Pumpkin for Pets

Pumpkin is a power food for your pets. Skip the stem, the skin and stringy gunk inside, but the flesh and even the seeds pack a powerful health punch. Here are 6 benefits pumpkin can provide your pets:

• Mashed pumpkin helps with regular digestion. Ironically, if your pet is constipated, or has diarrhea, a few teaspoons in his or her food will alleviate the symptoms.
• Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help moisturize your pet’s skin and fur. Also, the fiber found in mashed pumpkin can help move hairballs through your cat’s digestive system instead of being hacked up on your shoes or carpet. It can also help prevent hairballs from forming in the first place.
• The oils in pumpkin flesh and seeds may help with urinary problems such as bladder and kidney stones.
• Pumpkin contains high amounts of beta-carotene and Vitamin A for vision health and Vitamin C for joint health and to boost the immune system. It also contains minerals such as zinc, potassium, magnesium copper and iron, which are essential to your furry friend’s health and well-being.
• Pumpkin is loaded with antioxidants that can help prevent some cancers and help your pet stay young and vibrant.
• Pumpkin can also keep your cat or dog fit and trim. Pumpkin has few calories, and the fiber makes your pet feel fuller so he or she eats less.

Serving Up Pumpkin

Both pumpkin flesh and seeds are good for your pets, and you can either use fresh or canned. However, don’t use the canned pumpkin pie filling, which is loaded with sugar, fat, and spices, and don’t use the jack-o-lantern that has been sitting on your front porch for a week as it may contain mold or other organisms that can be harmful. You don’t need to overdo it. Just a couple of teaspoons daily will provide the health benefits you’re looking for.

If you opt to go the fresh route, cut off the top of your pumpkin and scoop out the gunk inside as if you were going to carve it. Save the seeds for roasting. Cut the pumpkin into large pieces, place skin-side up in a roasting pan with a half cup of water, and roast at 350 degrees for about an hour. Remove the skin and mash or puree the flesh.

Spread cleaned seeds evenly on a baking sheet, coat with cooking oil, and roast in a 375-degree oven for 5 or 10 minutes. You can serve them whole as a training treat or grind them up and to your pet’s food. Save a few for yourself. They’re delish.

After constantly being bombarded with warnings about what you shouldn’t feed your cat or dog, it’s nice to find a people-food that you actually should feed them. So give them a treat this Halloween, and any day thereafter.

Powell Veterinary Service wishes you and your furry friends a happy and safe Halloween.

The post It’s Always Pumpkin Season for Your Pets first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Candy and Sweets

From the overflowing bowls of Halloween candy to a delicious array of Christmas cookies, the upcoming months are full of sugary surprises. None of these human foods are good for pets, but dark chocolate especially should be avoided. Toxic to both dogs and cats, this human snack should be kept away from pets. Many sweets also contain xylitol, a component of non-sugar based sweeteners that is also toxic to cats and dogs.

Decorations

As you take out and put away seasonal decorations, be sure to keep them out of reach of your pets. Especially with a young puppy or kitten, keep wires and electrical cords out of the way to avoid electrical shocks. Pay close attention to your pets and don’t leave them alone near open flames like jack-o-lanterns and seasonally scented candles.

Stress

All but the most social animals will get stressed at some point throughout the holiday season. Especially on Halloween night or during a big party, give your pet a chance to escape the noise and excitement in a separate room.

While many pet owners love to dress their furry friends in festive costumes, pay attention to your dog or cat’s reaction. Many animals do not like these outfits, which can cause them a lot of unnecessary stress. If your pet does enjoy dressing up and showing off, be sure to choose a safe costume that fits them well. Check for small pieces that can be chewed off and avoid any costumes that restrict movement, eye sight or hearing.

Accidents do happen, so call Powell Veterinary Service at 970-352-9164 if your pet seems ill or has eaten something that may be toxic.

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Carried by bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes, most humans come into contact with the rabies virus through the infection of their household pets. If an incidence of rabies is noted in your area, keep cats indoors and watch dogs while they are out in the yard. Early symptoms of rabies include restlessness and a sudden change in mood, as well as fever and the licking or biting of the affected area.

Here at Powell Veterinary Service, we would like to stress the importance of keeping your pet up-to-date on their rabies vaccination. A requirement for domestic dogs and cats, one and three year vaccine options are available and all pets must wear a rabies tag on their collar. Since there is no accurate test for the rabies virus, animals that have not been vaccinated are frequently quarantined and put down for the safety reasons.

If you believe your dog or cat has been bit by a rabid animal, contact your veterinarian immediately to receive a booster vaccine. Wear gloves and protective clothing while handling your pet and call your local health department to alert them of the incident.

Located at 25505 Co Rd 53 in Kersey, Colorado, we provide preventative care, surgery and specialty services for dogs and cats in the surrounding areas. Request an appointment online or by calling our office at 970-352-9164.

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Each and every bump on your dog or cat’s body is not a cause for alarm, but here at Powell Veterinary Service we recommend you always assess your pet after finding a bump and make an appointment to have them checked out. As long as the mass isn’t painful and does not give off any sort of odor, there is no need to rush in.

At your appointment, we will look over your pet, asking about their medical history and if the lump has changed in size, shape or color since it was first found. A fine needle aspirate can be performed to learn more information about the contents of the mass. A small needle will be inserted into the mass, allowing us to extract a few cells to further examine the contents.

If cancer is suspected, as incisional or excisional biopsy will be recommended and a sample will be sent out to a lab for testing.

If you notice a mass on your pet, pay close attention to its location and size, and call us at 970-352-9164 if it does not go away within a few weeks. Located at 25505 Co Rd 53 in Kersey, Colorado, we service neighboring towns as well.

The post Be Aware of Lumps and Bumps on your Pet first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

In severe cases, puppies as young as five months old will show symptoms, but the condition does not typically reveal itself until later in life. Similar to arthritis pains, symptoms include a stiffness of movement, a hard time climbing stairs and discomfort while exercising. Obesity and a lack of nutrition can increase a dog’s susceptibility to the disease.

While hip dysplasia cannot be prevented, there are a range of treatment options available for animals suffering from this condition. Worried your young dog may be at risk? Here at Powell Veterinary Service, we can perform PennHip and OFA evaluations to determine the likeliness of them developing the condition. OFA certification cannot be provided until age two. A highly credible evaluation, The PennHip evaluation can be done on puppies four months of age or older.  A distraction index is measured for each dog and is compared to the breed’s PennHip data to determine where the dog falls on a percentile basis. Above a certain percentile and your dog is not likely to be dysplastic, but below a certain percentile and they likely will be.

If symptoms are seen on the PennHip evaluation, a procedure called Juvenile Pubic Symphodiesis (JPS) can be performed to prevent osteoarthritis from occurring in the hip joints. A Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) can also be performed on young dogs to reestablish joint stability and proper development before the onset of osteoarthritis.

For dogs already displaying symptoms of hip dysplasia, the first course of action is usually medicinal treatment. Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers are often provided for older dogs to help them get around comfortably.

Hip dysplasia is especially common in purebred dogs and we recommend purchasing your purebred puppy from a recognized breeder whose dogs have been tested for hip dysplasia and other genetic diseases. PennHip testing is recommended for all working and hunting dogs to ensure their health and avoid the passing on of this hereditary trait.

Regardless of age, if your dog shows signs of stiffness or pain during exercise and movement, contact Powell Veterinary Service to set up an appointment. Located in Kersey, Colorado we happily serve surrounding areas including Brighton and Platteville.  Contact us online or by phone at 970-352-9164 to set up an appointment today.

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The first step to help your pet lose weight is to talk to your vet. Have your pet weighed and discuss changing your pet’s food or cutting back on the amount you give them. We recommend a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. When reducing the amount or type of food, cut back slowly to avoid a change in your pet’s metabolism.

Depending on how much weight your pet has to lose, it can take some time. Monitor weight loss by stopping in at Powell Veterinary Service for monthly weigh-ins. A great way to help your furry friend lose weight, and improve their overall health, is to cut back on treats and cut table scraps out of their diet. Crunchy veggies like baby carrots and celery are a low-calorie substitute for your dog.

Daily exercise in another key component to pet weight loss and going for a walk or swim together is great exercise for you too. Try taking your pooch to the dog park to make exercising a fun reward. Cats are a little more difficult to get motivated, so be sure to set aside a half hour a day to play.

In multi-pet households, weight loss can be more difficult. To prevent the sharing of food, be sure to feed your animals separately and do not leave food out throughout the day. If you notice your pets eying their empty food bowl between meals, offer them fresh water instead.

Read our article on pet foods here and call Powell Veterinary Service at 970-352-9164 to begin your pet’s weight loss journey today!

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Here at Powell Veterinary Service we use an ISO chip created by SaveThisLife that can be read with any universal microchip reader. The microchip gives your pet a permanent ID number, in case they are lost or stolen. The chip can be scanned and activated by a vet or animal rescue clinic. Activation reveals your pet’s ID number, which will then be called into a national pet recovery service. When your pet is found via microchip, you will be notified by the pet recovery service and can then be reunited with them!

Having a microchip implanted at PVS costs $42.50 (chip registration is included), and is a quick and easy way to prevent your pet’s permanent loss. The chip is inserted into the loose skin between the shoulder blades of your dog or cat and feels similar to getting a shot.

After implanting your pet with a microchip, we will register it for you into the SaveThisLife database to make sure your pet will make it safely home if lost! We also link the information to your pet in our computer system and include our hospital contact information on the registry so we can be contacted in case you cannot be reached.

Interested in learning more or getting your dog or cat microchipped? Contact Powell Veterinary Service at 970-352-9164 today!

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Laser therapy is the application of a coherent light. The laser light consists of multiple light waves in which all the waves support one another. Laser therapy is a holistic, non-invasive, effective way to treat and manage many different conditions.

How does laser therapy work?

The laser beam stimulates the cells and tissue to be healthy. It also reduces inflammation so that healing can begin. By reducing inflammation, the laser is also a great tool for helping to minimize the pain of many chronic conditions, like arthritis.

What will my animal feel when receiving the laser treatments?

Laser therapy is a painless application of healing light. You animal might feel a slight tingling as the light enters the tissue and cells, but it is very minimal if at all.

How long will each treatment take?

The treatment time depends on how chronic the condition is and the depth the laser light needs to reach and be effective. However, almost all treatments will be between two and ten minutes.

How many treatments will my animal need?

The number of treatments can vary greatly based on the condition, but many pet owners notice a positive difference within three or four treatments.

What are the costs of the treatments?

At Powell Veterinary Services the charge can be a one-time charge of $33.00 as of June 1, 2015 or a four treatment package for $119.50. These services are covered by most pet insurance policies. Ask us about Embrace Pet Insurance!! More affordable than you might think!

Are the results guaranteed?

We are not able to guarantee results on every animal. However, laser therapy has been proven effective in clinical studies and in rehab settings in both human medical and veterinary medical. There are over thirty years of research which supports the efficacy of this holistic treatment. Powell Veterinary Services has several clients who have had good experience with the laser treatments.

What conditions can the laser treat?

Acute & Chronic Otitis

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Anal Glands

Gingivitis & Periodontal Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Cranial Cruciate Ligament

Chronic Pain & Inflammation

Degenerative Joint Disease

Dermatological Disorders & Hot Spots

Arthritis and Lick Granulomas

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As the 5th in our series of Top Five Tips for Assuring your Pet’s Health and Wellbeing we have compiled this general information to remember in handling your pets.

To see our 4 other blogs on this subject go to powellvets.com and select the Blog tab.

 Love & affection

• Just like people, pets thrive on attention! The more love you give, the more you’ll get back.  Studies show that a lovingly handled pet is a healthier pet. The touch of the human hand improves the function of virtually all of the sustaining systems: respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and so on, in newborn puppies. A frequently petted pet is not only healthier and happier; but also better behaved. Dogs, like humans, find solace in touching another living being, which is why they get along so well together
• Give your pet plenty of hugs, kisses, gentle pats, and love. Okay, so maybe you can’t pet a fish, but you can still show you care by talking to it, watching it, and feeding it special treats.

Exercise

• Dogs need plenty of exercise. Physical activity keeps them healthy, happy, and fit. Make sure you walk, run, hike, or play fetch with your dog every day. Not only is exercise good for your pup, but it’s good for you, too!
• Cats, especially if they live indoors, also love some quality playtime with you. This is a chance to have fun and get creative with cool cat toys.

Grooming

• It’s a good idea to brush and comb your pets every day to get rid of loose or shedding hair.
• Poke around to check for fleas, ticks, leaves, and other things that might be tangled in your pet’s fur.
• If you can, bathe dogs once a month in the summer, every three months in the winter using a hypo-allergenic conditioner (oatmeal). Most cats rarely need bathing. Cats do not care for baths, so if you feel that your cat needs a bath use a lingerie sack for bathing. But don’t overdo it! Too many baths take away the natural oils from a pet’s skin and can cause itching or rashes. Brushing both dogs and cats can often be adequate in most cases
• Cats will have fewer hairballs and shed less if they’re combed on a regular basis.

Training, if you have a dog

• Yes, Bowzer is your buddy, but you need to be his boss! If you don’t set up rules for him to follow, he may act aggressively and out of control. You don’t want your dog dashing into oncoming traffic, jumping on little kids, or growling at your neighbors, right? So you need to set up rules for him to follow and help him follow them.
• You can do this sometimes in a very gentle manner without raising your voice or becoming mean. Work with your parents to determine the rules of the house. If there’s a “no dogs on the sofa” policy, don’t let Spot on the couch the minute your parents leave the room. It’s best when all of you work together to teach your new family member how to behave.
• An obedience class is a great way to learn how to speak a dog’s language and teach her the rules of your household. But don’t expect her to be perfect — there will be accidents! Just be patient and loving, and eventually the hard work will pay off.

Pet Don’ts

• Don’t use insect sprays and weed killers around your pets or allow antifreeze to spill in any area where pets hang out. If animals get poisons on their fur or paws, then lick themselves, they can get very sick or even die.
• Don’t ever feed your pet chocolate, no matter how much they might beg. Dogs can die from eating too much dark chocolate.
• Don’t let your dog wander the neighborhood without you. She could get lost, hurt, or catch a disease from another animal. Always keep her on a leash when in public areas, like a park or busy street.
• Never give pets human medicine. Keep all medicines — human or pet — out of your pet’s reach.
• Never leave a pet alone in a car on a hot day-even with the windows cracked open. Temperatures can go up quickly and cause an animal to overheat, which is sometimes fatal.

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^{This information is provided as the 4th in our series of fundamental instruction on assuring the health and well-being of your pet’s health.  See our other blogs at :
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http://powellvets.hms.c247.website/feeding-your-pet-the-right-food-and-the-right-amount-of-food-is-a-cornerstone-of-his-health/
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 Keeping pets’ ears clean contributes to their health and wellness by preventing irritation and infection that can be painful and potentially lead to hearing loss. Ear infection (otitis externa) is one of the most common and significant small animal problems that is preventable.  If infections are left untreated, they can lead to hearing loss or extend into the inner ear and become life threatening. Pets are prone to otitis externa due to the long length and L-shape of their ear canals. Otitis externa is estimated to affect 20% of dogs and 7% of cats in the United States.

Remember, prevention of ear infections is the best “medicine!”

Observation of the ears regularly, and proper cleaning with appropriate cleaners go a long way to prevention of both acute and chronic otitis. I recommend cleaning healthy ears monthly. A small amount of ear wax buildup is normal for your pet. Excess hair around and inside the ear should be removed to allow for better air flow and prevention of infection. It is also recommended to treat any underlying condition (such as allergies or hypothyroidism) that predisposes your pet to ear problems. If there is a bad odor from the ears, the ear canals look abnormal, or your pet shows discomfort during routine monthly ear cleaning, see your veterinarian promptly to avoid long term painful ear problems.

Directions for ear cleaning:

1. Dry clean ears first with cotton balls and a hemostat.
2. Place a good amount of ear wash into the ear canal.
3. Massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds to soften and release any wax or debris.
4. Allow your pet to shake his or her head to further loosen the debris.
5. Wipe out the loose debris and excess fluid with a cotton ball.
6. Repeat steps 1-4 as needed until all debris is removed.

Infections of the ear

Causes or inciting factors of infection include:

• moisture (swimming, not drying after a bath)
• parasites (ear mites, ticks)
• allergy to inhalant topics, food allergens,
• foreign bodies such as grass, seeds
• bacterial/yeast overgrowth often due to inflammation of the ear canal

Endocrine disease, such as hypothyroidism, can predispose an animal’s ears to inflammation. Polyps and tumors in the ear canal or middle ear also can prevent drainage of wax and debris thus setting the ear up for infection. Narrowing of the ear canal due to tissue thickening (hyperplasia/fibrosis) prevents drainage as well.

What are signs that your pet may have an ear infection?

• Scratching or rubbing of the ears and/or head
• Head shaking or tilting the head to one side
• Pain around the ears—your pet may shy away from you petting his or her head
• Odor or discharge from the ears
• Redness or swelling of the ear flap or the ear canal
• Changes in behavior—ear infections are painful and many pets will become snappy or irritable

If you witness any of these signs in your pet, see your veterinarian for a thorough ear examination to determine the cause of the problem

Treatment of infections at your veterinarian’s office

When we see an infection in an ear we start by examining the ear canal with an otoscope checking for foreign bodies, etc. We are often unable to see very deep in the ear due to debris so the next step is to remove some debris to examine under the microscope using special stains for bacteria and yeast. We are also looking for mites, etc. With chronic infections we would have to first culture the ear before doing anything else. Next we clean the ear, tubes are often required to flush the ear canal clean. Some pets allow us do this while awake, other do not. Hopefully after cleaning we can see the ear drum (tympanic membrane TM). Topical medications will depend on whether the TM is intact or not and depends on the organisms we see on cytology. With chronic ear infections we clean and apply anti inflammatory medications until we receive the results of the culture.

Home care after treatment Home care is critical for the prevention of ear infections. This consists of dry cleaning and instilling some type of liquid ear cleaner to get deeper into the canal on a daily basis. Once ears are cleaned and dried, instill a small amount of an appropriate medication. Some animal’s ears only require twice weekly or less cleaning. I use a small hemostat and a cotton ball. Use a piece of cotton larger than the ear canal but small enough to get deep into the ear. Trust me, you can’t hit the ear drum. Gently clean all the crevices in the ear as deep as you can go. Cotton size depends on ear size. Good cleaning is the most important part to resolve your pet’s ear infection. Stay after them. It’s a long term project, often months. Just because you can’t see the infection doesn’t mean it’s gone. Ear canals are long. At least every 2 week rechecks by your veterinarian with an ear scope while the infections are active is important to be sure things are improving. I like to medicate after every cleaning.

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