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Sep 19
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Pumpkin for Diarrhea- Is it really the be all and end all?

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Bouts of diarrhea for your pet can be very overwhelming. With the endless trips outside and the constant worrying about an in-home accident, you may be at your whits’ end. Many online sources recommend pumpkin as a great quick fix for diarrhea in pets due to the fiber found in pumpkin puree, but is it enough?

 

One cup of pumpkin puree is about 7 grams of fiber, but most sources say to only add a few tablespoons to your dogs diet a day. This is because too much can lead to worsening diarrhea. If you are only giving your pet 1-4 tbsp, you are actually giving your pet smaller amounts of fiber than you think. Along with the fiber in pumpkin puree, there is sat and sugar, which can also lead to an upset stomach in some pets.

 

So, what should you give your pet for their diarrhea? Fiber capsules are a great way to ensure you are giving your pet enough fiber without the additional sugar and salt. We recommend using Vetasyl, which comes in 500mg capsules that you can give top your pet manually or pour directly onto your pets food.

 

 

 

 

If your pet is currently experiencing diarrhea or stomach upset, give JHVP a call at (845) 986-9900 today to book an appointment!

Blog
September 19, 2024

Pumpkin for Diarrhea- Is it really the be all and end all?

Bouts of diarrhea for your pet can be very overwhelming. With the endless trips outside and the constant worrying about an in-home accident, you may be at your whits' end.…
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September 5, 2024

Every Season is Tick Season

As a pet owner, we are sure you know about the beloved tick. In Orange County, NY and surrounding areas, the tick is no longer just around for the warm…
Celine Mazzella 0
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August 22, 2024

You CAN Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Despite what the cliché says, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Even though the summer has not yet come to an end, back-to-school time is right around the…
Celine Mazzella 0
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Sep 05
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Every Season is Tick Season

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As a pet owner, we are sure you know about the beloved tick. In Orange County, NY and surrounding areas, the tick is no longer just around for the warm months. Our winters are not as cold as they once were, so the tick lives on even during the cold months. This means that the best way to keep your pet safe from tick-borne illnesses is by treating your pet all year round.

Ticks can be prevented with oral or topical products. It is also always a good idea to check your pets for ticks regularly.

Bringing your pet to the veterinarian once yearly for a physical is a great way to ensure your pet is healthy. Veterinarians can perform yearly testing for tick-borne illnesses because some pets may not show any signs of illness. Veterinarians can also provide information on the best tick preventatives for your pet’s lifestyle and make recommendations on vaccinations such as the Lyme Vaccine, which will add extra protection against Lyme Disease for your pet.

 

If you believe your pet is showing signs of tick-borne illness or if you found an engorged tick on your pet, give us a call at 845-986-9900 to book an appointment today.

 

Common Tick-Borne Illnesses in NY State

Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted by the bite of an infected Blacklegged tick. While some pets may show no signs of illness, common symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, decreased activity, joint pain, intermittent limping or lameness, and increased thirst and urination.

If not treated, Lyme Disease can lead to kidney disease, damage to the nervous system, and heart damage.

Some veterinarians offer the Lyme Disease vaccination, which offers extra protection to your pet. It is still recommended to keep your pet on year round tick preventatives.

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasma is a bacterial illness that is transmitted through the bite of an infected Blacklegged tick. While some pets may show no signs of illness, common symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, decreased activity, joint pain, intermittent limping or lameness.

If not treated, Anaplasmosis can result in serious health complications such as respiratory failure, organ failure, and bleeding problems.

There is no vaccination for anaplasma, so year round tick prevention is used for protection.

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichia is a bacterial illness spread through the bite of an infected brown dear tick. Signs of ehrlichiosis is typically divided into three stages: Acute (early disease), sub-clinical (no outward signs of disease) and clinical/chronic (long-standing infection).

Acute Signs/Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, respiratory distress, weight loss, bleeding disorders, and occasionally neurological disturbances. This stage typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Some pets may eliminate the infection or move onto the sub-clinical phase.

During the sub-clinical phase, there are no outward signs or symptoms of infection but there may be signs on bloodwork. Some pets may eliminate the infection or move onto the Chronic/clinical phase.

The chronic/clinical phase of ehrlichiosis occurs if the immune system is not able to eliminate the organism. Problems such as anemia, eye problems, bleeding episodes, lameness, neurological episodes and swollen limbs may occurs in this phase.

There is no vaccination for ehrlichiosis, so year round tick prevention is used for protection.

 

 

Flea/Tick Preventatives

Bravecto – Oral and Topical, Combination Coverage (Fleas and Ticks), 12 weeks of coverage, products available for dogs and cats

Credelio – Oral, Combination Coverage (Fleas and Ticks), 30 days of coverage, products available for dogs and cats

Simparica Trio – Oral, Combination Product (Fleas, Ticks, Intestinal Parasites, and Heartworm), 30 days of coverage, products available for dogs

Simparica – Oral, Combination Product (Fleas and Ticks), 30 days of coverage, products available for dogs

Nexgard – Oral, Combination Coverage (Fleas and Ticks), 30 days of coverage, products available for dogs

Seresto Collar – Topical, Wearable Collar, Combination Coverage (Fleas and Ticks), 8 months of coverage, products available for dogs and cats

K9 Advantix II – Topical, Combination Coverage (Fleas and Ticks), 30 days of coverage, products available for dogs

Revolution Plus – Topical, Combination Coverages (Fleas, Ticks, Intestinal Parasites, and Heartworm), 30 days of coverage, products available for cats

 

Common Ticks in NY State

Blacklegged Ticks (Deer Ticks)

Lone Star Ticks

American Dog Ticks

Asian Longhorned Ticks

 

 

NYS Department of Health offers a map that tells your tick risk score depending on your region. In order to find out what your risk score is, check out the website below:

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/risk_score_map.htm

Aug 22
Love0

You CAN Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

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Despite what the cliché says, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Even though the summer has not yet come to an end, back-to-school time is right around the corner and JHVP has a few lessons to teach to all of you amazing pet owners!  

Nutrition 

Nutrition is an important part of your pet’s lifestyle. By following proper nutrition guidelines and limiting your pet’s snacking, you can watch your pet live a longer and healthier life. Every pet’s nutritional needs are different depending on lifestyle and medical issues. It is important to discuss your pet’s dietary needs with your veterinarian. 

Before Each Veterinary Visit: 

  • Make note of the brand and name of the food you are feeding your pet 
  • Make note of any treats you are feeding your pet 
  • Know the amount you feed your pet daily (ex: 1 cup twice daily) 
  • Make note of what you use to feed your pet (slow feeder, metal bowl, etc.) 

Between Veterinary Visits: 

  • Stay on top of food recalls  
  • Discuss dietary needs of your pet to those who are involved in your pet’s daily life 
  • Stay consistent with diets that work for your pet 

 

Worried about your pets weight? Refer to AVMA’s Healthy Weight Chart below to determine if your pet’s weight is ideal.

 

Exercise 

Exercising your pet is a great way to keep them happy and healthy. So much as just 30 minutes a day can make a big difference in your pet’s health. Not only does exercising keep your pet at a healthy weight, it also helps keep them calm throughout the day and strengthens their mind. 

Ways to Exercise your Pet:

  • Training sessions
  • Walks/Runs
  • Playing Fetch
  • Using enrichment toys/puzzles

Dental Care 

 Your pet’s dental health is extremely important for their overall health and quality of life. Bad teeth can lead to poor appetite, weight loss, and pain in general for your pet. There are many causes of dental issues for cats and dogs, but the most common is periodontal disease. The problem starts with plaque that eventually hardens into tartar on your pet’s teeth. When plaque and tartar are below the gumline, it sets the stage for inflammation and infection, which can damage the tissue that connects the teeth to the jawbone. Periodontal disease does not stop at your pet’s mouth, it has also been linked to heart and liver disease. 

To Prevent Dental Disease:

  • Brush your pets teeth daily
  • Use dental water additives
  • Give your pet dental chews occasionally in the place of their regular treats
  • Talk to your veterinarian about scheduling professional dental cleanings

 

 

Now that we have learned about important lifestyle practices for our pet, take your pet “back-to-school” by teaching them new commands and obedience.   

Place/Stay Commands and Why they’re Important 

Teaching your dog to “place” or “stay” are extremely important commands, especially when the children are going back to school. The last thing you need is your dog running out the door with your kids while they are running to the bus.  The command “place” typically refers to your dog retreating to a particular spot and staying there while the command “stay” refers to your dog staying where they currently are. These commands can be very useful in times of excitement. 

Teaching your dog to stay:

Step One: Choose a starting position (sit or lie down) and ask your pet to get in that position.

Step Two: Hold your hand out in front of you like you are making a stop sign and say “stay” in a firm voice.

Step Three: Reward your pet with a treat for staying in that position.

Step Four: Repeat the above steps while gradually increasing the time between the command and the reward.

Step Five: Once your pet can stay for 10 seconds or more, try asking your pet to stay while you back away or break eye contact. If the pet stays in their position, reward them with a treat and repeat.

Step Six: When your pet releases from their position, you can reward them and use the command “release” so your pet knows they are free to move.

 

Toothpaste, the Treat to Solve Dental Problems

We talked about how important your pets dental health is, but what do you do when your pet retreats at the site of the toothbrush? It is a very uncomfortable feeling when someone else has to brush your teeth with a toothbrush, so for our pets we typically recommend just using your finger as a more comfortable option. The toothpaste made for pets is enzymatic, so it just has to touch the teeth, it does not have to be vigorously brushed in. There are some steps you can take to get your dog used to the toothbrushing process.

Step One: Start by letting your pet lick the toothpaste off your finger freely at a specific time of day (when your making your coffee in the morning, loading the dishwasher after dinner, etc.) This helps get your dog used to the taste of the toothpaste and see the toothpaste as a daily treat.

Step Two: After your pet is comfortable licking the toothpaste off your hand, slowly progress to holding their muzzle while they lick the toothpaste.

Step Three: After your pet is allowing you to continuously hold their muzzle while licking the toothpaste, you can progress to rubbing the toothpaste on their teeth with your finger. Do this every day at the same time. Your pet will eventually remind you that its time for their daily toothbrushing!

Jul 09
Love0

Traveling with Pets

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Vacations are a great way to kick back and relax, but sometimes wondering what to do with your pets can put a damper on the vacation excitement. Between trying to find pet-friendly hotels and lodging to trying to find a boarding facility or a pet-sitter, we know it can be a stressful time.  This blog will share some tips on what you can do to ensure your pet’s wellbeing while you are traveling!

Pet-Friendly Vacations

Pet-friendly vacations are a great option for those who prefer to have their pet come along for the adventure. It is always a great idea to have a checklist of items you need for your pet while on the trip.

Pet Vacation Checklist 

  • Food – it is always good to pack extra food than what you may believe you need in case of emergencies.  
  • Water – for road-tripping pets, having a few jugs of filtered water is always a good idea. 
  • Bowls – for eating and drinking of course. 
  • Waste bags – whether it’s to clean out a litterbox or pick up poop at a gas station on the side of the road, these are a must-have. 
  • Toys – bring a few of your pet’s favorite toys or some enrichment toys to keep them entertained while you are out exploring on your trip. 
  • Medications – always make sure you have any medications your pet may need while on the trip such as anxiety medications, daily medications, and any flea and tick or heartworm products.  
  • Crate/carrier  – make sure your pet is comfortable with their crate or carrier prior to traveling. 
  • Treats  
  • Identification/Rabies Tags  
  • Pheromones – for calming an anxious pet, you can use pheromones such as feliway (for cats) or adaptil (for dogs). 

 

Pet Friendly Hotel Chains 

While this list offers a variety of hotels that typically accept pets, every location’s policy is different. Try to research which hotels have pet friendly options in the areas you plan to travel to prior to hitting the road. 

  • IGH – Kimpton Hotels, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites 
  • Hilton – Canopy by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, and Tru by Hilton 
  • Marriot – Aloft Hotels, Element by Westin, Moxy Hotels, Residence Inn  by Marriot, W Hotels Worldwide, Westin Hotels & Resorts 
  • Hyatt 
  • Red Roof Inn 
  • Loews Hotels 

 

Vacationing Without Your Furry Friend 

When bringing your pet on vacation is not an option, there are plenty of ways you can ensure your pet is safe and happy while you are away.  

Finding a Pet Sitter 

Finding someone to watch your furry friend while you are away may seem like a daunting task. There are a few steps you can take to ensure you have a reliable person watching your pet.  

  • Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on local pet sitters or pet sitting services they recommend.  
  • When choosing a pet sitter, choose one who is bonded and insured. 
  • Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about upcoming trips so you can give authorization for any visits your pets may need while you are away. 
  • Find a pet sitter whose schedule works with your pet. If your pet needs someone who can stay for most of the day or overnight, make sure to discuss this with your pet sitter. 
  • Leave detailed instructions for your pet sitter on how to feed and exercise your pet.  

Finding a Boarding Facility 

Bringing your pet to boarding is another option for pet care while you are away. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on boarding facilities in your area.  

  • Visit the facility prior to boarding your pet.
  • Ensure your pet is up to date on all vaccines, especially those indicated for respiratory illnesses. Refer to our blog “Vaccines Save Lives” for more information on vaccines your pet may need for boarding.
  • Ensure your pet has flea/tick and heartworm prevention for the time they will spend at boarding. If their prevention is due at any point that they will be staying at the facility, make sure to pack them a dose so it can be applied while you are away.  
  • Make sure you have enough food, toys, and treats packed for your pet’s time at boarding. 
  • Give the boarding facility detailed instructions on how you want your pet fed and exercised.  

 

Whether you are taking your pet with you on vacation or leaving them to relax at home, it is always a great idea to have your pet checked by a veterinarian to ensure they are healthy.

Call JHVP to book an appointment for your pet today: 845-986-9900

May 23
Love0

Ear Infections-Why Is It Never Cured?

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Rover has been shaking his head and scratching his ears all week. When you look, you smell a sweet, bread-like scent. You take a trip to the vet and find out Rover has a yeast infection in his ears, so you treat them with the medication provided. A few weeks or months later, it happens again… and again… and again after that. It can be very frustrating when you are constantly going to the veterinarian for what seems like a minor issue, so we are here to explain why this is happening and what you can do to try to lessen their occurrence.  

Ear infections are a very common problem in pets. Ear infections are not contagious and are typically due to another primary cause.

So what is causing these ear infections?

Allergies and other medical issues play a big role in why some pets are so prone to recurrent ear infections. By finding the primary cause, we can help prevent future occurrences as well as treat the current infection. The process of diagnosing your dog involves determining the predisposing factors, identifying the primary cause, diagnosing the secondary cause (what organisms are involved) and finally treating any perpetuating factors that will prevent a full resolution of the ear infection. 

Signs/Symptoms of an ear infection:

  • Head shaking
  • Scratching at the affected ear
  • Dark discharge
  • Odor
  • Redness and swelling of the ear canal
  • Pain
  • Itchiness
  • Crusting or scabs in the ears

There are multiple steps to fully treating these ear infections, so we are going to break it down piece by piece. 

Step 1: Finding the Primary Cause 

Now you may be wondering how we can find the primary cause of the seemingly endless ear infections. We can do this by performing blood work to check for underlying thyroid and adrenal conditions, testing for possible allergies your pet may have, and even performing food trials at home. 

Step 2: Finding the Secondary Cause 

To diagnose a secondary cause, an ear swab cytology is performed. This will help us target treatment for your pet to restore the normal population of organisms to the ear. It is imperative to continue therapy until the ear has been completely recovered. Your vet may want to see your pet for a recheck appointment to ensure that the ear infection has been resolved. Some ear infections need to be treated multiple times, so missing a recheck may cause the ear infection to return even if it seems to have improved. 

Step 3: Checking for a Perpetuating Cause: 

At the end and during treatment for an ear infection, the ear canal will be evaluated for perpetuating factors that prevent full ear resolution. These factors can include a thickened ear canal, a middle ear infection, or an overproduction of oils in the canal.  

Step 4: Maintenance  

Once your pet has been treated, ask your vet what you can do for maintenance. This may include weekly to biweekly cleaning of the ears. If your pet’s ear infections are due to allergies, you may have to bring them in for allergy injections or have allergy medication on hand. In some cases, certain foods may need to be cut from the pet’s diet to prevent flare-ups.  

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Mar 08
Love2

Vaccines Save Lives (Even the Lives of Honeybees)

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Did you know that veterinarians can vaccinate honeybees?

This vaccine is used to protect them against American Foulbrood disease that is caused by Paenibacillus larvae. Now you may be asking, “how do you even vaccinate a honeybee?” The vaccine is administered by mixing it into queen feed that is consumed by the worker bees. The worker bees then incorporate the vaccine into the royal jelly, which is then fed to the queen bee. When she ingests the royal jelly and vaccine mixture, fragments of the vaccine are deposited into her ovaries. Developing larvae will be exposed to these fragments and are granted immunity as they hatch.   

Speaking of vaccines, vaccinating your pets is an important step to take as a pet owner.

Vaccinations are intended to protect our pets from infectious diseases.  Some of these diseases are zoonotic (communicable to humans) while other diseases are highly communicable between pets or between wildlife and pets.  Appropriate vaccinations in our pet population can lead to a reduction in the incidence of disease as well as an improvement in human health.   

There are different vaccine protocols depending on your pet’s lifestyle.

Core vaccinations are recommended for all pets while non-core vaccinations are recommended by veterinarians based on your pet’s lifestyle and medical history. Deciding what vaccines your pet should receive can be a daunting task and we are here to help you decide which vaccines would be best for your pet!  

When vaccinating your pet, it is important to take their previous medical history and lifestyle into account.

Making sure your pets are vaccinated appropriately will protect other pets in the community as well and will help control the spread of disease. Talk to your veterinarian about which vaccines are most appropriate for your furry friend. 

Call JHVP to book an appointment today 845-986-9900.  

Feb 10
Love1

Love Your Pet (by improving their dental health)

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POV: You wake up in the morning and your dog or cat is ready to eat their morning meal. You fill up their bowl with their favorite kibble and place the bowl in front of them. They try to eat the kibble, but you notice that they are only chewing on one side of their mouth and are eating very slowly. They do not finish the food in the bowl.  Now while this does not seem like an emergency, your dog or cat may start to lose weight over time due to not being able to finish their food and more importantly, it can indicate pain. You take your pet to their veterinarian and the veterinarian explains that your pet has dental disease and will need some extractions. Could this have been prevented? 

February is National Pet Dental Health Month! Your pet’s dental health is extremely important for their overall health and quality of life. There are many causes of dental issues for cats and dogs, but the most common is periodontal disease. The problem starts with plaque that eventually hardens into tartar on your pet’s teeth. When plaque and tartar are below the gumline, it sets the stage for inflammation and infection, which can damage the tissue that connects the teeth to the jawbone. Periodontal disease does not stop at your pet’s mouth, it has also been linked to heart and liver disease.  

Do not fear, there are many steps you can take as a pet owner to prevent your pet from having a painful mouth. 

Signs of Dental Disease 

  • Bad breath 
  • Pawing at the mouth 
  • Chewing on one side of the mouth 
  • Decreased appetite 
  • Change in eating habits 
  • Excessive drooling 
  • Resistance to having face or mouth touched

Prevention 

  1. Brush. Your. Pet’s. Teeth… Daily.  While it is nice that your groomer may brush your pet’s teeth, you may only take your pet to the groomer once every 6-8 weeks (if that). It is ideal to brush your pet’s teeth with veterinary paste (NOT human toothpaste) once a day to prevent plaque build-up.  
  2. Dental chews are a fun way to reward your pet while keeping their dental health in mind. Chews exercise the mouth and act as an abrasive on the teeth. Make sure the chews are not too hard for your pet because then you risk your pet breaking a tooth. 
  3. Water additives are a convenient way to maintain pet dental health and freshen your pet’s breath. These products work by enzymatically breaking down plaque before it can solidify on the teeth. These additives can be flavored or plain.  
  4. Dental Powders 

The best products are those recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These products have the VOHC seal on their packaging. 

Training for Toothbrushing 

Many pets may run away when you chase them around the house with toothpaste on a toothbrush. Would you let someone else brush your teeth that was not highly trained at avoiding the ouch spots? To avoid this, training is necessary, and it is best to use just your finger when brushing your pets’ teeth. Start by using a command and rub your finger along your pets gumline and teeth. After this, reward your pet with a treat they love. Once they are used to this action, try adding the toothpaste on your finger and let your pet smell and taste the toothpaste, then rub it along their gums and teeth as you did before and make sure to reward them after. Keep your pet’s toothpaste right next to where you keep your treats so that your pet associates the toothbrushing with a reward!  

Treatment 

If your pet has dental disease, it is probably time for a professional cleaning by your veterinarian. First, your veterinarian will obtain a history and perform a full exam including an awake oral examination. Your pet with have pre-anesthetic testing performed, including bloodwork and an electrocardiogram if indicated, prior to being placed under anesthesia. After this is complete, your pet will be placed under general anesthesia and monitored by a licensed veterinary technician. The veterinarian will then perform a sedated oral exam and full dental x-rays will be taken. The teeth are then polished and cleaned, and if needed, surgical extractions will be performed on diseased teeth. After the procedure has ended, your pet is monitored closely while recovering from anesthesia. We take great care to manage anxiety and pain both pre and post dental procedures.  

One Final Note… 

Professional cleaning is important, but it does not last forever. Within days of getting a professional cleaning, bacteria will begin to lay down plaque in your pet’s mouth once again. Home dental care performed by tooth brushing with a veterinary paste is needed to keep your pet’s dental health in check, even after a professional cleaning.  

Dec 12
Love2

The Mysterious Canine Respiratory Disease

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We are sure that you have heard about the mysterious canine respiratory disease that is sweeping the nation and you probably want some answers. The cause of this infectious canine respiratory disease is still under investigation. The most common respiratory diagnostic tests have been largely negative for the known organisms that cause coughing in dogs.  

Respiratory diseases have always been present in dogs, and the recent outbreak is just like other outbreaks we have seen in the past. While you may commonly hear the term “kennel cough”, many organisms can cause a cough in dogs. Veterinarians prefer the acronym CIRDC. The canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is a highly contagious illness that affects the respiratory tract in dogs. It is also referred to as infectious tracheobronchitis. The term tracheobronchitis describes the location of the infection in the trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tubes. Several viruses and bacteria can cause CIRDC, often simultaneously. These organisms include adenovirus type-2, parainfluenza virus, canine coronavirus, and the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. Because the infection spreads when dogs are housed together, it is often noticed soon after dogs spend time in kennels, hence the name kennel cough.  

It is not yet known which bacteria or virus is causing this new outbreak. As explained by Scott Weese from Worms and Germs, it is not known if this “mysterious” respiratory illness is caused by a new pathogen or an existing pathogen that has changed over time. 

What we know about the new outbreak: 

This respiratory illness started in Oregon just a few months ago.  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the cases for this illness have been found with these clinical symptoms: 

  • Chronic mild to moderate inflammation of the trachea lasting six to eight weeks or longer, which is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.  
  • Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics. 
  • Acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24 to 36 hours. 

So far, cases have been seen in the following states: 

  • California 
  • Colorado 
  • Florida 
  • Georgia 
  • Idaho 
  • Illinois 
  • Indiana 
  • Maryland 
  • Massachusetts 
  • New Hampshire 
  • Oregon 
  • Rhode Island 
  • Vermont 
  • Washington 

What can you do to protect your dog: 

  • Ensure your dog is fully vaccinated. Vaccines that protect against respiratory diseases in dogs are the Bordetella vaccine, Distemper vaccine, and Canine Influenza vaccine.  
  • Avoid high risk situations for your dog such as boarding kennels and dog parks.  
  • Call your veterinarian if you believe your pet is sick.  

If your dog is showing any signs of respiratory disease, contact your veterinarian. 

Signs of Respiratory Disease: 

  • Coughing 
  • Sneezing 
  • Decreased appetite 
  • Lethargy 
  • Discharge from the nose or eyes 
  • Labored breathing 

Vaccinations For Respiratory Diseases

Bordetella bronchiseptica Vaccine (Kennel Cough) 

Kennel cough is a broad term often used to describe any infectious or contagious condition in dogs where coughing is one of the major clinical signs but remember, veterinarians prefer to use the more accurate term CIRDC. Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterial infection that can reduce the trachea’s ability to clear debris and make a dog more prone to other organisms as well.  

Make sure your pup is up to date on their kennel cough vaccination. Our veterinary practice currently administers the intra-nasal kennel cough vaccination. This vaccine has shown to be effective against canine adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. 

Canine Influenza Vaccine 

Canine influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that can infect both dogs and cats. There are currently two strains of the canine influenza virus that have been identified in the United States: H3N8 and H3N2.  

While a bivalent flu vaccine protects your dog from both influenza strains, there have been major shortages in the bivalent flu vaccine for canines. According to Scott Weese from Worms and Germs, the strain we in the United States should worry the most about is the H3N2 strain. A monovalent influenza vaccine would be perfectly acceptable for your pup.  

Canine Adenovirus Type 2 

Canine adenovirus type 2 is a causative agent of canine infectious respiratory disease. Symptoms that are typically seen with this diagnosis are: dry/hacking cough, retching, sneezing, watery nasal discharge. In more severe cases a fever, lethargy, appetite decrease, or pneumonia may occur. 

Vaccinating your dog with a distemper vaccine or an intra-nasal Bordetella are both great ways to protect against canine adenovirus type 2. The distemper vaccination also protects against parainfluenza, parvovirus, and distemper. 

Resources: 

https://www.avma.org/news/oregon-dealing-respiratory-illness-incidents-dogs 

https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2023/12/articles/animals/dogs/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-update-dec-1-2023/ 

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/canine-respiratory-disease-outbreaks  

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/canine-influenza 

https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2023/03/articles/animals/dogs/canine-flu-vaccine-shortage-issues/ 

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You CAN Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

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Despite what the cliché says, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Even though the summer has not yet come to an end, back-to-school time is right around the…

Traveling with Pets

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Vacations are a great way to kick back and relax, but sometimes wondering what to do with your pets can put a damper on the vacation excitement. Between trying to…
Nov 17
Love2

From Extra Love to Extra Pounds

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POV: You are sitting at the table with your entire family on Thanksgiving Day and everyone has tons of Thanksgiving fixings on their plates. You have a feeling that someone is staring at you, and of course that staring sensation is coming from the eyes of the family dog. Poor Skippy cannot enjoy Thanksgiving with a plate of delicious food, so you give him a piece of turkey… or two.  Little do you know that everyone at the table is also giving Skippy pieces of their thanksgiving meal. In the event that you did not have to take Skippy to the local veterinary hospital for pancreatitis from this thanksgiving feast, you take him to the vet the following week. His veterinarian is surprised that Skippy has put on a few more pounds since his last visit. You may wonder why your veterinarian is concerned about this excess weight and we are here to explain why! 

Why is your veterinarian concerned about your pet’s weight? 

Obesity in pets can lead to a variety of complications in your pet’s life. Obese pets develop an increased risk for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and urinary bladder stones. Your veterinarian wants to help you achieve a happy and healthy lifestyle for your pet, and there are many ways to do this even while trying to help your furry friend lose some weight. 

Is diet the only factor that causes obesity in pets? 

Believe it or not, diet is not the only factor that can contribute to obesity. There are many factors that may predispose a pet to obesity such as genetics, amount of physical activity, and caloric intake. Certain medical problems such as hypothyroidism may also contribute to weight gain in your pet.  It is always a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinarian if you believe your pet is overweight so that they can rule out these medical conditions.

What strategies are available to help pets lose weight? 

The best way to find out how much to feed your pet is to ask your veterinarian.

Calorie Counting:  

  • The portion recommendation on the back of your pet’s kibble is typically more than your pet actually needs. 
  • The average caloric intake for a 10lb cat is between 216-260 kcals a day, depending on their activity level. Despite popular opinion, cats maintain weight better on wet food because it mimics their natural diet of high water, fat and protein content.  
  • The average caloric intake for a 50lb dog is between 751-1165 kcals a day, depending on activity level and breed. If we compare an active Labrador retriever to an idle bulldog, their calorie intake should be very different due to their activity levels.  

Exercise:  

  • Going on a long walk or playing a nice game of fetch is great exercise for your dog.  
  • For cats, wand toys or using a small amount of kibble for hunting games can really get them moving.  
  • For pets that live a sedentary lifestyle even getting them to move for just a few minutes, 2-3 times a day can help.  

Enrichment Toys:  

  • Using enrichment toys when feeding such as slow-feeder bowls and snuffle mats can help slow your pet from eating too quickly and provide a sense of enrichment to their everyday life.  

Limit the treats:  

  • Treats should be no more than 5-10% of your pet’s calorie intake. It is best to purchase low-calorie treats for your pet so you can still give them the rewards they deserve. 
  • Most cat treats are between 1-4 calories per treat which is considered low-calorie. Considering cats need only 200 calories per day and that a cup of dry food or a full can of wet food already supplies their needs, the additional calories from treats can add up.  
  • Dog treats come in a variety of sizes and calorie content. For instance, there are 139 calories in a large Greenie Dental Chew and there are 145 calories in a large Milk Bone Biscuit. For dogs, a low-calorie treat would be under 10-15 calories. 

Restrict the table food:  

  • We know it can be hard to resist saying no to your begging dog at dinnertime, but it is important to resist those sad eyes. Table food adds excess calories to your pet’s diet on top of any treats and kibble you provide for them.  

 

Useful Links: 

Warwick Wags: https://www.facebook.com/warwickwags/  

Outward Hound Canine Slow Feeders: https://outwardhound.com/bowls/  

Catit Feline Slow Feeders: https://catit.us/collections/slow-cat-feeders  

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“Spooky” Pet Behaviors

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It’s that spooky time of year again and we would like to discuss your pet’s “odd” behaviors. Some behaviors, although they may seem cute or silly, may be indicative of a problem. We do not want to scare you, but there are many behaviors that may warrant a trip to the vet and we have listed a few of them below.

Use our Pet Health Checker tool linked below to help you decide if your pet’s symptoms require immediate attention or if you should continue to monitor those symptoms at home.

Pet Health Checker
Strange pet behaviors that your vet wants you to pay attention to:

Tap or click each behavior for examples of what your pet may be trying to tell you or use our Pet Health Checker linked above!

Staring at the Wall

Smacking Lips

Licking Joints

Inappropriate Urination

Excessive Grooming

Increased Thirst

Loss of Appetite

Hiding

Open Mouth Breathing

Lethargy

Pets have a limited way of telling us something is wrong, and it’s not always shown to us through diarrhea or vomiting. When pets show us new behaviors that are different from their norm, it is always a good idea to call your veterinarian. Certain behaviors, like those listed above, are important for veterinarians to be made aware of because they may warrant further testing. You as the pet parent know best when it comes to your pet acting differently. If you believe your pet is exhibiting odd behaviors, give your veterinarian a call. 

Call JHVP today to book an appointment: 845-986-9900