Monday, January 26, 2015

How to Help a Dog with an Upset Stomach

Brandy Arnold 01/20/2015

Just like us, dogs can also get an upset stomach. Some of the most common symptoms that you should watch out for include vomiting, dry heaving, diarrhea, bloating, gas, thirst, and/or refusing to eat.

What Causes a Troublesome Tummy?

The most common triggers for upset stomach have something to do with your dog’s diet. It could be that Fido is stressed, allergic to what you gave him, that maybe he is eating too much or too fast, or he is eating stuff that shouldn’t be wolfed down (like food wrappers, coins, balls, strings, etc.) Other causes may include stale food, parasites and injury.

But how can you tell if your furball’s upset stomach is actually a more serious issue? Excessive vomiting, the appearance of blood in vomit or feces, lethargy, fever, bloating or biting at his sides are all indicators of a bigger problem. Intestinal blockage, poison ingestion, bloat, and other similar conditions are life-threatening must be dealt with immediately. If your pooch has eaten something noxious like rat or insect poison, chemicals, contaminated foods, or toxic plants, rush him to the doc straight away.

After I’ve Determined It’s Not Serious. What Can Be Done?

If your pooch appears to have a mild and occasional upset stomach or if he just gets sick every now and then and you don’t see anything that requires immediate vet care, then try to fast your dog for about 12 to 24 hours. Allow him access to fresh drinking water, but do not allow him to eat.

You might find this very difficult to do, but keep in mind that to relieve your pet from such distress, you have to empty his stomach first. Feeding your dog when he’s vomiting or having a diarrhea will just prolong his agony. Besides, an otherwise healthy pooch can go a day without eating. Just make sure that you provide him with enough clean water to drink all the time.

After fasting, you can feed your dog a bland diet like a meal of 1 part boiled chicken (skinless and boneless white meat) to 2 parts boiled rice (brown or white). Don’t add any seasoning or additives like oil or salt. Feed your pooch small portions of this meal 3 or 4 times each day for the next few days while you monitor his condition. As his upset stomach improves, gradually begin adding his regular food back into his diet. If, after switching back to your dog’s regular food, his upset stomach returns, you’ll know that his regular food is the culprit.

Speak to your veterinarian about the possibility of giving your dog over-the-counter Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) for occasional upset stomach or diarrhea.

If your ailing pet’s condition doesn’t improve or worsens, or if he appears to show serious symptoms like dehydration, retching or trying to vomit, difficulty defecating, painful and distended/hard belly, blood in urine, feces or vomit, and lethargy, then waste no time and contact your vet or local emergency clinic.

Recognizing, Treating, and Preventing Canine Ear Infections

Brandy Arnold 01/21/2015

All dogs tend to have a natural amount of yeast and bacteria that grow in their ears. But, without regular cleanings and proper ear care, an infection can take place – especially in our floppier-eared friends. A yeast or bacterial overgrowth can result in an intense irritation for your pooch. The moment you discover the early signs that your pet is uncomfortable or in pain, it is your responsibility to deal with the situation properly. After all, your four legged friend relies on you completely.
Warning Signs of Canine Ear Infection
·         Discharge in the ears (usually yellow and pasty, or black and chunky)
·         Noticeably strong or chalky odor
·         Excessive rubbing or scratching of the ears
·         Swelling and redness in the inner ear flap and canal
·         Tendency to shake or tilt the head to the side
·         Pain or oversensitivity to the touch of Fido’s ears
·         Unusual irritable behavior
While bacterial infections normally involve redness, swelling, discharge, pungent smell, or pain; yeast infections, on the other hand, are often recognized by redness, swelling, discharge, chalky smell, dryness, scaling, and intense itching. The irritation can also spread to the other parts of a dog’s body like his face and feet.
Treatment Options and Preventive Techniques
· Before you assume that your pet is inflicted with ear infection, you need to rule out first the possibility of the symptoms being likely caused by ear trauma, fleas, ear mites, tumors, or foreign bodies.
· If you bring your dog to the clinic, your vet will most likely use a device called an otoscope to look down into your dog’s ear canal and find out the exact degree of inflammation your pooch is dealing with. A sample of the bacterial or yeast overgrowth may be pulled out using a cotton swab. The specimen will then be smeared onto a slide, stained, and examined under a microscope in order to determine whether the infection is caused by yeast or bacteria.
· For bacterial ear infection, your vet will most likely prescribe medications to kill the bacteria and restore your dog’s ear health. Common treatments include Otomax ear drops, Epi-Otic flush, Cephalexin antibiotic, and maybe Temeral-P which is a kind of steroid. For yeast infections, he might provide you with Mometamax ear drops, Epi-Otic flush, or even Temeral-P.
· To help you keep your pooch from developing any of the two types of ear infections, keep your dog’s ears clean, dry, a free of any debris. And, provide him with high-quality, healthy diet as well as adequate exercise. As much as possible, dry your pooch’s ears each time he has been exposed to water. There are specially formulated ear cleansers for dogs that both clean and dry out the ear canal which are a necessity for dogs that swim often and much.
· Most dogs will develop an ear infection or two in their lifetime. However, if your dog tends to develop these often, discuss possible food allergies with your veterinarian, as this is a known cause of frequent and recurring ear infections.

Recognizing Your Dog’s Food Allergy

Brandy Arnold 01/22/2015

Has your pooch been scratching and itching? Does he seem to have poor coat quality and recurring ear infections? It’s very likely that you’re contributing to Fido’s distress without being aware of the possibility that he might actually becoming allergic to the food that you’ve been feeding him. Food allergy is just one of the rising concerns with dog lovers nowadays, and it appears more and more pooches are putting up with this health issue.
A Brief Overview
Canine food allergy generally refers to the over response of a dog’s immune system to an overrunning protein normally found in his food. While many people often recognize that meats are a protein source, it’s important to bear in mind that some grains and veggies can also be a source of protein. Any of these can be a potential trigger of food allergy. However, there are several dog breeds that have been found to be naturally prone to this kind of health problem. These most commonly include Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Collies, German Shepherds, Dalmatian, Lhasa Apso, Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, Shar Peis, Dachshunds, Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers, and West Highland White Terriers.
While some of the most common sources of food allergens in dogs are dairy, beef, chicken, and wheat products, the least common, on the other hand, include rabbit and fish. Your pet might be suffering from some form of allergy if he/she shows the following general signs and symptoms: dry, itchy skin; bald patches; excessive licking or scratching; skin infections; ear infections; high frequency of hot spots; vomiting; and diarrhea.
How to Handle the Problem
· Introduce a special diet. First, ensure that your pooch’s symptoms indeed point to food allergy by consulting your veterinarian. Should this be the case, your vet will most likely recommend that you take a crack at an elimination diet. This is when you feed your dog foods that have a different protein source and another different carbohydrate source than what your pet has had before. Some of the usual anti-allergy foods are those considered to be novel protein sources such as oatmeal and kangaroo or potato and venison. This will help prevent the dog’s immune response from becoming triggered again and again. In addition, your vet might also recommend that you also give a hypoallergenic diet a try. These kinds of foods are basically made with hydrolysed proteins which prevent an immune response by breaking the proteins down into pieces; thereby, keeping it from binding with IgA. Some of the commonly considered hypoallergenic foods are rice and lamb.
· Be mindful of what Fido eats. While your pooch is on any of these special diets, it’s crucial that he does not get any other food like treats, cookies, table scraps, and rawhides. Because you’re not yet sure what exactly he is allergic to, try your best to avoid giving him anything that might trigger an allergic reaction. Now, the moment you have gotten your pet on a food that you’re certain he will not react to, you can begin reintroducing other doggie foods and treats. If he reacts, you will then know which food exactly has caused the problem and can avoid it in the future.
· Treat his Symptoms. The symptoms of a food allergy can be irritating to your dog at best, and excruciating at worst. Your veterinarian can prescribe certain medications, like antihistimines or steroids, to reduce inflammation and make your dog more comfortable. If your dog has a known food allergy, it’s a good idea to keep these medications on hand, should he accidentally ingest some of his forbidden foods.
· Read the Labels. Once you discover which ingredient has caused your dog’s allergic reaction, you’ll need to be diligent in reading food labels. Chicken, wheat, and soy are very commonly used in a variety of dog foods and treats, even though they might not be listed on the front of the bag. Many foods, even very high quality trusted brands, use chicken for added protein, while the food may be named for another recipe. If you have an allergic dog, you’ll want to know exactly what he’s eating at every meal or snack time.

Corn in Dog Food: Dispelling the Myths

Brandy Arnold 01/23/2015

While some people insist corn is a nutritious ingredient in a dog’s diet, others claim that it is nothing more than just an unhealthy cereal grain in Fido’s grub. But what really is the truth? Is corn good or bad as part of our pet’s food? Well, the answer actually depends on whom you throw the question at.
Generally, worries expressed over the issue seem to be commonly coming from consumers, breeders, and dog owners. While the crowd that swears that corn is great usually include those who seem to have something to gain from producing or selling various products made from the controversial grain.
Hashing Out Some Myths
Myth 1. Corn has a low glycemic index. Glycemic Index is a means to measure the leaning of a certain food to increase an animal’s blood sugar level. The greater the index, the higher the danger of a possible harmful upswing in blood sugar. As compared to most cereal grains in dog food-making such as corn meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and wheat which have a GI of 69, 55, 49, 41 respectively, corn which has a GI of 53 apparently does not have a significantly low level of glycemic index.
Myth 2. Corn is easy to digest. Because corn is a whole grain, it is not highly digestible. Unless the corn kernels are first refined into flour or meal, it can be very tough for Fido to digest it. In fact, corn and other grains are just digestible to the degree to which they have been processed.
Myth 3. Corn contains elevated biological value. There is nothing distinctive enough about the content of corn that makes it a dietary standout. Basically nothing that cannot be created in or derived from some other food constituent, not even protein. As a matter of fact, while eggs, fish meal, and beef have a biological value of 100, 92, 78 respectively, corn only has a biological value of 54.
Myth 4. Corn is a top source of energy. Dog owners should not buy a dog food in which corn is the primary ingredient. They need to favor those in which meat is the chief ingredient. While corn does contain protein, meat contains not just protein but important healthy fats as well. Corn is a carbohydrate and is mostly fat-free. Science proves that meats provide significantly more energy when compared to corn.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line here is that corn simply makes dog food cheaper to produce. This is made possible by diluting the diet’s more expensive meat ingredients. Corn-heavy kibble is basically a low-priced fast food for Fido. The reason so many manufacturers use it is to make their products more affordable for consumers on a budget. Of course, some dogs live long, healthy lives despite being fed a diet heavy in corn products. Nevertheless, to advertise corn largely because of its so-called nutritional benefits is very misleading.
So, it may be fine to give your pooch dog food that contains corn. But for you to remain uninformed of the true nutritional value of the cereal grain and then depend completely on those false claims can lead to your dog not meeting his nutritional needs. We all want the best for Fido. Settling for corn is certainly not the best option for him.

FDA Urges Consumer Caution When Using Spot-On Flea/Tick Preventative

Brandy Arnold 01/23/2015

Flea and tick control is always a hot topic for pet parents. Causing a whole slew of problems ranging from a mild irritation to serious, life-threatening illness, fleas and ticks – and their prevention – are an importance concern.
Flea and tick prevention comes in a variety of forms, from chewables, to collars, sprays, and “spot-on” treatments. The FDA recently released new information for pet parents, particularly those using the spot-on flea & tick treatments, or the small vials of pesticide that are applied to the dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades and down the back.
Pet owners need to be cautious about using flea and tick products safely, says Ann Stohlman, V.M.D., a veterinarian in the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine. “You need to take the time to carefully read the label, the package insert, and any accompanying literature to make sure you’re using the product correctly.”
The FDA’s most recent caution to consumers says:

Caution with Spot-On Products
In spring 2009, EPA noticed an increase in pet incidents being reported involving spot-on pesticide products for pets. EPA received a large amount of bad pet reaction information reported to the companies that hold registrations for these products. EPA formed a veterinarian team with the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) to review this information. The team studied incidents involving cats and dogs, looked at the ingredients, studied labeling, and discussed data needs for the future to improve analyses and regulation.
Based on its analysis, EPA determined that some changes need to be made in how spot-on products are regulated, how companies report data on pet incidents, and how packages are labeled for cats, dogs, and size of animals to ensure the safety of these products. Based on reported incidents, EPA also concluded that many but not all pet incidents took place because the products were misused.
In September 2011, EPA required the following actions in response to the analysis of spot-on treatments:

Requiring manufacturers of spot-on pesticide products to improve labeling, making instructions clearer to prevent product misuse, including repeating the word “dog” or “cat” and “only” throughout the directions for use and applicator vial, and detailed side effect language.

Requiring clear marking to differentiate between dog and cat products and more precise label instructions to ensure proper dosage per pet weight.

Restricting the use of any inert ingredients that EPA finds may contribute to incidents.

Launching a consumer information campaign to explain new label directions and to help users avoid making medication errors.

Spot-on flea and tick products can be effective treatments, and many people use the products with no harmful effects to their pets. EPA does not advise pet owners to stop using spot-ons, but asks them to use caution and make informed decisions when selecting treatment methods.
EPA advises pet owners to

carefully follow label directions and monitor their pets for any signs of a bad reaction after application, particularly when using these products for the first time

talk to a veterinarian about responsible and effective use of flea and tick products

When to Treat
It’s best to treat your pet at the beginning of flea and tick season, says Stohlman. The length of flea season, which peaks during warm weather months, varies depending on where you live. “It can last four months in some places, but in other places, like Florida, fleas can live all year long,” says Stohlman. And fleas can live inside a warm house year-round no matter where you live.
Ticks are found in some places year-round. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in most parts of the United States, the greatest chance of infection by a tick bite is spring and summer.

Tips for Using Flea and Tick Products

Read the label carefully before use. If you don’t understand the wording, ask your veterinarian or call the manufacturer. “Even if you’ve used the product many times before,” says Stohlman, “read the label because the directions or warnings may have changed.”

Follow the directions exactly. If the product is for dogs, don’t use it on cats or other pets. If the label says use weekly, don’t use it daily. If the product is for the house or yard, don’t put it directly on your pet.

Keep multiple pets separated after applying a product until it dries to prevent one animal from grooming another and ingesting a drug or pesticide.

Talk to your veterinarian before using a product on weak, old, medicated, sick, pregnant, or nursing pets, or on pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to flea or tick products.

Monitor your pet for side effects after applying the product, particularly when using the product on your pet for the first time.

If your pet experiences a bad reaction from a spot-on product, immediately bathe the pet with mild soap, rinse with large amounts of water, and call your veterinarian.

Call your veterinarian if your pet shows symptoms of illness after using a product. Symptoms of poisoning include poor appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation.

Do not apply a product to kittens or puppies unless the label specifically allows this treatment. Use flea combs to pick up fleas, flea eggs, and ticks on puppies and kittens that are too young for flea and tick products.

Wash your hands immediately with soap and water after applying a product, or use protective gloves while applying.

Store products away from food and out of children’s reach.

Source: FDA and CDC

Reporting Problems
Keep the product package after use in case side effects occur. You will want to have the instructions available, as well as contact information for the manufacturer.

To report problems with spot-on flea or tick products, contact the National Pesticide Information Center(NPIC) at 1-800-858-7378.

To report problems with FDA approved flea or tick drug products, contact the drug manufacturer directly (see contact information on product labeling) or report to FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine on a Form FDA 1932a.

If your pet needs immediate medical care, call your local veterinarian, a local animal emergency clinic, or theNational Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. The NAPCC charges a fee for consultation.

This article appears on FDA’s Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

Raw and Natural Nutrition with Lew Olson, LMSW, PhD Natural Health

Jan

Raw and Natural Nutrition with Lew Olson, LMSW, PhD Natural Health

Saturday, January 31 at 9:00am

DFW Dog Quest - training, sports & more10 people are going

Join

Fitness for the Canine Athlete: classes begin on January 28th.

Fitness for the Canine Athlete: classes begin on January 28th.
Do you and your dog compete in sports such as agility, flyball, hunt tests, earthdog trials, or lure coursing? Does your dog run with you or chase Frisbees on the weekend?
If so, developing strength, balance and flexibility could help your dog by reducing the likelihood of injuries. In addition to helping control their weight, a good canine fitness program helps dogs recover their balance more efficiently after an... “oops” occurs and gives them a “paw up” on recovery if needed.

If you are ready to start a conditioning program for your athletic dog, this is the class for you!
The cost of this class is $150 for 6 consecutive classes, once a week. Sign up online at www.dfwdogquest.com or call us at 972-436-3400.

NEW NEW NEW!

NEW NEW NEW! Click on our Events Schedule (in the Tabs) to review all the classes available at DFW Dog Quest. Sign up from facebook!

Upcoming Dog Friendly Events DFW German Shepherd Club Meet & Greet Saturday, January 31, 2015 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

DFW German Shepherd Club Meet & Greet

Man’s Best Friend
1290 W Pioneer Pkwy - Grand Prairie
Details

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Date/Time
Saturday, January 31, 2015
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location
Man's Best Friend
1290 W Pioneer Pkwy
Grand Prairie, TX 75051

Local Meet & Greet for all members of the German Shepherd Community (we allow Malinois, LOL!)
Come and Hang Out!
Follow us on Twitter or Instagram!
@DFWGSDCLUB

For More Information:

Event Info Email	DFWGSDCLUB@GMAIL.COM
Event Info Phone Number	(817) 800-8457

Upcoming Dog Friendly Events Indoor Doggie Play Date Saturday, January 31, 2015 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Indoor Doggie Play Date

Citydog! Club
3870 Ponte Ave, Suite 130 - Addison
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Date/Time
Saturday, January 31, 2015
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location
Citydog! Club
3870 Ponte Ave, Suite 130
Addison, TX 75001

Is your dog tired of being cooped up inside during the cold weather? Join us for INDOOR, off-leash doggie play time at CityDog! Club Addison!
$5 admission per dog includes two hours of play time
There will also be fun door prizes!
All proceeds benefit Operation Kindness, North Texas’ Oldest & Largest No-kill Animal Shelter!

For More Information:

Event Website	http://www.operationkindness.org
Event Info Email	events@operationkindness.org
Event Info Phone Number	(972) 418-7297

Upcoming Dog Friendly Events Low Cost Vaccination Clinic Saturday, January 31, 2015 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Low Cost Vaccination Clinic

Pet Extravaganza
1500 W. Hebron Parkway #114 - Carrollton
Details

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Date/Time
Saturday, January 31, 2015
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location
Pet Extravaganza
1500 W. Hebron Parkway #114
Carrollton, TX 75010

Low cost pet vaccinations, Microchips, Flea preventative, Dewormers, Heart worm test and preventative and Nail trim.
Dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier. Cats must be in a carrier.
No appointment necessary. Services given first come first serve basis.
For More Information:

Event Info Email	Terrybrussell2004@yahoo.com
Event Info Phone Number	(972) 492-9111