DR. ALICIA’S NEWSLETTER
June 2017
Dr. Alicia Rueschhoff
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| This is a picture of me, my son Bryce and my dog Layla |
I
hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather! My monthly newsletters are
available for tidbits of information regarding pet healthcare. My intention is
to educate clients and enhance their relationship with me. I am hopeful this
will aid you in keeping your furry family member healthy! Please feel
free to share these with your family and friends.
What to expect from our monthly newsletters:
1.
Fact or Fiction? We will provide a “True” or “False” statement for your
consideration. The answer will be in the next month’s newsletter.
2.
New information regarding any recalls or other matters pertaining to your pet’s
health.
3.
Updates on new recommendations
4.
Seasonal recommendations for your pet.
5.
Behavior training recommendations for your pet.
6.
Question of the month. One client’s burning questions will be answered by a
veterinarian.
7.
Pet of the month
FACT or FICTION:
- May:
Dalmatians are born without spots.
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TRUE!! All Dalmatians are born pure white…who would have
thought?
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| photo from: http://www.jlsdals.com/NewtRachelnewborn.html |
- June.
Grain-Free food is better for your pet?
Tune in next month to find out the answer for June.
Let me know what you think on in the comments or via my e-mail and I will post
your thoughts in the next newsletter – dr.rueschhoff@gmail.com !
DID YOU KNOW?
A dog’s nose print is
equivalent to that of a human’s finger print?
That is right. Every dog has their unique dog print. Next time you think
a dog snuck in your trashcan….check it for prints!! J
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| Picture from: http://www.urdogs.com/dogs-nose-print-pooches-which-survived-titanic-13-weird-dog-facts-that-you-dont-have-to-read/ |
IMPORTANT MONTHLY
INFORMATION
Products recalled in May
- Smallbatch
Dog and Cat food for Salmonella contamination. Company is Smallbatch Pets
Inc.
- Truxton
Incorporated for labeling mix-up:
- Amitriptyline
HCL Tablets 50 mg
- Phenobarbital
Tablets 15 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg and 100 mg
SEASONAL REMINDERS:
It is finally becoming
Summer!!! Remember
that with summer comes heat-stroke (heat prostration).
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| Picture from: http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/201048/ 10-animals-that-know-its-a-heat-wave/ |
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| Picture from: http://www.our-happy- cat.com/cat-food.html |
This
disease is defined by a state of increased temperature (hyperthermia). 106-109
degrees Ferienheight is when we will start becoming concerned. A normal
temperature for our small animal friends is 100-102.5. This syndrome is rare in
cats, but occurs commonly in dogs. Dogs at more risk are the Brachycephalic
breeds (smashed-face breed), high energy dogs and dog’s with a condition known
as Laryngeal Paralysis.
Animals
left untreated can start exhibiting damage to their organs and can lead to
death. Signs to watch for are increased effort and increased rate of breathing,
acute vomiting and/or diarrhea, depression. As animal’s get worse you will also
notice respiratory distress, blue color to the mucous membranes, collapse,
seizures and bloody diarrhea/vomiting.
This
is an emergency situation and you should rush your pet to the hospital if you
are concerned. Cooling effects should be started during transport – soak the
animal in room temperature water (DO NOT USE ICE WATER), place a fan on the
animal or get them in air conditioning and place alcohol on the pads of their
paws.
Call me at Brentwood
Animal Hospital (314-962-2900) or the Emergency Center right away (Our phone #
314-842-0403 or ACC # 314-822-7600) if you are concerned.
BEHAVIOR: MY DOG PULLS
AT THE LEASH
Pulling at the leash is not only a nuisance for the owner, but it can
cause damage to a dog’s throat. The best way to modify this behavior is to keep
the leash loose, but close by you. If he/she pulls at the leash, then you
should stop walking. The dog will turn around and see what you are doing. Wait
until he/she comes back and then reward them (either a tasty treat or love) and
then start moving on. It may take some time for them to finally understand that
pulling means stop, but eventually they will understand.
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| Picture from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG_XbR7o7Qw |
QUESTION OF THE MONTH
Is it normal that my dog
eats their feces or does it indicate a nutritional deficiency?
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| Picture from: http://naturalpetfooddelivery.com/nsd/carolinas/natural-remedies-for-coprophagia-eating-feces-for-dogs/ |
The most common answer to this
questions is that, yes, unfortunately dogs can be quite revolting, and eat
their own feces. We are unsure of the exact reason, but it has not been linked
to nutritional deficiency. We think they may acquire this nasty habit due to
boredom, anxiety, and hunger or just because they like it. However, the first
step is to make sure your dog is receiving a well-balanced diet…ask and I will
let you know if your pet is eating a good diet (see my Newsletter form May as
well that discusses the food I recommend). Other options is to place your dog
in daycare or agility classes to run off energy, feed your dog twice a day to
decrease boredom/hunger. You can also try over the counter additives, pineapple
juice or meat tenderizer which focus on making stool taste bad. I have not
personally had great success with these additives. Another option is to keep a
basket muzzle on your dog while walking/in the back yard and clean up after
them right away to decrease this behavior. You can start using basic “leave-it”
training to help aid in teaching them that stool is not food.
Don’t hesitate
commenting with any questions you have!!
PET(S) OF THE MONTH
There were no submissions
for pet of the month for June. PLEASE send us a picture or two with a
small description of why your pet is so special! We would love to show them
off!
Please send us a picture
and a small paragraph about your pet to get them featured in our next
newsletter. Send the information to dr.rueschhoff@gmail.com Attention PET OF THE MONTH.
