Category: Pet Health

The leaves are changing, the temperature is dropping. It’s time to switch out your t-shirts for sweaters and your flip flops for boots. While you may be ready to sip on pumpkin spice lattes and cook hot chili and soups, there may be one member of your family who needs help transitioning to the new season – your pet!

Just like the weather, pets’ habits change from season to season. It’s important to make adjustments to their daily routines in order to make them comfortable. If you live in Albany, GA, it’s also important to prepare a plan for natural disasters. This is especially true across the South when hurricane season is in full swing.

Bush Animal Clinic has provided all the information you need to prepare pets for the fall. Let’s get started!

General Tips

The good news is, there are simple steps you can take to help your pet adjust to the changing season. And it’s more than just keeping them warm.

Groom Your Dog or Cat Appropriately

While it is true that a thick, furry coat helps your pet stay warm, it needs to be groomed properly. If your dog or cat’s fur gets matted, bacteria and other unwanted ailments can make its way into the pet’s skin, causing infections. In other words, make sure to brush your pet more frequently as the weather turns colder.

Alternatively, you can have your dog or cat groomed professionally.

Switch Up When You Walk Your Dog

Not only does the weather change with the seasons, so does the amount of sunlight. So while you may be getting up early in the summer to take your dog out in hopes of avoiding hotter temperatures, you may want to do the opposite in the fall.

In order to beat the darkness, it’s a good idea to take your dog on a later morning walk, and an earlier evening walk.

It is important to note that dogs are sensitive to schedule changes. Try transitioning to the new walk times in 15-minute intervals.

Be Careful of Snakes

Snakes don’t leave after summer is over. In fact, fall is when they get ready to hibernate and may be more likely to bite. Make sure to learn if any snakes are common in your area, so you and your pet can avoid areas where these slithering creatures are present.

Keep Your Pet Warm

You’re not the only one who needs to bundle up a little more. Your pet needs to stay warm too. If you want to prepare pets for the fall, consider purchasing cozy beds and blankets for your pets to snuggle with.

Depending on your dog’s type of fur, it may also be worth it to buy a dog coat to protect it from the chill and rain.

Plan for Your Changing Schedule

For many households, your schedule changes with the fall season. Kids are back to school, you may be spending less time outside, and your family activities may change. This can affect your pets.

Consider making time before and after you leave for school or work to give your dog or cat some special attention. Also, plan fun weekend activities that you can include your pet in.

Prepping Your Pet for Hurricane Season

When living in the South, households must prepare for hurricane season. Putting a plan in place is difficult enough when it’s just you and your family. Preparing your pet comes with its own set of challenges. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to keep your furry friend safe.

Stock Up Beforehand

In addition to packing up supplies for you and your family, make sure you are equipped with plenty of supplies for your pet as well. This includes:

• Food & Water
• Water Bowls
• Toys & Treats
• Litter Box
• Pet Bed
• Leash
• Collar
• Blankets
• Pet Medical Records
• Medications

Have An Evacuation Plan

Having an evacuation plan ahead of time is extremely important to keep safe during a hurricane. Make sure you have all the proper supplies for you and your pet ready to go. Also, make sure you are evacuating somewhere that is pet-friendly, so you know your cat or dog can stay with you.

Microchip Your Pet

If you haven’t already, it is important to microchip your pet. In the event that your dog or cat gets lost during a storm, a microchip makes it much easier for you to locate them.

Keep Your Pet on a Leash

Once a hurricane makes landfall, make sure to keep your pet on a leash, or contained in a carrier with a collar and ID tag. It is likely that your pet will be scared and anxious, so speak to them in a calm tone of voice.

Even after the hurricane is over, keep your pet contained on a leash or in a carrier until you are sure the area is safe.

Understanding How to Prepare Pets for the Fall

Fall is a great time to take advantage of the outdoors alongside your four-legged companion. By taking simple but necessary steps to prepare your pet for colder months, it helps you and your pet enjoy this time of year safely and comfortably.

Have a question about how to prepare pets for the fall? The experts at Bush Animal Clinic are here to help!

Every dog has itchy skin from time to time; behind their ears, on their sides, and they’ll even roll around on their backs or brush up against furniture to relieve themselves.

But when the occasional scratch becomes frequent and excessive, it can be harmful and uncomfortable to any dog, no matter their breed or size.

There are many causes of itchy skin in dogs. Some may be environmental while others may be due to infection, immunity, and health conditions.

If your dog has itchy skin, here are some possible causes ﹣ and what you can do about it.

Reasons Why Your Dog Has Itchy Skin

Allergies

Like humans, a dog’s immune system can react to dust, pollen, and other allergens in the environment. Your dog may have seasonal allergies if they develop skin changes and excessive scratching during certain times of the year.

Dogs can also develop food sensitivities and allergies to ingredients in their diet. A dog with food allergies is more likely to scratch their ears and their paws. Food allergies in dogs are often accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues.

Fleas

Scratching accompanied by licking and biting are the telltale signs of a dog with fleas. Fleas are external parasites that can take up residency on your dog’s skin. It’s common for dogs to be allergic to flea saliva, making a dog’s skin uncomfortably itchy.

If your dog has fleas, their gums may become pale or they can develop fur loss as the result of severe itching. Fleabites can cause redness, inflammation, and scabs. Dogs with fleas will also bite or scratch the base of their tail, and you may even be able to spot fleas or flea dirt, as well.

Parasites

Fleas aren’t the only parasites that can cause itchy skin in dogs. Mites and ticks can also cause adverse skin reactions in dogs, resulting in scratching, hives, bumps, and redness. Severe skin reactions to mites and ticks can also cause excessive licking and biting, fur loss, and lesions.

Untreated parasitic infestation can cause worsening symptoms, leading to infected lesions and even tapeworms, while untreated tick bites can cause Lyme disease.

Dry Skin

Dry skin in dogs may not always be attributed to fleas or allergies. Cold weather, dry air, pesticides, and harsh soaps can cause dry skin and other symptoms, including:

• Dandruff
• Flaking
• Oily fur
• Scaling
• Scabs
• Redness

Some breeds, including hairless dogs and large breeds, are prone to certain skin conditions that can result in dry, flaky skin.

Dry skin can also be indicative of cancer, hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, and other conditions. If your dog develops dry skin or any of the other symptoms discussed, your veterinarian can help you narrow down the causes.

Behavior-Based

Your dog may excessively scratch themselves out of habit or because of boredom or anxiety. If you can rule out other causes, your dog may be scratching themselves because they’re cooped up and need stimulating activity.

Tips to Prevent Itchy Skin

Flea & Parasite Prevention

Flea and tick prevention products can protect your dog. These products are available as topical treatments or as oral medications. Talk to your veterinarian about which preventative medication is best for your dog. You should also talk to your veterinarian about heartworm prevention!

Veterinary Treatment

If your dog has fleas, ticks, or mites, it’s important to seek veterinary treatment for them right away. Your veterinarian will need to examine your dog and run blood, urine, or skin tests to diagnose and determine the right course of treatment.

Your veterinarian may prescribe oral medications, antibiotics, or topical treatments to eliminate the infestation. Steroid medications may also be administered to help relieve your dog’s symptoms.

Food Changes

Common allergens can include wheat, beef, egg, lamb, or soy. Talk to your veterinarian about testing your dog for food allergens. Your veterinarian can also make recommendations for dog food, dietary supplements, and how to wean your dog off their current food. The goal is to eliminate allergens and maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

Lots of Attention, Love, & Be Proactive

Playtime and love are the best preventative measures against scratching and itchy skin, especially if your dog is prone to boredom and anxiety.

Regular grooming and bathing can help you keep an eye on your dog’s skin and fur. Give your dog a bath once or twice a month (and no more, unless your dog enjoys rolling in the mud). Be sure to use gentle shampoos without perfumes. An oatmeal-based shampoo is best, especially if your dog is prone to scratching.

You should also check your dog’s skin and fur after playing outside or walking through wooded areas. This will help you detect ticks and mites before they become a real problem.

Put an End to Itchy Skin Once & for All

Excessive scratching and itchy skin can affect your dog’s physical and emotional health. If you’re located in Bainbridge, GA, and suspect your dog has an underlying cause to their itchy skin, Bryan-Hight Veterinary Hospital is here to help.

Get in touch with us to schedule an evaluation with one of our veterinarians. For more pet-related health news and information, stay tuned to our blog!

Here’s How You Can Help!

Everyone has experienced some form of anxiety in 2020. As we navigate our nervousness, us pet-owners need to keep a close eye on our animals to monitor their stress, too. Since dogs and cats cannot request medication or schedule a therapy appointment, it is the pet-owners’ responsibility to identify, prevent, and treat animal anxiety.

”I Take Great Care of My Pet, What Do They Have to Worry About?”

You may think that our furry-friends live worry-free lives, but this isn’t true; animals have sophisticated minds and experience emotions similar to humans.

Certain breeds of dogs, including border-collie, greyhound, and labrador retrievers are prone to generalized anxiety. In this case, there isn’t a specific root of the problem, and symptoms may be harder to recognize — but you can still refer to the treatment and prevention methods below to help them!

Here are a few potential triggers for pet anxiety:

Separation: Does your usually relaxed pet go off the rails when they’re left without you or your family? They likely have separation anxiety.
Fear: Animals have phobias just like people do. Odd atmospheres, alarming noises, and unusual visuals (like a strange hat) can easily spark an anxious episode.
Age: As they get older, pets may begin to develop cognitive dysfunction. This can lead to confusion and anxiety.
Their Past: Sheltered or rescued animals may be anxious because they once lived in unpredictable or unusual circumstances, or worse, were victims of neglect or abuse.

Signs

Now that we understand some causes of your pet’s anxiety, let’s talk about how this anxiety can manifest.

Symptoms to be on the lookout for include:

• Aggression
• Depression
• Destructive behavior
• Repetitive or compulsive behaviors
• Drooling
• Pacing & Restlessness
• Frequent barking, howling or meowing
• Self-harm

There are also less noticeable things to pick up on, including lip licking and paw lifting.

Unfortunately, a major indication of pet anxiety is urinating and defecation in the house or somewhere they’re not supposed to. This is common — instead of getting angry with them, treat their anxiety!

Prevention & Treatment

Anxiety doesn’t have to be a prevalent problem for your pet. There’s a great deal we can do to help our companions cope!

Stopping Your Pet’s Anxiety From Becoming a Persistent Problem

Professional Obedience Training: An excellent resource, professional obedience training lays the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy and happy habits.
A Nutrient-Rich Diet and a Regular Exercise Routine: Like people, getting active and eating healthy food has a positive impact on our pet’s mental health.
Make Sure You’re Giving Them Enough Love: For most cats and dogs, physical affection is key in connecting with their human friends. If you leave them for an extended period, remember to give them the time and attention they deserve!
Shield Them From Triggers: For pets with particular triggers, if what they fear is out of sight, it is likely out of mind. Monitor their situations and keep them away from stressful environments or objects.

Medications & Supplements

A health concern like any other, if your pet is suffering from anxiety, a medicinal approach may be the best course of action. From organic over-the-counter options to prescription medications, below are just a few suggested medications:

Alprazolam: A sedative, Alprazolam (Xanax) should be used sparingly to calm your pet before a stressful situation (like a visit to the vet, or a road trip).
Sertraline: Great for general anxiety and anxiety-related behavioral issues, Sertraline is an SSRI that will give your pet a needed dose of serotonin.

Other Options

In addition to medication, there are other ways to help your pet relax:

Calming Clothing: An anxiety jacket is inexpensive, effective, and functions like a constant reassuring hug!
Aromatherapy: Essential oils is a beneficial way of keeping your pet’s nerves in check.

Partners in Protecting Your Pet’s Mental Health

Northside Animal Hospital in Valdosta, GA, is here to help ensure that your pet experiences an enjoyable and worry-free life! If you believe your animal is suffering from anxiety, contact us and we can start discussing ways to soothe your pet!

When the scorching summer temperatures rise, people can take a splash in the pool, crank the air conditioner, or enjoy a refreshing summer treat to cool down; however, it’s not always as simple for our pets. It can be challenging to know when our pets are overheated, and how we, as their caring owners, can help. This post will outline how to keep your pet cool and detail warning signs of dehydration and heat stroke. Here’s to a summer of happy and healthy pets!

Summer Day Do’s to Keep Your Pet Cool

Shade & Water

You and your family are your pet’s best friends, but shade and water are a close second during summer months. Providing your pet with a shady spot and lots of water is an easy, effective way to protect them from the perils of the season, like overheating and dehydration. It doesn’t take long for a pet to get dehydrated when it’s hot, so be sure to give them ample amounts of cold, clean water. If you’re leaving your home with your dog, bring water and a portable bowl.

Pay Extra Attention to At-Risk Pets

Pets that are older, overweight, or have heart/lung disease are susceptible to heat stroke. Pets with flat faces (such as Persian cats and pugs) or those with thicker coats are more prone to overheating. To help prevent heat stroke, it is essential to keep at-risk pets out of the heat and indoors where it is cooler.

Apply Sunscreen

Fur doesn’t protect dogs from UV rays! Stock up on sunscreen made for dogs and apply before sun exposure. The most important spots to get are the areas with the least amount of fur. Remember to reapply after four hours (or following a swim), and make sure to monitor your dog after applying sunscreen — they’re known to lick it off!

Protect Their Paws

Pet paws aren’t made for toasty surfaces like asphalt and cement. These surfaces are dangerous as they can easily lead to scorched paws and overheating. If you are transporting your pet in a truck, keep them out of the back. Most truck beds are made from steel or aluminum, which can absorb heat and create a dangerously hot surface.

Summer Day Don’ts

Hot Cars

Leaving your pet alone in a parked vehicle for an extended period is animal abuse. Animals are in danger of overheating after just ten minutes of being alone in a vehicle. “Hot car” legislation makes it illegal to leave animals unattended in a vehicle when it’s hot in many states across the country.

This, of course, doesn’t mean doggies can’t go for car rides with the windows down — that’s one of their favorite activities! If they’re riding in a crate, double-check that it’s properly ventilated.

Improper Fur Care

Never give your dog a major buzzcut. A fresh cut or trim is fine, but a complete shave can be harmful; they need their fur to protect them from sunburn and other dangers during the hot weather.

Cats also need proper fur care in the heat. Their fur can cause overheating, so it is good to brush them often and regularly. Consider professional grooming to keep your pet cool in the summer.

Unsupervised Pool Time

It’s okay to take your pets for a swim, but never let them out of sight. If you want your pet to experience the water, let them get used to it; they will slowly become more comfortable. Chlorine is bad for dogs. Try not to let them get it in their mouths and remember to shower them off.

Swims in lakes, creeks, and other water bodies are also a great idea, but remember to be an attentive owner while your dog swims!

Dog Dehydration

When your dog is drooling excessively and has dry gums, they are likely dehydrated. Other signs for concern include loss of skin elasticity, sluggish behavior, and sunken eyes. If the case appears mild, rehydrate them using a liquid with electrolytes, like Pedialyte — but don’t let them drink too fast! It’s also essential to leave them indoors for the remainder of the day.

If the case appears to be serious, don’t hesitate — contact your veterinarian’s office right away!

Heat Stroke in Dogs

Dogs pant way more than they sweat. Dogs have sweat glands in their feet. Panting is how they disperse their body heat. However, when the weather is sweltering, they are sometimes unable to pant in the way they need to control their body temperature. This can lead to heat stroke — which is fatal if not handled in time.

Symptoms

• Excessive, heavy panting
• Drooling
• Reddened gums
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Mental dullness
• Loss of consciousness
• Uncoordinated movement
• Collapse

Heat Stroke in Cats

Cats can absorb heat just as easily as dogs, but the signs of overheating may not be as apparent at first. While dogs pant to disperse body heat, cats sweat through glands in their paws. Cats naturally have a bright pink tongue, which can quickly turn bright red if they’ve overheated. If you suspect your cat is suffering from heat stroke, check their paws and their tongue. You can also check them for the following symptoms:

Symptoms

• Panting
• Lethargy
• Drooling
• Thickened saliva
• Vomiting

How to Treat Heat Stroke

If your pet is currently exhibiting signs of heat stroke, here’s what you can do:

Cool them down: After getting them out of the hot location immediately, bring them to a cool environment where there is air conditioning or shade.
Monitor their temperature: A dog’s temperature typically ranges between 100°F and 103°F. A cat’s temperature usually ranges between 100.4º to 102.5ºF.
Call your vet: Heat stroke is serious. It requires immediate attention and care from a trained veterinary professional.

Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer

Pets love sunshine and warmer weather. With proper care and attention, you can help your pet enjoy the summertime and prevent heat stroke, dehydration, and overheating. If you have any questions or concerns about how to keep your pet cool this summer, contact us today!