What Vaccines Does My Puppy Really Need?

What Vaccines Does My Puppy Really Need? 

An Adorable Dachshund Puppy waiting with its owner at the vet for her first puppy shots

                     So you just got a new puppy! Congratulations on your new addition to the family. You bought a new bed so she will be comfortable, you bought some of the best quality puppy food on the market, you bought collars, leashes, treats, toys, bowls, etc. Your puppy has everything she needs right? Or does she?

Puppies can pick up sicknesses from other dogs. Make sure your Puppy is vaccinated 

The Importance of Puppy Vaccine Boosters

Scheduling your puppy for her first vet visit is very important. The Veterinarian will do a full examination to make sure your puppy is healthy, will check a fecal sample to screen for intestinal parasites or worms, give a de-worming medication and of course give your puppy her first vaccines. 

Puppies with no immunity are very vulnerable to deadly disease and viruses. It is very important to get your puppy vaccines and booster them as needed. The first vaccine is given introduces small amounts of antigens for that virus which stimulates antibodies production in your puppies body. The vaccine boosters are important to give as scheduled every 3-4 weeks as it builds up the antibodies which builds up the immunity to the virus. So in other words if your puppy receives one vaccine it is not fully protected and may still be vulnerable to the virus. Completing the vaccine booster series is the best way to have the most immunity for your puppy, and then getting the appropriate booster vaccine yearly or as needed.

An adorable puppy socializing outside

Puppy Vaccine Schedule 

Not sure when to vaccinate your puppy? The puppy vaccine protocol can be pretty confusing. But we made a great Graphic to make it easy for you! This graphic can be shared or even pinned to a refrigerator for reference. Check it out below.

Typical Puppy Vaccine Schedule
 (*Note* Protocols may differ in different circumstances and locations) 

When a puppy joins your family you want nothing but the best for your new family member. That should include Veterinary Care and Vaccinations. It is very important for your puppy to receive all of the vaccine boosters at the time they are scheduled for the most ideal immunity. You never know where a deadly virus can be picked up. On a walk, at the pet store, at the park, on the beach,  etc. So better safe then sorry and get your puppy vaccinated against these preventable sicknesses.

A little girl and her new puppy. 

Feline Kidney Disease - What You Need to Know

Feline Kidney Disease

What You Need To Know

Senior Kitty in Renal Failure

            There are two types of Kidney (Renal) Disease in cats, Acute and Chronic. Acute is more of a sudden onset due to injury or toxin ingestion such as eating a antifreeze or lilies. If caught early enough Acute Kidney problems can be reversed.  Chronic (Ongoing) Kidney Disease also known as CKD  or CRF (Chronic Renal Failure) is a disease that occurs in older cats and is a life long terminal illness.  There is no reversing the damage, but there is hope. With proper treatment you can slow the progression down and still have many happy years with your feline friend. 

Illustration of a Kidney Organ

What Do The Kidneys Do?

The Kidneys are a complex organ and do many very important things for the body.  One way they function is that they filter out chemicals and toxins that we don't want in our body and produce urine for our bodies to expel.  The Kidneys are also responsible for keeping us hydrated by determining how much water to keep in our bodies and how much to expel via urine. In addition, the Kidneys also maintain electrolyte balance, pH balance, conserves proteins, regulates blood pressure, and also helps make our Red Blood Cells. All of these tasks are vital for our body to function properly.

What is CKD/CRF?

When the Kidneys start to fail and cannot preform these tasks in our bodies it can be very devastating. A few signs to look out for are, excessive drinking, frequent urination, dilute urine, decreased appetite, weight loss, and even bad breath can be an indicator of CKD/CRF. However, most  of the time there are no symptoms until the disease is advanced. That is why it is very important to have yearly check ups and blood work preformed on your cat each year. Abnormalities in Kidney markers such as BUN, Creatine, SDMA, and Urine Specific Gravity are just a few values your vet will look for in determining CKD/CRF. Once diagnosed, you will need to keep  rechecking these values to monitor progression of the disease.

Siamese Cat that was Diagnosed with CKD/CRF

Now What?

Receiving the news that your Kitty has CKD/CRF can be very difficult to hear since the condition is considered a terminal illness. And the information can be very overwhelming. But there are things you can do to keep  the disease from progressing and maintain what is left of the Kidney function.
Treatment depends on what stage the disease is in, and the overall health of your kitty.

According to IRIS or The International Renal Interest Society, there are 4 Stages of CKD/CRF.

Staging the Severity of CKD/CRF Based on Blood Creatine Concentration 

                                                         

                                                         Stage 1:     <1.6 mg/dl

                                                         Stage 2:     1.6-2.8 mg/dl

                                                         Stage 3:     2.9-5.0 mg/dl

                                                         Stage 4:     >5.0 mg/dl

Your Veterinarian will determine what Stage your Kitty is currently in and will devise a treatment plan to slow the progression of the disease. 

Diet -  One of the main ways Kidney Disease can be managed is though diet. Your Vet will prescribe a prescription diet that is low in phosphorous with moderate amount of protein such as Royal Canin Renal Care, Hills K/D formula's, Purina NF, etc. Kitties with a poor appetite can be given appetite stimulants to ensure they are getting enough calories and combat weight loss.

Phosphate Binder -  Cats in CKD/CRF cannot filter phosphorous properly and therefore, an excess can cause your kitty to feel sick and also promote the progression of the disease. Your Vet will prescribe a phosphate binder for your cat. This can be mixed right into the food and prevents the absorption of phosphate.

SQ Fluids -  Kitties with Renal Disease are at risk of dehydration since the Kidneys cannot concentrate urine properly. This is something that needs to be monitored closely as dehydration can be very serious. Encourage your kitty to drink water by placing more water bowls around the house and even providing water fountains. Kitties that don't drink enough to keep up with their damaged kidneys will need to receive Subcutaneous or SQ Fluids. This can be administered at home if you are comfortable with it.

Potassium Supplements - Since the Kidneys are not able to balance electrolyte levels in the body, Kidney patients can also be deficient in potassium and may need a supplement to correct that. Low potassium can make your kitty weak, imbalanced and even cause problems in the muscle tissue. 

Blood Pressure - CKD/CRF cats often suffer from hypertension as there are blood pressure sensors in the kidneys that help regulate blood pressure in the body. High Blood Pressure can further damage the kidneys as well as cause may problems on its own such as blindness. If your kitty has high blood pressure your Vet may prescribe blood pressure mediation for them. 

Treatment for CKD/CRF can vary depending on IRIS Staging and symptoms. There may be other medications that are also needed such as antiemedic or anti-vomiting medication if your cats disease is advanced and they are experiencing nausea and vomiting as well. 

Veterinarian writing out treatment plan for a newly diagnosed CKD/CRF Kitty 

Kidney Disease in Cats can be a very frightening diagnosis. The Kidneys work in many ways to help the body function properly and when the kidneys can't preform the tasks they need to, it can cause many health problems for the patient. Depending on the stage of the disease there is treatment that can slow the progression of the disease and try to preserve the kidneys from that point on. And with diligent care and treatment overseen by your veterinarian you and your kitty can have many more years together. 

Loved cat with Kidney Disease living comfortably with Treatment 

To learn more about CKD/CRF please visit the follow resources below:

The International Renal Interest Society

Veterinary Partner

FelineCRF.Org

Prong Collars, Shock Collars, Choke Chains Oh My! Negative Training Tools - You Could Be Doing More Harm Then You Think!

Prong Collars, Shock Collars, Choke Chains Oh My!

Negative Training Tools - You Could Be Doing More Harm Then You Think!

A Belgium Malinois with a Prong or Pinch Collar on 

                    Many people think that they will have better control over their rambunctious dog if they use a serious tool such as a prong or pinch collar, shock collar or choke chain. But these tools are actually considered "Negative Training" Tools and can cause not only bodily harm to your pet but can also make behavior even worse.

The Dangers of Negative Training Tools 

I am sure that you have seen the recent abuse allegations toward a well known Training Group that is based all over the US.  Domination and negative punishment training which is used by this Training Group and even portrayed by icons such as Ceaser Milan, is NOT the proper way to train your pet. But unfortunately, many trainers and training facilities train in a negative manner and its is actually considered abusive to the animal. That is why it is so very important to choose the Fear Free, Positive trainer that uses fun, motivation and rewards during training,  even for larger more powerful dogs.

Negative training often utilizes Negative Training Tools which punishes the dog during training. Negative types of training can be confusing and frustrating to your dog causing harm to your pets mental state making behavior problems worse and even cause additional problems. The tools used during Negative training can also cause bodily harm to your pet.

Choke Chains:

Choke chains can limit oxygen intake and literally choke your pet. These chains can do significant damage to the trachea or windpipe. The pressure that is applied on the neck area while using a choke chain can also do damage to the dogs eyes. 

Pinch or Prong Collars:

Pinch/Prong Collars Can do the same damage Choke chains can in regards to choking, damage to the trachea, and damage to vision due to excess pressure. However these collars take it one step further and literally have prongs or sharp pointed pieces of metal that can puncture your dogs sensitive skin around the neck causing painful wounds and even infection. 

Shock Collars:

Shock Collars send electrical impulses that shock your beloved pet. Even on the lowest setting this can be very harmful to your pets well-being. It is even said the electrocution from shock collars can cause an imbalance and decrease function to vital glands and organs. Shock collars can even cause physical burns and wounds to your pets skin.

* There are many photos that showcase wounds caused by these tools. We have decided not to include any of those photos in this blog so we don't upset anyone. If you wish to look further at the devastation these collars can cause to your pet, a quick google search will pull up countless cases, viewer discretion is advised.

Sad Dog with a Choke Chain on

The Positively Right Way To Train 

 Before starting any training with your pet always do your homework. Make sure the trainer and the training methods are positive based and fear free. If a trainer suggests you use a Negative Tool then choose a different trainer. We have actually partnered up with K9 Turbo Training, a Force Free Positive Training Group in our area and Second Chances Animal Rescue  ,a wonderful rescue group and animal education outreach organization, in the efforts to bring attention to these negative tools. The Freedom Harness Exchange Program that was created allows pet owners to ditch the negative tool and trade them in for a Freedom Harness! A Freedom Harness is comfortable harness that still gives you control of your pet without choking or harming your dog in any way. We are very passionate about promoting a force free and fear free training and training tools. 

A Golden Doodle that traded in her prong collar for a Freedom Harness at our clinic

        In Conclusion, Negative based training and training tools are not the correct way to train your pet. It can cause more harm to your pet then you realize, such as physical harm and even emotional harm. Even the big powerful breeds respond better to positive training and training methods. So make training Fun, Positive and Rewarding and your pet will be not only respond better and faster molding them into a better trained pet. But also a well balanced happy pet as well!

Xylitol Toxicity in Pets - The Sweet Killer

Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs

The Sweet Killer

Keep Xylitol containing products away from your pets

                      Most pet owners know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs, but did you know that items like Peanut Butter can actually be dangerous as well?! Its true! Most peanut butters are safe unless it contains Xylitol. 

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a sugar substitute or sugar alcohol that is popping up in many products. Although not toxic to humans, Xylitol is very dangerous to pets because they metabolize it differently. It causes the animals pancreas to release an enormous amount of insulin which in turn will make the animals blood sugar plummet, causing hypoglycemia, liver failure, and death.

Xylitol can be found in may products including candies, mints, and gum.

What Products Contain Xylitol?

Xylitol is hiding in a lot of products. Even products that you would never think of. That is why it is always so important to read ingredient labels before giving your pet anything. Peanut Butter for example is known to be an acceptable treat for dogs. However some brands are now using Xylitol in their Peanut Butter making it very dangerous for pets. Below is a list of other products to keep away from your furry friend:

-Chewing Gum
-Candy
-Baked Goods
-Toothpaste and Mouth Wash
-Mints
-Medications, Vitamins, Supplements
-Some Peanut and Nut Butters
-Diabetic Snacks

These are just a few products to cautious of. But Xylitol is popping up in many other products too. It is even said to be in some lotions, gels, and deodorants. So please be careful and keep these items out of your pets reach.

What Do I Do If My Dog Eats Xylitol?

If you think your pet may have eaten something containing Xylitol, seek veterinary attention immediately. If caught soon enough your vet may be able to safely induce emesis or induce vomiting. It is very important to have your Veterinarian do this and not try to do this at home. There could be reactions, esophageal damage, or aspiration if done incorrectly causing additional issues. Your pet may need to be hospitalized, on IV fluids, and have blood work done. Depending on the severity even with Veterinary Treatment Xylitol can still be fatal. There is no antidote for Xylitol toxicity so it is best to be very diligent to keep away from all pets.

Xylitol can be deadly to your pet even with veterinary care

As you can see from this article, Xylitol is no joke. It can be very deadly to pets and can be found in all kinds of products. So beware. The biggest thing you can do is to get into a habit of making sure you always check all ingredient labels.  And keep all products containing Xylitol out of reach of your pets!

The Dog Flu, What you Need to Know to Keep your Dog Safe

The Dog Flu

What You Need to Know to Keep Your Dog Safe

Keep your fuzzy pal safe and healthy

                       You may have heard about the recent Dog Flu Outbreak in our area. And you may be a little confused as to what the Dog Flu is, how your dog can contract the Flu, Symptoms, and how to keep your Dog safe. You may have not even heard of the Dog Flu until recently. The main reason for this is that it is a new virus to our area. Well we are here to help clarify a few things for you. 

What is the Dog Flu?

The Dog Flu or Canine Influenza is a highly contagious potentially deadly virus consisting of two main strains, H3N2 and H3N8. It may sound odd, but both of these strains mutated into what it is known for today as the Dog Flu. Originally the H3N2 strain originated from an Avian or Bird virus in Asia that evolved to infect dogs. Similarly the H3N8 strain arose from an equine or Horse stain and was first identified in dogs in 2004 in the state of Florida. Although there is no evidence that it can spread to humans, it has been known to infect cats.

Doggie Day care is great for expelling energy and socialization but please make sure your pet is protected against diseases that other dogs may carry.

 How Can My Pet Get the Flu and What are the Symptoms?

Canine Influenza is highly contagious and is transmitted though respiratory secretions, such as saliva and nasal discharge. A dog can contract the virus from coming into contact with a sick dog or anything that an infected dog was around. Objects such as water bowls, leashes, toys, or bedding can be contaminated, but also less obvious things like peoples clothing that was around the infected dog. It is also airborne which makes it even easier to contract. It is best to keep sick dogs away from other dogs and disinfect everything that dog came in contact with.  Symptoms of Canine Influenza consists of  coughing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, lethargy,  lack of appetite and fever. These symptoms can be  mild to severe with progressive cases causing secondary infections including pneumonia. The more severe the symptoms get the more dangerous it is for your pet. Canine Influenza can be deadly in advanced cases. If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms please seek veterinary attention immediately.

If you suspect your dog may have the dog flu, contact your vet immediately

How to Keep Your Pet Safe?

Vaccinate. The best way to protect your pet against this virus is to get your pet vaccinated. Especially if your dog is around other dogs at dog parks, boarding facilities, groomers,  doggie day cares, etc. Or even if you plan on traveling with your pet. In 2017 there was a breakout in many US Southern States but it wasn't until recently that it was diagnosed in Michigan. Which means this virus is spreading making its way throughout the US and it is something we need to be prepared for and start protecting our pets against. 

Protect your pet against the Dog Flu and other viruses by keeping them up to date on vaccines 

The Dog Flu is something we need to be well aware of as it is spreading to areas that it was never detected in before. Use caution when your dog is around other dogs or in areas where other dogs were. To be safe, vaccinate your dog to protect them against this spreading virus. And if you are noticing any symptoms call your Vet immediately. For more in depth information regarding the Dog Flu please visit https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/Canine-Influenza-Backgrounder.aspx

Clicker Training Your Puppy

Clicker Training Your Puppy

Start Clicker Training your Puppy at an early age

               Puppy-hood is such a fun time, full of play and puppy kisses. It is also the time where puppies are very impressionable and learn very quickly. So it is very important to start training your puppy right away. There are many training methods out there but which ever method you choose, always make it fun and positive, and never a negative or punishing experience. 

What is Clicker Training?

Research has shown that a task or behavior is more likely to be learned and readily repeated if the task or behavior is followed by a reward or something of desire. Clicker training is a positive training method that uses a device that makes a "Click" sound when activated and is usually followed up with a reward. The animal will start to associate the sound of the Click with a positive action and will be eager to comply with the command. 

Young Puppy learning the "Sit" command

How does Clicker Training work? 

The trainer will click the clicker at the exact moment the desired behavior or task occurs: the puppy sits, the trainer clicks the moment the puppy's bottom touches the floor. The puppy lays down, the trainer clicks. And so fourth. The most important thing to remember is that timing a very important. You want to make sure you are clicking the exact second the animal complies to the desired behavior or command. The Click is usually followed by a type of  positive reward. Such as a treat, a pet, a toy or even play. The animal will quickly associate the sound of the click with a wonderful reward and will repeat the action that got them the reward readily.

Clicker Training can also be an effective training method for other species as well. For example: The Lion opens his mouth, the trainer "clicks". This type of training is often used in zoos, sanctuaries, and other facilities that works with a variety of animals due to the ease and consistency across species.

Training should always be positive and fun 

Why Use a Clicker? 

The main reason to use a clicker when training is that it is Consistent. We can use our voices to mark the desired behavior and say key words such as "Yes" or "Good", but our voices are not always consistent. Our voice can vary in tone, pitch, sound, and length each time we say something. You may say it high pitched one training session and deeper the next.  While the clicker sounds the exact same each and every time.  Karen Pylor, expert in clicker training even states that " The evidence from dog training schools that have tried both methods suggests that dogs and their owners learn about 50% more rapidly when the marker signal is a click instead of the word "yes."  You can read more about her, her expertise, and clicker training at her website https://www.clickertraining.com/

Positive Training sessions can strengthen the bond between you and your pet

Clicker Training can be an effective and even ideal training method not only for Puppies and adult dogs but for other animal species as well. The consistency of the clicker along with an exciting reward will shape the desired behavior and in turn will help the animal learn quicker. Clicker Training is a great training method, but as stated earlier, whatever training method you decide is best for your pet be sure it is a positive rewarding style of training and never negative. Training not only creates a well mannered dog but also will strengthen the bond you have with your pet. And of course if you have any questions at all please contact us. Dr. Coll would be happy to meet with you and your puppy and go over training methods. And if you are looking for a local trainer, we highly recommend K9 Turbo Training! You can find out more information about K9 Turbo Training at https://www.k9turbotraining.com/.

Protecting Your Pet From Pesky Parasites

Protecting Your Pet From Pesky Parasites

Protect your beloved pet from harmful Parasites 

           One of our goals at Harvey Animal Hospital is to keep your pet parasite free and as healthy as possible.Some of the parasites that affect dogs and cats can cause disease in people as well so keeping your pet as parasite free as possible will keep your family protected too.

Fleas and Ticks 

External Parasites
Fleas are usually easily detected. Most of the time you will see them or evidence of them. Fleas can make your pet very uncomfortable. They can cause them unbearable itching and many pets are actually allergic to them. Severe infestations can cause hair loss, rash, and sores from repeated scratching.

Tick Sizes at different life stages 

Adult ticks are easy to find when they get large after taking a blood meal.  But the nymph life stage of ticks is extremely small and can be very difficult to see on your pet. They are usually the size of a fleck of pepper or a poppy-seed even after they take their blood meal and spread harmful disease. For more information on tick borne diseases and prevalence maps please visit https://www.capcvet.org 


Internal Parasites
Internal Parasites are more difficult to find and diagnose. Heartworms are spread through the bite of a mosquito and require blood testing to find. When we find Heartworms in dogs they have been infected for 6 months already and can be devastating. Keeping them on a monthly heartworm prevention is easy and much less expensive than treatment of adult worms. Treatment of adult heartworms involves several injections that are painful and hard on the dog. Unfortunately, adult heartworms can infect cats as well but its much more difficult to diagnose and treat. There isn’t treatment for the adult worms in cats so keeping them on prevention is even more important.

Healthy Heart V.s A Heart Infected with Heartworm 

The test that we do to detect heartworms in dogs also looks for diseases that that can be spread by ticks. Lyme disease is one of them but there are several others that ticks can spread as well. Erhlichia and Anaplasma are spread by the Brown Dog Tick that is prevalent in our area, even more common than the Deer Tick that spreads Lyme disease.

Intestinal parasites are detected in a stool sample. When we are looking for intestinal parasites we are actually finding eggs that the parasites are laying. Some of the parasites we look for won’t shed eggs right away and some of them only shed eggs intermittently. This can make it even more difficult to find them so we can treat them appropriately. We have a new test that we are starting to run that can find the adult worms prior to them starting to lay eggs. We won’t need anything more from you than the stool sample you already bring for us to check. This new test can detect parasites 1-3 weeks sooner than just the fecal floatation that we have been doing.

Hookworm Eggs detected on a fecal floatation test

Prevention

Prevention of these parasites can be done with either a topical liquid or an oral chew. Most of these products need to be done monthly but there are some newer products that will protect longer than that. Talk to your veterinarian on which is the right choice for your pet. You can now order your preventative medication right online though our personal online pharmacy! Its fast, secure, and the products are guaranteed! Visit https://harveyanimalhospital.vetsfirstchoice.com/

Our goal is to keep you and your pet healthy and happy. Keeping your pet parasite free is an easy way to do this.