The Danger of Tobacco Smoke

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We all know secondhand smoke is a health threat to humans, but did you know it can affect your pet as well? Studies have concluded that exposure to tobacco smoke can cause lung and nasal cancer, as well as allergies, in dogs; oral cancer and malignant lymphoma in cats; lung cancer, eye and skin diseases in birds; and respiratory issues for all.

 

Are you familiar with the newly termed “third hand” smoke? It is the residue that remains on skin, fur, furniture, clothing and other objects, even after the smoke has cleared the air. This can be just as dangerous to both you and your four-legged friend, especially your furry feline. Cats are known to groom themselves regularly. As they lick their fur, they ingest the toxins tobacco smoke leaves behind, which can damage the tissues within the mouth and lead to oral cancer.

Research shows dogs living with pet parents who smoke are more likely to suffer from respiratory diseases and lung cancer than dogs who live in a smoke-free home. The risk of nasal passage cancer increases 250% in long-nosed dog breeds with exposure to high levels of tobacco smoke, as the numerous poisons within the smoke build up in the nasal passages. However, the poisons are more likely to make their way to the lungs of short-nosed breeds.

 

Symptoms of cancer in animals include weight loss, difficulty eating and/or breathing, drooling, vomiting, nasal discharge, coughing, bleeding and sneezing. If your pet displays any of these symptoms, please seek advice from your vet.

 

Many smokers, upon realizing the negative affects their habit can have on their beloved pet, become more motivated to quit smoking. Others make a concerted effort to smoke away from their pet, usually outdoors. In a study published by Tobacco Control, researchers found 28.4% of smokers said learning the impact of second and third hand smoke on their pets motivated them to drop the habit.

 

It is no secret that smoking cigarettes is dangerous to a person’s health. Now we know it can also be detrimental to our beloved pets.

Will We Care for Your Sick Pet?

What is Tularemia?

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This has been a hot topic in northern Colorado lately, but what risk does it pose to your pet? Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, is caused by a bacteria which can be transmitted to many animals including dogs, cats, and humans.

How is Tularemia transmitted to pets?

  • By eating an infected animal
  • Tick and deer fly bites
  • Drinking contaminated water

So what are the signs of Tularemia in dogs and cats?

  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Listlessness
  • Swelling of lymph nodes
  • Ulcers in the mouth
  • Abscesses

If your pet is acting abnormal, take him or her to the vet for further testing.

What is the risk to your pets?

Overall, the condition is fairly rare. Public health officials routinely test wildlife found dead for the disease. If you notice a large amount of dead rabbits or other animals in your area, you can contact the Larimer County Health Department at (970) 498-6775.

How can you prevent your pets from getting it?

  • Use flea and tick repellant
  • Keep pets away from dead wildlife
  • Do not let pets drink from puddles, streams and ponds

More information can be found at http://www.larimer.org/health/tularemia.asp#pets

 

The Dangers of a Hot Car

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Most pet parents know the dangers of leaving our pups in the car during a warm day, but unfortunately many don’t realize how quickly a hot car becomes lethal. We tell ourselves that it will only be five minutes, or that the window is cracked open, but this is not enough to keep your dog safe.

After just ten minutes on an 80 degree day, the car is already 99 degrees! Imagine being in a 90 degree car with a fur coat on and that’s what it is like in your hot car for your dog. Dogs can easily get heat stroke, which can result in lots of time at the vet and possibly death.

So what can you do to avoid a situation too hot to handle?

1. Take your dog into stores with you.

Many stores that do not sell food, like Home Depot and Apple, will allow leashed and well behaved dogs in the store. Make sure that your dog is on a secure leash, does not bother other people and is not a distraction.

2. Eat outside

If you are going out to eat, sit with your dog on the patio and ask to be seated in the shade.

Learn about dog friendly restaurants in Fort Collins.

3. Hire a dog walker!

Leave your dog at home and have a dog walker stop by to play with your pup! You can go on your errands without worrying about your dog, planning your stops or clocking your time. Your dog gets a dedicated friend to come by and spend time with her! Learn more about how dog walks work.

 

Learn About Dog Walks

What Is The Single Best Thing I Can Do For My Cat’s Health?

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Last night my husband and I were sitting around playing with our cat Aislinn (what else would we be doing?) and started talking about her age.  Like many rescue cats, she was an adult when we got her in 2000.  A couple calculations and a little discussion later and we come to the conclusion that our lively little cat is at least 15 years old!  As good cat parents we then chatted about what we think made a difference in our cat’s health and came to a single conclusion:

Good Nutrition!

A few years back we started noticing a decline in Aislinn’s health.  Her eyes looked sunken, she appeared arthritic, her coat was not as glossy as it was previously and she generally started to look old.  She also had been previously diagnosed with borderline kidney problems, which can quickly progress and lead to death in cats if not caught early.  At the same time I was learning more about nutrition in animals and was reading up on some of the newer health studies in dogs and cats.

After much research I decided to switch her to a 100% wet food diet and have not looked back since!  As you can see from her pictures, she looks just as good now as she did 10 years ago and seems to feel the same.

As a pet sitter I have cared for countless cats over the years.  I have seen the effects of various types of food on the cats and watched improvements in homes where the kitty parents have upgraded the diet.  Here is what you feline fans need to know to make sure your cat’s health is the best:

  1. Cats do best on a completely wet food (or RAW food, but that is another blog) diet.  One concern is that dry food is supposed to help clean kitty teeth, but the benefits of wet food is much greater than the possibly teeth cleaning.
  2. Feed a high quality food.  A general rule of thumb is if you can buy the food at a grocery store then it is bad food (looking at you Friskies, Whiskas and Fancy Feast).  I guarantee the beautiful cats in the commercials are not eating that food otherwise their coats would look like garbage.  Take a look at our store list for good places to buy cat food.
  3. Feed your cat 2-3 times a day.  Wet food has fewer calories so they may feel hungry more often.  Also, since the food needs to be kept fresh your cat cannot browse all day like with dry food.
  4. Make sure your cat drinks plenty of water.  This is a bit of an off-shoot, but is part of good nutrition.  One of the best ways to prevent kidney problems is to make sure the kitty takes in enough fluids.  Wet food helps this a lot as well as readily accessible water bowls, maybe even cat fountains.

Go take a look at your kitty’s food today and see what you can do to help your cat live a longer, healthier life!

Have a Safe Thanksgiving with Your Pets

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Guest writer – Sidehill Sitter Marshon Miller

Ah Thanksgiving… a time for family, friends and lots of great food, but this festive time may also come with added dangers for our furry friends.

 

Extra Visitors
Often we have more visitors than normal coming in and out of our homes, which can make pets excited and overstimulated.  Those extra visitors can cause our pets stress and perhaps bring out a nervous streak in Fido that has never been seen before.  Consider giving them some quiet alone time with a special treat if they show signs of stress and make sure everyone knows how to properly interact with your pup.

 

Door Dashing

Extra visitors coming in and out can leads to opportunities for our four-legged friends to make a run for it.  Keep an eye out when guests are coming and going and if you forsee a problem consider having your fur friends in quiet room until everyone has arrives.  This has the additional bonus of giving your pups a chance to calmly meet people without the excitement of a greeting at the door.

Kitties that are allowed to explore outdoors may be too scared to come inside when it’s time so consider keeping them inside for the day to prevent any problems.  For shy kitties a quiet room alone might be the best Thanksgiving present you can give them!

 

Tempting treats
Then there’s the Thanksgiving feast.  While plain sweet potatoes, pumpkin and carrots are okay for Fido or Fluffy, those delicious fat trimmings could cause an upset stomach, and cooked poultry bones can break and splinter causing obstructions and lacerations in our pets’ digestive tracts.  It’s important to be diligent when food is out so that it doesn’t “disappear” only to find our furry friend not feeling so great a while later.

Managing our visitors’ interactions with our pets, watching those entrances and exits, keeping our kitties indoors and making informed decisions on treats from the table can make Thanksgiving a safe and fun time for us all!

Dental Care For Your Dog

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Many folks overlook the fact that yes, your dog has teeth and yes they need just as much care as the rest of their body! Many Vets report that upon revealing the state of their dog’s dental hygiene they are surprised by what has been going on in Fido’s mouth. But when you stop and think about it……really? Do you brush your teeth? How would you feel if you had that Petri dish living within your mouth? So, come on pet parents, let’s see how dental care for your dog can ensure your pet lives a happy, healthy and most importantly, comfortable life!

Bacteria loves warm, moist environments. So, where better to take up residence than your pets mouth? Have you felt your dog’s hot breath in the morning when they are providing that “wake up” call? Well when you pet is not receiving the proper dental care, this is exactly what happens. Plaque turns into Tartar within 48 hours. Once that Tartar takes hold, is when the bacteria move into your pet’s mouth. Bacteria then start to eat away at your pet’s teeth and gums. And the worst part, they don’t limit themselves to the mouth. They travel all over the body. Poor dental hygiene will affect various parts of the body, from the kidneys, heart, and brain. It is very important that you set up a routine to take care of your pet’s teeth and mouth!

Here’s how:

  • Brush his teeth! Set up a daily brushing routine. Use a finger brush to achieve the best results. Do NOT use human toothpaste. Your vet can recommend toothpaste that is specially formulated with your pet in mind.
  • Provide chews! This is a natural way for your pet to brush his own teeth! Basic rubber or nylon chews are great options as well as compressed rawhide. You may even consider dental chews.
  • Meat in your pet’s diet.
  • Visits to your vet. Ensure you are taking your pet to the vet every six months for a full check up. This will allow you to keep up on anything that may be happening in your pet’s mouth. Ask your vet for tips on brushing as well as how to do so for your specific pet.

All of these are a great ways to start dental care for your dog, remember a healthy pet is a happy pet!

5 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe on the 4th of July

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4th of July is such a fun holiday with grilling, revelry, and, of course, the fireworks, but for your pets, fireworks and crowds can be terrifying.  Sometimes they get so scared by the strange noises they start running, July 5th is the busiest day for animal shelters trying to home lost pets. Taking steps to keep your pets safe on this holiday is very important.

Here is what you can do to have the best holiday possible for you and your companions.

1.  Do not buy any fireworks.  There are plenty of ways to have fun with your friends and family that don’t include explosives.  Not only could you injure you or your furry friend but they are illegal to possess or light in Fort Collins. If you are using small fireworks like sparklers, just lock up your pets in a safe place before using them.

2.  Do not feed your pets any food from the BBQ, especially, ribs on the bone, chicken wings, hot dogs, or chips and guacamole.  All of these foods can cause serious gastrointestinal problems. Make sure your pets don’t get too close to that HOT grill and burn their piggies on a loose piece of charcoal or ash.

3. Give your pets a break. If you are having a party and they seem anxious with so many people on their turf, put them in a room with their toys and bed and check on them periodically.  This way they have a safe place to retreat.

4.  If your pet is microchipped, be sure it is current.  Also make sure your pet is wearing their collar, city license, and rabies tags.  This way if your pet gets lost, for any reason, the Larimer County Humane Society can contact you when they are found.

5.  Leave your pet at home. If you are going to City Park (or anywhere else) to watch the fireworks be a good judge of whether your pet can handle this much interaction with other pets, people, and strange noises.  If you think this might distress your pet at all we suggest leaving them inside with the blinds drawn, drapes closed to muffle noise, and maybe the radio, TV, or A/C for extra white noise to keep them distracted and calm. Making sure to keep your pets safe will ensure that you have a safe and fun 4th of July as well!

Feeding Schedules and Pet Diets

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Trying to establish feeding schedules for your pet shouldn’t be stressful for either you or your pet. There is really no hard and fast rule for pet diets. There are arguments on both sides of the fence. To Free Feed or to Schedule feed…what is the answer? Pet diets really depends on the individual pets themselves. I know of pets who can graze all day and ones who would eat until they bust. Once you have determined which kind, free feed or schedule, you have to start there. Does your dog eat a few kibbles every hour? Then by all means free feed them. If your pet needs a schedule then set them up on one. Morning, and early evening are common routines. Just put together the best routine for you and your pet. There is really no one size fits all.

Your pet is expected to reach 90% of their adult weight by nine to twelve months. Once they hit that weight then they are considered adults and should begin to be fed an adult maintenance diet.

Read the labels on your pet’s food and ensure that is what they are being fed. Another debate that continues is that it is the type of diet that rules supreme. Again, not a one size fits all
category. Largely, it depends on your purse strings, your dog’s preference and if it meets all of your pups nutritional needs. Kibble tends to have a better shelf life and is easier on the pocketbook. Wet food needs to be stored with a bit more care and can be more expensive. Raw pet diets or homemade pet diets can work well however, they can be more expensive and most importantly it is very hard to ensure you cover all the nutritional bases. Vitamins, proteins, minerals and fatty acids all need to be prepared in your pet’s food for proper nutritional guidelines. If you want to go that route, please work with a certified nutritionist or under the advice of your veterinarian.  Most importantly, educate yourself on exactly what it is that you are putting in your pet’s tummy!

If you have questions or are not sure what would work best for your pet, visit with your vet and discuss your pet’s individual needs. You may have to adjust and readjust schedules and diets until you find the best fit for your pet and your lifestyle.

South Mesa Veterinary Hospital Interview with Dr. Jana Dean

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Here at Wet Noses Pet Sitting, we’re always looking for pet resources to share with the Fort Collins Community. We had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Jana Dean at South Mesa Veterinary Hospital!

Read on to learn all about South Mesa Veterinary Hospital and how they can be of service to you and your animal companions!

Location:
3801 S. Mason Street
Fort Collins, CO 80525

Phone:  (970) 226-5717
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://southmesa.com/

How long have you been in business?
South Mesa Veterinary Hospital has been in business since 1972 and in this location since 1992.

How many vets are there on staff?
We have 9 doctors on staff.

What are the hours of operation?
We are open 7:30-7:00 Mon-Thurs, and 7:30-5:30 Friday.  7:30-3:00 Saturdays.

What is the availability for last minute visits?
We always welcome work-in appointments, emergencies, same-day appointments, etc. and we set aside specific slots for these every day.

What types of animals do you treat?
We primarily treat dogs and cats, but also have two doctors who will see rabbits, ferrets, and guinea pigs.

What is the cost of an exam/check- up fee?
Our exam fees vary depending on the type of visit.  Annual Wellness visits and sick patient exams are $49, while puppy/kitten recheck exams start at $31.  Other recheck or brief exams range from $18-$35.00.

What training does the staff have?
Almost all of our staff has several years’ experience working in the veterinary field, and all of our surgery/anesthesia technicians are CVT’s (Certified Veterinary Technicians).  We also employ pre-vet and current veterinary students, and we work with the Front Range Community College Veterinary Technician program hosting interns at our hospital.  We also have a Certified Pet Dog Trainer on staff who trains all employees on Gentle Handling techniques for our patients.

What is your focus as a clinic/hospital?
Our mission is to provide the highest quality of care to our patients and to ensure that our clients receive outstanding customer service here.  Our doctors and staff are dedicated to providing the highest level of care and compassion, and we have a very loyal client following.

What makes your hospital unique?
We are unique in that we have several doctors on staff, including a Board Certified Theriogenologist and a Board Qualified Veterinary Dentist.  Our doctors each have their own niche and special interest in medicine and surgery, which allows us to practice only the highest quality of medicine here.  We also offer many ancillary services, including boarding, grooming, daycare, and training.

Do you have a favorite veterinary hospital in the Fort Collins area? Comment below and tell us what you like best about it! We’d love to hear from you!

retired greyhound

Colorado Bans Greyhound Racing

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retired greyhound

This week I was proud to be a Coloradan when a bill was signed Monday to ban Greyhound racing statewide.  I grew up with Greyhounds and was even in a newspaper article to show folks that these sweet dogs were usually good with children.  They hold a very special place in my heart and I have kept in touch with rescues over the years.  My family even had Greyhounds until just a few years ago when the last one passed away.

Greyhound racing itself has not been active in the state for years, since the last racing track shut down, but it is good to know that the “sport” will not be allowed to make a resurgence anytime in the future.  There are 7 states that still have active dog racing tracks and I personally hope they are feeling the pressure to close in the near future.  Rescue groups across the country work tirelessly to transport Greyhounds from those 7 states to their own and facilitate adoption locally in order to save as many lives as possible.  Due to the closing of tracks over the recent years the pressure has lightened on other rescues but thousands of these dogs are regularly raced, bred and retired at a ridiculous rate.

Greyhounds are wonderful dogs that are well suited to small spaces such as apartments.  Depsite being fast runners, the dogs really are couch potatoes and are content to lay around most of the day.  Many people are daunted by their size but they do curl up into nice little balls!  Many of them are great with other dogs, kids and cats, although they are all screened before being placed in a home with any of these.  If you have ever had any interest in adopting one of these wonderful dogs, celebrate the ban on racing by getting in contact with a local Greyhound rescue!