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.

Poisonous Plants

Although flowers of all types add beauty and fragrance to your yard, some types can be your pet’s worst enemy. Here are some common plants and flowers to keep out of your yard or at least prevent access to:

• Amaryllis: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors when its leaves are ingested.
• Azaleas: Can cause nausea, lack of coordination, paralysis and blindness.
• Castor bean: Has seeds that can cause death and leaves that can burn your pup’s mouth.
• Daffodil: This early spring flower can cause vomiting and over time, kidney failure, if ingested.
• Foxglove: Has chemicals that can cause vomiting, dizziness, seizures, abnormal heart rate, and death.
• Lily-of-the Valley: These perennials are toxic and can cause lethargy, vomiting, and possibly kidney failure.
• Oleander: This evergreen shrub can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, irregular heartbeat, paralysis, coma, and in large doses, death.

Those are just a few of the plants that can harm your pet. For a more complete list, see ASPCA’s complete list of toxic plants.

Dangerous Mulch

Toxic flowers and shrubs are not the only potential dangers in your yard. Did you know certain mulches could also be hazardous? Cocoa mulches contain the same ingredients– theobromine and caffeine—that make chocolate harmful for your dog. Ingesting cocoa mulch can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, tremors and seizures. Before you put mulch around your trees, bushes and flower beds, make sure you know what type you’re spreading.

Water Hazards

Many people love water pools and fountains, complete with lily pads and koi fish. However, standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria, parasites and mosquitos. A sip from this stagnant water could cause stomach upset, diarrhea and general malaise. And don’t forget, mosquitos are a vector for heartworms. If you choose to incorporate a pool into your landscaping, make sure you empty it every other day and make sure your pup is up-to-date on heartworm prevention.

Lush Lawn

Every backyard gardener hopes for a luxuriant green lawn, but it takes more than hope to get it. Not only does a great-looking lawn take lots of blood, sweat and tears, it usually requires a lot of fertilizer and pesticides. These lawn chemicals can be toxic to pets. Make sure to read the directions and safety tips and take the necessary precautions to prevent harmful exposure to your furry friends.

A little forethought and planning will result in a beautiful AND pet-safe yard for you and your pets to enjoy. If you have questions or need to renew your pup’s heartworm medications, give Powell Veterinary Service a call at 970-352-9164.

The post Could Your Backyard Sanctuary Be Your Furry Friend’s Nightmare? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Why Dogs Bite

Most people immediately think of pit bulls, German shepherds, or Dobermans when they hear about a dog attack. But even the tiniest, cutest or sweetest pup can bite under certain circumstances. They bite as a reaction to something. Dogs may bite if they are:

• Startled, fearful or feel threatened
• Defending their territory, food or toys
• Protecting their offspring or human family
• Not feeling well or injured and just want to be left alone
• Playing and get overly excited to the point of nipping.

No matter the circumstances, there are things that you can do to help prevent your dog from biting or keep yourself and loved ones from getting bitten.

Responsible Dog Ownership

You have a big influence on how your dog behaves in stressful or threatening situations that can result in bites. Here are steps you can take to lessen the likelihood your dog will react aggressively in such situations.

• Socialize your pup at a young age so that he or she is comfortable around other dogs, strangers or unfamiliar environments.
• Train your dog to obey commands such as no, sit, stay, and calm. Dogs are more at ease when they know what is expected of them.
• Reprimand your furry friend when they growl or snap while protecting their food or favorite toy.
• Always keep your pup on a leash or under control in public, and make sure your yard is escape-proof.
• Introduce your dog to people who will be visiting regularly, such as your mail carrier, housekeeper or neighbors.
• Spay or neuter your friend as it can decrease aggressive tendencies.
• Don’t play games or roughhouse in a manner that can encourage nipping

Avoiding Dog Bites

The best way to avoid getting bitten is education. Learn dog body language that may alert you that a dog is uneasy and could bite if approached. An aggressive dog’s ears are often straight up or forward, he may have a stiff stance, the fur on his neck may be standing, and his tail may be straight up or even wagging a bit. A nervous or scared dog may crouch, put her tail between her legs, yawn, lick her lips and lower her head. Typically, a nervous dog will want to get away, but if she can’t, she may growl and snap out of fear. Don’t approach any dog who is showing any of these behaviors as it could lead to a bite.

Also, know how to approach a strange dog and teach others, especially children, how to approach unfamiliar dogs, including yours.

• Always ask before petting a dog, and let the dog sniff your hand first.
• Pat a dog on the shoulder or base of the neck rather than the top of the head.
• Never get your face within biting distance of an unfamiliar dog. That being said, sometimes getting down at their level can help a dog feel more at ease. Just don’t invade their space until they seem to accept you.
• If a dog is behind a fence on its property or in a car, don’t try to pet it as it could become protective.
• Never startle a dog who is sleeping or unaware of your presence.
• Don’t approach an unfamiliar dog who is eating, chewing on a bone, or caring for puppies.
• Never run from an aggressive dog, as it will likely chase after you. Back away slowly.
• Sometimes, all you need is a treat to break the ice.

Most dog bite avoidance tips are simply common sense. Keep them in mind when around an unfamiliar dog, and make sure you do your part to prevent someone from getting bitten by your furry friend. And on a related note, make sure your pup is current on its rabies vaccinations. Rabies is a deadly disease transmitted by a bite. If your dog is not vaccinated and bites someone, not only is the person at risk of rabies, but your dog will have to be quarantined and possibly even euthanized. If your dog is not current on its rabies shots or you are unsure, give Powell Veterinary Service a call, and we’ll make sure you’re up to date.

The post But MY Dog Would Never Bite first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

• Ask before surprising someone with a new furry friend. Your idea may seem like a perfect gift to you, but a bothersome burden to someone else.
• A dog (or cat) may be man’s best friend, but it is a friend for life—which means a commitment of 10-15 years or longer.
• Is your child old enough to care for or interact appropriately with a new puppy or kitten? Children under 3 typically aren’t old enough to understand how to play nice and could be putting themselves or their puppy or kitty in danger.
• Making your child care for a cat or dog is a good way to teach responsibility. However, make sure your child is mature enough to take on that responsibility. You’ll need to enforce the rules or be willing to take over the care and feeding of the new addition.
• Is your aging friend or relative physically able to provide the necessary care, or will someone be available on a daily basis to help?
• Involve the receiver of the animal in the process of choosing. Children especially will be more interested in and able to forge a stronger bond with a dog or cat that they help to choose.
• Consider size, age, exercise and grooming requirements, breed characteristics and other factors when choosing a pet. A rambunctious puppy or energetic border collie may not be the right choice for an older person with mobility issues. A 2-year old may have difficulty resisting tugging on a cocker spaniel’s long, droopy ears. A breed valued for its protective or guard dog skills might not be an appropriate playmate for a youngster. A Persian cat requires daily grooming, which probably won’t be a good fit for someone with arthritis.
• Pets come with a cost. Are you or the recipient able and willing to pay for food, leashes, collars, toys and veterinary care? Experts estimate in the first year of ownership a small dog will add $1300 in care, feeding, and veterinary services to your annual expenses and a large dog can add as much as $1800.
• Does anyone who will come in contact with the new pet have pet allergies? If allergies run in your family, there’s a greater chance someone will be allergic to your new pet. Take the family to a local animal shelter and have everyone pet and interact with a few dogs or cats to ensure you don’t have to re-home a dog or cat because of health issues.
• If you’ve thought long and hard about placing a new puppy, kitten or older pet under the Christmas tree, there’s one more thing to consider. Timing. Pets need time to acclimate to a new home. The winter holidays are a time of hustle and bustle, and it can be a tough time for any pet, and much more so for a new pet. If you’ve decided a new furry friend is a good fit, consider giving an I.O.U. or gift certificate to a local shelter. That way you can take your time choosing the perfect pet, then getting to know your new friend without the confusion and excitement surrounding the holidays. Along with the certificate, give a gift basket filled with toys, leashes, bedding or treats, and perhaps a book on caring for your new companion.

Seeing your child’s or parent’s eyes light up over a new furry friend is strong motivation for gifting a pet at Christmas. But make sure it’s not a snap decision that you or the recipient will regret. Returning or re-homing an animal is hard on everyone concerned, especially the animal. However, if and when you bring a new friend into your family, we at Powell Veterinary Service would love to meet the new addition and help get him or her started on the right foot.

The post Thinking of Gifting a Pet for Christmas? Think Again. first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

While a small taste of turkey that has been deboned and stripped of its skin or a tiny bit of plain mashed potatoes won’t hurt, notes VetStreet, you definitely shouldn’t overdo it. You should also take note of the restrictions – no bones or skin for your dog or cat’s bit of the big bird, and only plain mashed potatoes without milk, butter, garlic or onion seasonings.

Stuffing is one example of a food that should be kept far from your pet. It often contains onions, garlic, scallions and other spices and ingredients that could potentially be dangerous to your dog or cat’s digestive system, says PetsBest. For example, the items that make stuffing so flavorful can actually cause anemia in animals, so avoid the temptation and the sad eyes and enjoy stuffing yourself.

Most gravies are also too rich for dogs and cats, although depending on your recipe, if you have a bit of low-sodium chicken broth, you could serve that up as a good substitute. You should also be sure you don’t feed your dog any xylitol, which a sugar substitute sometimes found in sugar-free marshmallows – like the ones you might use in your sweet potatoes. While perfectly fine for humans, xylitol is a serious toxin to dogs.

Last, you may want to consider keeping the pumpkin pie dessert to yourself. While pumpkin would be safe for your pup – and actually is something we commonly recommend to help pups with runny stool problems – the milk that’s included could irritate a lactose intolerant dog’s stomach. Not to mention the whipped cream topping! Avoid the mess and keep this sweet treat to yourself.

As a general rule of thumb, you should never feed your dog or cat from the table without first checking whether or not a particular food could be toxic to them. If you do run into any issues over Thanksgiving weekend or anytime during the holiday season, Powell Veterinary Service is here to help. To schedule an appointment for veterinary exams or services, call us today at 970-352-9164.

The post Thanksgiving Feasts and Four-Legged Beasts first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

What Are E-Cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes, more commonly known as e-cigarettes, e-cigs or vape pens, are small devices that dispense a nicotine vapor that people inhale to get the same effects of smoking. The battery-operated e-cigs hold a cartridge that has a liquid form of nicotine. When a smoker ignites the e-cig, it delivers a nicotine vapor. Each e-cig cartridge contains about the same amount of nicotine as found in 2 cigarettes but without all the other harmful chemicals found in tobacco. Unfortunately, with the rise in e-cig use has come a related increase in visits to emergency veterinary clinics.

Why Are E-Cigs Dangerous for Pets?

Nicotine is toxic to animals. Before the availability of e-cigs, an animal needed to consume several cigarettes to experience a toxic effect. Cigarettes are generally not enticing to dogs and cats, and therefore they are not a serious concern for pet owners. With the increasing popularity of e-cigs, that has changed. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, calls about nicotine poisoning in dogs or cats that have ingested the liquid nicotine in e-cig refill cartridges have increased significantly over the past couple of years.

The increased danger for pets is due to the amount of nicotine in an e-cig cartridge and the fact that the aroma of liquid nicotine can be attractive to pets—especially flavored nicotine cartridges. Plus, the nicotine cartridges are often sold in packages that may contain as many as 100 cartridges. Although a large dog that ingests one nicotine cartridge may show little or no toxic effect, in a small dog or cat a similar amount can be fatal. Also, since the nicotine is in liquid form, it’s absorbed into the bloodstream faster, producing symptoms and toxic effects very rapidly. Plus, the cartridge itself can injure your furry friend’s mouth or cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage.

What Are the Signs of Nicotine Poisoning?

Nicotine mainly affects an animal’s central nervous system, cardiopulmonary system and gastrointestinal tract. If your pet ingests liquid nicotine in an amount equal to 2 or more cigarettes, he or she will likely experience drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation and rapid breathing. Other signs of nicotine toxicity include shallow respiration, decreased heart rate, muscle twitching, and cyanosis or bluish skin and mucous membranes.  If left untreated, cardiac arrest, coma and death can occur.

What Should You Do for a Nicotine Overdose?

Because the onset of symptoms is so rapid, immediate action must be taken to avoid serious, even lethal consequences. There is no home treatment to help your pet. Call your vet or an emergency veterinary hospital for professional treatment. The seriousness of the toxicity will depend on the size of the animal and the amount of nicotine ingested.  Of course the best treatment is prevention. Make sure you keep your e-cigs and nicotine refills where you pet can’t get to them, and be sure to impress upon your kids who smoke e-cigs the importance of keeping them away from your animals.

E-cigs may be a somewhat healthier alternative for humans than regular cigarettes because of fewer toxins, but they are definitely NOT safer for your pets. If you believe your cat or dog has consumed liquid nicotine from an e-cig cartridge, you can’t afford to “wait and see.” Call Powell Veterinary Service at 970-352-9164 and we can begin life-saving treatment for your furry friend.

The post E-cigs: Why This Popular Smoking Trend Is Not Good News for Your Pet first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Sept. 28 is World Rabies Day, which serves as a great reminder of the vital importance of having your pet vaccinated for rabies. This isn’t just important for the safety of your pet, it is also important for the safety of you as the pet owner! More than 55,000 people die each year around the world due to contracting the rabies virus from an animal, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. In the United States, those numbers are far lower – one to two fatal cases per year – but for a disease that is 100 percent preventable, those statistics are far too high.

Rabies is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, commonly through bites or scratches. An infected animal can show outward symptoms of madness, foaming at the mouth or convulsions, and once an infected animal shows symptoms, rabies is 100 percent fatal. Owning a pet puts you at risk, as many people contract the disease through infected domesticated animals that have come in contact with a rabid wild animal, which makes it extremely important to spread awareness, so people can take the proper precautions in staying healthy – both for themselves and for their pets.

Powell Veterinary Service has been keeping your furry buddies happy and safe for more than 25 years. We provide vaccines, checkups and other veterinary services in a warm and comforting environment for your pet. By keeping up with your pet’s vaccination schedule and keeping a mindful eye on your pet when he or she is playing outdoors, you can keep your pet and your family safe from this disease. If you are a proud new pet owner, we can also help to walk you through the proper steps to ensuring your dog or cat lives a long, happy and healthy life.

If you have any questions or concerns about rabies or any other pet health issue, or want to schedule the next appointment for your four-legged friend, call Powell Veterinary Services today at 970-352-9164.

The post Rabies: Sources, Effects and the Importance of Vaccination first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

What Is Kennel Cough?

If your dog has kennel cough, whose medical name is canine infectious tracheobronchitis, you’ll quickly know it by the constant dry hacking cough that sounds like a goose honking. However, kennel cough is not just one specific disease, but rather a group of viral and bacterial upper respiratory pathogens that are highly contagious.  These pathogens, most frequently parainfluenza virus or Bordetella bacteria, attack the lining of the respiratory tract, which leads to irritation of the airways and the typical dry cough.

Kennel cough can be spread in several ways–through the air when an animal coughs, by direct contact with an infected dog, or by sharing contaminated objects like toys or water bowls. It occurs most frequently in places where dogs are exposed to other dogs, such as kennels, animal shelters, dog shows, pet shops and dog parks.

How Is It Treated?

Treatment will depend on how severe the symptoms are. In many cases, the cough will run its course in 7-10 days and no treatment is necessary. See your veterinarian at the first signs of the cough. In older dogs or those with a weakened immune system, your vet may recommend cough suppressants and antibiotics—or nothing at all. Monitor your pup and if he doesn’t get better in 2 or 3 weeks, he needs to see the doctor again as the disease can sometimes turn into pneumonia. Make sure to isolate your sick dog from others to prevent the spread of the disease.

How Do You Prevent It?

Of course the best treatment is prevention. Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. The typical yearly vaccine can help protect against some of the kennel cough pathogens. If you will be taking your dog to a boarding kennel, dog show, day care, etc., request a Bordetella vaccine for added protection. In fact, most such places require proof of these vaccinations to help prevent spread of the disease. However, that being said, no vaccine can guarantee your pup won’t be infected, especially since there is not just one pathogen, but it will drastically cut down on the chances of infection and the severity if he does become infected.

If you’ve noticed your dog has a dry hacking cough, or if you plan to board your pup or take him to obedience classes, give Powell Veterinary Service a call at 970-352-9164 and we’ll get your furry friend taken care of.

The post Stop the Cough first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Is Your Kitty Acting Differently than Usual?

A common way that cats hide their illnesses is to hide themselves. Sick cats will often find a quiet, out-of-the-way spot such as under the bed or in a closet to hang out. She may lie with her head on the floor and her back hunched. Is she meowing more than usual or in a different pitch? Is she neglecting her grooming to the point where her fur is dull and disheveled? Does she seem disinterested in her surroundings or reluctant to play or jump up on places where she typically loves to lie? These are general symptoms that something isn’t quite right. Take note and if she isn’t back to her usual self in a day or two, give your veterinarian a call. Better safe than sorry.

Has Your Cat’s Food and Water Intake Changed?

Is your cat suddenly not eating? It could be anything from a mild gastric upset to a more serious illness such as a thyroid problem, parasites or cancer to a foreign body lodged in her intestines, which can quickly become life threatening. Or maybe her appetite is stronger than normal. This could be a sign of diabetes or hyperthyroidism. Increased thirst can be related to diabetes or kidney problems.

Is Your Cat Losing or Gaining Weight?

Have you noticed your feline friend is looking a little anorexic? It could be due to a thyroid problem, diabetes, parasites or even cancer. Or perhaps the opposite is true, and she’s packing on the pounds.  It could be cancer, hypothyroidism, heart or liver problems or pyometra (infection of the uterus). Either way, any sudden weight change is a reason to consult with your veterinarian.

Have You Noticed Any Changes in Litterbox Habits?

Is your cat peeing or defecating more or less often? Are her stools harder or softer or a different color than usual? Or perhaps she’s stopped using her litterbox altogether? Any of these can be signs that something is not right. Urinary changes can mean kidney or bladder problems as well as diabetes or other conditions. Changes in stool clor can mean some type of metabolic disorder. Diarrhea or constipation can have many causes so monitor the litter box and seek help if it continues.

Most of these things to watch for are general signs of something not quite right. Often they signify something minor, but because cats are so good at hiding health problems, by the time you notice a problem, it could be a big problem. Your veterinarian is your best ally in keeping your cat healthy, but you have to do your part too. Don’t skip your cat’s annual wellness exam, keep her current on vaccinations and watch her for any change in habits or health. If you have any concerns or need to schedule an appointment, call Powell Veterinary Service at 970-352-9164, and together, we can help ensure a long, healthy life for your furry feline.

The post Keeping Your Cat Healthy Takes Diligence and Teamwork first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Tejana came into the clinic because she wasn’t feeling like her lively self. She was a rescue pup and her vaccination history was unknown. She wasn’t eating, was lethargic and then suddenly started having bloody diarrhea. After some tests, the diagnosis was parvo.

Parvo is a highly contagious virus–one of the deadliest that your furry friend will ever encounter—and most likely, he or she will come in contact with it because it’s very prevalent in the environment. The virus is shed in a dog’s feces, so areas where animals relieve themselves, such as kennels, yards and dog parks, can have the virus. But it is also very hardy and can remain on car tires, shoes, clothing, dog food bowls, collars, leashes, pet toys and human hands. For undetermined reasons, pitbulls, Rottweilers and Dobermans are more susceptible to the virus, and young puppies are especially vulnerable because their young bodies have not built up an immunity to the virus.

You may wonder why we ask that you bring your pup back for a series of vaccinations, which typically includes the parvovirus vaccine, among other puppyhood diseases. The mother of your new pup has varying levels of antibodies to parvo depending on genetics, previous exposure and vaccination history. That immunity is passed on to the pup through her milk to protect the pup during the very early weeks of life, but that immunity gradually wears off leaving your pup vulnerable. As a responsible pet owner, you take him or her in to get vaccinated. The vaccine is an inactivated version of the parvo virus, which causes the pup to produce its own antibodies against the disease. However, the mother’s antibodies, received by your pup through her milk, binds with the inactivated virus in the vaccine and makes it ineffective. The length of time it takes for the mom’s antibodies to wear off to let the vaccine become effective varies. So we start vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age, depending on whether or not the mom has been vaccinated, and continue every 3 to 4 weeks, which reduces the window of opportunity for the active parvo virus to take hold. For pit bulls, Rottweilers and Dobermans, we continue until they are 5 months

Thankfully, Tejana was able to go home with her loving owners, but only after 6 days of very intensive care and a substantial medical bill. You can easily avoid that scenario with a series of vaccinations. Got a new puppy? Call us, at Powell Veterinary Service, 970-352-9164, and we’ll make sure he or she doesn’t have to deal with this devastating disease.

Take a look at Tejana’s happy ending here.

https://www.facebook.com/powell.veterinary/videos/1317028864980805/

The post Don’t Let Your Pup be a Victim of this Highly Contagious Yet Preventable Disease first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.