Newsletter
The veterinarians and staff at Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital are pleased to provide you with an online newsletter. This fun and fact-filled newsletter is updated on a regular basis.
Included in the newsletter are articles pertaining to pet care, information on our animal hospital, as well as news on the latest trends and discoveries in veterinary medicine.
Please enjoy the newsletter!
Current Newsletter Topics
If you own a pet, fleas and ticks are nothing new. In a special video report, Dr. Jim Humphries with the Veterinary News Network and PetDocsOnCall discusses the importance of flea and tick prevention and shares tips on how to keep pesky parasites away from your pet.
We’ve identified seven general reasons for barking. Each generates a different kind of bark with a unique sound.
- Barking to induce play—Dogs will stop barking as the play proceeds. If you do not play with the dog, he (or she) will eventually give up and stop barking.
- Barking to discipline young—This bark generally does not persist, as one or two warnings usually stop younger animals in their tracks.
- Barking to warn of danger—This is a deep, repeated bark. The barking will generally persist until the source of danger is removed or until the dog is able to retreat to a position of safety.
- Barking to threaten intruders—To stop such a bark, you must either remove the intruder or remove the dog from the situation. Sometimes, stepping to the dog’s side and assuring it that all is well will cause it to stop barking.
- Curiosity barking—In general, this bark is displayed when there is some activity near a dog, but in such a place where the animal cannot have a good look. To stop the barking, all you have to do is let the dog see what it is curious about.
- Barking for companionship—This is an incessant, repetitive bark, accompanied by a relatively motionless tail and concentration toward the area most associated with the dog’s owners. The solution to this type of bark is to spend more time with the dog and to allow the dog access to the area where humansspend their time. This bark is often displayed by dogs that are ignored, tied out alone or locked up alone.
- Barking for reward—Dogs can be inadvertently trained to bark and will persist with remarkable persistence. Barking can become associated with almost any activity that leads to reward. For instance, a dog that barks at garbage trucks because they intrude within its territory will learn that persistent barking leads to the disappearance of the trucks. This rewards the barking behavior, and a cycle is begun that is difficult to break. To break the cycle, it is necessary to interrupt the natural system of reward.
Periodontal disease is classified under two categories; gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the more mild form of periodontal disease. With effective and timely teeth cleaning, gingivitis can be completely reversed.
Early Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a condition that may be controlled but not cured. It is often seen in pets that are over five years old. Most animals with periodontitis have bad breath, tooth mobility and bleeding gums. Severe inflammation of the gums, gum recession, alveolar bone loss (the bone that supports the tooth is "eaten away"), and pustular discharge are common signs of periodontitis.
Moderate-Advanced Periodontitis
Periodontitis is more serious than gingivitis and involves the loss of tooth support with permanent damage. At best, lesions of periodontitis are only partially reversible. Special (oral) surgical procedures are necessary in order to limit the progression of periodontitis.
Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced Periodontitis
Proper home dental care, along with regular veterinary dental checkups, will reduce the risk of periodontitis in your pets.
Giardiasis is a worldwide disease, common to man, most domestic animals, and many birds. The organism, Giardia, infects the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients. Giardia infections in dogs and cats may go unnoticed, or produce weight loss and diarrhea. Diarrhea is characteristic and is usually foul-smelling, light-colored, greasy, and watery.
Clinical symptoms of giardiasis are most often seen in young dogs and cats. Symptoms are more severe when associated with viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. Immunosuppressed animals, animals with cancer and/or stressed animals are more likely to develop clinical symptoms than healthy animals.
Transmission of Giardia usually involves ingestion of food or water contaminated with cysts. These cysts are passed in the feces of infected animals. Wild animals often serve as reservoirs for the disease.
Unlike other intestinal parasites, Giardia cysts are infective as soon as they are passed. The most common route of infection is faeco-oral. For example, dogs may accidentally ingest cysts as they chew and lick objects in the environment or lick other dogs' coats. Once eaten, the cyst breaks open in the animals' intestine, two new trophozoites are released, and the infection begins. If a dog is left in a dirty environment, it may act as its own source of further infection as it ingests cysts passed in its own feces.
Giardia exists as mobile trophozoites and non-motile cysts. Both forms are transmitted by ingestion and are passed intermittently in the host's feces.
The Giardia trophozoite, which is the active stage of the organism, inhabits the small intestine of the dog. It attaches to the cells of the intestine with its adhesive disc and rapidly divides to produce a large population of trophozoites. As the trophozoites detach, they may be swept down the intestine. If intestinal flow is fast, they may appear in the feces. However, if they have time, they develop into the inactive, more durable, cyst form of the organism and are passed in the feces. The Giardia cyst is better adapted to survive in the environment than the fragile trophozoite. Once passed, the cysts can survive in cold water for several months.
Diagnosis is based on finding the organism in the feces. Since the organism is not continuously shed in the feces, numerous stool exams are often necessary. A blood test also exists for detecting Giardia infections. This test is new and is becoming more available.
Medication is available for treatment of Giardia infections.
Prevention: Dogs should be prevented from access to foul water that may contain large numbers of cysts. Small numbers of cysts may occasionally be present in the potable water supply, but the risk of this being a major source of infection is small.
A Giardia vaccine is available for dogs. The manufacturer claims that it is an aid in the prevention of the disease and prevents cyst shedding as well. The vaccine is relatively new and the jury is still out regarding its effectiveness.
The Facts on Giardia:
- Giardia can be found in almost any body of water.
- Giardia infections can cause significant gastrointestinal disease including anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
- Infected animals are a potential source of infection for pets and humans.
- Pets with subtle symptoms are common and remain carriers if left untreated.
Public Health - Transmission to Humans
The major source of infection in human Giardia cases is contaminated drinking water.
There is some evidence that cross-infection between man and dog can occur. In homes where animals have been diagnosed with giardiasis, proper sanitation measures should be practiced. Stools should not be allowed to collect. They should be cleaned up immediately.
The idea of "training" your cat may either amuse or frighten you, but don't worry - it is possible. According to experts, it isn't that tough to teach your cat to accept a carrier, and once you do, you'll find lots of practical reasons for containing your kitty.
Some key pieces of advice for acclimating any cat to a carrier are to give your cat plenty of time to adjust and to put cat treats, tasty food or favorite toys inside the carrier in order to entice him.
The biggest benefit of crate training is safety. You'll know where your cat is and he can still be part of your activities. No more "'fraidy cats" getting loose when workmen come to your house. No more hissing fits that annoy or frighten your visitors. No more contortionist cats crammed under the seat of your car.
More and more people are traveling with their cats, and for them, carriers are travel necessities. Loose cats can distract a driver, fall out of windows, get injured by loose objects or get wedged under the accelerator or dashboard. Also, many motels allow pets only when they are crated.
Crating the cat is important even for just a short trip around the block. Obviously, a good many cats and people are injured in auto accidents because their cats aren't restrained. Also, rescue workers may be clawed or bitten by loose cats in car accidents.
Another benefit of crate training is acceptance of a cage if the kitty must be boarded, hospitalized or shipped.
Crates are also useful for training cats that misbehave when separated form their owners. A carrier not only keeps these cats from getting into trouble, but also often serves as a safe haven - a cozy, contained space where the cat has privacy and a place of his own. Of course, a crate at home must be used humanely and not abused. No pet should be left alone in a crate for more than a couple of hours.
Many cats find crates stressful at first. That fear can usually be overcome with patience and treats. You don't have to face the grueling training task unprepared. Many pet shops offer pamphlets on crate training; some even have training videos. At the very least, when you're buying a cat carrier, ask for the manufacturer's sales sheet describing the crate's features. It usually explains what size carrier to buy, various uses and the basics of crate training.
Here are some basic steps for crate training your cat:
Place the carrier (with its door open) in a room where he can explore the crate on his own. Put food and toys inside to draw his attention. Leave the crate alone for several days
After the cat adjusts to the open crate, you can lock him inside. Entice him to enter the carrier with food or treats, and then latch the door. The first time the cat enters the crate, he should not be locked inside for longer than 10 minutes. Gradually increase the amount of time he is locked inside. Do not let the cat out if he cries or hisses; that only reinforces bad behavior.
Put favorite toys or soft bedding (particularly an old towel, blanket or sweater that carries the owner's scent) inside the crate in order to help make him feel more secure. In larger crates, you can even put a litter box and water bowl. When kitty settles down, re-open the door to the carrier so he can come and go at will. Once your cat accepts the carrier, the next step is to get him used to movement. The crate should be picked up and carried around carefully. Talk soothingly and give treats.
Slowly acclimate kitty to traveling in your car. At first, just sit in the car with him, and then take him on short errands. Each time you put your crated kitty in the car, increase your travel time. Make the experienceas pleasant as possible - using toys and treats. Don't limit your car trips to visits to the veterinarian's office and boarding kennel.
Admittedly, for some cats, slow training doesn't work. A quick method of getting a cat into a carrier is as follows: Sit the carrier up-ended so its open door is at the top. Hold the cat firmly by the scruff of the neck and gently lower him into the crate. Be sure to support the cat's rump with your hand.
In addition, not every cat needs to travel in a carrier. For a trip to the vet, for example, an especially aggressive cat may do better enclosed in a pillowcase or cloth laundry bag. A docile cat may be content in a wrapped soft towel on the passenger's lap. Owners must evaluate their cat's individual personality and do what they think is best.
Cat carriers (pet carriers) come in all sizes, designs, materials and prices. Pet stores, veterinary hospitals, catalog companies and online outfits offer large choices. Cardboard carriers are not recommended, as most cats can find ways to slip out and escape.
Puppy Proofing Your Home
Once you have decided to bring a puppy home, there are jobs that must be done to ensure his safety upon arrival. Just like children, puppies are curious, adventurous, and very often mischievous. Regardless of his personality, your puppy will inevitably find something that you hadn't realized was accessible. Focusing on the safety of your puppy, and the care of your possessions, is an extremely important way to avoid any unnecessary trips to the veterinarian.
Look at the house from your puppy's point of view - get on all fours if necessary! Are there any dangling electric cords, loose nails, plastic bags, or other tempting objects that will be in puppy's reach? If there are, you must put them away immediately. As your new puppy grows, he will be able to explore higher places and be tempted to jump up on shelves. Consider how big your pup is supposed to be. If you bring home a Chihuahua, for example, then something on the kitchen counter may not be a hazard. If you bring home a Golden retriever, however, you may have to reconsider where you keep your dirty knives or household cleaners.
Once you have done the canine version of proofing your home, consider this list of potential problems that may need to be removed or placed somewhere puppy can't reach!
House Plants - While not all plants are toxic to your puppy (though many can be) it is not always the safety of the puppy you have to be concerned with. Pups love to dig, even if it is a small pot with only enough room for a paw and a curious nose! The health of your plants could be at risk. Reduce the possibility of your puppy destroying your plants or becoming sick and place the plants in an area off limits to your pup, or in a high enough place where he is unable to reach.
Trash Cans - Dogs, and puppies in particular, are always attracted to garbage. The kitchen garbage seems to contain a smorgasbord of exciting smells and tasty treats. Make life easier and put your garbage under the sink in a cupboard or in a container with a puppy proof lid.
Foreign Objects - Puppies, like most children, LOVE to put things in their mouths. Unfortunately, that includes things like paper clips, socks, shoes, hair elastics, ornaments, etc. Inevitably, your puppy is bound to find something that you didn't put away (or thought you put away) and made easy for your puppy to get. Provide your puppy with appropriate chew toys or interactive toys to help him avoid heading to your laundry basket or desk to find something entertaining.
Additional Tips:
- Never leave your puppy unsupervised, inside or outside.
- Patch up any openings your puppy may be able to slip through
- Keep your toilet lid down - there are too many reasons to list why this is important!
- Unplug, remove or cover any electrical cords.
How Well Do You Know Our Presidents' Dogs?
Question 1:
What president had a dog who pulled off the French Ambassador's pants at a White House event?
Ulysses S. Grant
Teddy Roosevelt
Woodrow Wilson
Question 2:
What assassinated president had a dog who was murdered?
Abraham Lincoln
William McKinley
John F. Kennedy
Question 3:
What Cold War-era president housed four "pupniks" after his dog had a Soviet romance?
John F. Kennedy
Gerald Ford
Jimmy Carter
Question 4:
What president ordered a destroyer to retrace its route when he learned his dog had been left behind?
Harry S. Truman
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Question 5:
What president caused an outcry when he picked up his beagle pups by the ears?
Theodore Roosevelt
Herbert Hoover
Lyndon B. Johnson
Question 6:
What president had a spaniel whose dog house was decorated with framed political photographs?
John F. Kennedy
Ronald Reagan
George H. W. Bush
Question 7:
What president said, "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog"?
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Harry Truman
Bill Clinton
Question 8:
What president claimed his dog Checkers was the only campaign gift he accepted?
Calvin Coolidge
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Richard Nixon
Question 9:
What president had 36 dogs, but would not let his slaves keep dogs?
George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
Question 10:
What president had a dog who sat in his own hand-carved chair during cabinet meetings?
James Buchanan
Rutherford B. Hayes
Warren Harding
How Well Do You Know Our Presidents' Dogs?
Answers To Questions
Question 1:
What president had a dog who pulled off the French Ambassador's pants at a White House event?
Ulysses S. Grant
Teddy Roosevelt
Woodrow Wilson
Correct answer: Teddy Roosevelt. Roosevelt's pit bull, Pete, horrified White House guests by tearing off the ambassador's pants with his teeth.
Question 2:
What assassinated president had a dog who was murdered?
Abraham Lincoln
William McKinley
John F. Kennedy
Correct answer: Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln's mutt, Fido, was stabbed to death by a drunk in the street a year after Lincoln was assassinated.
Question 3:
What Cold War-era president housed four "pupniks" after his dog had a Soviet romance?
John F. Kennedy
Gerald Ford
Jimmy Carter
Correct answer: John F. Kennedy. Kennedy's terrier, Charlie, mated with Pushinka, daughter of Sputnik dog-in-space Laika.
Question 4:
What president ordered a destroyer to retrace its route when he learned his dog had been left behind?
Harry S. Truman
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Correct answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt had a destroyer turned around to fetch his Scottie, Fala, from the Aleutian Islands. The rescue cost taxpayers an estimated $15,000.
Question 5:
What president caused public outcry when he picked up his beagle puppies by the ears?
Theodore Roosevelt
Herbert Hoover
Lyndon B. Johnson
Correct answer: Lyndon B. Johnson. A picture of Johnson lifting his beagles, Him and Her, by the ears was afront-page item in newspapers around the world. Johnson thought this was the correct way to pick up puppies.
Question 6:
What president had a spaniel whose dog house was decorated with framed political photographs?
John F. Kennedy
Ronald Reagan
George H. W. Bush
Correct answer: Ronald Reagan. Reagan's King Charles spaniel, Rex, had his own luxurious home.
Question 7:
What president said, "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog"?
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Harry Truman
Bill Clinton
Correct answer: Harry Truman
Question 8:
What president claimed his dog Checkers was the only campaign gift he accepted?
Calvin Coolidge
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Richard Nixon
Correct answer: Richard Nixon. "The kids love the dog, and we're going to keep it," Nixon said of the black-and-white cocker spaniel.
Question 9:
What president had 36 dogs, but would not let his slaves keep dogs?
George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
Correct answer: George Washington. Washington had 36 foxhounds, but feared that if his slaves had dogs, the slaves' dogs might harass his sheep.
Question 10:
What president had a dog who sat in his own hand-carved chair during cabinet meetings?
James Buchanan
Rutherford B. Hayes
Warren Harding
Correct answer: Warren Harding. Harding's Airedale Laddie Boy had not only his own chair, but his own valet.