JUNE Newsletter

DR. ALICIA’S NEWSLETTER

June 2017

Dr. Alicia Rueschhoff

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.  

TRUE!! All Dalmatians are born pure white…who would have thought?

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

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).

Picture from: http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/201048/
10-animals-that-know-its-a-heat-wave/

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.

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?

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.