Tag: health

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Pets Files

Get ready for dog yoga – or doga

The growing trend of dog yoga or ‘doga’ appears to have originated in highly dog-centric culture of Hong Kong and Japan. With the popularity – and portability – of smaller dogs, pet owners like to bring their pets everywhere – office, vacation, travel, and the latest destination: the gym.

Four-legged workout buddy
As the humanization of pets continues, dogs – or ‘furkids’ – are increasingly treated like children, with special clothes, accessories, gourmet food, and doggie daycare, spas, pampering, and play dates.

The next step is including them in more of our activities – just like the mom who brings her kids to the gym and places them in daycare while she attends one or two classes, dog owners want to bring their dogs to the gym. But instead of being parked in daycare, dogs are attending yoga class alongside their owners.

Bonding time for pet parents
Doga may actually have some benefits for both humans and canines of all sizes and shapes. Similar to yoga for mothers and infants, through meditation, gentle massage, and stretching, doga practitioners seek to achieve greater harmony with their dogs – it’s a great way for pets and humans to spend one-on-one time together and bond.

“Most people are happier when they’re with their pets,” says Suzi Teitelman, a nationally televised doga instructor who teaches in Jacksonville, Fla. “Doga is about spending time together…dogs already bring to us that unconditional love and that ability to stay present in the present moment; to be happy and content right now, so we learn from them and they learn from us.”

In doga, dogs and their humans work as one unit – humans help their canines facilitate different poses and, in some cases, the pets are used as props or instruments as the humans perfect their poses.

Has yoga gone to the dogs?
Doga has received a mixed response: some people see it as a fad and believe it devalues the practice of yoga, however, supporters believe the practice emphasizes yoga’s focus on the connectedness between all living things, and helps strengthen the bond between owner and pet – not to mention providing a great source of entertainment for the class.

Since doga is a fairly recent phenomenon, it may be difficult to find a doga instructor or class, however if you already know yoga, you may want to check out a few YouTube videos and try practicing doga on your own – who knows, maybe you’ll start a local trend.

Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Pets Files

Who let the dogs out? Exercise a must for canines

Let’s confess you’d probably take zero walks around your neighborhood if you didn’t have a dog. Little Rover keeps your feet firmly planted on the sidewalk of life, enjoying the sights and sounds in your neighborhood and chatting up other sidewalk denizens: children, teens, seniors, and other dog owners.

Just letting a dog out to play on its own in a fenced-in yard isn’t good enough nor is it fair to the dog. Playing a game of fetch with a ball or flying disc is better than leaving your dog to come up with his own activities – like digging a hole to China.

Exercise dogs twice a day for 15 to 40 minutes
“Dogs should get exercise at least twice a day, generally around 15 to 20 minutes each session for small dogs and 30 to 40 minutes or more for large dogs," according to Kansas State University veterinarian Susan Nelson. In general, small dogs can walk up to a mile or two, while large dogs may be able to handle three or more miles of walking or running.

“It really depends on what the dog can do,” Nelson said. “For short-legged or arthritic dogs, walking is good. Running is good for dogs that are bigger and are in good shape, but how much running to do depends on the dog and how in shape it is. Remember, you can’t run a basset hound like you would a Great Dane.”

Age and health determines amount of exercise
The amount and type of exercise depends on the type of dog as well as its age and health. While running and jumping aren’t good for a dog with arthritis, walking and hiking are good low-impact activities. For dogs that know how to, swimming is especially good for those with joint mobility problems.

An active dog is a happy dog, but it’s also important to make sure your canine friend isn’t overdoing it. “Some signs to look for include an obvious limp, if they’re tugging on their leash and don’t want to go forward, or if they start to lag behind,” said Nelson.

Watch out for overheating in summer
“As the weather gets warmer, watch out for overheating your dog,” she added. “Signs include panting really hard; producing thick, ropey saliva; and getting a dark, red tongue. Taking water breaks along the way is a good idea.”

If your dog gets weak, collapses or seems to struggle while exercising in warm weather, it’s important to get them cooled off and to a veterinarian quickly.

In the warmer summer weather, consider switching your exercise sessions to early morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler. For some dogs even normal summer temperatures can be hazardous to their health.

“Don’t forget about humidity levels in the heat, too. High humidity can make it tough for dogs to breathe and they can’t get proper cooling through panting. This is especially true for dogs with short, stubby noses like boxers and bulldogs.”

Get to know your neighbors
The main thing about your daily walks is that both you and your dog are bonding over regular exercise – and as an added bonus, you’re getting to know your neighbors. Not only is your daily foray into your immediate physical world an enjoyable break from work, it literally grounds you in your place, your time, and your neighborhood. So, you better get moving – it’s time to walk the dog.

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Pets Files

What to do if your pet food has been recalled

The illnesses are linked to a pet food recall of at least 11 brands of dog food manufactured in a plant operated by Diamond Pet Foods. Affected brands include Cosco store brand, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lovers Soul, Canidea and Taste of the Wild, as well as several Diamond brands.

“There’s no doubt about it, pet food recalls like this are scary,” said Dr. Jennifer Coates, a practicing veterinarian and spokesperson for petMD.com. “Invariably, owners are halfway through feeding a bag of potentially contaminated food when they hear of the recall, which means they have to go on high alert for a week or two. In the case of Salmonella, we have to watch both pets and people in the household for vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and fever.”

The recent pet food recall has left many pet owners scrambling to replace their recalled pet food brands, yet few are aware of the proper way to dispose of contaminated food and quickly change their pets’ diets.

What to do if your pet food brand has been recalled

1. Remove recalled food and store safely
After you check the labels on your pet food bag and find it’s been recalled, seal it in a plastic bag and place it in a secure garbage can to ensure that pets and wild animals can’t get at the contaminated food.

2. Clean everything the food touched
Thoroughly wash all containers, utensils, bowls, your hands, and any other items that have come into contact with the recalled food. If surfaces are not sanitized, bacteria can attach to objects and people – and live for several hours or even days.

3. Change to safe food
Switch out your pet’s food for a non-recalled brand. Talk with your veterinarian or pet food supplier to get more information on the status of the recall and to identify which brands are considered safe.

How to quickly and safely change pet diet

Find a similar pet food formula
Pick a new pet food that closely matches the old one. If your pet was eating a lamb and rice product that was recalled, buy another brand’s lamb and rice formulation. Check the ingredient list and review the guaranteed analysis to avoid big changes in percentages of protein, fat, and fiber.

Offer small servings at first
Once you get the new food home, start by offering your pet a small meal. If they eat it and have no tummy troubles, offer another small meal a few hours later. Gradually increase the size and decrease the frequency of meals until you are back to your normal schedule within a day or two.

If your pet doesn’t take to the new food, pick it up and don’t offer anything (including treats) for eight hours or so. It’s okay to let your pet get a little hungry, so long as you continue to offer the new food every 6 to 8 hours and then pick it up if it is not eaten. Continue this pattern for 24 hours (cats) to 48 hours (dogs).

If you can’t get your pet to eat the new food within these timeframes, consult your veterinarian and try another formula – but avoid frequent changes in flavor as this can promote finicky eating habits.

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Pets Files

Benefits of your pet’s annual spring checkup

Most doting pet parents know that an annual checkup is one of the responsibilities of pet ownership, and that, in preparation for summer mosquito and tick season, springtime is the best time to visit. Even if you keep a close eye on your pet’s health, an annual visit to the vet for a thorough checkup means added peace of mind.

As well as identifying any problems before they become serious, regular health checkups allow you to keep your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date, track their weight accurately, and ask about any issues that may be worrying you.

While your pet’s being weighed and examined, it’s a good time to bring up any questions or concerns you may have about your pet; are there any nagging behavioural issues that you need guidance with?

Vet volume discounts
If you have more than one pet, some veterinarians offer a discount when you bring both your pets in at the same time. Sometimes they can be a comfort to each other; other times, however, the dog drags its heels and the cat yowls, all of which can be enough to send a pet owner’s heart rate soaring dangerously high. Ask a friend or family member for help if you’re uncertain about your ability to bring more than one pet at a time to the appointment.

What to expect at the vet’s
Your annual vet visit is a chance to review your pet’s general health, vaccinations; fleas, ticks and worms; behavior, dental care, neutering, and weight. For senior dogs, it’s recommended you keep an eye on their food and water intake, and discuss any concerns with the vet.

Your vet will examine the animal, listen to its heart and lungs, palpate its abdomen, check for skin and coat problems, and take a look at the eyes, ears and teeth and gums.

A regular visit to your local veterinarian also provides the perfect opportunity to make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date; this is especially important if you are a foster parent, travel with your pet, or board them at kennels.

How to treat veterinary phobia
Some dogs are so fearful of the building and its smells, you would think they left paw marks in the sidewalk as you literally dragged them in the door. Cats, unfortunately, can experience similar trauma.

Veterinarians recommend desensitization therapy, which involves dropping by the office randomly, so your pet does not always associate pain or discomfort with the vet. Also, associating the office with rewards like yummy treats is another way to help the animal brain deal with the distressing sounds and smells.

By popping into the vet’s office now and then and distracting your pet with lots of yummy treats, you will help decrease ttheir fear and discomfort of the annual visit.

Similarly for the pet guardian, there must be a reward that distracts you until next year’s visit – perhaps a nice meal out, a glass of wine or two, or just a long enjoyable walk with the object of your canine affections.

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Pets Files

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

It’s all uphill for arthritic dogs

Dog and humans age in a similar manner
Since dogs generally age in a manner similar to humans, like us, they become less physically active and may develop joint problems such as arthritis, which is an inflammation of the joints. And because dogs tend to accompany their owners closely, they also go for walks and climb stairs, activities that become difficult and painful for dogs with arthritis.

A variety of treatments are available, usually involving a combination of drugs and physiotherapy, but these generally address only the symptoms. The aim of physiotherapy – in dogs as in humans – is to lessen pain and to improve function of the affected joints and limbs.

Physiotherapy going to the dogs?
A number of different physiotherapy regimes are available but until recently there had been only very limited investigations of their effects on dogs. A study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research has shown that relatively simple measures such as walking uphill or over low obstacles can significantly improve joint movement in dogs, thus help decrease pain caused by arthritis.

Using a specially designed treadmill and sophisticated computer algorithms, researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna examined the joint movements of dogs as they performed three different types of exercise used in physiotherapy: walking uphill, walking downhill and walking over low obstacles. They then compared the findings with dogs walking on a level surface and the results were extremely revealing.

The study concluded that each of the three regimes had different and specific effects on the movements of the dogs’ joints. Walking downhill did not appear to have much therapeutic benefit however walking uphill and the use of obstacles could both play a part in therapy.

“These types of exercise are often recommended to improve the flexibility of joints in arthritic dogs,” said co-author Barbara Bockstahler. “Nobody has yet taken the trouble to test whether they work but we are happy to report that they are of real benefit to the animals.”

Affordable treatment for arthritic hips
Hip dysplasia, an abnormal formation of the hip socket, is one of the most studied conditions in dogs, and is also the most common single cause of arthritis of the hips. This genetic trait is commonly associated with many dogs, particularly the larger breeds.

Walking uphill is an easy exercise to help improve the flexibility of affected joints, particularly the hip. Walking over low obstacles could also be useful for improving joint flexibility in all four legs, although it should be noted that dogs that have recently undergone surgery to the tibia should avoid walking over obstacles.

Fortunately, walking uphill or over obstacles does not require expensive special equipment, and both programs are simple and can be easily supervised by the dog’s owner. Since you’re getting older along with your pet, you, too, could benefit from that uphill climb, and most likely feel more limber than your peers.

Photo credit: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net