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  • Vaccinations

    Vaccinations

    Pet Vaccinations: All the FAQs answered

    Just like in humans, vaccines are of utmost importance to your pet health and protect it from dangerous bacterial and viral diseases.

    Unfortunately, as pet owners, we do not recognize the need to keep our pets’ health safe through vaccinations. Much of the blame lies in the little knowledge of how much little is known about vaccines.

    Do I need to vaccinate my pet(s)?

    While vaccination is the number one reason you would want to prevent your pet’s fatality, it’s not the only reason.

    Here are the reasons we find vaccines are necessary for your pets.

    • State and local laws

    There are mandatory laws in the United States that need pets to get a variety of core and non-core vaccines. For example, some states need all dogs to get rabies vaccines, even for traveling.

    • Protect your health

    A lousy incident such as a dog bite may end up with you having rabies, which is a common transmittable yet fatal disease. So, to reduce the chance of infection, vaccines can reduce the risk of an animal to human transmission of zoonotic diseases.

    • Saves costs

    As much as vaccines are essential, they are much more preventative than curative. That means they help fight potential illnesses such as rabies, parvovirus before even they happen. As a result, this can help you save a lot when it comes to your pet’s health budget and treatments.

    • Protect other pets

    Sadly, animal to human infection is not the only danger with unvaccinated pets. There is also the chance that the zoonotic disease can jump on other pets through contact with the sick pet. To prevent such a scenario, getting all the pets vaccinated ensures there are no diseases to be passed from your cat to dog or vice versa.

    Are there any dangers of working with pet vaccines?

    Sadly, it’s not all gloom with vaccines since research shows there are potential adverse side-effects that could happen. Reports of adverse reactions point to effects such as:

    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Loss of consciousness, collapse
    • Pain
    • Lethargy
    • Fever
    • Cough
    • Lack of efficacy
    • Neurological disorders

    As such, there are a variety of risk factors to consider before getting pet vaccination. The best advice we can offer to get your veterinarian to establish a vaccination program tailored for your pet. It will help deliver the best preventive health care unique to your pet’s protection.

    Reference: AAEP, cdc.gov, AAHA, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

    Copyright: Local Value

  • Canine Distemper

    Canine Distemper

    Canine Distemper: Recognize the symptoms and getting help 

    Canine distemper is an infectious viral disease that affects domestic dogs, cats, and a wide variety of wild canine species.

    In particular, canine distemper is known to affect the immune, gastrointestinal and respiratory systems of the animal with often fatal consequences.

    How do you spot canine distemper symptoms?

    At the start of 10-14 days, the most common symptoms to watch out for include:

    • Inflammation

    Infected cats or dogs develop eyes and noses with watery or pus-like discharge.

    • Respiratory conditions

    Coughing, and shortness of breath like kennel cough

    • Immuno-suppression

    The dog or cat will appear lethargic with a loss of appetite present.

    • “Hard Pad” disease

    If the viral infection matures, dogs can exhibit signs of hardening on the paws and nose.

    • Neurological disorders

    Secondary bacterial infecting of canine distemper is known to cause severe neurological disorders. In such cases, loss of consciousness, seizures, and paralysis can happen as advanced symptoms.

    Is canine distemper preventable?

    The virus responsible “paramyxovirus” can end up as a widespread infection among dogs and cats through the following ways

    • Direct contact with infected pets or wildlife
    • Airborne exposure to contaminated object or animals
    • Transmission through pet body fluid such as saliva, feces, urine, and respiratory secretions

    Sadly, there is no cure for canine distemper, and the only best option is getting to prevent it. Vaccines are the best bet to counter potential cases of canine distemper in your furry friend.

    Besides, you can also opt for the following preventable measures.

    • Avoid missing any of the immunizations scheduled for canine distemper or other viral diseases
    • Increase the immunization check for your pets, especially young puppies under six months since they are at most risk.
    • Control your pet’s movement and contact with wildlife
    • Ensure you check on your dogs socializing rate at parks to prevent contact with infected dogs
    • Pet owners with ferrets or other types of pet canines should get USDA-approved vaccines to prevent canine distemper

    Can a dog recover from canine distemper?

    With the right diagnosis, veterinarians can identify clinical signs of canine distemper and approve lab testing of antibodies. While there is no cure, such early diagnosis and treatment consisting of supportive care can save your dog.

    Unfortunately, dogs, once infected with canine distemper, can never fully recover. Neurological conditions such as mental and motor deterioration can be lasting signs throughout your pet’s lifespan.

    Reference: Merckvetmanual, AKC, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, cwhl.vet.cornell.edu, aphis.usda.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

    Copyright: Local Value

  • Runaway Dog

    Runaway Dog

     

    How to stop your dog from running away: Taming escape artist pet dogs

     

    According to the American Humane Society, 10 million pets are lost annually in the United States. Unfortunately, for pets, especially dogs, they never ask too many questions and pick up and run whenever they see fit. If this sounds like your case, we recommend you read on and learn how to stop your dog from running away. 

    Why do dogs keep running away? 

    As dog owners, we often fail to realize that dogs are instinctual animals. They react to the first behavioral mood they have in place. So, what are some of these moods?

    Becoming bored

    Believe it or not, dogs have had a long intertwined history with humans. This means, like humans; they too can get bored pretty quickly especially spending all their time in one place. 

    Seeking out a mate

    Dogs are social animals, and it is not a surprise to see your young pug run away after a damsel pug from the neighborhood. 

    A habit

    If you notice that your dog tends to run away, there is a good chance it’s not the first time. Remember, dogs are pretty much instinctual animals, and once they learn something, it tends to stick. 

    Anxiety or fear

    Have you changed houses recently? Or have extreme noises around your home? Perhaps a gunshot range or a single party with firecrackers? 

    All these are well-known sources of anxiety and fear in dogs and can cause them to take off immediately. 

    How to stop your dog from running away 

    Rather than keep experiencing the heartbreak of your pug running away, here are tips to try out for a change in behavior.

    • Start by finding out why your dog keeps running away 
    • Plenty of exercise activities such as runs or walks will keep them occupied
    • Tighten your home or backyard security with wooden fences or chicken wire
    • Have toys around to help with stimulating the dog to play 
    • Others opt to get their dogs spayed or neutered to prevent mate roaming depending on their perspectives
    • Obedience training at an early age is the best bet to avoid any running away. Teach them basic commands to keep them calm 
    • Always have your dog on a collar or leash whenever there are signs of running away triggers

    Getting to stop your dog from running away is no easy task. Lucky enough these above tips will ensure you are on the safe side. 

    References: Americanhumane, NCBI, NCBI, Sciencedirect

    Copyright: Local Value

     

  • Rottweilers

    Rottweilers

    Learn More About Rottweilers

    1. Key characteristics

    This dog has a short, black coat with rust or mahogany markings. Rottweilers belong to the AKC working group and have a life expectancy of 9-10 years. Males weigh between 90 to 135 pounds while females weigh between 80 to 100 pounds. 

    2. Where do Rottweilers originate from?

    This dog breed traces its origin in ancient Rome and earliest evidence show that these ancestor dogs trace back their origin to 74 A.D. Rottweilers drastically declined and went almost extinct around 1800s.  

    A club was later formed in early 1901 to act as a representative of the Rottweiler dog breed. The dog breed was considered a go-to-protective dog by the police in the 1900s. This immensely improved their numbers and they were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1931. However, Rottweilers were subjected to specific legislations that now focus on the multiple variations of Bull Terrier dog breeds.

    3. Are they friendly?

    Despite being protective and intelligent, Rottweilers are loyal and trainable. Their even-calm disposition means they are generally friendly, but are quite courageous as well. Rottweilers are said to be so fierce that sometimes they might appear somewhat immune to pain. Nonetheless, socialization and training should start immediately. Rottweilers that are properly socialized will have leadership traits and hence will be a great companion for kids and other pets. 

    Rottweilers can generally help to keep strangers away from your home. Unfortunately, some insurance companies consider these dogs a dangerous breed. Therefore, you need to consult your insurer before you adopt this breed to ensure your insurance firm will not cancel the coverage.

    4. Is this dog breed right for you?

    This dog breed is very active and hence requires high exercise needs. It thrives well on regular exercise and jogs or daily walks will help to expel energy and keep them in shape. Retrieving and swimming are fun workouts that your dog might enjoy. Although they are inactive indoors, they do well in apartments provided they get plenty of exercise.

    5. Grooming Needs

    Their short, double coat might be vulnerable to regular shedding. Bathe and brush your Rottweiler weekly, and ensure you maintain their ears, teeth and nails regularly. While some people still perform tail docking, several countries have already banned this practice.

    6. Health problems

    Some of the common health problems connected to this breed include snoring, overeating, Entropion (eyelid problem), ACL injuries and Hip dysplasia.

    Conclusion

    If your Rottweiler shows any signs of sickness, you should consult a vet immediately to ensure the problem doesn’t worsen.

    References: Petful, Dog Time,  AKC

    Copyright: Local Value

  • Leptospirosis

    Leptospirosis

    How to Deal With Leptospirosis 

    Leptospirosis is an illness that is caused by the Leptospira bacteria. This toxic bacteria is found in water and soil. The bacteria has multiple strains that often cause the onset of diseases. Leptospirosis is zoonotic and that means it can easily spread from pets to humans. People who are infected usually exhibit flu-like symptoms that may lead to kidney or liver disease.

    Common leptospirosis risk factors 

    Our furry friends are often at high risk of getting infected by the disease. The disease is rare in cats and its not known if the disease affects other animal species. Some of the risk factors that lead to leptospirosis in dogs include drinking from streams, lakes or rivers; roaming on properties that have been exposed to infected wildlife, water sources, or farm animals.

    Dogs that are infected by this disease develop a wound, scrap or cut on their skin when they come into direct contact with urine-contaminated water, soil, infected urine, bedding or food. They can also get infected when they are bit by an infected animal, or by eating sickly carcasses or tissues. While rare, the disease can be passed to puppies during birth.

    Symptoms of leptospirosis 

    Dogs usually have varying leptospirosis symptoms. However, some infected dogs might not show any symptoms of illness, while others show a transient and mild illness, and can recover fast. Others can develop severe illness that leads to death.

    Some of the common symptoms of leptospirosis might include jaundice, lethargy, inflammation of the eyes, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, increased thirst, reluctance to walk, muscle tenderness, shivering and fewer. The disease often leads to kidney failure if left untreated.

    In addition to causing breathing difficulty, the disease can also induce blood-tinged saliva, stool, urine or vomit. It can also lead to nosebleed and gum disease, as well as swollen legs when fluid accumulates in the abdomen or chest.

    Prevention and treatment

    The disease is regularly treated by use of antibiotics and proper supportive care. If treated early after detection, there are better chances of recovery but there might still be a risk of liver or kidney damage. Current vaccines that effectively delay the onset of leptospirosis can protect your dog for at least one year. However, dogs that are high risk should receive annual vaccination. 

    Conclusion

    If you suspect your dog is infected by this disease, it is advisable to consult the vet immediately to administer the proper antibiotics medication.

    References: AVMA, cdc.gov, cdc.gov

    Copyright: Local Value

  • Why Cat’s Meow

    Why Cat’s Meow

    Why Cat’s Meow?

    It is a well-known fact that some cat breeds are more vocal than others, and other cats just enjoy meowing. But if you notice that your cat is meowing non-stop, you need to visit the vet to check if everything is in order. So, what causes constant meowing in cats. Below are some of the reasons that cause non-stop meowing:

    1. Your cat might be in heat

    Cat with wide open mouth – meowing, trilling and making funny kitten sound may indicate that she’s in heat. If your cat hasn’t been spayed, meowing might show that the cat is in heat. Cats that are in heat are usually super-affectionate and make eerily loud sounds.

    2. Signs of hyperthyroidism
      

    Commonly observed in older cats, signs of hyperthyroidism is usually accompanied by symptoms like excessive vocalization, excessive activity and weight loss. If your cat is meowing endlessly and shows any of these symptoms, you should visit the vet for checkup.

    3. Signals loss of hearing and/or vision

    When your older cat meows endlessly when you turn off the light as you retire to bed, it’s likely she’s feeling lost. If the cat is partially deaf or blind, it may have difficultly moving inside the house and might not hear you.

    4. Cat dementia

    Unknown to many, cats also become senile. Commonly known as cat dementia, feline cognitive dysfunction often cause multiple problems for your cat and it may end up feeling disoriented and scared. Yowls, wails and nonstop cat meowing are signs of dementia. Cats with this condition become irritable, lose coordination and experience unbalanced sleep cycles.

    5. Feline hyperesthesia syndrome

    Cats affected by this condition are often eye-wild and behave as though they are hallucinating. The cat will yowl and cry loudly, might have altered mood swings, and can may start grooming the skin aggressively, leading to severe hair loss.

    6. Constant meowing may signal pain

    Cats rarely express pain but when experiencing real pain, cats often meow most of the time. For example, cats with urinary tract infection might meow non-stop due to the pain and discomfort caused by the condition. If you notice that your cat is meowing non-stop, then you should visit the vet.

    Conclusion

    While cat meowing is a normal occurrence, if it occurs repeatedly over a duration of time, you should consider visiting the vet to check whether there is an underlying health problem.

    References: Catster, Webmd, Aspca

    Copyright: Local Value

  • Deceiving a Dog

    Deceiving a Dog

    What To Know About Dog Deception

    Miscommunication can be very frustrating especially when someone doesn’t make an effort to explain what they want or lie outrightly. It’s easy for you to take this kind of behavior personal even if there was no ill intention. More often than not, we never acknowledge when we do this to other people. And yet, this is the kind of behavior we project on our furry friends regularly without knowing it.

    Most people tend to mislead their furry friends by not having clear intentions and giving them underserved attention when it’s not necessary. And as a result, dogs become aggressive, confused, fearful and frustrated, but you can remedy this problem very easy.

    Avoid deceiving your furry friend

    If you don’t have clear intentions, your dog cannot tell what you really want. For instance, if you want to order your dog to sit down but you say the commands in a weak way, your furry friend will read your energy negatively as though you aren’t sure what you want. If you don’t portray confidence in your overall body language in the way you talk or walk, then your canine friend will try to demonstrate leadership because you have failed to show control.

    When you confuse your canine friend enough times, he may start to ignore you completely after being accustomed not to follow your commands. If the dog believes you aren’t serious when you make commands, then it will stop paying attention altogether. I’m sure you have heard of this statement several times – ‘’My dog just doesn’t respond to my commands?’’ This is the main reason why.

    Sending mixed signals

    Another form of dog deception that most people do and is more damaging in the long run, is when you unintentionally tell your furry friend that you are satisfied with their behavior but you aren’t happy with them. Do you still give your dog that treat even when it fails to follow your commands?

    If yes, then you are rewarding the dog for bad behavior since it didn’t follow your commands. Dogs are excellent at figuring out when they need to do to get good things and unacceptable behavior that leads to bad things.

    For the reason, you should be clear in your intentions when dealing with dogs to ensure they are obedient. You should only give your furry friends affection only when they follow your commands.

    Conclusion

    If you notice your dog is rather docile, sleepy and doesn’t respond to your orders, you should visit the vet to check whether there’s an underlying health problem.

    References: Cesarsway, Psychology Today, Dog Listener

    Copyright: Local Value

  • Heartworm Disease

    Heartworm Disease

    How To Treat Heartworm Disease

    Heartworm disease is caused by a poisonous parasitic that often infects cats, ferrets and dogs. It is also known to infect different types of wild animals, like sea lions, lions, pumas, tigers, wolves, cayotes and foxes. While they can cause human infection, it is rare and they don’t usually exhibit symptoms of illness.

    Transmission of heartworm disease

    Heartworm disease is usually transmitted between animals by mosquitoes. After mosquitos bite an infected household pet, young heartworms known as microfilariae easily enter the mosquito’s internal system. And within two weeks, microfilariae then develops into larvae inside the mosquito’s body, and the larvae is transmitted to other animals through mosquito bites. 

    The larvae will mature into an adult heartworm after six months. After three months of infection, the larvae slowly migrates inside the animal’s body and eventually reaches the lung. In the preceding months, these immature heartworms develop and become adults. These warms destroy the lung’s blood vessels, interferes with the heart function, resulting in lung and heart disease.

    Where can you find heartworms?

    As mentioned earlier, all cats and dogs are vulnerable to get heartworm infection. Heartworms disease is a real threat in all states and can affect all household pets, regardless of sex, age, or environment. Both outdoor and indoor cats are vulnerable to this disease. If you want to travel to another state with your pets, consult your vet to know the potential risks of heartworm disease.

    Why you should test household pets for heartworm?

    Since heartworms are generally spread by infectious mosquitoes, it is important to test any household pet that has been exposed to mosquitoes. Remember that indoor pets are also at risk as mosquito are found in homes.

    Symptoms of heartworm disease?

    If your dog has been infected with this disease, you may not see any symptoms of illness in the first few weeks. But as the illness progresses in the lungs, the dog might cough, loose appetitive, experience difficulty breathing, and become lethargic. Your dogs might easily tire fast after moderate exercise. On the other hand, cats that have heartworm disease will exhibit symptoms like vomiting, coughing and respiratory distress. 

    Treatment

    Heartworm is a life-threatening illness and earlier detection is the best way to administer appropriate treatment. With earlier detection, the higher chances your pets have for faster recovery and less complications.

    Conclusion

    If you suspect your cats or dogs have heartworm disease, you should consult a vet immediately to prevent the illness from worsening.

    References: AVMA, Webmd, VCA Hospitals

    Copyright: Local Value