Selecting The Right Pet And Breed

Choosing the right pet is the first and most important decision for you to make. 

• Allergies: Do you or anyone you live with have pet allergies? You might want to get tested if you are not sure.
• House and Yard Size: How much space does your pet need? For larger animals, you may need a bigger home. However, some smaller breeds flourish even in apartments. Consider giving your dog or cat their own space in your home as well. 
• Temperament: If you are considering a rescue pet, here are five dog temperament tests from HuffPost to help you choose the right one.
• Time Commitment: Some animals require a much heavier time commitment. Puppies need to be trained and rescue pets often need to be handled with special care. 
• Budget: Maintenance will be required for any pet, including medication, pest prevention, vet visits, food, toys, cleaning, etc. 

If you are choosing a dog, find the right breed with help from VetStreet.

Getting Your Pet Acclimated

Before you bring home your new pet, remember that he or she will be a part of the family. Make sure your home is safe; for example, keep chemicals out of the reach of puppies and kittens. Decide in advance if there are any rooms that are off-limits for your pet in advance too. If your pet will be in the yard, find out if you should have a fence. Also, stock up on cleaning supplies in the event of a mess (bodily or otherwise). And if you have a cat, remember to pick up a litter box. If that idea of cleaning the litter every day sounds horrible, pick up a self-cleaning litter box, though check out reviews online to ensure you’re getting one that does the job well.

In addition, prepare your family by creating rules and boundaries for both them and your pet. Teach them how to handle and care for your pet as well as what not to do. This is especially important for children! 

Once the day is here, it’s time to make the final preparations. Make sure you have everything you need as well as plenty of food, toys, and treats. Wise pet owners will have located a nearby vet as well. PetSmart has a list with five ways to make your new pet feel welcome once they arrive.

As mentioned if you’ve decided to adopt a rescue pet, the animal may need a little extra TLC if he is skittish. The first few days may be stressful so you should consider staying with him. 

Bonding With Your Pet

You’ll begin to bond with your pet on day one, by feeding him. Trust is established once he knows he’ll be fed daily by the same person. Regular care will let your pet know he can trust you and helps to reinforce those bonds. 

Dog owners, here are 11 ways to strengthen your bond with your pet.

Companion Animals

Companion animals can be beneficial to many people with stress and other problems, such as people in addiction recovery. Puppy Education explains that pets can reduce stress and provide a sense of calm, which can aid people on their journey to sobriety. 

Getting your first pet is a big commitment but can be the beginning of a rewarding relationship that may be among the best ones in your life. 

The post Caring For Your First Pet first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Communicable Diseases

The rise in some diseases during warmer months may be due to a variety of factors. There are more animals venturing out into the nice weather increasing exposure and the spread of disease. Some diseases are spread by seasonal vectors influenced by the warm wet weather. Also, more people are going on vacation and boarding their dogs, which can increase the cases of kennel cough and other respiratory diseases. Keeping your dog or cat current on their annual vaccinations can prevent the majority of these conditions.

Rabies

You might have heard recent reports of rabid skunks, foxes and raccoons in the Denver area. Although this is not unusual, the numbers this year are a bit alarming. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, So far this year, 144 animals from Colorado have tested positive for rabies. Although the majority of cases were rabid skunks, 53 of the rabid animals exposed 118 pets, 55 livestock and 26 people. Larimer and Weld counties have already counted 21 cases of rabid skunks this year. And in Pueblo in April, a puppy purchased on Craigslist died in Pueblo of rabies, sparking an emergency alert trying to find people who might have come in contact with the puppy. Rabies is spread through the bite (even a puppy nip if it breaks the skin) of a rabid animal. It is 99% fatal without immediate treatment.

Rabies was virtually eradicated in domestic pets since mandatory rabies vaccinations became common in the 60s and 70s. But complacency and antivaccination movements have helped it regain a foothold. It’s still rare, but without vigilance, it can become a bigger threat to your animals. Vaccination against rabies (yearly or every 2 years depending on the vaccine) will protect your cat or dog from contracting or spreading this disease.

Heartworm

Another threat that becomes more prevalent during warmer months is heartworm. That’s because it is transmitted by mosquitos. It used to be mostly a problem in southern states, but because of today’s very mobile society, it is now present in all 50 states. It can be prevented by monthly medication. However, it’s becoming harder and harder to guess when mosquito season is upon us and that, along with the worms’ complicated lifecycle, has led the American Heartworm Association to recommend 12-month prevention, not just during the summer months.

However, you must test your animal for the presence of heartworms prior to starting preventative medications, as giving the medication to a pet that already has the parasites can be dangerous even fatal. Heartworm can damage an animals heart and lungs, and if untreated, can lead to death.

Although these diseases can occur anytime, they are more common during the warmer months. Make sure your pets are protected from these and other conditions. Give Powell Veterinary Services a call to check on your furry friend’s health records and make an appointment to get them current.

The post Spring Has Sprung – Along with Seasonal Threats to your Pets’ Health first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Even the fake green or purple Easter grass overflowing the baskets can be hazardous. Cats love the long strands (puppies too!), but if they ingest them, they can cause what’s called a linear foreign body, which can be deadly. And that beautiful Easter Lily centerpiece is also a danger. This plant, and related plants in the lily family, can cause kidney damage when ingested.

But springtime hazards for your pets go far beyond Easter. People and pets are spending more time outside doing yardwork, planting flowers cleaning out garages, etc. Don’t let your pet come in contact with lawn chemicals, fertilizers, antifreeze, or pesticides. Bone meal can also be toxic, as can cocoa mulches.

When planning your spring planting, keep in mind not all plants are pet friendly. Here are a few of the ones to avoid.

• Azaleas are a common ornamental landscaping shrub. In addition to stomach upset and drooling, this plant can cause lack of coordination, paralysis and even death if your pet eats its leaves.
• Castor bean can burn your pet’s mouth, and its seeds can be fatal if swallowed.
• Lilies and daffodils are common this time of year, but they can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Pets can experience vomiting and lethargy and eventually kidney failure.
• Grapes can cause lethargy, vomiting and possible kidney failure when a dog eats enough.
• Dieffenbachia can burn the inside of your dog’s mouth as well as make the esophagus swell, potentially blocking his or her airway.
• Lily of the Valley contains cardiac glycosides, which when eaten, can cause heart arrhythmias, as well as vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.

And one more springtime danger. Mosquito season is approaching. Make sure your dog’s heartworm medication is up to date. If you need to get a refill or heartworm test, give Powell Veterinary Service a call at 970-352-9164.

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Dental Disease

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, most dogs over the age of 3 have some form of dental disease. It’s the most common disease in adult dogs and includes conditions such as tartar buildup, plaque formation, inflammation of the gums, tooth decay and periodontal disease. It’s never too late to start a dental regimen that can stop or even reverse the effects of poor dental care in your dog.

The All Important Dental Exam and Cleaning

As part of your dog’s annual health checkup, your veterinarian will check his or her teeth for tartar and plaque buildup, chipped or loose teeth and inflamed gums. Your vet will also let you know when it’s time for a dental cleaning. During a dental cleaning, your dog will be anesthetized while the doctor cleans the tartar and plaque off your pup’s teeth, extracts any loose or damaged teeth, and if necessary, performs a root canal to save an infected or decaying tooth. The anesthesia is necessary because most dental disease occurs below the gum line and not visible without deep probing or even x-rays. The anesthesia allows your veterinarian to work without danger of injury to himself or the patient.

Preventing Dental Problems at Home

There are steps you can take to keep your furry friend’s mouth healthy in between dental exams. The following tools and procedures will help prevent common dental problems and their associated health concerns.

• Brush your dog’s teeth a few times a week. Use a brush designed specifically for dogs or a child’s soft-bristled brush. Don’t use human toothpaste, which can make your pet sick. Choose a pet toothpaste that contains chlorhexidine gluconate, which has antiseptic properties and helps prevent plaque buildup. .
• You can also use a dental spray after meals to help fight plaque and bacteria that can lead to gum disease.
• Dental chews are doggie treats specifically designed to remove tartar and plaque. Choose one that contains chlorhexidine gluconate or other plaque-fighting agent. Dental chews are a better option than real bones, which can damage the teeth or cause gastrointestinal problems.
• Another way to prevent plaque formation and fight bacteria is by adding a commercial plaque-fighting additive to your pet’s drinking water.
• Provide a proper diet. There are many dog foods specifically designed to help build strong teeth and prevent plaque. Choose one that has the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance.
• Get familiar with your dog’s mouth. When you brush your dog’s teeth, note the color of the gums and look for redness or swelling, check for loose or chipped teeth and smell his or her breath. If you notice any changes, a visit to your vet is in order. Also look for any signs of pain, such as reluctance to eat or pawing at the face.

Don’t let your dog down by neglecting his or her teeth. Start good dental health practices early, and your pup will get use to and even appreciate the attention you give his or her mouth.

If its been awhile since your furry friend’s last dental exam or cleaning, or you’ve noticed any changes in his or her teeth and gums, give Powell Veterinary Service a call to schedule a checkup to keep your pup smiling and in good health.

The post There’s a Lot More than Meets the Eye with Regards to Your Dog’s Dental Health first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Although Powell Veterinary Services does work with owners in these situations to provide assistance, there is only so much we can do. That’s why we have partnered with the Bentley Memorial Fund and First National Bank of Kersey to provide a means to help these pet parents in need and their deserving companions.

The Bentley Memorial Fund is a non-profit that was created by the Siegfried family in honor of their dog Bentley, who was struck with a debilitating disease and had to be put down. The Fund helps to provide veterinary services and food to those pet owners in and around Kersey who cannot afford it. The non-profit also helps provide resources for stray, injured or abandoned animals that are brought to the clinic by caring strangers. In December 2017, the Fund, with the help of Powell Veterinary Services and some very generous clients, was able to help one kind Kersey resident who provides food for 22 feral cats. The organization also provides pet food for those who need temporary assistance.

The Bentley Memorial Fund operates solely with the donations from generous people like you. It is a 501(c)(3) organization, so all donations are fully tax deductible. You can go to Bentley Memorial Fund or our Facebook page to donate, or you can donate in person at Powell Veterinary Services at 25505 CR 53, Kersey, CO 80644 or First National Bank, 301 1st Street, Kersey, CO 80644. And let us know if you need assistance or know someone who does.

The post Bentley Memorial Fund: Providing Veterinary Assistance to Those in Need first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

The Good

With medical marijuana or cannabis being used in a growing number of states for conditions such as pain relief, seizures, glaucoma, and nausea from cancer treatment, many dog and cat owners are asking why it can’t be used to treat their ailing pets. And although technically it’s not legal, even in states that allow medicinal use, marijuana is increasingly being used as an alternative treatment for four-legged members of the family. Unfortunately, because it is still designated as a Schedule I drug, few studies on its use have been conducted because of the many legal restrictions. Therefore, nearly all the information is anecdotal. But for some owners, that’s enough.

For example, California veterinarian Doug Kramer began using it on his own dog when she approached the end of her life. Cannabis eased her pain and she started greeting him at the door again. He says “high-CBD/low-THC” strains tend to work best for dogs with appetite and pain issues. THC is what produces the high, and CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabidiol oil extract. There are many other reports of owners using medicinal pot for easing end-of-life issues, increasing appetite for cancer patients, chronic joint pain, even separation anxiety. Tinctures added to food or topicals are the most common form of use in pets. But unfortunately, most veterinarians’ experience with pets and marijuana involve unintentional overdoses.

The Bad

With the increasing use of medical and recreational marijuana in humans, animal health professionals are seeing a corresponding increase in pets that have eaten potentially toxic amounts. According to the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, incidence of accidental marijuana ingestion has quadrupled in Colorado since it was legalized. Most of these cases are because owners are careless and their furry friends are not always discretionary in their eating habits. The dangers are compounded when the edibles contain chocolate, raisins, or xylitol, which can also be toxic.

Marijuana overdose can cause anything from mild imbalance to loud vocalizing to vomiting, but other animals reportedly have become comatose. There is no antidote, and your veterinarian can only provide supportive therapy such as quiet and fluids. Animals don’t enjoy being high and may become very anxious. Intentionally getting your pet high is considered animal cruelty and you can be prosecuted.

The Unknown

Because of the dearth of studies on medicinal marijuana use (in both humans and animals) the American Veterinary Medical Association has taken a precautionary stance for now. It reiterates that marijuana and its derivatives are federally illegal, it is not approved by the FDA for any medical use, and it is illegal for veterinarians to prescribe it in any state. There are cannabis products marketed toward companion animals in states where it is legal, but because of the lack of concrete evidence about side effects, dosages, and even benefits, you use them at your own risk. We owe it to our furry friends to provide the best care available. Hopefully, with loosening of restrictions, more studies will be done to help pet owners and veterinarians decide whether marijuana products can be used safely and effectively. We at Powell Veterinary Services do not recommend you ditch your prescription meds in favor of marijuana, until further research validates it – or not.

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The Problems of a Few Extra Pounds

If the scale shows a few extra pounds this New Year, you may not look or feel as good as you normally do. But a few extra pounds on your furry friend is a much bigger deal, especially for a small or medium-sized dog. Just a 15% weight gain, which for a 10-pound dog would equate to just a pound and a half, is enough to cause harmful inflammatory changes in your pup’s body. Excess weight can cause many of the same problems you experience, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, joint problems, and more.

Count your Calories

You probably monitor your weight enough to know when you need to shed some pounds and how many. Can you say the same about your pup? Many owners don’t realize their pet is overweight. A good rule of thumb is you should be able to feel (not see) the ribs by running your hands lightly over his or her sides. If you can’t, there is too much fat covering them and it’s time for a diet change.

Just like for you, calorie intake is the predominant factor in weight gain. If calorie intake exceeds the calories your pup burns, he or she may not fit into that new Christmas jacket. But how do you know how many calories are too much? The Pet Nutrition Alliance has a handy calorie calculator to determine how many calories will keep your dog at a healthy weight. Then find a high-quality dog food, read the label, and measure their food to make sure you are feeding the appropriate amount to maintain or achieve a healthy weight. We at Powell Veterinary Service can help you with food and diet recommendations. In some cases, a prescription dog food may be the best choice.

So while you resolve to cut out snacks, desserts and fatty foods, look at your dog’s diet as well. No, that extra piece of bacon will not make her love you more.

Get to the Gym (or Not)

The local gym may provide the tools and incentive to carve those extra pounds off your waist, but it most likely frowns on canine patrons. But that’s OK, you have plenty of other options that are perfect for both of you and don’t involve sweating alongside a bunch of other buffed and not-so-buffed bodies.

A daily walk before or after work is an easy addition to your routine. Your pet will become so accustomed to it, they will not let you avoid the excursion by hitting the snooze button, or plopping down on your easy chair after a long day. No more excuses. Depending on you and your dog’s activity levels, this can also be a run or even a bike ride for a well-trained doggy pal. If weather or other circumstances prevent outside activities, yes, your pup can learn to walk on a treadmill, alongside you or alone.

Agility training is an excellent way for your dog—and you—to get exercise. Think of it as an obstacle course for dogs. Some dog parks have a few agility obstacles. You can contact local dog clubs or training facilities to find agility training classes and courses. You can even put up a few obstacles of your own in your yard. A child’s play tunnel is an easy obstacle; a broom supported on each end makes a good high (or low) jump; and a slalom run can be fashioned out of most any type of sticks or poles that your pup can weave through. Use your imagination. Don’t forget, it’s a team effort. You have to run alongside to show them where to go next.

If your pup is a social butterfly, or wants to be, make a play date with other dogs in the neighborhood and their owners. They’ll get exercise, improve their socializing skills and have fun. It’s a chance for you to socialize as well, which is important for overall happiness and well-being.

When you resolve to get in shape, make it a joint effort with your furry friend. Exercise is always more fun with a partner. Get healthy together.

Do you and your pup a favor and make 2018 a great year for getting and staying healthy. And don’t forget routine healthcare for both of you. Make that appointment now. Powell Veterinary Service will be happy to take care of your needs—at least your dog’s.

The post New Year, New You, New Dog? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

The Risks

Although some online veterinary pharmacies are reputable and have your pet’s best interest at heart, some are only interested in the lucrative pet market. By purchasing from disreputable or illegal online pharmacies, you may get an improperly formulated or watered-down medication. It could be mislabeled, expired, or even counterfeit. It also might not have correct directions for use. You wouldn’t risk giving a family member counterfeit or ineffective drugs, and your furry and feathered friends deserve the same vigilance.

Be A.W.A.R.E.

If you don’t want to risk subjecting your pets to these unscrupulous tactics, the FDA has some guidelines you should be aware of.

A—Ask your veterinarian. Your veterinary team should be able to help you determine an online pharmacy’s legitimacy, as well as whether an online pharmacy is appropriate for your pet’s condition. The FDA is particularly worried that pet owners are purchasing two types of medications online: heartworm medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Even if the medications are correct and effective, heartworm meds require yearly blood testing or serious complications could result. And animals taking NSAIDS must be monitored periodically for organ damage and other side effects.

W—Watch for red flags. There are many signs that should give you pause. Is the company based overseas or does it not have a physical address? Does it require a veterinarian’s prescription for a prescription medication? A legal pharmacy will. Are the prices too good to be true? Is there a licensed veterinarian available to answer questions?

A—Always check for pharmacy accreditation. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) website has a list of properly licensed pharmacies. There is also a voluntary accreditation program called Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (Vet-VIPPS) that requires members to meet certain quality assurance, prescription validation and client confidentiality requirements. The NABP has also created a new Pharmacy Verified Websites Program, under which only pharmacies that operate under certain standards are allowed to use a “.pharmacy” web address.

R—Report problems and suspicious online pet pharmacies. If something seems suspicious about a medication you bought online or if your pet experiences problems with it, contact the drug’s manufacturer, You can also report problems directly to the FDA to help curb the problem of fraudulent pharmacies.

E—Educate yourself. The best tool to protect you and your pets from the risks of online pharmacies is to learn all you can and don’t let your pocketbook get in the way of your good judgement.

At Powell Veterinary Services, we understand the financial issues that responsible pet owners face and the reasons they might take shortcuts and risks in order to get necessary medications. We never want you to forego your furry friend’s health because of financial issues. Work with us and together we’ll make sure they get the healthcare they deserve.

The post Be AWARE of Online Pet Pharmacy Problems first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Incontinence
An inability to hold their urine, resulting in accidents around the house, is usually the first-noticed symptom that something is wrong. Unfortunately, it can have a wide variety of causes. It can be due to spinal cord disease, urinary tract infections, hormonal imbalances or simply old age. Or it can be due to increased fluid intake, certain medications or changes to your pet’s environment. Don’t simply blame an accident on bad behavior. Try to determine an underlying cause so it can be effectively treated. If it is primary incontinence with no other associated cause, it can be controlled with medications.

Urinary Tract Infections
One of the first things to rule out is a urinary tract infection. A UTI is a bacterial infection that starts in the urethra and if not treated, can work up the urinary tract to the bladder and even kidneys. A UTI may cause increased urine output, or the opposite—straining to urinate or dribbling. It can cause painful urination and a red, irritated genital area. If the kidneys, whose job is to eliminate toxins, are involved, the condition is more severe, even life-threatening. A few simple lab tests can determine the presence of an infection. Antibiotics and supportive treatment are effective in most cases.

Blockages
If your furry friend is straining or crying in pain when urinating, or there is blood in the urine, it could be a blockage. Bladder and kidney stones can grow large enough to impede the flow of urine. Growths and tumors can also create blockages. When urine is blocked, it is an emergency situation.

Other Diseases
Sometimes, changes in urinary behaviors are caused indirectly by other conditions. One of the first signs of diabetes is excessive thirst and urine output. It’s important to diagnose diabetes quickly. With early detection and proper management, your dog can live a long, happy life. Cushing’s disease is an endocrine disease caused by an overproduction of cortisol. It also might cause an increase in urination, along with hair loss, increased appetite and extended abdomen. A Cushing’s diagnosis will mean lifelong management of symptoms.

It’s not always easy to detect changes in urine and urine output. It’s important to be aware and make note of any increase in frequency or accidents. Also note, if possible, any changes in color or the presence of blood. If you notice anything unusual, give Powell Veterinary Service a call. We can help determine a cause and get him or her on the road to better health.

The post Is My Dog’s Pee Normal? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

What Exactly Is a Microchip?
A pet microchip is a small computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice. It is implanted under the skin of an animal between the shoulder blades. The chip contains a unique identification number in the form of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tagging. When a special hand-held scanner (most vets and animal shelters have one) is passed over the microchip, it picks up a radio signal and returns the animal’s ID number. That number is called in to a pet registry and matched to the owner’s contact information. That means that a microchip is only effective if it has been registered. Too many people get their pets chipped and don’t know they have to register it. Powell Veterinary Service removes the burden of having to register your pet’s microchip. Your dog or cat’s chip is registered immediately after it is inserted—before you ever leave our office.

Does It Hurt?
A microchip is inserted under the skin using a needle and syringe, just as if he or she was getting a vaccination, and hurts about the same. Chances are, your pet won’t even notice. Although relatively painless, some prefer to chip their pets while they are anesthetized for a spay or neuter or a dental procedure. The chip is made from material that is compatible with living tissue so complications are rare.

What a Microchip Is Not
A microchip is not a tracker. It does not use GPS technology to tell you where your pet is. And you should still have your pet wear an ID tag or rabies tag on its collar. More animals are returned because of ID tags than microchips (because it’s readily viewable, without a microchip scanner). However, a collar can come off or be taken off by a thief or someone who intends to keep your dog, and cats should have a breakaway collar so it doesn’t get hung up on a fence or tree branch.

Remember, if your contact information changes or you must rehome your pet for some reason, you need to call the microchip registry company and update the information. Some registries will charge you for updates, but the microchip company Powell Veterinary Services uses does not. Give us a call and let us help keep your furry friends safe. The cost is only $42.50 and includes a lifetime registration. And remember, if you find a lost pet without tags, take it to your veterinarian or animal shelter to have it scanned for a microchip so you can return someone else’s furry friend.

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