Pet Allergy Checklist

Source: Earthbath

If you have a pet allergy, take action now to cut down your symptoms. Some simple steps can make all the difference

1. Keep pets out of bedrooms. It’s hard, but never let them sleep on your bed.

2. Clear away clutter. Less stuff makes it easier to clean and get rid of dander, the dead skin cells shed by pets that trigger allergies.

3. Keep your floors bare. Carpets trap dander.

4. Bathe pets regularly. For best results, have someone else do it. A frequent bath can wash away those sneeze-inducing allergens.

5. Ask a family member to change the litter box or clean an animal's bed. They are dander hotspots.

6. VACUUM WEEKLY. USE A VACUUM WITH A HEPA FILTER.

7. Visit with pet-owning friends outside your home. Their clothes will bring in dander. Meet them at a restaurant or somewhere else instead.

8. Cover vents with cheesecloth. It can catch the allergens before they're blown into the air.

9. Use synthetic pillows. Ones that are made out of feathers can make your symptoms worse, depending on your allergy.

Source: WebMD

What To Do If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic

What To Do If Your Pet 

Eats Something Toxic

In the wild dogs are scavengers, meaning they’ll eat
whatever they can find.Some pet dogs are the same
and will eat anything they find lying around.

There are lots of foods, items and substances in the
house and environment that can poison dogs or block
their guts.

Treatment and outcome varies a lot depending on
what it is your dog has chosen to eat.

Contact your vet immediately if your dog has eaten
something harmful. Acting fast could
save your dog's life!

Toxins, poisons and harmful items for dogs

There are many substances that are toxic, poisonous or harmful to dogs in the house, 
garden and environment, such as cleaning products, human medicines, poisonous plants,
antifreeze and foods (e.g. chocolate, grapes and onions).

Dogs also love to eat strange items which can cause gut blockages. Bones, rubber toys,
stones, socks, underwear and baby’s dummies are just a few examples. The list is endless!

Gut blockages are very serious and can kill a dog if not treated quickly.

Contact your vet immediately if you think your dog has eaten something harmful.

Symptoms

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Twitching
• Sleeping more or being quieter than usual
• Not wanting to eat
• Standing with a hunched back or adopting a ‘bowing’ or ‘prayer’ position due to tummy pain
• Straining and not being able to poo (constipation).

Some dogs will vomit but the vast majority won’t show any signs immediately after eating something
they shouldn’t have. It usually takes a day or two for symptoms to develop (depending on what they’ve
eaten).

If you think that your dog may have eaten something harmful contact your vet immediately for
an emergency appointment.

Should I try to make my dog vomit?

No, never try to make your dog vomit unless your vet specifically asks you to do so. It can make
the situation much worse and you may end up harming your dog.

When to contact your vet

Contact your vet immediately for an emergency appointment if your dog has eaten something
they shouldn’t have. Never wait to see if a problem develops - your dog could become very ill or
even die without treatment. Acting fast could save your dog's life.

You know your dog best. Even if you’re unsure whether or not they have eaten something that
may harm them, if they’re not themselves or you are concerned it’s always best to contact your vet.

Treatment options

Treatment depends entirely on what your dog has eaten, and may include:

• Making your dog vomit (when instructed by vet)
• Activated charcoal in a meal (a liquid that helps absorb any remaining toxins, excess gas & fluids)
• Keeping them overnight on a drip to give them fluids
• Blood tests
• A medication to help reverse or prevent the effects of the toxin your dog has eaten
• X-rays
• An ultrasound scan of their tummy
• An emergency operation to remove a blockage.

Outlook

Toxins and poisons

• The outcome depends entirely on what your pet ingested and whether they get proper treatment.
• Most dogs that receive veterinary treatment quickly make a good recovery.
• Unfortunately some animals, even with correct treatment, develop health problems. 
• Health problems vary depending on what your dog has eaten.

Gut blockages

• Having a gut blockage is a very serious condition that can be fatal if left without treatment. 
• Often your dog will need an emergency operation to remove the item.
• Unfortunately, even with correct treatment, it's common for animals to develop complications.

Gut blockages can lead to serious complications

Why do dogs eat things they shouldn't?

Curiosity

Dogs explore the world with their mouths. Sometimes they can accidentally swallow the things they
pick up out of curiosity.

Boredom

Dogs are very intelligent animals and they can get bored easily. They might fill their time by chewing
on or tearing up things in your house, swallowing something they shouldn’t in the process.

Lack of nutrients

Some dogs have a taste for things that we don’t think of as food, such as poo. This can be a sign that
they’re missing out on important nutrients. Speak to your vet for advice.

Stress

If your dog is stressed out, they might comfort themselves by chewing on something they shouldn’t.

Attention

Did they get a lot of fuss and attention last time they ate something they shouldn’t have? Your dog
might have learnt that eating a toy or chowing down on your slippers makes them the center of attention!

How can I stop my dog eating things 

they shouldn’t?

Read our tips for keeping your dog safe by helping to stop them eating things they shouldn't.



Source: PSDA June 2018.

5 Ways to keep your pets warm in the winter!

5 ways to protect pets this winter

Follow these tips to keep animals safe and comfortable in the cold.

In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness. Make sure your four-footed family members stay safe and warm by following these simple guidelines.

Keep pets sheltered

Keep your pets inside with you and your family. Under no circumstances should pet cats be left outdoors, even if they roam outside during other seasons. Dogs are happiest when taken out frequently for walks and exercise, but kept inside the rest of the time. Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops.

Heated Cat Shelters On Amazon.Com

If your dog is outdoors much of the day for any reason, they must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to move comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches from the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

Read All 5 Here

How to Make Easter Safe for Pets

How to Make Easter Safe for Pets

Watch the grass.  No not the real grass outside, we're talking about that pretty but annoying "grass" that many people stuff in Easter Baskets.  Pets love to play and chew on it and it's not good for them, and it's terrible to clean up! 

Keep the candy up! Chocolate and candies like gum containing xylitol are toxic to your fur babies. 

Easter Lilies are pretty!  But they are also toxic to your cats.

Skip those "treats" for your pets from the table.  Many of the things in our food will cause stomach problems you will seriously regret for your pets.  

Count those eggs!  You don't want your pet getting either fake or real eggs.  Spoiled eggs will cause some really not-fun stomach issues and those plastic eggs can harm your pet's intestines. 

Keep the toys for the kids.  Watch your pets carefully to make sure they don't think your kiddos new doll or toy truck is a new fun toy for them to chew on.  Kids toys aren't made to hold up to dog teeth.

National Puppy Day

National Puppy Day!!

It's all about the puppies today!! In honor of puppies everywhere here at 10 fun facts about puppies!

1. If never spayed or neutered, a pair of dogs can produce 66,000 puppies in 6 years.
2. A dog’s nose print is one of a kind, very similar to a person’s fingerprint.
3. They are born blind, deaf, and toothless
4. Every year in the United States, more than 5 million puppies are born.
5. During the first week of a puppy’s life, it spends 90% of its days sleeping and 10% eating
6. By the age of one, a puppy is considered to be an adult. In human years, this is the physical equivalent of being 15 years old
7. Dogs can recognize over 250 words, they can count to 5 and they can complete simple mathematical equations
8. Dogs have three eyelids, and their third one is called the nictitating membrane
9. Dogs can smell roughly 1000 times better than humans
10.  21% of dogs snore compared to 7% of cats.

Are you overfeeding?

Too much food! 

How much food do your animals actually need?  Let's take a look at how much you should be feeding!

Cats

Cats should be fed about twice a day and did you know your bag of cat food actually has recommended amounts to feed your cat on the bag!  Read those and measure correctly, guestimation doesn't work well when it comes to making sure you're giving the right amount!  Don't forget that fresh water all day! 

Kitten

Make sure you're using a KITTEN FOOD not a cat food.  If your little fur baby won't eat within 12 hours try some canned food and work up to dry by mixing it with dry food.  Offer your kitten plenty of dry food all day and tons of fresh water available always. 

Dog

Dogs should be fed only twice a day. Offer food, leave it for 15 minutes and then remove it.  Don't free feed! If your dog haven't eaten their food, they'll eat next time!  Dogs won't starve themselves.  A consistent feeding schedule will help your dog establish a potty break schedule too. 

Puppy

Make sure you're using that puppy food!! Follow the same idea as adult dogs.  Give your pup 15-20 minutes to eat their food then remove it.  Until your pup is 6 months old go ahead and feed them 4 times a day 

All of the Above

Make sure you're looking for "nutritionally complete".  Always provide fresh clean water.  Do not free feed!  Skip milk and table scraps.  

Poison Prevention Month

Poison Prevention Month

March is all about raising awareness and preventing animals from getting into those things they shouldn't be.  

There are many things we know our animals shouldn't get into, but there are poisons in every aspect of our houses that we don't even think of.  

Purse

Gum and mints that contain xylitol

Medicines like pain relievers or your allergy medication

Hand sanitizer

Inhalers

Cigeretts

Perfumes

Plants

Lillies

Tulips

Azaleas

Amaryllis

Human Food

Chocolate

Avocado

Macadamia Nuts

Grapes/Raisins

Onions

Random Risks

Glow sticks

Batteries

Coffee Grounds

Glue

A Message from Dr. Thompson!

News!!

People, people people!!!! Gather around!! Want to bring up a new diagnostic addition to Thompson Veterianary Services, & that is the addition of a new IN-HOUSE test by IDEXX LABS, for the detection of KIDNEY DISEASE, earlier, in dogs and cats. This IS VERY BENEFICIAL, especially in geriatric patients, patients on arthritis medications, patients who have been on long-term prednisone or prednisolone for allergies, lasix therapy and other situations where the kidneys are potentially at risk. The test is the SDMA test. SDMA is a biomarker for kidney function, and along with another kidney enzyme, CREATININE can help detect kidney disease earlier. One of the cool things about SDMA, IT'S NOT INFLUENCED BY OTHER DISEASES!!! SO, if your fur babies have been drinking a lot, urinating a lot, maybe losing weight, maybe not eating like they used to, or having vomiting episodes, CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY to set up an appointment for us to take a blood sample. Kidney disease isn't easy to treat at times, & KNOWING EARLIER can help.


Thanks for following...Dr.T

Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth: A Step-by-Step Guide

Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

Your dog's mouth health can lead to other health problems with them just like it can for humans.  Making sure that your pet's mouth is clean and free of plaque will lead to a healthy pet. 

A Step-by-Step Guide

1.  Find a calm time when your dog can be relaxed.

2. Make sure that you go to your local pet store to get a pet toothbrush.

3. Test out how your dog will react to having their gums and teeth touched before sticking the toothbrush in there. Praise for tolerance! 

4. Introduce the toothbrush by touching it into their mouth before you start the scrub. 

5. Let your pup get a small taste of the toothpaste from your finger.

6. Put toothpaste on the brush and start brushing the top teeth first, front to back. Make sure to praise your pup. 

7. Move to the bottom, front to back.

8. Tons of praise!  If your pup tolerated this well give them treats and make sure they are well rewarded.  After your pup is used to their teeth being brushed start removing treats during the process. 

Watch this video for a visual guild! 

National Pet Dental Health Month

Does your dog have "doggy breath"?

If your dog has some serious doggy breath going on, it actually can be a sign of serious a health problem!  It can be a sign of problems with their gums and teeth but also their internal organs. 

Check it out

We found this great video about Periodontal disease that gives some great info! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6gNkXpRZkE 

Tricks for Training Your New Puppy - Part 2. Potty Training

Potty Training

No one wants to clean up doggy puddles...or worse.  So how do you make sure that your sweet new puppy won't be leaving you unpleasant gifts?  You potty train them!  

Key Points

Control your puppy's diet.  Make sure you have scheduled feedings and keep the schedule consistent.  Make sure you have regular trips outside, exercise, and feeding times.  Giving your new puppy lots of exercise will also help to keep your puppy's super energy under control and keep them from other bad behaviors.  Use positive reinforcements during outside time.  When your puppy goes potty outside make sure to reward them for it, a ton of praise and love is perfectly fine for this reward, it doesn't have to be food related.  

Techniques 

Crate Training

Teaching your new pup to love their crate is a very beneficial lesson that will help you both out throughout their life.  Dogs naturally love being in a den and creating a space for them will actually be a comfort.  Dogs will also not soil the place that they are sleeping as long as their crate is the right size.  If your crate is too small your puppy won't be comfortable, but too large they can use a corner for their waste and still be comfortable in another area.  Make sure your dog can stand up, lay down, and turn around.   When your puppy starts whining and showing signs they need to go potty take them out right away. 

Puppy pads

These can be confusing for your new puppy, but in some cases such as a very small dog being home for long periods of time while you're at work.  They can be used to teach a puppy to only use the bathroom in this one approved spot and then as they mature they can be trained to only go outside when their body is able. 

Scheduling 

A tiny pup cannot go long after eating or drinking before going potty.  Having a schedule where they go outside first thing in the morning, after each meal, after drinking,  after crate time, after a nap, after chewing on their toys or bones, after spending time playing, and right before bedtime. 

Tricks for Training Your New Puppy - Part 1. Behavior

Tricks for Training Your New Puppy

A puppy is such a sweet little additon to your family!  Much like children there is a lot of work that comes with having a puppy in your home.  You may have some chewed up toys, shoes, furniture. You might have a few puddles in your home you wish you didn't.  The key to a happy realationship with your new puppy is training.  

Behavior

The first thing to teach your puppy is to come on command.  Using a rewards system teach your puppy Come _____.  Good boy/girl!  Using rewards and positivity to will enforce this lession and become extremely usful as your puppy grows.  

Stop those jump ups early.  When your puppy jumps at you simply ingore him/her.  Do not praise or pick up your puppy for this behavoir.  When your puppy calms down and stops jumping praise them and go down to their level for a nice rewarding cuddle.  

Move quickly.  Puppies won't remember their behavior in 2 minutes from now, you cannot wait to correct bad behavior.  Such as if your pup is on the couch and this is not allowed, immediately remove them, don't let it go for a bit, immediately take action.  

To stop biting and nipping act like you're in great pain.  This will surprise your puppy and usually stop this behavior.  If it does not work, or you prefer, trade your hands with a chewing toy.  

Start immediate training to help your puppy not become food aggressive.  This is extremely important if you have children.  While a puppy is eating doing small things such as stepping towards their food quickly and rewarding no reaction by dropping in a treat, or rolling a toy close by and again rewarding the pup for continuing their meal calmly, gently touches, nudges, and pets should also be trained.  If your puppy becomes threatening by growly, freezing, or snapping at you make sure to stop and try again later.  If you cannot get through any meals without your puppy becoming aggressive consult with a professional. 

What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Bird

What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Bird

Do you love birds?  If you're thinking of adding a bird to your family there are several things to consider before adopting a winged friend into your home. 

1. Many types of birds are very messy, loud, and destructive.  Be prepared for birds to be vocalizing, dropping food and waste that may land outside their cage, and chew through things.  Birds chew and shred wood and they can easily make it through toys, curtains, power cords, paper, curtains, and your furniture. 

2. Parrots are beautiful birds that many people love to have.  However, did you know a parrot could live to be 50 years old?  Having one as a pet is a long-term investment. 

3.  Birds should never be exposed to tobacco smoke, chemical fumes such as hairspray or cleaners, or Teflon coated materials.  This is because birds expel nearly all of their air during their breathing cycle.  Humans empty a portion of our air as we breathe out, bird expel nearly all of it which means with each inhale they are bringing in more pollutants.

4. Birds need to go to a veterinarian that specializes in bird care.  Your beloved vet who take great care of your cat, may not be able to take care of your bird as well. 

5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Warm on Winter Walks

5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Warm on Winter Walks

When it's cold outside you bundle up!  But what about your pets?  How are you keeping them warm while on a walk this winter? 

Here are some great tips to keep your dog happy on those chilly walks! 

1. Keep their toe hairs clipped so that ice does not form causing them problems. 
2. Invest in some doggy boots for your furry family members.
3. Wipe their paws.  This is very important.  Use a warm washcloth to wipe off the cold snow and also chemicals that may have been used to pre-treat.
4. Moisturize their little paws with a safe option such as coconut oil.  Their paws can become dry and cracked just like our skin can.  
5. Keep is short!  

How to Keep Your Pet Entertained Indoors During Bad Weather

How to Keep Your Pet Entertained Indoors During Bad Weather

If bad weather is keeping your pets indoors they can quickly start to drive you crazy!  We've found some great ways to keep those pets entertained and happy with the more confined day of being indoors.

1.  Hide and Seek for treats!  Hide a few of their favorite treats around the house for them to get a good smell of and let the hunt begin.  You can make this as easy or as challenging as you'd like for your pet.
2. Tug of war! If the kids are stuck inside to a great game of tug of war can keep everyone entertained! 
3. Chase.  Instead of your pet running around like crazy through the house find a favorite toy such as a tennis ball or a jingling ball depending on if you have a cat or dog, and roll it down a hall or across the room.  It will keep them from going all over the place trying to find something to do.
4. Chase Level 2.  If you have stairs, sit at the top and play chase down the stairs.  This is a great (if noisy) way to wear your hyper pet out.
5.  And finally, most important CUDDLES!  Once you've worn your fur baby out it's time for some Netflix and Cuddles!