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1. Crowds can be stressful for your pet – If you are hosting Easter festivities in your home, consider crating your dog and keeping your cat in a bedroom to minimize their stress level.  Feed your pet and play with them before company comes.  If your pet isn’t accustomed to children, a busy dinner gathering is not the suitable time to introduce it.
2. Don’t forget where you’ve hidden the Easter eggs! – Plastic (or real) eggs could be ingested by your dog and lead to intestinal upset.  Stuffed toys, balloons and small plastic objects (including artificial grass in Easter baskets) are potential hazards to a pet that views them as its personal chew toys.
3. Keep candy and chocolate out of your pet’s reach – Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and cats.  Candies with sugar-free sweetener (known as xylitol) is also toxic.  Excessive amounts of sugar or caffeine in any candy can be dangerous to your pet.
4. Do not bring Easter lilies into a house with cats – Even in very small quantities, this plant is extremely toxic to kitties.  Consider the safety of your pets before bringing potted plants or cut flowers into your home.
5. Human food is for humans only – Many cats and dogs develop serious tummy trouble, such as vomiting and diarrhea, from eating fatty table scraps.  Uncooked dough and salted ham can both be toxic to your pet.  Bones should be carefully wrapped up and disposed of to prevent your pet from getting into them.  Alcohol can make animals quite sick as well.  Your guests may not know that Fluffy shouldn’t be offered table food.
6. Baby bunnies, chicks and ducklings may seem like the perfect Easter pet, but these babies will grow into large adult animals that require full-time care for a number of years.  Before adopting a pet, it is important to research that animal’s needs and its average lifespan.  Having a rabbit can be a 10 year commitment.

Your pets depend on you to keep their environment safe. Taking a few extra steps can keep your pets safe and happy during the Easter holidays.

Aging pets experience changes in the brain that can manifest as signs of senility (also known as cognitive dysfunction).  Canine and feline cognitive dysfunction is likened to Alzheimer’s or dementia in people.  Cognitive dysfunction is associated with decreased levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine.  Age is also associated with smaller brain size, the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques on the brain and decreased blood flow to the brain.

Pets with cognitive dysfunction may have behavior changes that progress so gradually that you may not realize that they are occurring.

Signs of cognitive dysfunction include:

• Disorientation/confusion (getting lost in their home)
• Wandering, staring or pacing
• Getting stuck in a corner
• Dogs barking or cats crying at nothing
• Anxiety and restlessness or irritability
• Loss of house-training (having accidents in the house)
• Forgetting commands
• Dogs drooling or licking obsessively
• Changes in sleeping cycles (waking up in the middle of the night or sleeping unusually deeply during  the day)
• Changes in social interactions (increased attention-seeking, becoming more aloof or aggressive)

These behaviours can be compounded by the fact that some senior pets also have a decrease in hearing and vision. They may also seem grumpy or reluctant to interact with their family if they have other medical conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes or kidney disease.  Other diseases should be ruled out or treated if they are present.

The surprising thing about cognitive dysfunction is that we have some capacity to improve its symptoms and slow down its progression. Therapies include:

1)      Senior supplements or diets that contain anti-oxidants and vitamin complexes

•   S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

2)      Nutraceuticals for anxiety

3)      Environmental enrichment

• Grooming and touch
• New toys, interaction and games for mental stimulation
• All the while providing routine to your pet

4)      Behaviour modification medication

•  Selegiline

Teaching an old dog new tricks is actually a good idea to maintain your pet’s cognitive function. Wellness exams are recommended every 6 months to catch health problems early. Ask your veterinarian whether there are some tools that you could be using to improve your senior’s mental wellbeing.

Suggested Reading

Top Ten Reasons why Senior Pets Need Extra TLC

A retractable leash is a long length of thin cord that extends when pulled and coils back on a spring-loaded device inside the handle. It is very handy for taking a dog on a walk without pulling your arm when the dog wants to go left and right to sniff.  Many dog walkers like the extra freedom that this provides the dog.  However, here are some reasons to consider NOT using a retractable device:

We have had a staff member at Mitchell Vet Services get a severe burn on her arm from a retractable leash wire cutting her as a medium-sized dog pulled on its leash.

1. The purpose of a leash is to maintain control of your dog. A leash is a tool to train the dog to walk politely on a lead. If the dog is allowed to pull anytime it wishes, it will never learn to respect the commands from the person leading it.
2. Retractable leashes can extend to long distances, which can result in a dog putting itself in harm’s way on a road or other hazard before the owner can rein it back.
3. Not all dogs are comfortable socializing with other dogs or people on a walk. A dog on a retractable leash is pulling forward, which looks like an aggressive stance. A dog on a retractable leash may not be able to be protected or prevented from attacking if it is are on a flimsy cord that is extended.
4. Both dogs and people can sustain injuries from the thin cord whizzing past them, resulting in burns, cuts and even amputations or lacerations. The sudden jerk on a dog’s neck when it runs out of retractable leash can also harm a dog’s neck and airway.
5. Lastly, if a retractable leash is pulled out of your grasp, it can make a loud noise and “chase” the dog as it retracts. This can be a frightening experience for a dog that can result in a phobia of leash walks.

We see a lot of retractable leashes being used in Perth County. We wanted to raise awareness of the potential hazards and downsides of retractable leashes.

How can you keep your pet’s teeth healthy at home?

Here are some suggestions for maintaining a healthy mouth at home in between routine check-ups and professional dental cleanings:

1. Tooth brushing

• This is the MOST EFFECTIVE home care practice
• Brushing daily is not only better for your pet’s dental health, but it then becomes part of its routine and your pet is more likely to accept this routine
  • This is best started when your dog or cat is a puppy or kitten
  • Do not start brushing a painful mouth
• Focus on brushing along the gumline on the outer perimeter of the teeth
• Make sure to reach the teeth at the very back of the mouth
• While you’re brushing and handling the mouth, look for any redness, lumps or bad odour
• Feel free to use a human toothbrush with soft bristles but do not use human toothpaste (which is toxic to pets).
• If your pet is adverse to a toothbrush, don’t despair; there are a number of other tools you can use:
  • A facecloth or nylon can be used along the gumline in a circular brushing motion
  • Pet toothpaste is available in yummy flavours, like chicken

2.  Dental diets

• These diets are formulated to meet an adult pet’s complete nutritional needs but have extra features that help maintain dental health
• The kibble is a shape that encourages the pet to crunch through them, which helps remove tartar and these diets contain plaque reducing ingredients

3.  Dental treats

–     Treats should comprise no more than 5% of your pet’s daily calories

–      Certain treats are formulated to have dental health benefits through mechanical action, as well as through clinically-proven additives

–     Certain rawhides and chews fall into this category and there are different sizes recommended based on the body weight of your pet

4.  Other dental health products

• Anti-plaque products reduce plaque formation
  • Water additives
  • Dental gel
  • Dental spray
  • Dental wipes

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) reviews data on products that have been tested using VOHC protocols. Products that meet their standards are awarded the VOHC Seal of Acceptance for plaque and/or tartar prevention.

Want more? Additional information can be found at the following website:

https://www.avma.org/Events/pethealth/Pages/February-is-National-Pet-Dental-Health-Month.aspx

Contact one of our veterinary team members at Coventry Animal Hospital if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s dental health.

Related Articles:

Brushing your dog’s teeth video

Brushing your cat’s teeth video

With winter finally arriving in Perth County, we can’t forget about our pets that are outside.  It is important to provide a warm shelter for them, so they can escape from the cold of winter.

Provide warm bedding that they can nest in, away from the cold wind.  Ensure their water hasn’t frozen over.  Cats especially are prone to hypothermia and can freeze in the cold outdoors.  They can also experience frost bite and lose the tips of their ears.

Before starting your vehicle, tap on the hood to ensure your cat hasn’t crawled up into it to find a warm shelter.  Never leave your pet inside a parked car on a really cold day.

Use caution when filling your vehicles with antifreeze.  Once spilled onto the snow, it provides an opportunity for your pet to eat the sweet flavored snow and it is very life threatening to them.  Do not allow your pet to lick their feet after being outside.  If there are ice melt products containing salt on their feet, then your pet could show some neurological signs, such as twitching, seizures, etc.

Some outdoor safety tips:

1.  Wipe your pet’s belly, legs and paws after being outside, especially in the winter.  Puppies, small breed dogs, older and ill dogs cannot tolerate the cold very well.
2. Please take them outside only as needed for short periods.  Always place a winter coat on your small dogs.
3. Always keep your dog on a leash during a snow storm.  They could lose their scent and get lost in a blizzard.

Let’s all work together to keep our pets safe during cold temperatures in the Perth County area.

Related articles

• Ethylene Glycol Poisoning in Dogs
• Ethylene Glycol Poisoning in Cats
• Ten Tips for Your Pets and Cold Weather

As we leave 2015 behind and look forward to a brand new year, we just wanted to take a moment to appreciate our pets and also thank you, our clients, for your patronage.

At the risk of sounding nostalgic, for “auld lang syne” (which is old Scottish for “old times” sake), we remember our patients that are no longer with us. Part of the beauty of having an animal companion is their unconditional affection. Despite their shorter lifespan, the impact a pet can have on your life cannot be overstated.

As we see puppies and kittens during their first appointment that grow into adulthood and then become seniors, our hearts are touched by them, knowing they hold such an important role in their families’ lives, for whatever length of time they are with them.

We are blessed to have our clients share this special human-animal bond with us. We just wanted to say thanks!

May the New Year bring joy, good health and prosperity to you and your loved-ones, from the staff at Coventry Animal Hospital.

These games can be a fun way to keep your dog mentally and physically fit during the cold of winter, as well as during rainy weather and the heat of the summer.

1. Scent work: Place several containers or boxes upside down with a treat under one of them. Your dog will need to sniff out the treat and gets to eat its reward. You could also use a muffin tin and put several treats in some of the compartments, then cover them with tennis balls. Your dog will have to push the balls out of the way to win its prize.
2. Interactive toys: You can play fetch with your dog down the hallway or up and down stairs.
3. Play dates with other dogs
4. Clicker training and obedience training: There are lots of videos available that teach owners and dogs new commands and tricks.
5. Hide and seek or “find it”: You can hide an item (such as a toy) or you can even hide a person in another room

6.    Running: Your dog can be slowly introduced to a treadmill (while supervised). Be sure to start at a very slow walking pace.

Coventry Animal Hospital wishes you & your canine companions lots of entertainment while they are cooped up. Happy playing!!!

I am worried that my pet will be anxious if I leave it at the clinic for anesthesia.

If your pet has separation anxiety or gets very stressed when handled at the vet clinic, please let us know when you book the procedure, so that measures can be taken to minimize its anxiety.  We treat our patients as we would our own pets and want them to have as little stress as possible both before and after their anesthesia.

Will my pet be groggy after its surgery?

Some grogginess is to be expected for the first 24 hours after anesthesia.  We monitor each patient’s recovery and ideally like to see them walking, eating and going to the bathroom prior to discharge.  Monitoring them also gives us the opportunity to looks for signs of pain; we can give them more pain medication if needed.

Does my pet need to stay overnight?

After surgery, it is very important that a dog or cat is quiet and resting.  We recommend overnight hospitalization for female pets after spaying and for cats after declawing.  Those procedures are more invasive than neutering and require strict rest.  If you prefer to take your pet home the same day, please discuss alternate options with a technician.

Can I touch the incision?

It is encouraged to look at your pet’s incision site twice daily until it is seen for its post-operative recheck 10-14 days after surgery.  You may touch the incision while you are petting him, as he should have adequate pain control.  If you notice any excessive pain, redness, discharge, odour, bleeding or gaping of the site, please call the clinic.  If you see your pet licking its incision site, it will need to wear an Elizabethan collar (cone) or another form of barrier, such as a T-shirt.  We need to prevent licking of the incision site, which can introduce bacteria and cause infection.  Do not bathe your pet or allow it to swim until he has been seen for his recheck.

How long does my pet need to wear the cone?

A barrier should be in place to prevent a patient from licking its incision until the time of its post-operative recheck 10-14 days after surgery.  Some pets are reluctant to eat while wearing a cone.  If this is the case, the cone can be removed while the pet is supervised.

How long does he need to be quiet for?  What is “quiet”?

After a surgical procedure, we strongly recommend that dogs be confined to a crate or small room and that cats also are restricted to a single room while unsupervised.  Please ask a technician or veterinarian if there are any differing instructions.

Can I take my dog for a walk after surgery?

Your dog should be on short supervised leash walks, with the purpose of allowing it to go to the bathroom.  Running, jumping and playing is prohibited.

My cat/dog has not had a bowel movement since its surgery – is this normal?

After fasting followed by anesthesia, your pet’s gut motility may be altered.  Having softer bowel movements or 24 hours without a bowel movement can be normal as long as your pet appears comfortable.  Please call the clinic if your pet experiences diarrhea.

Can my pet eat the same evening after anesthesia?

On the day of recovery (while the effects of anesthesia are lingering), it is best to feed your pet a light meal.  If it has had tooth extractions or mouth surgery, you will be given instructions to offer canned or moistened kibble for several days.  Please call the clinic if your pet does not want to eat, seems painful or vomits after eating.

Why have I been told to finish all of these medications?  My pet seems fine.

Pain medication is prescribed preventively after surgical procedures.  Your pet may not show signs of pain that are recognized by the untrained eye.  We feel it is mandatory that your pet experience minimal discomfort during recovery and pain medication is prescribed for a very good reason.  Pain medication is often used to reduce swelling and allow a pet to be comfortable enough to continue eating, interacting with its family and doing normal behavior.  If pain is not controlled, the pet can experience delayed healing.  Pain can also negatively impact a pet’s relationship with its family.  If you have concerns about possible side effects of a prescribed pain medication, please contact the clinic.

Antibiotics are prescribed to treat (or in some cases prevent) bacterial infections.  Signs of bacterial infection include pain, swelling, discharge, bad odour, redness and heat, but these signs are not always obvious.  Antibiotics are generally administered beyond the resolution of clinical signs.  If a course of antibiotics is not completed, over time such usage can promote antibiotic resistance.  Please consult your veterinarian before discontinuing prescribed medication.

Lastly, if there are any questions you have regarding anesthesia or surgery that haven’t been answered by this 3-part blog article, feel free to ask a staff member at Coventry Animal Hospital.  The goals of anesthesia and surgery for your pet are safety and extending or improving a pet’s quality of life.

What happens after I drop my pet off for a surgery or dental cleaning?

Remember that general anesthesia is a medically-induced state of unconsciousness where your pet cannot feel pain.  After your pet has passed the pre-anesthetic protocols, our anesthesia team will prepare the patient –

1. An intravenous catheter is placed – This is where injectable anesthetic drugs are administered and even more importantly, it provides a rapid way to give emergency drugs in the event that the patient requires it. You will notice that the fur is shaved around the site of the catheter. The site is cleaned with 3 different antiseptic solutions; this is known as sterile preparation for surgery. The catheter itself is a flexible tube that is inserted into the vein with the help of a needle. Sometimes if a pet is anxious or stressed, a sedative will be injected into its muscle first to calm them for the placement of the catheter.
2. Intubation – Anesthesia is induced by administering injectable drugs. Once the pet is sleepy enough, an endotracheal tube is placed in its windpipe and a balloon is blown up around the tube to prevent any fluid from a dental cleaning or any regurgitated material from being inhaled into the airways. This tube ensures that the patient will have a continuous flow of oxygen and it also provides inhalant gas to maintain it in a plane of unconsciousness.
3. Sterile prep – The surgical site is prepared by shaving away fur in the surrounding area and is then cleaned with 3 different antiseptic solutions. For a dental surgery, gauze is placed in the back of the throat and local dental blocks to numb the nerves that feel tooth pain are injected.
4. Eye lubrication – Animals do not blink during general anesthesia, so lubricant is applied to a patient’s eyes to prevent them from becoming too dry or scratched.
5. Monitoring devices

• This is the most important part of anesthesia, as changes must be made to the pet’s level of anesthesia or fluid rate based on trending the heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure. There are instruments that track these vital readings but there is also a technician or doctor that will listen to the heart or feel the pulse and listen to the lungs, to make sure that the patient is at the right plane of unconsciousness.

1. Warming – When a patient is unconscious, it body’s ability to regulate its temperature is turned off. To prevent its core temperature from dropping below normal, it must be kept warm with heating pads and its temperature must be monitored with a thermometer. Padding is also important, especially in patients with arthritis. We strive to keep our patients comfortable while they are unconscious, so that they don’t wake up with pressure sores or joint pain.
2. Dental charting – Any time your pet is anesthetized for an elective procedure, its teeth and gums are assessed for any oral health problems. This is important because an animal will not allow such a thorough examination of its mouth when it is awake; problems can be detected early on.
3. Extubation – The inhalant gas is turned off, so that the animal can exhale the drug from its lungs and start to wake up. The patient is generally transferred to a bed in a run or cage while it is still sleepy and once it regains reflexes, the endotracheal tube is removed from its windpipe.
4. Pain management – Certain injectable anesthetic drugs provide pain relief and these are given BEFORE a painful stimulus in order to prevent pain response from the patient. If necessary, injectable pain meds can also be given during anesthesia and as the pet wakes up. If anesthetic drugs are chosen appropriately, the pet will wake up calmly and quietly and not show signs of pain that our veterinarians and technicians are trained to look for.

Why am I paying for IV fluids? 

It is the gold standard of veterinary medicine.  Having a patient on intravenous fluids can help stabilize its blood pressure and in turn, promote enough blood flow to its internal organs while it is unconscious.  IV fluids are particularly important for pets with pre-existing kidney disease.  IV fluids prevent dehydration that causes that “hangover” feeling and allow a smoother recovery in patients by flushing drugs out of their bodies more quickly.

All of these precautions are in place to maximize your pet’s safety during general anesthesia.  Our next article will discuss the protocols after anesthesia, during the recovery period.

If you missed Part 1 click here.