When was the last time your pet visited the veterinarian? If you answered “not in a while,” it is time to book your next appointment. Have you recently discovered a lump or bump on your pet? Don’t let that new discovery go unexamined. While it may be completely benign, it is essential for your pet’s health to make an appointment with your veterinarian soon after discovery. Ruling out health concerns such as tumors, cysts, and infections will help to keep your pet healthy.

Discovering and Diagnosing Lumps and Bumps

Without regular veterinary visits, subtle illnesses such as pet lumps and bumps can go unnoticed and develop into more serious health concerns such as cancers, arthritic conditions, and infections. When you brush and groom your pet, feel around behind ears, along the neckline, underneath their bellies, and along legs and joints for wounds, lumps, and bumps.

Your groomer can help you discover things you may miss. Furrier animals can hide lumps and bumps for a long time without anyone noticing until the animal becomes sick. While many pet owners consider grooming a pampering ritual for pets, it could be life-saving, especially when you choose a groomer who works in an environment with a veterinarian on site.

What to Look for on Your Pet

There are many types of masses, but a lipoma is the most common lump found on pets. This soft, round or flat, and painless lump presents just under your pet’s skin and is generally benign, although rarely a liposarcoma is found. More of a problem, though, is that mast cell tumors, a type of skin cancer, can look and feel just like a lipoma. Because of this, it is always best for your pet’s overall wellness to have these lumps and bumps accurately evaluated and diagnosed.

Occasionally benign masses can grow into other surrounding tissues. While the actual lump itself is not a concern, the tissue it can disrupt sometimes is problematic. The mass may affect the way a limb moves or an eyelid closes. In some cases, lumps must be removed surgically, and removing them early is the key.

Painful Urination

Straining to urinate, frequent urination, blood in the urine, and accidents in the house are common symptoms that pet owners report to their veterinarian. Many times, the signs come on suddenly, as people find urine spots on the floor, often near the door where the dog goes outside. Cat owners may notice that the urine balls in the litter box are smaller than usual, or they may also see urine spots around the house, often in the corners of rooms. Painful urination has three main causes in dogs and cats.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection (UTI), also commonly called a bladder infection, is by far the most frequent cause of a painful urination. UTI’s can occur in both males and females, but infections in females are more numerous because of the shorter urethra (the tube from the bladder to the outside). To diagnose a bladder infection, your veterinarian will obtain a urine sample, collected in a special way so as not to contaminate the sample, for a urinalysis and often a urine culture. E. Coli is the most common bacteria causing the problem, but Staph, Proteus, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas can be other types of bacteria causing the infection. It is believed that pets licking their anal area, then their genital area may be the means of transfer of the bacteria. Pets with extreme weakness or paralysis of the rear legs, diabetic pets, dogs with Cushing’s, and female dogs with a recessed vaginal opening are prone to UTIs.

Bladder Stones

Bladder stones are the second most common reason for painful urination. There are five main kinds of urinary stones, with struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) being the most common. Other types of stones are calcium oxalate, urate, silica, and cystine. Struvite stones commonly form secondary to a bacterial infection. The other stones form because of different metabolic problems. Many, but not all, stones will show up on abdominal x-rays. Ultrasound will usually find the other stones.

Surgical removal is usually the treatment of choice for stones; this can quickly relieve the pain the pet is feeling. The main problem with stones is that they often recur. Some dogs have had multiple surgeries for stone removal. Your veterinarian can help to prevent struvite stones by performing urine cultures to monitor for UTIs. There is also a special food that may help to prevent struvite stones. The other types of stones each have their own recommendations for preventing recurrence.

Bladder Tumors

Bladder tumors are the third most common reason for painful urination. While not common, they do account for 2% of all cancers in dogs; however, they are less common in cats. The vast majority of bladder tumors are a malignancy called transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). They occur mostly in older pets. Some breeds have a higher rate of TCC, with Scotties having the highest rate since they are 18 to 20 times more likely than the average dog to have a TCC. Other breeds with a higher incidence are Shelties, Beagles, Westies, and Wire-Haired Fox Terrier. These tumors cause discomfort because they obstruct the flow of urine. Detection of the tumor is by ultrasound; diagnosis is by surgery and biopsy.

Making a few changes to the way you care for your furry friend will help you ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy as the years go by.

Look for Common Signs of Illness

Changes in your pet’s behavior can be a sign that something is wrong. Sick animals can become more or less affectionate than before. Some may refuse to leave your side, while others will spend more time alone. Cats, in particular, tend to find out-of-the-way hiding places when they don’t feel well.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian:

Changes in Eating Habits

Has your pet lost interest in eating or started drinking more than usual? A lack of interest in food can be caused due to dental issues, kidney or liver disease, or a change in food, while increased thirst can be a sign of diabetes.

Elimination Woes

Frequent constipation or diarrhea, or difficulty urinating can be signs of serious illness and should not be ignored. House-training setbacks can also occur as your pet ages. Sometimes, making a few modifications, such as adding litter boxes to every floor of your house for your arthritic cat or adding a ramp to your home for a dog with hip dysplasia, can solve the problem.

Bumps, Lumps and Other Issues

Bumps and lumps can be caused by harmless cysts or may be a sign of cancer. The only way to determine the cause is with a visit to your veterinarian. Other issues that warrant a trip to the vet include frequent coughing, trouble breathing, vomiting, or changes in your pet’s coat.

Make Your Pet Comfortable

Older pets will appreciate anything you can do to increase their comfort, starting with a soft place to rest. Look for cat and dog beds made of therapeutic foam that support your furry friend’s joints. Heated beds will help your pet keep warm during the winter months.

Staying warm is a particular concern for older pets. Pets that were perfectly comfortable on chilly days in their younger years may have trouble staying warm when temperatures drop. A pet jacket or sweater will help keep your senior pet warm, although dogs may be more likely to tolerate wearing a sweater than cats.

Daily runs with your dog may have to end if arthritis or a general slowing down due to age is a problem. Although runs may no longer be possible, it’s still important to make sure your dog still gets exercise every day. Playing games with your dog or cat not only improves physical fitness but also helps keep your pet mentally sharp.

Arthritis and other joint problems can make jumping more difficult. If your pet usually sleeps with you but has trouble jumping on the bed, buy pet stairs or a ramp to make getting into bed easier.

Regular veterinary visits are very important as your pet ages. If it’s been six months or more since we have seen your furry friend, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Nutrition for Senior Pets

Good nutrition is essential to keeping your older pet healthy. Keep these tips in mind when selecting pet food.

Buy Senior Pet Food

Help your pet maintain a healthy weight by feeding food specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of older pets. Excess weight stresses the joints. If your pet already has arthritis, gaining weight will make symptoms worse.

Avoid Overfeeding Your Pet

Older pets generally need fewer calories because they are less active. Adjust the amount of food you give your pet to avoid weight gain. Pay attention to the calorie count of treats, too. Buy low-calorie treats and limit the number of treats you offer your pet.

Get Rid of Free Radicals

Free radicals, unstable molecules that can contribute to aging and hamper immune system functioning, can be neutralized with foods that are high in vitamin E and beta-carotene.

Irritated, itchy, or inflamed skin is just as uncomfortable for your pets as it is for you. Although you can complain about the problem, the only way your pets can let you know that they are suffering is by licking or scratching their fur. If your pet suffers from irritated skin, try the following suggestions.

Buy a Humidifier

During the winter, there is less humidity in the air, which means skin tends to become dry and itchy. If your cat or dog scratches more often when the weather turns colder, or you notice dandruff flakes, dry air may be the culprit. Adding a humidifier to your home can increase the moisture level in your home and make both you and your pet more comfortable.

Change Your Pet’s Diet

Itchy, flaky, red skin may be a sign that your pet is not eating a balanced diet. Since your pet’s nutritional needs may change as he or she ages, you may occasionally need to change the type of food he or she eats. Look for foods that contain ingredients that are good for the skin, such as omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids. Not sure which food is best? Ask your veterinarian for a few recommendations.

Use Soothing Shampoos

Shampoos that contain harsh chemicals tend to dry skin, which only worsens itching and irritation. Combat the problem by using a moisturizing shampoo when you bathe your pet. Oatmeal shampoos are the best to use for moisturization. During the winter months, cut back on bathing. Bathing your pet too frequently removes natural oils that keep skin soft.

Make Brushing a Daily Habit

If you are like many people, you brush your pet when you remember but do not make it a regular habit. In addition to helping your pet look well groomed, brushing also helps distribute oils through your pet’s skin which prevents dryness.

Skip the Chemicals

You may not spend much time sprawled out on your kitchen or bedroom floor, but your pet probably does. Strong chemicals in floor cleaners, carpet cleaning products, and room deodorizers can cause skin irritations. Skip those harsh products and look for products that contain more natural ingredients that won’t harm your pet’s skin.

Vacuum Regularly

Mold spores, mites, and dust can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive pets. Vacuuming your home several times a week or daily when your pet’s allergies flare up can remove some of these allergens. Wash bedding often to remove allergens too. Chances are no matter how clean you keep your home, your allergic pet will still experience some symptoms, such as hair loss due to constant licking, an unpleasant odor, ear infections, and red spots, pimples, or scales on the skin. Your veterinarian can diagnose allergies with a skin or blood test. Allergy medications and injections can help relieve symptoms.

Protect Your Pet from Fleas

Fleas quickly reproduce once they invade your home. It’s easy to prevent infestations by using topical and oral medications that protect your pet for months at a time. Treat your yard with a flea spray in the early spring to keep the pests far away from your pet. If you do use a spray, don’t let your dog or cat outside until the spray has dried completely (the best time to do this is in the afternoon; that way, it can dry quickly from the heat of the sun).

People with arthritis know firsthand that cold weather worsens their pain and stiffness. If your dog has arthritis, his discomfort probably increases during the winter months, too. Theories about why this happens include changes in barometric pressure, increased nerve sensitivity, and decreased activity levels, but no clear cause is known. There are, however, clear steps you can take to keep your arthritic dog more comfortable in winter.

What is Arthritis in Dogs?

Canine arthritis is a chronic, progressive disease in which the cartilage between the joints degenerates, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. The most common form of arthritis for both dogs and humans is osteoarthritis. Dogs are most likely to experience arthritis in their weight-bearing joints, such as the shoulders, hips, ankles, knees, and spine. Arthritis can occur in dogs of any age but occurs most commonly in older dogs.

Manage Your Dog’s Weight

People and their furry best friends tend to move a little less and eat a little more in winter. It’s never a good idea to let your dog’s weight creep higher, but it’s especially important to keep him at a healthy weight if he is arthritic. Joint pain and stiffness are worse when carrying extra pounds. Talk to your veterinarian about helping your dog reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Keep Your Dog Warm — Indoors and Out

During cold winter walks, arthritic dogs require dog jackets to prevent the worsening of symptoms. Many will also benefit from wearing comfortable dog sweaters or coats indoors as well, especially if you keep the thermostat low or your dog makes his den in a drafty spot.

Give Your Dog a Comfortable Place to Rest

A comfortable dog bed, preferably one designed to support aging, arthritic joints, is also a must for dogs with arthritis. If he relocates a lot, consider providing him with several comfortable, supportive spots around the house. And give him a dog blanket to snuggle with for extra warmth if needed.

Keep Your Dog Moving

No matter the weather, your arthritic dog needs exercise throughout the winter to keep his joints lubricated and moving. Keep it low-impact and don’t over it: take him on easy walks multiple times a day. If winter weather is an issue, walk with him around your home or find an indoor “dog gym” near you. Keep in mind that slippery ice and snow are particularly tough on the joints of arthritic dogs, so only walk on cleared paths.

Give Your Dog A Lift

Joint pain makes it tough for dogs to climb onto the bed to snuggle or into the car for an adventure. Dog ramps and dog stairs can help your dog reach his favorite spots.

Prescription Medication and Alternative Therapies

The most common prescription medications used to lessen arthritis pain in dogs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Talk to your veterinarian about medications, but keep in mind they are not a substitute for weight loss and exercise.

Less traditional treatment options, including acupuncture, physical therapy, therapeutic massage, and water therapy, can also offer relief. Be sure to discuss these treatments with your veterinarian, who can recommend qualified practitioners.

If your dog has arthritis, these few extra measures will help him when the weather gets frosty and allow you both to enjoy life to the fullest through every season.

Many pets dislike having their feet touched and their nails trimmed. Owners worry that they may hurt their pets, especially if the pet struggles when having their nails cut. This is probably why many owners take their pets to their veterinarians or groomers to have this done. If you are thinking of trimming your pet’s nails at home, there are a few steps that might help you.

Start by touching your pet’s feet gently when you and your pet are in a relaxed mood, perhaps when both of you are on the sofa watching television. Get your pet used to your touch: handle their feet, spread their toes, and extend their claws. Start with very short sessions, perhaps just a few seconds, and then give them a treat or play with them.

There are many types of nail trimmers. Your veterinarian or groomer can help you select the trimmer that is right for you and your pet. Avoid nail grinders: they tend to overheat, and many pets dislike the vibrating sensation on their toenails.

Don’t try cutting off large parts of the nail. Start with small short cuts. Nails that have not been trimmed recently will often have an extended quick. The quick is the part of the nail that supplies blood to the growing part of the nail. Cutting through the quick is painful for the pet, and the site can bleed profusely. It is easy to actually see the quick in light colored nails: it is a darker color (often appears to be pink), in the center part of the nail towards the nail bed.

Always have supplies on hand in case the nail does bleed. Kwik Stopâ is a yellow powder available at pet stores that helps to stop blood flow. Take a good amount on a cotton ball and press into the end of the nail, and hold for a minute or two. Once the blood stops, don’t disturb the clot at the end of the nail for at least 24 hours.

Cats have different nails than dogs but may need their claws trimmed, too, especially as they age. They don’t really sharpen their claws; they shed their nail like a reptile sheds its skin. They scratch to remove this outer layer of the nail, and this reveals a new sharp tip. Older cats sometimes stop scratching, and their nails can become so long that they curl around and pierce their footpads.

Dog nails can also become so long that they interfere with their ability to walk and can pierce their footpads. This is often missed until the pet is limping, especially with the dewclaws on long-haired dogs. Therefore, you should regularly monitor the nails of all your pets.

Fleas are not only a source of irritation and frustration, but they also pose a serious health threat to animals. These tiny external parasites can carry a variety of diseases, including bubonic plague, and severe infestations may cause deadly levels of blood loss in very small or young pets, according to national animal welfare organizations. Owners must therefore employ every preventative measure to keep these creatures off of their beloved pets, including the use of topical or oral medications.

The first line of defense is prevention. Prevention can be as simple as removing fleas and their eggs from your household by cleaning, vacuuming, and applying pet-safe pesticides to the yard. Keeping your grass mowed and removing excess sources of shade can rob fleas of their preferred environmental conditions, discouraging them from breeding in the yard. But no matter how scrupulously you keep your indoor and outdoor environments under control, at some point, your pet is likely to need some form of flea treatment. These treatments may take topical (“spot-on”) or oral forms.

Topical Medications

Topical or “spot-on” flea treatments are readily accessible to pet owners. These products can be highly effective at eliminating flea infestations or preventing new ones from occurring. Veterinary organizations point out, however, that while approved flea preventatives are generally considered safe, owners must follow the instructions on the label with great care to prevent a possible toxic or otherwise adverse reaction to the chemicals in the product. Animal welfare organizations also warn owners never to give cat flea treatments to their dogs or vice versa because the results could prove fatal.

Oral Medications

Oral flea medications also have their pros and cons. In addition to topical treatments widely available, veterinary clinics also prescribe oral products such as Comfortis. Typically, regular monthly doses of such drugs aim to kill fleas before they have a chance to lay eggs, stopping infestations before they start. You may find that the oral delivery method creates less of a mess than the topical route while also eliminating concerns over skin reactions to the active ingredients. But oral medications may also cost more than topical treatments, and prescriptions will need to be refilled regularly to maintain constant protection.

Physical (Wellness) Exam

A wellness exam is suggested on an annual or semi-annual basis. Just as with people, a comprehensive physical examination may be the most important component of an office visit, allowing the veterinarian to completely look over your animal from nose to tail and discuss any medical problems found. All pets will have a comprehensive physical examination prior to vaccination.

DHPP (Distemper-Parvo)

A vaccination given to dogs for 5 diseases: distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and adenovirus. These diseases are debilitating and can cause death. Nearly every dog will be exposed during its lifetime, making vaccination a must. Parvovirus is an intestinal viral infection that results in bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and extreme depression. It is highly contagious and life-threatening. If your pet is kenneled, groomed, or here for surgery, we require a current vaccination of either 1 or 3 years.

Bordetella

A vaccination given to dogs to prevent tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough) which is a highly contagious airborne bacterial disease. It causes a dry hacking cough that can persist for 6 or more weeks. If your pet is boarded, groomed, or here for surgery, we require vaccinating yearly.

Leptospirosis

A bacterial disease that can be found in soil or groundwater (especially slow-moving or stagnant water). It is a ZOONOIC disease, meaning it can be transmitted to people, causing flu-like symptoms and liver and kidney disease. If your pet is kenneled, groomed, or here for surgery, we require vaccinating annually.

Rabies

A vaccination required by the state government for both dogs and cats. Vaccinations help prevent your dog from contracting this deadly disease. Rabies is a ZOONOTIC disease, meaning it can be transmitted from pets to humans and is fatal to humans as well as pets. Vaccination for rabies is required for all dogs and cats being boarded, groomed, or here for surgery. This is available in either a 1- or 3-year vaccine.

Test for Intestinal Parasites (Fecal)

A semi-annual test to detect intestinal parasites that threaten your pet’s health. A regular microscopic examination of your pet’s stool should be done for early detection and treatment. It is possible for people to get roundworm and hookworm from infected pets.

Canine Influenza

Vaccination for a contiguous viral disease of the lungs causing persistent coughing and can be fatal. It can be easily spread in kennels and closed for areas. Vaccinating annually for this disease is HIGHLY recommended, especially if your pet is around other dogs.

Microchip

A microchip is inserted with a simple injection with no more discomfort than a vaccination. It may be the most important gift you can ever give your pet! We register your pet with the National Recovery Database.

Heartworm Test

A simple blood test is done in our hospital to detect an active infection or a reaction to early infection. Heartworms are transmitted through mosquitoes and can be fatal if untreated. Preventative medication is available in oral and topical forms.

Senior Blood Profile

A blood workup is recommended yearly after the age of 7 to help detect many of the problems caused by aging. Early detection of disease allows the doctor to begin treatment earlier and keep your pet healthier as it ages. A blood sample can be drawn during the office visit.

Dental Health Care

Tartar accumulation and gum disease affect most pets. Periodontal disease can lead to infection of the liver, kidneys, and heart. This can be prevented with regular dental care. Dental care starts at home by brushing or cleaning your pet’s teeth with animal toothpaste or cleansing products. Ultrasonic cleaning and polishing under anesthesia are recommended as needed.

Flea and Tick Control

Fleas can cause a number of severe problems, including allergic dermatitis due to flea bites (caused by the saliva of the flea) and tapeworm. Ticks can also carry Lyme Disease, a debilitating illness.

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworms can cause serious health problems and may be fatal. Monthly prevention is recommended.

Potty training your dog can be easy or difficult… the difference is in how much time and dedication you are willing to put into training. Follow these simple tips to get your puppy on the right path to accident-free living.

Set a schedule:

Decide on a schedule and stick to it. In a family situation where many people are caring for your puppy, post a schedule for everyone to see. Remember, puppies will require more walks than adult dogs. While you may need to walk twice in the morning when your dog is a puppy, you can probably eliminate one of those walks as an adult.

Potty breaks are also necessary after eating, naptime, and playtime. Limiting the amount of time your puppy has to go without a bathroom break limits chances of accidents. If you can, plan to be home with your new puppy the first week they are home. This will reinforce potty training and help your puppy adjust.

Always go in one place and remember why you are there:

Bring your puppy to the same place outside each time you want him or her to go potty. Do not let your puppy play, sniff, or explore anything outside until they have gone potty. By doing this, you are saying, “when we go outside, potty comes first, and this is where to do it.”

It is important to teach your puppy that potty comes before play. Otherwise, you could be outside until your puppy is ready to go. Puppies need structure, and going to the potty at the same time and in the same place is a great start.

Reward immediately:

As soon as your dog goes potty, have a treat already in your hands to turn over to your dog. Never hesitate in giving a treat. If you wait until later or after you return indoors, it will not be clear why you are giving a treat. A treat given as soon as a puppy goes potty will reinforce the message about going outside.

Give lots of praise when you give the treat. While your dog will not understand the words “Good Boy!” or “Good Girl!” they will understand the tone of voice you use to praise them.

It is a good idea to use a crate when you are not home. This will keep accidents from happening in undiscovered places in the home. Dogs will also try not to go potty where they sleep; the crate will reinforce the outside routine. In order to further avoid an accident in the crate, make sure you either buy a crate that fits the puppy or block off a bigger crate with an empty box.

These are the three most important aspects of potty training. Using schedules, a designated potty spot, and a timely reward system will help prepare your new puppy for an accident-free future. Make sure the whole family is on board and knows the plan. Routines and dedication are the keys to making potty training a success!

Are you considering adding another furry companion to your family? If so, have you thought about how your new pet will interact with your current ones? Introducing a new pet into the family is always exciting, but it’s important to make sure that the pets you already have are prepared for the new addition. This will help ensure a smooth transition.

Determining Your Approach

Animals are like people in that each one has his own temperament. Most likely, you already have a strong understanding of how your current pet behaves around strangers, deals with stress, and handles uncertainty — as you do with any member of your family. Use this information to determine the best approach to take when introducing your new pet to your current one. For instance, if your current pet does not like sharing his toys, make sure each of your pets has his favorite toy handy during the introduction, so the two pets are not competing for the same toy during the transition.

When choosing which introduction approach to use, you should take other factors into consideration as well, such as the breed, age, and sex of your pets. All these factors inform how one animal will react to the other. For example, a 9-year-old cat that has never shared her home with other animals might never acclimate to sharing her home with a new pet. In contrast, a kitten that has been separated from the rest of her litter might welcome another animal to keep her company.

Examples of Introduction Techniques

Again, there are several techniques you can try when introducing a new pet to your current one. Use your knowledge of your current and new pets to choose the one that’s right for your furry friends. Here are a few techniques you can try:

• Confinement. Keep your new and current pets in different rooms for several days or even a couple of weeks until they acclimate to each other’s scent. Make sure that each animal has a place to go to the bathroom (e.g., a litter box), a food bowl, and a water bowl in each room. Feed each pet on either side of a closed door, again, in separate rooms. Put their food bowls close enough to the door to allow each animal to smell the other. Continue feeding them in this manner, slowly moving the bowls closer to the door each time you feed them. Eventually, you can open the door, so the two animals are eating side by side. If they are able to eat calmly while standing next to each other, they should be able to get along. Another option is to keep each pet in an animal crate that is placed next to each other, giving the animals time to get used to each other’s scent.
• The Switcheroo. While keeping your animals in separate rooms, swap the blankets that each of your animals uses. Another option is to gently rub a cloth on one animal’s cheeks and put it under the food dish of the other. When the animals eventually meet, their scents will be familiar to each other.
• Neutral Territory. If possible, introduce your new and current pet to each other in a neutral space, such as a park (that you don’t usually frequent) or a neighbor’s yard. Using a neutral territory for your introduction will make your resident pet less likely to view your new pet as an intruder. If you are introducing two dogs to each other, make sure that each dog is on a leash and handled by a separate person.

Understanding Your Animals’ Cues

Animals use body postures and sound to communicate their feelings. For instance, if one dog crouches with his hind end in the air and his front legs on the ground, he is inviting the other dog to play. This is a positive sign and typically elicits friendly behavior from the other animal.

However, if the hair on the back of your dog or cat is standing up, that animal is reacting aggressively, and you should calmly distract the animals until you can move them away from each other. Likewise, any growling or hissing sounds from either animal indicate aggression and stress.

It is important to remember that not every animal will be compatible. If your introduction does not go smoothly the first time, try again, slowly, at a later date.