Puddles on the Floor….Revenge or Renal Problem?

Inappropriate urination problems are not uncommon in dogs. What do you do when “Nitro” starts peeing on the floor or has accidents at night?  Owners should be aware that finding unexpected puddles on the floor may warrant a trip to the veterinarian. The urination issue may be from behavioral or medical problems. You will need to keep records on these habits because your veterinarian will want to know how long this has been going on and how often during the day it occurs.

If your puppy is still house training, it’s possible further training is needed and not medical attention. Once behavioral problems have been ruled out, your veterinarian and narrow down the list of medical problems that can cause your dog’s inappropriate urination. Incontinence problems in dogs can be caused by a variety of problems. Age, breed and sex can predispose your pet to these issues.

Your vet may to a urinalysis and urine culture to rule out a bacterial infection. If infection is the cause of your pet’s problem your veterinarian will usually prescribe an antibiotic.

Not every medical condition is an easy fix and some dogs are unfortunate to have a diagnosis of kidney/ bladder stones .There are a few breeds that are predisposed to bladder stones, research your dog for these genetic traits.

When in doubt always check with your pet’s healthcare provider.

~~EXERCISING WITH YOUR PET~~

Of course one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to diet and exercise. Don’t forget that Fido and Fluffy can benefit from YOUR New Year’s resolution too! When we excersice on a regular basis it is great for our body mass index, the health of our hearts and a better general attitude about life. When we miss our regular exercise we tend to be sluggish and cranky. The same goes for our PETS!

Activities that allow you and your pet to participate together are great. Sometimes we gain a little extra motivation to exercise out of a sense of responsibility to our pet. While the benefits of exercise to you and your dog are obvious, there are certain things you should take into consideration before introducing your pet to a new exercise routine.

Be cautious of large amounts of repetitive, physically demanding exercise- this is not typically natural for dogs. Just as you would do for yourself, gradually increase the length of time for exercise and include scheduled breaks. When left on their own, dogs generally run for a short time and stop frequently to sniff a tree or flower before running for another short time. Plan your exercise with your pet accordingly.

Also consider the age of your pet. Puppies are still growing and developing bone mass. Long periods of repetitive motion may cause injury to their growing bones and joints. Also, pets that are in the later stage of life simply don’t have the physical stamina they once did.

Medical conditions that your pet may have are also important to take into consideration. Just as with a human, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before introducing your pet to a demanding exercise regime.

Most importantly, be alert to what your dog is experiencing. Be prepared to take a break if he is lagging behind, limping, or working too hard to breathe easily. These are all physical signs that your pet has had enough exercise and you should stop.

For more information about exercising with your pet contact your local veterinarian.

Start Your Dog’s Year out Right!  Schedule your Pet’s Check-up and Vaccinations Today

Vaccinations are a critical component to preventive care for your dog. Thanks to the development of vaccines, dogs have been protected from numerous disease threats, including rabies, distemper, hepatitis and several others. Some of these diseases can be passed from dogs to people — so canine vaccinations have protected human health as well. Studies have shown that vaccines protect dogs for longer than previously believed. There have also been improvements in the type of vaccines produced. Also, there is increased awareness and concern that vaccination is not as harmless a procedure as once thought. These factors have led to a growing number of veterinarians who recommend reduced frequency of vaccinations while at the same time tailoring vaccine recommendations to specific risk situations.

To assist veterinarians with making vaccine recommendations for dogs, the American Animal Hospital Association has issued a set of canine vaccine guidelines. Developed by a group of infectious disease experts, immunologists, researchers and practicing veterinarians, these guidelines were first released in 2003 and revised with new information in 2006. All dogs are different; therefore, vaccine decisions should be made on an individual basis for each dog. Issues to consider include the age, breed, health status, environment, lifestyle, and travel habits of the dog. Health threats vary from city to city and even in various sections of cities. You can work with your veterinarian to tailor an immunization program that best protects your dog based on his risk and lifestyle factors.

Is vaccinating my pet a risk to his or her health?

Vaccination against disease is a medical procedure and, like all medical procedures, carries some possible risk. As in any medical procedure or decision, the benefits must be balanced against the risks. Veterinarians recommend that no needless risks should be taken and that the best way to accomplish that is to reduce the number and frequency of administration of unnecessary vaccines. As is the case with any medical decision, you and your veterinarian should make vaccination decisions after considering your dog’s age, lifestyle, and potential exposure to infectious diseases.

What possible risks are associated with vaccination?

Vaccine reactions, of all types, are infrequent. Most vaccine reactions and side effects (such as local pain and swelling) are self-limiting. Allergic reactions are less common, but if untreated can be fatal. These can occur soon after vaccination. If you see such a reaction, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. In a small number of patients, vaccines can stimulate the patient’s immune system against his or her own tissues, resulting in diseases that affect the blood, skin, joints or nervous system. Again, such reactions are infrequent but can be life threatening. There is a possible complication of a tumor developing at the vaccination site in a small number of pets, most frequently cats. Please contact your veterinarian for more information.

How do I know which vaccines my pet needs?

There are two general groups of vaccines to consider: core and noncore vaccines.

Core vaccines are generally recommended for all dogs and protect against diseases that are more serious or potentially fatal. These diseases are found in all areas of North America and are more easily transmitted than noncore diseases.  The following are core vaccines: distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus and rabies. Noncore vaccines are those reserved for patients at specific risk for infection due to exposure or lifestyle.  Kennel cough, Lyme disease and leptospirosis vaccines would be classified within the noncore group.

How often should my dog be vaccinated?

Make sure that your dog completes the initial series of core vaccines administered at the puppy stage, as well as booster shots at one year of age. Following these one-year boosters, the AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines recommend that the distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus core vaccines be administered once every three years. States and municipalities govern how often rabies boosters are administered. Some areas require a rabies booster be administered annually. Others require a three-year-effective rabies booster be given every three years. Still others allow either a one-year or a three-year rabies vaccine to be utilized. Noncore vaccinations should be administered whenever the risk of the disease is significant enough to override any risk of vaccination. For example, kennel cough vaccine may need to be administered up to every six months in a dog repeatedly being kenneled or exposed to groups of dogs at grooming salons or dog shows. There is a history of yearly vaccinations boosters, and some veterinarians do not feel it is prudent to change that recommendation just yet. However, the AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines reflect that there is growing support for extended duration of protection. Therefore more veterinarians are vaccinating less frequently and more selectively.

Does this mean I only need to see my veterinarian every three years?

Regular wellness examinations should be completes at least once or twice a year and are the most important preventive measure that you can provide for your dog. Vaccinations are just one component of the wellness visit. To help keep your dog in optimum health, regular wellness examinations are critical; regardless of how often vaccines are administered. Remember, dogs age at a much faster than humans and may need check-ups more often. Plus they don’t always show signs of early disease, and they can’t easily communicate discomfort to us. During the wellness exam, your veterinarian has an opportunity to detect and prevent problems at an early stage.

Can my veterinarian conduct a test to see if my dog needs to be vaccinated?

Tests that measure protective antibody levels for diseases are called titers. In recent years reliable titer tests for some diseases such as canine distemper and parvovirus have become more readily available and economical. Veterinarians may recommend using these titer tests in some cases to determine whether or not vaccinations are needed. Your veterinarian can provide you with more information on titer testing.

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Happy New Year

~~~~~~~~~~~~A New Year's Resolution for Your Pet~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Resolve to Keep Pet at Healthful Weight ~ Help your Pup to “Shape Up.”

Weight loss ranks high on the list of New Year's resolutions for us every year. But while people may recognize that their clothing has become too snug and they should reduce their caloric intake and exercise, pet owners often have a hard time seeing that their pet...'s gir...th has also expanded unacceptably.

Pet obesity is a growing problem that often isn't taken seriously, even though it contributes to life-threatening and life-shortening conditions such as cancer, heart disease and joint problems just to mention a few.

If you are uncertain whether you pet may have a weight problem, here is a guideline: You should be able to easily feel the ribs without a layer of fat. When you look down at your pet, you should be able to see a waist, and when you look from the side, you should see a tucked abdomen.
For pets with lots of fur, run your hands through the fur to see if you can easily feel her ribs.

If you think your pet's weight may be a problem, call this to the attention of your veterinarian. If the veterinarian rules out metabolic disorders, you may be referred to a rehab program like that would create a personalized plan to fit you and your pet. These programs often have special equipment, such as a doggy treadmill, that will make exercise more fun for your pet. You will find plenty of options and people who can help once you start looking.
Unmonitored treats are a common pitfall in an otherwise well-regulated pet diet.
Commercial treats are typically high in calories says and the semi-moist variety is especially bad. Moist treats add fats and sugars to keep them moist.

What should you do if your pet habitually looks at you with big sad eyes and begs for treats? Your met may really just be begging for your attention and playtime. Try finding more time to play, which provides both the attention he craves and the activity he needs.

Another approach is to replace calorie-laden treats with baby carrots or ice cubes, inexpensive choices that your pet will love. Most dogs will be just as thrilled about getting that carrot piece and your attention as getting a processed commercial treat. And you might enjoy watching your pet dash after the slippery ice cube just as much as your pet likes chasing it.

Keeping pets at an ideal weight helps them live longer, healthier lives. Fit pets can make the most of play time without tuckering out early, and they are less likely to develop chronic, life-threatening diseases.

For more information about your pet's ideal weight, talk to your local veterinarian.

Second-hand Smoke & Your Dog

Medical research has found that tobacco smoke contains up to 20 different carcinogens that can be inhaled by nonsmokers. In humans, exposure to second hand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is positively associated with cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Today, we humans share more of our lives including our leisure time and living space with our pets. Our close bond means we may unwittingly expose them to environmental hazards like ETS that is now linked to certain forms of pet cancers. An investigation at Colorado State University reported a higher incidence of nasal cavity tumors in dogs exposed to second hand smoke than in dogs living in non-smoking households. This is especially true in long-nosed breeds like Greyhounds and Collies. Presumably their long nasal passages provide a greater area for carcinogens to be deposited so more cells are at risk to be affected and mutate into cancer cells.


Dogs with short noses like Pugs and dogs with medium length noses like Beagles, have a lower incidence of nasal cavity tumors than long nosed breeds. They do, however, have a higher incidence of lung cancer if they live in a household with smokers. It is presumed that in shorter nosed breeds, smoke passes through the shorter carcinogen-filtering nasal passages and quickly reaches their lungs. The lung cells of these breeds are greater risk of becoming cancerous.

If you live in a smoking environment, please consider safeguarding your pets and other non-smoking humans by designating a smoking area outside or in a physically separate room of the house to minimize their exposure to ETS.
A future blog will discuss the effects of ETS on cats. 

H1N1 in pets

The CDC has confirmed that 22 million people have been sick with H1N1 flu. Of these, 98,000 have been hospitalized and 3,900 have died. Now the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has confirmed H1N1 in one cat and two ferrets. It appears the pets contracted the flu from their owners or caretakers. Dogs and pet birds have contracted other strains of flu so it is possible that any animal may be susceptible to H1N1. However, no other cases have been documented at this time.

To date, there is no evidence that pets can pass flu to people, but the number of confirmed companion animal cases of H1N1 is small. People with H1N1 who have companion animals are advised to use caution. They should wash hands frequently before handling their pet. Hand washing is especially important after sneezing or coughing. Ideally, pets should be cared for and fed by someone who is well. Symptoms of H1N1 in companion animals are not well defined due to the small number of confirmed cases. However, a pet that appears ill or displays symptoms of respiratory distress after being exposed to a person with H1N1 should be seen by a veterinarian.

The Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is now testing pets for H1N1 as part of the US Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network. The test, originally designed to test pigs for H1N1, has recently been approved for testing companion animals. Tests are performed on nasal or mouth swabs that must be obtained and submitted by a veterinarian.

August classes

What better way to spend some of the dog days of summer than learning how to massage your pet? Better yet, learn to massage other people's dogs and open your own business!

Both online and onsite courses emphasize how each massage stroke influences the dog's internal systems to increase comfort and promote healing. Students are encouraged to take Canine Massage and the Body, Mind and Spirit online and Canine Massage Techniques: Petting with a Purpose as a 3 day hands-on class.

Canine Massage Theory and Techniques (6-day onsite and 12 modules online)
•Canine Massage and the Body, Mind and Spirit (Modules 1-6) — dynamic PowerPoint presentations clearly illustrate how the organ systems of the dog's body perceive, respond to, and heal with massage.
•Canine Massage Techniques: Petting with a Purpose (Modules 7-12) — PowerPoint lectures and videos of Swedish massage strokes explain how each stroke interacts with sensory receptors to encourage relaxation and healing of the dog's body, mind and spirit.

Classes are closing soon! Contact me for more information!

618-245-2153
suefurman@earthlink.net