Dog Breeds

This month I got reminded fo the importance of choosing the right breed, the right puppy. Most pups are bought on emotions and appearance, which leads to disaster. If you looking for a purebred dog, you need to look at the general qualities associated with a certain breed. Some are hyper, some are stubborn, some aggressive. Not every dog in a line fits the mold, but I can predict in most cases what to expect based on what is waiting for me in the exam room. Consider a couple helpful online aids. AKC.com an online aid: http://www.akc.org/future_dog_owner/find_breed.cfm

Also, Iames has one too that I like: http://www.iams.com/iams/breed-information.jsp

Next month I will address what applies to all purebreed and mixed dogs: Which puppy in a litter is right for me? Where should I go to get a pup?

VACCINATIONS

Simple topic, simple solution to expensive to treat, life threatening diseases, yet my clinic has been flooded with Parvo cases this last week. I have seen a resurgence of distemper. I have seen more leptospirosis. And in cats, many positive cases of Leukemia. Why?
None of these pets were currently vaccinated. If you ae reading this, you are probably a concerned pet owner and I am preaching to the choir, but encourage your friends, remind your neighbors. It is life or death issue.

Missed last month on blogging. I should settle down again now.

April 2010 Updates.

Sorry I am a little late on updating. I missed the Month of March. It just flew by. Early March, my wife and I took a great cruise from Barcelona to Morocco, Canary Islands, Madeira, and Granada. A great break from real life. Soon followed Spring break with my Grand daughter, then followed by visits from relatives. Now back to normal, for awhile.
I want to touch on parasite control just briefly, as there are so many aspects, a dozen books would maybe cover the whole arena. I like to keep it simple. Stay away from most OTC products for fleas and ticks; flea collars, dips, and shampoos. They cause more damage than help. Look to the new generation products. Topicals that are not absorbed systemically like Frontline and Advantage are great. But not all topicals are created equal as most OTC products contain permethrin, a systemic insecticide.
I will address other parasite controls later, such as heartworm and intestinal worm, but to avoid a long blog, I will stop and aim for a new one soon.
OTC - means over the counter.

Thanks for your time

Clinic news and dental stuff

Good day to all. I wanted to let my clients know I will be out of the office a few days coming up over the next two weeks. Call the clinic to get a current schedule and find out which Veterinarians will be there. I can't let February go by without commenting on dental month. We try to provide discounts every year in February to encourage good dental care. This year, we offer 25% off dentals. It is a great deal and I hope you take advantage of this offer. But keep in mind, dental care is a year round effort. I don't mention brushing teeth as much as I should - secret - I don't brush my own pets teeth - but it is the best way. You need to start young and keep it up. I love dental treats. There are so many good ones and they help with stress too. There is also tartar control foods, one of which we carry made by Science Diet. Call for ideas and suggestions.

Dr. M

My old pet is losing weight.

Too fat, too thin. Veterinarians see it daily. The causes multiple. This month, I will address the older pet losing weight. Yesterday, an older cat came in with weight loss and reminded me what owners often say, "I thought Fefe was just getting old"
Although it varies with breeds and species, senior issues start cropping up around 10 years of age. Weight loss is not necessarily bad, but if they are losing muscle mass, that is, you can feel their spine easily or head ridges, something could be wrong. 90% of the time, simple blood tests can identify issues which can either be corrected, slowed, or managed. Anyone with a senior pet should consider yearly blood tests.
Also, a common problem I will see is senior pets losing weight and they have them on senior diets, which encourage weight loss. Many seniors (like us) need added calories, not less.
Next month, I will address younger pets losing weight.
Thanks for listening.

HOW COLD IS TOO COLD?

As north Texas finally gets to freezing temperatures, a daily question is how cold is too cold? No easy answer, unlike the TV stations telling you that a magical temperature says bring them inside. It depends on the breed most of all. A Chihuahua thinks 50 is cold, a Husky says that is hot. It depends on the age. Young pups are not too bright. They will get soaking wet and get very cold, while geriatric pets cannot handle low temperatures. It also depends on the transition. In the Midwest and North, pets are adapted to much cooler temperatures, while our pets are more adjusted to the Texas Summer.
So, what should you do? Use common sense and judgement. Provide bedding and shelter from rain.
Lastly, from my experience, I see ten times more problems with heat over cold. Very few

EARS - PART TWO

So, if ear mites are not that common in dogs, what do I see? Most issues involve fungal (malassezia) or bacterial. A swab is commonly done to differentiate via microscopic exam, allowing us to choose the right medicine. The number one underlying cause of repeat otitis (assuming the initial treatment worked) is allergies. As your pet ages, tumors can also be a problem, but in many cases, the initiating agent is long gone and I treat what I see.
What can you try at home? Cleanser are a good option. Avoid peroxide and alcohol in the canal, as if not done properly, it will make matters worse. The only home solution I can recommend is half and half white vinegar and water. Try flushing the canals once a day for several days, if not improving, see a veterinarian.
Do not stick any swab down the canal. You could just pack in the infection more.