safe from potentially harmful foods and to take your cats dietary needs seriously as the old saying goes you are what you eat! pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+preventing lyme disease in pets march 12 2018 we all know that pets are prone to getting fleas and ticks but did you know that these pesky parasites could transmit dangerous diseases to your pet maria esteve-gasent phd assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained everything pet owners need to know about lyme disease a tick-borne illness lyme disease can affect both humans and companion animals esteve-gasent said lyme disease is caused by the bacterial pathogen borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted by ixodes ticksalso known as blacklegged or deer ticks the ticks feed on infected animalsmostly wildlifeand incidentally feed on humans and companion animals which spreads lyme disease one of the most common signs of lyme disease in humans is a bulls eye rash on the skin people who are infected commonly experience flu-like symptoms including fever and muscle and joint pain pets (mostly dogs) that are infected with lyme disease experience transient fever anorexia and in some instances arthritis and can go asymptomatic for long periods of time if left untreated lyme disease in people can progress into more chronic and serious disorders such as carditis (inflammation of the heart that can affect the hearts ability to function) and arthritis esteve-gasent said in dogs we can observe kidney failure and heart and neurological complications thus if left untreated in both humans and pets lyme disease can be fatal how can we protect ourselves and our pets from lyme disease by preventing tick bites esteve-gasent said luckily for our furry friends there are a number of successful products that prevent ticks from biting pets there are also vaccines available for dogs however horses and humans are left with minimal alternatives for prevention consequently we must use tick repellents to prevent tick bites esteve-gasent said people can also protect themselves by wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors taping socks to pants can help prevent ticks from accessing human skin antibiotics are used to treat lyme disease in both humans and pets it may take several weeks of treatment to eliminate the bacteria from the infected person or animal you may be wondering with spring right around the corner should we be extra cautious of lyme disease esteve-gasent said the answer depends on where you are in the northeast and midwest the time of the year for lyme disease is spring and summer with fewer cases early in the fall esteve-gasent said in southern regions or warmer regions the risk of infection might be higher late in winter spring early summer and in the fall however if summers are too hot ticks are not very active overall if you go outdoors keep the ticks off regardless of whether it is summer spring or fall a good thing to keep in mind is that if the weather is nice for you and your pets it is also nice for ticks if you spend the day outdoors be sure to dress appropriately and make sure your pet is protected from troublesome ticks and lyme disease pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+snakes as pets (2018) march 1 2018 if youre not into furry animals with four legs perhaps a pet snake might be able to slither into your heart some people may feel squirmy around snakes but these reptiles offer company and stress relief for many people snakes are also low maintenance; they do not require daily walks and they are quiet during the day and at night however there are other factors to consider before getting a pet snake including breed life-span and health requirements dr sharman hoppes clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences suggests snake breeds that may make a suitable pet ball pythons kingsnakes and corn snakes are great hoppes said however large boas and pythons do not make good pets for most people due to their large size if youre thinking about getting a snake you will need to provide a habitat in an escape-proof aquarium hoppes said that owners should provide lighting that produces a day and night cycle temperatures should be 80-85 degrees fahrenheit during the day with a cooler temperature at night that never falls below 75 degrees a warmer basking site that measures around 90 degrees should also be available snake owners should research or ask a veterinarian how to provide the correct temperature since some breeds require warmer or cooler climates hoppes recommends placing a thermometer on the cage to make sure the temperature inside is appropriate bedding is also necessary in creating a safe habitat for your snake bedding can be paper indoor or outdoor carpet artificial turf and aspen chips hoppes said i do not recommend sand because some reptiles may ingest it i also do not recommend pine or cedar as both of these contain oils that are irritating to snakes with infrequent defecation a pet snakes habitat is also an easy clean-up a snake needs a healthy diet to be happy too a snakes diet can range from insects and amphibians to warm-blooded rodents like mice rabbits or birds however hoppes discourages feeding pet snakes live prey it is cruel to the prey animal and can also be dangerous to the snake hoppes said the prey animal if not killed quickly can bite the snake in some cases where the snake is not warm enough or is sick the prey animal may even extensively chew on the snake having a pet snake can be a great experience for reptile lovers however providing a healthy habitat complete with appropriate temperatures is a must; therefore you should consider the amount of time you have to dedicate to maintaining the snakes environment in addition remember to research and consult a veterinarian that is familiar with the health requirements of snakes pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+losing a furry friend february 22 2018 for many of us pets are considered a part of the family while no one wants to think about their pets eventual death that loss is an event that all parents will face as loving pet owners dr sarah griffin lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) said that acknowledging your feelings toward your pets death is the first step in healing sometimes pet owners face guilt or loneliness when dealing with the loss of a pet pet owners may take the blame for accidents such as their pet being attacked by another animal or getting hit by a car recognizing the way you handle grief is important griffin said share your feelings with close friends and family so they can support and encourage you cherishing memories with your pet can also help with grief keeping pictures on shelves and other memorabilia of the pet can help you remember your pet in a positive light children can be especially affected by the loss of a pet sometimes parents struggle with giving their children an explanation of why the family pet is no longer around being honest with children providing emotional support and holding a memorial service for your pet can help children cope according to griffin while losing a pet either from natural causes or because of an accident can be hard in some cases owners are faced with difficult decisions when their pet reaches an age or health condition that no longer allows them to enjoy daily activities euthanizing a pet is never an easy choice but sometimes it may be the best option for your pet one of my professors in veterinary school said she tells clients to pick the pets three favorite things such as toys treats or playtime activities griffin explained when two out of three of those things are gone its time to let them go many pets will continue to eat and drink even when they are in pain keeping a daily record of good vs bad days sometimes helps you see the quality of life they are living pets provide unconditional love and have a unique way of making us feel special the loss of a pet is never easy so dont be afraid to look to others for support pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+pets can have allergies too february 15 2018 with spring right around the corner many of us are bracing ourselves for pesky allergies just like people pets can suffer from allergies too while humans tear cough and sneeze their way through allergy season pets usually deal with allergies differently dr adam patterson a clinical associate professor and chief of dermatology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said every animal has a different reaction to allergies just as people respond to allergies differently however most animals display itch as a hallmark sign of allergic skin disease an itch may be manifested as licking chewing biting rubbing scratching head shaking and/or scooting patterson said common itchy body areas include the face ears paws armpits groin rump and anal region horses may present with an itchy skin disease and/or hives allergens that most commonly irritate pets include fleas pollen molds mites insects danders and food every pet has its own itch tolerance which means the intensity and reason(s) for your pets itch may not be the same as another animal patterson said regardless of the animal allergic patients are prone to bacterial and yeast infections that can cause skin discoloration hair loss pimples scabs and/or ear disease if your pet shows any sign of an allergy it is best to contact your veterinarian so they can properly diagnose the cause of itch your veterinarian can also perform tests to determine the most effective treatment plan to alleviate your pets discomfort we all know how annoying allergies can be so be sure to keep an eye on your pet this allergy season if your pet shows any sign of an allergic skin disease visit your veterinarian to help alleviate your pets discomfort pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pettalk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+february is pet dental health month february 8 2018 dental health in dogs and cats may sometimes be overlooked by pet owners however just like humans pets need regular dental cleanings to keep their gums and teeth healthy as part of pet dental health month dr jr bert dodd a clinical professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained some common dental hygiene issues in dogs and cats poor oral hygiene in dogs and cats can lead to excess tartar swellings in the mouth and severe wear of the teeth (or broken teeth) from chewing on inappropriate objects he said in addition neglected oral health can also lead to gum disease which left untreated can make your pet more susceptible to other health complications for example bacteria in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body and cause infections keeping your pets mouth healthy is easier than you think while your veterinarian can help through routine dental check-ups and treatments most dental health issues in pets can be prevented at home it is best to begin home care when your puppy or kitten is between 8 and 12 weeks old; however it is never too late to start dodd said the first step is to train your pet to accept the brushing of their teeth the best approach is to establish a routine of brushing your pets teeth with gauze that is wrapped around your finger it may be helpful to use beef or chicken broth with dogs or tuna water with cats to get them accustomed to the routine instead of using cleaning agents once your pet is familiar with the daily routine you can switch out the gauze for a finger brush or a soft toothbrush he said then you can incorporate using veterinarian-approved pet toothpaste even if you do regularly care for your pets teeth you should visit the veterinarian if your pet has persistent bad breath or experiences bleeding from the mouth or tooth a change in eating behavior and sensitivity to touch around the mouth; this may be a sign of a more serious dental health condition dodd said keeping your pets mouth healthy can help them live a longer healthier life so as part of pet dental health month consider making a veterinary appointment to have your pets teeth examined your pet will thank you with a smile pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+pets celebrate valentines day every day february 8 2018 with valentines day just around the corner many of us cant help but look at our pets and remember the day we fell in love with them we are fortunate to share our lives with such caring (and cute) animals which is why we do everything we can to keep our pets happy and healthy however pets do a lot for us too they teach us how to love unconditionally and be a good friend they are also there to lend a comforting paw in times of need in the spirit of valentines day dr sarah griffin a lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences described some of the ways our pets show us love and affection cats show affection by purring sitting in your lap rubbing against your leg and following you around griffin said sometimes they may even gently nip or bite you cat owners may also find that their pet brings them toys; random found objects (such as hair ties); or even a small bird or mouse this is considered a present and is a sign that your kitty loves and cares for you dogs show affection through tail wagging licking and playing with their owners griffin said dogs may also curl up next to you for a nap especially after a relaxing walk when this happens it is common courtesy to go ahead and take a nap too with all the love our pets show us its no surprise that they have plenty of love for other animals both dogs and cats will play cuddle groom each other and nap together though dogs and cats are sometimes portrayed as enemies it is actually common for dogs and cats to become cuddle-buddies and friends there is no doubt that pets are a special part of the family this valentines day (and every day) appreciate the gift of unconditional love from your pet reciprocate love not only to your pet but also to the family and friends in your life pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+exercise with your pet this new year january 25 2018 if your new years resolution is to exercise more then consider including your dog in your routine just like humans pets need daily exercise to stay fit and healthyno matter their age or breed dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offered some insight on exercise programs for dogs unless their health prohibits it all dogs need some form of daily exercise eckman said however the amount of exercise depends on the dogs breed and age for example high-energy and working dogs require regular exercise to stimulate them mentally and keep them from getting bored other breeds may only require exercise to maintain or achieve a healthy weight and lifestyle in other words a puppy or younger dog will probably have more energy than an older dog and a chihuahua probably wont be able to walk the same distance as a border collie before beginning any sort of exercise routine eckman recommends having your dogs veterinarian evaluate its health condition work with your veterinarian to develop a diet and exercise program that is tailored for your pet eckman said for example if your pet currently is overweight or lives a sedentary lifestyle you shouldnt take them on a five-mile run the first day in this case eckman said to start slow and gradually work a few minutes of exercise into their routine each day this is where tailoring the exercise to the pet and their individual needs is best eckman said exercising can also benefit dogs that are prone to arthritis hip dysplasia or other health conditions that can affect mobility although it may seem that rest is better for dogs that have joint stiffness or soreness exercising can actually help relieve this discomfort to alleviate pain regular exercise weight management and veterinarian-prescribed medications are key in these pets eckman said you may also rethink your exercise routine for these dogs instead of running or walking try activities such as swimming to reduce impact and help keep their joints moving senior dogs love to exercise and play too in fact eckman said keeping senior pets active is a good way to prolong their overall health and wellness sticking to a new years resolution can be ruff but finding time to exercise with your pet will promote a stronger bond and an overall healthier lifestyle but before you begin an exercise routine for your dog remember to have them evaluated by a veterinarian now get outside and get moving! pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+therapy pets spread love through the community january 17 2018 therapy pets are similar to the average pet because they offer stress relief comfort and affection however therapy animals differ because they are specially trained to travel to and remain calm in various environments such as nursing homes hospitals and college campuses because therapy pets must be able to tolerate potentially stressful situations such as a crowded room of people only pets that have been properly trained and temperament tested should be certified as a therapy pet once certified volunteering with your pet and helping community members can be a fun and rewarding experience kit darling an infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said a lot of evaluation goes into certifying therapy pets potential therapy pets must pass a temperament test which evaluates the animal and its owner as a team and consists of the animal meeting a person it does not know and demonstrating basic obedience commands passing a temperament test is extremely important for the safety of the animal and those interacting with the animal during visits other training such as remaining calm during loud sounds and while being touched in different areas of the body comes in handy while going on visits darling who volunteers with aggieland pets with a purpose (apwap) often takes her therapy dogs to provide emotional relief for those in nursing homes or hospitals in this case darlings dogs must be comfortable around wheelchairs walkers and canes with all the places a therapy pet may travel its easy to see why not all animals are fit to be therapy pets however for the special animals that do have a calm and patient temperament darling said you can start training your pet by introducing it to different people including children and older adults visiting diverse settings such as parks outdoor venues or outdoor restaurants is also a good way to socialize your animal it is also helpful to attend obedience classes darling said socialize your dog or cat with other animals and work with your pet so that they tolerate being touched by you and others if you want to take the steps to certify your animal for therapy work darling recommended finding a local organization to volunteer with such as apwap serving the community and spreading love through therapy pets is really rewarding darling said but remember not all animals are fit to be therapy pets darling reminds pet owners that potential therapy animals must have a calm and stable temperament they should enjoy interacting with people even in large crowds and be tolerant of other animals overall therapy pets should tolerate stressful situations without becoming distressed aggressive or exhibit any behavior that could be dangerous darling said to learn more about apwap visit wwwapwaporg pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+treating pet eye disease and injury january 5 2018 the thought of removing a pets eye can be scary but in some cases eye removal is necessary to improve the pets quality of life dr lucien vallone a clinical assistant professor in the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained how eye removal can be beneficial veterinarians and veterinary ophthalmologists perform an eye removal when an eye has become both painful and blinded by a disease that is unresponsive to medical therapy vallone said the most common cause of this in dogs and cats is from a disease called glaucoma which creates high pressure in the eye eye removal is also performed when an aggressive or malignant tumor invades the eye or nearby structures having just one or no eyes may seem unpleasant but most pets that have had one or both eyes removed experience a dramatic increase in their quality of life most animals are experiencing chronic pain prior to eye removal so most will respond postoperatively by displaying more energy and playfulness vallone said every animal is different but most dogs and cats who have had one eye removed are behaviorally indistinguishable from their two-eyed peers following a surgery to remove the eye pet owners can expect to see some bruising and swelling over the surgical site for three to five days vallone said additionally the pet may have some pain following surgery which should subside within two to three days pets that have had one or both eyes removed will appear as if they are squinting or winking the skin is closed permanently over the area in which the eye was removed and fur typically grows back over the area within three to four weeks after surgery vallone said in cases where eye removal is necessary removing a pets eye can be beneficial and even lifesaving even when a pet is missing one or both eyes they can still live a normal happy life pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+pets as holiday gifts (2017) december 20 2017 giving a pet as a gift this holiday season may seem like a wonderful idea but pets require care and commitment that extends long after the holiday season surprising loved ones with a fuzzy friend is tempting but there are a number of facts to first consider in order to avoid being unprepared when bringing a pet home giving the gift of companionship requires a considerable amount of research and preparation there can be many reasons why a pet may be unsuitable for a home such as if the receiver is not financially or mentally prepared for a pet dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained how pets can often come with hidden expenses pets even healthy ones require a financial commitment for basic needs such as food collars and leashes as well as medical needs such as basic vaccinations she said unexpected illnesses or injury may also add to that financial burden which can be too much for some owners to handle other reasons a pet may not be an appropriate gift is if the receiver is allergic to pets if the receiver does not have an appropriate place to keep the pet or if the receiver does not want or have time to commit to a pet taking care of a cat or dog is a responsibility that is often simplified in the minds of children but the reality is that pets need care throughout their entire lifetime giving a pet as a gift to children who are not yet responsible enough to care for it can lead to pets being seen as play-things rather than living and dependent animals eckman said adults often take on the responsibilities of feeding bathing and cleaning up after the pet when the initial newness of the pet wears off but sometimes adults are guilty of neglecting the pet too especially if they were unaware of the financial commitment from the beginning this can lead to many pets entering shelters for the remainder of their lives or until another family adopts them eckman said although there are many reasons why giving a pet as a gift can be a bad idea a pet can make a great holiday gift for someone if the proper amount of research and preparation is done if the receiver has expressed their commitment to a pet proven their responsibility and are financially and mentally ready for a pet the gift giver must then consider the receivers pet preferences for gender and breed adoption is also a great option especially if the new owner prefers an older dog or cat many pets are patiently waiting in shelters for a forever home and the adoption staff at a shelter will be able to help you choose the perfect pet for the new owner eckman said although giving a pet as a gift this holiday season may seem like a good idea there is a considerable amount of research and preparation involved in bringing a pet into a new home especially if it is a surprise to the new owner if the receiver has proven their responsibility and expressed their desire for a new fuzzy companion be sure to consider their pet preferences as well as adoption pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+holiday travel: should pets come along december 13 2017 will you be traveling this holiday season if so will you bring your dog or cat with you some pets love traveling with their owners but others should be left at home with a trusted caregiver that will take good care of your pet you may also consider taking your pet to a highly recommended boarding facility how can you decide the best option for your dog or cat if you have a cat dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said most cats are best left at home with a pet sitter this allows the cat to stay in its own environment eckman said if a pet sitter is not an option then a boarding facility with a separate cat area is a good idea if you have a dog they can also be housed in a boarding facility boarding facilities house a large number of kennels for dogs and cats to stay in the kennels are various sizes and some may even have outdoor access however if you choose to board your pet be sure that the boarding facility is clean and your pets are up-to-date on all required vaccinations vaccines can help protect your pet from common viruses found in boarding facilities you should also ask yourself: how often are the pets fed does the staff seem knowledgeable and caring are veterinary services available will my pet be comfortable in the kennels provided will my pet get adequate exercise eckman said in addition be sure to tour the facility before you decide to use their services this will help in deciding the best boarding kennel for your pet if a pet sitter or boarding facility isnt your pets style perhaps they would rather be with you taking your pet for a road trip is certainly an option; just be sure to secure your pet in a kennel and give your pet a bathroom break every two hours if your pet will be traveling on an airplane bus or train please make sure to call ahead to make arrangements for their travel you may need to pay additional costs to travel with your pet and provide up-to-date shot records as a guest at another persons house be sure to let your host know that youre bringing a furry friend keep in mind that your pet will be in a different environment with new people smells and potentially other pets so keep a watchful eye on them if other pets are in the house consider providing a safe space for your pet where they can be alone with the holidays just around the corner be sure to make arrangements for your pets if you plan on traveling knowing your pets are happy and safe during the holidays is the best gift of all pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+does your horse need extra care this winter december 8 2017 texas may have mild winters but that doesnt mean temperatures cant drop below freezing on these cold days how can you help your horses stay warm in general horses coats are enough to keep them warm in the winter even in snowy weather said leslie easterwood clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences but for owners who clip their horses coat short during the winter it is necessary to provide your horse with ways to stay warm one way to help your horse stay warm is by providing shelter a closed-in barn is nice but not required easterwood said generally as long as the horse has some way of escaping the weather their coats should be adequate in maintaining body heat horses generally grow enough hair to stay warm easterwood said the worst weather for them is when conditions are wet and windy if they have a shelter to avoid the wind and rain then they will be more comfortable another way to keep your horse warm is to provide a horse blanket blanketing is not a necessity for most horses in texas but blanketing is essential for horses with clipped coats however as the temperatures warm up throughout the day the blanket will need to be changed to prevent sweating a horse that sweats under their blanket may fall ill if staying warm requires more calories would it help to feed your horse a more calorie-dense diet in the winter it depends on the horses activity according to easterwood most horses normal diets are sufficient through the winter but if you are regularly exercising your horse or the horse is underweight you may consider increasing their caloric intake usually owners ride less in the winter which could allow for energy to be diverted to keeping warm easterwood said but if owners continue to ride during the winter it could be necessary to provide more roughage for the horses the winter months in texas may not be as cold as other places but horses with clipped coats may still find the weather to be too cold to bear if youre going to clip your horses coat during the winter be sure to find other ways to help them stay warm pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+heart murmurs in dogs november 30 2017 when a veterinarian uses a stethoscope to listen to your dogs heart chances are that the heart will sound normal however in some cases a veterinarian may hear an abnormality such as a heart murmur sonya wesselowski a clinical assistant professor of cardiology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said heart murmurs are abnormal heart sounds caused by turbulent or rapid blood flow within the heart in dogs heart murmurs are usually the result of a leaky or narrowed heart valve heart murmurs are not always a cause for concern wesselowski said that some soft heart murmurs could be normal in growing puppies less than 6 months of age however most heart murmurs in dogs do indicate that there is an underlying abnormality of the heart in some cases the heart murmur could be caused by a congenital heart defect the dog was born with or due to a heart disease that develops later in life how can you know if your dog has a heart murmur wesselowski said that regular examinations with your veterinarian are crucial for detection of heart murmurs as a heart murmur itself does not cause any signs or symptoms instead a heart murmur is a finding that suggests a cardiac problem may be present if a heart murmur is detected in your dog wesselowski recommended additional testing to investigate for an underlying heart condition a cardiac ultrasound also known as an echocardiogram is the definitive test to determine the cause of your dogs heart murmur and diagnose any underlying heart disease wesselowski said your veterinarian may also choose to perform an x-ray of your dogs chest as an initial screening test to look for evidence of heart enlargement even if a dog is not showing signs of heart disease such as lethargy exercise intolerance cough difficulty breathing or fainting spells further investigation into the cause of a heart murmur is always a good idea wesselowski said these tests can help to determine if your dog would benefit from starting cardiac medications or if they should have more frequent check-ups to monitor their heart condition in general most heart murmurs are an indication of an underlying heart condition and should be taken seriously if your veterinarian detects a heart murmur be sure to investigate the murmur and determine the best way to protect your dogs heart health pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+thanksgiving 2017 pet safety november 19 2017 although you may consider your pet a part of the family there are many reasons why he should not join you at the dinner table during thanksgiving dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained why turkey is often the main course of a thanksgiving meal if you decide to treat your pet to a piece of turkey be sure it is boneless and thoroughly cooked just as you would for yourself to prevent salmonella poisoning fully cooked and boneless ham is also ok to feed your pet however eckman said to avoid giving your pet ham that has excess fat and is seasoned with additional sugars fatty foods can upset your pets stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea this can progress to dehydration or pancreatitis if the food is different from your pets regular diet its more likely they will have digestive upset eckman said vomiting and diarrhea secondary to table food ingestion are the most common reasons we see pets in the emergency room or veterinary hospital after the holidays you should also avoid letting your pet chew on any sort of leftover bones including ham and turkey bones as they can be problematic to the digestive tract bones can become lodged in the throat or esophagus and can cause problems throughout the intestinal tract eckman said they can also splinter and the bone may require surgery to remove raw dessert batter is also unsafe for your pet be sure to keep fidos nose out of the mixing bowl to prevent any consumption of raw eggs which are sometimes contaminated with salmonella if you are planning on making homemade bread raw yeast bread dough can also pose as a threat to your pet if consumed the yeast will continue to convert the sugars in the dough to carbon dioxide gas and alcohol resulting in a bloated drunken pet this can be a life-threatening situation that can require hospitalization raisins and grapes which can cause kidney damage and chocolate which can be fatal for dogs should also be kept out of your pets reach if you absolutely must provide a special holiday treat for your pet there are safe options that will still leave fido begging for more try sticking as close to your pets normal diet as possible by offering them a bowl of their usual food mixed with lean boneless and skinless pieces of turkey if you have fresh vegetables available such as green beans or sweet potatoes they will make an excellent addition to your pets healthy thanksgiving feast to ensure your pets safety this thanksgiving be sure to keep them away from any harmful food products in the spirit of the holiday season your pet will be forever grateful for keeping them healthy during thanksgiving dinner pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+pet cancer awareness month november 14 2017 many of us know someone whose life has been impacted by cancer unfortunately cancer can also occur in our pets as part of pet cancer awareness month dr heather wilson-robles associate professor and dr brandan wustefeld-janssens a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences discussed everything owners need to know about cancer in pets one of the most common types of cancer in pets is skin cancer wustefeld-janssens said primary care veterinarians can usually treat cancerous skin tumors without referring the pet to specialty care however more serious types of cancerincluding tumors that appear in the bone mouth glands (such as anal sacs) or lymph nodesmay require surgery radiation and/or chemotherapy in some situations wilson-robles said a combination of treatments may be necessary to prevent the cancer from relapsing for example an animal may undergo surgery to remove a cancerous tumor but that doesnt mean the animal is free of cancer cells the animal may still need chemotherapy to remove remaining cancer cells from the body which can help prevent the cancer from developing again one thing to consider when looking for a cancer treatment is finances though pets are often considered family cancer treatment for our furry friends can get expensive wustefeld-janssens suggested working with your veterinarian to find the most cost-efficient treatment plan in addition wilson-robles suggested looking into pet insurance (when you first get your pet) to help cover the cost of cancer treatment there are also clinical trials you can find at vetcancertrialsorg or the american veterinary medical associations online database clinical trials are partially or fully funded programs that determine the effectiveness of a treatment ultimately clinical trials are an experimental therapy wilson-robles said if we knew everything about it we wouldnt need to do the trials however your animal could be getting cutting-edge medicine that they otherwise wouldnt have access to however wilson-robles added that in some situations there are no good options for cancer treatment this may be because the animal is not strong enough to ensure cancer treatment or the cancer is too complicated and dangerous to treat (instead ) you may consider taking your pet home and keeping him comfortable wilson-robles said this includes providing the pet with any veterinarian-prescribed medications clean bedding any comfort items (such as toys) and food and water if desired you can even look into hospice care you may be wondering how can i know if my pet has cancer there are signs that may indicate cancer but these symptoms can also be associated with other diseases and conditions report any abnormalities such as a lump or a bump on the body unexplained weight loss limping or lameness swelling or bleeding to a veterinarian the sooner you do this the better early intervention is important wustefeld-janssens said if you notice something abnormal do not wait to show it to your veterinarian; a tumor the size of a grape is a lot easier to treat than one the size of a football keeping your pet in general good health is the best way to help prevent cancer wustefeld-janssens added this includes regular exercise feeding your animal a well-balanced diet and seeing the veterinarian for regular (at least once-a-year) checkups though a cancer diagnosis can be scary there are many treatment options available however the best treatment is preventative care remember to practice healthy habits with your pets and report any abnormalities to your veterinarian in a timely manner pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+dog park etiquette november 2 2017 does your dog need a change of scenery consider taking fido to the dog park where he or she can play exercise and socialize with other dogs and people these activities can benefit your dog both physically and mentally but that doesnt mean fido should be free to roam the park without your supervision kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offered a few tips to ensure your pets safety at the dog park you should watch your dog at the park and dont be distracted darling said pay close attention to the dogs and their body language interrupt play if necessary to calm their behavior and remove your dog if it is afraid or being bullied by others in addition it can be helpful to leave toys at home to avoid your pet from guarding their toys how do you know when to break up a play-date darling said any play that seems questionable should be stopped because it could lead to a fight questionable behaviors include stalking possessiveness over a toy (such as aggressive tug-of-war) and wrestling if more than two dogs are involved or if one dog is always on the bottom aggressive behavior such as neck biting excessive barking pinning another dog down and snapping at other dogs are inappropriate for the dog park and should be stopped immediately other safety concerns for the dog park include the spread of infectious disease and parasites darling said it is important for dogs going to parks to be on medications that prevent heartworms fleas and intestinal parasites dogs should also be up-to-date on their vaccinations so it is best to leave puppies at home until they have all their shots if you plan on visiting the dog park often ask your veterinarian about bordetella and leptospirosis vaccines it is advisable for dogs that have contact with other dogs to be vaccinated for bordetella commonly known as kennel cough a contagious respiratory disease darling said in addition consider vaccinating for the leptospira bacteria which can be exposed to your dog in ponds with stagnant water or by contaminated urine from wildlife if you and your pet are looking for a new adventure you may find one at the dog park but before you grab your leash and head out the door make sure your pets health is protected and you are ready to supervise your pet pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical science stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+keep your pets safe this halloween october 29 2017 children and adults may love the spooky traditions of halloween but our pets are less likely to appreciate the costumes masks and parties associated with halloween night kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences recommended a few tips to keep your pet safe this halloween keep candy secure from pets darling said many candies are toxic to pets such as chocolates candies and gum containing the sugar-free sweetener xylitol are also toxic additionally lollipops and other candies with plastic wrappers can cause intestinal blockage if ingested darling said be sure to clean up candy trash and store candy on a high shelf to prevent pets from reaching it other halloween safety concerns to keep away from your pets include candles pumpkins pumpkin seeds corn lights and electrical cords these objects are a hazard if consumed or chewed on by your pet if you suspect your pet has ingested a dangerous item darling recommended contacting the animal poison control center at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian pet owners may want to dress their pet for halloween night but this may not be the best idea darling said pets shouldnt be dressed in halloween costumes unless you know they are safe and comfortable wearing the outfit make sure the costume does not restrict your pets movement hearing sight or breathing additionally costumes with lights or batteries are a safety hazard and should be avoided keeping pets in a secure location will ensure they are protected from pranksters who may steal tease and injure them black cats should be kept inside for several days before and after halloween because they are at risk for being the target of a halloween prank trick-or-treaters or party guests also may startle your pets which is another good reason to reserve a safe and secure place for your pets to stay on halloween night continuous doorbell ringing and people at the door in costume may stress your pet darling said put your pet in a secure location such as a crate or room away from the front door this will help minimize stress and will keep your pets from running out the front door although pets should have an identification on them at all times it is especially important on halloween night human and vehicular traffic may frighten animals and cause them to run from the safety of your home if you are going to take your pet trick-or-treating with you walk them on a leash and provide them with a reflective collar or tape so they are more visible at night darling also recommended a form of identification that could not come off such as a microchip halloween is a fun night for people of all ages but it is important to keep in mind your pets safety when planning parties and participating in other halloween traditions nobody wants to spend halloween night searching for a lost pet or sitting in the emergency room of a veterinary hospital so be sure to put your pets safety first pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+is your horse safe from equine infectious anemia october 20 2017 horses are beautiful and strong creatures but they still depend on their owners to keep them healthy one disease horse owners should be aware of is equine infectious anemia (eia) a virus that can destroy red blood cells causing weakness anemia and death dr michelle coleman assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained how the disease is spread eia is an infectious viral disease coleman said the most common mode of transmission of eia is by the transfer of virus-infected blood-feeding insects such as horse flies it can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated syringes surgical equipment or the transfusion of infected blood or blood products although uncommon transmission can also occur through the placenta in infected mares there is no treatment or safe and effective vaccine available for this disease so horses that are positive for eia should be isolated from other horses most horses infected with eia also do not show any signs of illness or disease so it is important to constantly maintain good hygiene and disinfection principles such as controlling insects in the horses environment if you plan on traveling with your horse all horses shipped across state lines must be tested for eia and have a negative result within 12 months of transport furthermore all horses sold traded donated or entering a sale or auction must test negative for the disease fortunately regulatory control of eia has made this disease relatively uncommon in the united states despite the disease becoming less common coleman reminded horse owners to be aware of eia and routinely test all horses with proper hygiene and effective health routines horses across the nation can be kept safe from equine infectious anemia pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+amputating a pets limb october 12 2017 for many pet owners the thought of their furry friend losing a limb can be scary or sad however pets with certain conditions such as bone cancer can benefit from amputating a limb in fact in some situations amputation can actually improve a pets quality of life dr jacqueline davidson clinical professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained how animal amputees can still live normally amputation can definitely improve a pets quality of life particularly when the pet is in pain that cannot be controlled with medication davidson said most pets do so well with three legs that they can return to their previous level of function within several weeks after the surgery some of the most common reasons for amputating a pets limb include cancer in the leg and severe trauma that damages the limb so much that it is not possible to treat it in other cases the limb can be saved but the cost of treatment is too expensive for clients other reasons for amputation may be nerve damage to a leg or a severe infection that is not treatable with antibiotics no matter the reason amputation is a major surgery that requires anesthesia and recovery time how quickly the pet recovers after surgery depends on the reason for amputating the limb if the pet was already lame because of pain from the cancer or trauma then the pet may be almost immediately more comfortable after surgery davidson said in situations where the pet was still using the leg it may require several weeks to develop strength in the other legs regardless almost every pet will be up and walking as soon as they awaken from the anesthesia in other cases such as when only the lower part of the leg needs to be removed pets can be fitted with a prosthetic leg davidson explained that most pets will use the prosthetic leg within minutes but there is a break-in period during which the pet gets accustomed to the prosthetic by gradually increasing daily wear time some pets have personalities that are not well-suited for a prosthesis or they function just as well without one davidson said although prostheses can be beneficial for some pets they require additional expense and dedication on the clients part missing a limb doesnt mean missing out on any fun; amputees can live a normal happy life pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+is your pet obese october 5 2017 like humans pets can develop excess body fat that can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes or degenerative joint disease but how can you tell if your pet has obesity in recognition of national pet obesity awareness day on oct 11 dr audrey cook associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offers some insight it can be hard for owners to determine if their pet is at an ideal weight so ask your veterinarian for their opinion cook said in addition you can check your pets weight regularly at home to catch weight gain early obesity is a serious health condition that can directly impact a pets lifespan and quality of life for instance an obese pet may have difficulty breathing become fatigued with routine exercise and be unable to groom itself effectively although obesity is treatable in most cases it takes time and dedication to a create and maintain a healthy lifestyle in general feeding the appropriate amount of a high-quality diet combined with regular exercise and limited treats is the best way to keep your pet in good shape cook said with so many different brands of pet food available creating a high-quality diet can be confusing or even challenging cook advises that consulting with your veterinarian about the ingredients in your pets food can ensure that your furry friend is getting the nutrients they need as far as exercise aim to give fido a daily walk and encourage indoor fluffy to play chase toys and hunt for food besides diet and exercise there are other factors that may contribute to the development of obesity in pets including orthopedic disease which can limit an animals mobility or an under-active thyroid gland (more common in dogs) which can cause substantial weight gain in addition cook said that some medicationsparticularly steroidscan increase appetites and encourage weight gain to provide your pet with a healthy and happy life consult your veterinarian about keeping a balanced lifestyle and choosing the right food for your pets nutritional needs pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+does your pet have a hot spot october 2 2017 have you ever noticed your pet excessively licking biting or scratching a specific area on their body this behavior can lead to an infection in the upper layer of the skin otherwise known as pyotraumatic dermatitis or a hot spot dr alison diesel clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained what commonly causes these areas of raw red skin hot spots are typically caused by an inflammatory insult including allergies insect bites or other causes of itch in dogs and cats diesel said we most commonly see hot spots on the back or rump of dogs due to flea-allergy dermatitis and behind the ears due to underlying and unaddressed ear infections while hot spots can occur in just about any breed of dog or cat dogs with longer hair coats seem to be more prone to this skin condition especially during warmer months when it is humid to keep your pets itching and scratching from causing an even deeper skin infection diesel said it is best to have a hot spot evaluated by a veterinarian right away treatment often relies on breaking the itch-scratch cycle addressing the infection and keeping the pet from further traumatizing the wound diesel said this may involve a combination of anti-inflammatory medications topical antiseptics and a local treatment for the wound in addition some sort of mechanical barrier such as an e-collar or t-shirt can help stop the pet from causing a deeper infection while there is a possibility that a pets hot spots will recur the best chance for prevention is to address the underlying cause this would include consistent flea prevention treatment of ear infections and identifying and managing allergies under the direction of a veterinarian diesel said pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+adopting adult pets september 21 2017 when considering getting a new pet we often think of adopting a puppy or kitten however adult pets are just as loveable and can sometimes even be a better fit dr christine rutter clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the advantages of adopting an adult pet adult pets are typically not as motivated to destroy property such as shoes blinds and furniture rutter said adult pets are often already housebroken or take to housebreaking quickly which saves the rugs and carpeting in addition adult pets are less likely to break the bank depending on the health status of the adult pet when it is adopted it is possible that caring for adult pets is less expensive than puppies or kittens juvenile pets need a series of vaccinations deworming treatments and may even need to be spayed or neutered rutter said just like people young animals are also more susceptible to infections and viruses which can land them in the veterinarians office the cost of these services add up however adopting older pets also can come with its own challenges rutter said its common for adult pets in shelters to have a range of special needs from simple fixes to complex treatments its always important to have a veterinarian evaluate any new pet and perform a routine health screening rutter said a veterinarian can also assess the approximate age of an adult pet and make recommendations for follow-up intervention and care if needed as you should with any pet be sure to look for signs of illness at home any weight loss excessive drinking or urination decreased appetite pain or chronic diarrhea or vomiting should be reported to a veterinarian while each animal is different caring for an adult pet may be an easier experience than raising a puppy or kitten if you are considering adopting a pet be sure to give an adult pet a chance pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+when is your cat hiding illness or injury september 14 2017 we do our best to take care of our feline friends but sometimes signs of pain and sickness go unnoticed dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences described feline behavior that could mean a cat is hiding an illness injury or other underlying health issue cats tend to hide their symptoms which is probably due to survival instinct eckman said most signs of illness or injury are subtle including sleeping more than normal; not getting up to greet you if that is normal behavior; or laying and sleeping in the same position for long periods of time other changes pet owners should be aware of include the cat withdrawing or being reluctant to be petted changes in litter box habits and vomiting can also indicate underlying issues in addition owners should keep an eye on their pets food and water bowl; any changes in appetite and water consumption may mean their cat isnt feeling well since it can be hard to notice subtle changes in your cats behavior going to regular veterinarian check-ups can help identify illness or areas of pain and discomfort before they become a more serious health concern your veterinarian will be able to monitor vital signs such as temperature heart rate and respiratory rate as well as check for weight loss or weight gain eckman said as your cat ages your veterinarian also may recommend laboratory tests to identify or follow-up on any health abnormalities such as frequent urination or a decrease in appetite overall regular veterinarian visits are key in protecting your cats health even if your cat seems fine it is always a good idea to visit the veterinarian at least once a year pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+introducing new pets into the household september 7 2017 bringing home a new furry friend can be an exciting experience however there are a lot of responsibilities to consider in pet ownership including time energy and commitment after all pets are a part of the family too dr sarah griffin lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said to carefully consider pet ownership especially if children are in the picture pets can be great additions to a family but parents must be leaders in showing children how to interact with and care for the pet griffin said younger children need constant supervision when they are interacting with the pet so that the child is not accidentally harmed and the pet is not traumatized by rough handling additionally parents should be attentive to signals that the pet is stressed such as a tucked tail or pinned ears in this case the pet may be overwhelmed and need a safe place in the home for quiet time for dogs this could mean the crate griffin said cats prefer towers or condos to climb on and get away from the chaos below if pets are already living in the household owners should determine whether the existing pets would get along with new pets in general griffin said kittens and puppies are more accepting of new pets while older cats and dogs may require some time to adjust to the change in their lives for introducing a cat to another cat or kitten griffin suggested housing the new cat in room that can be closed with a door for a least a month this way the new cat can get familiar with their new home the cats will be able to smell each other but wont be able to have any face-to-face interaction griffin said after this adjustment period the cats can be allowed to meet through a baby gate or kennel this will limit any physical or threatening contact and safely allow their first face-to-face interaction a similar method can be used for introducing a cat to a dog however when the face-to-face interaction is allowed the dog should be on a leash so they dont accidentally or intentionally hurt one another make sure there is an escape route if the cat feels threatened griffin said when introducing two dogs to each other griffin recommended keeping both dogs on leashes until neither animal is showing any signs of aggression additionally taking the dogs to a neutral territory such as a park or front yard for an initial introduction can help the animals be more accepting and less territorial feeding in separate areas can also decrease the chance for aggression although it is easy to fall in love with an animal it is not always easy to care for them before bringing home a furry friend be sure you and your family are ready for the responsibilities of pet ownership pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+september is national disaster preparedness month august 31 2017 when a disaster strikes there is often little time to prepare our homes families and pets for the damage to come thankfully disaster relief teams such as the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary emergency team (vet) can help in times of need dr angela clendenin public information officer for the vet explained the multiple responsibilities of the team people are often unable to evacuate their pets to safety before a disaster hits which may mean separation from owners and access to food and clean water clendenin said the debris and pollutants in the environment as a result of a disaster can also lead to injuries the vet serves to provide support for animal care until the local veterinary community is able to take over and care for their fellow residents and their pets another responsibility of the vet is providing veterinary support and care to the search and rescue canines operating in the disaster area veterinary care has been shown to extend the ability of search and rescue dogs to work in the field from three to four days to six to eight days clendenin said as texans recover from the catastrophic effects of hurricane harvey the vet is deployed and helping furry friends that were impacted by the disaster luckily for animals in the area the vet is experienced in treating multiple species additionally the vet is equipped to help animals in any health condition the types of injuries the vet sees include burns salt toxicity toxicity due to contaminated water or grass lacerations broken bones snake bites and injuries due to flying debris clendenin said most of the diagnostic and treatment tools used by the vet is similar to that found in any veterinary clinic but one unique piece of equipment developed and used by the vet is a self-contained decontamination unit the unit is designed to allow two people to safely and effectively wash and rinse contaminants off dogs and smaller mammals contaminated water is then collected in a tank for appropriate disposal as part of national disaster preparedness month clendenin reminded pet owners to make an emergency pet kit for when disasters such as hurricane harvey impact our lives one of the best ways to prepare your pet for a potential disaster is to create a ‘go kit of necessary documents and supplies which people can easily grab and transport with them in the event of an evacuation clendenin said in the case that pet and livestock owners get separated this kit should include photos of pets and descriptions of where livestock is located using gis coordinates if possible ensuring your pets and livestock are microchipped or visibly tagged or marked is also a way to identify animals and establish ownership in addition be sure to pack a few days supply of food water medications and comfort items for your pets if you would like more information on what to pack in your emergency kit clendenin recommended visiting https://wwwreadygov/animals disasters are unpredictable and can cause serious damage to our homes and loved ones including our pets a disaster can happen to anyone at any time so be sure to take caution and prepare follow the texas a&m veterinary emergency team on facebookto learn more about the texas a&m vet visit txag/vetspirit2017 pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+eye infections in horses august 26 2017 eye infections are common in horses and can negatively impact training and quality of life however many eye infections can be prevented dr lucien vallone clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences provided some insight on preserving your horses vision when dealing with eye infections early intervention is important vallone said one way to help preserve your horses overall eye health is to report any changes in eye condition to a veterinarian immediately a healthy eye should not have excessive tearing squinting or any ocular opacity that causes the eye to change from its normal coloration vallone said that some eye infections in horses such as those of the cornea can be caused by bacteria and fungi other serious eye conditions include tumors of the ocular surface and eyelids with the most common tumor being squamous cell carcinoma a form of skin cancer another common cause of eye infections includes equine recurrent uveitis (eru) a disease characterized by eye inflammation vallone said the damage from this disease is progressive and can lead to scarring within the eye cataracts glaucoma and even blindness this disease has no cure but it can be treated by reducing the amount of inflammation in the eye as needed many eye infections also can be caused by hazards in the horses environment such as excessive dust sharp fence posts or other obstacles it is important to check your horses eyes daily to prevent any infection from worsening without treatment horse eye infections and diseases could lead to serious conditions including blindness our biggest fear of not treating an equine eye condition is that we could miss the opportunity to preserve vision and comfort vallone said early intervention is best and can help lead to a positive outcome pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+game warden and veterinarian couple save fawn august 17 2017 when we think of veterinarians we typically see them caring for house pets such as cats and dogs however veterinarians gain experience in treating a variety of animals including livestock pocket petssuch as gerbils or hamstersand even wildlife dr alice blue-mclendon clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) explained the important role veterinarians play in animal emergencies by telling the story of leva an 8-week-old white-tailed fawn we recently started caring for leva at the cvms winne carter wildlife center blue-mclendon said we call her our ‘miracle baby because she survived her mothers fatal accident thanks to a husband and wifea game warden and veterinarian respectively the game warden who was called to assist with the situation found levas mother with three fractured legs and severe head trauma blue-mclendon continued then he saw legs ascending from the birth canal and realized she was in labor he knew the fawn was still alive because the legs were moving with that kind of trauma it was amazing that she survived for the first six weeks of levas life she was bottle-fed and cared for by the game wardens wife a veterinarian who had recently graduated from texas a&ms cvm after struggling to find a rehabilitation center that would accept the fawn and help her regain her health so she could be released back into the wild the couple contacted blue-mclendon because of our educational permit leva can live here the rest of her life and will be taken care of blue-mclendon said shell eventually join our herd of white-tailed deer and also interact with students who are interested in caring for wildlife though leva was in dire need of veterinary care blue-mclendon reminded community members that wildlife especially fawns are best left alone unless they are in life-threatening danger or are injured a lot of people find fawns by themselves and think they need to be rescued blue-mclendon explained but its just the nature of fawns to stay hidden; most of the time fawns are not abandoned and their mothers come back the winnie carter wildlife center staff were happy to provide the kind compassionate care that leva needed to survive; no matter the species a veterinarian and in this case a game warden can help save an animals life pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+mobile veterinarians provide care at home august 11 2017 whether you are taking your animal in for their regular check-up or making an emergency visit being evaluated by a veterinarian is a critical part in your pets health but what if an animal is too sick or injured to be transported to the clinic some animals such as livestock may even require a trailer for transport luckily for pet and livestock owners mobile veterinarians are there to help leslie easterwood clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the important role mobile veterinarians play in animal health the most common reason for an owner to use a mobile veterinarian is so that they do not have to transport their animal to a hospital easterwood said there could be a variety of reasons why having the veterinarian come to the farm or home is better such as situations where there are several animals to be treated or the owner does not have access to a livestock trailer though mobile veterinarians are available for home-visits they may also see patients in a clinic with each day being different than the last mobile veterinarians are kept on their feet a typical day for a mobile veterinarian may include appointments in the office with a few farm calls and even surgeries easterwood said some days a mobile veterinarian may not leave the office and other days they may leave early in the morning and not return until after dark despite these veterinarians busy schedules they are prepared to perform an array of procedures and surgeries for different species though some procedures and surgeries are best performed in the hospital setting most routine work can be performed on the farm as well as in the hospital mobile veterinarians care mostly for large animals but there are still small animal veterinarians who will make house calls easterwood added that there are also an increasing number of small animal veterinarians who are willing to make house calls for physical therapy and perform an at-home euthanasia but before you call a mobile veterinarian ask about any additional charges such as travel fees otherwise easterwood said the costs are generally the same no matter the species or condition of health a mobile veterinarian can provide excellent care in the comfort of your animals home pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+toxic plants could harm pets august 4 2017 having plants in your home can make your space more decorative or even calming however certain plants also can be toxic to pets dr christine rutter clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences described some of the potentially dangerous plants in our homes the plants in our homes that are toxic to pets are often colorful and showy rutter said the plants that are the most deadly (especially to cats) are true lilies of the family liliaceae all portions of the plant including pollen are considerably toxic in addition rutter said oleander and sago palms a favorite decorative palm also are dangerous to pets if consumed all parts of sago palms are toxic especially the seeds rutter continued dogs commonly eat the seeds which can cause both immediate and delayed life-limiting effects though we try our best to keep our pets safe we never know when a pet may accidentally ingest something toxic symptoms of toxic plant ingestion include salivating pawing at the mouth vomiting diarrhea weakness altered mentation and agitation it is also possible that an animal may act normal for one to two days after ingestion before the signs of illness are apparent if you think your pet has ingested a poisonous plant rutter recommended contacting the aspca animal poison control (apc) in addition she said to take your pet to see a veterinarian immediately there is a small fee for contacting the aspca apc but it provides great information on many levels rutter said it not only helps owners decide whether or not treatment is necessary but it is also an ongoing resource for veterinarians because it provides the most up-to-date toxin database and treatment recommendations while plants may look beautiful in our homes it is important to make sure they will not harm our pets to be sure a plant is safe rutter recommended referring to the aspcas online list of toxic and non-toxic plants be sure to research any plant before bringing it home pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+disciplining cats and kittens july 27 2017 the innocent look cats give us when they misbehave may melt our hearts but like any pet cats need to be properly trained for both the first-time cat owner and a kitty veteran dr sarah griffin lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences has some advice on training your feline friend kittens are playful and full of energy though biting and scratching are considered undesirable behaviors they are part of the kittens natural instincts to hunt even though no pet owner wants their kitten to see them as prey there are many cat toys available that kittens love and also allow them to interact with their owners in appropriate ways griffin said i recommend redirecting these natural biting and clawing tendencies to toys when the kitten attacks your hand give it a toy to attack and ‘praise the kitten with a gentle pet when it follows your redirection if the kitten is scratching furniture redirect them to a scratching post for older felines that love exploring the highest of places in your home griffin said there are products and home remedies that can be used to keep cats off of furniture or counter tops for instance a sensory buzzer could be used to train a cat to not jump on an inappropriate surface griffin added that many cats dont like walking on foilso try placing foil on areas where the cat isnt allowed until it learns naughty behavior isnt always about how your cat interacts with you; sometimes cats can misbehave in other ways such as refusing to use the litter box but before you blame your kitty for bad behavior griffin said this can be caused by a number of reasons including feline lower urinary tract disease kidney disease arthritis back pain or anxiety in addition your kittys refusal to use the litter box could be related to the condition and placement of the litter box in general i recommend one litter box per cat plus one extra griffin said litter boxes should be kept in a quiet part of the home away from the cats food and water the same type of litter should be purchased each time because cats are creatures of habit it is also important to clean the litter box daily whether your feline is young or old the easiest way to help prevent naughty behavior is keeping them entertained encourage their natural instincts to hunt by providing cat trees places to hide toys that encourage exercise and scratching posts some of the neatest toys that have been created include toy mice that have food hidden inside them griffin said the mice can be placed around the home so that the cat can hunt and play with the mice to get food no matter the age of your feline friend providing entertainment and discipline for your cat is an essential part of pet companionship though many cats have independent personalities every cat needs a little training to be a well-behaved companion pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+veterinary dermatologists help pets look and feel their best july 20 2017 in addition to the burden of fleas and ticks pets can experience skin health issues such as dry skin or allergic reactions fortunately the veterinary dermatology service at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) can help most dermatology cases at the cvm involve health issues with fleas and ticks skin and ear allergies and bacterial and yeast infections on the skin and in the ears dr adam patterson clinical associate professor and chief of dermatology at the cvm explained some of the common reasons pets visit the dermatology service in dermatology were like allergists are to people patterson said animals can be allergic to many things including fleas the food they eat plant pollen or even indoor things such as house dust mites and mold at the cvm we mainly treat allergic skin and ear disease of dogs cats and horses in rare cases veterinary dermatologists at the cvm also treat more serious conditions such as autoimmune diseases of the skin one such case includes waylon a labrador retriever that developed scabs on his nose and painful pimples on his paws his own immune system was attacking his skin patterson said his skin disease called pemphigus foliaceus can occur spontaneously occasionally we believe it can be triggered by certain drugs or vaccines but nothing has been fully proven though veterinary dermatologists are trained to treat emergency cases such as waylons patterson reminded pet owners that these cases are rare however any changes in skin health including the appearance of fleas and ticks itch hair loss or other skin sores should always be reported to a veterinarian skin health is important because it may reflect disease limited to the skin or even signify a potentially more serious illness patterson said whether your pet lives primarily indoors or outdoors taking care of their skin is important to their overall health be sure to consult your veterinarian about any concerns for your furry friends skin pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+preparing your pet for disaster july 13 2017 new orleans la feb 2006 members of best friends rescue join the parade down bourbon street during mardis gras with some of the animals abandoned and rescued from hurricane katrina photo credit: fema/barbara pritchard no matter where you live it is important for you and your pets to be prepared for the types of disasters that can occur in your area such as hurricanes or tornados some disasters can even be so devastating they require evacuation in this case angela clendenin public information officer for the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences veterinary emergency team (vet) said it is best to take your furry family members with you after a disaster strikes the area in and around homes can be quite dangerous for pets clendenin said for example downed power lines can create a tremendous danger for animals especially where a power line has fallen into a home or backyard additionally fencing that has fallen or broken into pieces also can cause injury or death in pets though some choose not to evacuate during a disaster clendenin said for the safety of those in your home including pets it is best to leave early in fact clendenin recommended evacuating as soon as the first notice is issued when evacuation is delayed roads can get jammed with traffic or become impassible with early flooding or debris clendenin said for those who need assistance with evacuating animals resources may become scarce or non-existent as the threat from the disaster gets closer evacuating early ensures that pets and their owners are able to get to safety before the disaster hits despite our best efforts it can be hard to think clearly when preparing to evacuate gathering enough supplies for pets and family members can be stressful and take a lot of timewhich is why clendenin recommended making an emergency pet kit one of the best ways to prepare your pet for a potential disaster is to create a ‘go kit of necessary documents and supplies which people can easily grab and transport with them in the event of an evacuation clendenin said in the case that pet and livestock owners get separated this kit should include photos of pets and descriptions of where livestock is located using gis coordinates if possible ensuring your pets and livestock are microchipped or visibly tagged or marked is also a way to identify animals and establish ownership in addition be sure to pack a few days supply of food water medications and comfort items for your pets if you would like more information on what to pack in your emergency kit clendenin recommended visiting https://wwwreadygov/animals disasters are unpredictable and can affect anyone though we cant control the weather we can control how we react to disasters via our preparedness if disaster is ever near your area be sure to take caution and prepare your family and pets pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+straight from the horses mouth – how to take care of your horses teeth july 7 2017 one of the many responsibilities of horse ownership is providing your horse with proper dental care dr cleet griffin clinical associate professor of equine field services at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said regular dental check-ups will protect your horses overall health comfort and well-being important dental procedures for horses include an oral examination and floating the process of smoothing sharp enamel points on the teeth griffin said horses between 1 and 5 years old should have a dental exam twice a year and mature horses should be examined once a year regular dental check-ups are the best way to take care of your horses teeth but sometimes oral health concerns such as broken teeth or periodontal disease can arise between appointments in this case more frequent exams and treatments may be necessary griffin said some signs of dental disease in horses include slobbering more than usual having difficulty chewing hay and a foul odor coming from the mouth if your horse is showing these symptoms contact your veterinarian additionally other threats to your horses dental health can arise such as cribbing the act of biting down on a fixed object and gulping in air cribbing can cause excessive wear of the incisor teeth griffin said however it doesnt generally interfere with eating and chewing it can be destructive to stall panels fence rails and buckets where the horse bites down though griffin added that it is uncertain why some horses begin to crib but the general consensus is that the behavior may be a horses attempt to pacify stress resulting from boredom inadequate roughage intake or confinement as a horse owner it is your responsibility to take care of your horses teeth so they can live a long healthy life be sure to give your horse a reason to smile by scheduling its next dental check-up today pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+keep your pets safe this 4th of july june 30 2017 many of us celebrate our nations independence day by barbequing and relaxing with loved ones when the sun goes down it is a tradition gather together to admire and enjoy the bright-colored flashes of fireworks that light up the night sky the 4th of july may be a fun-filled holiday for you but for pets the holiday can be potentially scary and hazardous dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor for the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained that pets are at an increased risk during several dangerous scenarios as we celebrate most of the time injuries to pets during the holiday are related to them getting out of the house or yard because they are frightened or having anxiety about the fireworks eckman said the injuries range from minor cuts and lacerations to more serious injuries such as being hit by a vehicle if your dog is frightened by fireworks eckman recommended minimizing the pets exposure to the noise this can be done by finding a safe quiet room in your home where your pet can stay relaxed if your pet is attending your outdoor fireworks show keep them leashed to prevent the dog from running away or jumping a fence in an attempt to find safety in addition eckman said a veterinarian-prescribed medication can help a pet remain calm when loud noises are present especially if the animal is known to have anxiety there are also several products on the market that are designed to wrap around pets making them feel safe in a blanket-like material ultimately people should seek their veterinarians advice on what may work best for their pet eckman said eckman also discourages owners from feeding table scraps to their pets this can lead to an upset stomach vomiting and diarrhea in severe cases a gastrointestinal disorder can develop and obstructions can occurespecially if fido eats a bone or corn on the cob in addition alcohol should never be given to pets because it can be potentially fatal finally if you plan to bring your pet to the party be cautious of the dangers of mosquitos fleas and ticks spraying your pet with insect repellant may seem like a reasonable solution to the bug problem but some sprays are not safe for animals instead use an effective flea and tick repellant prescribed by your veterinarian since heartworms are transmitted to pets through mosquitos a common summer nuisance be sure your pet is taking heartworm preventative before they enjoy the holiday outdoors as a pet owner it is important to consider all of the dangerous situations your pet may experience during the holiday if you are concerned about the dangers your pet may face and want to fully protect them leave your pet at home pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+protecting your pet from the summer heat june 23 2017 summer time in texas means more time to play outside go swimming and soak up the sun however warmer temperatures also mean that pets may be more susceptible to heat exhaustion or heat stroke to help pet owners avoid these risks dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offered some insight heat stroke and heat exhaustion are major problems for pets in the summer especially in short nosed breeds such a pug or a bulldog eckman said these conditions can occur during hot and humid days and even cooler days if your pets arent accustomed to the heat heat exhaustion is the early stages of a heat stroke and causes lethargy vomiting and weakness following continued exercise or exposure to heat eckman said a heat stroke can occur with more severe signs including extreme lethargy vomiting diarrhea and pale mucous membranes this can lead significant problems up to and including death if not recognized and treated immediately other dangers pets may face in the summer heat include paw pad burns from walking on hot concrete if your dog is going to be active outside when it is hot be sure to keep them off concrete or asphalt for extended periods of time you can also provide your pet with other means of exercise such as playing indoors or in the grass eckman added that leaving pets in the car or bed of a truck is also a bad idea this can also lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke in pets even if there is a breeze outside there is no shade or water in the bed of a truck so the temperature can really heat up eckman said though it may seem like a quick-fix to put your pet in cold water if they do become overheated eckman said it is best to slowly cool down your pet to avoid causing more internal heat some people will try to provide ice water baths for overheated pets; this can actually make them retain heat internally eckman said instead bring the overheated pet inside and provide them with cool water and a fan wetting a towel and putting it on the pets coat also may be helpful other tips for keeping your pet cool during the summer include providing a dog house a shallow kiddie pool and enough cool water also try to exercise your pet during the cooler parts of the day such as the morning or evening whether your pet lives primarily indoors or outdoors it is important to protect your pet from the dangers of heat this summer season pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+protecting your pet from canine influenza june 15 2017 at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) veterinarians are working to educate pet parents about the recent outbreak of canine influenza in georgia and florida that could affect dogs in texas just like humans pets can be affected by strains of influenza and experience flu-like symptoms the strains of influenza that affect dogs are highly contagious and spread through particles in the air however the disease is typically not life-threatening when treated and is not transmissible to humans the most common symptoms of canine flu include coughing and lethargy as well as decreased appetite and fever said dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the cvm in some cases the infection can progress to pneumonia especially when the flu is complicated by other respiratory bacteria or viruses the canine flu should be treated as soon as possible if you are worried your pet is experiencing symptoms of the canine flu contact your veterinarian before going in to their office this allows the veterinarian to prepare for the visit and potentially decrease exposure to other pets if you live in an area where the canine flu has been reported consider keeping your dog away from other dogs by staying clear of the dog park or kenneling your dog canine influenza is a relatively new virus in dogs but there are vaccines available to help protect your pet the vaccine does not prevent your pet from getting infected or spreading the virus but it may reduce your pets symptoms the vaccine is recommended for pets that go to dog shows including hunting and agility; are kenneled or boarded; visit grooming salons or doggie day cares regularly; or are around a high number of dogs that visit these areas eckman said if your pet becomes infected with the canine flu a veterinarian can provide supportive care and medications to make the pet feel better in the meantime consider your options for preventing your pet from facing this illness again in the future such as with a vaccine as a pet parent it is important to provide your dog with excellent healthcare talk with your veterinarian about reducing the chances of your dog being impacted by canine influenza pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+why did the turtle cross the road june 9 2017 have you ever wondered why turtles cross the road there are a few reasons why these slow-pokes venture into the street but no matter their agenda we should be cautious of their presence while driving turtles often cross the road after rain events said j jill heatley associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences additionally many times they are female turtles seeking an appropriate place to lay their eggs if you come across a turtle in the road while driving the turtle may benefit from a helping hand to get to safety; however heatley said to be careful in doing so if you can pull safely off to the side of the road and traffic permits you can safely move the turtle to the side of the road in the direction it was headed heatley explained if the turtle is injured you can also take the turtle to a rehabilitator or veterinarian for care even if traffic permits you to save a turtles life you should be careful handling certain turtles for your own safety heatley said some turtles such as the alligator and common snapping turtle can injure a person by biting or jabbing at them with the rear of the shell only experienced individuals should handle these animals heatley said but in the case of box turtles soft-shelled turtles and slider turtles they may be safely handled by grabbing the rear of the shell while wearing lightweight gloves if the turtle needs to be taken to a veterinarian it can be placed in a cardboard box otherwise heatley said uninjured turtles should remain in the wild to live their lives and breed though wild turtles may need our help every now and then you should not risk your own life to save a turtle if you do see a turtle crossing the road drive cautiously and stop to help if needed pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+snake season is here june 1 2017 spring and summer are a great time to get outdoors however warmer temperatures in theses seasons also mean that certain creatures such as snakes will be more active according to texas parks & wildlife the vast majority of texas snakes are harmless and non-venomous but just in case you should always be cautious dr j jill heatley associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said garden snakes a non-venomous group are some of the most common snakes in the bryan-college station area but be careful; venomous snakes also are prevalent common garden snakes in the area include the rough green snake rough earth snake the rat snake and the diamondback water snake heatley said there also are non-venomous snakes in the area that may mimic venomous snakes such as the hognose snake common venomous snakes include the cottonmouth and copperhead though some parks may not require you to keep your pet on a leash it may be a good idea to keep fido controlled in case you do encounter a snake in this situation heatley said to lead your pet away and avoid the snake by taking another path even if the snake doesnt appear to be venomous it is always better to be safe than sorry though we can do our best to avoid snakes when they are visible sometimes they can be hiding in places we least suspect such as in brush in our backyard to help prevent snakes from making your backyard their new home heatley recommended removing all brush and other possible hiding places you can give snakes a warning before doing yard work heatley said get outside and rustle around before working the leaf pile to give snakes time to get out of the way unfortunately snake bites can happen if you or your pet is bitten by a snake move away from the snake and call medical help right away heatley said venom from snakes can damage blood nerves and protein in the body and can even lower blood sugar in addition swelling and pain at the bite-site can occur if a pet is bitten by a snake they should see a veterinarian especially if the bite-site is swelling heatley said if left untreated the bite could develop into a bacterial infection because snake mouths can harbor a variety of bacteria the best way to prevent any trouble with snakes this season is to treat each snake with respect and give it plenty of distance enjoy the great outdoors but always explore with caution pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+gassy pets may 26 2017 while the occasional release of gas from a pet can be funny or even cute excessive tooting may present more of a problem than just being unpleasant to be aroundreleasing too much stinky gas could be a sign of a health problem certain diseases such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and inflammatory bowel disease can cause excessive gas in pets because the amount of gas that a dog or cat produces can be quite variable consult your veterinarian if you notice an increase in the frequency or any signs that your pet may be bloated and uncomfortable in addition to diseases excessive gas can be caused by the food in your pets diet as well as your pets eating habits dr yuri lawrence dvm ma ms diplomate acvim and phd student in the gastrointestinal laboratory at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained some common causes swallowed air from eating or drinking water too fast often makes the largest contribution to gas in the gastrointestinal tract lawrence said diet also could play a roleconsuming soybeans beans peas and other legumes also can lead to excessive gas in these cases changing your pets diet could help lawrence said general ways to reduce gas include feeding a highly digestible diet removing consumables that include legumes and lactose and reducing swallowed air by feeding your pet small frequent meals however be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any changes in your pets normal routine your pet may be your best friend but putting up with flatulence can be annoying if your pet is experiencing excessive gas see your veterinarian for guidance and suggestions pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+feline upper respiratory infections may 18 2017 if your cat has irritated eyes nasal discharge and is sneezing and feeling lethargic they may have an upper respiratory infection (uri) feline uris are commonly caused by certain viruses and spread by exposure to infected cats and their secretions though the viruses that cause feline uris are present within cat populations dr christine rutter clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said many feline uris are preventable through vaccinations and other health precautions avoiding a uri infection includes avoiding contact with infected or carrier cats rutter said keeping cats indoors boosting immunity with vaccination and avoiding dense cat populations such as shelters are key additionally rutter said if one cat in a multi-cat household has a uri all of the feline members of the household should be considered infected and quarantined from cats outside of the household if the uri virus is in your home use a common disinfectant to effectively prevent the virus from spreading to other cats hand washing and changing clothes after handling infected cats will also keep other cats safe from contracting the virus despite these precautions reoccurring symptoms of feline uris may occur in some cats throughout their lives there are limited remedies available for chronically effected cats but rutter reminded owners that most cats can avoid developing a uri through preventative practices however if a cat does develop a uri rutter said supportive treatment is available to help most viruses run their course within seven to 10 days more severe uris may lead to other health concerns such as bacterial infections eye infections and even anorexia in these cases antibiotics plenty of fluids and eye medications may be required to help the cat regain its health fortunately the viruses that cause feline uris are not contagious to dogs and people however remember to vaccinate your cat and regularly visit your veterinarian to prevent your furry friend from developing a uri if you notice that your cat is showing symptoms of a uri be sure to contact your veterinarian pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+potty training pets may 4 2017 getting a new puppy kitten or older cat or dog is an exciting experience but having pets comes with certain responsibilities including potty training it may be a time-consuming process to potty train your pet but dr mark stickney clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said it is necessary to develop a long-lasting positive relationship with your pet inappropriate eliminations are one of the biggest reasons pets are surrendered stickney said developing good bathroom habits early is key to having a pet you will enjoy for a long time potty training should begin as soon as you bring your pet home if youre training an adult dog or a puppy be sure to give them plenty of time to use the bathroom and stay with them until they go then reward the animal with a treat or positive praise so they understand that eliminating outside is good behavior if youre training a kitten or cat stickney said finding a litter box that your pet is comfortable getting in and out of is key additionally if your kitten was using a litter box before it came to live with you it could be helpful to start potty training your pet with that specific litter cats can be texture-and odor-specific with their litter stickney said so if you start with that litter you can gradually transition them to another litter later if you prefer because using a litter box is instinctive for cats the potty-training process could be quicker than with dogs however if your pup is having a hard time learning where it is appropriate to eliminate dont give up there are other strategies pet owners can use to potty train their canine such as crate training crate training takes advantage of a dogs natural inclination to rest in a den stickney explained dogs will not urinate and defecate in their den (crate) because they prefer to eliminate outside if youre going to crate train your dog or puppy stickney said the crate should be large enough for the animal to stand up stretch out and turn around but not any larger additionally maintain a consistent schedule for allowing your pet to go outside a good rule of thumb is the puppy needs to go outside every hour per month of age stickney said so a three-month-old puppy needs to go outside to eliminate every three hours a puppy that begins to whine and become anxious should be taken outside immediately though crate training can be effective stickney said its important to remember that puppies and even adult dogs still will have accidents occasionally in this case stickney said instead of punishing your pup ignore that the accident even happened once an accident happens in the house the puppy has already forgotten what it did stickney said clean up the mess and remove the smell so the puppy does not revisit that spot in addition stickney said if your adult dog or cat is already potty trained and suddenly starts having reoccurring accidents this could be a sign of health problem in this case your pet should see a veterinarian for a check-up no one should pass up an opportunity for pet companionship to keep their home clean and fresh-smelling if youre consistent in your potty training plan both you and your new pet will be happy but remember if youre planning on getting a furry friend patience and positive reinforcement are key throughout the process of potty training pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+finding a fur-ever home april 27 2017 approximately 65 million companion animals enter us animal shelters nationwide every year but only about 32 million are adopted in the same period according to the aspca to bridge the gap between intake and finding a permanent home families can give pets love care and attention by fostering a homeless animal kit darling the infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said fostering provides a home-like atmosphere that animal shelters cannot provide a shelter or rescue group might ask for a pet to be fostered because there is not enough physical space in the shelter to accommodate all pets a puppy or kitten is too young to be adopted and needs a safe place to stay until it reaches the appropriate age or weight for adoption or because some pets need more socialization to increase their chance for adoption darling said injured or sick pets also may need to be fostered to ensure they are healthy enough for adoption some animals such as those that were abused or neglected or are showing signs of stress in the shelter also may benefit from fostering no matter the situation fostering one animal also will benefit other animals in the shelter when you foster a pet you are saving that pets life and creating space at a shelter for another pet darling said additionally fostering pets can be rewarding by helping a pet learn more social skills overcome issues from neglect or abuse or develop better house manners they are more likely to find their forever home fostering also gives animal-lovers an opportunity to determine if they are ready for their first pet or an additional pet it can be hard to say goodbye to a foster animal when a permanent home is found but darling said fostering animals is worth it some people may be reluctant to foster because it is hard to give the animals up darling said while this is sometimes true the experience is still rewarding knowing you helped a pet find a forever home saying goodbye is an opportunity for the adopter to say hello also it can give you the opportunity to help another homeless pet though fostering is a great way to help a local animal shelter and homeless pets the experience may not be fitting for everyone before volunteering to foster darling said to consider your time commitment fostering may be a great option for you if your schedule does not allow for a long-term commitment or you are unsure about a lifetime commitment for a pet darling said the time commitment for fostering could be a few days weeks or months depending on the need if you think you are able to provide a pet tender loving care training to develop house manners or any other need fostering may be for you if you are interested in fostering a pet contact your local shelter or rescue groups darling said they will let you know their requirements and will be excited to have another foster parent to help save a life pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+every cat needs some entertainment april 20 2017 cats are curious creatures that love to run climb hunt and play providing entertainment and activities for your cat keeps them healthier and helps reduce unwanted behavior dr sarah griffin a lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the importance of providing your pet with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation indoor cats live longer healthier lives but can develop undesirable habits if not given enough exercise and mental stimulation griffin said some undesirable behaviors and medical conditions that can develop from lack of stimulation include scratching inappropriate places chewing peeing outside the litter box aggression and obesity several cat toys and supplies on the market make providing your furry friend with entertainment easy for example a cat tower placed by the window could provide opportunities for your pet to exercise play relax and enjoy the scenery outside additionally griffin said cat toysespecially ones with bells feathers fur or pom poms can provide hours of entertainment and some exercise for your kitty toys to encourage your cats natural instinct to hunt are also available these toys can be filled with a treat or cat food and can be hidden in the house when the cat finds the toy they have to play with it to get the food out griffin said hunting toys provide mental stimulation and also a little exercise you also can train your cat to chase laser pointers; however be sure to play safe to avoid any injury to your cat many of our feline friends live indoors but they still may be curious about the outdoors training your cat to walk on a harness or leash will provide both exercise and entertainment for your cat leash walking and having an open window or a screened-in porch can fulfill a cats desire to explore the outdoors griffin said whether your kitty spends most of its time sleeping or begging you to play providing entertainment for your cat is important for its mental and physical health pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+stevenson center gives pet owners peace of mind april 6 2017 from left: dr oj bubba woytek; mattie stevenson with trixie; and kim muth with mackie; lead the way after the ribbon is cut to open the stevenson building expansion in 2013 many of us consider our pets to be a part of the family so it can be tough to imagine our pets life after we are no longer able to provide them care whether pet owners are seriously ill hospitalized for an extended period entering a retirement home or predecease their pet the stevenson companion animal life-care center at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) can help the stevenson center is a state-of-the-art program designed to care for pets whose owners are no longer able to provide that care the staff at the center work hard to ensure both large and small animals including livestock birds and other exotics feel at home by providing for pets physical medical and emotional needs established in 1993 the stevenson center largely was funded through the luse foundation and the late mrs madlin stevenson an avid animal lover madlin said she chose to support the center because animals are especially important to the elderly; this center is dedicated to them and their pets when madlin passed away in 2000 her niece mattie stevenson continued donating to the center and has enjoyed watching the pet utopia grow after two expansions the center is very impressive mattie said animal residents of the center engage in plenty of playtime napping and cuddling with staff and a&m resident veterinary students but of course there are a lot of chores to be done to keep the center clean and the animals happy mattie noted that the staff and students are caring dedicated and professional; they work hard to keep animal residents comfortable you can be confident that the pets you love will have the finest care possible for the rest of their lives mattie said additionally animals enrolled at the stevenson center are in close proximity to the cvm and are guaranteed excellent veterinary care in fact before the animals even move into the center they visit the animal hospital for evaluation and a complete physical veterinarians then determine the animals medical history and dietary needs and develop personalized health care programs for each pet though we try to prepare for the future life can be unexpected thats why the stevenson center welcomes pets with open arms when their owners can no longer care for them since none of us knows the future mattie said we love knowing that should something happen to us while our pets are still alive there will always be a wonderful place on the campus of texas a&m university waiting to welcome them home ### if you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the stevenson center visit https://vetmedtamuedu/stevenson-centerfor more information pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+allergy sufferers can have pets too march 30 2017 allergies are among the most chronic conditions worldwide according to the american academy of allergy asthma & immunology though many of us love companion animals some pets especially cats and dogs can cause allergic reactions in people dr mark stickney clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained why some people are allergic to cats and dogs people are typically allergic to the dander and saliva of dogs and cats stickney said cats groom themselves more than dogs so more people are allergic to cats and have more severe symptoms than those allergic to dogs though hypoallergenic pets have become more popular stickney said recent evidence has shown that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog or cat however there are several breeds of dogs and cats that are purported to cause less severe allergic reactions a few examples of dogs that may cause less allergic reactions include labradoodles bichon fries poodles and portuguese water dogs stickney said some examples of cats include devon rex siamese and sphynx if being around cats and dogs is a must stickney said there are some ways to alleviate pet allergies some options include bathing your pet weekly getting a hepa filter for your home designating a pet-free room or area of your house washing pet beds frequently dusting and vacuuming your house regularly and washing your hands after handling a pet seeing a physician about allergy treatment options also may help additionally stickney said some allergic people can consider pets that are not known to cause allergies such as lizards ferrets rats and birds however stickney reminds pet owners to do their research before getting a new pet none of these animals should be ‘impulse buys he said they all have unique husbandry and health care requirements while allergies may affect our choice in pets everyone can find a pet fit for them even allergy sufferers pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+pet poison awareness month is march march 23 2017 there are many common household goods and human habits that can harm pets for pet poison awareness month dr michael ciepluch lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained how to protect your pet from toxins one frequent source of pet toxicity is exposure to common human foods that are toxic to pets such as grapes raisins onions and related plants such as chives shallots and garlic sugar-free gum or any other food containing the sweetener xylitol also can be poisonous other worrisome household items include antifreeze and decorative plants such as sago palm and lilies additionally ciepluch reminded pet owners that it is not safe to treat your pet with over-the-counter pain relievers if your pet needs treatment for pain ciepluch said to consult your veterinarian for pain medications that have been approved for use in pets by the fda if you are ever in doubt call your veterinarian or a local emergency veterinary clinic ciepluch said ciepluch also recommended pet owners to the american society for prevention of cruelty to animals (aspca) website for a list of toxic foods plants medications and other substances the aspca also has as an app that allows pet owners to search toxicities by category for basic information in the case of an emergency the aspca has a 24-hour poison control hotline that can be reached at (888) 426-4435 though the consequences of smoking were not given much thought in the past doctors and researchers began identifying a strong association with smoking and certain cancers in humans causing a wave of concern in recent generations in addition to harming humans secondhand smoke can contribute to the development of many diseases in pets inhaled irritantssuch as cigarette smoke aerosol sprays and perfumescan contribute to the development of chronic bronchial disease in pets ciepluch said this disease is similar to asthma and requires lifelong medication cigarette smoke also contains carcinogens substances that can cause cancer additionally ciepluch said recent veterinary studies have identified a higher risk of certain cancers in pets living in smoking households compared to non-smoking households nicotine exposure in pets also has become more prevalent with the growth in popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping bottom line: dont expose your pet to secondhand smoke ciepluch said alcoholic beverages can also cause health concerns for pets it is best to keep alcoholic beverages out of your animals reach clinical signs of alcohol toxicity include vomiting diarrhea incoordination central nervous system depression difficulty breathing tremors abnormal blood acidity coma and even death ciepluch said pet health is a reflection of the care pets are given the safety of your pets relies entirely on the actions of owners and the choices you make as always consult your veterinarian if you have any concern for your pets health or if your pet gets into a household toxin pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+cataracts could affect your pets vision march 9 2017 if youve noticed your pets eye lenses becoming cloudy or opaque your pet could be developing cataracts though cataracts can decrease vision or even cause complete blindness not every companion animal that develops cataracts requires surgery dr lucien vallone clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained how cataracts can affect pets a cataract is an opacity of the lens vallone said a clear lens is necessary for good vision; thus any opacification can cause decreased vision however not all cataracts are the same some cases of cataracts are so severe they can cause blindness and inflammation in the eye which may cause significant discomfort some cases are small enough they dont interfere with vision at all and should be monitored all pets can develop cataracts but vallone said cataracts are common in dogs several breeds of dogs may be predisposed to cataracts though not every dog within these breeds are affected veterinarians encourage dog breeders to participate in breed-soundness examinations vallone said these examinations screen dogs for any evidence of heritable disease specifically veterinary ophthalmologists will usually recommend prospective pet owners to ask dog breeders if their dogs have undergone yearly eye certification registry (ecr) examinations these examinations are performed by board-certified ophthalmologists and help breeders to eliminate cataracts that are potentially inherited vallone added that cataracts in petsespecially dogscould be a sign of another health concern such as diabetes mellitus in addition to cloudiness of the eyes diabetic animals often display fluctuations in appetite weight thirst and urination vallone said currently cataract surgery is the only treatment for companion animals to restore clarity to the lens vallone said the procedure is similar to cataract surgery in humans but requires general anesthesia topical therapies often can prevent the common and painful complications of cataracts but cannot restore vision if you think your pet may be developing cataracts consult your veterinarian all animals with any form of cataracts should be evaluated by a veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist to help preserve vision and health pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+spaying and neutering pets may be best decision for pet health march 2 2017 although the idea of your pet having surgery can be scary spaying and neutering is a common practice performed by veterinarians that can be beneficial to both you and your pet in fact the decision to spay or neuter your pet may be the best decision for your pets overall health dr mark stickney clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the benefits of spaying and neutering spaying is the removal of reproductive organs in female dogs and cats stickney said spaying has a few general benefits such as owners not having to tend to heat cycles or surprise litters of puppies or kittens benefits to neutering male petsor removing the testiclesinclude decreased urine marking and aggression toward other males in addition neutered male pets are less likely to roam a behavior that typically occurs when females of the same species are in heat roaming also puts your male pet at risk for getting lost hurt or injured by a car spaying and neutering also helps combat pet overpopulation stickney added that one female dog that is not spayed can produce about 500 puppies in seven years although playing with 500 cute puppies may sound like fun stickney said about 76 million animals will enter an animal shelter this year alone because of issues such as pet overpopulation additionally one of the most common reasons pets are given to animal shelters is because they are not given the attention they need which could lead to aggression many pets are given up to a shelter for behavioral problems especially aggression stickney said it is important to train and socialize new puppies and kittens furthermore stickney said there are more than just general benefits of spaying and neutering pets; there are also specific health benefits in female pets spaying eliminates pyometraan infection of the uterus of older dogs that can be life-threatening stickney said pyometra also requires emergency surgery in many cases spaying also reduces the risk of breast cancer the most common cancer of female dogs especially when performed before the first heat cycle in males neutering eliminates bphbenign prostatic hyperplasiawhich can cause difficulty urinating and defecating later in life neutering also eliminates the risk of testicular cancer spaying or neutering your pet also can cut down on veterinary expenses caring for puppies kittens females with pyometra or breast cancer and males that are aggressive or injured as a result of roaming can be expensive compared to the cost of spaying or neutering in fact there are health risks associated with pets that are not spayed or neutered the cost of caring for a pet with reproductive system cancer or pyometra can easily surpass the expense of spaying or neutering your pet female pets can develop mammary cancer uterine cancer ovarian cancer and pyometra if they are not spayed stickney said dystocia during whelpingor trouble giving birthis another potential risk spaying can decrease or eliminate male dogs can develop testicular cancer a condition called testicular torsion in which the testicle twists on itself and benign prostatic hyperplasiaor an enlarged prostateif they are left intact while there are many reasons pet owners should consider spaying and neutering their pet there also are reasons to leave the pet intact the pet may be purebred have desirable traits that the owner wishes to pass on to the offspring and have no genetic defects additionally some pet owners may choose not to spay or neuter their pet because they fear the pet will gain weight or have stunted growth stickney said pet owners should have nothing to fear spaying and neutering does reduce the metabolic rate by about 25 percent so if your pet is an adult and no longer growing you should reduce the amount you feed the pet by a fourth to maintain a healthy body weight he said before making the decision to spay or neuter their pet pet owners are encouraged to visit their veterinarian to discuss which option is the right choice for their pets overall health pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+apartments and pets february 27 2017 when living or moving into an apartment it may be tempting to get a playful furry friend as a roommate however not all cats and dogs are fit to live in an apartment dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained what pet owners should consider when keeping their pet in a small space dog owners should consider the size and general activity of the dog eckman said it is difficult to house working breeds in small apartments since they need a lot of exercise and space; however an older working dog may not require that level of activity additionally dog owners should ensure their pets are getting proper exercise or they can become destructive eckman added that dog owners should consider their lifestyle and if they will have the time and ability to walk their pet outdoors several times a day some apartment complexes have several flights of stairs so consider your dogs age and ability to climb stairs if you have an older pet they may require assistance or have difficulty getting up and down the stairs other dogs may live in the same complex so consider training and socializing your dog to interact well with other dogs because there is potential for your dog to come into contact with other dogs eckman said to ensure your dog is up to date on immunizations to protect them from infectious diseases furthermore if your dog is too vocal this could upset neighbors causing tension between you and your landlord happy and content dogs may be best for apartment living but these traits are personality dependent eckman said some dogs are quiet and happy but others may get anxious from the noises from apartments above below or beside them if you arent fully set on getting a dog consider a cat cats may be lower maintenance than dogs because they generally require less exercise and use a litter box indoors which may make it easier on pet owners with busy lifestyles cats may not need the outside activity that dogs require and they take up less space in general eckman said you can also add vertical height spaces for cats to climb on to help provide them with entertainment and exercise generally cat owners dont have to worry about upsetting neighbors because cats are quieter than dogs whether you are considering getting a cat or a dog to live with you in an apartment eckman said do your research if you are adopting from a shelter the shelter will often be able to tell you how active the pet is and about the animals personality additionally make sure you are not allergic to the pet you want to adopt and above all remember owning a pet is a big responsibility dont forget your lifestyle may change eckman said you will need to be flexible in your schedule when you adopt a new a pet regardless of where you are living pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+protect fido with a dog house february 10 2017 if you recently adopted or purchased a new furry family member it is important to provide a dog house for your pet whether your new dog will stay primarily outside or regularly cuddle with you on the couch a dog house is essential for your pets protection outdoors dr sarah griffin lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said providing a safe outdoor place for your dog is important especially if they live outside or are going to spend long periods of time outdoors portability durability and size are all factors to consider when purchasing or building an outdoor shelter for fido she added an effective dog house should protect your dog from extreme temperatures wind rain snow and even potential predators on a typical hot summer day in central texas dogs can only dissipate heat effectively by panting griffin said however a shelter such as a dog house can help dogs stay cool in extreme temperatures how might an owner choose the most ideal dog house for their pet the easiest way is to know your dog griffin said for instance breeds with thicker coats and shorter snouts are more susceptible to heat exhaustion a dog house that will provide enough shade and air flow will work best for these breeds griffin said to also consider the adult size of your dogs breed and provide just enough room for your dog to make a complete turn on the inside for owners who prefer a portable shelter for their pet a plastic dog house is a great option that is also easy to clean owners can also purchase portable tents and pop-up play pens for dogs that only spend limited time outside choosing the material and location of the dog house is another important factor to consider griffin said if your dog is more susceptible to heat exhaustion a dog house that is made of wood rather than plastic or metal will keep your dog cooler in the summer heat owners should move the dog house to the driest and shadiest part of the yard to avoid an uncomfortable living environment keeping the dog house shaded from the sun and bad weather will also preserve the materials if you plan on building your own dog house consider lifting the floor of the house off the ground to prevent the shelter from sitting in mud rain or snow this will also promote more air flow keeping your dog cooler in the summer and drier in the winter griffin said lastly a slanted and hinged roof is ideal for an easy clean-up griffin added that metal or fiberglass shingles can protect your pet and preserve your dogs house through any bad weather storm while many of us prefer to leave a safety light on in our house during the night this is not necessary for dogs in fact griffin said it is estimated that dogs can see in light that is five times dimmer than what the human eye can see griffin did not recommend providing a steady light for dogs at night instead a motion sensor light placed away from the dog house may be a better option for owners who still desire some outdoor lighting at night whether your dog is a bed hog or an outdoor explorer providing shelter for when your dog spends time outside is important remember to consider your dogs needs when building or purchasing a dog house if your dog lives or spends long periods of time outside shelter is essential for their health and protection outdoors pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+horse farriers play an important role in horse health february 2 2017 though some may consider a horseshoe a symbol of luck many horse owners depend on horseshoes to help keep their horses hooves healthy in turn healthy horse hooves can result in a happy and performance-ready horse the skilled tradesman that make horse shoes and apply them to horses hooves are called farriers jason maki farrier for the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the important role of his job farriers manage and provide protection for horse hooves maki said protection for the hoof is frequently a steel shoe which is formed and fit to the horses trimmed foot the hoof also grows over time and often does not wear evenly or enough to allow the horse to remain comfortable thus farriers trim excess growth and restore the hoof to a functional form though maki said a few horses may be able to self-maintain their feet horses who perform repetitive motions such as working or show horses require horse shoes if horse hooves are not trimmed and fitted for shoes the result could mean lameness most horses require basic trimming to maintain a healthy and appropriate hoof capsule maki said allowing the feet to grow too long or wear short can have painful ramifications for the animal proper horse husbandry demands owners provide what the horse needs to stay comfortable to learn proper hoof care farriers need to be comfortable around horses and have physical skills as well as good communication legally maki said there are no educational or licensure requirements to perform hoof care however he said most farriers attend a farrier school and some may even be an apprentice to more experienced farriers if you are a new horse owner and need a reliable farrier maki said to contact an equine veterinarian and ask for their input additionally ask other horse owners in the area and see which farriers they recommend no matter who you choose maki said to be sure they are skilled in their craft there are many capable farriers who have not undergone a certification process maki said but knowing they have demonstrated amongst their clients a measurable skill and knowledge set is important pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+examining your pets stool january 26 2017 whether you are a cat or dog owner knowing what is considered normal or healthy stool for your pet is important abnormalities of your pets stool could be a sign of something more serious dr jonathan lidbury assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said regularly looking at your pets stool can help protect their health additionally he described what kind of stool is considered healthy for your pet normal stool is formed and maintains its shape once it has been passed lidbury said it is usually light to dark brown in color small variations in the color and texture can occur from day to day however owners should contact a veterinarian if their pets stool has fresh red blood in it as this could be a sign of inflammation of the colon lidbury also noted that other signs of a problem could include a dark or black and tarry appearance to the stool as this is consistent with digested blood and bleeding from the stomach or small intestine; persistently yellow or gray and greasy stool as this can indicate digestive problems such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; or a persistently off white stool which can indicate blockage of the bile duct in addition to these irregularities there are other abnormal qualities in your pets stool that could be a sign of a health problem such as evidence of round worms or tapeworms diarrhea can be due to a wide variety of gastrointestinal and other problems while mucous in the stool or multiple pieces of narrow stool can indicate inflammation of the colon lidbury encourages pet owners whose pet is producing irregular stool to visit a veterinarian your veterinarian has the tools to diagnose the cause of the abnormal stool as well as help treat your pets health issue your vet will first collect a thorough history and perform a complete physical examination to help better define your pets problem they may also examine a stool sample under a microscope to look for parasites lidbury said if no parasites are found and your pet is otherwise healthy a veterinarian may prescribe a treatment aimed to help control your pets symptoms though some pet owners may avoid looking too closely at their pets feces keeping an eye on your pets stools can actually help keep your pet healthy knowing what is considered healthy and normal stool is important for all pet owners pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+proper pet hygiene january 20 2017 like humans pets can experience skin conditions that may cause redness itchiness odor and even wounds fortunately many skin conditions can be prevented with routine bathing and grooming dr alison diesel clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the importance of pet hygiene for both dogs and cats on one hand most cats do not usually require a bath to maintain a healthy skin and coat diesel said however she added that older or obese cats may benefit from bathing to help keep their coat and skin healthy on the other hand dogs require regular bathing and grooming with a frequency that depends on their skin and coat health dogs without dermatological abnormalities benefit from a bath a couple of times a year or when they get dirty diesel said however dogs with skin problems often require more frequent bathing and sometimes benefit from specific kinds or medicated shampoos if your dog has a skin problem you should discuss bathing recommendations with your veterinarian though your veterinarian can examine your pets skin during a routine check-up sometimes skin abnormalities can develop between appointments if you notice any abnormalities while bathing or grooming your pet you should have your pet examined by a veterinarian some noticeable changes might be increased odor and dander and may result in discomfort or itching in the animal in addition animals with long hair coats are prone to matting this can irritate the skin and result in wounds when removed or clipped out diesel said furthermore pets with long hair coats are at higher risk for fly strike and acquisition of maggots hidden within the mats and under the hair coat these creatures can further damage the skin causing wounds infections sepsis and potentially death diesel explained more severe or persistent skin conditions may benefit from examination by a boarded specialist in veterinary dermatology another important part of proper pet hygiene is keeping your pets ears clean most pet owners regularly bathe their pet to maintain their coat but clean ears are just as important and should be part of your pets normal hygiene routine when cleaning your pets ears diesel recommended saturating a cotton ball with a veterinarian approved ear cleanser gently place this in the dog or cats ear canal and massage to help deliver the solution along the length of the canal diesel said an additional cotton ball can be used to wipe out excess fluid after the animal shakes their head q-tips should never be used to clean a dog or cats ears as this can lead to potential damage of the ear canal diesel added that ear problems often manifest with scratching or rubbing at the ears redness discharge and a foul odor some animals such as dogs that swim a lot are more prone to ear problems than others and should be monitored more closely additionally diesel said pet owners should discuss recommendations for appropriate ear cleaning with their veterinarian poor hygiene in dogs and cats can result in severe consequences if not addressed appropriately diesel said though it may seem like fido hates his routine bath proper hygiene for both dogs and cats is necessary to keep your furry friend healthy if you have any concerns about your pets grooming and bathing routine consult your veterinarian pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+make it a new years resolution to microchip your pet january 12 2017 if your new year includes adding a furry friend to your family consider microchipping your new pet to help locate them if they ever get lost dr james barr clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said microchipping is one of the newest ways to locate and identify lost animals a microchip is a glass encased device that bears an identification number unique to every marked animal once the microchip is inserted under the animals skin and registered with the devices company the microchip can be activated with a scanner at a veterinarians office or local animal shelter with no batteries or power source required to activate a microchip this device will provide a permanent identity for your pet that will last their entire lifetime while many owners protect and identify their pet with a personalized collar there are many strong advantages to microchipping your pet for instance pet collars may fall or slip off and personalized tags may become unreadable after several years microchips do not face any of these challenges and have no chance of being removed no matter where fido wanders off to the biggest advantage is that a microchip cant be lost barr said it allows access to detailed information about the pet and its owner with a quick phone call to the devices company barr also added that most microchips can be conveniently installed at veterinarian offices and sometimes even spay and neuter clinics he further explained that the process of installing a microchip is quick and does not hurt the animal contrast to what some might believe a microchip is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades using a needle and plunger which is similar to a syringe barr said the needle is a rather large needle comparatively to what would be used for a vaccine but it usually does not require sedation and is only transiently uncomfortable for the animal microchips which are about the size of a grain of rice can be installed into dogs cats horses ferrets and most other mammals if you are considering microchipping your pet consult your local veterinarian to see which microchipping companies are most commonly used in your area some chips are more universally read than others so it is important to consider which microchips your local veterinarian and animal shelters can read finally do not forget to register your chip to your name and phone number if you move to another address or change phone numbers you will be required to update this information with your microchips company a microchip will only bring your pet home if your contact information is kept up to date though personalized collars have been traditionally used as a method of identification in pets microchipping is on the rise of becoming the modern solution for lost animals to help prevent your new furry companion from becoming lost this year consider a microchip that is registered to your name and updated contact information pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+obedience training for dogs january 3 2017 if youve recently added a puppy or dog to your family consider obedience training to help build a healthy relationship between you and your pet though training your dog requires patience and commitment the positive benefits of obedience training are worth it kit infection control coordinator for the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said there are many benefits of obedience training including building a closer positive relationship with your dog teaching your dog life and social skills and helping prevent your dog from developing unwanted behaviors additionally darling said a dog that will come when called may help avoid life threating situations such as being hit by a car or having a bad encounter with another animal though obedience training has many benefits dog owners may wonder how long the training process can take according to darling the answer depends on what your goals are for the dog to teach your dog basic manners such as to sit come or stay a basic level obedience class may be the best choice most of the basic level obedience classes are six to eight weeks darling said each class is about an hour long and training sessions at home may be as short as five to 10 minutes a couple times a day four to five times a week in addition to basic level obedience classes there are also intermediate and advanced classes darling said but in order to teach your dog even the most basic commands positive reinforcement is a must giving your dog treats is one of the most common ways to motivate your dog to learn new commands but other forms of positive reinforcement such as clickers can be used as well it is important to find out what motivates your dog and to use it as a positive reward during training darling said clickers may be used to mark the wanted behavior and then the dog can be rewarded with treats a toy or praise additionally darling said if you choose to use food or treats as a reward it is best not to feed your dog close to training time your training lesson will be most effective if your dog has an appetite so they can choose a treat they really like if you decide to enroll your dog in obedience training it is important to choose a trainer and training program that you are comfortable with this could require some research but darling said your friends veterinarian humane society groomer and boarding facility may have good recommendations some questions you should ask yourself when searching for a good obedience trainer and program include: what type of training is offered do they train the dog with or without you are there group classes private instructors or both what type of training methods are used what are the trainers credentials furthermore if it is a training facility be sure to check for cleanliness and vaccination requirements before enrolling your dog into class if possible darling said to observe a class to see if the trainers dogs and clients are happy during training if you have recently adopted or purchased a new dog or want to polish fidos basic obedience skills obedience training is a great way to train your dog while also building a healthy relationship though obedience training requires patience and dedication the benefits of a well-behaved dog are endless one of the best things you can do for your puppy or dog and yourself is obedience training darling said the experience is worthwhile and can help you raise a happy well-adjusted companion pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+is giving pets as gifts really a paws-itive idea december 21 2016 child girl hugging her pet staying near her house decorated before christmas giving an adorable puppy or kitten as a gift this holiday season may seem like a wonderful idea but it is important to remember that pets need a lifetime of care and commitment long after the holiday season surprising your family with a new fuzzy friend on that special holiday morning is tempting but be sure to first consider these facts to avoid being unprepared when bringing a pet home giving the gift of companionship requires a considerable amount of research and preparation there can be many reasons why a pet may be unsuitable for a home such as if the receiver is not financially or mentally prepared for a pet dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained how pets can often come with hidden expenses pets even healthy ones require a financial commitment for basic requirements such as food collars and leashes as well as medical needs such as basic vaccinations she said unexpected illnesses or injury may also add to that financial burden which can be too much for some owners to handle other reasons a pet may not be an appropriate gift this year is if the receiver is allergic to pets if the receiver does not have an appropriate place to keep the pet or if the receiver does not want a pet or have time to commit to a pet taking care of a cat or dog is a responsibility that is often simplified in the minds of children but the reality is that pets need care throughout their entire lifetime giving a pet as a gift to children who are not yet responsible to care for it can lead to pets being seen as play-things rather than living and dependent animals adults often take on the responsibilities of feeding bathing and cleaning up after the pet when the initial newness of the pet wears off sometimes adults are guilty of neglecting the pet too especially if they were unaware of the financial commitment from the beginning this can lead to many pets entering shelters for the remainder of their lives or until another family adopts them although there are many reasons why giving a pet as a holiday gift can be a bad idea a pet can make a great holiday gift for someone if the proper amount of research and preparation is done if the receiver has expressed their commitment to a pet proven their responsibility and are financially and mentally ready for a pet the gift giver must then consider the receivers pet preferences for gender and breed adoption is also a great option especially if the new owner prefers an older dog or cat many pets are patiently waiting in shelters for a forever home and the adoption staff at the shelter will be able to help you choose the perfect pet for the new owner although giving a pet as a gift this holiday season may seem like a wonderful life-long memory for your family there is a considerable amount of research and preparation involved in bringing a pet into a new home especially if it is a surprise to the new owner if the receiver has proven their responsibility and expressed their desire for a new fuzzy companion be sure to consider their pet preferences as well as adoption pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+safe holiday snacking for your pet december 15 2016 many people spread holiday cheer through tasty treats warm beverages and feasts but this type of celebration may not be fit for fido in fact many people foods can cause health problems in pets dr christine rutter clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained what foods are unsafe for your pet grapes raisins macadamia nuts onions peppers garlic chocolate caffeinated beverages alcoholic beverages and fatty foods such as gravy buttery sauces fatty cuts of meat sausage or oily fish are the biggest mistakes i see over the holidays rutter said she explained that grapes and raisins can cause kidney injury which may not make the pet sick until two to four days later additionally large quantities of onions peppers and garlic can damage a pets red blood cells which can lead to conditions such as anemia rutter also said caffeine and chocolate are toxic to pets and fatty foods can cause stomach upset vomiting diarrhea and pancreatitis which may be evident immediately or up to seven days later after consuming the fatty food pet owners should also avoid placing wrapped food gifts including alcoholic beverages within the pets reach to avoid any health concerns in addition pet owners should be aware of sugar-free products that contain xylitol because they are also quite toxic to pets rutter said veterinarians most commonly think of sugar-free gum when considering xylitol intoxication but it is becoming more common for xylitol to be used as a sugar substitute in baked goods both purchased from a store and made at home though there are many toxic foods that should be kept out of your pets reach there are still healthy options if you want to treat your pet this holiday season rutter said to consider vegetables fruit poultry or grilled or dry baked whitefish as a treat for your dog or cat some vegetables rutter recommended include carrots green beans peas asparagus and eggplant she also recommended fruits such as seedless melons apples pears and bananas if you decide to give your pet a tasty treat rutter emphasized to keep your pets diet as close to normal as possible give treats in moderation and be sure to check with your veterinarian if you have any questions about your pets diet just like a sudden diet change can cause gastrointestinal unrest in people the same is true in pets rutter said the stress of visiting family excited children parties and a schedule change makes keeping your pets diet consistent more important lastly there are also holiday hazards outside your pets food bowl dogs and cats may try to climb or knock down decorations or maybe even chew on ornaments or electrical wires but before you blame your pet for bad behavior rutter said pets may be more stressed than we realize during the holiday season pets are more prone to naughty behavior during the holiday season because of the extra stress rutter said anxiety in animals manifests as atypical behavior a dog who never gets in trouble may decide to shred a fleet of storm trooper toys and ingest a tin of cookies in conclusion maintaining routines giving pets lots of exercise dietary consistency and keeping pets away from non-pet-proof areas is ideal year-round not just during the holiday season though the holiday season is an exciting time for many keep in mind that your pets may not have the same experience additionally the people foods you enjoy may not be suitable for your pets this holiday season be sure to consult your veterinarian if you have questions about your pets diet pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+preparing your pet for cold weather december 12 2016 as the temperature outside drops people begin wearing heavier coats but how do pets prepare for cold weather animals rely on their owners to provide shelter food water and warm blankets during the winter months dr sarah griffin lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained how pet owners can keep both inside and outside pets warm this winter some pets handle the cold weather better than others griffin said dog breeds such as siberian huskies or saint bernards are bred to handle cold weather while others like chihuahuas or greyhounds are not pet owners should watch for shivering because it is a mechanism used to compensate for being cold however constant shivering may mean that the pet is uncomfortably cold griffin said if a pet is sheltered out of the wind or cold and still shivering this may mean it is too cold for the pet to be outside in this case prepare a warm bed for the animal to stay inside until the temperature rises high enough for the animal to be comfortable outside again if the pet cannot stay inside griffin recommended tips for creating a warm shelter outside shelters can be purchased from pet supply stores online or can even be homemade to protect outdoor pets from the weather griffin said a dog house should be big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in but not excessively big the dogs own body heat is enough to heat a dog house to a comfortable temperature on a cold day cat houses can be made with the same concept of making it large enough for the cat to move around but small enough for the cats body heat to keep the temperature comfortable additionally griffin said she does not recommend heat lamps or heaters in pet shelters because they can be fire hazards however blankets can help your pet stay warm when preparing pets for cold weather owners should also consider any health conditions their pet might have griffin said pets with underlying health conditions may be less adapted to changes in weather as a result pet owners should make changes in their pets environment accordingly in general pets with health conditions are better as indoor pets so their health can be monitored closely griffin said of course pets with health conditions can go outside for short periods of supervised time during cold weather months however these pets may need sweaters or boots to keep them comfortable additionally pet owners should consider their pets food and water intake during the winter months although griffin said pets basic calorie needs dont change when the weather changes the animal may require more calories if they are more active in cooler weather remember that fresh water should be available at all times griffin said because animals rely on their owners to keep them warm during the winter it is important for pet owners to provide warm shelters for both inside and outside pets if you have any concerns about how cooler weather could impact your pets health consult your veterinarian pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+veterinary technicians december 2 2016 most pet owners have visited the veterinarians office at least once although veterinarians play an important role in treating and caring for pets they are not the only people involved in pet care veterinary technicians the people who provide the technical support for patient care assist veterinarians with many responsibilities dlisa whaley veterinary technician at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained her responsibilities for her position veterinary technicians have such a wide range of responsibilities such as restraining a patient for a physical exam checking vital signs administering medications obtaining diagnostic samples monitoring a patient under anesthesia or assisting a veterinarian during a surgical procedure whaley said technicians are also trained to operate and troubleshoot all of the equipment in a veterinary hospital or clinic including monitoring equipment anesthesia machines and radiology equipment whaley said although veterinary technicians can be trained on the job by shadowing a veterinarian the landscape of the profession is changing whaley said many practices are hiring formally educated technicians over those without training or education in veterinary medicine in order to receive a degree in veterinary technology one must attend and complete an american veterinary medical association (avma) accredited technician program whaley explained many of these programs are offered at junior or community colleges some programs even offer a ‘2+2 program in partnership with a four year college so that the student is able to earn a bachelors degree in animal science after completing the veterinary technology program the student can take a national exam and a state exam to earn the title of licensed or registered veterinary technician though whaley said there are many things she loves about being a veterinary technician her favorite aspects of her job include a challenging and fast-paced work environment interacting with patients and finding the best treatment options and obtaining diagnostic samples additionally whaley enjoys interacting with texas a&m veterinary students since i work at a teaching hospital my situation is pretty unique she said i enjoy working with our senior veterinary students on the best ways to train future technicians i also like developing long-term relationships with patients and clients snuggling with puppies and kittens is a pretty great part of the job as well although veterinary technicians help provide care for furry patients and save animal lives there are challenges veterinary technicians may face such as comforting an owner about their sick pet one of the most challenging aspects of being a veterinary technician is compassion fatigue whaley said whenever our patients are in pain we do everything we can to help make them more comfortable when we lose a patient or comfort an owner as they make the difficult decision to euthanize their beloved pet we grieve along with the family despite this challenge whaley said the great things about this job far outweigh the bad and i wouldnt trade it for the world pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+pet talk: thanksgiving pet safety november 17 2016 thanksgiving is when many people express gratitude for the blessings in life for many of us our pets are included in our thoughts of appreciation although you may consider fido a part of the family there are many reasons why he should not join you at the dinner table during thanksgiving turkey is often the main course of a thanksgiving meal if you decide to treat your pet to a piece of turkey be sure it is boneless and thoroughly cooked just as you would for yourself to prevent salmonella poisoning fully cooked and boneless ham is also ok to feed your pet however eckman said to avoid giving your pet ham that is seasoned with additional sugars and contains a lot of fat in addition avoid letting your pet chew on any sort of leftover bones including ham and turkey bones as they can be problematic to the digestive tract dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the danger of allowing your pet to chew on a bone bones can become lodged in the throat or esophagus and can cause problems throughout the intestinal tract she said they can also splinter and the bone may require surgery to remove it may be tempting to offer your pets special treats during the holiday but fatty foods should definitely be avoided fatty foods can upset your pets stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea in many cases it may even progress into something more serious requiring a hospital stay this can progress to dehydration or pancreatitis the more different the food is from your pets regular diet the more likely they will have digestive upset eckman said vomiting and diarrhea secondary to table food ingestion are the most common reasons we see pets in the emergency room or veterinary hospital after the holidays raw dessert batter is also unsafe for your pet this holiday be sure to keep fidos nose out of the mixing bowl to prevent any consumption of raw eggs which are sometimes contaminated with salmonella if you are planning on making homemade bread raw yeast bread dough can also pose as a threat to your pet if consumed the yeast will continue to convert the sugars in the dough to carbon dioxide gas and alcohol resulting in a bloated drunken pet this can be a life-threatening situation that can require hospitalization raisins and grapes which can cause kidney damage and chocolate which can be fatal for dogs should also be kept out of your pets reach if you absolutely must provide a special holiday treat for your pet there are safe options that will still leave fido begging for more try sticking as close to your pets normal diet as possible by offering them a bowl of their usual food mixed with lean boneless and skinless pieces of turkey if you have fresh vegetables available such as green beans or sweet potatoes they will make an excellent addition to your pets healthy thanksgiving feast to ensure your pets safety this thanksgiving be sure to keep them away from any harmful food products in the spirit of the holiday season your pet will be forever grateful for keeping them healthy during thanksgiving dinner pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+treating your pet november 10 2016 giving your pet treats can be a great way to help build a relationship with them however giving your pet unhealthy treats or too many treats can negatively impact their health dr christine rutter clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offered some advice on how to prevent your pet from biting off more than they can chew treats are an important part of the human-animal bond rutter said rewarding your pet for desired behavior distracting them from stressful situations and using food to entertain high-energy pets are all good ways to use treats in many ways treats can be used to enhance the relationship between you and your pet but how much is too much just like our own snacks treats should probably comprise no more than 10-15 percent of your pets diet rutter said if you are training and anticipate needing to give your pet a lot of treats giving them bits of their own kibble diet can be just as effective additionally rutter said giving too many treats can lead to pet obesity obesity is a problem in pets just like it is in the human population many pet treats can be packed with calories so if you arent careful you could be giving your pet the human equivalent of eating a piece of cake rutter said she recommended talking with your veterinarian about your pets caloric needs and how to choose a healthy treat for them additionally rutter said some people foods are okay to share with your pet my dogs love carrots so baby carrots are my go-to dog treat she said carrots green beans seedless watermelon cantaloupe asparagus banana boiled or baked poultry and baked whitefish are safe to share with your dog in moderation however rutter said foods such as sauces rotisserie chicken gravies grapes raisins onions peppers garlic avocado macadamia nuts fatty meats and oily fishes can be rich and cause upset stomach including the risk of diarrhea and pancreatitis some dogs and cats may even like low-fat yogurt but dont offer these items if your pet has gi upset after enjoying them if you are worried about your pets treat intake substituting a mouth-watering treat for a healthier option or some kibble from their normal diet is a great solution your pet will almost never reject a previously accepted treat in lieu of a ‘better one rutter said while cats may be a bit more finicky even they remain excited at the concept of treating because it is one of the ways that we express our approval of them furthermore shopping for healthier commercial treats from the get-go could help decrease the guilt of giving your animal too many treats and the possible negative side effects rutter said to look for high-quality low-fat treats made in the united states just like our own treats anything that is fatty salty or smells delicious probably isnt that healthy in large quantities dont hesitate to read the nutrition labels though they may not be easy to interpret on pet foods and treats rutter said your veterinarian can help you pick out a treat that is safe for your pet and their particular needs whether you are rewarding your animal for good behavior or showing them some love treats can help support your relationship with your pet however be sure to be mindful of your pets treat intake to avoid health concerns pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+the responsibility of pet keeping november 10 2016 while pets are abundant in our culture its easy to forget that owning pets is a luxury that requires a lot of responsibility and time commitment we all want the best for our pets which is why it is important to remember the time emotional and financial responsibilities that are associated with pet ownership according to the american pet products association americans spent just over $60 billion on their pets in 2015 this number likely includes food training grooming toys veterinary care and formal kennel services dr christine rutter clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said however this number probably does not include carpet cleaning replaced shoes furniture repair or paying a friend to watch your pet while you travel rutter added while owning a pet may seem like a good idea rutter suggested considering all the expenses of keeping a pet including veterinary visits and pet services and supplies a pet may be a small aspect of a persons life but the pet owner is everything to the pet she said before choosing a pet rutter suggested considering factors such as the amount of time you can spend with the pet money for veterinary care and supplies and the space you have available for exercise she said it is good to put some serious thought into whether or not your life is compatible with the needs of a pet before adopting or purchasing a pet additionally potential pet owners should think about what is the healthiest environment for a specific type of pet each type of pet has different needs whether you are caring for a beta fish gerbil cat or dog rutter suggested pet owners do their homework by researching their pets environmental grooming nutrition and housing needs for example a cat or a fish may be best suited for someone living in an apartment while a bigger breed of dog may be more appropriate for someone with a big backyard your veterinarian can also offer you advice and guide you in your research dog and cat owners may wonder if it is best to keep their pet inside or outsideor even allow their pet to choose between the two freely although outside environments can be potentially more dangerous rutter said some animals such as certain breeds of dogs require regular exercise in the great outdoors if you plan to keep your pet outside be sure to keep the yard area clean put away all dangerous chemicals and sharp objects bring your pet indoors during bad weather and take your pet to the veterinarian for regular checkups to prevent the spread of infectious diseases although pets that are kept indoors may be at lower risk for injury or illness they should still be taken to the veterinarian for regular checkups giving animals as gifts also requires special consideration the idea of someone happily receiving a cute puppy or kitten with a red bow on its collar can be appealing but giving a pet as a gift to an unsuspecting recipient can be problematic those who are not prepared for a pet may not be financially and emotionally ready to properly care for the animal if you are considering giving a pet as a gift make sure the recipient is ready to care for an animal giving the recipient some pet supplies in addition to the pet may help the new owner and pets relationship get off to a good start owning a pet should be taken seriously there are responsibilities of pet ownership that should be considered in order to give the animal the happiest and healthiest life possible if you are considering adopting or purchasing a pet and are concerned about providing proper veterinary care and a healthy environment for them consult your veterinarian for guidance pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+halloween pet safety october 27 2016 though children and adults get a thrill from the spooky traditions of halloween our pets are less likely to appreciate the costumes masks and parties associated with halloween night to ensure your pets safety this halloween kit darling infection control coordinator at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences recommended a few tips keep candy secure from pets darling said many candies are toxic to pets such as chocolates candies and gum containing the sugar-free sweetener xylitol are also toxic additionally darling said lollipops and other candies with plastic components and wrappers can cause intestinal blockage if ingested be sure to clean up any candy trash and store candy on a high shelf to prevent pets from reaching it other items to keep away from your pets include candles pumpkins pumpkin seeds corn lights and electrical cords these objects are a hazard if consumed or chewed on by your pet if you suspect your pet has ingested harmful candy or another dangerous item darling recommended contacting the animal poison control center at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian pet owners may want their pet to participate in the well-known halloween tradition of wearing costumes but they may not enjoy the experience as much as you to determine if it is appropriate to dress your pet for halloween night darling recommended these helpful tips dont dress your pet in a costume unless you know they are fine with it she said try on the costume before halloween and make sure it does not restrict their movement hearing sight or breathing additionally costumes with lights or batteries are a safety hazard and should be avoided another safety tip darling recommended was keeping pets in a secure location to ensure they are protected from pranksters who may steal tease and injure pets black cats should be kept inside several days prior and after halloween because they are especially at risk for being a target of a halloween prank trick-or-treaters or party guests may also stress out and startle your pets so this is another good reason to reserve a safe and secure place for your pets to stay on halloween night continuous doorbell ringing and people at the door in costume may cause stress for your pet darling said put your pet in a secure location such as a crate or room away from the front door this will help minimize stress and will keep your pets from running out the front door although pets should have an identification on them at all times it is especially important on halloween night human and vehicular traffic may frighten animals and cause them to run off from the safety of your home if you are going to take your pet trick-or-treating with you walk them on a leash and provide them with a reflective collar or tape so they are more visible at night darling also recommended a form of identification that could not come off such as a microchip halloween is a fun night for people of all ages but it is important to keep in mind your pets safety when planning parties and participating in other halloween traditions nobody wants to spend halloween night searching for a lost pet so be sure to put your pets safety first ### pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+keeping horses safe from toxic plants october 21 2016 keeping your pet safe from harmful food or plants is an important part in every pet care routine thats why dr leslie easterwood clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences recommended all horse owners keep their fields clear of plants that can be toxic to horses some of the most toxic plants that grow in texas and can be dangerous for horses include oleander hemlock bracken fern johnsongrass and locoweed although having no poisonous plants in the pasture is ideal for horse owners easterwood said horses typically do not eat toxic plants because they are not as appealing as forage if plenty of tasty forage is available horses are less likely to chow down on a toxic plant toxic plants are generally not eaten by horses if there is other forage available she said there are some toxic plants that can seem particularly appealing to horses but generally they will avoid toxic plants this may be good news for horse owners but it does not necessarily mean unkempt pastures are safe generally it is never good to allow toxic plants to be where horses have access to them easterwood said there are always a few plants out there that could cause a problem if eaten by a horse easterwood said horse owners should take time to look around their pastures and know what plants are growing additionally easterwood recommended mowing shredding and using chemical weed control to control toxic plants in the pasture horse owners can also arrange to meet with their county extension agent to have them come out and look at the plants in the pasture easterwood said they are trained to spot the problem plants signs that a horse has eaten a poisonous plant include diarrhea colic neurologic conditions such as seizures and possibly even death easterwood said although the effects of eating a poisonous plant can be serious horses that are getting their nutrients from forage are not likely to choose a bitter poisonous plant for dessert additionally because of their size horses have to consume higher quantities of a toxin to feel any effects a general rule is if your pasture does not contain toxic plants and your horse is healthy you have little to worry about easterwood said however horse owners are encouraged to contact their veterinarian immediately if they are concerned their horse has ingested a poisonous plant taking the extra step to keep your pasture clean and free of toxic plants can help keep your horse healthy county extension agents are also excellent resources to learn more about toxic plants and how to eliminate them overall removing any toxic plants from your horses environment is key in protecting their health to learn more about texas a&m agrilife extension and to find local offices click here ### pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+gastrointestinal disorders in cats october 10 2016 frequent diarrhea vomiting and other signs of an upset stomach in your cat could be signs of gastrointestinal (gi) or digestive disorders while an occasional upset stomach is normal cat owners should inform their veterinarian if their pet frequently experiences signs of digestive issues gastrointestinal disorders are diseases that affect the digestive tract said dr sina marsilio veterinarian in the gastrointestinal laboratory at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences usually the stomach or the intestines are the source of the problem however the digestive tract includes the entire tract that has contact to food or feces including the mouth and teeth the esophagus stomach small and large intestines the rectum and anus the most common clinical signs of digestive disorders in cats are loss of appetite lethargy vomiting and diarrhea marsilio said however especially in elderly cats weight loss is another common sign of gi disease less common clinical signs may include constipation abdominal swelling and problems chewing or swallowing which are usually due to problems within the mouth such as issues with the teeth or esophagus marsilio said in general marsilio said all pets with gi signs should be seen by a veterinarian however cats tend to hide signs of illness making these signs difficult to spot thus marsilio recommended taking even slight signs of lethargy or decrease in activity level seriously the ability for cats to hide illness is also the reason why abdominal pain is rarely detected in cats marilio said cats with abdominal swelling regardless of how they are acting should see a veterinarian additionally if a cat stops eating for any reason they can develop secondary liver disease therefore cats that have not eaten in two or more days should also see a veterinarian immediately there are various types and causes of gastrointestinal disorders in cats but marsilio said the disease occurs in two categories: acutemeaning the diseases symptoms began abruptly and chronicmeaning symptoms have persisted for a long time however whether the patient is experiencing acute or chronic symptoms signs of gi disease are generally the same acute signs of a gi disease may be caused by viral bacterial or parasitic infections drugs and toxins or foreign bodies within the gi tract marsilio said chronic signs can be a sign of food allergies chronic inflammation of the gi tract or cancer marsilio also said it is also important to understand that diseases outside the gi tract such as diseases affecting the kidneys pancreas or liver can cause signs of a gi disease no matter the cause any irregularities should be presented to a veterinarian if you notice your feline companion showing signs of a gi disease there are many treatments available that can be tailored to the underlying cause of the disease and the severity of symptoms common treatments include checking and treating the patient for parasites analyzing the patients diet and making changes as needed and taking blood tests to confirm the patient has a gi disease if you notice any changes in your pets behavior including eating and litter box habits be sure to monitor them closely and take them to a veterinarian even if your cat is not acting sick persistent signs of vomiting lethargy and diarrhea should be taken seriously ### pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu dr sina marsilio is currently looking for fresh fecal samples from healthy cats and cats with diarrhea or other gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting loss of appetite or weight loss the gastrointestinal laboratory offers several tests free of charge in return for a fecal sample from your cat and a completed questionnaire if you are interested in participating in marsilios study please contact her via email: sinamarsilio@cvmtamuedu print
+zoonotic diseases october 3 2016 whether pet owners are walking in the park going on a road trip or even just lying in bed spending time with four-legged friends is a part of daily life however spending time with pets comes with the responsibility of keeping them healthy regular veterinarian checkups is important especially in helping to prevent pets from becoming sick or infected with diseasesincluding zoonotic diseases which can be transmitted to people dr angela arenas assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained what zoonotic diseases are and how they are transmitted a zoonotic disease is an infectious disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans she said oral-fecal route is a common route of infection for example a zoonotic disease can be spread when a human has touched something contaminated with an infected pets fecal material and then they accidentally touch their mouth additionally vegetables that have not been washed appropriately and have been contaminated with fecal material is another example of an oral-fecal route of infection arenas said sandboxes for children could also be a potential source of zoonotic infection since cats may use the sandbox as a litter box if children are playing in the backyard where infected pets defecate this could also be a potential source of a zoonotic infection common zoonotic diseases can spread through parasites and fungal bacterial and viral infections arenas said examples of parasitic zoonotic diseases include hookworms and roundworms ringworm a fungal infection that is often misunderstood as a parasite is also a zoonotic disease other examples of zoonotic diseases include salmonella a bacterium that often causes food poisoning and rabies a viral infection in general any abnormalities in your pets behavior diet and fecal routine should be reported to your veterinarian arenas said if irregular behaviors persist such as fatigue loss of appetite and frequent diarrhea your veterinarian should be notified immediately to help your pet return to its healthy routine however it is important to remember that irregular behavior does not mean your pet has a zoonotic disease; but a check-up at the veterinarian could help properly diagnose your petwhether they have a zoonotic disease or not additionally if you or other members of the household notice a change in personal health contact your health care provider to help you and your family stay healthy be sure to thoroughly wash hands and vegetables before eating cover your childrens sandbox when it is not in use and if bitten by a dog seek help with your medical professional to keep your pet healthy ensure your pet is receiving routine veterinary care and vaccinations be sure to ask your veterinarian about a flea and tick prevention plan as well arenas encouraged pet owners to become familiar with some of the common types of zoonotic diseases especially within their area knowing the signs of these diseases and providing pets with routine veterinary care can reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases in your household and keep you and your pets healthy ### pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+general care for cats september 29 2016 bringing a new cat or kitten into your home can be exciting whether youre a first-time pet owner or youre thinking about welcoming another animal into your home there are many things to consider before adopting or purchasing a feline companion before adopting or purchasing a cat you should consider the time and financial commitment of pet ownership said dr sarah griffin lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences additionally you should determine if your lifestyle is suitable for responsible pet ownership for example if you are thinking about adopting a kitten you should be able to provide the kitten with at least three wellness visits to a veterinarian for vaccines and deworming griffin said additionally griffin recommended kittens be spayed or neutered when they are six to nine months of age and given monthly flea intestinal parasite and heartworm prevention whether the kitten lives primarily indoors or outdoors cats should also be given these treatments to prevent the spread of certain diseases griffin recommended cats visit the veterinarian for wellness visits semiannually to annually it is important to treat cats for fleas and other parasites because fleas can spread disease griffin said some intestinal parasites can even cause zoonotic disease meaning the disease can be transmitted from animals to people additionally heartworms can cause permanent heart and lung damage to cats so it is important to provide preventative care against heartworms another important factor to consider before purchasing or adopting a cat is diet providing a well-balanced and nutritious diet plays a key role in your felines health i recommend feeding cats high-quality dry and canned food griffin stated its important to introduce both types of food to kittens in case they require a special diet when they get older look for the association of american feed control officials (aafco) label on food before purchasing it to ensure quality if you have any questions regarding feline nutrition ask your veterinarian for guidance if you are considering bringing a cat into your home you should also be prepared for their natural behaviors such as scratching scratching may not be conducive to an indoor domesticated lifestyle so cat owners should give their cat an outlet for this behavior such as through a scratching post other options for cat owners include declawing their cat however declawing should only be done after failed attempts to prevent the cat from using its claws destructively or when its claws present a health risk to the owner griffin said some possible ways to stop destructive scratching include trimming the claws weekly giving the cat plenty of scratching posts or other items made for cats to scratch or placing temporary synthetic nail caps on the claws griffin said another factor to consider for potential cat owners is the responsibility of cleaning litter boxes litter boxes should be cleaned daily and fresh litter should be used weekly to every other week griffin said i recommend having one more litter box than cat in the home for example if you have two cats you should have three litter boxes she said cats should naturally use a clean litter box that is in a quiet part of the home and is well separated from the cats food and water if inappropriate urination occurs or the cat is not using the litter box this could be a sign of a medical or behavioral condition talk to your veterinarian to determine the best solution to this problem whether you are an experienced pet owner or beginning a new journey in the world of pet ownership be sure to review and understand the responsibilities for a kitten or a cat pets fully depend on their owners for food love and care so it is important to be completely committed before adopting or purchasing a new furry friend pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+parrot nutrition september 22 2016 proper nutrition is an important part of living a healthy life for both people and animals we dont always get the proper nutrition we need and poor nutrition can cause potential damage to our bodies similarly an unhealthy diet can lead to health problems in pet parrots as well parrot owners should be especially cautious when formulating a diet plan for their parrot if given free choice of food parrots are likely to pick out the unhealthy components of the feed and leave the healthy components uneaten one of the biggest misconceptions about parrot nutrition is the belief that offering free food choice will ensure a healthy diet said dr ian tizard distinguished professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences parrots are similar to humans and will often pick out the high fat high salt foods if their diet is not supervised for example if given a bowl of nuts mixed with candy as humans many of us would choose to eat candy similarly if given a diet with mixed components parrots may pick out their favorite nut or seed which is often high in salt and fat and leave their least favorite components which are often healthier options untouched this can lead to obesity and vitamin and mineral deficiencies said tizard however formulated dietsor feed that contains a blend of grains seeds vegetables and fruits in pellet formmay be a suitable choice for parrot owners the ingredients in formulated diet are mixed blended and baked together so that parrots cannot pick out a favorite pellet or crumb this will prevent the parrot from eating only particular components of the formulated diet which can result in an imbalanced diet and health concerns formulated diets are readily available at pet stores and may meet the nutritional requirements for most birds but parrot owners should check with their veterinarian before choosing a feed commercial diets are carefully calculated and are a safe option to offer pet birds tizard said additionally tizard said occasional fruit or nut snacks are good for parrots as a reward or for food variety but they are not necessary some fruits and vegetables are safe for parrots to eat check with your veterinarian on which fruits and vegetables are best suited for your parrot formulated diet can be available at all times but it is necessary to monitor your parrots food intake to decrease the risk of obesity your parrot should be fed only what it can eat in one day if you notice weight gain cut back on your parrots diet and provide toys for mental stimulation and physical activity it is also important to provide fresh clean water at all times feeding bowls should be regularly cleaned as well no matter the type of parrot you are feeding ask your veterinarian for specific advice regarding your birds nutritional needs pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+conjunctivitis september 15 2016 everyone knows the annoying feeling of having something in your eye this irritating feeling can be caused by a common eye problem known as conjunctivitiswhich is sometimes referred to as pink eye pet owners should be aware that conjunctivitis is also common among cats and dogs and there are simple ways to identify this condition so appropriate treatment can be obtained according to dr lucien vallone clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences some of the most common signs of conjunctivitis in pets include mild redness in the white of the eye swelling in the eyelids eye discharge or tearing and squinting some pets may even scratch their face in an attempt to relieve the eye irritation the conjunctiva is a mucous membrane that lines the surface of the eye and eyelids and covers the white of your eye vallone explained this mucous membrane provides a barrier to infections and also creates a portion of your tears when this tissue becomes inflamed it is known as conjunctivitis common causes of conjunctivitis in cats and dogs include allergies and certain bacteria and viruses specifically cats may develop conjunctivitis after contracting the feline herpesvirusa virus that is known to cause upper respiratory infections in cats similar to the common cold vallone said this virus is extremely prevalent in cats and can flare up any time a cat is stressed such as when new cats are added to a household in comparison dogs often develop conjunctivitis as they mature through adolescence veterinarians most often attribute this type of conjunctivitis to viruses or allergies routine puppy and kitten vaccinations can drastically reduce the risk of viral conjunctivitis in cats and dogs vallone said to further decrease your dog or cats risk limit their exposure to other animals that are displaying signs of eye disease and may have infectious conjunctivitis if you see a pet that has red and inflamed eyes or any other symptoms that may appear to be a sign of conjunctivitis try to prevent your pet from coming into contact with them if your pet develops conjunctivitis there are specific treatments that can be tailored to your pet depending on the underlying cause of the conjunctivitis vallone said for example conjunctivitis associated with feline herpesvirus can be treated with certain antiviral medications paired with methods to reduce stress this can drastically improve discomfort associated with this specific form of conjunctivitis just like humans pets can develop eye irritations and diseases that may cause discomfort if you notice any signs of conjunctivitis in your pet or any sign of eye discomfort see your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan for your pet pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+cpr and heimlich maneuver on pets august 26 2016 some dogsespecially puppieswill chew on nearly anything in sight dog and cat owners may find their curious pet chewing on shoes furniture and even clothing although it can be hard to stop young pups and playful cats from chewing on objects other than toys it is still possible for pets to choke on their toys other objects and even food in addition to learning how to perform the heimlich maneuver on a choking pet it is equally important to learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (cpr) on a dog in case of an emergency pet owners should perform the heimlich maneuver on their pet if they believe the pet is choking on something said james barr clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences usually this means that the owner has seen the pet swallow something and that the pet has been having trouble breathing since this can be an object that was swallowed unintended but it can also be something like a toy or a rawhide if a dog or cat is suffocating it may start to panic in this case pet owners should approach their pet and carefully restrain it do not muzzle the dogs first check to see if the object can be removed with your fingers open the animals mouth using two hands and use your fingers to remove the object it may also be helpful to use the flat side of a spoon to push the object closer if it is out of reach if the object cannot be removed with fingers objects may be removed from small dogs and cats throats by the owner gently picking up the dog by their thighs and swinging them from side to side apply forward pressure to the abdomen just behind the ribcage if the condition does not improve larger dogs require the heimlich maneuver if the object cannot be removed with fingers how to perform the heimlich maneuver: if your large dog is standing place your arms around its belly and make a fist with your hands push up and forward just behind the rib cageif the dog is lying down place one hand on its back and use the other hand to squeeze the abdomen upwardbe sure to check and remove any loose objects in or around the dogs mouth that have become dislodged to ensure the object did not damage the animals throat or cause any other injury take your pet to the veterinarian after the incident sometimes serious choking and lack of oxygen requires your pet to receive cpr which is a combination of chest compressions and artificial respiration cpr should be used when you cannot feel or hear the animals heartbeat and when the animal is unconscious for step-by-step pictures on how to perform cpr on your pet barr recommends trainings published by the american college of veterinary emergency and critical care to visit their website click here in addition barr recommends keeping a first aid kit in case of any pet emergency a human first aid kit is quite helpful when taking care of pet injuries barr said the only addition i would add would be a small leash and a muzzle these can be helpful in helping the owner to manage the animal during the post injury phase although we try our best to prevent pets from chewing on foreign objects accidents still happen it is important to be prepared for any choking episode to prevent your pet from serious injury or death pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+pets with disabilities: deafness august 18 2016 pets can experience hearing loss just like humans hearing loss in pets may be the result of disease old age or the pet may even be born deaf no matter the cause pets with hearing loss can still be great companions sometimes it may be difficult to determine if your pet is experiencing hearing loss because pets cannot verbally communicate how they are feeling it is important for pet owners to pay attention to or record normal behavior in their pets in order to easily detect abnormal behavior for instance not responding to their name being called may be a sign of hearing loss in your pet other signs of hearing loss may include your pet being unresponsive to loud noises or food being poured into their food bowl one simple and effective way to see if your pet is experiencing hearing loss is to wait until your pet is asleep or not looking at you try to make loud noises without causing vibrations in the floor or allowing your pet to see your movement if your pet is unresponsive to the noises you make this could mean their hearing is not fully functional when pets do not turn toward loud noises this is a good marker they may be deaf said dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor if you clap or whistle they should at least perk their ears up or turn toward the sound typically there is no cure for deafness or any way to slow the progression of hearing loss in pets since we cannot judge levels of hearing loss in pets like we can in people pets can lose hearing ability before a hearing impairment is even detected hearing aids are typically not used in pets because they are expensive may not be comfortable for the pet to wear and they do not work in pets who have complete hearing loss although pet owners may think deafness bothers their pet it may actually bother the owner more than the pet itself for example most dogs are not bothered by their deafness because hearing is not their main sense despite their disability pets with a hearing impairment can still learn commands via hand signals as long as the hand signals are clear and consistent a hearing-impaired pet can learn commands in addition to teaching their pet hand signals eckman said some pet owners utilize vibrating collars to train and get their pets attention these collars can be bought at most pet stores no matter the method used hearing-impaired pets are certainly trainable to keep your hearing-impaired pet safe keep them in a fenced yard or in your home as you would with other pets you may choose to add a bell to your pets collar so you always know where they are in addition it may be beneficial to add a tag on the pets collar to indicate they are deaf in case they ever get lost if your aged pet becomes deaf it can still be a wonderful companion eckman said teaching the pet commands based on hand signals and vibrations can further strengthen the bond with your pet if you are adopting a deaf pet they are still very trainable and great companions as well although some may think it can be challenging to care for a deaf pet hearing-impaired pets are just as loveable as a pet with full hearing pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+pets: a positive impact on kids august 11 2016 many people remember caring for their childhood pet and the joy they felt from developing a relationship with an animal although welcoming a pet into your home is a big commitment children can learn responsibility by learning to care for pets with adult supervision in addition childhood pets can also introduce children to friendship and family bonding children learn about responsible pet ownership by observing their parents said dr sara griffin lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences as a child gets older their responsibilities with pet care can increase children who learn to take on responsibilities appropriate for their age will gain self-confidence and grow up to be responsible adults additionally family pets can encourage family bonding pets need daily exercise so daily walking with the pet may provide good quality time for the family playing or interacting with the pet in the house can take the focus off the tv or computer and also encourage family interactions while children are learning to care for their pet they may also develop a loving relationship with them this companionship may provide children comfort and emotional support positive pet interactions with children can help develop non-verbal communication skills compassion and empathy in children griffin said pets can provide children with a listening ear and friendship studies show that reading aloud to a loyal companion can increase a young readers self-confidence and improve reading skills but how can a family know when it is the right time to get a pet sometimes this decision can be difficult when considering adopting or purchasing a pet it is important to remember the pets needs such as food water and veterinary care adults must also commit to supervising their children caring for the pets basic needs pet ownership is a time energy and financial commitment griffin said parental involvement is necessary for any child learning to care for a pet a child who learns to care for a pet may learn important lessons such as how to treat people and animals with kindness patience and respect additionally the age of the children caring for the pet should also be considered when deciding if it is appropriate to welcome a pet into the home children as young as two years old can help feed a pet but should never be left alone with a pet because the child does not fully understand their boundaries griffin said children around the age of 10 should be able to walk feed and clean up after a pet but would still require adult supervision pets offer both children and adults love loyalty and affection although adopting or purchasing a pet is a big commitment they can make a positive impact on children by teaching them responsibility compassion and patience pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+what to do if your pet is injured august 11 2016 seeing an injured or distressed animal can make some people feel helpless especially those who have never approached an injured pet because injured pets could be in pain scared or confused it is important to act appropriately to ensure they see a veterinarian and get medical help dr medora pashmakova clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) offered some insight on what to do if your pet is injured pet owners should be careful not to be bitten by a pet even one that has no record of biting anyone before they may do so when injured she said typically this means immobilizing the animal until youre able to get it to a veterinarian you can also purchase a commercially made muzzle or fashion a homemade muzzle out of gauze or a leash to prevent the animal from biting while being transported to veterinarians care sometimes pets can be in pain with no obvious or visible wounds in this case pashmakova recommended looking for key signs of internal pain such as abdominal pain pets can be in pain when they show signs of guarding a particular area of the body to prevent anybody from touching that area they may also avoid bearing weight on a limb she said abdominal pain in particular can occasionally cause the animal to get in a praying stance position with the forelimbs down and the rear limbs up animals will also often vocalize when in pain be reluctant to touch have a fast heart rate or breathing rate or they made hide from their owners cats are especially good at hiding signs of pain and often just become reclusive and detached in emergency situations such as when a pet is hit by a car the animal may be seriously bleeding in such critical situations it is important to act fast to slow blood flow just like a person a tourniquet can be applied to a proximal part of the limb in the case of a bleeding limb injury until blood has slowed down to a trickle pashmakova said its important not to completely occlude blood flow so that the limb can preserve some blood supply applying external pressure is also often a good idea a towel can be used to apply pressure over a bleeding site until the pet is able to be seen by a veterinarian in cases where a bleeding vessel is clearly visible the bleeding can be held off with fingers or another gentle but firm device such as a hemostat while the pet is transported no pet owner ever wants their pet to be rushed to the veterinary clinic because of a tragic accident but it doesnt hurt to be prepared one of the best ways to prepare for an emergency pet situation is developing a strong and trusting relationship with your pets veterinarian many veterinarians have an emergency phone line that reroutes after hour questions and emergencies to a local clinic that is open 24/7 pashmakova said many local veterinarians see some patients after hours for emergencies its a good idea to establish a relationship with your veterinarian as well as find out what they would like pet owners to do in the event of an emergency also pet owners should have access to a pet poison control hotline for any possible toxicity ingestions another great tool to have at home is a pet-specific first aid kit this could include some bandaging material a muzzle a splint and basic supplies to help you in case of emergency while transporting your injured pet to the veterinarian first aid kits can be made at home or pre-purchased online pet owners never want to see their furry companion in pain or injured but some accidents are unavoidable developing a relationship with your veterinarian and keeping important phone numbers on hand such as your veterinary clinic and pet poison control hotline numbers can help make a significant difference in the event that your pet becomes injured pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+activity-health monitors for dogs july 29 2016 fitness and activity monitors have become a useful way for humans to meet their daily health goals at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) veterinarians are using activity trackers in the form of a collar to help keep dogs healthy the activity monitors the cvm uses contain technology that can accurately monitor canine patients key vital signs and health indicators such as resting heart rate resting respiratory rate quality of rest amount and level of activity and expended calories the trackers can also help identify early indicators of some diseases such as heart failure and osteoarthritis by alerting the dogs owner and veterinarian when vital signs and health indicators are abnormal they can also be used to help monitor disease progression and evaluate the efficacy of therapy in a variety of conditions such as pain management and weight loss management in obese patients the monitors can provide objective data while the dog is at home meaning the veterinarian can review data from the dogs status in its normal habitat where they are less stressed than when they visit the veterinarians office said caitlin conner dvm student who is involved in a work-study project with activity monitors the monitors are incorporated into a comfortable collar that collect data and display it online via a wi-fi connection based on the dogs previous monitor data and the disease status the dog is being monitored for parameters such as respiration rate can be customized by the attending veterinarian for each individual dog anytime the monitor recorded data goes outside the customized parameters the veterinarian caring for the dog and the owner are alerted so that it can be determined if a follow-up appointment is needed data collected from the monitors can help determine if a treatment plan for a disease is working for example the cvm may use the activity monitors to evaluate a dog with heart disease this evaluation can help better detect early signs of heart disease and prompt timely veterinarian visits to help minimize client and patient stress these evaluations can also help optimize long term therapy and the dogs quality of life in dogs with cardias disease or heart failure the monitors are used to collect data such as resting heart rate and resting respiratory rate conner explained in primary care the monitors have many potential uses they can monitor the effectiveness of a pain management plan for the treatment of osteoarthritis by showing if the dog has been more active is getting adequate uninterrupted rest or has a lower resting respiratory rate each of these findings would typically indicate that a dog is more comfortable in the case of obesity management the activity monitors can be used to set goals to achieve more activity as well as to provide the owner with notifications of successfully achieving activity goals the monitors can also be used to monitor heartworm treatment plans by ensuring that the dog is undergoing adequate exercise restriction which is a critical part of heartworm therapy in addition the activity monitors summarize a dogs data by day week and month making it easy for owners to look for and identify long term changes that could be important clues about a dogs health status these types of monitors are relatively new in veterinary medicine and have the potential to really help veterinarians work with owners to optimize monitoring of wellness and a variety of disease conditions said dr sonya gordon associate professor of cardiology at the cvm they provide one more way to stay in touch with your veterinarian and optimize your dogs personal health care goals gordon is currently working with the monitors in clinical studies to evaluate the clinical value of their use in dogs with heart disease and heart failure for more information on how activity-health monitors are used at the cvm contact dr sonya gordon at sgordon@cvmtamuedu pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+degenerative myelopathy july 21 2016 degenerative myelopathy is a degenerative disease of the spinal cord that begins in older adulthood and progresses slowly until dogs are no longer able to walk unassisted the cause of the disease is associated with a mutation in the sod1 gene it is not known exactly how the mutation of this gene leads to degeneration of the spinal cord in dogs but the disease does interfere with the brains communication to the limbs resulting in difficulty walking dr beth boudreau clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences further explained the disease in degenerative myelopathy the pathways that carry neural information in the spinal cord lose their insulator coating and begin to fragment and eventually the neurons that produce those signals also begin to die she said this results in a loss of motor control that begins in the hind limbs but can spread to involve the front limbs as well as the pathways that control breathing urination and defecation currently these changes are irreversible advanced cases may cause difficulty breathing as well the disease is considered to be eventually fatal the signs of degenerative myelopathy often begin around eight to nine years of age in larger breeds and small breeds may have a later onset of signs around eleven years of age initially mild stumbling weakness or incoordination of the hind limbs may be apparent although both hind limbs are usually affected one is often weaker than the other the signs slowly progress over a period of weeks to months and the disease does not cause the dog any apparent pain testing for the associated mutation is an important part of the diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy however some dogs that have this mutation may never develop the disease so a positive result of the genetic test alone cannot be relied upon for diagnosis additionally other health conditions may share similar signs of degenerative myelopathy compared to other common causes of chronic spinal cord injury in older dogs degenerative myelopathy often has a slower onset and progression and it is not painful boudreau said however other spinal cord diseases such as chronic intervertebral disc herniation and even some tumors may appear clinically similar a complete evaluation with diagnostics and performed by a neurologist is recommended to rule out diseases that can mimic degenerative myelopathy currently there is no known effective medical or surgical treatment for degenerative myelopathy however physical rehabilitation therapy at veterinary clinics has been shown to result in longer survival times for dogs affected by the disease unfortunately this disease progresses with most dogs becoming unable to walk within six to nine months after the first signs appear boudreau said because this condition does not appear to be painful many dogs can continue to have a good quality of life even after they become unable to walk if provided good supportive care dogs that cannot walk will need an assistance device such as a cart or harness to help them move about additionally severely affected dogs may need assistance to void their bladders regular passive exercise of the limbs turning and cleaning are needed to prevent limb contractures and bedsores although many dogs tolerate the necessary nursing care very well it is important for owners of dogs with degenerative myelopathy to regularly communicate with their veterinarian and assess their pets quality of life pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+common canine skin conditions july 15 2016 familiarizing yourself with common canine skin irritations and conditions is important to your pets health certain skin problems could be sign of a more serious underlying issue such as physical pain discomfort or infection there are many different types of skin conditions in dogs as we try to figure out what type of condition may be affecting your pet we have to answer one question first ‘is your dog itchy said dr alison diesel clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences itch in dogs can take on a number of different forms including scratching rubbing rolling licking chewing head shaking or scooting you may be bringing your dog in for hair loss or skin sores but if those signs are present with itchy behaviors we will be looking that direction first common reasons dogs have itchy skin include parasites such as fleas lice or microscopic mites; infections such as those caused by bacteria; and allergies fleas are extremely common in dogs particularly in texas where fleas are endemic year-round not only are fleas a nuisance and can carry disease but they can also cause flea allergy dermatitis an allergic reaction from the fleas bite that occurs in some dogs diesel explained mites are another common reason for skin disease in dogs particularly demodex; these non-contagious mites may be found in young or older patients sarcoptes mites also known as scabies are also rather common; these mites are contagious and typically cause severe itch bacterial skin infections are also prevalent in dogs; however they are typically due to a secondary problem such as parasites or allergies other canine skin conditions include hormone imbalances such as hypothyroidism or cushings disease; cancer which may be benign or malignant; and autoimmune skin diseases such as pemphigus or lupus all of these typically come without signs of itch unless secondary infections are present sometimes dog owners may notice that their pets have a skin lesion or that a part of the skin has an abnormal growth or appearance compared to the skin around it according to diesel lesions should be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the cause as there are numerous causes of skin lesions in dogs it is important to determine the underlying cause to help guide treatment recommendations she said in addition to monitoring your dogs skin conditions you should also keep track of your pets shedding excessive shedding could potentially be a sign of another health condition first it is important to determine whether the hair is being scratched out or if it is falling out on its own if the hair is falling out on its own and leaving obvious areas of baldness this may be a sign of internal illness such as hormone imbalances metabolic changes or even potentially cancer; it could also be a sign of skin disease such as ringworm diesel said it is also important to remember that certain breeds may shed much more than others if there is no baldness seen along with the excessive shedding this may actually be normal for your dog seasonal variations may additionally occur although this is less noticeable in texas where seasonal variation is minimal compared to other regions of the country to keep your dogs coat healthy and shiny and to minimize unwanted excessive shedding routinely brush and groom your pet depending on the breed some dogs may require periodic haircuts for coat care while others may need only a bath and brush additionally veterinarian-prescribed omega fatty acids such as fish oil can help keep the skin and hair coat healthy in dogs if you notice any excessive scratching or shedding lesions or any change in your dogs normal hair coat appearance you should have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian to help determine any underlying health conditions that may be a cause for the change pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+common feline parasites july 7 2016 whether your cat stays indoors or outdoors all cats are at risk for internal and external parasites recognizing the signs of parasites and knowing their life cycles could help maintain your cats health dr sina marsilio internist and researcher at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicines gastrointestinal laboratory explained the most common feline parasites including fleas ticks roundworms hookworms tapeworms and heartworms the parasites most common in cats depends on where the cat lives and if it is an indoor or outdoor cat generally indoor cats have fewer parasites than outdoor cats she said the most common external parasites affecting the skin are fleas and ticks while there many different internal parasites most of them affect the gastrointestinal tract however especially in texas we need to be aware of heartworms in cats which mostly affect the heart and lung vessels all cat owners should treat their pet for fleas and ticks if left untreated these pesky parasites can infest not only your cat but your house and yard as well cats can acquire fleas from other animals including wildlife in the backyard or another cat or dog in the household fleas live in the cats fur where it is warm and moist marsilio said they stick to the cats skin and suck blood these bites can cause itching and cats respond by licking and scratching the skin around the back of the neck and the top of the tail head is most commonly affected severe flea infestation may lead to anemia because the fleas suck more blood than the cat can produce especially in kittens in addition your cat may be allergic to the fleas saliva which can lead to a condition called flea allergy dermatitis cats with a flea allergy may obsessively scratch leaving the skin hairless red and crusty fleas also carry tapeworm eggs and bacteria which can lead to other health issues internal parasites such as roundworms hookworms and tapeworms affect the gastrointestinal tract and can be wormlike or single-celled microscopic organisms called protozoans gastrointestinal parasites primarily cause signs of gastrointestinal disease including loss of appetite weight loss vomiting diarrhea mucoid or bloody feces and pot-bellied appearance marsilio said any blood loss caused by the parasite can lead to anemia vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration which makes your cat susceptible to various other bacterial and viral infections some gastrointestinal parasites may even be zoonotic meaning they can be transferred from animals to humans common internal feline parasites include: roundworms resemble spaghetti three to four inches longcommonly infect outdoor cats from hunting and eating infected miceadult cats can become infected from ingesting an infected cats fecescan be transferred to kittens through the mothers milk hookworms primarily reside in the small intestine and feed on the cats bloodan infestation can lead to life-threatening anemia especially in kittenscan be transmitted from cat to cat through feces tapeworms long and flat worms four to 28 inches in lengthcan be transmitted by ingesting immediate hosts such as fleas or rodents heartworms larvae are transmitted via mosquitoesno proven treatment for adult heartworm disease in catsheartworm prevention is important because treatment can be long term and expensive even though dogs are at greater risk for a heartworm infection they do occur in cats heartworm disease might be without any clinical symptoms but when clinical signs occur they are usually severe to even life threatening marsilio said cats with heartworm disease may show coughing wheezing difficulty breathing vomiting or neurological signs such as falling over collapsing or having seizures if you think your cat has a parasite including fleas and ticks be sure to visit your veterinarian for treatment in general your veterinarian is always the best source of information marsilio said they know about you and your cats history and lifestyle and they can determine the specific risks for your pet pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu dr sina marsilio is currently looking for fresh fecal samples from healthy cats and cats with diarrhea or other gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting loss of appetite or weight loss the gastrointestinal laboratory offers several tests free of charge in return for a fecal sample from your cat and a completed questionnaire if you are interested in participating in dr marsilios study please contact her via email print
+miniature horses as pets june 30 2016 while some refer to horses as livestock others consider horses to be a companion animal especially if they are kept for recreational purposes miniature horseswhich measure 34 to 38 inches in heightare also recognized by many as pets child and small horse in field however if you want to own a miniature horse as a pet dont assume a miniature size means less upkeep and expense than a full-sized horse dr leslie easterwood clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offered some insight on caring for miniature horses general care and maintenance are exactly the same for miniature horses as for full-sized horses the only difference is size she said vaccinations dental care hoof care feeding and housing are consistent for all equines miniature horses are also susceptible to the same diseases and ailments as full-sized horses they are anatomically exactly the same as full sized horses so they have the same risk factors for lameness gastrointestinal issues respiratory issues and other health complications although miniature horses share many similarities as their full-sized counterparts they have a few behaviors that can cause issues full-sized horses dont often experience miniature horses tend to eat things that full sized horses wouldnt such as rocks pine shavings and large amounts of sand they also have a tendency to be easy-keepers meaning they can become overweight on high caloric diets because of their small size miniature horses have a low need for calories owners may mistakenly overfeed them which easily can lead to obesity housing requirements for miniature horses are smaller than that of a full-sized horse however they still require a pasture for adequate living space miniature horses can live out in a pasture with trees for shade good grass and clean water easterwood said most owners choose to have a barn or shelter so that individual animals can be separated for feeding fencing can be shorter if you only have miniatures in the pasture they are not dogs so they should not be housed in dog-sized areas such as backyards how do you know if a miniature horse is the right pet for you determine the expense you can afford and the activities you would like to do with your pet if you are looking for a companion animal that can come in the house make trips to the park vacation with the family go on runs and or play fetch a miniature horse is probably not for you easterwood said additionally you should consider your level of commitment to your pet miniature horses require the same level of commitment as a full-sized horses the care health requirements and management requirements are the same for miniature horses as full-sized horses easterwood said if you think you are interested in a miniature horse as a companion animal you should consult a large animal veterinarian about providing adequate space and housing for the horse in addition you should become familiar with common requirements for owning a miniature horse such as vaccinations dental care hoof care and feeding miniature horses are just as big of a responsibility to care for as full-sized horses so make sure you are ready for the commitment pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+hyperthyroidism in cats june 29 2016 as a pet owner it is important to know your cats normal behavior to recognize subtle changes that may lead to serious health issues for example weight loss an increased appetite and thirst that progress over time could be a sign of hyperthyroidismthe most common endocrine disorder in middle-aged and older cats noticing behavioral and physical changes in your cats early on may help protect them from more serious health complications that arise from diseases such as hyperthyroidism feline hyperthyroidism is caused by the excessive production of thyroxinea thyroid hormone better known as t4in the bloodstream this excess production of t4 is usually the result of a non-cancerous disease in the thyroid gland since thyroid hormones control the bodys metabolism and affect nearly every body system increased levels of thyroid hormone results in an increased metabolic ratewhich can result in an increased thirst and appetite dr johanna heseltine clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the signs of feline hyperthyroidism initially the signs may be subtle but they can progressively worsen over time she said the most common signs are weight loss increased appetite thirst and urination some cats experience vomiting and/or soft stool and others may become hyperactive and more vocal than usual left untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to more serious complications like high blood pressure and heart disease hyperthyroidism affects all breeds of cats and typically occurs in cats that are eight years of age or older once diagnosed there are a few different treatment options available one option is radioactive iodine therapy which is often considered the treatment of choice since it is usually an effective treatment in this treatment radioactive iodine is given as a single injection under the cats skin heseltine said the iodine is taken up into the thyroid gland where is destroys the diseased tissue a second treatment option is a medication called methimazole which blocks the release of t4 from the thyroid glands this treatment is effective but it is not a cure so the medication must be administered for the remainder of the cats life as with any drug there are possible side effects so blood work must be monitored over the course of treatment a third treatment option is a prescription diet designed to manage feline hyperthyroidism this can be a good option if the cat enjoys this diet heseltine said however this diet must be fed exclusively which may be difficult in a home with multiple pets finally a fourth option is the surgical removal of the thyroid gland if your feline friend is classified as a senior pet and has other health problems this may not be the best option a disadvantage of surgery is that it requires anesthesia and there may be added risk in an older cat that has heart disease or kidney disease heseltine said monitoring your cats regular eating drinking and urination and defecation patterns can help detect feline hyperthyroidism subtle changes should be monitored closely to ensure they do not progress into more serious health complications if you think your cat may be experiencing signs of hyperthyroidism visit you veterinarian as soon as possible pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+boarding your pets june 27 2016 many people associate the summer months with traveling and fun in the sun while some people consider their pet a travel companion other pets may be better left at home how can you decide the best option for your pet dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offered some insight cats typically do not do well on vacation but pet sitters are a great option for cats because it allows the cat to stay in its own environment if a pet sitter is not an option then a boarding facility with a separate cat area is a good idea she said some pets may be more comfortable with their owners rather than a large population of pets such as in a boarding facility some hotels and campsites allow pets and depending on the vacation type this may be a great option other pets simply do not travel well; therefore boarding may be the best choice boarding kennelsor facilities that house a large number of kennels for dogs and cats to stay inshould be considered a possibility when you decide your furry-friend cannot make the trip with you boarding kennels are comprised of various sized kennels there are typically several kennels in a room and some may have outdoor access some kennels are part of a veterinary hospital while others are simple boarding facilities many kennels are built to reduce the noise and visibility of other pets if you decide to board your pet what should you look for in a boarding facility recommendations from friends and family are important and may be a good starting point in looking for a boarding kennel she said in general kennels should be clean and should require basic vaccines for their clients even if a pet is adequately vaccinated the likelihood of spreading disease is higher when several pets are housed together no vaccine is 100 percent effective in addition it is important to tour the boarding kennel to ensure you feel safe keeping your pet there while you are out of town questions you should ask yourself include is the facility clean how often are the pets fed does the staff seem knowledgeable and caring are veterinary services available will my pet be comfortable in the kennels provided will my pet get adequate exercise you should be able to tour the facility before you decide to use their services eckman said some facilities offer outdoor play and exercise time while some offer individual ‘suites for pets that offer more room deciding what environment will be most comfortable will play a major part in deciding the best boarding kennel for your pet although boarding kennels can make a great option for when you have to leave your pet behind there are some potential drawbacks your pet may experience stress due to the environment and other pets may expose your pet to health problems additionally if your pet gets sick from car travel and the facility is a long drive from your home the drive to the boarding center can be a challenge although there are some potential drawbacks to boarding facilities they make a great option when your pet cannot stay in your home or with a sitter be sure to choose a clean safe and comfortable boarding facility most importantly remember to tour the facility before handing over your pet pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+arthritis in dogs june 17 2016 joint problems are not uncommon in dogs especially those of older age from playing fetch to jumping on the couch canines may experience joint pain that can result from underlying joint conditions such as osteoarthritis dr brad bennett lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the types of arthritis as well as the development of the disease yellow labrador older dog osteoarthritis commonly referred to as degenerative joint disease is a noninfectious degeneration of joints bennett said there are two types of arthritis; primary and secondary primary osteoarthritis is a disorder in which the cartilage in the bone degenerates as the dog ages secondary arthritis which is more common than primary occurs secondary to joint disease abnormal pressure on the cartilage surfaces of the joint or joint instability instability of a joint or a joint that is vulnerable to inflammation due to some form of injury can eventually lead to arthritis owners of dogs with arthritis may notice a decrease in the dogs physical activity a dog with arthritis may also be slower or have difficulty rising in the morning one of the most common signs of arthritis in dogs is lameness which may be a result from pain or injury lameness is often recognized by a change in the dogs gait or movement patterns the signs of lameness may occur persistently or every once in a while if an owner thinks signs of arthritis may be occurring in their dog taking the dog to a veterinarian for a physical examination can help determine if the signs are a result of arthritis bennett said during this examination radiographs and x-rays may be taken to help determine a diagnosis based on a clinical examination and radiographs several treatment options may be available if the arthritis is mild it may be managed by weight loss and pain and anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by a veterinarian as well as prescribed supplements in other cases treatment may include surgery therapeutic exercises and rehabilitation medicine to ensure your four-legged friend is diagnosed and treated properly it is important to visit your regular veterinarian for guidance dog owners would do anything to give their dogs long and happy lives; however preventing arthritis may be a little tricky generally speaking weight reduction is key bennett said if there is less weight and impact on the jointsthere should be less discomfort and pain however this may not work with secondary arthritis depending on the inciting cause preventing arthritis may be difficult depending on if it the arthritis is classified as primary or secondary canine joint pain resulting from arthritis is common especially in older dogs if you notice a negative change in your furry friends mobility and play-time tolerance be sure to monitor the situation closely and contact your veterinarian in addition remember that maintaining your pets ideal weight through a healthy diet and exercise can help reduce the effects of joint pain and related diseases such as arthritis pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+strokes in dogs june 6 2016 the effects of a canine stroke such as sudden blindness and loss of balance can be alarming for dog owners fortunately most dogs that have strokes can recover with time and care dr beth boudreau clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the different types of canine strokes and how they occur as in human medicine the word ‘stroke is used in veterinary medicine to mean a sudden loss of blood supply to a region of the nervous system boudreau said we most often recognize strokes occurring in the brain of dogs where they can be either ischemiccaused by a blockage of a blood vesselor hemorrhagiccaused by a bleeding blood vessel however dogs can also have ischemic strokes affecting their spinal cord in the brain ischemic strokes may be due to damage to blood vessel walls a circulating clot that lodges in the brain or less commonly to blockage secondary to cancer or infection boudreau continued in the spinal cord ischemic strokes are often related to blockage of a blood vessel by a piece of connective tissue that may have originated from the intervertebral disc hemorrhagic strokes can occur because of a malformation of blood vessels cancer affecting the blood vessels or certain infectious diseases sometimes no cause is found for a stroke although we would like to protect our dogs from a potential stroke there are typically no warning signs before a canine stroke occurs in fact boudreau said in spinal cord strokes owners often report that their dog was running or playing when the event occurred the signs associated with a stroke depend on the part of the nervous system affected boudreau said strokes can occur anywhere in the brain or spinal cord in the brain strokes may cause sudden loss of balance blindness or seizures in the spinal cord strokes can cause sudden weakness or paralysis of one or more limbs other nervous system diseases can cause these signs as well but are typically more generalized take longer to progress and worsen over time the real key to recognizing a stroke is the rapidity and non-progressive nature of these signs boudreau said all dogs can experience a stroke but some may be more susceptible for example young adult large-breed dogs that are otherwise healthy may have a higher chance of a spinal cord stroke in strokes affecting the brain older adult dogs may be at higher risk additionally dogs with underlying problems that could increase their risk for blood clots or spontaneous bleeding could be also be predisposed for any dog diagnosed with a stroke tests for an underlying cause should be completed boudreau said appropriate treatment of these conditions by a veterinarian may reduce the risk for future strokes if you think your dog has had a stroke it is essential to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible after initial evaluation by a veterinarian a referral to a neurologist may be recommended additionally an mri may be needed to confirm a stroke is the cause of your dogs signs it is important to remember that while a sudden occurrence of a new neurological problem is characteristic of a stroke there are other causes of these types of signs boudreau said the good news is that most dogs that have strokes can recover with time and care pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+heartworm disease in dogs may 26 2016 many dog owners have heard of heartworm disease but may not fully understand how the disease develops some owners may even question if an annual test for heartworm disease is necessary dr sonya wesselowski clinical assistant professor of cardiology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences said testing for heartworm disease and administering regular monthly heartworm medication is crucial all dogs should be tested for heartworm disease every year at their annual wellness visit wesselowski said additionally patients that have not previously been on heartworm prevention or those that have had a lapse in their heartworm prevention should be tested immediately then again in six months and annually thereafter to help dog owners understand why preventing heartworm disease is so important wesselowski explained how the disease develops heartworm disease is caused by a long thin worm known as dirofilaria immitis she said heartworms live within the heart lungs and blood vessels and can cause damage in these areas this damage can lead to lung disease elevated blood pressure inside the lungs and even heart failure in some cases other organs in the body are affected as well the first step in the heartworm lifecycle occurs when a mosquito bites an infected dog she continued the mosquito ingests the microscopic offspring of the adult heartworm known as microfilaria these microfilaria then mature inside the mosquito over ten to 14 days and become infective larvae that can be deposited onto the skin of another animal when the mosquito bites again the larvae enter their new host through the bite wound left by the mosquito and develop into adult heartworms in about six months the adult heartworms can then live for five to seven years in the infected dog signs of heartworm disease in dogs range from a mild cough and decreased exercise capacity to heart failure and the accumulation of abdominal fluid in severe cases heartworms can cause caval syndrome a rapidly progressing fatal disease that blocks blood flow within the heart caval syndrome causes symptoms such as labored breathing collapse and dark-colored urine the thought of heartworms infecting fido may sound like a nightmare thankfully treatment is available however according to wesselowski resolution of a heartworm infection is not a quick and easy process if a dog tests positive for heartworms the first step is to confirm the diagnosis with a follow-up test she said once the diagnosis is confirmed additional laboratory and imaging tests will help your veterinarian stage the severity of the disease and develop an appropriate treatment plan treatment involves multiple oral medications for at least one month followed by a set of several injections to kill the adult heartworms strict exercise restriction and kennel confinement is essential throughout the entire course of treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications that can be associated with resolving the heartworm infection wesselowski also stressed that the treatment of heartworm disease is expensive for pet owners and taxing for affected pets the heartworms can also cause long-term damage to the heart and lungs that remains even after the heartworm infection is successfully resolved this means that when it comes to heartworm disease prevention is key administration of regular monthly heartworm preventatives is crucial to prevent heartworm disease and to avoid the stress expense and potential complications that can be associated with heartworm treatment in our beloved family pets wesselowski concluded pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+pet health and safety may 19 2016 many of us consider our animals a member of the family but this does not always mean treating them like humans for example there are many unhealthy habits humans choose to indulge in that can harm pets including smoking drinking and a lack of regular exercise unlike people animals are unable to make the conscious decision to participate in these habits although pets may be considered a furry family member it is important to remember our pets special needs and how human behavior can impact their health in the past the consequences of smoking were not given much thought by those who smoked however doctors and researchers began identifying a strong association with smoking and certain cancers in humans causing a wave of concern in recent generations despite the concern of smoking negatively impacting human health smoking is still a common habit in addition to harming humans secondhand smoke can contribute to the development of many diseases in pets dr michael ciepluch lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offered some insight secondhand smoke can be harmful to pets ciepluch said inhaled irritants such as cigarette smoke aerosol sprays and perfumes can contribute to the development of chronic bronchial diseasesimilar to asthma in humanswhich requires lifelong medication cigarette smoke also contains carcinogenssubstances which can cause cancer recent veterinary studies have identified a higher risk of certain cancers in pets living in a smoking households compared to non-smoking households bottom line: dont expose your pet to secondhand smoketake it outside allowing your pet to safely join in on holiday celebrations is always fun but sometimes it may be beneficial to keep an extra eye on your pet at the celebration or leave them at home if your pet takes a few sips of an alcoholic beverage that was left on the ground or someone allowed your pet to taste their drink the consequences can be deadly alcohol is toxic to pets and humans at high doses and alcohol toxicity is heavily dependent upon body weight most pets weigh less than humans so it takes less alcohol to be toxic ciepluch said clinical signs of alcohol toxicity include vomiting diarrhea incoordination central nervous system depression difficulty breathing tremors abnormal blood acidity coma and even death sometimes pets mirror the bad habits of their owners such as sitting on the couch all weekend however just like in humans being a couch potato and lacking regular exercise can lead to conditions such as obesity exercise and physical activity are critical for both physical and mental well-being in our pets and for overall longevity ciepluch said pet obesity is a growing problem in the united states in fact in 2014 50 to 60 percent of dogs and cats were overweight or obese obesity takes a toll on bones and joints and daily activity and exercise can help prevent or correct weight gain in pets maintaining a lean healthy body condition allows pets to remain active and comfortable even into the later years of life on the other hand older and overweight or obese pets often have a much harder time getting around the house let alone being active because the chronic extra weight on their joints with each step accelerates the development of arthritis even if you notice your pet is experiencing soreness from a condition such as arthritis it is not safe to treat your pet with over-the-counter pain relievers if your pet needs treatment for pain ciepluch recommended pain medications that have been approved for use in pets by the fda while it is tempting to give something to your pets to help with pain pet owners frequently do much more harm than good with over-the-counter at-home pain remedies ciepluch said there are many nsaids and other pain medications available for pets that have undergone extensive safety studies and have been approved for use in pets by the fda if you are ever in doubt call your veterinarian or a local emergency veterinary clinic pet health is a reflection of the care pets are given the safety of pets relies entirely on the actions of owners and the choices they make consult your veterinarian if you have any concern for your pets health and safety pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+pets with disabilities: blindness in dogs may 11 2016 some dogs are born blind while others develop blindness over time from age and disease no matter the situation blind dogs are just as loveable and playful as dogs with excellent eyesight dr lucien vallone clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences cleared up some confusion about caring for blind dogs blind dogs are certainly adoptable vallone said in fact most blind dogs owners actually report that their dogs quality of life is excellent in addition many owners find that blind dogs become more attached to either the owner or other pets within the household which is often viewed positively after adapting to a new environment which can take several months most blind dogs lead lives that are almost identical to sighted dogs if you are considering adopting a blind dog or are currently caring for a dog whose eyesight is deteriorating it is important to realize the dogs blindness may upset you more than the dog itself considering the five senses in dogs eyesight comes third in importance after hearing and smell furthermore dogs are sensitive to their owners emotional state interacting with your dog in a positive manner such as talking to them in a cheery voice taking them for walks and encouraging playtime can help them adapt to their blindness although there are many more similarities than differences between sightless and sighted canines owning a blind dog does take some special consideration providing consistency is the most important part of owning a blind dog vallone said dogs are incredible creatures of habit and will quickly become attuned to the layout of the house many sightless dogs will easily navigate stairs or even jump up on the couch or bed without trouble thus rearranging furniture can certainly make life challenging for visually impaired pets vallone also offered advice on how to keep blind dogs safe in their environment many owners find that tactile cues are helpful for sightless dogs to anticipate potential dangers such as a flight of stairs he said consider placing a foot mat below and above stairways to warn your dog of the stairs additionally fence off any steep areas or bodies of water around the property and ensure that blind dogs are enclosed within a fenced yard these are methods that can drastically improve a blind pets safety and quality of life furthermore it is important to consider blind dogs medical needs some dogs may be born blind while others lose eyesight with age or as a result of disease vallone explained some signs of vision problems in dogs disorientation and bumping into objects in the house increased sleeping and occasionally squinting can accompany blindness he said owners should be aware that squinting changes in eye color and eye discharge can all be signs of severe eye disease that need prompt medical attention also many dogs are affected by visual deficits only in day or night light settings these are all important behavioral clues that will help a veterinarian distinguish what type of vision problem a dog is having for dogs with degenerative blindness specific eye diseases may be treatable if you notice signs of vision loss in your dog it is important to communicate with your veterinarian to ensure the best treatment possible a recently blind dog should always be evaluated by a veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist vallone said some causes of blindness are correctable like cataracts and some causes of blindness can cause severe discomfort like glaucoma a veterinarian will be able to distinguish these causes and recommend the appropriate therapy or referral if you are considering adopting a blind dog or are currently caring for a dog with degenerative blindness be sure to prepare your home for the dogs safety keep in mind that although blind dogs may require a little extra care they make excellent companions and live nearly normal lives pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+my dog was sprayed by a skunknow what may 5 2016 the awful smell caused by a skunk spray is no joke every dog owner knows to keep their dog away from skunks at all costsbut sometimes fido has other plans with warmer weather approaching skunks are becoming more active at dawn and dusk are you prepared for a potential skunk spray skunks are omnivores meaning they eat both vegetation and meat and they are a part of the weasel family they are more active in the warmer months specifically in early morning and dusk and are generally non-aggressive animals although skunks typically prefer flight over fight they are capable of spraying a substance degraded from their urine when they feel threatened this foul-smelling spray can reach up to 16 feet if you find your dog sprayed by a skunk it is important to act fast the longer the spray sits on your dogs coat the worse the odor becomes and the harder it is to wash out first situate your smelly pooch outside to prevent any of the substance from soaking your carpet or furniture next change into old clothes you wont mind throwing away after bathing your dog be sure to grab some disposable gloves too! although there are specific skunk spray shampoos available on the market we rarely have such shampoos available on-hand at home when we need them in this case dr james barr clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences offered another solution although there are no specific therapies that work all of the time the humane society of the united states recommends using a one quart mixture of three percent hydrogen peroxide one-fourth cup baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap to help get the smell off the dog he said dog owners should be careful not to add any more than the recommended amount of hydrogen peroxide as this could burn the dogs skin it is also recommended to use fresh baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to ensure effectiveness in addition the solution must be mixed in an open container to avoid an explosion caused by a chemical reaction but before you begin bathing your dog be sure to check if the skunk took a harmful bite into your pooch in this case you should take your dog to see a veterinarian as soon as possible dog owners need to ensure that the skunk did not bite the pet barr said skunks are notorious carriers of rabies and any possible interaction with a skunk resulting in broken skin warrants quarantine in addition dog owners should check to see if the dog was sprayed in the face by the skunk before bathing getting sprayed in the face usually does not cause many problems but it can if enough skunk spray gets sprayed onto the pet barr said it can cause significant irritation to the eyes and in rare cases severe anemia and of course an offensive odor if your dog was sprayed in the face it is important to avoid getting the bathing mixture in their eyes mouth and nose it may be necessary to wash rinse and repeat several times until the smell is gone your pooch may regret taunting the furry black and white creature they found but how can you be sure to avoid this situation again the easiest way to avoid a skunk spray is to locate areas in your yard skunks are likely to hide and fix these areas so they are no longer attractive to skunks according to the united states humane society these areas include wood and rock piles elevated sheds openings under concrete slabs and porches and access to crawl spaces under houses skunks are also attracted to garbage and pet food left out at night for more information on how to prevent skunk habitats in your yard click here skunks may be known for their terrible smelling spray but these animals are easy-going in nature since skunks only spray when they feel threatened it is important to keep your dog away from areas where skunks may be hiding in addition home-owners can decrease the likelihood of a skunk in their yard by referring to the united states humane society pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+pet trade troubles april 29 2016 many people are fascinated with non-domestic animalswhether exotic or native speciesand think these animals would make great pets however non-domestic animals including certain species of snakes and tortoises do not make great additions to households despite being included in the pet trade african spurred tortoise (centrochelys sulcata) also known as the sulcata tortoise in fact it may cause more harm than good to bring a non-domestic animal home dr alice blue-mclendon clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences provided some insight on having non-domestic animals as pets there are a number of species of non-domestic animals that are available for purchase in the pet trade but a lot of times people dont consider the long-term consequences of housing these animals or if they are qualified to care for the animal blue-mclendon said therefore a lot of non-domesticated animals should not be sold to the general public one example of a non-domestic animal sold in the pet trade is the african sulcata tortoise although the tortoise may be small enough to fit in the palm of your hand as a hatchling sulcata tortoises grow to be the third largest tortoise species in the world we have three sulcata tortoises here at the winne carter wildlife center and all three were rescues blue-mclendon explained two of the tortoises were pets that people bought when they were tiny and didnt know how huge they would get they can grow in excess of 200 pounds and most people cannot accommodate an animal that big in their back yard so a lot of large tortoises end up in rescue centers non-domestic animals like the african sulcata tortoise are safest in their natural habitat or in zoos or sanctuaries where they can be provided the correct habitat for their large size if kept as a pet it may be hard to provide the appropriate habitat which can put the health of the animal at risk it is a challenge to provide the appropriate habitat for many wildlife and exotic animal species blue-mclendon said for example people that live in cold climates have to figure out a way to get the animal inside if its a 200 pound tortoise its not like a dog where you can put a leash on the animal and tell it to follow you into your garage or house you have to be creative about how to keep the animal safe in different variations of weather part of providing the suitable habitat for non-domesticated animals includes an appropriate diet for example snake species will only eat live food so owners of such snakes need to be able to get live prey if a sustainable habitat and diet cannot be provided for non-domesticated species there may be serious consequences for humans the environment non-domesticated animals and other native species for example the burmese python a snake species in the pet trade has become overpopulated in florida as a result of either escaping or being intentionally released by their owners the burmese python is an example of how an exotic animal was made available to the pet trade but then people got tired of caring for them and the snakes were either let go or they escaped into the wild blue-mclendon said the snakes survived and did well in the wild and now their populations have become a huge problem because theyre not a native species they compete for the habitat of native species and they may consume native species they can breed and live well in the florida environment and have become a problem for homeowners living on the fringes of the everglades as well as for indigenous species to prevent situations like this blue-mclendon advises people to educate themselves about suitable pets before buying one in addition there may be specific state laws that prohibit the ownership of some non-domestic animals i think people have a fascination with non-domestic animals whether theyre exotic or native species blue-mclendon said that is understandable but people have to resist the urge to own a non-domestic animal without first learning as much as they can about the animal species a lot of animals are fascinating but people should wait to see those animals in their native habitats or in zoos or wildlife parks pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+dental hygiene in dogs and cats april 21 2016 most of us know oral hygiene can play a critical role in a persons overall health; but did you know the same applies for your furry friends humans schedule regular dental cleanings to keep their gums and teeth healthy but dental health in dogs and cats may be overlooked by pet owners dr jr bert dodd clinical professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained some common dental hygiene issues in dogs and cats poor oral hygiene in dogs and cats can lead to excess tartar swellings in the mouth and severe wear of the teeth (or broken teeth) from chewing on inappropriate objects he said in addition periodontalor gumdisease can arise from neglected oral health if preventative dental health is not practiced and periodontal therapywhich includes the scaling root planning curettage and extraction of teethis ignored your pet may become more susceptible to other health complications in fact an animals teeth may be more important to its overall health than most pet owners realize for example bacteria in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body and cause infections so keeping the mouth healthy can help keep your pets body healthier dodd also explained that good dental hygiene can lead to a longer healthier life for your pet taking care of your pets mouth and keeping it nice and healthy can help the animal live longer dodd explained good oral hygiene can help prevent diseases or secondary infections such as liver heart kidney and joint disease from bacteria originating in the mouth and spreading through the body via the bloodstream a dog or cats teeth need to be well taken care of and treated with respect although your veterinarian can help in routine dental check-ups and treatments dog and cat owners can reduce the risk of dental hygiene issues at home it is best to begin home care when your puppy or kitten is between eight and 12 weeks old; however it is never too late to start dodd noted the first step is to train your pet to accept the brushing of their teeth the best approach is to establish a routine of brushing your pets teeth with gauze around your finger it may be helpful to use beef or chicken broth with dogs or tuna water with cats to get them accustomed to the routine instead of using cleaning agents once your pet is familiar with the daily routine you can switch out the gauze for a finger brush or a very soft toothbrush then you can incorporate using veterinarian-approved pet toothpaste in addition to homecare pet owners can arrange for their pet to have an annual teeth cleaning under anesthesia at their local veterinary clinic veterinarian prescribed dental diets proper dental chew toys and drinking water additivesproducts that can be mixed into pet drinking water to help control bacteria level and plaque in the mouthmay also assist in preventing dental hygiene issues however if your pet has persistent bad breath experiences bleeding from the mouth or tooth a change in eating behavior and sensitivity to touch around the mouth it may be a sign of a more serious dental health condition dental therapy for more serious health conditions include many of the same procedures that help humans maintain healthy teeth gums and mouths available treatments include oral surgery periodontics endodontics restorations and even orthodontics some of these procedures may be offered by your family veterinarian or you may be referred to a board certified veterinary dentist it is important for pet owners to recognize the connection between healthy teeth and their animals overall health when you make a dental appointment for yourself it might be a good idea to make a veterinary appointment to have your pets teeth cleaned as well proper dental hygiene help promote a longer healthier life for your pet pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+choosing the right food for your furry friend april 14 2016 many pet owners are becoming more conscious of the quality of food they are feeding their pets but it is often difficult to determine what constitutes a healthy and nutritious meal a dog or cats nutritional requirements vary based on age and health which may leave some pet owners questioning how to choose the right kind of food dr sarah griffin lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences provided some insight the ingredient list on pet food does not provide information on the quality of the ingredients or the nutritional adequacy of the overall diet she explained however the ingredients are listed on the label in descending order of weight ingredients with higher water content are listed higher on the list because water is included in the weight of the ingredients ingredients with higher water content will be higher on the list than similar amounts of dry ingredients even though the ingredient listed higher may actually contribute fewer nutrients to the overall diet for example if chicken is approximately 70 percent moisture and chicken meal is 10 percent moisture in a can of food chicken will be listed higher on the ingredient list than chicken meal even if both are providing the same amount of actual chicken although chicken may look more appealing on an ingredient list than chicken meal both can provide an adequate amount of chicken for your pet chicken meal is the dry rendered product from a combination of clean chicken flesh and skin with or without bone contrary to popular belief chicken meal does not include feathers heads feet or entrails in addition griffin said the ingredient list may be used to make the product appealing to pet owners some pet foods include ingredients such as artichokes blueberries or lentils on their ingredients list to appeal to pet owners but the ingredients are often in such small amounts that they have little or no nutritional benefits the ingredient list can be confusing but the most important aspect for pet owners to look for is the nutritional adequacy statement this statement supported by the association of american feed control officials will determine if the product is complete and balanced pet owners should also consider important characteristics of their dog and cat when selecting a pet food including their pets age health and activity level griffin recommended consulting your veterinarian to determine your pets nutritional needs veterinarians should make nutritional recommendations according to the patients age activity level lifestyle body weight medical history underlying morbidities and current medications she said in general puppies and kittens need higher protein and fat than older dogs and cats if you have questions about your pet food bring the label to your veterinarian so they can help you determine what is best for your pet pet owners often face another common problem: deciding whether canned or dry food is best for their pet griffin explained in general canned foods are higher in water than dry foods but dry foods are higher in carbohydrates than canned foods i recommend introducing both dry and canned food to puppies and kittens early in life because it will help the animal be more accepting of change if they ever require a specific diet later in life choosing the right kind of pet food is important for your pets health and quality of life the pet nutrition alliance has developed a website with resources for veterinarians and pet owners including a nutritional calculator frequently asked questions and how to understand pet food labels this website can be found here pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+feline lower urinary tract disease april 7 2016 recognizing irregular behavior is one of the most common methods pet owners use to determine if their cat may be sick or in pain one behavior that should be closely regulated is urinary behavior keeping track of urination habits helps prevent conditions such as feline lower urinary tract disease (flutd) an umbrella term that refers to disorders affecting the bladder and urethra of cats flutd includes many disorders including urinary tract infections bladder stones and feline interstitial cystitis (fic) a complicated disorder that causes cats to show signs of bladder inflammation though they do not have a bladder infection the cause of fic is not completely understood but signs of fic are often precipitated by stressful events risk factors for fic in cats include being overweight being an indoor-only cat and experiencing stress dr johanna heseltine clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the causes of flutd flutd may be caused by diseases of the bladder including fic bacterial bladder infection bladder stones mucous plugs that form in the bladder and pass into the urethra or bladder tumorsalthough these are uncommon in cats she said cats that have had trauma to their bladder or have had trauma in the urethra that led to scar tissue can also show similar signs cats with flutd show signs of lower urinary tract inflammation including straining to urinate vocalizing when urinating urinating small amounts frequently passing blood in the urine and urinating outside of the litterbox in addition cats who have developed fic or bladder stones are at risk for urethral obstructions some cats with fic or bladder stones become ‘blocked which means that their urethra is obstructed and they are unable to urinate heseltine explained cats with urethral obstruction often vocalize and strain to urinate without passing urine this condition is more common in male cats than female cats urethral obstruction is a medical emergency because it can lead to life threatening complications treatments for flutd vary based on the cats condition for example a life-threatening situation caused by a urethral obstruction would require stabilization of the cat and relieving the urethral obstruction via a catheter for cats who have fic but are not blocked clinical signs often resolve after three to seven days however pain medications are often needed as this condition can be painful for the cat many over-the-counter pain medications are not safe for cats so pain medications should be prescribed by a veterinarian because fic is precipitated by stress sources of stress in the cats environment should be identified and removed when possible heseltine said examples of environmental stressors include guests boarding and other pets multimodal environmental modification (memo) is a term used to describe ways to decrease stress for a cat by providing environmental enrichment and a feeling of safety examples of this include providing a cat tree for climbing a cat retreat where the cat can hide and providing a variety of toys for play and exercise to help manage fic and other diseases that contribute to flutd be sure to provide multiple regularly cleaned litterboxes in the home preferably one more litterbox than the number of cats encouraging water consumption is also important this can be done by providing multiple water sources including a water fountain another factor known to decrease fic and flutd risk is diet for some cats diet plays an important role in preventing or lessening repeat episodes of fic heseltine said canned foods are an important way to increase a cats water intake prescription diets have other properties such as containing omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants which have been shown to decrease the recurrence of fic preventing the conditions that contribute to flutd is important for your cats health if you see any changes in your cats urinary behavior be sure to consult your veterinarian an excellent source of information for memo is the ohio state university indoor cat initiative which can be found here pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+common feline skin conditions march 31 2016 being familiar with the signs of common skin irritations and conditions in your feline companion is important for your cats health certain skin problems could be sign of a more complicated underlying issue such as physical pain discomfort or infection according to dr alison diesel clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences the most common skin conditions that appear in cats include ringworm fleas and flea allergy dermatitis ear mites and bacterial skin infections in addition cats can have allergic reactions to ingredients in their food such as fish chicken and milk or to things in the environment such as various pollens and dust both food and environmental allergies can manifest with itching and/or hair loss from over-grooming cats can also develop nodules on the skin of their abdomen from mycobacterial infections which are caused by organisms commonly found in soil and water finally feline chin acne caused by plugged hair follicles that can occasionally become infected with bacteria is another common skin condition that can be found in cats of any agenot just adolescents ringworm is one of the most common causes of hair loss in cats and is one of the first things to consider if a cat is losing hair this is an infectious fungal disease that is zoonotic meaning it can affect other animals and people diesel explained with regards to itch fleas and flea allergy dermatitis are two of the most common problems particularly in areas of the country and world where fleas are prevalent ear mites which are common in young cats are caused by a parasite that can be transmitted to other mammals but not people in addition cats can develop bacterial skin infections that may cause lesions with red itchy plaques ulcers on the lips excessive grooming and small pinpoint crusts that may be easier to feel than see cat owners may also notice alarming skin masses or skin lesions on their feline friends in this case diesel recommended consulting a veterinarian if an owner notices a concerning lesion they should have their cat evaluated by a veterinarian diesel said different diagnostics will help determine what the cause of the skin lesion or mass is this may include testing for parasites evaluating what type of cells infectious organisms bacteria or fungal infections are present or collecting a skin biopsy in the case of a mass diesel also reminded cat owners that there are numerous causes of skin lesions and masses in cats so testing to determine the underlying cause of the skin condition is important to help your veterinarian determine the appropriate treatment shedding is common in cats but excess shedding could be a sign of another problem such as an itch pain discomfort or even a hormone imbalance excessive shedding is often a sign of itch in cats diesel said it is important to determine whether the hair is being groomed out or if it is falling out on its own depending on where over-grooming is occurring on the body this may also be a sign of underlying pain or discomfort for example a cat that over-grooms solely over the belly may be experiencing abdominal or bladder pain however if the hair is falling out this may be a sign of skin disease or an internal illness such as hormone imbalances metabolic changes or even potentially cancer it is important to monitor your cats grooming habits and overall health status and discuss this with the veterinarian if excessing grooming or shedding is noticed unlike dogs most cats can groom themselves and do not need to be bathed regularly; however cat owners may notice when their furry friends coat is no longer healthy shiny and dander-free cats who are older or overweight may no longer be able to properly groom themselves and may benefit from periodic bathing or application of moisturizing sprays such as those containing essential fatty acids brushing your cats coat may also be beneficial to distributing the normal oils throughout the hair coat and helping to minimize dander and excessive shedding if cat owners notice a change in the cats normal hair coat appearance particularly if hair loss or excessive dander is seen they should have their cat evaluated by a veterinarian diesel said this will help determine whether an underlying illness may be a cause for the change in appearance certain feline skin conditions may be common in cats but no skin problem should go ignored be sure to consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your cats skin pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+your dog may protect you from heart disease march 25 2016 according to the american heart association there have been reported associations between pet ownership and cardiovascular health in the last decade owning pets specifically dogs may help reduce the risk of heart disease in pet owners in a number of ways in addition to companionship dogs can encourage laughter physical activity and other benefits effective in decreasing stress levels dr sarah griffin lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained why owning dogs may be related to decreased stress levels the american heart association has said that owning pets can have a positive effect on how people react to stress she said chronic stress has not been shown to directly increase risk factors associated with heart disease but it can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices that are associated with high blood pressure and increased risk for heart disease high blood pressure another common contributor to heart disease has also been analyzed in relation to dog ownership reduction in blood pressure reduces risk for coronary heart disease griffin explained a group of oregon state university graduate students recently found dog owners have significantly lower levels of systolic blood pressure than people who dont own dogs in addition dog owners are more likely to achieve the recommended level of physical activity per day through walking their dog and taking their dog to parks the american heart association says owning a dog is likely associated with lower heart disease risk partially because dog owners are 54 percent more likely to get the recommended level of physical activity each day griffin said many people who own dogs take them on walks go to the park or go to dog parks these activities provide exercise for both the owner and dog however some people question if healthier people tend to own dogs or if dogs really do have a positive impact on cardiovascular health for example there are many dog owners that do not participate in daily exercise with their dog furthermore it is important to keep in mind that no study proves that owning a pet particularly a dog reduces the risk of heart disease having a dog may help with factors associated with a healthy heart but a direct link between cardiovascular health and dog ownership has not been found it is still unclear whether owning a dog directly reduces the risk for heart disease but recent studies suggest that dogs may be beneficial to heart health despite positive new research griffin does not encourage people to get a dog solely for a reduced heart disease risk getting a dog is not the answer to better heart health but actively caring for a dog does promote a healthier lifestyle she said pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+caring for older pets march 21 2016 pets are more than just our companionsthey are a part of the family as your pet ages it is important to consult your veterinarian for help providing the proper care for your senior pets changing needs every animal is different so the senior life stage occurs at different ages in different pets for instance dogs are typically considered seniors at seven years old but older dogs age quicker than smaller dogs cats can be considered mature at 7 years and seniors at 11 years old breed and species aside your pets genetics nutrition health and environment will ultimately determine when your pet is considered a senior one of the telltale signs of increasing age in pets is a decline in physical activity for instance previously active pets may not play as much and both dogs and cats may need assistance climbing on and off the bed or couch dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) explained when pet owners can expect this transition into senior pet behavior a decrease in physical activity depends on the breed size and genetics of the pet she said however some older pets are still quite active in their senior years in addition to a decrease in physical activity older cats and dogs tend to develop more degenerative health problems chronic degenerative disorders like heart and kidney disease are common in older pets and so is cancer eckman said in cats kidney heart and thyroid disease are the most common aging conditions in dogs different breeds are more prone to certain conditions for example some breeds are more likely to see a dramatic increase in cancers as they age a visit to the veterinarian every six months can help determine what is normal for your pet so that any changes in behavior or health can be detected early aging cats and dogs are also prone to arthritis dental disease loss of sight and hearing and a decrease in mobility just like humans pets may need more assistance getting around and taking care of themselves despite this change in mobility and physical activity it is important to keep your dog and cat active to slow the progression of joint pain and arthritis in addition a healthy diet that adequately nourishes your pet is also key in reducing your pets risk for obesity which can also contribute to joint pain the single most important aspect in helping your pet stay as happy and healthy for as long as possible is maintaining a healthy weight throughout their lifetime eckman said a healthy weight should be coupled with regular exercise and activity perhaps the hardest part about having an aging furry best friend is accepting when they are no longer happy in everyday life it is never easy to let go of a pet but in some cases euthanasia is the most humane option making the decision to euthanatize a pet is a personal and difficult decision eckman said the decision is dependent on what signs and symptoms the pet is showing or what disorder the pet is experiencing when owners are questioning if they should euthanize their pet they should discuss it with their veterinarian to help guide the decision-making process at the cvm we typically have owners think of three to five specific characteristics of their pet and when the pet stops doing these things then it may be time to consider euthanasia for example my dog loves to play ball when he stops playing or does not get joy out of this any longer that would raise concerns for me as much as we would love our pets to live forever they grow old and need special care to ensure your pet lives a long healthy life be sure to visit your veterinarian regularly to discuss your pets diet exercise habits and overall health pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+exotic domesticated and wild pets march 10 2016 although the words exotic and wild are frequently used interchangeably many people do not fully understand how these categories differ when it comes to pets it is important to understand the difference between wild and exotic animals and the requirements and responsibilities of owning such animals as pets according to dr alice blue-mclendon clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences a wild or exotic animal is anything that is not one of seven domesticated species: dogs cats horses pigs cows sheep or goats in addition there is an important distinction between wild and exotic animals a wild animal is an indigenous non-domesticated animal meaning that it is native to the country where you are located blue-mclendon explained for texans white-tailed deer pronghorn sheep raccoons skunks and bighorn sheep are wild animals the important difference is that an exotic animal is one that is wild but is from a different continent than where you live for example a hedgehog in texas would be considered an exotic animal but in the hedgehogs native country it would be considered wildlife another misconception is the domestication of wild and exotic animals many people erroneously think friendly wild and exotic animals are domesticated when they are actually considered tame the seven domesticated species are classified by their close association with humans for thousands of years if you take a wild or exotic animal and raise it with humans that doesnt make it domesticated blue-mclendon explained its still a wild animal; its just one that is more accustomed to humans sometimes people confuse a domesticated animal with a wild animal that is tame and they are not the same thing what kind of responsibility does it take to own a wild or exotic animal according to blue-mclendon it is a big commitment in addition there are state laws regulating the ownership of exotic and wild animals in texas people must request a permit to own animals native to texas such as a white-tailed deer it is important for pet owners to do some research before becoming an owner of a wild or exotic pet to ensure they do not own an animal illegally furthermore blue-mclendon stressed that it is inappropriate to take animals from the wild and keep them as pets the texas parks and wildlife department website is a good resource to find the specific rules on possessing native species when people choose to take wild animals from the wild and make them a so-called pet they completely alter that individuals life she said it is not appropriate to take animals from the wild for a couple of reasons one reason is that people usually cannot provide the care that the animal needs the second reason is that state regulations protect wildlife so it often illegal for people to possess wild animals that are especially texas-native wild animals you cannot possess wild animals native to texas without some sort of a permit blue-mclendon discourages the ownership of wild and exotic pets but said pocket pets are the exception pocket pets which are smaller creatures like hamsters gerbils and guinea pigs are the exception she said those pets are fine because they are not dangerous and they are easy to care for you also do not need a permit for them i think small pets like that can be good first pets for a lot of kids to learn about the care of animals in conclusion blue-mclendon gave one final thought people should not acquire non-domestic animals whether theyre wildlife or exotic animals unless they really understand how big the animals going to grow what its behavior will be its diet requirements and what kind of environmental conditions it needs however pocket pets are appropriate exotic and wild animals and can be beneficial to teach young people how to care for animals pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
+parrots as pets march 3 2016 group of parrots in front of a white background parrots are unique complex and entertaining birds they are smart can learn tricks and provide excellent companionship for some people parrots have become increasingly popular as pets in the united states but it is important to recognize the responsibility involved with caring for a parrot parrots come in hundreds of species therefore pet owners should be careful not to make generalizations about the physical nutritional and emotional needs of parrots body type feather pattern personality and diet are just a few of the potential differences between different species of parrots it is important for potential parrot owners to understand their particular parrot species and their individual parrots personality according to dr ian tizard distinguished professor and director of the schubot exotic bird health center at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences well-trained parrots make good pets more specifically parrots that have been tamed and hand-raised from a young age are pet owners best bet in finding a great companion bird in addition potential owners should be aware of parrot intelligence and their susceptibility to boredom parrots can make excellent pets for the right people but caring for a parrot is not easy if they have not been tamed tizard said parrots are incredibly smart and they get bored easily owners need to keep them amused or they can be quite messy loud and destructive they are also not a pet you can essentially leave with a bowl of food and go away for the weekend they are i would argue a much greater responsibility than dogs or cats like other companion animals it is important for parrots to interact and play with their owners well-trained parrots can sit on your finger crawl onto your shoulder talk and play with a variety of toys that can be purchased at your local pet store if you are thinking about owning a parrot consider your daily schedule and if you have enough time to interact with your parrot on a daily basis and whether you can keep up with the required cage cleaning youre going to have to play with the parrot every day tizard said besides the usual hygiene food and water you will have to spend time with the parrot daily to keep it socialized with you you cannot simply put it in a cage and talk to it once a week this is especially important for the bigger species of parrots they are even more intelligent and they need more company conversation and playtime if you ignore your pet parrot they can become unhappy in addition to these considerations potential parrot owners should know that parrots could out-live their owners macaws can live up to 100 years old while smaller species of parrots such as cockatiels can live up to 20 years unless you are planning to breed parrots a parrot is not an expensive pet bird food hygiene items veterinary care and toys are affordable necessities for parrot owners however tizard warns that purchasing bigger species of parrots such as a scarlet macaw may be costly although food and hygiene products arent expensive the bird itself might be tizard said theres an enormous price range from little birds that you can get from pet stores for around $130 up to a scarlet macaw that could cost you around $5000 what type of parrots make the best pets tizard offered his advice: if youre looking in this country for a parrot then small birds such as budgerigars and cockatiels are the best especially for people living in apartments and have limited space the bigger birds such as african greys or macaws are expensive and smart you need good space to keep them; they will not do well in small apartments if you are thinking about owning a pet parrot be sure to consider the time commitment cost and responsibility not everyone makes a good parrot owner tizard stressed that parrots are still wild animals even if they are kept in a cage for most of their life hand-raised well-trained and tame parrots make the best companion birds pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print
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