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Is my dog too overweight to be healthy?
Over 30+% of all dogs seen by veterinarians are overweight. Dog food
companies have gotten too good at providing diets that taste great to dogs
causing most dogs to overeat. An obese dog will be subject to a variety
of potential health problems including fatigue, reduced fertility, joint
problems and assorted heart conditions that can reduce his life span. If
your dog is 15% over average weight then he is too fat. If you do not know
your dog's appropriate weight, consult our staff. We can do a body
condition score to help determine if your pet needs to lose weight.
If your dog is overweight, you need to check to make sure that you are
feeding the proper amount of food. If you are overfeeding, slowly reduce
the volume of food to your dog's proper intake level, but be certain that
the food that you are providing will satisfy his nutritional requirements.
We recommend Hills Science Diet.
From there, you may need to go onto a reducing diet to lower your pet's
weight.
In general, a good goal would be to have your pet lose 0.5-2.0% of its body
weight per week. For instance, a 50-pound dog should lose 1/4 to 1 pound
per week. A weight loss of 2% or more per week can cause more harm than
good.
To discourage obesity in the future, remove the food bowl one hour after
serving to prevent your pet from overeating. Encourage your dog to get
exercise by playing with him two or more times a day.
If you think you are doing everything correctly, and your dog is still
obese, your veterinarian may need to evaluate your pet for possible medical
causes such as low metabolic rate, hypothyroidism or diabetes.
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Is There Really A Difference Between Premium Dog Food And The Cheaper
Brands?
What are the nutritional differences between dry, semi-moist and canned dog
foods?
The biggest nutritional difference is, as the name suggests, water content.
Canned foods can be up to 70% water, whereas the moisture content of dry
food is usually only about 10%. Semi-moist food falls in the middle, with
about 33% water content. But, there are other differences as
well:
Dry Foods Are:
- Composed of cereal, vegetable protein, bone and meat meal.
- Healthy for the teeth and gums.
- Moderately inexpensive.
Semi-Moist Foods Are:
- Able to provide higher protein content than canned food.
- Often composed of vegetable protein and meat by-products.
- Best in combination with dry food, or used as snack or treat.
- Slightly more expensive than dry foods, without necessarily meeting
your dog's nutritional requirements.
Canned Foods Are:
- Composed of meats, meat by-products, vegetables and grains.
- Highly palatable.
- Unable to remove plaque and tarter from the teeth and gums, which
requires more frequent dental maintenance.
- Most expensive.
So long as you feed your dog a veterinarian approved commercial dog food
designed to meet the nutritional needs of your dog at his current life
stage, you don't need to worry too much about providing a wide variety of
foods. At least not for nutritional reasons!
To keep your dog from becoming bored with his food, you can feed two parts
dry food to one part canned or semi-moist foods per meal, or two meals of
dry food and one meal of canned food daily. Experiment with different
flavors of food if you like, but as a general rule, once you hit on a mix
(brand) your dog likes, stay with it to avoid the development of feeding
problems. Never be tempted to add variety to your dog's diet by feeding him
table scraps, as this will decrease his appetite for the dog food that
makes up his primary source of nutrition. Feeding table scraps may also
contribute to certain medical diseases namely Pancreatitis.
Further nutritional information will vary from brand to brand. When picking
a dog food, be sure it is veterinarian and/or AAFCO (The American
Association of Feed Control Officials) approved this will assure you of
proper quality.
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Should I Supplement My Dog's Diet?
Pets, like people, are individuals. As such, they have unique nutritional
needs, requiring different levels of vitamins, minerals, fats, protein,
fiber, and other nutrients. Even the highest quality pet foods, while
providing the majority of nutrients pets need, cannot fulfill the unique
nutritional requirements of every individual pet. In fact, no single food
will be the right food for every pet at every life stage. Puppies/kittens,
pregnant pets, lactating pets, older pets, hard-working pets, and pets with
medical conditions all have different nutritional requirements. Supplements
can help fulfill these requirements.
Regardless of what kind of food you feed your pet, you may need to add a
supplement to ensure your pet has the right levels of nutrients for optimal
health. Before giving your pet a supplement, carefully consider the food
you are currently feeding, or the food you plan to feed. Also, pay close
attention to your pet's health, your pet's age/life stage, and any life
events (such as pregnancy) that may require a boost/change in nutrition. As
always, consult your veterinarian if you have questions about supplements,
and whether they'd be appropriate and beneficial for your unique pet. Be
sure to monitor your pet for health changes after supplementing, and
contact your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns.
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Should I Feed My Dog Table Scraps?
Your vet says it and so does every book on caring for your dog: Don't feed
your dog table scraps. The dog food you regularly feed your pet should meet
nearly all of his dietary needs.
But the fact is, it's almost impossible to refuse your dog a treat from the
table now and then. As long as you offer table scraps in moderation, and
avoid giving your dog certain foods altogether, the occasional treat of
"people food" can actually enhance your dog's health. As a rule, never
allow table scraps to make up more than 10% of his diet. Feeding table
scraps may contribute to certain medical diseases namely
Pancreatitis.
Good Treats
- Vegetables: Some dog nutritionists recommend that you
occasionally add vegetables to your dog's diet. Veggies good for your dog
include carrots, broccoli, cooked squash, zucchini and potatoes.
- Fruits: Peeled apples, melons and berries are good fresh fruits
to give your dog. Grains: Rice and plain pasta make healthy dog snacks.
- Meats/Dairy: Your dog's inner carnivore will adore you for
sharing bites of leans meats such as fat trimmed steak, chicken, fish or
boiled hamburger meat all of which are good for him in small amounts.
(Consider using these meaty treats as a training tool to motivate your dog
to learn basic commands.) Plain yogurt is another healthy treat he'll
enjoy.
Bad Treats
Certain people foods can be harmful to your dog. Some are downright
dangerous to him, while other foods are best avoided because they can lead
to obesity and a variety of health problems.
- Toxic Foods: Never give your dog chocolate or onions. If he
accidentally ingests a lot of either, take him to the animal hospital
immediately.
- Sweets: Dogs have a highly developed sweet tooth. But treats of
candy, pie or ice cream can cause cavities in dogs, as well as obesity.
- Fatty/Greasy Foods: In addition to most sweets, some varieties
of meats are too fatty to give to your dog. Avoid feeding him duck, pork,
veal or venison. And don't offer him any fried foods. This can cause very
extreme diarrhea.
- Small Bones: Never offer fish, chicken or turkey bones to your
pet. He might choke on small, soft bones, or suffer throat damage from
brittle bones.
- Uncooked or Undercooked Meats: Bacteria in raw fish and chicken,
and in raw bones, can make your dog sick. Never feed him scraps from the
garbage; the food may have spoiled.
- Spicy Foods: Highly spiced foods will probably give your dog an
upset stomach.
Use Your Common Sense
If you're unsure whether or not a certain food is good for your dog, don't
offer it. Dogs deserve a treat now and then just as much as we humans do,
but they'll be happier and healthier if the treats you give supplement
rather than sabotage their diets.
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Are There Foods I Shouldn't Feed My Dog Or Allow Her To Eat?
Yes, there are a number of foods you should not feed your dog, all of them
dangerous for various reasons.
Unhealthful And Dangerous Foods
These foods may be toxic, cause allergies or digestive problems, or simply
lack nutritional value:
- Chocolate can cause death or serious health problems.
- Liver, if more than three servings per week are fed, can lead to
vitamin A toxicity.
- Onions can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells (Heinz body
hemolytic anemia), which can lead to serious illness or death.
- Bones can splinter and lodge in the throat, stomach or intestines,
causing severe illness or death.
- Raw meat and poultry may harbor dangerous bacteria.
- Cooked pork contains fat globules that are larger than those of other
meats. This fat can clog small blood vessels and cause serious illness or
death.
- Raw eggs often harbor dangerous bacteria, and the whites deplete
essential nutrients required for good health.
- Tuna contains oils that can cause inflammation of the fatty tissues
leading to long-term impairment of health.
- Raw fish contains an enzyme that can deprive your dog of essential
nutrients required for good health.
- Cured meats contain nitrates and toxic preservatives that your dog
can't digest properly.
- Spicy or greasy foods may cause indigestion.
- Vegetarian or other special diets may lack essential nutrients required
for health.
Plants That Cause Harm
Many varieties of ornamental and garden plants can cause serious health
hazards ranging from mild discomfort to death. There are many plants that
can be potentially toxic especially if ingested in large amounts. If you
feel you pet has eaten something toxic you may need to contact Animal
Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and your regular veterinarian. The
Animal Poison Control Center does charge a fee for their service. Please
have a pen and paper handy when you call. They will give you a reference
number. This will ensure the attending doctor can access their information
regarding this toxin.
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Why Has My Dog Suddenly Started Drinking A Lot Of Water?
Apart from the obvious things, such as exertion or exposure to salt or
excess heat, excessive drinking can be one of the first symptoms of a
variety of medical problems including diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s
disease, pyometra, urinary tract disorders and even poisoning. But before
you jump to any conclusions you must first check to see if there are any
other changes:
- Did you change foods? Canned food contains more water than semi-moist
or dry, so if your dog is eating drier foods, he will have to drink more to
make up for the change.
- Did you cut off another water source such as, unfortunately, the
toilet so that your dog now only gets water from its bowl?
If no changes have been made, then there could be a problem one you
cannot treat. You need to see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
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What Can I Do To Get My Sick Dog To Eat?
There are many diseases that cause a pet to not want to eat that need to be
addressed first. Until you know the cause of why your pet is not eating,
you should not force feed it. If your pet is acting sick in any way and
stops eating, you need to consult your veterinarian immediately.
Coaxing Techniques
Whether your dog is stressed or is suffering from a medical condition, you
cannot let him go hungry for an extended period of time. You will need to
coax him to eat. Here are some strategies you can employ:
- Moisten dry food with a bit of warm water or gravy to make it more
palatable.
- Hand feed your dog, and talk to him as he eats. Stimulate his appetite
by stroking his head and neck.
- Let your dog lick a bit of food off your finger or off his paw.
- Use an eyedropper (plastic, not glass) to put liquid food a drop at a
time in his mouth.
- Use a tongue depressor, with a few drops of food on the tip, to feed
your dog.
- Put a drop of food on his nose for him to lick off. Do that a few
times, and then try to put a drop of food in his mouth
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Should I Use Any Special Precautions When Storing Vitamins And
Supplements?
Yes, you need to take precautions when storing vitamins and supplements.
These items are often expensive and you will want to maintain their shelf
life. As with any medication, they should be kept safely tucked away, out
of reach of curious children or even curious dogs!
Heat, humidity and sunlight are the primary factors which reduce the life
of vitamins and supplements. They should be stored in a cool, dry, dark
place. Keep all caps and seals tight the tightest airlock offers the
longest life. Shelf life will vary from product to product, so be sure you
check all vitamins and supplements for this date. Dispose of any outdated
products.
You also need to keep them in a safe place to assure the safety of
children and your pets. You should choose locking cabinets or consider
adding an eye-hook latch to an existing cabinet, and store these items in
cabinets located at eye level or higher. While these products are not as
dangerous as medicines, they should be handled with the same precautions.
Labels will be informative about handling and storage. They should give
detailed information about storage, shelf life, and dosage. If you have any
questions you should contact the manufacturer, the number should be clearly
marked on packaging.
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What vaccinations Does My Dog Need?
To keep your dog healthy, you need to ensure that she is vaccinated against
common dog diseases. Your veterinarian will determine which vaccinations
are necessary depending on variables such as breed, risk factors for
acquiring disease, health status and geographical area.
Common Dog Vaccinations
- Rabies: The law in your state will determine the frequency of rabies
vaccinations that should start when your dog is a puppy and will require a
booster every one to three years thereafter.
- Mixed vaccination: Distemper, Canine Infectious Hepatitis,
Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Coronavirus are commonly
administered as a combined vaccine called the DHLPPC.
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Other common vaccines include: Bordetella (Kennel Cough) and Lyme's
Disease
- A Fecal Exam: This should be checked every six months to check for
internal parasites.
Other Issues
If you adopt a dog or puppy from a breeder, pet shop or other organization
such as the ASPCA or Humane Society, ask about the vaccinations the dog has
been given. If you are told she "has all her shots" ask for a copy of the
documentation from the veterinarian who gave the shots. If the person
selling you the dog can not produce such a document that specifically
identifies your new pet and her vaccinations, you don't have proof of
vaccination. There is no way to test your new pet for previously
administered vaccines. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on
starting vaccinations.
If you adopt a mature dog and you have no vaccination or medical records,
take him to your veterinarian for a heartworm test and booster shots.
Caution: Home-Administered Vaccinations
Some people administer their dog's vaccinations to save money, but
generally this is not a good idea. Vaccines can be purchased from
veterinary medical suppliers through direct purchases, mail order or on the
Internet. If you are not medically trained in veterinary medicine you can
easily give the wrong vaccine, wrong dosage, administer the shot
incorrectly into a muscle or blood vessel, cause infections at injection
sites, or store the vaccine improperly and cause it to be ineffective. You
will not be able to offer official immunization documentation to a
potential purchaser, which will be necessary if they travel or visit a
veterinarian. You may also be violating laws regarding the practice of
veterinary medicine, pet licensing and rabies tag regulations, and you may
be liable to purchasers if their puppy becomes sick and infects other pets,
dies, or incurs large veterinary bills.
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How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Sick?
If you know how your pet normally looks and behaves, you'll be the first to
notice something out of the ordinary. If your dog is sick, she may display
symptoms, change her behavior or both, depending on the malady. Not all
problems are emergencies. For example, if your dog is losing small patches
of fur on her head, she may have a skin infection. That condition calls for
a visit to the veterinary hospital, but it's not urgent. Also remember
that abnormal symptoms or behavioral changes can be caused by more than one
illness or by a combination of illnesses or problems. Only your
veterinarian will be able to make that determination reliably.
If the problem seems urgent, or if you have ANY questions at all, call your
veterinarian, describe what's going on and get his or her opinion on what
it might be and what you should do.
- Skin and Coat Problems: Look for increased hair shedding,
excessive scratching or grooming, bald patches, bumps or swellings, and
signs of parasites in the fur, such as black specks, fleas, or small white
flecks clinging to hairs.
- Eye Problems: Look for gummy eyes, inflamed eyelids, abnormal
discharge, a visible third eyelid, noticeable vision problems or
sensitivity to light, cloudy eyes, or red and swollen eyes.
- Respiratory Problems: Look for labored breathing; frequent
coughing, wheezing, or sneezing; or runny discharge from the eyes and nose.
- Oral Problems: Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, red
gums, bad breath, refusal to eat or difficulty eating.
- Ear Problems: Keep an eye out for discharge, dark wax, swelling,
and excessive ear scratching, head shaking or turning of the head to one
side.
- Digestive Tract Problems: Look for severe or persistent (more
than 24 hours) vomiting or diarrhea; blood in feces, urine or vomit;
chronic constipation; straining to urinate or pass feces; excessive thirst;
increased licking of genitals; or abnormal feces color.
- Internal Parasite Problems: Watch for worms in feces, frequent
diarrhea, white rice-sized flecks on hair near the anus, weight loss or
rubbing of the anus on floors or rugs.
Along with those indications, keep a sharp eye out for any changes in your
dog's behavior, such as depression, irritability, trembling, loss of
appetite, difficulty eating or staring at the water bowl without drinking.
Remember, if you see something out of the ordinary going on with your dog,
it doesn't necessarily mean she has a serious condition, but then again she
may. The only way to know for sure is to call your veterinarian and ask.
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How Do I Know When I Need To Call A Veterinarian?
Even if you've read all the information contained at this web site, or
perused any number of books on dog health, you will still need to call your
veterinarian at the first sign of any illness in your dog. Catching an
illness early increases the chances for a successful treatment.
Knowing When to Call
Call the veterinarian immediately whenever your dog is in pain, injured,
bleeding, unconscious, unable to urinate or pass feces, or if she stares at
her water bowl without drinking. If there is a noticeable change in your
dog's appearance or behavior, contact your veterinarian.
Your dog may need to go to the veterinarian's office if she:
- Drinks more water than usual at unusual time (not after a rigorous play
session)
- Urinates more frequently than is normal
- Sleeps more than usual is lethargic
- Appears weak
- Loses her appetite
- Appears to be losing weight
- Refuses to play or exercise
- Cries when you touch her or pick her up
- Exhibits obvious physical signs of illness (puncture wound, gash,
etc.)
If you haven't already done so, learn the procedure for calling your
veterinarian's office when you need to report any unusual symptoms in your
dog.
Questions you should ask include:
- "Who will answer my questions, the veterinarian or an assistant?"
Assistants can give you information about common canine problems, or they
may gather your information to relay to the veterinarian in case he or she
is busy with another animal. This procedure is generally quick and
efficient.
- "What, if anything, does the veterinarian charge for such calls?" Most
veterinarians do not charge a consultation fee, especially for regular
clients. This is why it is important to establish a good working
relationship with your veterinarian before your dog becomes sick.
- "Whom should I call if the office is closed, or if the veterinarian is
not available?" Discuss after-hours options for emergencies. Most daytime
clinics refer emergencies to local emergency clinics at night, on weekends
and during holidays. These clinics do cost more, but they are equipped with
in-house labs, oxygen and monitoring devices most day clinics do not have,
and are staffed at all times with highly trained personnel who can handle
the most complicated and critical animals.
THE EMERGENCY VETERINARY CLINIC
2045 COLLIER AVE
FORT MYERS, FL
239-939-5542
A good veterinarian cares about your dog, and won't mind if you call with
concerns. If you're unsure about your dog's health, go ahead and make the
call.
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How Can I Tell When My Dog Has Parasites?
Even if you take the best possible care of your dog, he is likely to become
the unhappy host of a varied collection of parasites, both internal and
external. By knowing what to look for, you can help eradicate most of those
pests before they can harm your dog. In the Southeastern US, the Center's
for Disease Control estimates that approximately 52% of puppies have
internal parasites.
External Parasites
Routinely check your dog's skin for signs of parasites, flea dropping
(specks of hard, black "dirt") and dandruff. Also check his coat for eggs
glued to the hair. Frequent or persistent scratching may indicate that your
dog has a parasite problem.
Parasites And Telltale Signs:
- Cheyletiella Mites look like a really bad case of dandruff across the
back, and severe infestations can result in scaling skin.
- Demodex Mange Mites are common and usually harmless to dogs, but they
can overpopulate in old or weakened dogs or in young puppies, causing
secondary infections that appear as oozy pimples, pustules on the skin or
patches of hair loss.
- Fleas can be tracked down by the "dirt" they leave behind, even if you
can't spot the fleas themselves. If you see some of that hard, shiny stuff
on your dog's skin, scrape some off and place it on a damp paper towel or
tissue. If the dirt "bleeds" -- shows red or pinkish -- then your dog most
likely has fleas.
- Lice are small brown creatures that can be seen moving on the skin.
Although they are usually slightly paler than fleas, the way to tell them
apart is by checking for the eggs, or nits, that lice will leave glued to
your dog's fur.
- Sarcoptes Mange Mites are too small to be seen but leave behind scabs
and crusts as they burrow into their host. They are most commonly found on
the tips of the ears and on the elbows, and they cause intense itching and
irritation. Your veterinarian will have to do a microscopic examination of
the affected area to determine if they are present.
- Ticks are easily diagnosed as they swell with blood and turn
brownish-white. If an engorged tick releases and drops to the floor, it can
look almost like a rotting grape.
Internal Parasites
Internal parasites can pose a health risk to you as well as your dog, and
they are often difficult, if not impossible, to detect except through blood
tests and fecal screenings performed by your veterinarian. Prevention is
the key. In the Southeastern US, the Center's for Disease Control estimates
that approximately 52% of puppies have internal parasites.
Telltale Signs:
- Persistent diarrhea or weight loss
- Signs of maggots, larvae or eggs in the hair around the anus
- Licking the anal region repeatedly or scooting his rear across the
grass or carpet
Go to your veterinarian for proper diagnostics to determine the specific
parasite and follow his/her directions for deworming. Although routine
prophylactic deworming can be safe and effective, follow your
veterinarian's advice to see if your pet would benefit from the treatments.
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I am looking to bring a cat into our home. Would I be better off selecting a registered one or would I be just as happy with a housecat?
Registered cats are not necessarily better than common housecats. Each animal has his own unique personality. If you must have a shorthaired cat for allergies or other reasons, check into registered breeds. Remember that your local animal shelter has many loveable cats of all ages for adoption.
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How will I know when my cat is in heat?
You will know when your cat is in heat by her increased vocalization, unusual behavior like rolling around on the floor and an increased demand for affection.
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What is the best way to carry a kitten?
The best way to carry a kitten is to cradle it in your hand, against your body. Don´t carry her by the nape of the neck for a long distance.
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At what age should a kitten be taken away from its mother?
Between 6 and 8 weeks, the kittens should be weaned and ready to go to new homes. She should have her vaccinations at this time.
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How do I give my cat a pill, liquid medicine or eye drops?
When “pilling” a cat, hold the cat´s cheeks on either side with one hand and point his nose up. Drop the pill between his tongue and the roof of his mouth. Poke it down with one finger. For liquid medication, slip an eyedropper between his cheek and back teeth. For eye drops, let the medication drop into the eye while holding his head back and his eyelid back gently.
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Tails-a-Waggin Animal Hospital
11960 Kelly Road
Fort Myers, FL 33908
Phone: 239-482-6897
Fax: 239-482-7922
Email: tailsawaggin@comcast.net |
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