Welcome
to the readers of the first edition of the NEW HOPE ANIMAL HOSPITAL Newsletter,
a quarterly publication dedicated to educating and entertaining our clients.
Hopefully it will accomplish both. What you learn and when you smile, pass it
on.
This
space will be my soap box and is perhaps the main reason I am producing this
publication (that and no other staff members volunteered!). To commemorate this
first edition I am dedicating this quarter to simply the most important
animal issue to me…the pet overpopulation problem.
Statistics are that at least 10 million dogs and
cats are euthanized at Humane Societies across the United States each year. Most
of those are happy, healthy animals that would make wonderful pets. They were
born into a world that does not have enough good homes. They were born to die.
Realize these statistics do not include the dogs and cats that are dumped and
die, or meet another horrible death. I do not blame the shelters who humanely
euthanize them. The result of letting 10 million live each year as wild or stray
animals is even worse.
The only way to stop the destruction is to stop the
production! We must each realize that every litter does count.
We must make sure that we do not allow even one more litter to be born
that we can prevent. There is no money in having a litter, just more
responsibility and cost. And no puppy is just like its parent, just like we
aren’t just like ours. And in many cases that is good!
There are many things you can do to help stop this
slaughter of innocent animals. First of all, of course, neuter or spay your own
pets before they have even one litter. There are many positive health benefits
to this procedure that I will have to address in another newsletter.
Second, talk to those friends and neighbors that have pets and convince
them to spay and neuter their pet. We have excellent handouts on the benefits of
spaying or neutering your pet that we will be happy to share with anyone. If
time is a factor in their reluctance, offer to take their pet and pick it up for
them. Please make sure you will be able to authorize anesthesia and surgery for
them on our release sheet; one of our doctors would be happy to call the client
before the surgery to go over the forms and options available. If money is a
factor in their irresponsibility, offer to see if they qualify for any of the
low cost spay-neuter programs available in our area. Call us or one of the local
Humane Societies to see what is available. If they don’t qualify, consider
paying for it yourself or taking up a neighborhood donation. If they are totally
stubborn and resistant no matter how helpful you offer to be, give me
their name and number!
I know it is not your responsibility to take care
of someone else’s pet, but don’t do it for the irresponsible person, do it
for the helpless pet! And, believe
me I know, the minute you start talking about spending money on someone’s
animal, the minute it becomes ‘just a stray’ and ‘not my cat (or dog)’.
So get on my soapbox and help me spread the word. I
am determined to make a difference in the number of animals killed by us each
year. One of the most important things we can do is stop the production! As
humans we are responsible for the lives of the animals we share the earth with,
especially those we domesticated for companionship. We must teach the others to
be responsible with life, all life.
SEASONAL
TOPICS (or Sizzlin’ Summer Subjects)
These
are the notes I used for my talk at the Ozark Hunting Retriever Club at their
April meeting in Springdale. I enjoyed spending time with other dog lovers and
hopefully someone learned something (I’m sure the waitress did!). You can
learn more about this local club by a visit to www.OzarksRetrievers.org
or call our office and we can put you in touch with members.
HYPERTHERMIA,
HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE
One of the first signs of heat
exhaustion is loud, rapid, excessive panting. Other signs include weakness,
rapid pulse and flushed skin (ears and abdomen are the easiest places to check).
Heat exhaustion quickly deteriorates into heat stroke, with signs including
glazed eyes, excessive salivation, elevated body temperature, excessive whining
or agitation, staring, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Only one of these symptoms
has to be present to indicate your dog may be in trouble.
Heatstroke
affects all body systems. The cardiovascular system has an increased metabolic
rate and increased oxygen consumption. The respiratory system shows signs of
hyperventilation which in turn affects the acid-base balance of the whole body.
Pets can go into acute respiratory failure. Muscle tissue breaks down, fluid
accumulates in the brain and the coagulation system breaks down.
Once the temperature reaches 109 degrees, the pet has only a few minutes
before the heat destroys all tissues.
Points
to remember
·
Dogs do not sweat. Panting is the major
means of getting rid of excess heat. However with the heat also goes the water
from the moistened exhaled air. This is one reason extra water is needed.
·
Dogs with short muzzles, such as
boxers, pugs and mastiffs have an even more difficult time breathing during hot,
humid weather.
Prevention
Ø
Exercise in the early morning and late
evening to avoid over-exertion. Discourage your pet from excessive exercise in
hot, humid weather. Dogs don’t know when to quit!
Ø
Avoid the hot pavement, which can burn
and blister the pads of dogs.
Ø
Never
leave in closed space if the temperature is above 65 degrees– car, dog box, or
kennel. When the temperature is 85 degrees, the temperature inside an enclosed
area can soar to 102 degrees in 10 minutes and 120 degrees in 30 minutes.
Ø
Provide shade. Light skinned animals
are prone to sunburn and skin cancers. Dogs that are tied out (boo, hiss) can
easily get their rope or chain caught and get stuck in the sun.
Ø
Provide abundant fresh water. A
children’s swimming pool is filled with fresh water to lie in when the
temperature is high can help. Take water with you when you take your dog
outdoors. For dogs that tip their water over, buy a heavy-bottomed
“untippable” bowl.
Ø
Acclimate to heat.
What to do if:
v
Use cool and not cold water, which can
actually constrict blood vessels and stop the transfer of heat from the body.
v
Cool immediately…take to the shade,
use sponges or hose him off with cool water, especially on the head, feet, and
groin area.
v
Offer small amounts of cool water to
drink.
v
Cool water enemas are extremely
helpful.
v
Keep a thermometer with you in your
‘dog kit’. Learn how to take a dog’s temperature (Normal 101-102). Take to
the vet even if signs diminish rapidly. Shock treatment to prevent/treat
hyperthermia can be life saving.
Veterinary
medicine is constantly changing and learning.
This section offers information on new medications and treatments to keep
you up to date!
KILTIX
This
is Bayer’s new topical (on the skin) tick product for use in dogs and puppies
over 12 weeks old only. It is extremely toxic in cats. In fact, cats that
actively groom or engage in close contact with recently treated dogs may be at
risk of toxic exposure. The same company that makes Advantage makes Kiltix and
they are offering free Kiltix with the purchase of Advantage (the amount
necessary to treat your dog for the months of Advantage you purchased). So if
you currently use Advantage and don’t have cats that get near your dog, you
can get free tick protection now.
FRONTLINE
PLUS
So
what’s the plus? Well, now Merial has included an insect growth inhibitor to
the ever-popular Frontline. The additive is (S)-methoprene…which will prevent
flea eggs and larvae from developing into adults. It is non-toxic to mammals.
So now Frontline is effective against adult fleas and ticks as always,
PLUS flea eggs and larvae.
DENOSYL
Denosyl is a patented, stabilized and pure
form of SAMe and is the latest thing for liver disease. It is not a drug, but a
nutritional aid that is an essential part of three major biochemical pathways
important in the function and repair of liver cells. SAMe has been shown to
result in improvements in liver cell function without significant side effects.
It will be a life-saver for many of our pets with toxic hepatitis (as from
Tylenol toxicity). It will be an aid to spare the liver from the side effects of
anticonvulsants, steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy. It shows
promise in pancreatitis, kidney conditions, immune mediated diseases, and heart
disease.
BEHAVIOR BITS (NOT BITES)
Each
newsletter will highlight a behavior topic! Another advantage to being editor is
choosing the topics, but I do welcome any input from our clients on ideas or
needs. Please ask our staff for information on any behavior problem you may be
experiencing. We have an extensive library on computer of most behavior
problems. We can’t solve your problem, but we can give you information on how
YOU can!! Our topic this month is socialization of our pets….
Introducing
Your Puppy to the World
by Wayne Hunthausen,DVM and Gary Landsberg, DVM
Little
puppies don’t come into our world with knowledge about humans or the world in
which we live. They need to learn
all about us—about car rides, vacuums, weaving bicycles, and more.
If they don’t have a chance to learn about the people, animals, and
things in their environment, they may grow up to be fearful, anxious, antisocial
adults. This situation can usually
be prevented with early socialization and exposure to as many people, animals,
sights, sounds, and places as possible. If
you are considering getting a new puppy, it is best to obtain it at
approximately seven weeks old. Before
this time a puppy needs to be socialized to its mother and littermates.
From seven weeks on, it is critical that puppies socialize with humans.
Socialization
is the process of developing relationships with other living beings in your
environment. The first few months
of your puppy’s life are the most critical for its development.
If this time passes without the young pup making necessary social
contacts, irreparable damage may result, leading to fear, timidity, or
aggression. Since the most
sensitive period for puppy socialization occurs during the first 12 weeks of
age, you should begin the socialization process as soon as you get your new
puppy (and then continue into adulthood).
Start with
simple, quiet, one-person introductions and gradually include more people in
noisier situations. Invite friends,
relatives, and their pets to come to your home to meet, greet, and play with
your puppy. As soon as your
veterinarian says your puppy is adequately vaccinated, take it on as many walks
and outings as possible. Initially
avoid situations that might be high risk for disease, such as neighborhood parks
or areas with stray dogs. To make
the new introductions special, give a small biscuit to you puppy whenever it
meets someone. As soon as your
puppy can sit on command, have it sit when if meets new people, letting each new
friend give the reward. This
teaches your puppy to greet properly, rather than lunging or jumping up on
visitors and passersby.
It is
important that your puppy meets and receives treats from a wide variety of
people of all ages and appearances. A
puppy that grows up in a restricted social group (e.g., all adults or all
females) may show fear and aggression when later exposed to people who appear or
act differently (e.g., children, men with beards).
Even if there are no children living at home, it is likely that you young
pup has plenty of opportunities to play with and learn about children during its
early months it may never feel comfortable around them.
Another
excellent way to promote early socialization is to take your puppy to training
classes. The new concept in
training is to start puppies young, before they pick up bad habits and when
learning is rapid. Many communities
now have training and socialization classes where puppies can be admitted as
early as their third month. These
classes not only help the pups get off to a great start with training, but they
also offer a wonderful opportunity for social experiences with other puppies and
people.
Punishment
during early development can negatively influence the puppy’s relationships
with people. Avoid training methods
that involve physical discipline, such as swatting you pup, thumping it on the
nose, and rubbing its face in a mess. These
methods can teach your dog to fear the human hand or to become a fear biter.
In general, during the early months of your puppy’s life, avoid any
interactions with people that might make it anxious.
Habituation is a fancy term that involves getting used to a varied environment. As you puppy matures, new sounds and situations can lead to fear and anxiety. Frequently expose you puppy to different sights, sounds, odors, and situations. Properly socializing and shaping you puppy’s temperament requires an investment in time. You will find that your efforts are worthwhile when you become the proud parent of a social, friendly dog.
In
an effort to provide you and your puppy an opportunity to socialize, we are
proud to offer our waiting room and help sponsor Puppy Parties on Tuesday nights
with Helen Downs and Denise Johnson. Puppies and their people have a good time
and it is a great way to socialize your puppy and learn more about training.
Call New Hope Boarding and Grooming at 936-8044 for more information.
Tips
on Buying a Carrier
Make sure your pet can stand and turn
around.
If going on a long trip, buy a
carrier with food and water holders.
Make sure there are no sharp,
protruding pieces that might injure the pet.
Use a roomier carrier for your pet
when traveling by car.
For
cats and small dogs:
Portability is important. You should
be able to hold the carrier in one hand.
If
you can find one, buy a carrier with a side door or top door rather than a
screen at one end.
If you're flying, try to keep your
pet in a carrier under your seat.
A rolled up newspaper can be an
effective training tool when used properly. For example, if your puppy chews
something or has a housetraining accident, take the coiled up newspaper and hit
yourself on the head as you repeat the phrase, “I wasn't watching my puppy.”
This is the only time a rolled up newspaper should be used in training. If your
puppy laughs at you when you do this, praise him.
LOCALLY:
Dr. Nancy will be
speaking at the Rogers Library Summer Program on June 19th from 10-11
am and 2-3 pm. This program is designed for kids 8-14 years old and we have fun
with whatever critters she takes and hopefully the kids learn about pet care at
the same time. So if you have a youngster, call the Rogers library (621-1152)
and sign them up! A lot of parents
stay for the program…even some with no kids!
NATIONALLY:
Cat ownership is
the focus in June. The American Humane Association has named this month
Adopt-a-Cat Month and ASPCA recognizes it as Adopt-a-Shelter Month. Either way
you look at it, the month offers an opportunity to team up with local shelters
to promote the adoption of a lifelong feline companion.
Take
Your Dog to Work Day-June 29, 2001
According to the
1999 AAHA Pet Owner Survey, nearly half of all dog owners have taken their dog
to work. To promote the benefits of dog ownership, Pet Sitters International has
named the last Friday in June as Take Your Dog to Work Day. In addition to
providing a fun, tail-wagging day in the workplace, the event shows employers
how important pets are to their employees. Last year, PSI had instructional
guidelines available for employers interested in the event. For tips on how to
promote this day, contact PSI at 336-983-9222 or visit them online at
www.petsit.com
Candlelight
Vigil for the Homeless Animals
August 18, 2001 is the candlelight vigil for
homeless animals. Since 1992 these gatherings have brought together shelter
workers and supporters, pet owners, and other activists to pay tribute to the
millions of homeless animals that are euthanized each year. This is to raise
awareness of the pet overpopulation problem.
More information is available through the vigil’s sponsor, the
International Society for Animal Rights. 800-543-4727, www.i-s-a-r.com
From May 22nd through
the month of June, we have the pleasure of Katie Ealey on our staff. She is a
Senior veterinary student from Oklahoma State University who is completing a
clinical rotation learning from us. We in turn will learn from her, so it’s a
win-win situation. Our hospital is proud to have been chosen to help Katie
complete her education!
Our American Animal Hospital
Association inspection is upcoming. This organization is an elite group of
hospitals that adhere to a strict code of medical and management ethics. This
inspection is a thorough examination for us…from medical records to equipment
to procedures and standards of care. We are one of only 2,800 AAHA hospitals in
the United States and one of two in Northwest Arkansas. We are happy to keep our
standards of care high so we can offer the best possible care for the treatment
of your pet!
We have replaced the vinyl
flooring in the back of the hospital and now have ‘coving’ which means the
floor slides up the wall a few inches. Our hospital is committed to cleanliness
and this will make clean up and sterilization of our floors much easier!
HOPE YOU ENJOYED OUR NEWSLETTER AND LEARNED
SOMETHING, TOO.
THE NEXT ISSUE IS IN SEPTEMBER…HAVE A GREAT
SUMMER!