Puppy Exercise

Although you want to exercise your puppy, you don’t want to wear him out. Read this article to find out how much exercise is too much. http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-much-exercise-is-too-much-for-a-puppy?WT.z_mod=HPDL

Cat, Butters, Steals Chair

 

It seems these days one cannot simply make photocopies without running the risk of losing their seat.  Monday morning, an unidentified Winslow Animal Hospital employee, who writes pet stories and pet health news, such as CDC concerned about salmonella outbreaks, returned to find their seat occupied by Butters, the hospital cat.

Upon returning, the employee challenged the alleged chair thief, claiming they needed it to work, while there are a plethora of surfaces for the cat to lounge upon. In his defense, Butters was quoted as saying, “Ai haz the chare now, u didn’t call fives, kthxbai.”

The unwritten law to which the cat referred, known as “fives,” states that a person who calls fives upon leaving their chair may reclaim it if they return within five minutes. The employee responded by saying that fives were not necessary, as it is part of their job to work at that computer.

The two found compromise when the employee offered to let Butters sit on their lap in the chair. This may have simply been symbolic, as Butters stayed less than two minutes before slinking out of the room.

“Ai didunt want it anywai. U can haz this tiem,” Butters added. Whether this was a one-time incident or the beginning of an office feud, only time will tell.

Pet Food Recall

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently released a recall of certain dry pet foods due to a risk of salmonella contamination. Proctor and Gamble has recalled certain lots of foods, which they say are less than one tenth of a percent of their annual production, and no salmonella-related illnesses have been connected with these products to date.

To see the list of foods affected, visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm365154.htm and, as always, if your pet displays digestive symptoms that concern you, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloody stool, or the like, be sure to contact a veterinarian and get your pet the care that she needs.

Amazing recovery of “Lulu”

Video of Winslow Animal Hospital patient “Lulu’s” amazing recovery after being hit by a car.
She had pelvic fracture and abdominal wall hernia surgeries and was able to avoid additional surgery for her hip. She amazes us all with the progress she has made in just a short period of time. Way to go, “Lulu”!!

Intestinal Parasites (pt 2 of 2)

It’s a stool sample!

… read Part 1 first.

Do not allow your pet to drink stagnant water and keep away from environments that are heavily contaminated with feces, such as dog parks. Clean up your pet’s environment on a regular basis to avoid soil contamination. 

Veterinarians recommend regular stool sample screenings, at least once per year for most pets in order to detect parasites as early as possible. If a pet has had chronic parasitic infections or suspicious symptoms have begun, screenings should be every 6 months.

Fecal samples for testing should be fresh, no more than 24 hours old and in an airtight container. Sample size recommended is one (1) gram, which is equivalent to 2 sugar cubes or one medium marble.

Intestinal Parasites (pt 1 of 2)

It’s a stool sample!

Hookworms. Whipworms. Protozoa infections. These terrifying miniature monsters are not science fiction; they are common realities for pets in the United States. Some of the many intestinal parasites out there can be contracted trans-placentally, that is, from mother to puppy or kitten.

Dogs are even less careful what goes in their mouths than people are. Many parasites are contracted via contact with or ingestion of infected feces, stagnant water, infected hosts (mice, rabbits, fleas, etc.) or through skin penetration by contaminated soil.

Pets MAY NOT show clinical signs, depending on the infection, which is why preventative care is so important. Most common symptoms include diarrhea, bloody stool, weight loss, lethargy, distended abdomen, abdominal cramping, dullness of coat, dehydration or anemia, especially when infected by a ‘blood-sucking’ variety of parasite.

See Part 2 for information about detecting and preventing intestinal parasites!

First Pet Names

What was the name of your first pet? Is there any significance behind this name? 

The complimentary pair below are the bold “Butters” and his skittish companion “Margie.” Like Butter and Margarine! 

Canine Parvovirus

Learn how to manage and prevent canine parvovirus.

Canine Parvovirus