How To Puppy-Proof Your Home

How To Puppy-Proof Your Home

Prior to bringing home a new puppy, you are going to want to make sure that your house is puppy-proof. Puppy-proofing your house before your bundle of joy comes home is important because it can prevent them from sniffing out a whole bunch of trouble.

You can start puppy-proofing a house by walking around your entire home and yard and imagining what a puppy could eat, climb or pull down. Then put away or secure those things.

Don’t forget to get down on your knees so you can see your home from your puppy’s perspective, which might help you discover hidden dangers. And remember, anything you’d take away from a toddler, you should keep out of reach from your new puppy, too. 

TRASH

Hide your trash cans and diaper pails in closets or get securely locking lids. Also watch out for any trash or recycling that might be strewn around the house, such as aluminum foil, plastic wrap, cans with sharp edges, and even plastic canisters—which puppies can get their heads caught in.

Trash cans also contain plenty of food hazards for curious puppies. Raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, chocolate and other items that puppies might find in the garbage can be toxic to dogs. You should also make sure all food is stored in cupboards and not out on kitchen counters.

ELECTRICAL

Invest in covers for your outlets—puppies can lick these and end up seriously hurting themselves. You should also get covers to secure wires and strands of lights, especially around the holidays. Puppies are known for chewing, so you will want to puppy-proof the wires in your home before your puppy can get their teeth near them.

FURNITURE AND DECOR

Secure lamps, bookshelves and decorations that a puppy can pull or knock down. Move any open storage containers—like baskets and crates full of craft supplies, coins, shoes or toys—to a closed closet or up on a high shelf.

WINDOW TREATMENTS

When puppy-proofing a house, you will also need to think of more obscure risks, like your curtains. Low-hanging curtains can become a chewing target that puppies can pull on and potentially rip off the wall, so make sure they are tied up or pulled to the side and out of reach.

The cords for lifting and lowering your curtains can also be potential risks for your puppy. They may try to chew the plastic or get tangled in the strings, which could lead to strangulation.

INDOOR PLANTS

While it is always nice to have some greenery in your home, you will need to consider which plants are safe for puppies. Some plants are toxic for pets and can lead to serious health issues that require a veterinary visit.

No matter which plants you choose, to fully puppy-proof a house, you will need to keep them out of reach of your puppy. This will prevent them from chewing the plant or digging in the dirt.

MEDICATION

Puppies have no problem chewing up childproof lids and ingesting what’s inside. Move all human medications, prescription pet medication and toiletries out of reach.

BATHROOM

Hygiene items found in bathroom trash cans be a hazard for puppies, so opt for a can with a locking lid. Also be sure to keep toilet bowls closed to prevent puppies from drinking from them, as this poses health risks.

CLEANING SUPPLIES

Drain cleaners can be deadly if swallowed, and many other household cleaners are toxic. Secure all of your cleaning supplies in cabinets and get cabinet locks if needed! Do so even if you use products that are labeled as having natural ingredients, as this doesn’t mean they are safe for pets.

CAT SUPPLIES

Make sure that your cat’s bowl, cat food and cat litter box are out of reach. Most dogs can’t resist sampling cat droppings, which can lead to parasite transmission or intestinal obstructions from ingesting the cat litter.

GARAGE/YARD SUPPLIES

Antifreeze can be fatal, so lock it up and clean up spills using a clay-based litter or by hosing the area down thoroughly. Any liquid you keep in the garage, whether it’s fuel or a household cleaner, is probably toxic to dogs (and cats).

Bug sprays, rat poison and herbicides might be fatal if consumed. Don’t use them unless absolutely necessary.

Make sure heavy tools are secure and that small tools like screws and nails are stored high off the ground.

Most importantly, puppies could run though closing garage doors or sleep under parked cars. Always check before operating either machine.

OUTSIDE

While you should always supervise your puppy, it’s important to look for weak spots in your fence and make sure your pool is secured. Drowning is a possibility, even if your puppy can swim. And you’d be surprised how little space they need to crawl out of a secure yard! 

Source: PetMD 

How to Handle Bites & Stings in Dogs

How to Handle Bites & Stings in Dogs

Spring is here and so is the return of bugs like bees and wasps! Was your dog stung? And which spider bites are dangerous to dogs? Here's what to do if your dog is stung or bitten by creepy crawlers!

Most of us have been there — an innocent frolic outside with our canine companion leads to a swollen face and hives. Just like their human counterparts, dogs are susceptible to insect and animal bites and stings. These are the ones with cause for concern.

Dog stung by a bee or dog stung by a wasp

These are extremely common in the spring and summer when insects are the most active. Some dogs will suffer absolutely no ill effects other than mild redness, swelling and discomfort at the site of a sting (much like humans). And, like humans, some dogs develop hives, facial swelling and welts. These can be managed at home with doses of diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl). First consult your veterinarian on appropriate dosing.

In severe cases, anaphylaxis can develop. A canine having an anaphylactic reaction will begin to:

1. copiously vomit
2. have diarrhea
3. may collapse

Take your dog immediately to emergency care. Your dog will be treated with epinephrine, IV fluids and other supportive care measures. The veterinarian may also recommend carrying an EpiPen for future reactions.

Spider bites on dogs

The two most common venomous spiders in the United States are the widows (Latrodectus sp.) and recluses (Loxosceles sp.). These spiders are timid and tend to live in dark, dry places. This is good for our animal friends, as they don’t come into contact as frequently. It is rare to know for certain that your dog was bitten by a spider, as these species are small and often in places where curious noses can reach but humans do not see.

Widows can be lethal. Dogs are more resistant to the venom than cats, but a small dog could be in trouble. The symptoms are surprising. It can take 8 hours for signs to develop. They include:

1. marked pain
2. muscle cramps
3. diarrhea and vomiting
4. agitation and vocalizing
5. facial tremors
6. a rigid abdomen

Unlike recluse spiders, the wound itself often has no noticeable signs other than mild redness and swelling.

An antivenin does exist, but it is not routinely carried in veterinary clinics. It is costly, and it’s rare to confirm an actual bite. The good news is that the majority of dogs will survive a bite without antivenin. Further, some entomologists estimate that 15 percent of bites are “dry” — meaning that no venom is injected. If you suspect a widow bite, seek veterinary care.

Recluse bites are different and often cause significant localized tissue damage (necrosis). The bite site might go through the following stages:

• a small blister shows
• the blister turns black
• the tissue peels away

Systemic signs are uncommon. Oftentimes, wound care is needed over several days, as well as pain management and antibiotics. These bites are rarely fatal.

Snake bites on dogs

There are about 20 venomous snakes in the United States including rattlesnakes and copperheads. Which your dog could be exposed to depends on where you live. The severity of the bite depends on many different factors including how much venom was injected and how many bites occurred. Most emergency veterinary clinics stock antivenin appropriate for the snakes in their areas.

There are many “old school” remedies that simply do not work. Do not apply a tourniquet or ice the leg. Avoid over-the-counter pain medications. Keep calm and drive to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.

All snake bites should be evaluated by a veterinarian. In some cases, “dry” bites do occur (no venom injected) and usually pain management is sufficient. In other cases, more aggressive measures such as IV fluids, antivenin, pain relief and close monitoring are needed. Some snake bites cause localized damage while others cause systemic effects like clotting abnormalities and seizures.

Scorpions

Only one scorpion species in the United States is thought to cause signs of systemic envenomation: the bark scorpion. Found almost exclusively in Arizona, it hides under tree bark. Symptoms are generally neurologic:

1. rhythmic jerking
2. flicking of the eyes
3. marked pain both at the site and referred (pain felt elsewhere).

There is no specific antidote in dogs. Care is supportive, and death is very rare. As with any envenomation, do not panic if you suspect your dog has been stung. Seek veterinary evaluation.

Source: Dogster 

Pet Treats Dos and Don'ts!

People Food as a Pet Treat

We love to pamper our pets with tasty treats. So what's more natural than sharing a tidbit or two from our own plate? Although a nibble of chicken or steak is usually fine, go easy with giving pets people food. A well-balanced pet food contains the nutrients your pet needs for good health, and should make up 90% of your pet's daily calories.

Pet Treats: Calories Count

Overfeeding can lead to life-threatening obesity. Vets advise limiting treats to 10% of your pet's total daily calories. How many calories he needs depends on his weight, age, and activity level. For example, a small 10-pound dog may only need 290 to 450 calories a day. Limit his treats to 29-45 calories. Ask your vet about your pet's needs. And beware: some treats can weigh in at more than 75 calories each!

Lean Treat Options for Cats

Cats need fewer calories than dogs of the same size. In general, for every pound your cat weighs, he only needs 24-35 calories a day. Plus, indoor cats can live pretty sedentary lives. Tailor your treating habits accordingly. Looking for non-fattening treats? Catnip is a good low-calorie option. Your cat also may enjoy toys that encourage him to chase and hunt.

Steer Clear of Toxic Foods

You may love avocados, grapes, macadamia nuts, coffee, onions, and chocolate, but these and other people foods can be toxic to cats and dogs. Not sure if a treat is good for your pooch or puss? Talk to your vet. Worried your pet may have eaten something toxic? Call the Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435.

What's in Pet Treats, Anyway?

Most packaged pet treats provide the serving sizes and basic ingredients. But how can you tell if they're healthy? One hint: Look for an Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement on the label. The AAFCO sets pet food manufacturing standards and verifies nutrition claims. Check with your veterinarian if you're unsure what treats are right for your pet.

Training With Pet Treats

Training with treats works with cats and dogs. The keys are consistency and moderation. If you're using treats to train your pet to stay off the couch, for example, always keep the couch off-limits. Instead of practicing a good behavior once with one large reward, try training frequently with tiny, low-calorie treats.

Making Your Own Pet Treats

For homemade treats, try cooking up tiny bits of wholesome chicken, liver, or eggs. You can also bake pet biscuits with recipes found online. There are also a variety of recipes for pets with medical conditions, such as allergies or organ diseases. And some canned prescription diets can be thinly sliced and baked in the oven for a tasty, crunchy alternative. It's a good idea to run these recipes by your vet first, especially if your pet has health issues.

Treats Can Encourage Exercise

Treats are great motivators. Boost your pet's brain and body by using treats to train for agility exercises. You can also help your cat or dog get moving by hiding dry treats around the house -- an especially effective tactic with indoor pets. Another option: some toys are made so you can hide a treat inside them. Your pup then has to play, paw, and tussle with the toy to retrieve his yummy reward.

Begging: Say No to the Mooch

Reward your pet with treats, but only for behavior you want to encourage. For example, if your pet sits quietly at your feet while you cook, offer a treat. If that initiates begging, stop. Don't give in to whining, barking, or loud meows. If it works once, your pet is sure it'll work again if he's persistent.

Pet Treats to Avoid

Cats may love milk but it's a bad idea for kittens and adult cats. Drinking it can cause diarrhea. And not all treats sold in pet supply stores are great for your pet either. Think twice about giving your pooch hard chews like animal bones, hooves, and nylon bones. They can break teeth and become stuck in the stomach or intestines.

Pet Treats for Dental Health

Certain pet treats can do double-duty by also helping your pet keep his teeth healthy. Ask your vet about safe chew toys, like rubbery balls or bendable bones and dental diet-approved kibble. You can also check the Veterinary Oral Health Council's web site for approved dental treats.

The Best Pet Treat? You

Although most pets relish a tasty tidbit, the treat they probably like best is time with you. Making time daily to play with your cat or dog helps them bond with you, keeps them fit, and bans boredom. So drag string, throw a ball, and give them what they're hungry for: lots of praise and love from you.

Source: pets.webmd.com 

Dog Eye Discharge — What’s Normal and What’s Not

Dog Eye Discharge — What’s Normal and What’s Not

Dog eye discharge — whether in the form of dog eye boogers, green eye discharge or something else — can be completely normal... or not. Here's what to know.

Have you ever wondered if your dog’s eye boogers are normal or not? A dog’s eyes can leak and tear for many reasons, some of which are normal and some of which are not. Tear stains are unsightly, but more importantly, dog eye discharge might indicate a problem that requires vet attention.

According to Beth Kimmitt, DVM, resident of ophthalmology at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in West Lafayette, Indiana, a dog’s eye is always producing tears, and these tears typically drain at the corners of the eye. “Technically, a normal eye should not have any ocular discharge, but a small amount of clear discharge may be OK,” she tells us. Clear dog eye discharge might look brown and slightly crusty when it dries.

That said, some dog eye discharge is not normal. Read on to find out what’s normal and what needs a vet exam when it comes to dog eye discharge:

This type of dog eye discharge means it’s time to visit the vet.

If your dog has colored green eye discharge, yellow eye discharge or another colored eye discharge, schedule a vet appointment immediately. Other signs of problematic dog eye discharge include squinting, a red-looking eye, or if your dog is rubbing or pawing at his eye. If you think something is wrong with your dog’s eye, don’t wait too long to make that vet appointment — his eyesight could be at risk.

Abnormal eye leakage might signal a dog eye infection or other issues.

“The presence of ocular discharge is a non-specific sign,” Dr. Kimmitt says. “This means that it can be caused by a variety of ocular disorders. Common causes of dog eye discharge include ulcers, entropion, keratoconjunctivitis sicca and conjunctivitis (allergic or bacterial).” A corneal ulcer is damage to the cornea, which is the clear membrane that covers the iris and pupil.

Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing eyelashes to rub against the cornea. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (called dry eye) is dryness of the conjunctiva, which is membrane that covers the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis (sometimes called pink eye) is inflammation of the eye. A vet exam and tests can pinpoint the cause of your dog’s abnormal eye discharge.

Certain breeds are prone to dog eye discharge.

Brachycephalic dog breeds like Pugs and Boxers might have slightly more eye leakage than other breeds due to the combination of a short nose and large, round eyes. In these breeds, some dog eye discharge might be normal, especially if it’s clear, but abnormal dog eye boogers deserve a vet visit.

Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are more prone to blocked tear ducts, too. Usually, these ducts drain the tears from your dog’s eyes out through the nose and back of the throat. With the tear ducts blocked, there’s nowhere for the tears to drain, so they spill over the eye rims and run down the face.

If you see brown tear stains, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.

“Dogs with white hair coats (like Maltese, Poodles, etc.) might show the discharge easier than other colors,” Dr. Kimmitt says. You can help minimize dog tear stains by wiping the under-eye area frequently and keeping it as dry as possible. You can also try one of the whitening products sold specifically to help with tear stains.

It’s important to keep your dog’s eye area clean.

“A soft, wet cloth can be used to gently wipe away the discharge,” Dr. Kimmitt advises. You can also use a veterinary eye cleaning product to combat dog eye discharge — just make sure it doesn’t contain any alcohol.

Source: Dogster 

What To Do If Your Cat Is Choking

Technically, choking is when something lodges in the larynx or trachea, preventing air flow. This can be nearly anything, even a small object such as a pen cap, bell, or thimble. Fortunately, choking is a rare occurrence in cats.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Pawing at the mouth, drooling
• Coughing or gagging
• Anxiety or panic
• Labored breathing
• Fainting, unconsciousness, or, if air flow is completely blocked, an inability to breathe
• Bad breath, loss of appetite, listlessness (if something has been lodged in the mouth for a while)

PRIMARY CAUSE

Pieces of cat toys like small pompons or bells, splintered bits of bone, and other foreign objects can potentially get stuck in the larynx and cause choking.

IMMEDIATE CARE

If your cat is conscious and not too upset, you can try looking in his mouth for any foreign object. Remove it if you can, but in most cases you will probably not be able to do so safely. However, if your cat is too upset for safe handling, wrap him in a towel or put him in a carrier for transport to the veterinarian.

If your cat is unconscious and not breathing, or breathing with great difficulty, do the following:

• Open the mouth and pull the tongue forward. If you see a foreign object, try to grab it with your finger or tweezers.
• If that doesn’t work, try the Heimlich maneuver:
  
  
  1. Lay the cat on his side.
  2. Put one hand along his back.
  3. Put the other hand on his belly, just below the ribs.
  4. With the hand on the belly, give several sharp pushes in and up.
  5. Check the mouth for foreign objects and remove them, then close the mouth and give a couple of small breaths through the nose.
  6. Repeat these steps until you are confident there is no foreign object present in the airway.
  7. If the cat is still not breathing after the foreign object has been removed, check for a heartbeat or pulse. If none can be found, begin CPR and/or artificial respiration as needed and take your cat to the veterinarian immediately.

A note about strings: If you find a string (thread, tinsel, etc.) in your cat’s mouth, the temptation is to pull it out. Unless it slides out like a wet spaghetti noodle, DO NOT pull it. It is likely stuck somewhere inside and pulling will only make things a lot worse.

VETERINARY CARE

Diagnosis

Diagnosis will be based on examination of your cat and your description of what happened. X-rays of the head, neck, and chest may be necessary to locate the foreign object. Sedation may be required for the examination and X-rays.

Treatment

Your cat will most likely be sedated or anesthetized in order to remove the foreign object. The removal may be as simple as pulling it out of the mouth, or it may require a complicated surgery on the neck. The foreign object may cause damage that may require suturing or antibiotics, especially if the object has been lodged for a while.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Once the foreign object has been removed, healing usually proceeds without a problem. If there was severe damage from the object, or if surgery was required, laryngeal paralysis is a possible complication. Scarring could cause strictures (narrowing of a passageway) to form, which could make breathing or swallowing difficult.

If your cat was without oxygen for an extended period of time, that could also cause problems, usually of a neurologic nature, such as blindness or mental dullness.

PREVENTION

Just as with small children, you need to be aware of potential choking hazards in your cat’s environment. In addition, something labeled as a cat toy is not necessarily safe for your cat, especially after your cat has chewed on it extensively.

Source: PetMD 

How To Stop Your Dog From Pulling The Leash

How To Stop Your Dog From Pulling The Leash

Source: Dogster

We all have that friend, relative, or rival who walks their dog with expert leash-wielding skills. They aren’t being pulled down the block, tied 'round trees, or tangled up with the friendly neighbor dog who’s also out for an afternoon stroll. I don’t know about you, but I silently envy the person and pet that can walk side-by-side without breaking a sweat. 

And I have to admit, good leash walking skills are important for more than just showing off your pet-parent talents.

“From a relationship perspective,” explains Sarah Fraser, a certified professional dog trainer and co-founder of Instinct Behavior & Training in New York City, “if your dog is walking nicely on a leash, it likely means that your dog is paying more attention to you, making it easier for you to provide direction and guidance as needed along your walk.” 

A leash-puller can also run the risk of accidentally breaking away from your grip, which can pose multiple dangers to your pet if he or she continues to run, not to mention the danger for yourself if you end up face-first on the sidewalk. Having proper leash manners minimizes the risk that you will be pulled over in a moment of overzealous leash yanking and will make the time more about walking and less about tug-of-war. 

“Teaching your dog to walk nicely on a leash allows you to take her more places and for longer walks, because it’s more comfortable and enjoyable for the both of you,” Fraser says. 

Tips for Better Walking Behavior

Whether your dog is big or small, here are six ways to improve your dog’s behavior on a leash:   

Adjust your attitude. 

First, ask yourself: “What would I like him or her to do instead?” Instead of teaching a dog to stop pulling, think of it as teaching your dog how to walk nicely beside you.

Remember it’s all about the rewards. 

One of the easiest and most effective ways to start teaching a dog to walk properly on a dog leash is to reward the dog for paying attention to you and for being in the desired position (next to you or close to you) when out for a walk.

“As the dog learns that walking next to you is a pleasant, rewarding experience, she’ll spend less time pulling and more time walking nicely beside you,” says Fraser. Try using very special treats in the beginning, like small pieces of boiled chicken or roast beef, to really get your dog’s attention, she advises. 

If you are worried about spoiling your pup's meals you can use pieces of dehydrated dog food or freeze-dried dog food from your pup's daily meals. That will help you to make sure you are not overfeeding your dog while also supplying them with tasty incentives for good behavior.

Play the “follow me” game. 

Hold on to your leash and take several backward steps away from your dog. The backward movement is inviting, so your dog is likely to turn and follow you. Say “yes!” as your dog approaches you, then immediately reward him or her with a treat.

“The game helps your dog focus and move with you,” says Fraser. Then back away several steps in another direction. Once again, says “yes!” as your dog approaches and reward him or her with a treat. Repeat this pattern eight to 12 times, until your dog is actively pursuing you when you move away.

Practice on your regular walks.

Once you’ve started your stride, each time your dog looks up at you or walks next to you, says “yes!” and immediately reward him or her with a treat.

Reward often. 

"Frequent rewards will help your dog figure out more quickly what behavior you’re looking for and make the learning process easier for her,” Fraser explains.

“The trick to making this work is using very special treats at first, and keeping your rate of reinforcement high, which just means that you are marking and rewarding often—maybe every 4-5 steps at first—for any and all ‘good’ leash behavior.”

Over time, you can thin out your rate of reinforcement, rewarding your dog less frequently throughout the course of the walk, Fraser adds.

Consider additional assistance. 

“If your dog is already a practiced puller, consider purchasing a quality front clip harness to provide extra control on walks,” Fraser recommends. But if your dog already pulls hard with a no pull dog harness, consider working with a certified, positive reinforcement-based trainer.

Finally, remember that walking on a leash is a skill that takes time and practice for both the pet parent and dog, so celebrate incremental improvements and successes!

Source: PetMD