Tag: dogs

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Keeping pets sweet: new treatment for diabetes

Although diabetes only affects 1 in 400 pets on average, the incidence of diabetes in dogs has risen 200 percent over the past 30 years. Susceptible to type 1, insulin-dependent diabetes, dogs are unable to utilize sugar in their bloodstream because their bodies do not produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps cells turn sugar into energy.

Is your dog or cat experiencing any of these signs?

  • Excessive thirst – your cat may appear fascinated with taps, water bowls, and anything associated with water
  • Frequent urination – your pet produces more urine per day; dogs may have “accidents” in the house while cats may suddenly be going outside the litter box
  • Lethargy – your pet is less active and seems to sleep more than usual
  • Hungrier than usual but still losing weight
  • Cloudy eyes (dogs)
  • Doesn’t groom (cats)
  • Thinning, dry, and dull hair

If you notice these symptoms, talk to your veterinarian about getting your pet screened for diabetes. With proper management and monitoring, a dog or cat with diabetes can lead a healthy, happy, and active life.

Although humans generally show some willingness to modify their behavior to help their treatment, pet owners face additional problems in that animals generally don’t understand the need for intervention.

Diabetic pet easier to treat than diabetic child
“Actually, dogs with diabetes are similar to young children with diabetes, but somewhat easier to manage,” said Charles Wiedmeyer, assistant professor of veterinary clinical pathology at the University of Missouri. “Dogs will eat what their owners give them at the same time each day and they won’t ask for a cupcake at a friend’s birthday party.”

Just like people, dogs suffering with diabetes must be medically managed or complications can arise. Veterinarians treat animals with this type of diabetes the same way humans are treated: with insulin injections and a low-carbohydrate diet.

Researchers pioneer animal diabetes treatment
Previously, veterinarians created an insulin regimen based on blood samples taken from the animal in the veterinary hospital every two hours over the course of a single day. The glucose curve was often inaccurate due to increased stress from the animals being in an unnatural environment.

Now, American researchers have changed the way veterinarians treat diabetes in animals by adapting a device used to monitor glucose in humans. Assistant Professors Amy DeClue and Charles Wiedmeyer have been studying the use of a continuous glucose monitor on animals since 2003 and have posted a video highlighting their study. The continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a small flexible device inserted about an inch into the skin.

“Continuous glucose monitoring is much more effective and accurate than previous glucose monitoring techniques and has revolutionized how veterinarians manage diabetes in dogs,” said DeClue. “The CGM gives us a complete view of what is happening in the animal in their natural setting. For example, it can show us if a pet’s blood glucose changes when an owner gives treats, when the animal exercises, or in response to insulin therapy.”

The good news – if your dog was recently diagnosed with diabetes – is that dogs receiving proper treatment for diabetes can go on to live a long, full life. 

Credit:  Tina Phillips / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Pets Files

Pets on planes: Companion or cargo?

Do people with animal allergies have a life-threatening medical disability similar to those with a peanut allergy? Or are pet owners entitled to keep their furry family member safely stowed under their seat?

Allergy sufferers say attacks are debilitating
An editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal stated that pet owners’ preferences shouldn’t take precedence over the well-being of their fellow passengers, and that pets can be accommodated comfortably and safely in airplane cargo holds where they belong.

The medical association stated that flying should not include avoidable health risks, especially, for passengers with allergies to pets, and that many people with allergies to animals will have a reaction when trapped in an enclosed space for hours.

What’s next, a ban on pet owners?
Responding to the editorial, a doctor who is also a pilot claimed that according to their logic, next they’ll be banning passengers with pet hair or dander on their clothes.

“As an academic physician and a pilot, I was outraged by this editorial,” wrote Dr. W. David Colby, Associate Professor at Western University. “The unsupported statement ‘Pets can be accommodated comfortably and safely in airplane cargo holds, which is where they belong’ got my dander up.”

Extreme temperatures in cargo holds pose a risk
The doctor summed up pet owners’ worst fears when he noted results of his Internet research that documented the deaths of hundreds of companion animals due to travel in cargo holds.

“Cargo holds are usually not heated, air conditioned or pressurized and often are unventilated in order to reduce fire hazard. People do need to sometimes travel with pets and it is wrong to send the pets to the cargo hold.”

Samson is not Samsonite
Many pet owners feel that their pet is not luggage. As a matter of fact, many airlines do not permit pug-nosed dogs or cats to travel in cargo due to respiratory concerns. Pet owners are warned not to ship their pets during weather extremes – as the animal may not survive the extreme heat or cold.

Colby also noted that most, but not all, pet allergies are due to direct contact, not proximity to pets, which can be minimized by keeping the pets in travel cages.

Minimize risk to pet traveling cargo
If you don’t have any choice and must ship Rover or Fluffy by airplane cargo, this handy guide How to Minimize Risk to a Pet in the Cargo Area of an Airplane from WikiHow lists policies and links. The U.S. Humane Society offers tips for pet travel on planes, trains, and ships.

Inform airline of allergy
Fortunately many airlines try to accommodate both the pet lover and the allergy sufferer. Air Canada, for example, informs allergy sufferers that they are, “sensitive to the concerns of allergy sufferers” and understand that some of their customers don’t want to sit near a cat or small dog during a flight.

Allergy sufferers are advised to let the check-in or gate agent know about their condition and the airline will make sure you’re not traveling next to a passenger with a pet.

Fly dog-friendly airlines
If you want to avoid the whole issue, you can check out some airlines that cater exclusively to animal lovers like Pet Airways and Companion Air.

Who’s side are you on – pet owners or allergy sufferers?  

Credit: Witthaya Phonsawat / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Top pet product trends

If you treat your pet like a human, you’re not alone. We pamper them. We bring them wherever we go. We surprise them with something new on special occasions. They even get holiday presents. They’re furry family members. From high-end items to high-tech items, products for our companion animals extend well beyond traditional necessities, and the American Pet Products Association (APPA) presents top pet product trends.

Reducing your pet’s carbon paw print
Around the world people are making conscious efforts to help planet Earth, and the pet industry is no exception. From natural litters to toys, accessories and organic food options, earth-friendly pet products are sprouting up everywhere.

Going to the dogs
More and more companies traditionally know for human products are going to the dogs, cats and reptiles. Big name companies like Paul Mitchell, Harley Davidson and Old Navy are now offering lines of pet products ranging from dog shampoo, pet attire, and name-brand toys to gourmet treats and food.

Pets welcome
Many hotels across the country are adopting pet-friendly policies. Several chains have announced new pet-friendly policies that include everything from oversized pet pillows, plush doggie robes, to check-in gift packages that include a pet toy, dog treat, ID tag, bone and turn-down treat.

Squeaky clean 
Pet-owners take grooming one step beyond a haircut, a quick bath and a nail trim. Mouthwash and an electric toothbrush for canines are routine steps in a beauty session for some pooches. Birds receive daily pedicures with special cage perches, while others enjoy manicures complete with nail polish. Pet-owning homes stay cleaner with automatic, self-flushing litter boxes, cleaning cloths for muddy paws that mimic traditional baby wipes, and scented gel air fresheners to keep rooms free of pet odors.

State-of-the-art
High-tech products including computerized identification tags, digital aquarium kits, automatic doors and feeders, enhanced reptile terrarium lighting systems and touch-activated toys help pet-owners take care of companion animals to a whole new level.

Help yourself!
Products designed with convenience in mind lead this trend. Programmable feeding and drinking systems, automatic and battery-operated toys, self-cleaning litter boxes and self-warming pet mats let pets virtually care for themselves.

Straight from the catwalk
Faux mink coats, hipster lumberjack vests, designer plaid jackets, matching jeweled and leather collar and leash sets, Halloween costumes, and holiday outfits keep pets in fashion throughout the year. Upscale leather carriers complete with a cell phone and water bottle holder are the perfect accessories for the pet owner as well.

Keep on truckin’
Whether it’s a quick trip to the supermarket or a long ride to the beach, companion animals are now traveling animals too. Buckled up in a harness, seat belt system or a portable carrier, these pets stay safe and secure while on the road. Food and water along with safety supplies are on hand in all-in-one kits, waste disposal systems make for easy clean-up on quick stops and motion sickness aids are available too.

Hello, my name is…
From monogrammed sweaters and personalized food and water bowls to digitized collar tags and hand-made treats, owners embrace their pets as true members of the family celebrating their fluffy, finned and feathered companions with their very own belongings.

Photo: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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DogTV now broadcasting

Before leaving for work each day, many pet owners leave a radio or TV on at home to keep their pets company. Now you can go one step further with a TV channel developed exclusively for canines.

“DogTV was created to reduce the stress level of home alone dogs,” according to the company website. “Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral issues in the US, in which the dog finds it difficult to be separated from its owner…..”

The founders believe DogTV “is creating a better world for the dog, so he will feel less sad and less stressed when left home alone,” and the “relaxing sounds, special music and fun visuals, provide the perfect company for dogs so that they never have to feel alone again.”

Based on years of research by some of the world’s top pet experts, special content was created to meet specific attributes of a dog’s sense of vision and hearing and supports their natural behavior patterns. Unlike the “olden” days when television screens were analog and all dogs could see was a flickering screen, digital technology allows dogs see the same screen as humans.

Dogs see mostly in yellow and blues

Special consideration has been given to canine sensibilities. All the colors have been amped up to suit canine eyes which don’t really see red or green, with a greater emphasis on contrast and brightness. The sounds have been manipulated to appeal to sensitive doggie ears.

There is a loop of three programming segments designed by animal behavioral experts: stimulation, relaxation and exposure. The stimulation phase shows dogs running around playing, accompanied by the sounds of dogs barking and the high-pitched squeaky toys. This is a lot of fun to watch for both human and canine alike – you can almost feel your heart rate dropping as the dogs happily cavort.

The relaxation phase is meant to mellow out the dog for naptime, while the exposure programming has been designed to help acclimatize pets to certain challenging scenarios like busy city streets, noisy car rides with kids, doorbells ringing, and someone running a vacuum cleaner.

Channel developed by pet experts

The specialty channel is built around a core team of pet experts that includes a scientist, a dog trainer and an animal rights activist. The chief scientist is Professor Nicholas Dodman, program director of the Animal Behavior Department of Clinical Sciences at Tufts University in Massachusetts, and author of several books about animal behavior and sensory perception.

Star of Animal Planet’s popular TV series, It’s Me or the Dog, Victoria Stilwell is a well-known dog trainer who shares her knowledge to help tame unruly pets at the same time counseling families on their pet issues. Animal rights activist, pet trainer and radio broadcaster, Warren Eckstein, also a bestselling author, believes that our relationship with other humans will benefit if we learn to give love unconditionally like our pets.

DogTV coming soon to a town near you

Currently available in San Diego, California on COX (channel 2635) and Time Warner (channel 148) as a pay channel for $4.99 US per month, DogTV is gearing up for a full U.S. launch. If you want to know when the channel will be available from your cable-satellite provider, you can subscribe to their mailing list.

So be forewarned, if you choose to subscribe to DogTV, you may find the cat and the dog fighting over the remote, or worse, hiding it from you. If you start having dreams about chasing rabbits, it might be time to change the channel.

Photo: Witthaya Phonsawat / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Creature Comforts: The Value of Animal-Assisted Therapy

Roast Beef is just one of the latest in a long line of animals that have shown a particular knack for helping humans of all ages. The friendly nature and non-judgmental companionship of animals can stimulate physical improvement and even break down emotional barriers.

Therapy Dogs

The most popular therapy animal is the faithful canine. Therapy dogs provide both emotional and physical therapy. Activities as simple as petting or walking the animal can help calm individuals, relieve tension and even lower blood pressure. For those who struggle with an emotional disorder, dogs can also provide a social outlet that is free of judgment – or even the need to talk at all.

St. John Ambulance operates therapy dog services across Canada. As part of the program, a volunteer accompanies their dog on weekly visits to hospitals, nursing homes and seniors’ residences, allowing patients to socialize while petting or cuddling the dog or even taking the animal for a walk. Patients enrolled in the program tend to eat and sleep better, talk more with other residents, and participate in more activities.

One creative program “Reading with Professor Dogs” from Caring Canines in Toronto uses a canine reading buddy help promote literacy skills and engender a love of reading in children who struggle with learning challenges. Each child is matched with a therapy dog and encouraged to read to the animal for a 20-to-40 minute session, as well as write a journal directed toward communicating with the dog.

If you’re looking for a fun, challenging and rewarding activity for you and your dog, most therapy dog programs are eager to accept new volunteers. While exact requirements vary, generally dogs need to be at least one year old, good tempered, well-trained and social, and up-to-date on their shots. If you have an encouraging volunteer story to share with our readers, please comment below.

Equine Therapy

Horses also make good candidates for animal-assisted therapy. There are two main schools of horse therapy: in therapeutic riding, individuals with physical, emotional or cognitive disabilities learn specific horseback riding skills, while hippotherapy – derived from the Greek word hippos for horse – uses the animal’s movements as part of treatment, but here actual riding skills are secondary to the therapeutic process.

Horses are especially helpful as part of emotional therapy. Large and intimidating to many, they can encourage individuals to confront their fears, thereby building self-confidence and self-esteem. Horses are also great interpreters of human body language and can act as emotional mirrors. When faced with a horse that seems stubborn or particularly difficult, individuals are asked to examine whether the animal is actually picking up those traits from its handler.

Although not as numerous as dog therapy programs, there are several equine therapy organizations operating in Canada and throughout the world. The Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association has about 100 member centers across the country and acts as a governing body for therapeutic riding in Canada.

Two international bodies, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, bring together member organizations around the world. 

Photo: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Pets Files

Please sir, I’d like some more

Prevent the problem

Sometimes it’s easiest to solve a problem by preventing it from happening. If you’d rather your dog leave you alone while you eat, use a baby gate to confine her to another room when you sit down for a meal. Or, if your dog is crate-trained, you can put her in her crate while you eat. To keep her busy and quiet, try giving your dog a chew bone, her dinner, or a toy stuffed with something delicious.

If you’d like your dog to stay in the same room with you but not loiter right next to the table drooling on your shoes, use a tether to keep her in her own space.

Before sitting down to eat, lead your dog to her comfy spot, and attach the leash to her collar. Give her something to chew. After you finish your meal, you can release her from the tether. As long as you give your dog a tasty treat of her own to work on while you eat, she’ll enjoy settling in her special spot during mealtimes.

Teach her to settle

You can teach her to go to a designated spot, usually a bed or a mat, and settle. This skill can be useful in a variety of other situations, too. If your dog jumps up on people when they come to the door, you can ask her to go to her spot whenever the doorbell rings and wait there to greet visitors.

Additional tips and troubleshooting

If you don’t want your dog to beg at the table, don’t give her tidbits from your plate. If she sometimes scores a delicious morsel when she barks, whines and stares at you while you eat, she’ll be back using her tricks whenever you sit down for a meal.

Avoid yelling at your dog if she begs at the table or barks for food while you’re eating. Giving her attention of any kind — even negative — might actually encourage her to keep begging.

By giving in to a begging dog you are setting yourself up for years of repetitive behavior. When you stop giving in, the tender looks quickly turn into crying, whimpering, barking, pawing, jumping and other attention-seeking behaviors. It’s hard to enjoy your food with a constant whining dog at the table.

Most of all, be consistent and make sure all family members and guests follow the rules. 

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Allergies can make your dog miserable

What I didn’t know is that itchy paws are actually a classic symptom of a pet suffering from allergies. I – like many animal lovers – didn’t know the signs. Most dogs develop allergies between one and four years of age.
 
Telltale signs
You’ll likely see scratching, paw-licking, face-rubbing, or watery eyes. Scratching is the most destructive, since an animal – like Maxine – can scratch herself raw, which can eventually lead to secondary infections, excessive shedding, and alopecia (hair loss).
 
It’s important to remember that even though your pet may show some or all of these signs, he may not have allergies. He may be suffering from any number of other medical conditions, such as fleas or hormonal disorders. See your vet for an accurate diagnosis.
 
Allergy types
Atopy (when your pet is sensitive to airborne particles) accounts for most skin problems in dogs. It’s a fancy way of saying that your dog is allergic to various environmental allergens such as pollen, molds, house dust mites, and animal dander. Atopy affects 15 percent of all dogs. 
 
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) is another common allergy in pets. Pets with FAD are not only irritated by fleabites, but are allergic to the parasite’s saliva. When the pet receives his first fleabite, his immune system responds and is hyper activated. Then, when the pet is bitten again, a more severe itching occurs, causing intense scratching.
 
It usually develops when they are between one and three years old, but it can be present anywhere from age four months to seven years. 
 
Symptoms usually are seasonal at first, with most dogs showing clinical signs in the summer months when airborne allergens (such as plant pollens) are present in higher concentrations. As atopic dogs age, their symptoms tend to become less seasonal as they become allergic to more substances. Eventually, their itchiness can occur year-round.
 
Trust me – it’s a very distressful affliction for your furry friend, and you, when they’re inconsolable. Familiarize yourself with the signs, and visit your vet as soon as you suspect she may be suffering. 
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A Fido a day keeps the doctor at bay

Studies at the National Institute of Health (NIH) support our long-held belief that pets can promote psychological growth and development, as well as physical health benefits. Here are some findings so far. 

Meet Dr. Fido – my therapist

Simply petting an animal has been proven to help those battling an illness or suffering from depression. A 2008 American Heart Association study showed that seniors and people who had recently undergone surgery responded better to treatment and had faster recovery rates when they had contact with dogs and other therapy animals.

Several research teams are examining the potential benefits of bringing specially trained animals into clinical settings.  Pet therapy is becoming more prevalent at hospitals and nursing homes. Although there is little scientific evidence confirming the value of this type of therapy, those watching patients interact with animals can clearly see benefits, including improved mood and reduced anxiety.

Therapists have also reported that autistic children are sometimes better able to interact with pets, which in turn may improve their relationships with people.

My heart goes on

One NIH-funded study examined 421 adults who’d suffered heart attacks. A year later, researchers found that dog owners were far more likely to be alive than non-owners, regardless of the severity of the heart attack.

A walk in the park

Several studies have shown that dog owners get more exercise reaping other health benefits. A study of more than 2,000 adults found that dog owners who regularly walked their dogs were more physically active and less likely to be obese than those who didn’t own or walk a dog. 

Another NIH study followed more than 2,500 older adults, ages 71-82, for three years. Those who regularly walked a dog had greater mobility inside their homes than non-pet owners who took part in the study. Dog-walkers walked faster and for longer time periods each week than others who didn’t walk regularly.

The social connector 

It’s hard to walk a dog and not have someone talk to you. Several studies have shown that walking with a dog leads to more conversations and helps you stay socially connected. These findings, in turn, support research indicating that people who have more social relationships tend to live longer and are less likely to show mental and physical declines as they age.

My unconditional and loving friend

When children are asked who they talk to when they get upset, their first answer is often their pet. This points to the importance of pets as a source of comfort and developing empathy.  

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Letting sleeping pets lie — but not with you

And now, a recent paper Emerging Infectious Diseases has issued a controversial warning: sleeping with your pets can make you sick. Published in a U.S. Centers for Disease Control journal, the scientific study reveals the risks of pathogens passed by animals on to humans.
 
The extensive study by Bruno Chomel and Ben Sun, chief veterinarians with the California Department of Public Health, examined health reports from around the world that involved diseases transmitted from animals to humans, known as zoonoses. They include ringworm, tapeworms, hookworms, and a host of infections that are transmitted from fleas and ticks.
 
Are pets healthy bed companions?
 
Most zoonotic diseases pose minimal threat. However, those who have a vulnerable immune system (young children, elderly, sick individuals) are more susceptible to zoonotic infections than others.
 
Sleeping with your pets isn’t unusual; we’ve been sharing our beds with pets for years. According to a recent survey of pet owners by the American Pet Products Association, more than 60 percent of American households have a pet. And the research shows that 14 to 62 percent of them let their dogs and cats sleep with them. The benefits of having a pet, whether or not you sleep with it, far outweigh the rare negatives. Several medical studies show pets may lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and even decrease feelings of loneliness for their owners.
 
Despite the benefits, there are common-sense hygiene precautions that you should take.
  • Keep the pet out of the bed when you or the animal has an active infection of any kind.
  • If you’re going to sleep with your pet, make them sleep on top of the covers.
  • Wash hands before eating and after handling pets.
  • Schedule annual checkups and exams.
  • Keep rabies vaccinations current.
  • Maintain appropriate flea and tick control.
  • Avoid letting your pets lick your face, food utensils, or plate.
  • Seek medical attention for cat bites.
  • Scoop litter boxes to remove fecal material daily.
  • Periodically clean litter boxes with scalding water and detergent.
  • Cover children’s sandboxes when not in use.
  • Keep your pets well groomed.
Good pet care will keep you, your family, and pets free from zoonotic diseases. Will Casey be banned from the bed? Unlikely – unless he continues to hog the blankets. 
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Bacchus – I’m calling you. Come!

One of the most important training exercises to teach your dog is to come when called. The primary goal is to get Bacchus to stop what he’s doing immediately and return to you.
 
It doesn’t happen overnight
 
The key to this exercise is consistency and immediate rewards. The dog must always get a reward every time you say come and he obeys. At first, use a food reward along with enthusiastically praising him. Once the dog has mastered the command, exchange the food reward for a favorite toy or good petting while enthusiastically saying ‘good dog!’ And always have the reward ready; don’t search for it in your pockets or bag.
 
Never vary the command phrasing. It should always be the dog’s name first, followed by ‘come. If anyone else in the family uses the come command it should always be ‘come’ not ‘come here.’
 
Wherever you start the training, make sure it is in a quiet calm environment. You want the dog’s full attention so stay away from regular parks or dog parks at this point.
 
Here’s how
  • Start indoors at the end of your dog’s leash.
  • While he’s not paying close attention to you, say his name followed by come in a clear, excited tone.
  • As soon as your dog comes to you, praise him lavishly without causing overexcitement.
  • If he doesn’t come, lightly tug on the leash to encourage him. Again, keep an upbeat, excited tone to your voice –coming to you is a very positive thing.
  • Repeat indoors until the dog listens consistently, then gradually move outdoors. As he improves, practice it without the leash but only if you have a fenced-in yard.
If your dog tries to run away from you, don’t run after him – this only turns it into a game. Turn the game around by calling his name and running away from him. He may then run after you playfully. Say “good come” and reward him with praise. This can be especially useful in an emergency situation.
 
Never scold the dog that comes to you
 
Always keep your recalls on a positive note. Consider two scenarios that derail your recall efforts.
  •  You call your dog. He doesn’t obey immediately, but eventually saunters over to you. You’re mad at him for not listening, so you scold him upon coming to you.
  • Never use the word come for something the dog will associate negatively (harsh discipline, a trip to the vet, or taking medication). The dog must always associate the come command with something good. If you are ending a fun activity, don’t say come and then put the leash on.