Hot Weather Tips for Your Pet

We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger, warn ASPCA experts. 

"Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if overexposed to the heat," says Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, "and heat stroke can be fatal if not treated promptly."

Take these simple precautions, provided by ASPCA experts, to help prevent your pet from overheating. And if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately.

Visit the Vet

A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren't on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe flea and tick control program.

Made in the Shade

Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it's extremely hot.

Know the Warning Signs

According to Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, "symptoms of  overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees." Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

No Parking!

Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. "On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time-even with the windows open-which could lead to fatal heat stroke," says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. Also, leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states. 

Make a Safe Splash

Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation deviceswhen on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.

Screen Test

"During warmer months, the ASPCA sees an increase in injured animals as a result of High-Rise Syndrome, which occurs when pets-mostly cats-fall out of windows or doors and are seriously or fatally injured," says Dr. Murray. "Pet owners need to know that this is completely preventable if they take simple precautions." Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured

Summer Style

Giving your dog a lightweight summer haircut helps prevent overheating. Shave down to a one-inch length, never to the skin, so your dog still has some protection from the sun. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. As far as skin care, be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.

Street Smarts

When the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close the ground, your pooch's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

Avoid Chemicals

Commonly used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of pets' reach as well. Call your veterinarian or theASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance.

Party Animals

Taking Fido to a backyard barbeque or party? Remember that the food and drink offered to guests may be poisonous to pets. "Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas," says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA Senior Vice President of Animal Health Services. "Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol."

Fireworks Aren't Very Pet-riotic

Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets. "Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma to curious pets, and even unused fireworks can be hazardous," says Dr. Hansen. "Many types of fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic and other heavy metals."

Make a Safe Splash

Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation deviceswhen on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.

When Your Dog Is Afraid of Storms

When Your Dog Is Afraid of Storms

What to do if you have a dog with storm phobia.

By Daphne Sashin
WebMD Pet Health Feature

Reviewed by D. West Hamryka, DVM

It can be heartbreaking to watch: Even before the first clap of thunder, otherwise well-behaved dogs begin to pace, pant, cling to their owners, hide in the closet, or jam themselves behind the toilet. In severe cases, they'll claw through drywall, chew carpets, or break through windows in their escalating panic.
Thunderstorm phobia in dogs is real, not uncommon, and shouldn't be ignored, experts say.
"Most of the time they don't grow out of it on their own, and many will get worse with time if nothing is done," says Matt Peuser, DVM, a veterinarian at Olathe Animal Hospital in Kansas.
Why does storm phobia happen, and what can you do if your dog suffers from it?

Storm Phobia Triggers

Veterinarians don't know all the triggers but suspect the dogs are set off by some combination of wind, thunder, lightning, barometric pressure changes, static electricity, and low-frequency rumbles preceding a storm that humans can't hear. According to one theory, dogs experience painful shocks from static buildup before the storm.
The anxiety often gets worse throughout the season as storms become more frequent.
Dogs often start having storm-related panic attacks seemingly out of nowhere, says Barbara L. Sherman, PhD, DVM, associate professor of veterinary behavior at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and a past president of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.
"Owners come in and say, 'He wasn't like this last year," Sherman tells WebMD. "It's really heart wrenching to see these dogs that are usually calm companions become severely affected by thunderstorms."
Herding breeds, such as border collies, may be predisposed to the problem, according to an Internet survey by Tufts University researchers. Dogs with other fearful behaviors, such as separation anxiety, also seem more prone to panic.
Some dogs with storm phobia are also frightened of other loud noises, such as fireworks or gunshots, but others are only afraid of storms.
What to do? There's no easy fix, and unless your dog is only mildly affected, it can be difficult to treat, vets say. But there are lots of tools to reduce your dog's distress during storm season:

1. Reward calm behavior year-round.

Many owners make the mistake of trying to console and pet a fearful dog that's whimpering or climbing on them, but that just encourages the panicky behavior, Sherman says.
"We absolutely don't want owners to scold their dog, but we don't want them to reward the dog for being clingy because that will increase the clingy behavior," she says.
Instead, practice getting your dog to settle on command. Sherman advises clients to put a special "inside" leash on the dog and practice having the pet lie at their feet while praising the calm behavior.
"They should practice when there is no storm, so the dog learns the routine," she says. "When the storm comes up, then they put on the leash and say, 'Come on and lie down here,' and the dog still knows what to do."
During the storm, you can also try distracting the dog by offering its favorite toy, playing fetch, petting it, and feeding treats as long as the dog remains calm, Peuser says.
"What you're trying to do is get them to forget about the storm and replace [the fear] with something positive," he says.

2. Give the dog a safe place where he can go in a storm.

That might be an open crate, a basement where the dog can't hear or see what's happening outside, an interior room with music playing, or a bathroom.
Let your dog decide: Notice where he goes during a storm, and if possible, allow access to it.
Be sure your dog can come and go freely, since some animals become more anxious if confined. Sherman treated one golden retriever that was confined to a garage and, in an attempt to escape during a storm, scratched through the drywall of the door leading to the house.

3. Consider a snug garment.

Snug-fitting shirts and wraps especially designed to calm anxious dogs are worth a try, says Sherman, who has consulted for Thundershirt, a so-called pressure garment that is said to have a calming effect similar to swaddling a baby. Some dogs also respond to wearing a metal fabric-lined cape marketed as the Storm Defender, which claims to protect dogs from static shocks.
So far, the benefits of these garments are anecdotal. A 2009 study found "there was a trend toward the Storm Defender performing better" than a placebo cape, but the results were statistically insignificant, said study author Nicole Cottam, MS, behavior service coordinator at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Tufts researchers are currently performing a study sponsored by the makers of Anxiety Wrap, another compression garment.

4. In the winter, desensitize your dog to the sounds of a storm.

Play a CD of thunder recordings at low enough levels that don't frighten your dog, while giving him treats or playing a game. Gradually increase the volume over the course of several months, stopping if your dog shows any signs of anxiety. The goal is to get your dog used to the sound of thunder, and associate it with good things, Peuser says.
Experts caution that desensitization can have limited success in an actual storm because you can only recreate the noise, and not the other factors that may be bothering the dog, such as the static electricity or changes in barometric pressure

. Ask your veterinarian for advice. The doctor may have more ideas for behavior modification and can assess whether medication may also be needed.
"Not every dog needs anti-anxiety medication, but dogs that are in a horrible state of high anxiety will really benefit," Sherman says. In severe cases, owners will keep their dogs on the medication for the whole season, while others give their dog medicine in the morning if there's a chance of a storm later on.
A 2003 study by veterinarians at the University of Georgia found that 30 out of 32 dogs with storm phobia showed significant improvement when given medication combined with behavior modification and desensitization.
"We have our best luck with a management plan that includes changing some features in the environment, applying some behavior modification techniques, and often some anti-anxiety medication," Sherman says. "Work with your veterinarian to come up with a treatment plan."

5. Ask your veterinarian for advice.

The doctor may have more ideas for behavior modification and can assess whether medication may also be needed.
"Not every dog needs anti-anxiety medication, but dogs that are in a horrible state of high anxiety will really benefit," Sherman says. In severe cases, owners will keep their dogs on the medication for the whole season, while others give their dog medicine in the morning if there's a chance of a storm later on.
A 2003 study by veterinarians at the University of Georgia found that 30 out of 32 dogs with storm phobia showed significant improvement when given medication combined with behavior modification and desensitization.
"We have our best luck with a management plan that includes changing some features in the environment, applying some behavior modification techniques, and often some anti-anxiety medication," Sherman says. "Work with your veterinarian to come up with a treatment plan."

World Dog Show 2011 - page officielle

World Dog Show 2011 - page officielle

or visit "World Dog Show 2011" in Facebook

Dogs and Compulsive Scratching, Licking, and Chewing

Dogs and Compulsive Scratching, Licking, and Chewing

Are you going crazy listening to your dog scratching his ears all night long? Have you about had it with your dog licking her paw non-stop? At your wit’s end over your dog biting his own tail?

If you think you’re uncomfortable, imagine how your dog feels.

Compulsive scratching, licking, and chewing behaviors are quite common in dogs and have a variety of causes. They can also be harmful. One of the first signs your dog has a problem might be the development of a “hot spot” -- a red, wet, irritated area that arises from persistent chewing or licking. Although hot spots, or "acute moist dermatitis", can occur anywhere on your dog’s body, they are most often found on the head, chest, or hips. Because dogs often incessantly scratch, lick, or bite at an area once it becomes irritated, hot spots can become large and incredibly sore rather quickly.

Reasons Why Dogs Compulsively Scratch, Lick, or Chew

Dogs scratch, lick, or chew for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from allergies to boredom to parasite infestation:

• Allergies. When dog scratching gets out of hand, it is often the result of allergies to food or environmental triggers, including mold and pollen. Dogs may also develop a skinirritation called contact dermatitis when they encounter substances like pesticides or soap.
• Boredom or anxiety. Just as people with anxiety might bite their nails or twirl their hair, dogs can have physical responses to psychological upset too. In fact, some dogs develop a condition akin to human obsessive-compulsive disorder. It can manifest itself in scratching, licking, or chewing behaviors that can cause severe damage. 
• Dry skin. A variety of factors, including winter weather and fatty acid deficiencies, can cause dry skin in dogs. Your pet may respond to the discomfort by scratching or licking at her skin or fur.
• Hormonal imbalances. If your dog’s body is not producing enough thyroid hormone or putting out too much cortisol, superficial skin infections can occur. You may notice small, red spots and your dog may scratch or lick as if bothered by allergies. 
• Pain. When trying to determine why your dog is licking or chewing excessively, be sure to consider the possibility that something is making him physically uncomfortable. For instance, if you notice your dog biting his paw repeatedly, he could have a thorn or sharp stone stuck in his foot pad. Compulsive chewing or licking can also be a response to orthopedic problems, including back pain and hip dysplasia.
• Parasites. Among the most common causes for compulsive dog licking, chewing, or scratching behaviors are fleas, ticks, and mites. Although ticks are often visible to the naked eye, fleas often go unseen until there is a large infestation and mites are microscopic. So don’t assume that your dog isn’t suffering from parasites just because you can’t see them.
• Because there are so many reasons why dogs chew or scratch, be sure to check with your veterinarian as soon as you notice a problem. The veterinarian will help figure out the cause of the behavior and determine the best treatment plan. Depending on the cause of your dog’s compulsive behavior, this might include: 
  
  • Eliminating parasites. There are a variety of flea and tick products that your veterinarian can recommend. Additionally, if your dog’s biting or chewing problems are caused by fleas, be sure to wash your dog’s bed and vacuum your carpeting and upholstered furniture on a regular basis to reduce the likelihood of reinfestation. You also need to treat any other animals in the household. 
  • Changing foods. If food allergies are making your dog itch, eliminating potential trigger foods (such as beef or wheat) can make a huge difference. Your vet may recommend a special diet if this appears to be the case. The addition of fatty acid supplements to your pet’s regular food can also help address dry skin issues and keep your dog’s coat healthy. 
  • Using medication. Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to treat underlying problems contributing to your dog’s persistent scratching. Additionally, your vet may recommend the use of topical or systemic antibiotics, steroids, or anti-itch products to treat existing hot spots or skin infections. 
  • Preventing the behavior. Because compulsive behaviors can cause serious damage and affect your dog’s quality of life, it’s important to do your best to stop your dog from chewing, licking, or scratching too much. Some ideas include using bitter sprays to discourage licking, having your dog wear a special collar to prevent access to hot spots, or keeping your dog close by your side when you’re home. 
  • Addressing anxiety or boredom. In some cases, compulsive biting, chewing, or licking develops in response to fear, stress, or inadequate stimulation. To reduce this likelihood, be sure your dog receives enough exercise, attention, and love. It can also be helpful to train your dog to chew on toys or bones to relieve stress as a replacement for inappropriate chewing or licking behaviors.

 

Making the Most of Your Vet Visit

Making the Most of Your Vet Visit

Taking your dog the vet? Here's help.

By Pamela Babcock
WebMD Pet Health Feature

Reviewed by Audrey Cook, BVM&S

Veterinarian Gene Bailey, DVM, DABVP, will never forget the day a Shar Pei coming to the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., clinic he owned slipped off its leash because the collar was too loose. The dog darted into the street just as the owner reached the clinic’s front door.
The dog spent a day and a half on the run, but died of a heat stroke shortly after it was found.
“There unfortunately is not a veterinarian in practice who has not had something like this happen,” Bailey says.
Pets can be nervous or easily frightened when they visit the veterinarian. Making sure your pet is properly restrained is just one important step when visiting your veterinarian.
What you do to prepare for a veterinary visit and what questions you ask will vary depending on whether it’s your first visit, you’re back for a routine checkup, or if your pet has a serious illness or health condition.

Bring Records

If you’re a first-time pet owner, going to a new veterinarian because you’ve moved, or are seeing a specialist, one of the most important steps is to bring your pet’s health records or have them transferred ahead of time.
Bailey, who now owns The Animal Hospital of Peak Plaza in Apex, N.C., says records you have on hand are helpful, but “ultimately having access to complete medical records is essential to quality of care.”
During their lifetime, companion animals may be seen by multiple veterinarians and at emergency and specialty hospitals. Such records have information about your pet’s drug allergies, anesthetic sensitivities, as well as baseline blood values. Some veterinarians make them readily available. Others require signed releases.

Covering the ‘What Ifs?’

The first visit is a good time to ask the preferred method of contact -- phone, e-mail, or text message -- if you have follow-up questions. Bailey says he prefers e-mail for nonurgent questions because “it allows time to give a thoughtful response as well as to attach reference material.”
Ken Werner, DVM, owner of Werner Animal Hospital in Morris Plains, N.J., agrees and says it beats playing phone tag: “The majority of people do not abuse it and have bona-fide questions."
It’s also a good time to ask how to contact them during emergencies, whether they offer after-hour emergency appointments, as well as contact information for local emergency clinics and poison control.

Foods, Medications, and More

For routine visits, bring a list of food brands and medications, as well as details of any special diets and treats and how much food your pet gets each day.
“A handful doesn’t mean anything to me,” Werner says. “Use a measuring cup so we compare apples to apples.”
It’s also important to note any change in your pet's water consumption, appetite, playfulness, energy level, or behaviors, and if there has been vomiting or diarrhea.

Something Isn't Right

Think your pet may have a serious illness? Be prepared to give an accurate description of the symptoms and how long they’ve been going on.
“If people don’t give me a history, I’m very handicapped because I can talk to these dogs and cats all day and they’re not going to answer me," Werner says.
Try to remain calm and objective. Again, tell your veterinarian what you’ve observed so she can collect the facts.
Now is also a good time to ask for handouts or Internet links to legitimate sources that might help you become more educated about your pet’s illness.

Bathroom Issues

Again, taking notes in advance can help. Note things like increased thirst, changes in bowel habits, or increased urination. If your vet asks for a stool sample, ask them how much they need, collect a fresh specimen, and transport it in a sealed bag.
Likewise, if your dog is having a urinary issue, don’t let him relieve himself when you get out of the car because the vet will want to get a sample.
You’ll also want to ask about signs you should watch for to see if your pet is getting better or worse. And be prepared to answer questions about your and your family's ability and willingness to give recommended medications or treatments.
Let the veterinarian know if you don’t think you can administer pills or injections to your pet.

Leashes, Carriers

Dogs should always be on a leash and cats in carriers, “with no exceptions. There may be other strange animals who are not friendly, and they can become frightened or may even fight,” Bailey says.
Give staff a heads-up if your dog is enthusiastic or assertive. And be sure that collars, harnesses, and leashes are secure and “comfortably snug,” Bailey says.
If your pet is young, new to the clinic or fearful, consider stopping by between health-related visits for a weight check or a tasty treat. You can also take your pet in when you pick up medication. Familiarizing your pets with the clinic and the staff will help set them up for success in the future.

Taking Care of Business

• Call ahead to see if your vet is running on schedule or to find out when she is less busy. The first appointment in the morning might be more likely to be on schedule than one later in the day.
• Honor your appointment time. And if you’ve made an appointment for one pet, “just bring one pet with you,” Werner says.
• Remember that most practices have strict animal handling policies. “Most dogs respect their owners, but some cats will bite or scratch anybody,” Werner says. In most cases, difficult pets aren’t innately aggressive, but simply fearful.
• Make a list of questions ahead of time. “This goes a long way to helping the client avoid getting sidetracked and making the most of the pet’s visit,” Bailey says.
• Ask for an estimate, particularly if your pet has a major health issue. “We can do so much in veterinary medicine now,” Werner says. “But it’s not uncommon to need an MRI that costs $1,800 to $2,000 or other procedures that can outstrip what the average person can afford.”
• Know what medications you have at home. “If your cat has an ear infection and you still have medication at home, there’s no need for me to dispense more medication and it will save you money," Werner says.

Recall of Pig Ears

Recall of Pig Ears for Pet Treats

Manufacturer Says Pet Treats Have Possible Contamination With Salmonella

By Bill Hendrick
WebMD Pet Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

May 5, 2011 -- An Illinois manufacturer of pet snacks has issued a recall of its Pig Ears for Pet Treats animal chews due to possible salmonella contamination, according to a posting on the FDA’s web site.
Key Manufacturing Co. Inc. of Paris, Ill., says in its news release that the recalled treats were distributed by truck to these states:

• Pennsylvania
• Virginia
• Missouri
• Iowa
• Ohio
• Illinois
• Florida
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Arkansas
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Texas
• Minnesota

Key says the recalled pet treats could sicken animals as well as humans who touch them.
The recall was issued as a result of a reported illness of a dog in Missouri that consumed the Pig Ears. The company says it has been working with the FDA to investigate what caused the problem.
The product was distributed in 100-count cases packed in cardboard boxes and shipped between Sept. 27, 2010, and Jan. 25, 2011.

Salmonella Symptoms

The FDA says healthy people infected with salmonella should monitor themselves for symptoms that can be caused by contamination. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever.
Some salmonella contamination can result in more serious ailments, including bloodstream infections, heart valve infections, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.
The news release says people who exhibit symptoms after being around the pet food should contact their health care providers.
People whose pet has symptoms after eating the product should contact their veterinarians.
Keys says consumers who have bought Pig Ears for Pet Treats should return it to the place where they obtained it for a full refund. Consumers with concerns can phone 217-465-4001.

Coton-Conference 2011

http://www.coton-online.net/ctv/global/downloads/voellinghausen/eng.pdf

We will have the possibility to celebrate our Coton-Conference in a very beautiful landscape. Indulge yourself with the best products of the "Köbbinghof". It is not possible to book a hotel room there but we have a list of hotels on our CTV-website (www.coton-online.de). We are looking forward to meeting many Coton-friends from all over the world and we hope it will become a great event for all of us.

Program: Saturday 12.30 p.m. CTV Club-Winner Show Judge: Ingrid Ehold (A) Celebration of the awards "Coton & Breeder of the Year 2010" 4 p.m. Breeder course Saturday evening 7 p.m. Dinner (please apply for it with the enter form of the show) + Get-together Sunday 10.30 a.m. General meeting for members of CTV e.V. Lunch More information about the «Köbbinghof »:  http://www.koebbinghof.de/