Doing Good for Animals
by Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker
Pet Connection | December 27th, 2021
With a few simple actions and a little thought, we can improve the lives of our animals
Andrews McMeel Syndication
Is improving the well-being of your animals -- and animals in general -- on your list of New Year's resolutions? We hope so. Working to make the world better not only for pets, but also for animals in need, is the best resolution we can think of.
The idea of making life better for animals can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to animal cruelty or homeless pets, but every little bit helps. If each of us did one small thing a couple of times a year, or one small thing daily for our pets, the overall result would be more impressive than we can imagine. Here are some ways to improve the lives of your own pets and of other animals.
-- Pay attention. Our dogs and cats spend so much time watching and studying us. We can return their interest by giving them some quality time, even if we're busy. A few minutes of cuddling or petting, sweet-talk, tossing a ball, or a quick review of the tricks they know -- rewarded with high-value treats! -- will be special to them, and it will de-stress us, too.
-- Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise. Provide some puzzle toys to give their brains a workout or give a few extra minutes of sniffing time at the beginning or end of a walk. Sign up pets for a toy subscription box or learn how to make your own puzzle toys (foodpuzzlesforcats.com/homemade-puzzles).
-- Take time to notice what's normal for your pet so you'll recognize what's not. That helps you to avoid being taken by surprise when your pet becomes ill or has an injury. Pay attention to any different behaviors -- not eating, eating excessively, drinking more water than usual, breaking housetraining, not wanting to play or go for a walk -- so you can report them to your veterinarian if they continue for more than a day or two. Early response can save your pet's life -- and your wallet.
-- Purchase pet health insurance. If your pet does have a serious health issue or injury, you won't have to worry about how to pay for it.
-- Don't overfeed pets. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, up to 59% of all pets are obese. Measure food and feed at regular mealtimes instead of leaving food out all the time.
-- Learn how to train your pet using positive reinforcement techniques so you can stop unwanted behaviors -- barking, jumping, door dashing, destructive chewing and so on. You'll both be happier.
-- Plan for emergencies. Teach pets (including cats) to enter a carrier on cue and stay calmly in it (fearfreehappyhomes.com/teach-your-dog-that-crates-are-great). Prepare a go-bag that includes a three-day supply of your pet's food, any medications, up-to-date vaccination or titer records, and anything else your pet might need if you have to leave in a hurry.
-- Build a good relationship with a veterinarian you trust. A veterinarian is your partner in keeping pets happy and healthy.
-- What about other animals? Does your local shelter have a wish list of items it needs? Help out by ordering some toys, cat litter, pet food or other supplies. Put out a shelter for community cats (alleycat.org/resources/feral-cat-shelter-options-gallery). Volunteer at a shelter to walk dogs, cuddle cats or do some of the unglamorous work such as scooping litter boxes. Support organizations (ovma.org/pet-owners/safepet-program) that foster pets of domestic violence victims so they don't have to worry about leaving pets in an unsafe situation.
-- Keep an open mind.
"The most important action we can offer people and pets is to put our phones away and look and listen," says Lori Weise, executive director of Downtown Dog Rescue in Los Angeles. Do so "without prejudgment, without having an agenda for what needs to be done or what the person or pet is supposed to do. Give the gift of allowing the person or pet be their true selves."
Dig it! How to
redirect "burials"
Q: My dog likes to "bury" his toys beneath our covers or under sofa cushions. I'd rather he didn't. How can I stop this behavior?
A: For some dogs, this seems to be a natural behavior that harks back to their wild ancestors, who likely buried food to hide it from other predators until they could come back for it. And some dogs just enjoy digging; hiding toys in the "hole" is a bonus.
There are several ways to try to curb this behavior. See if one of them works with your dog.
When you see him digging at cushions, bedding or piles of laundry, offer a toy that might be more attractive right now, such as a peanut butter-stuffed Kong (keep a couple in the freezer at all times), or a few minutes of tug with a favorite chew toy. In the meantime, have a family member put cushions back in place or put laundry piles where they're inaccessible. Bonus: You get to play with the dog while someone else puts away the laundry.
Try limiting the number of toys available to your dog at any one time. This may help to get him excited about playing with the toy currently in his possession, rather than hiding it. Routinely putting away toys in a box or basket can help keep them interesting to your dog.
Designate a sanctioned digging area. Fill a dog bed with blankets or pillows where he can hide things to his heart's content. That allows him to enjoy the digging and hiding routine without inconveniencing you or messing up your bed or other furniture.
To encourage your dog to use this area, place it near the current favorite hiding place and praise and reward him with high-value treats such as deli turkey when he uses it. -- Mikkel Becker
Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.
Cats get asthma,
but it's treatable
-- Asthma affects 1% to 5% of cats, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center. Allergens suspected of triggering feline asthma attacks include cigarette smoke, dust mites, smoke, pollen, vapors from household cleaning sprays, mold and mildew, and dusty cat litter. Signs of asthma include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthma attacks in cats are classified as mild, moderate, severe or life-threatening. Changes such as switching to a different type of litter box material can help, as can corticosteroids and bronchodilators administered via inhaler to reduce bronchial inflammation and open up airways.
-- Bird ears are streamlined for flight, so you won't see external evidence of them. Instead of an earlobe or pinna, a swirl of soft, protective feathers cover the opening and help to reduce wind noise. Birds have highly developed hearing ability, with owls having the most sensitive hearing -- maybe that's why they have a reputation for wisdom? Some birds use echolocation to find insects in areas with low levels of light. Avian ears are highly sensitive, and you may have noticed that your bird loves to have you scratch the area around the ear canal.
-- New Year's Day is a good time to check your pet's neck. Start by making sure the collar fits properly. It should be close, but not too snug. Cats should wear breakaway collars that will come off if they get caught on something. Check collars for any weak spots, especially at the holes or fasteners. Buy a nice new one if necessary. Tags should be legible; replace them if letters or numbers have worn away. And, of course, your contact information should be up-to-date as well. This annual check is a good way to help ensure that your pet can be returned to you if she gets lost. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker
ABOUT PET CONNECTION
Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.
Angry Organ
The pancreas normally gets little notice, but it can cause big problems when it becomes inflamed
By Kim Campbell Thornton
No one gives the pancreas much thought until it causes trouble. But when it does, watch out!
Pancreatitis -- the "itis" suffix indicating that the organ is inflamed -- is a common occurrence in dogs. When it's happy, the pancreas works quietly in the background, but when aggravated, it becomes angry and temperamental.
My dog Keeper is currently fighting his second bout with the fleshy-looking endocrine organ, which produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, as well as digestive enzymes that break down carbs, proteins and fats so the body can use them.
The reasons it becomes inflamed are unclear, and signs of inflammation -- vomiting, appetite loss, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever -- are also common to many other diseases. Pancreatitis should be considered, though, in dogs with vague but recurring digestive or intestinal problems.
Clinical signs, lab test results and imaging findings are all important in diagnosing pancreatitis, but even then the answer may not be clear.
Blood work alone is not sensitive enough to render a diagnosis, says veterinary internal medicine and critical care specialist Tony Johnson, and enzyme tests can have false positives. "A negative will tell you it's probably not pancreatitis, but you can still see a positive with non-pancreatitis diseases," he says. "Ultrasound will pick up about 70% of cases. There are some signs on X-rays that you can pick up, and those are commonly done when you're working up a vomiting dog."
The combination of diagnostic techniques also aids in gauging the severity of the condition and the dog's prognosis.
Pancreatitis is unpredictable in the way it progresses. Its effects may be limited to the pancreas and liver, or it may cause tissue damage and inflammatory response throughout the body. Some cases are mild while others are life-threatening or even fatal. Some dogs have a single acute case while others may develop low-level chronic pancreatitis.
While any breed or mix can develop pancreatitis, studies show that cavalier King Charles spaniels like Keeper are at higher risk for chronic pancreatitis, as are collies and boxers. Cocker spaniels have increased risk for both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Dr. Johnson has seen a large number of schnauzers with pancreatitis.
"Any schnauzer that comes in with abdominal pain and vomiting puts it up the list a little bit for me," he says.
Breed is not the only factor. Excessive fat intake, getting into garbage, surgery in the area near the pancreas, trauma such as being hit by a car, and hormonal imbalances can also trigger this sensitive organ. Other contributing factors include obesity and age -- middle-aged and older dogs are more at risk. Keeper has never been overweight, but he is about 13 years old.
Dogs with pancreatitis can experience severe abdominal pain. Keeper is normally a chowhound, so it was a red flag when he didn't want to eat. Medication to treat nausea and pain helped reignite his interest in the food bowl, which, filled with a bland, low-fat, easily digested diet, aided his recovery as well.
In addition to medication and supportive care such as IV fluids, a restricted-fat diet is the mainstay of treating pancreatitis, says Lindsey Bullen, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), who practices at Blue Pearl in North Carolina. That's because it helps to give the pancreas a break.
"With pancreatitis, high dietary fat stimulates the pancreas to release digestive enzymes, but because of the inflammation, the inappropriately activated digestive juices leak out and potentiate the inflammation associated with the pancreas."
Because each dog is an individual, it's a good idea to work with a veterinary nutritionist to choose a commercial diet or formulate a home-prepared recipe suited to a particular dog's case.
To help prevent a recurrence, talk to your veterinarian about a weight loss plan if your dog is overweight. Preventing access to garbage or fatty foods is important, too. Avoid anything that can anger the gut, such as abrupt changes in diet, Dr. Johnson says.
How cats
like to drink
Q: Does my cat really need a water fountain? Why can't he just drink out of a bowl?
A: The body needs water to flush wastes, lubricate joints, transport nutrients through the bloodstream and help regulate body temperature. A fountain might not be a necessity for your cat, but it has benefits. Here's why it's something to consider.
Depending on age and species, water is a major component -- 60% to 80% -- of a cat's body. Cats need more water when they're active, when it's warm or hot in their environment, and when they're on medications that can cause thirst, such as alprazolam for anxiety or steroids for skin problems.
Fountains encourage pets to drink more water. Cats, in particular, become dehydrated easily. The more water they drink, the healthier they are. The splash and burble of fountains attracts their interest, unlike bowls of flat water. It's difficult for cats to see water that's not moving, so they're less likely to lap at it.
A fountain allows you to track how much water your cat is drinking, which helps you keep tabs on health. At our house, we fill the fountain with a large measuring cup so we can track the cats' intake. This way we're more likely to notice if we're having to fill it up more often or if remaining water is at a lower level than normal. Monitoring water consumption lets us recognize sustained changes that might indicate medical issues such as diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or Cushing's disease.
If your budget doesn't allow you to spring for a fountain, try leaving a faucet on to drip just a little at a time. Your cat will be attracted by the movement of the water and can dabble in it and drink from it as much as he wants. -- Dr. Marty Becker
CDC updates
dog entry rule
-- An update to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rule allows dogs vaccinated in the U.S. by a U.S.-licensed veterinarian to reenter the United States from high-risk rabies countries if they have a valid U.S.-issued rabies vaccination certificate, proof of a microchip, are at least 6 months old, are healthy on arrival and enter through an approved port of entry. Approved ports of entry are the 18 airports with CDC quarantine stations: Anchorage (ANC), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), San Francisco (SFO), San Juan (SJU), Seattle (SEA) and Washington, D.C. (IAD). Dogs whose U.S.-issued rabies vaccination certificates have expired will not be accepted, and owners must apply for a CDC dog import permit. Dogs who have not been in a high-risk country in the previous six months do not require a rabies vaccination certificate or a CDC dog import permit. They must be healthy on arrival and vaccination against rabies is recommended.
-- Holidays have inspired many pet names, according to Embrace Pet Insurance, which raided its files to come up with a cornucopia of hundreds of dogs and cats with seasonal names: Ginger, Cookie, Holly, Ivy, Mistletoe, Angel, Joy, Noel, Snow, Mittens, Frosty, Comet, Dasher, Blitzen, Vixen and Rudolph. The most popular name is Buddy, with more than 1,000 pets named after everyone's favorite elf, and there are even five named Santa -- no doubt to ensure that they stay on the Nice List.
-- The dogue de Bordeaux is named after the capital city of the region in France where the dogs originated. They are also sometimes called French mastiffs or Bordeaux dogs. The DDB became widely recognized in 1989 after one appeared in the Tom Hanks movie "Turner and Hooch." -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker
Top Pet Traumas
Is it an emergency? Here's what you should know when minutes count
Our dogs and cats hate to let us know when they're not feeling well. It's instinctive for them to hide illness, and even injuries, if possible.
Some emergencies are obvious, though, and an emergency, by definition, requires immediate treatment. Any time your pet experiences one of the following conditions, you need to get him to the veterinarian on the double, whether it's noon or nighttime, weekend or holiday.
-- Hit by car. Even if your pet appears to be OK, he could have serious internal injuries.
-- Falling out a high window. Cats have a reputation for surviving high falls, but that doesn't mean they don't sustain injuries.
-- Blood gushing from an artery or bleeding from the mouth, nose or rectum.
-- Loss of consciousness.
-- Difficulty breathing, which can indicate choking, poisoning or heart failure.
-- Sudden collapse or paralysis.
-- Bloody vomiting or diarrhea.
-- Broken bones, difficulty walking or reluctance to put weight on a limb.
-- Gums that are pale instead of a healthy pink.
-- Seizures, tremors or staggering, which can indicate poisoning or neurological problems.
-- Known ingestion of antifreeze, Easter lilies, rat poison, items containing xylitol or other toxic substances.
Some pets are more prone to certain types of emergencies than others. Cats, for instance, love to nibble on plants, and can develop fatal kidney failure from eating any part of a lily -- even small amounts of pollen.
In male cats, straining to urinate can signal an obstructed urinary tract. When that happens, toxins build up quickly and can kill the cat if the blockage isn't relieved rapidly. Cats who strain to defecate should also be seen right away.
Dogs, especially males but sometimes females, can also develop urinary obstructions from bladder stones or prostate disease. Breeds at higher risk include Dalmatians, bulldogs and black Russian terriers.
An enlarged stomach accompanied by drooling, panting and retching without bringing anything up is a sign of gastric dilatation volvulus, commonly known as bloat and often seen in deep-chested dogs. Never "wait and see" if your dog shows these signs.
Dogs are notorious for eating anything they run across, which leaves them open to ingesting toxic foods and pharmaceuticals. Take your dog in if he eats grapes or raisins, fungi such as mushrooms or toadstools, dark chocolate, any food containing the sweetener xylitol, or drugs such as Tylenol, nasal spray or eye drops.
Another common pet emergency is severe vomiting and diarrhea accompanied by appetite loss. Those signs may be early indicators of life-threatening disease or gastrointestinal obstruction. Pets left untreated, especially cats or toy-breed dogs, can quickly become weak and dehydrated.
Pets with flat faces, such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats, are prone to heatstroke. If these pets are restless, have a rapid pulse, have trouble breathing or are panting or drooling, it's an emergency.
Cat and dog breeds such as Maine coons, ragdolls, Persians, American shorthairs and cavalier King Charles spaniels are at risk for congestive heart failure. Signs include unusual inactivity, tiring quickly, restlessness, panting, difficulty breathing, crackly breathing sounds and pale gums.
A pet who has trouble walking may have a spinal cord injury. Dogs or cats with long backs, such as dachshunds or munchkins, are susceptible to ruptured intervertebral disks.
If your pet experiences an emergency, the best thing you can do is to stay calm in the moment. Have your veterinarian's phone number and that of the nearest emergency clinic on speed dial, and call to let them know you're on the way and what the problem is.
Most important, know your pet's normal behavior. Noticing changes early can help you catch problems before they turn into emergencies.
Cat's wake-up
call is unwanted
Q: Our 11-year-old male cat has some new behaviors. He used to sleep at the foot of our bed, but now he cuddles, purrs and sleeps with me. At about 4 a.m., he starts walking around the bed, meowing and nibbling on my fingers and chewing on my husband's hair. If we shut him out of our room, he cries and paws at the door relentlessly. I don't mind having him in the room until the nibbling and meowing start. Is the nibbling an alpha behavior?
A: It's great that your cat is so affectionate, but I can certainly see how the early-morning attention could get old -- fast! The nibbling isn't alpha behavior, because that's not a concept that applies to cats (or to dogs, for that matter). Your cat does want your attention, whether it's because he wants to eat breakfast -- now! -- or because to him it seems like a good time for some interaction.
The other possibility is that his behavior is changing because he is showing early signs of dementia.
As with any change in behavior, we recommend taking your cat in for a veterinary exam to rule out underlying health problems. Sometimes being obnoxious is the only way cats have to tell us that they're not feeling well.
If your cat gets a clean bill of health, he may simply be ready for breakfast at that time of the morning. Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. Your cat's body clock may be telling him that it's time to eat. To ensure uninterrupted sleep for yourself, try purchasing a feeder with a timer. You can set it to go off just before the time your cat normally wakes you. If you feed canned food, look for a feeder with an ice pack to keep food chilled. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker
Legal beagles frown
on frigid canines
-- Heavily furred pets can thrive in cold conditions, but in some states, it's a misdemeanor or felony to leave animals outdoors for long periods in freezing weather. Most animals need protection from winter's chill, just as humans do. Virginia is the most recent state to mandate protecting pets from freezing temperatures, joining Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas, as well as certain municipalities. Michigan requires outdoor dogs to have "adequate shelter" from the elements. Penalties range from fines to jail time.
-- For the second year in a row, Scottish deerhound Claire walked away with the Best in Show ribbon at the National Dog Show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia earlier in the month and televised on Thanksgiving Day. It's the first time in the show's 20-year history that a dog has had back-to-back wins. The 4-year-old deerhound, formally known as GCH Foxcliffe Claire Randall Fraser, is the top-winning deerhound in the breed's history and was handled to both wins by Angela Lloyd. Other dogs in the Best in Show lineup were Sasha, a Pyrenean shepherd who took reserve best in show; Chester, an Affenpinscher; Jade, a German shorthaired pointer; Mo'Ne, a kuvasz; M.M., a Lakeland terrier; and Winter, a bulldog.
-- How long have dogs been walking on leashes? Based on rock art discovered in Saudi Arabia, humans and dogs have been linked by leashes for at least 8,000 years, according to an online report in the journal Science. This art may also be the earliest depiction of humans and dogs hunting together -- not to mention the earliest depiction of dogs in general. With their pricked-up ears, smooth coats and curved tails, the dogs depicted resemble primitive, or pariah-type, dogs such as Canaan dogs, Carolina dogs or the village dogs found around the world. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker
Money Doesn't Equal Grace or Courtesy
On Houseguests Who Rearrange Your Furniture
You Don't Owe This Lady Any Butter
Eating Broccoli
New Year Inventory
Multivitamins Won't Cause Weight Gain
Tricor Helps Patient Control High Triglyceride Level
Is Acai a Cure-All Fruit?