It is common practice for pet owners to bring their new puppies and kittens to see a veterinarian for an examination, vaccines, and even to have them spayed and neutered. These puppies and kittens will then go home with their new families and typically don't see a veterinarian again until it is time for their booster vaccines or they become ill. This sequence of events brings up an important question I am often asked by my clients. How frequently should my healthy dog or cat be seen by a veterinarian? This is a great question and one that has no clear answer. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you take your baby (human) for at least nine check-ups during the first 3 years. The American Medical Association, the main governing medical body for humans, recommends routine examinations for all adult men and women. People aged 19-39 are encouraged to undergo lipid testing, pap tests, breast exams, and blood pressure measurements. For those older individuals prostate exams, mammagrams, colon exams, and routine bloodwork are all recommended on a fairly routine basis. So why don't we see our healthy dogs and cats more frequently for health check-ups and at what age do our pets become healthy adults? Lets consider a large breed dog who weighs over 80 pounds. By the time this dog is 2 years old he probably is the health equivalent to his 30 year old owner. By the time this dog is 4 years old he is equivalent to a 45 year old human. Along this same line of thinking a medium sized dog (45 pounds) would reach 30 years of age by age 4 and be over the hill by age 6. Cats also age in a similar fashion. A 4 year old cat may be close to 30 in human years and a 12 year old cat is a senior citizen and closer to 65. With the knowledge of how our pets age it becomes clear our healthy dogs and cats should be seen by a doctor more frequently than ourselves because they age faster, or more accurately, they don't live as long. It is very common for me to examine pets that haven't been to the vet in 10 years because they "seemed fine." This line of thinking is dangerous for two reasons. Firstly, dogs and cats are descendants of wild animals that have been conditioned not to show pain, suffering, or illness. This makes it difficult to catch and treat diseases in their early stages when treatment would be most effective. Whereas humans would complain of intestinal pain at the early onset of disease, a dog or cat will likely hide that pain for months. Secondly, the best form of medicine is preventative medicine and when you identify diseases in their earliest stages the success rate of treatment increases exponentially. Adult dogs and cats in their early years should see a veterinarian at least once a year for routine bloodwork, vaccinations, dental check-ups, and parasite control. Older animals should be examined twice a year for heart murmurs, prostate exams, thyroid and diabetes testing, blood pressure measurements, and early kidney disease. Dogs and cats become afflicted with many of the same diseases humans encounter as they age. The best way to ensure the health and happiness of our pets is to have routine exams, screen for debilitating diseases, and practice preventative medicine.

(published 12/11/2008 | download PDF)

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Foods containing raw meat and raw meat by-products have been available for many years to zoo's and other privately used facilities. Over the past few years there has been an increasing awareness of raw meat foods in the general dog and cat community. These foods are now available commercially and gaining widespread popularity. The feeding of raw foods has been marketed as a diet more consistent with the natural diet of an animal in the wild and as being more nutritionally balanced. However, the feeding of raw meat poses significant health risks to both animals and humans and their nutritional completeness is also in question. This article hopes to shed some light both on the safety and nutritional adequacy of raw meat diets for your pets. The Center for Disease Control (C.D.C.) has estimated 76 million cases, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths annually from food-related illnesses in humans. The most common cause is E.coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Noroviruses, and several different parasites. Humans become infected with these parasites from eating improperly cooked meat, failing to separate raw from cooked meat, improperly cleaning up after handling raw meats, and from improper refrigeration of raw foods. The prevalence of bacterial and viral contamination of human grade raw meats has been documented between 50-100%. Numerous studies performed on animal grade raw meat has documented 66-100% of all raw meats as contaminated with Salmonella and other dangerous bacterial species. Due to the public health risks, the Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) and the C.D.C. strongly discourage the feeding of raw foods to your family and/or pets. There are thousands of documented reports of animals experiencing severe illness and even death from feeding raw meats. There are also many reports of humans contracting food borne illness from their pets being fed raw meats. Particularly at risk are young children, older adults, pregnant woman, and those who are immunosuppressed. However, any adult coming in contact with food-borne pathogens could potentially become ill. It is common practice for raw meat manufacturers to claim nutritional superiority over commercial dog and cat foods. The FDA has stated, "there have been claims made that raw meat foods are superior with respect to providing adequate nutrition than other products substantiated to be complete and balanced, and the FDA is not aware of any scientific evidence to support such claims." In fact, the FDA warns such raw meat diets have been shown to be deficient in calcium, phosphorus, fat soluble vitamins, and trace minerals, and must be supplemented. Furthermore, the risk of trauma to the gastrointestinal tract from feeding raw bones has been well documented. Raw meat diets have also been shown to be saturated with Vitamin A which can lead to vitamin toxicity. While it is true wild animals do not eat commercially processed foods, wild dogs and cat diets have been well documented and shown to consist mostly of freshly killed meat. Wild dogs and cats do not eat raw meat or meat that has been rotting, frozen, or thawed. Scavenging animals, such as vultures, only eat raw or decaying meat because they have special adaptations that allow them to digest the numerous bacteria and parasites present in meat not freshly killed. An animal's diet is an essential component of its overall health and the feeding of this diet should not pose a health risk to the members of the family. There are many reports of raw meat being dangerous for both your animals and yourself but very few reports of the benefits of raw meat. So protect your loved ones and feed only cooked meat, freshly killed meat, or commercial cat and dog foods. Remember, preventing diseases is far more effective than treating them.

(published 12/11/2008 | download PDF)

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Perhaps the most anticipated time of year, summer is a time of relaxation, rejuvenation, and activity for both people and their animals. It is the most popular time of year to travel and participate in outdoor sports and activities, many of which involve pets. These activities are fun as long as you take simple steps to avoid over heating in your pets and a potentially deadly condition called a heat stroke. Over the course of time dogs have become well adapted to many different areas of the world. Some have thick coats, others have short legs, and still others have long noses. Many dogs, however, have considerable trouble adapting to the blistering heat of southern California. Dogs deal with heat in several different ways. Many dogs will shed their thick coats to provide less insulation and allow better heat exchange. Dogs also contain sweat glands in their footpads and skin which allow them to sweat when hot, much like humans. Perhaps the most common and effective way dogs lose heat is through panting. When dogs pant they force air quickly through the mouth and over the tongue. This causes saliva to be evaporated from the tongue and results in heat loss and cooling of blood in the circulation. Many dogs, like the Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, and Bulldog, have short compressed faces. This gives them a very distinctive and charming look, however, it changes the normal anatomy of the face, mouth, and tongue. These breeds typically have smaller nostrils, tracheas, and longer tissues in the mouth. These changes can get in the way of breathing and are responsible for the characteristic snorting sounds heard in these breeds. They also make it very difficult for effective heat exchange and breathing to occur. Breeds like the Siberian Husky, Chow Chow, and Shepherds, have thick coats which trap heat and prevent effective heat loss even when normal panting is occurring. Whenever there is extensive exposure to heat or when a dog cannot cool itself rapidly enough, there is risk of an extremely dangerous condition called a heat stroke. A dog having a heat stroke will experience panting, salivation, muscle tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, seizures, and even death. This is an emergency condition and the dog should see a veterinarian immediately. While heat strokes can be deadly, there are simple steps you can take to protect your pet. Always bring extra water for your pet and encourage them to drink frequently before they are too hot. Collapsible bowls can be used and are easy to travel with. Provide shade or relief from direct sunlight and allow your pet ample time to recover from heat exposure. Never leave your pet in the car or confined space without air conditioning and heat control. For dogs with thick coats, trimming or shaving the coats in the hot months may provide relief from heat. For dogs with short faces, take it slow and monitor their progress and ability to cope with the heat. Most dogs will work and exercise even though they are not feeling well, so it is important to prevent over exertion by allowing dogs to rest, keeping them well hydrated, and providing ample shade. Remember, it is much easier to prevent diseases than to treat them.

(published 12/11/2008 | download PDF)

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The holiday season is a time of celebration, appreciation, and tradition for all of us. Our homes become filled with decorations while our stomachs become filled with holiday cookies, chocolate, and candy. These new sights, sounds, and smells are all part of the holidays but many of the traditions we enjoy can be dangerous and even life threatening to our pets. However, if you become familiar with potential holiday health risks, this season will be a safe and happy one for both you and your pets. Cats and dogs love to smell, lick and eat plants. Unfortunately, many holiday plants are extremely dangerous to your pets. Christmas rose, holly berries, and poinsettias can all cause mild to severe stomach and intestinal problems. Lillies and mistletoe are both great to look at and extremely toxic to dogs and cats. Even in low quantities they can cause kidney failure and death. Christmas trees are beautiful and one of the most popular traditions of the holiday season. They offer an abundant supply of pine needles for your pets to chew on and free standing water for them to drink. However, these pine needles can cause pretty severe stomach upset and have occasionally been known to puncture through the intestines. Prevent your pets from drinking tree stand water by covering it, especially if you add chemicals to keep your tree fresh. The fertilizer in the water can upset your pet's stomach and free standing water is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. As your home fills with holiday treats remember to keep them safely away from your pets. Chocolate is loved by all, including dogs and cats. Unfortunately, chocolate contains a compound very similar to caffeine, called theobromine. Pets are especially sensitive to theobromine and even small amounts of chocolate can result in severe sickness. Side effects of chocolate ingestion start out as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset. When large quantities of chocolate are consumed per body weight, animals will experience heart arrhythmias, seizures, and even death. Ornaments, yarn, ribbons, and tinsel are very common during the holidays and make great toys for dogs and cats. If ingested, they can become lodged in the intestines and cause significant stomach upset. Batteries contain numerous toxic substances and should always be kept away from dogs who love to chew them. Electric cords should always be hidden or covered and animals should never be allowed to chew them for risk of electrocution. If you are aware of the potential holiday health risks in your home you are far more likely to have a happy holiday season. Be proactive and keep things out of your pet's reach, don't leave animals unattended near hazardous substances, and never underestimate your cat's ability to climb your tree. Remember, preventing diseases are far more effective than treating them.

(published 12/11/2008 | download PDF)

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Thousands of dogs and cats are reported missing every day. Some of these animals will be euthanized, others will find new homes, but very few will be reunited with their original owners. Perhaps the most disturbing thing is the relatively easy steps people can take to ensure their beloved pets are reunited with them in the unfortunate circumstance they were to be separated. All of your pets should have collars with name tags that identify you and your pet's name, your phone number, and any medical conditions your pet may have. Even pets that never leave the house should have collars in case they were to escape. Probably the most effective way to ensure you will always be reunited with your pet is to have your pet "microchipped." A microchip is an electronic device about the size of a grain of rice that is easily injected under the skin. This chip will have a code unique to your pet and will be registered to you and your family. Pets are always scanned for a microchip if they are found by an Animal Control officer or brought to a Veterinary Hospital. If a chip is found, the owners are identified and reunited with their pets quickly and easily. In England, where microchipping is mandatory, 50% of all lost pets are reunited with their owners. In the United States, where less than 4% of pets have microchips, 4% of lost cats and 14% of lost dogs are reunited with their owners. We recommend microchipping all pets in your household. Make sure the microchip your veterinarian is using is International Organization for Standardization (ISO) compliant so that it can be read by all scanners and frequencies and make sure you register your microchip. Remember, it is far easier to prevent problems than to fix them.

(published 12/11/2008 | download PDF)

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The Center for Disease Control estimates 50 million children and as many as 65% of adults in the United States have some form of parasite. These parasites can cause fever, coughing, asthma, vomiting, blindness, and even mental retardation in children. Parasites in humans are most often acquired through the ingestion of uncooked meat, contact with fecal material, gardening without gloves, walking barefoot in sand or dirt, and from our beloved dogs and cats. Most cases of human parasite infections can be prevented by practicing good personal hygiene, thoroughly cooking your meat, and routinely treating your pets for parasites. The growing pet population has no doubt contributed to the rising number of cases of human parasite infections. Recent studies have revealed as many as 40% of adult dogs and cats having parasites and that number doubles for puppies and kittens. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has listed the presence of pets in a household as the principal risk factor for humans acquiring disease. The normal activity and behaviors of our pets predisposes them to parasitic infections. Every time your dog digs in the backyard or smells another animal's fecal waste he is potentially becoming infected with a parasite. Whenever your cat catches a bird or walks around your backyard they are potentially becoming infected as well. The dog park is also a great place for dogs to pick up parasites and bring them home to your family. While our furry friends can carry and transmit many parasites, for the sake of this paper we will discuss the two most common in dogs and cats and briefly discuss their treatment. Hookworms are intestinal parasites that are found all over the world. In 2002, the estimated number of persons infected with hookworms was 1.3 billion. Hookworms have complex life cycles that result in an egg being released into the environment when an animal defecates. This egg develops into larvae that live in the soil and a human can become infected by simply walking on the larvae, touching it while gardening, or getting larvae-infected soil in the mouth. The larvae are notorious for penetrating the skin of persons walking barefoot and migrating through the skin of the feet. Migrating worms cause intensely painful skin infections as the worms make their way into the intestinal tract. When the larvae are accidentally ingested, they attach themselves to the intestines and begin to grow and reproduce. A female adult worm can produce thousands of eggs per day and will consume the blood of its host causing blood loss, anemia, protein deficiency, severe abdominal pain, and will stunt the growth of children. Dogs and cats can easily acquire this parasite when digging, eating soil and grass in the backyard, and especially at the dog park. After coming in contact with the hookworm a dog or cat may start releasing eggs into your home in as little as 5 days time and you could become infected by simply walking around your home barefoot. Puppies and kittens are especially susceptible to this parasite because pregnant dogs and cats transfer parasites to their offspring during pregnancy and in milk while nursing. Roundworms are intestinal parasites that infect more than 15% of the U.S. population. While most infections occur in children and adults under 30, everyone is potentially at risk. Humans are most likely to contract this disease from infected soil coming into contact with the fingers or mouth. This commonly occurs when children are playing in the dirt or when adults are gardening. After an egg is ingested, they hatch and begin to travel to the intestines, lungs, liver, eyes, and even the brain. These infections can cause permanent organ, visual, and brain damage. Dogs and cats typically become infected with roundworms in one of four ways; a pregnant mother will typically infect her unborn offspring, nursing pups will acquire infection through the mother's milk, eating dirt or grass infected with eggs, and by consuming an infected rodent or small animal. Once infected, the worms may start producing eggs in as little as 2 weeks and a single female worm can produce more than 100,000 eggs per day. This massive release of eggs can contaminate the dog park, beaches, backyard, and your home very quickly. Under the right conditions eggs may remain viable for years in the soil, grass, and even your carpet. Most people are unaware their pets may harbor parasites that are capable of infecting themselves and their families. Fortunately, the treatment for parasites in dogs and cats is very easy, inexpensive, and far outweighs the risk of infection, especially when there are children in the home. Both the CDC and the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the spread of parasites among animals and humans, recommend treating all dogs and cats for parasites at 2,4,6,8, and 12 weeks of age. It is then recommended for all dogs and cats to begin monthly parasite or heartworm preventative medications. The council also recommends all pregnant animals be treated during and after their pregnancy to prevent the spread to unborn and nursing animals. Other measures designed to prevent the spread of parasites include the prompt removal of feces and prevention of defecation in places where children play or dig. Never walk barefoot in areas known to be infected or where animals may defecate. Always wash your hands after gardening and never eat uncooked meat or vegetables without washing them first. By following these easy steps and treating your pets with the appropriate parasite medications it is very easy to prevent both human and animal infections. Ask your veterinarian about starting your pet on a monthly parasite preventative and remember it is far more effective to prevent diseases than to treat them.

(published 12/11/2008 | download PDF)

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There are more than 81 million pet cats in the United States, easily making them the most popular pet in our country. Cats make wonderful pets because they are affectionate, playful and intelligent. They are also notorious for being independent, requiring little day-to-day care, and for retaining many of their wild instincts. It is their natural "wild" behaviors and intuitions that are so appealing to us as pet owners. Unfortunately, these instinctual behaviors are responsible for millions of undiagnosed and untreated cat diseases every year. Cats are descendants of wild predators with complex social structures. They have survival instincts unlike most domesticated pets and it is very difficult to know when a cat is in pain, feeling unwell or suffering from an internal disease. They are notorious for hiding pain and discomfort from their owners and even from the most experienced veterinarians and nurses. Unfortunately, cats can acquire many diseases that are not only treatable, but preventable. Examples include diabetes, conditions of the thyroid, tooth and gum infections, and even kidney diseases. It would make sense to take these secretive animals to the veterinarian often for routine health exams, bloodwork, parasite control and nutrition counseling. Unfortunately, cats are not getting the health care they need. Recent studies reveal 72 percent (60 million) pet cats have not been seen by a veterinarian in the last year. The most common reason cited by owners for not seeking veterinary care for their cats is "they were unaware there was anything wrong with their cat." The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that young cats have examinations a minimum of once a year. As cats age, they should see their veterinarian at least twice a year or as necessary for their specific conditions. Remember, it is far easier to prevent diseases than to treat them, so give cats the health care they deserve.

(published 5/19/2010)

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