Happy 13th Birthday to our wonderful rescue dog Legend! He is a testament to the power of holistic healing and the love and support of people who helped him along the way. Surviving attempted euthanasia in a third world country and then later, overcoming horrific cluster seizures, his life story mirrors his name - Legend!
Legend has faced so many health issues. He had chronic ear infections, allergies, hip dysplasia and epilepsy. He has been the most wonderful dog and has always been willing to take his supplements and vegetables. Legend eats a vast assortment of vegetables ranging from okra, green beans, spinach, asparagus and all kinds of squash. The vegetables provide a great deal of fiber and help him feel full. They also provide a wonderful source of nutrition and prebiotic fibers. We attribute the vegetables and raw diet to help his longevity. Legend weighs 80 pounds and he still lives a full life.
We are so thankful to his exceptional vets: Dr. David Gordon at Arch Beach Veterinary and Dr. Michelle Murray at Nest Veterinary Neurology. Legend has brought us so much joy and happiness. Every day is a gift with him. We are so thankful he is still a happy dog enjoying his harbor walks and chasing squirrels.
Most pets love to eat and we love to reward them with more food. But too much food can cause obesity which is on the rise in both cats and dogs. Obesity isn't just a cosmetic issue. It can increase the risk of arthritis, diabetes, cancer and other health conditions, especially as pets age.
We all want our pets to look and feel clean and beautiful.
Grooming is part of every day care. But sometimes pet owners don’t
realize there can be hazards associated with grooming until after
their pet comes home and there is a problem. Use these tips to stay
informed when choosing a new groomer.
Every pet
requires a certain amount of grooming on a regular
basis. Grooming services can range from a basic wash, cut/clip, nail
trim, teeth brushing, and anal gland expressing to name a few. Each pet
will respond differently to the grooming experience depending upon their
past encounters. Unfortunately, pet grooming can come with some
risk for your pet. The risk may stem from the dog’s anxiety and being jumpy,
the groomers skill level or the environment. The size and breed does
not matter, each pet brings its own challenge. It is helpful to
start grooming at an early age, so that your pet will be more
comfortable at the groomer, and it will help elevate their anxiety.
It is also important to research your groomer and the salon
before making an appointment. The best way to find a
quality groomer is to ask for referrals from a veterinary
professional or from your friends and family.
The most
common hazards of pet grooming:
Brush or
Razor Burn- This is when the skin becomes
irritated from the groomer going over an area repeatedly and/or the pet is
shaved very close to the skin. It is more common when a dog is matted, and the
groomer is trying to remove the mat. Daily brushing will help reduce matting
and make the risk less. It can also occur when a dull or hot razor is used.
Skin irritations are more common if the skin is sensitive, inflamed or the pet
is suffering from a skin condition (such as yeast).
Nicks and
Scrapes- Your pet may get small cuts or nicks
when the groomer is trying to remove mats, or if your dog is jumpy and moves
unexpectedly. It is also possible that your pet has warts or moles under their
coat that get nicked when being trimmed. It is important to treat these cuts
immediately to avoid infection. Spraying Silver Immune Support on the cuts
is helpful.
Bleeding Nail Quick- When nails grow too long the nails may curl
under causing your pet to have challenges walking. If not trimmed
regularly, the quick will become overgrown and if the nails are clipped too
short they may bleed and be painful. To avoid bleeding quick, trim the
nails a little at a time allowing for the quick to recede before trimming
again.
Ear Hematomas- If your dog has had tightly matted hair, the blood flow may
have been restricted in that area. If the mat is removed the blood flow will
return quickly and a blood blister (hematoma) may form. Ear
hematomas which may occur after grooming are blood vessels in the ear
that burst. Although they can occur from grooming, they can also occur
from infections that causes the dog (especially floppy eared dogs) to shake
their heads violently causing the hematoma and/or scratching. Dogs can also get
ear infections from water getting in their ear. Please pay close
attention to your dog’s ears after a grooming. Unfortunately many of us do
need to take our pets to the veterinarian following a grooming, even with
the best groomers.
Pets often experience anxiety when going to the vet due to a combination of unfamiliar environments, new smells, and the presence of other animals. The veterinary clinic represents a departure from their usual routine, triggering stress and unease. Additionally, pets may associate the vet with past experiences, such as vaccinations or treatments, leading to fear and apprehension. The sensation of being examined or handled by strangers, coupled with the unfamiliar sounds and scents of the clinic, can contribute to heightened anxiety levels. Pet owners can help alleviate this anxiety by introducing positive associations with the vet, such as offering treats, bringing familiar toys or blankets, and creating a calm and reassuring atmosphere during and after veterinary visits. Building trust and providing positive reinforcement can help mitigate the stress associated with vet visits, making the experience less daunting for our beloved animals.
Here are some tips to help calm your pet:
* If your pet is traumatized every time you go, see if there is a mobile vet in your area.* Talk to your pet in a reassuring way & explain what will be happening.
* Bring some treats and reward your pet during the physical exam.
* If your pet gets fear aggressive, call ahead and ask if you can be put in a room right away or wait in the car until they are ready.
* Use supplements for calming such as PSY-stabil or Happy Paws Organic Hemp Extract.
* Stay calm - pets pick up on our nonverbal cues and act out.
Do you use plug-in air fresheners or room sprays to hide pet odors? Some of the most commonly used air fresheners and plug-ins can be toxic to our pets. They contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that easily convert to gas or vapor, releasing "fresh" scents into the air. VOCs are also in paints, fossil fuels, refrigerants and cigarette smoke. Phthalates are chemicals that make plastic soft and flexible. Phthalates are used in most plug-ins. Exposure to VOCs and phthalates can cause allergic symptoms and asthma. A pet may show signs of eye, nose or throat irritation, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite. In laboratory studies, long-term exposure to these chemicals has been shown to cause cancer in rodents. Tidy pickup and air purifiers are easy ways to clean the air in your home without masking odors.