Category Archives: Health Issues
Bob Burnell receives Instructors Certification from Pet Tech to teach Pet CPR and First Aid
I recently had the privilege of attending a three day course offered by Pet Tech to become an instructor in Pet CPR and First Aid. The course was taught by Thom Somes who is the President of Pet Tech. Pet Tech is the first international training center dedicated to First Aid, CPR & Care for dogs and cats. We received instruction in teaching a wide variety of pet related issues and health concerns. This included but was not limited to:
-Pet CPR
-Rescue Breathing
-Heat & Cold Injuries
-10 situations that require immediate veterinary assistance
-Bandaging and Bleeding Protocols
-The 3 things you should do for your pet every day
-ABC’s of Pet First Aid Snout-To-Tail Assessment
-How to put together your own Pet First Aid Kit
-Dental Issues
-Assisting that senior dog
And Much, Much More .
Sit Means Sit of Palm County is proud to be hosting classes for the instruction of pet CPR & First Aid. Anyone that has a pet or interacts with dogs and cats on a professional level can be well served by taking this course. More information on this will be coming soon as to locations, dates and times.
Having a healthy dog may start with learning how to read those dog food labels.
Many of us have our dog’s best interest at heart and sometimes even put more thought into what we serve our dog as opposed to what we put into our own bodies. The problem arises in trying to find the right food for our dog. How do we read the ingredients? What items should we look for to have or avoid? What do we know about this company other than it has a cute commericial or colorful bag?. These are all good questions, but we need to understand them so that we can do right by our dog.
The Whole Dog Journal has had some very interesting articles regarding these questions and I encourage people to subscribe to their service (www.whole-dog-journal.com). Below is some of the information that they are passing along to aid us in selecting dog food.
Look for foods that contain a lot of high-quality animal protiens.
Ingredients are listed by weight, so ideally a food will have one or two animal proteins (meat, poultry, fish) in the first few ingredients. Understand that whole meat (chicken, beef, lamb, etc) contains a lot of water weight. If a food list starts out with chicken (rather than chicken meal), and there is no other animal protein listed until 5th or 6th on the list, the food does not actually contain a lot of animal protein. Look for chicken or another meat with a meal in the second or third spot.
Reject any food containing meat by-products or poultry by-products.
There is a much wider range of quality in the by-products available for pet food manufacturing than there is for whole meats.
Reject foods containing fat or protein not identified by species.
“Animal fat” is a euphemism for low quality, low-priced mix of fats of uncertain origin. “Meat meal” could be practically be anything.
Look for whole grains and vegetables.
Too many grains or vegetables on the upper side of the ingredient list lessens the quality of the food.
Eliminate all foods with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
A healthy product full of top-quality ingredients shouldn’t need non-nutritive additives to make it look or taste better.
Eliminate all foods with added sweetners.
Dogs like people, enjoy sweet foods. Like people they can develop a taste for these nutritionally empty calories.
“The proof is in the pudding. If your dog does not thrive on the food, with a glossy coat, itch-free skin, bright eyes, clear ears, and a happy, alert demeanor, it doesn’t matter if we like it or not-switch!” Always make your vet a partner in your choices, but read that label and ask questions about the food your vet recommends. Some dogs need to be on a specific diet.
Try Holistic Pet Cuisine at www.HolisticPetCuisine.Net
Common Canine Parasites
Fleas- The most common parasite. Infested dogs can suffer from blood loss, itchy skin and can contract tapeworms if untreated.
Symptoms include excessive scratching and hair loss. Care should be taken as some flea remedies are highly toxic.
Ticks- A form of external parasite and can cause paralysis, anemia, and serious diseases such as Lyme disease.
Mites- Tiny insects considered to be external parasites.
Infested dogs are said to have mange.
Ear mites live in the ear canal. Infested dogs will vigorously shake their heads and scratch their ears. They will sometimes moan and/or whimper in discomfort while doing so. Dark colored wax may also be visible.
Scabies- A condition caused by microscopic mites burrowing beneath the skin and is considered an external parasite. Symptoms include intense itching and hair loss, especially in the areas of the ears, elbows, legs and face.
Can effect humans also.
Heartworm- An internal parasite caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. They enter the bloodstream and mature in the dog’s heart. Can reach 12” in length. Infected dogs tire easily and suffer from chronic coughing and weight loss. Can be life threatening if untreated.
Hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm- Are internal parasites commonly found in puppies, but can occur in dogs of any age.
Can be detected in the dog’s stool and can cause weight loss and occasional diarrhea.
Common Canine Health Problems
Cystis- An infection in the bladder. Common in both male and females. Symptoms include frequent urination with possible blood in urine. Urination may appear difficult and painful. Females sometimes have a vaginal discharge and lick the vulva often. Treatable with antibiotics.
Common symptoms of urinary problems include excessive drinking and urination, straining to urinate, frequent urination in small amounts, inability to urinate, uncontrollable urination, blood or pus in the urine, vomiting, hunched up posture, and weight and appetite loss.
Tumors- Usually occur in older dogs over the age of 5, and most are often benign. Have a Veterinarian check any unusual lumps or growths immediately.
Bloat- “The technical name for bloat is “Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus” (“GDV”). Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present). It usually happens when there’s an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach (“gastric dilatation”). Stress can be a significant contributing factor also. Bloat can occur with or without “volvulus” (twisting). As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to 360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine). The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach. The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. The combined effect can quickly kill a dog.” For further information on symptoms, causes and breeds at risk, consult this website www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm
Canine Vaccinations
Distemper- A highly contagious vital disease. Symptoms may include seizures, lack of coordination, uncontrollable twitching and paralysis. Distemper is frequently fatal.
Hepatitis- A highly contagious virus, which is usually spread to a susceptible dog by contact with an infected individuals urine, stool or saliva. Symptoms include fever, red eyes, and discharge from eyes, nose and mouth. Hepatitis can be fatal.
Leptospirosis- A bacterial disease spread through contact with contaminated urine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, ulcers in mouth or tongue, a thick brown coating on the tongue, red eyes, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Leptospriosis can cause liver, kidney, and digestive tract damage. Is often fatal.
Parainfluenza- Sometimes known as “Kennel cough” and is highly contagious. Symptoms include a dry hacking cough and occasional nasal discharge. It is not life threatening, although it can be dangerous to very young puppies.
Parvo- A viral disease that attacks a dog’s rapidly producing cells. These include bone marrow, lymph nodes, as well as the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include depression, appetite loss, severe vomiting and diarrhea. Can be fatal if not treated quickly. Is highly contagious and often occurs in epidemic proportions. One of the main reasons why puppies should not be admitted into group obedience classes.
Bordatella- A form of parainfluenza
Corona- A viral infection that can affect dogs of all ages. Spread through contact with oral or fecal secretions. Particularly dangerous to young puppies. Symptoms include loss of appetite, and moderate to severe diarrhea (often yellow-orange and very foul smelling). Can be fatal.
