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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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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^{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/
http://powellvets.hms.c247.website/cleen-teeth-essential-to-the-health-of-your-pet/}}

 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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 ^{This information is provided as the 2nd in our series of fundamental instruction on assuring the health and well-being of your pet’s health.  See our 1st blog at :}

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What to feed?

1. Analyze commercial pet food choices

Thoroughly investigate the options offered by identifying the real manufacturer of the pet foods you are considering by answering the following questions. Does the manufacturer make the food in its own facility? Does it employ a board-certified veterinary nutritionist? Does it have an American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) feeding trial statement? Does the pet food bag read “manufactured by” as opposed to “distributed by” or “manufactured for”? Does the company practice strict quality control measures and conduct and publish research on animal nutrition?  Many foods are co-packed, or made by several different manufacturers then labeled by the end-of-the-line company that sells it.

A great place to start your research is with the annual pet food manufacturer list published by Whole Dog Journal. An example from its 2013 list was Blue Buffalo, which was reportedly made by five different manufacturers – American Nutrition, C.J. Foods, ProPet, Triple T Foods and Tuffy’s Pet Foods. Recently Blue Buffalo built a multi-million dollar facility of its own in Missouri with the idea of bringing its product in house.

The flip side of co-packing is mass manufacturing. Take Diamond Pet Foods, for example, the manufacturer behind at least 30 different pet foods, including Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul, Canidae, Kirkland, Solid Gold Wolf King, Taste of the Wild, 4 Health, Professional and Premium Edge, to name a few. Diamond Pet Foods’ Gaston, South Carolina, plant was also home to a national Salmonella enterica outbreak, which led to the largest recall of dry pet foods. More than 30,000 tons manufacturer if it implements routine testing as part of its quality standards.of food were recalled after a New Jersey infant became severely ill from contact with Costco’s Kirkland brand pet food. Most recently (2012), a sample of Diamond Pet foods’ lamb-based food from its Meta, Missouri, plant tested positive for Salmonella Liverpool, but no human illness was reported? Why such ongoing problems? Unfortunately regulatory agencies don’t require manufacturers to test their final pet food products for Salmonella. That’s why it’s important to ask your favorite manufacturer if it implements routine testing as part of its quality standards.

It’s important to fight the daily battle against misleading marketing and Internet “knowledge” to provide clients with the best possible information about their pet’s health. Although this blog does not purport to offer any recommendations, for those who place their trust in our knowledge and would like recommendations, we offer information from Dr. Jeromin* for this information today.  “In my practice I recommend the larger pet food manufacturers including Hill’s, Iams, Royal Canin and Nestle Purina. These companies generally manufacture in house, employ board-certified veterinary nutritionists, publish nutritional research to peer-reviewed journals, adhere to strict quality-control measures, actually feed their food via AAFCO feeding trials (not all companies do this) and can provide a complete nutritional analysis of their products. When there is control of all aspects of research, development and manufacturing, there is a sense of pride and responsibility for the products these companies are offering our pets.”

______________________________________________________________________

Did you know?

If you hear a pet food manufacturer tout its product as “veterinarian-approved,” don’t be fooled! It turns out that veterinarian-approved is not a term allowed on pet food labels. “Veterinarians do not approve labels or products, only state regulatory agencies can do that,” according to the Associate of American Feed Control Officials. Pet food manufacturers can, however, use the terms, “veterinarian-recommended,” “veterinarian-developed” or “veterinarian-formulated” if the company meets certain criteria set out by the association.

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2. Familiarize yourself with fad diets

“Grain-free” is the new buzzword for pet owners. The problem is that grain-free does not mean hypoallergenic and there is no set AAFCO definition of “grain-free.” So grain-free can mean different things to different manufacturers. What many owners don’t realize is that dogs are of the carnivore species but are omnivores in their eating habits, so complex carbohydrates are actually necessary for normal stool formation. Obesity often thought to be a problem with high-carbohydrate foods is actually more of a concern with high-fat diets.
Many of today’s pet owners are also gravitating toward raw food diets because “that’s what animals eat in the wild” and “it’s natural.” Of the 36 regions of genomes that differ between wolves and dogs, 10 play a role in digestion, metabolism, indicating legitimate nutritional differences between the two. Wild animals have a short lifespan, and these raw diets may not provide proper and complete nutrition for the long life our domestic pets enjoy.
Unfortunately most reports concerning raw diets are anecdotal with a lack of long-term, high-quality studies. Most raw diets are labeled as supplements or for intermittent feeding only—not for long term nutrition. A recent article reviewed the scientific evidence for and against raw diets and reported 60 percent of recipes used in homemade raw diets were found to have nutritional imbalances. In an earlier study, all five raw diets (three home-cooked, two commercially prepared) tested had an incorrect calcium/phosphorous ratio, vitamin A and E deficiencies and twice the AAFCO-recommended amount of vitamin D.
“Enzymes” are another touted benefit of raw diets, yet most dogs and cats do not require exogenous enzymes for digestion. Some pets receiving raw diets do have improved digestion, as heat commonly used in manufacturing commercials pet foods can affect protein digestibility but improves plant digestibility.

Excerpts from “Pet Food facts and fiction” dvm360 March 2015 Volume 46 Number 3 dvm360.com

*Dr. Jeromin  is a pharmacist and veterinary dermatologist in private practice in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a 1989 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University’s College of Medicine.

How often and how much to feed?

Our recommendations for your pet will vary depending upon your pet’s age, breed, activity level, metabolism and your own schedule. Whether you feed your pet once or twice daily, make sure to feed him at the same time each day and provide fresh drinking water at all times. Consistency in food type, amount and feeding time is critical for your pet’s health. Do your best to develop a feeding plan that emphasizes regularity to help your pet’s digestive health to remain in peak condition.

As a general rule, puppies or kittens burn more calories, so they need a greater quantity of food that is higher in protein and fat. Older, less active pets require fewer calories to remain healthy. Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, PhD, author of Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, believes the most reliable approach is to feed what seems to be a reasonable amount and monitor his body weight. “You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs easily as you slide your hand over his sides,” Pitcairn says. “If you can’t, he’s probably too heavy, so begin to feed 25% less.”

If you’re using a commercial pet food, beware of the “feeding guidelines” on the bag or box. It lists different weights and the corresponding amount of food to feed your pet to maintain that weight, and should be used only as a rough guideline. Many pets are overweight because their families closely followed the directions on the label, which often indicates portion sizes that are too large. After all, the sooner the bag is empty, the sooner you will need to buy more food.

Though it may sound counterintuitive, as a general rule, large breed dogs require less food and small breed dogs require more food when expressed on a volume of food per pound of body weight. The food requirements of individual dogs vary according to their health, level of activity, and age.

Different portions for different animals
Puppies and kittens: Puppies are typically introduced to solid food at four to six weeks of age and are completely weaned from their mother’s milk by eight weeks. Puppies require a diet that is higher in protein and other nutrients to support normal growth and development. If you are feeding commercial pet food to your puppy, select a brand that is specially formulated for puppies. Young puppies should be fed at least three times a day — morning, noon, and early evening — until their food requirements per pound of body weight begin to level off as they mature. By the time the puppy is five or six months of age, his feeding schedule can be reduced to twice a day. If you have a finicky puppy, you can add some warm water to dry food to encourage him to eat it. Cow’s milk can act as a laxative and cause digestive problems for some puppies and adult dogs, so avoid giving this to your pup or only give very small amounts. If your puppy doesn’t eat all his moistened food within a few hours, discard the uneaten portion before it goes bad. The amount of food you feed your puppy will vary depending upon his size, activity, metabolism, and environment. Feeding too much can not only lead to a pudgy pup, but can also cause bone abnormalities and other health issues. If your puppy appears to be gaining too much weight, gradually decrease his food intake by 25% less, but if his ribs are showing, increase his portions by 25%. If you are unsure about his proper weight or appearance, talk to your vet for guidance.  Cats on the other hand are often free feeders often visiting their cat dish every couple of hours and do well with this routine.  However, for the overweight feline they should be fed as for above to limit their intake.

Adults: When the average dog is one year old, he has reached full maturity and enters a “maintenance period.” This means that his nutritional requirements will stay about the same during his young adult life, assuming he is not ill or engaging in extreme physical exercise. His weight should remain stable and his body should be well-proportioned — he should have an observable waist and you should be able to feel his ribs with your fingertips, beneath a thin layer of fat. If you are feeding your adult pet a commercial pet food, select one that is specially formulated for adult pets.
As with humans, a pet’s appetite may vary from day to day. This is not cause for alarm unless his loss of appetite persists for several days or he shows obvious signs of weight loss or illness. However, having no desire to eat can be the first sign of many illnesses, so monitor your pet’s food and water intake carefully. You know your pet best, so if something seems amiss, don’t hesitate to take him to his vet.

Active adults: Moderate exercise is essential for all pets and helps them remain fit and trim throughout their lifetime. But some pets, like some humans, will regularly do more intense exercising. If your pet is particularly active (for instance, if he jogs or runs with you regularly, or is involved in sporting activities) his energy needs will be greater than those of his more sedentary counterparts. Be aware, though, when a typically active pet is less active (for instance, an inside pet during the cold winter months (outdoor pets may require more food in the cold winter months) or when he suffers an injury, such as a sprain or muscle pull), his food requirements decrease. In these instances, experts recommend gradually changing to a lower energy, less nutrient-dense pet food.
Very active dogs should not be fed immediately before or immediately after a strenuous workout. This can lead to digestion problems or discomfort (such as vomiting or loose stools) and may increase the risk of gastric bloat, a painful and often life-threatening condition caused by a twisting of the stomach (torsion or GDV).
Although a small meal can be provided in the morning, hard-working dogs should receive the bulk of their daily calories one hour or more following their last exercise session each day. You can also feed your dog small snacks or treats during periods of increased activity to prevent hunger and fatigue. Allow him to rest intermittently and make sure he has access to fresh water at all times.

Seniors: As with humans, the dietary requirements of pets will change as they age. Elderly pets have reduced energy requirements and therefore shouldn’t consume the same quantity of food as they did when they were younger. If you’re feeding your senior pet commercial pet food, look for brands that offer reduced calories while still including all the necessary nutrients. Senior pets, like all pets, should be fed according to their overall health and level of activity. A less active pet can quickly gain weight if you’re not careful.

Hopefully this guide helps you create a healthy feeding plan for your dog.

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Just as humans do, cats and dogs also succumb to some of the same illnesses and diseases. And as they age they are more apt to develop these diseases. Arthritis is a very common occurrence in cats and dogs that are reaching middle age or older, and if you are not sure what to look for, here are some simple tips to help you.

One thing to look for is if your cat or dog stops doing things that they used to do – things like jumping on the bed or counter top, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of your car.

Arthritis in dogs and cats can occur in the spine as well as the legs, so be aware if your pet has a hunched back or shows signs of being lame in his hind legs.

If you notice that your pet is sleeping more than usual, or if your dog cuts his walks short or shows other signs of being tired, this may indicate arthritis.

If your dog or cat is more irritable than normal, and shows any aggressive behavior, especially when being petted, this could be a sign of arthritis. You might be petting him in a painful spot, and he may have no other way of letting you know that he’s hurting.

Another thing to look for is if your dog or cat’s muscle tissue seems to be atrophying. The legs will appear much thinner than normal.

Keep an eye out for hair loss or inflamed skin in certain areas. Animals with arthritis often chew, bite, or lick the painful spots, and inflammation and hair loss can be the results.

If you notice any of the signs, bring your cat or dog to the vet right away. Arthritis pain can be managed, and there are some treatments that can give your animal more energy and pep. Arthritis in pets is as serious as it is in humans, and should not be ignored.

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Good oral health will keep your pet happy and healthy. He won’t struggle to eat because of mouth pain, and his entire system will be so much healthier. You want to have your furry pal around for a long time, and brushing his teeth with regularity and every day, will add years to his life and love and fun to yours.

There are many products created especially for animals. And that includes flavored toothpaste and soft toothbrushes. These can be found at your veterinarians’ office and other places you shop for pet supplies. The toothpaste flavors are beef, tuna, and malt. These special pastes have enzymes that decrease plaque, the soft form of tartar.

Find products that suit both you and your dog. Toothbrushes come in a variety of styles, including one that fits over your finger. But if your dog won’t tolerate any of them, you can use your finger with some gauze covering it. Toothpastes also come in different flavors so try them and see which one your dog likes. Remember that your dog is going to be swallowing the paste so get one especially for dogs and never use human toothpaste.

First of all, do things that get your pet used to having their muzzle and mouth manipulated. Take it slow so they are not scared or overwhelmed by your behavior. And find some kind of reward that you can give them so he associates something fun with the brushing process.

To get your cat or dog used to being handled in this way, try this exercise. Keep a loved treat in your hand and gently put your other hand over the animals’ muzzle, and gently, lift their lips up, for about 3 seconds, exposing his teeth. Give them the treat. Repeat this about seven or eight times. Do these exercises two times a day for a few days, slowly increasing the time you lift his lips. Don’t even attempt to brush his teeth.

Do the above exercises again, but now hold the mouth open for a few seconds and give a treat. Repeat this
exercise as you did above over a period of days, each day increasing the amount of time you hold the dog’s mouth open. Always reward his patience with a treat. Once you have held your cat or dog’s mouth open for at least ten seconds, he is ready for the brush, and so are you.

You are going to get your pet used to the brush and toothpastein increments as you did with his being handled. Without opening the mouth, just lift the lips and gently brush the outside of the teeth and gums for about 3 seconds, starting with the upper outer teeth since most of the tartar starts there. Reward with a treat. Increase the length of time you brush a few seconds at a time, always giving a treat when you’re done. After a while you will be able to brush all the outside teeth surfaces in one go.

Now you are ready to brush the interior surfaces of his teeth and gums. Open his mouth as you did above and gently brush the teeth interiors for about 3 seconds, and give a reward. Practice this twice a day, increasing the length of time you brush incrementally. Always give a treat as a reward for tolerating the brushing. And praise your pet. Do this until you are able to brush all the interior surfaces of teeth and gums.

Always brush twice a day, and never for longer than five minutes at a time. And reward your pet each time. He should be getting used to the brushing process by now.

Getting puppies and kitten used to you having fingers in their mouths at a young age helps later on when you have to brush the adult teeth (there is no need to brush the baby teeth as they will all be gone by 6 mo. of age). Take your pet to the vet regularly, and have his mouth examined. Giving him kibble and not just canned, soft food, is helpful at preventing the formation of plaque on the teeth. You can also let him have CET chews, and other “dental” chews to keep the plaque at bay. Making sure you give your pet regular tooth maintenance can save you a lot of time and money by not needing professional teeth cleaning.

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