Valley Vet Supply

Are Holiday Plants Dangerous to Our Pets?

In general, many holiday plants and decorations pose some degree of risk for both dogs and cats. The good news is that it’s likely to take more than a few curious nibbles before ill effects are seen. Still, it’s good to be mindful of the signs and symptoms…..just in case!

Poinsettias are often thought to be extremely deadly. In reality, their danger is highly exaggerated. Frankly, most pets won’t ingest enough to become ill. Poinsettias don’t taste very good! Excessive drooling and mild stomach upset are the most common problem in pets that nibble on this plant.

Holly and mistletoe, on the other hand, pose a much higher degree of danger. Consumption of large amounts of holly can result in stomach upset along with depression of the central nervous system. Mistletoe can actually cause cardiovascular problems. If your pet exhibits unusual symptoms, don’t take any chances.

If you have a live Christmas tree in your home, avoid adding preservatives to the tree’s water. When a pet discovers a large bowl of fresh water in the living room, they are certain to take a drink….even if there is a Christmas tree inside. Stagnant water in the tree stand is potentially a breeding ground for bacteria, as well. In either case, stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea could occur.

Lilies, although more popular at Easter, offer serious risk to cats. A single leaf or even just the pollen of most lilies can send a cat into kidney failure. Be extremely careful with these plants!

Hopefully, your holiday celebration will be merry and without any pet problems.
Lori H

Curious Pets Love Holiday Decorations

Holidays and the traditions that surround them make this time of year especially festive. From decorating a tree to hanging mistletoe, we invest a lot of time and thought into creating the perfect holiday atmosphere. Have you ever wondered if any of your traditions might lead to a holiday pet emergency? A decorated Christmas trees is beautiful, but some ornaments and decorations can pose risks to dogs and cats. Have you ever known a cat who could resist the shiny glass ornaments hanging off of the branches? They are irresistible! A few playful bats and suddenly the festively colored globe shatters on the floor. Glass fragments can cut sensitive paws and noses ,and inevitably end up in our bare feet! Tinsel, ribbons and even lights can be dangerous for cats, and sometimes for dogs too. The string-like consistency of these decorations can be very problematic if a pet swallows the material. The string can lodge in the pet’s intestines and actually generate a saw-like motion, which could lead to perforation and eventually to peritonitis. Veterinarians refer to this as a “linear foreign body” and the outcome can be deadly. It’s not something we’d normally think about, but curious pets often wonder what’s wrapped inside of those gifts under the tree. Presents that contain any sort of food can be sniffed out and irresistible to some pets! Sometimes mere curiosity can lead an enthusiastic pet to eat ribbon, bows or wrapping paper. When giving your pets their presents, be sure to monitor them with their new toys or chews. The excitement of the season can lead to overeating and stomach upset for every member of the family!

The Damage from Dry Eyes

If you’ve ever had a scratched cornea or eyelid, you know the misery it causes. Pets commonly acquire minor eye injuries, and their experience is similar to ours. Irritation and discomfort lead to frequent squinting, blinking and rubbing of the eye, and sometimes excessive tears or redness. There are numerous topical products to aid the healing process. Flushing the eye with an eye wash removes impurities and can help relieve discomfort. An ophthalmic ointment provides lubrication and protection for the eye.

While some maladies of the eye result from your pet’s everyday mischief, others are the result of health related conditions. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (dry eye) is a disorder of the tear glands that causes insufficient tear production and dry corneas. Dry eye can also result from an injury or from immune-related disease. In some cases, the cause of dry eye is simply unknown. No matter the cause, without treatment the cornea can become ulcerated and may lead to blindness.

 There are several treatments for dry eye, depending on the severity and cause. Eye wash and ophthalmic ointment provide some degree of help, but precription strength cyclosporin ophthalmic ointment greatly improves results. Cyclosporin is an immunosuppressive drug. The discontinuation of cyclosporin for as little as 24 hours causes symptoms to reappear in 90% of dogs. This can be reversed by resuming treatment. When the diagnosis or proper course of treatment is in doubt, see your veterinarian. Lori H

Relief for Itchy, Scratchy Pets

Pets can suffer from allergies and sensitivities to particles in the air, in much the same way people do. Many times, pollen, certain grasses and trees or even dust mites can trigger this reaction in pets. Unlike people though, our pets rarely sneeze and show signs similar to “hay fever”. Instead, our pets become itchy and will do just about anything to relieve that sensation. Some pets scratch constantly, others lick and chew at certain spots, like their feet, and still others might rub against carpets and furniture. This behavior, and the consistent noises and thumps produced, is often too much for many pet owners.

It’s been estimated that approximately 10% of dogs suffer from environmental allergies, or atopy. Cats can develop this condition as well. Many pets begin showing signs as early as six months of age and most will occur before the animal is five years old. Beyond the itchiness (known medically as pruritus), pets might also show recurrent skin and ear infections or seem to be obsessed with licking their paws. These symptoms most commonly occur in warm weather for pets with pollen or dust allergies, but can also occur year round in some cases.

Diagnostic tests for atopy may help determine what allergens are causing your pet’s problems. Atopy is typically managed with baths, medications, managing the environment and sometimes with immunotherapy.

For pets that suffer seasonal allergies, being prepared ahead of time is the key. Atopica (cyclosporine), which suppresses the immune system, may be prescribed to treat skin-related conditions. It works by targeting the immune cells involved in the allergic reaction. Antihistamines are sometimes used to help provide relief. Steroids can decrease the symptoms to make your pet more comfortable.

Adding Omega 3 fatty acids to the diet can help decrease allergy-related inflammation and itching. Pets with minor irritation can benefit from daily cool water rinses and a fragrance free shampoo one to two times weekly. Clipping long-haired pets decreases the allergen load and makes bathing easier.

Pollen counts in the home can be reduced by asking family and visitors to remove their shoes at the door. Routine vacuuming of areas that the pets frequent and washing of pet bedding in mild, fragrance free detergents can also limit the allergen exposure inside.

Keep in mind that most cases of atopy are not cured, but the symptoms may be managed in order to keep your pet more comfortable. If therapy is discontinued, symptoms often recur when allergens are present. Lori H

How To Vaccinate Your Dog At Home Video

How to vaccinate your dog at home

Open the syringe by twisting the cap to break the heat weld.

Remove the cap from the liquid vial, Insert syringe and withdraw all contents.

Prepare the vaccine by injecting the liquid into the vial containing the powder vaccine.
Shake well.

Withdraw all of the reconstituted vaccine into the syringe.

Lift the loose skin behind the neck & insert needle. Inject entire contents of syringe.

Check out our fully licensed pet pharmacy online at valleyvet.com.

Parasitic Worms-Are You At Risk?

Our pets share every aspect of our lives, from the backyard to the house, and in some cases, even our beds. Unfortunately, they might also be sharing some unwanted guests - worms!

Most puppies are born with roundworms and/or hookworms. Worms can be passed from mom to babies during pregnancy or nursing. If untreated, these tiny parasites can cause poor growth, diarrhea, vomiting, and possibly death. Adult pets are also susceptible to internal parasites. Dogs who consume feces, eat grass, or have contact with infected rodents are at high risk.

Beyond the risk to your pets, there is an even greater danger from these parasites. Both roundworms and hookworms are zoonotic, meaning that they can be passed to humans. Children are especially susceptible. The CDC estimates that almost 14% of the U.S. population is infected with roundworms. That’s nearly 40 million people!

When you understand the worm’s life cycle, it’s easy to see the danger. After larval worms enter a puppy’s digestive tract, they mature into adults in just 3 weeks. Adult female worms rapidly shed enormous numbers of eggs into the environment. It’s not unusual for one female to shed more than 200,000 eggs every single day. Now, imagine a mother dog with a litter of 9 puppies. Including mom’s contribution, even if each pup had just one female worm, more than 2 million eggs are being deposited daily into the yard where the puppies, and your kids, play.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends a de-worming protocol to help protect both people and pets. Starting with puppies, CAPC recommends using a de-worming pet wormer medication, like Nemex-2, every 2-3 weeks from 2 weeks of age until 12 weeks. In addition, dog owners are urged to use monthly heartworm Rx-Heartworm prevention products, like Heartgard Plus or Advantage Multi, which contain medication to control intestinal parasites. Dogs should take these products every month, all year round. It's a safe and easy way to protect the whole family! Lori H

 

Go Dog Go!

It is hard to stop a dog that has seen something is off on a chase. Whether it is a dog that is hunting with its owner or just your average dog that takes off and goes! At some time in every dog’s life there is bound to be an injury. No matter what the injury may be, you can try to be prepared for a few events. In our family we have a short dog (Corgi) and tall dogs (Weims), and each have their own problems.

Being a short dog means your chase is close to the ground where weeds and dust are the thickest. We had noticed Ansley (the Corgi) had one eye that kept tearing up and decided to have it checked out at the vet. Amazingly, she had a sticker in the eye itself, and they recommended she go to a higher authority… our local K-State vet college. This wasn’t our first trip there for one of our animals, and they gave great attention as usual. After checking the eye out thoroughly, they removed the smallest of slivers. All should be ok, but there is a slim chance it can affect her later.

The Weims, although taller, can run through brush and have the same problems with twigs and grasses hitting them in the face. Since they are such a short- haired breed, their coats are easier to clean, but unfortunately, their skin is not protected from sharp objects. A couple of times they have caught and torn their chest or back. One night (of course it was a late Saturday night) we let the dogs in, and as one of the Weims passed by, I saw a red blur. When I caught up with Max, I noticed he had a fairly large gash on his back. It was a rather nasty three corner tear. We cleaned it up as best as possible, used liberal amounts of triple antibiotic, tried to get the flap of skin in place, and bandaged with a telfa pad and LOTS of tape. I know you can imagine that lasted about all of ummmmm, a minute?? Amazing how dexterous a dog is when it comes to the middle of a spot and licking something off themself. We re-applied everything and humiliated Max by putting one of my t-shirts on him. No flowers, but it may have been pink. Pulled up snugly and tied with a ponytail holder, he looked so nice! When Monday came we made a trip to the vet, but by then he said it could not be stitched with out trimming the edges to close the gash cleanly. He suggested letting time heal the gash as we would have to put him under anesthesia. Keeping a close watch on the wound, Max made a quick recovery and has just a slight mark to show what happened.

The lesson we learned was, if in doubt, call the vet and don’t wait. Always keep on hand good quality bandage materials, wound wash/spray, eye wash, scissors, and bandaging. A small tool box can hold all supplies for emergencies. On our website we have kits already assembled for many types of animals (large and small). Like your children, there isn’t any way to guarantee an accident can’t happen, but you can prepare the best way possible. Helen

Joint Help Comes in Cosequin for Cats

Got a favorite cat you hope will be able to stay your companion for years to come? Unfortunately, cats get old too, and suffer the same joint problems as people. It can be a challenge to find a product that a cat will eat, and that actually works. If you are trying to keep an old friend comfortable, there is Cosequin for Cats.

It's a carefully studied and proven formula that Nutramax Laboratories is proud to describe. It uses a really pure form of glucosamine and a low molecular type of chondroitin that is bio-available. Most chondroitin doesn't work because the molecules are too large to enter the cells, so it ends up useless in the body. Nutramax has patented a way to make the molecule tiny enough to do its job where it's needed. They finish the formula off with 1 mg of manganese and natural flavors of tuna and chicken.

On joint products, it's important to do a "loading phase" where the amount is doubled for a few weeks until results are seen, and then it can be lowered to a maintenance dose. Cosequin for Cats is sometimes also recommended by vets for urinary bladder support.

So if you are looking for something to keep your furry friend purring, don't forget that Cosequin is a popular joint essential that dogs, horses and yes, even people use...but they also have an exclusive formula for cats. Ellen

Cosequin for Dogs

Cosequin has been used to maintain joint health in animals since 1992. Cosequin differs from other joint support supplements because of the exclusive, patented ingredients it contains. Cosequin contains TRH122® chondroitin sulfate, FCHG49® glucosamine, and manganese ascorbate. This particular combination of ingredients has been proven to work together to help support cartilage production and protect the existing cartilage from breakdown.

Older dogs are more susceptible to joint pain and decreased mobility. Part of the natural aging process involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage. Because cartilage acts as a shock absorber between joints, its breakdown can lead to joint pain and decreased flexibility. Other factors can lead to cartilage breakdown, including injury, trauma, exercise and excess weight. Some dog breeds are more susceptible, particularly large breeds or working breeds of any size.

Cosequin for Dogs is available in nine different formulas, each designed for specific needs:

Cosequin DS Chewable Tablets - Double strength formula for joint health and mobility. Roast beef and cheese flavored chewable tablets.

Cosequin DS Plus MSM Chewable Tablets - Double strength formula, plus MSM which may benefit dogs with arthritis. Pork liver flavored chewable tablets.

Cosequin DS Capsules - Double strength formula in capsule form. Capsules pull apart for easy incorporation with food. Unflavored.

Cosequin Capsules - Regular strength formula for dogs up to 25 pounds. Capsules pull apart for easy incorporation with food. Unflavored.

Cosequin Soft Chews - Contains patented ingredients chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. Liver flavored soft chews.

Cosequin Soft Chews Plus MSM - Contains patented chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, plus MSM which may benefit dogs with arthritis. Liver flavored soft chews.

Cosequin Multi - Combines Cosequin ingredients with multivitamins and minerals. Contains patented chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, plus MSM which may benefit dogs with arthritis. Beef flavored chewable tablets.

Cosequin Hip & Joint Bonelets - Basic joint support to keep healthy dogs active. Contains glucosamine HCl and MSM. Pork liver flavored chewable tablets.

Cosequin Hip & Joint Bonelets Plus - Joint support to keep healthy dogs active. Contains glucosamine HCl, MSM and Perna canaliculus (green lipped) mussel. Pork liver flavored chewable tablets.

Since Cosequin is a nutritional supplement and provides nutrients to maintain joint health, its benefits can range from gradual to dramatic. For best results, it is important to consistently feed any nutritional supplement. Lori H

Dog Dental Health

Many dogs show signs of gum disease before their fifth birthday. Early signs of gum disease include especially offensive breath, receding or inflamed gums, tartar, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, or loose teeth. Proper dental care for your dog starts at home, and might be easier than you think. Chew toys or rawhide can fulfill your dog’s natural desire to chew.

Many dental toys are designed with dental nubs and rope, to give teeth and gums a deep cleaning. Gnawing and chewing help to massage the teeth and gums, cleaning away plaque, tartar and food particles.

Many dental chews contain chlorhexidine, an antimicrobial that helps prevent the buildup of tartar and plaque.

Enzymatic toothpaste is formulated especially for dogs and doesn’t require rinsing. It can be applied with a dog toothbrush or soft gauze two to three times per week, to remove plaque and food debris. Dental care at home is easier if you begin when your dog is young. Once your dog is used to the idea of having its teeth brushed, the routine becomes much easier and can prolong time between veterinary cleanings. Proper dental health keeps your dog healthier and happier. Fresh breath is a bonus! Lori H