Help – My Dog Has More Energy Than I Do

            I see this scenario very frequently. A family buys a dog and forgets to think about the energy requirements of that said pet or their life changes and becomes busier, meaning they have less time to spend with them. What should you do in this case? My recommendations are below…I hope they help you!

1. Are you confident with training? You can train your dog to run beside you on a bike, skateboard and/or roller blades. This way you can go for a 3-5 mile “jog” with your dog in half the time. This is also great for your health.

2. Dog daycare works miracles for energetic canines. You can drop them off 1-5 times a week on your way to work and pick them up on your way home. You will have one tired dog for the next 1-2 days.

3. Hire a dog walker. There are several options for dog walkers nowadays. This way your dog can go on a nice relaxing walk/jog while you are hard at work.

4. Engage your dog’s brain while you are away. There are several puzzle toys now available that will make your dog think and/or work for treats or reward. You can start simple with the basic Kong toy and build up from there.

4. Do you have a hunting dog? You can teach them how to “hunt” at home. First make it simple – teach them to sit and stay before they are allowed their favorite toy. Then hide that toy under a blanket in front of them. Continue slowly making the hiding spots harder. This makes them use their nose and their instincts which equals a happy dog that is doing their job. 😀

Picture from: http://www.mydogaffair.com/10-fascinating-facts-about-boxers-dogs/3/

As always, let me know your thoughts and questions. 

Dr. Alicia Rueschhoff

How to Protect Your Pet from Those Chilly Days

This is a question that pops up regularly once the warm days start becoming colder. A lot of dogs can tolerate the change in temperature and do not need help from us fur-less ones. However, there are some breeds that seem to have a tougher time in the cold. These include smaller breeds and shorter haired breeds.

The best rule of thumb is if the temperature is to a point that you can’t handle, then your dog/cat probably can’t either. They shouldn’t be left outside without adequate shelter and heat support on those days.

If they are going out for a small amount of time, to use the restroom or a short walk, then they likely do not need to be bundled up. However, read your dog. If he/she is shivering, lifting his/her paws off the ground for periods of time then they are likely uncomfortable. In these situations, I recommend putting on a coat and booties for your pet. The booties also help keep their paws protected against the corrosive salt that is all over the ground.

The bottom line is, if you are too cold then so is your pet J

Picture from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin
/163959242661644308/

picture from: https://twitter.com/leprasorium/status
/805008689082068992

Please respond with questions and/or concerns you have. I would love to chat!

Cheers, 

Dr. Alicia 

Breed of The Month - Pixie Bob

Pixie Bob

Picture from: http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/pixiebob#finding

The breed of this month is the Pixie-Bob. These adorable cats originated in the United States and would be a perfect companion for any owner - novice, experienced, alone or a family. They are generally very healthy with little genetic problems, but do need regular grooming. You can expect them to shed a lot and often, so regular brushing is recommended. They are active, playful cats with at least 10-15 minutes of activity a day, but they can also stay alone at home for 4-8 hours at a time. They are not very vocal and are great with people of all ages. The average weight for males is between 11-14 pounds and females is between 9-11 pounds.

In conclusion, a Pixie-Bob cat would be a great fit for a single home or a family home with children +/- other pets. Just make sure you are okay cleaning up hair :)

SOLAR ECLIPSE

Picture from: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/next-solar-eclipse-uk-7488838

With the Solar Eclipse looming around, I thought I would inform everyone of my recommendations for your pet. I honestly do not think our companion animals will be affected much since due to the short duration of the eclipse. However, no one knows for sure what will happen. My recommendations are as follows:

1. The best option is to keep your animal indoors with windows covered. This way there is no possibility for exposure of their eyes to the dangerous rays of the sun. 

Picture from: https://www.amazon.com/Precision-
Pet-Indoor-Outdoor-Crates/dp/B001HSNXGC

2. If you must bring your pet with you, then have a crate that can be covered during the eclipse. I promise they won't mind missing it. 




3. If neither option 1 or 2 is possible, then keep your dog focused on something else during the eclipse, so they don't look up at the sun (though this is a rare possibility). Feed them a lunch, give them a peanut butter or cream cheese filled kong or a bone to chew on. 

Picture from: http://noten-animals.com/kong-toys-for-dogs/

If you have further questions, please let me know as I will be happy to help. You can either comment or send me an e-mail: dr.rueschhoff@gmail.com

I hope everyone enjoys the Eclipse, but don't forger to take safety precautions yourself. 

Mutts Are Best

Mutts Are Best!!!

You might be asking yourself why I think mutts are the best dogs, aren't pure bred animals supposed to be the top breeds? A lot of people are misinformed when it comes to this topic. I have listed my top 5 reasons I love mutts below: 

1. Mutts are the cheapest to adopt. Most mutts (other than the mixed "designer" mutts, such as the Goldendoodle) can be easily found at a local shelter or rescue group. These dogs are not thousands of dollars to purchase. There will be a fee to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue, but those proceeds go to help other dogs in need - to pay for their vaccines, medications and surgeries that are needed - not into someone's pocket for profit. 

2. Adopting a mutt = giving a dog in need a home. Most people do not seek out mutts and therefore, there are tons that have no homes. They were likely found on the streets or surrendered from an owner that can no longer care for them. You may even be saving one from a puppy mill. In my experience, these dogs are forever grateful and very faithful to their owners. 

3. Mutts are much healthier than pure-bred dogs or the "designer" breeds. This is because of the simple law of genetics (there is not really a law, I just find it fun to say). Pure-bred dogs are inbred. This means that siblings are chosen to reproduce, causing significant health problems. It is just like marrying your cousin and/or brother and having kids. You could give me a name of a purebred dog, and I am certain I will find a disease linked with that breed. This ranges from allergies, heart conditions, bone abnormalities, breathing issues, cancer and more. Mutts are a mix of genetics, just like most of the human gene pool. Mutts are a mixture of all different kinds of breeds, meaning that these recessive traits common in pure-bred dogs are masked by dominant genes and much less common to cause issues. 

4. Buying a pure-bred dog can mean you are buying from and supporting puppy mills. In my experience, I would say most pure-bred dogs bought from a puppy store actually come from a puppy mill. If a breeder will not let you see their breeding facility with the parents and puppy you want to purchase there, do not trust them! I have seen far too many people get conned this way. Buying a mutt guarantees that you are not supporting the Puppy Mills and getting ripped off. You may be purchasing a dog that came from a puppy mill, but you are rescuing that dog, which is very different. 

5. Mutts are unique. Every mutt looks different, which is opposite from pure-bred dogs. This is a personal preference. I like having something that no one else dose, which is another reason I continually find mutts to adopt :) 

These are my top 5 reasons why I love mutts. Please comment with your questions or any concerns you have regarding this issue. I cannot wait to talk to you :) 

July Breed of the Month - AZAWAKH

Azawakh

Picture from: http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/azawakh#/slide/1

The breed I chose to showcase this month is the Azawakh form the Sahara Desert. They are for an experienced pet owner and have many great qualities. Their weight ranges from 33 pounds to 55 pounds.

They are overall a friendly breed that would be great for a family. They get along well with other dogs, but be careful with smaller animals as their prey drive is very large. They also tend to shy away from strangers.

Azawakh's are intelligent and easy to train. They also do not use their voice very often - you won't have to worry about a howler. However, for best behavior they need a moderate amount of exercise. They need a large yard or a running partner to go with daily. Giving them adequate exercise will make training much easier. As long as they are out running, they will be couch surfers when indoors. This quality also makes them a good apartment dog if yards are not in your area.

This breed is great for warm weather, but is sensitive to the cold. Make sure you dress them in sweaters and boots if they are in cold weather. There is little grooming needs, but they do shed. Good news is you won't have to worry about cleaning up drool :)

Overall, I think this breed is good for an experienced, active owner. Please respond with your questions regarding this breed...I will be more than happy to discuss :)

DR. ALICIA’S NEWSLETTER

July 2017

Dr. Alicia Rueschhoff

This is a picture of me and so many adorable puppies!!

 Man, it has been hot outside! I hope everyone is staying cool.  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:

Picture from: https://draxe.com/grain-free-dog-food/

• June: Grain-Free food is better for your pet?
• FALSE, FALSE and FALSE! They are by no means worse for your animal, but they do not provide the benefit they claim. Below is a great link to an article that details this information: 
• http://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/evr_dg_why-grain-free-dog-food-may-not-be-the-best-choic
• July: The Distemper Vaccine helps my pet's temperament. 

 Tune in next month to find out the answer for June. Let me know what you think 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?

My Clinic (Brentwood Animal Hospital) now has a heartworm preventative injection for dogs that lasts 6 months!!

You heard me right!! Are you someone who has trouble remembering to give your dog it's monthly chew like I do? In these cases I strongly recommend proheart. It slowly releases the medication responsible for preventing heartworm infection and the remembering is on your veterinarian :) 

Proheart does not cover intestinal parasites, but your dog will be sent home with a dewormer every time they get their injection at no cost! If you have more questions regarding this amazing product let me know :)

Picture from: http://www.lpm-adv.com/INCITEATWORK/AnimalHealth/CompanionAnimal/FortDodgeProHeart6SpreadAd.aspx

IMPORTANT MONTHLY INFORMATION

Picture from: http://www.inhamamatsu.com/recommend/fireworks-festival.php

Sorry for my delayed post (I have been busy this month), but I wanted to touch on fireworks since it is the 4th of July this month. Most animals are terrified of loud noises and this is the most common time of year for our pets to go missing. Ideas to try and use behavior modification to help your furry love:

1. Keep your pet at home. If you have to bring them with you, make sure they are secured tightly and have no way of escaping. 
2. Start making noises more enjoyable for your pet. When there are small thunderstorms or loud cars/trucks/sirens that go by, give your pet a VERY tasty treat (turkey hot dog, string cheese, peanut butter, etc.). Only give that treat to your pet when their are loud noises. Hopefully they will start having positive associations. 
3. Do not give your dog extra attention when they are acting frightened. This gives them the thought that you are rewarding their behavior. Instead wait for them to have a calm moment. When they are calm - give them love and/or a VERY tasty treat again :) 
4. Try pheromone sprays and/or a Thunder Shirt. Make sure to use these for 3-4 weeks at calming moments (before bed, while you are at home watching T.V., etc.) prior to using for anxious events. 
5. There are a lot of different medications that help calm anxieties. These can be used only as needed and are very common for loud noises. If your animal is extremely anxious, I recommend adding this on while trying all of the above. If your dog is only mildly anxious then try 1-4 prior to medications. 

Products recalled in June

• Rough-N-Ready Cattle Feed for Elevated monensin. Company name: ADM Animal Nutrition.
• Companion, Dentley's and more rawhide chew products for possible chemical contamination. Company names: United Pet Group, a division of Spectrum Brands, Inc.
• Sunseed Sunsations, All Living Things and more Rabbit and Macaw diets for Listeria monocytogenes. Company: Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. 
• Loving Pets, Whole Hearted Dog Treats for Salmonella. Company name: Loving Pets
• Various brands: American Beefhide, Digesteeze, Healthy Hide, Healthy Hide Good n Fun, Healthy Hide Good n Fit Rawhide dog chews for potential contamination with Quaternary ammonium compount. Company name: United Pet Group.

SEASONAL REMINDERS:

It is Summer...and HOTTTTT!!! Remember that with summer comes heat-stroke (heat prostration). I know I covered this last month as well, but I find it important enough to remind people again, especially with the heat we have had lately. 

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 ANIMAL IS VERY LETHARGIC LATELY, IS THIS NORMAL?

Picture from: http://www.ayurveda-
florida.com/images/lethargy.htm

Picture from: http://www.ayurveda-
florida.com/images/lethargy.htm

This is a question I receive periodically. If you are noticing a serious decline in your pet's behavior the it is warranted to get them examined by a Veterinarian. It is possible that they are just aging or that the weather is changing their normal behavior. However, this can also indicate a numerous amount of health concerns. 

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

What common foods are poisonous to pets?

• Coffee. Coffee will cause an increase in heart rate, increased activity and can lead to seizures. Call your veterinarian if your pet ingests any coffee beans or a large amount of liquid coffee. 
• Chocolate. Small amounts of chocolate will not hurt your pet. However, if they ingest a large amount of darker chocolate, then they could be in trouble. This toxin causes similar signs to Caffeine - vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate and activity and seizures. 
• Grapes and Raisins. We unfortunately do not know the toxin, mechanism of action or toxic dose of this culprit. A 100 pound dog could eat one grape and that will cause significant disease while a 10 pound dog could eat 10 grapes without any problems at all. Grape/raisin ingestion causes acute kidney failure in dogs. You will see vomiting, diarrhea, increased drinking/urination and/or decreased to no urination. 
• Avacado. These are not toxic to your pet, but the pit can cause an obstruction in their GI tract. They can also cause vomiting and/or diarrhea. 
• Onions and Garlic. Do not feed your pet foods that you have cooked with these tasty seasonings. They can cause damage to their red blood cells - causing increased breathing, pale gums. They can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. 
• Xylitol. This ingredient is very common in sugar free gum and is also being used in some more natural peanut butters. This toxin will cause a severe drop in an animal's glucose (sugar) levels. You may notice shivering, tremors and/or seizures. It can also cause GI upset along with liver damage that may be irreversible. 
• Macadamia Nuts. These nuts are not generally life threatening, but can make your dog feel uncomfortable. They can start with aching joints, vomiting, trouble walking (especially hind ends) and a fever. Signs generally last for 24-48 hours. 
• Bread Dough. Unbaked bread dough starts "cooking" in an animal's stomach. This can lead to a gastric/intestinal blockage and even cause the stomach to twist. You will likely notice vomiting - unable to keep even water down, lethargy, inappetance and/or collapse.
• Alcoholic Beverages. In excess these beverages can cause drooling, retching, vomiting, bloated abdomen, increased heart rate, weakness, collapse, coma and/or death

If you know that your animal has ingested any of these common foods, you should contact your veterinarian right away for recommendations.

picture from: http://www.hennashappyhounds.co.uk/services/worst_human_foods.htm

         

Don’t hesitate commenting with any questions you have!!

PET(S) OF THE MONTH

There were no submissions for pet of the month for July.  PLEASE send me 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.