Dogs Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Good Hope Animal Hospital

How To Remove Ticks From Your Dog or Cat

August 28, 2012 by Good Hope Animal Hospital

How can you remove ticks from your dog or cat without harming them?

Animals easily pick up ticks in their fur from the outdoors. Ticks will attach themselves to the skin for several days, until they are full of blood sucked from their host. During this period, they can transmit serious diseases to cats and dogs and should be removed as soon as they are detected on the animal. Some diseases can be prevented by early tick removal, since the transfer of the infectious agent can take up to 72 hours.

Ticks should be removed with tweezers applied to the portion of the tick’s head closest to the skin. Pull gently and with steady pressure. Examine the tick to be sure the entire head was removed. Afterwards, the bite wound should be cleaned with antibacterial soap and rinsed well.

Several options are currently available to prevent ticks from attaching themselves to your pet, and to kill the ones that do. Frontline® is a safe and effective topical flea and tick control product that is applied to the animal’s skin once a month. A Preventic® tick collar, although not a flea deterrent, is an effective method of preventing and killing ticks for up to three months. There are many shampoos, dips, and sprays that can be used to kill ticks in certain animals. However, kittens, puppies, and some adult cats can be sensitive to these products. Consult your veterinarian about which products are appropriate for your pets.

New Puppy Essentials

August 28, 2012 by Good Hope Animal Hospital

You brought home a new puppy! Now what?

Congratulations to you and your family! Welcome to the world of pet ownership. If this is your first dog, you will soon come to know the special bond that forms between human and animal. Studies have been done about the many health benefits of the human-animal bond. As long as you carefully foster the relationship, no one will love and respect you as much as a dog.

Many people joke that they’ll try raising a dog before having children. But owning a dog is like having a child that remains in childhood for its entire life. Puppies need constant observation, just like toddlers. As adult dogs, they may need less intense observation. Nevertheless, they still can be quite destructive or suffer dangerous problems if left unsupervised.

We recommend that you schedule a puppy check-up with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Most shelters, breeders, and pet stores require a post-purchase exam within 72 hours of taking home your new puppy. Take any records of your puppy’s deworming and vaccinations. It is also a good idea to write down a list of questions that you may have for your veterinarian.

The veterinarian will examine the puppy to determine if it seems healthy and free of disease. After reviewing past records, a schedule for deworming and future vaccinations will be determined. Puppies need to receive multiple vaccinations until they reach the age of 19 to 20 weeks. You should limit your puppy’s exposure to unknown dogs as well as canine excrement until the pet has completed its vaccination series.

As a newcomer to a human household, your puppy probably is going through many changes that can be very scary and stressful. It is helpful for you to plan for your new companion’s homecoming ahead of time.

A list some of things you will need are:

Food that the puppy has been eating. You can switch the diet over to a brand that you prefer, but you should do this slowly, over a two week period, to prevent stomach upset and diarrhea.
A crate or carrier to be used as a sleeping area and for housetraining, once the puppy is used to it.
Blankets or a lambswool pad for the crate.
A baby gate or multiple gates.
Newspaper or piddle pads.
Food and water bowls, preferably metal.
Anti-chew agents that can be applied to furniture, houseplants, and other household objects.
Appropriate chew toys.
A wide, flat collar that is fitted properly. You will go through a number of these as the puppy grows.
A four-foot leash.
Appropriate grooming tools – a slicker brush, a comb, cotton balls for ear cleaning, and other essentials.

We hope that this is information will help you get started. Keep learning all that you can about your puppy so that you will be prepared to care for it throughout its life.

Why Regular Vaccinations Are Vital To Your Dog’s Health

August 28, 2012 by Good Hope Animal Hospital

So, your dog was vaccinated as a puppy. Does he really need ongoing vaccinations?

Every puppy that was properly vaccinated needs a yearly vaccine booster for DHLP-P, and, depending on the state laws, a rabies vaccine either yearly or every two to three years. DHLP-P is a multi vaccine that combines protection from several viruses into one.

Most vaccines need to be repeated on a yearly basis because the immunity that the vaccine stimulates declines over time. A vaccine usually contains altered viral antigen that stimulates the dog’s immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. The viral antigen is altered in the vaccine so that it does not cause the actual disease, but it stimulates the immune system to develop defenses against the virus in case of exposure to the disease at a later time.

Some typical ongoing vaccinations for dogs include the following:

DA2LP-P vaccine – contains a combination of Distemper, Adenovirus- type 2 that causes Infectious Canine Hepatitis (liver disease), Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.
Rabies vaccine – every year to three years depending on the state laws.
Lyme vaccine – usually given yearly, this vaccine is recommended for dogs at high risk of tick exposure. Deer ticks or “hard ticks” can transmit bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which cause Lyme disease. There is some controversy as to the use and effectiveness of this vaccine. Consult with your veterinarian about vaccinating your dog for Lyme disease.
Coronavirus vaccine- is given to dogs at risk of developing coronavirus and is used when owners want all possible protection against viral diarrhea.
Bordetella vaccine – This vaccine is either given intranasally (drops into the nose) or as an injection under the skin. The intranasal form has been found to provide better immunity. The vaccine helps protect against infectious tracheobronchitis, or kennel cough.

Consult with your veterinarian about your dog’s risk and need for vaccines such as the Lyme, coronavirus, and Bordetella vaccines. The DA2LP-P and Rabies vaccines need to be repeated in all dogs and usually are not optional.

Although some breeders opt to give vaccines themselves, veterinarians do not advocate unlicensed individuals vaccinating animals. Nevertheless, if you are giving vaccines, please be sure that you know how to do so properly. If vaccines are given accidentally into a blood vessel, there can be a severe shock reaction and the dog can die. Also, if vaccines are left out on the shipping dock, not properly refrigerated, or not given correctly, the dog will be inadequately protected from potentially life threatening diseases.

Remember that vaccines are not the entire reason that an animal needs to go the veterinarian annually. A physical exam is critical, because this allows the veterinarian to detect any problems or diseases before it is too late to do anything about them.

Even Indoor Pets Need Vaccinations

August 28, 2012 by Good Hope Animal Hospital

Does your indoor pet really need vaccinations?

Although your pet may have a low risk of getting diseases from other animals, vaccinations are important because infection is always a possibility. Some viruses can linger in the environment for some time, long after the animals that deposited them have passed. And some viruses, such as parvo, are severe enough to cause death.

We feel that we cannot emphasize enough the importance of having your pet regularly vaccinated against rabies. Rabies is a fatal virus — not only in many pets, but also in other mammals, including humans. Consequently, rabies vaccination is required by law in all of the United States. Rabid animals act very strangely, lose their fear of humans and other animals, and could approach you and your pet even in the middle of the day. Further, bats are known to get inside houses accidentally, and could spread rabies indoors. If your pet is not current on its rabies shot, and it bites or nips a human being, your regional health department could require the euthanasia to test your pet for rabies. The cost of a rabies vaccination is very cheap, especially when compared with the heartache that could be encountered if it is not done.

The decision to vaccinate against other contagious diseases is one that each owner has to make on a case-by-case basis. Because not all pets have the same risk of exposure to certain diseases, not all pets need the same vaccinations. Certain vaccines, such as that for feline leukemia, are recommended only if a cat is spending time outdoors, where it could be involved in a fight. Your veterinarian will make a recommendation depending on your pet’s individual situation. But as a general rule, it is much easier and safer to prevent contagious illnesses than it is to treat them.

Is Your Puppy Still Waking Up At Night?

August 28, 2012 by Good Hope Animal Hospital

How long will your puppy continue waking up at night?

Owners commonly ask this question during the first two weeks after bringing a puppy into their home. At first, a puppy’s crying or whining is largely due to loneliness, as well as the drastic change in its environment. Remember that the puppy is used to being with its mother and other siblings. It needs about two weeks to bond with you and the family and to establish a routine, so sleeping through the night may not come easily to them.

In addition, young puppies are not physically able to hold their urine for long periods of time. Until the size of its bladder increases and its muscle tone improves, you will need to let your puppy outside to eliminate at least once in the middle of the night. A puppy four months of age or older should be able to hold its urine overnight.

When trying to quiet a whining puppy, a common mistake that new owners make is trying to comfort the animal by talking sweetly or petting it for a few minutes before returning the pet to its crate. This practice teaches the puppy that every time it cries, it will get the attention that it loves. Most puppies will stop whining in 10 to 15 minutes if you give them no response. A few difficult nights of this “tough love” will teach your puppy that bedtime is sleep time.

If the puppy wakes in the middle of the night and becomes fussy, it is probably indicating a need to go to the bathroom. This should be an all-business-and-no-play trip, in order to avoid the puppy waking you up in the future solely for attention. Calmly praise your puppy for doing its bathroom duties in the right place, but do not let it think that this is a time for play, or for lots of attention from you.

Some things that may help your puppy adjust to its new environment include a comfortable crate with padding, a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel or blanket, and a ticking clock or music near its crate. Some people choose to set up the crate next to their own bed, so that the puppy feels more secure.

How To Lower The Risk Of Mammary Cancer In Your Female Dog

August 28, 2012 by Good Hope Animal Hospital

Can spaying help lower the risk of breast cancer in dogs?

Unfortunately, there are many dog owners who do not know that spaying a dog before her first heat cycle will decrease her chances of mammary cancer by over 98 percent. This is one reason that veterinarians recommend that female dogs be spayed before they are six months old. Your pet is no more susceptible to mammary cancer than any other female dog that is spayed after her second heat cycle.

Do not regret what wasn’t previously done but rather feel good that you have prevented your dog from going through some other potentially dangerous conditions by having her spayed at this time. Pyometra, or infection of the uterus, can be a fatal illness that is common in older, unspayed females.

As far as watching for breast cancer, the best thing you can do is to check your dog’s mammary glands for lumps monthly. Female dogs have left and right mammary chains that run from the front leg area all the way back to the inguinal area. You can start at each nipple and feel her skin and subcutaneous tissue around each one. Many owners are able to find a lump on their own if they are in the habit of petting their dog’s belly area.

If you find a lump, you should set up an appointment with your veterinarian to have it evaluated and removed if necessary. Mammary growths have about a 50 percent chance of being malignant and spreading to other parts of the body. The earlier you address a growth, the less chance it has to spread if it happens to be of the malignant type. Time frames for this vary but usually they don’t occur until the primary cancer has been present for a certain period of time.

Your veterinarian will also check your dog thoroughly at each yearly exam. However, do not hesitate to have her seen sooner than that if you find a growth. You have taken a big step in preventing problems by having her spayed and being aware that you should watch for abnormal growths.

How To Introduce Dogs To Eachother

August 28, 2012 by Good Hope Animal Hospital

So you want to introduce your dog to a new dog, but you’re unsure of how to do it?

If both dogs are young, this transition will be a little less stressful than if the dogs are older. Introducing pets that are not too set in their ways usually makes things easier. It also helps that one dog is female; female dogs tend to be more accepting of outsiders than a more dominant male.

It is helpful to try to introduce them very gradually. It would be a good idea if the dogs could meet for the first time on neutral territory. Try taking them to a park or some location that is not on either one of their “turfs.” Keep the dogs on leashes and allow them to sniff each other but do not give them the opportunity to fight. This interaction will give you a starting point. If there is aggression on neutral territory it may be quite difficult to move them in together.

It will be very important for you to reinforce the dominance hierarchy once established. This means that when one dog establishes itself as the top dog and wants attention you must give it to the dominant dog and rebuff the other if it comes seeking attention. This may be hard for you to do as most people feel for the “underdog.” Unfortunately, if you push the dominant dog away to pet the dog of lower status, it can cause the top dog to punish the other pet.

In most cases there will not be an altercation, but be prepared for one anyway. Keep your pets on leashes even in the house. DO NOT GET BETWEEN FIGHTING DOGS. Even if your pets love you, when they are fighting they may bite you. Use their attached leashes to separate them.

Remember that gradual introduction is the key. Do not expect them to be best friends right away; tolerance is a good thing too.

There is a very good article on VetCentric.com about introducing a new cat to the household. Most of the principles outlined there can be applied to dogs as well. Also, talk to your veterinarian. If there are problems, the doctor is your best source of information. If the problems are significant he or she may also recommend that a short course of medication is necessary to facilitate the transition.

Should You Breed Your Dog?

August 28, 2012 by Good Hope Animal Hospital

Thinking about breeding dogs?

Unfortunately, most people don’t realize how much work, time and expense is involved in the process of breeding.

The first thing that you must consider is whether your pet should be bred. Most pets, although lovable, are not of breeding quality. Genetic defects and other problems should not be perpetuated, because they can cause serious medical problems for future generations. People who breed dogs for a living are very careful about choosing which dogs they will breed based on physical characteristics and behavior.

Some people decide that it would be fun to breed and just start looking for a dog that has the proper equipment and is willing. This can be a huge mistake. Breeding your pet is a serious endeavor and should not be taken lightly. There are far too many pets that end up in shelters without good homes. If your breed of dog has large litters, what will you do if you are unable to sell the puppies? Do you want to contribute to the pet overpopulation problem?

In addition, there are many good reasons not to breed your dog. First, for the dog’s own health. Male dogs that are neutered are less likely to be hit by cars. This is primarily due to the fact that male dogs have a very strong urge to roam and find a fertile female. Male dogs will go over or under fences, through doors and windows, and will pull leashes out of unsuspecting hands. Additionally, neutering greatly reduces the incidence of prostatic disease and testicular cancer.

Similar health benefits are found by spaying your female dog. If you have your female spayed before a year of age you greatly decrease her chances of developing breast cancer. Additionally, you eliminate the possibility of uterine infections and cancer. Another benefit is that you will not have to clean up after a messy heat cycle, or chase persistent male dogs out of your yard.

If you still feel that you want to breed your pet, note that dogs should be tested for a contagious disease called brucellosis prior to breeding. Not only does this disease cause spontaneous abortion in dogs, but humans can contract it as well. There is a blood test to screen for this disease that can be done by your veterinarian. Because dogs can carry this disease without showing any outward signs, screening for brucellosis is important.

Why You Should Absolutely Consider Neutering Your Dog

August 28, 2012 by Good Hope Animal Hospital

Why should you neuter your dog even if you feel you can prevent him from mating with another dog?

Most of us are told to neuter our pets to decrease the overabundance of unadopted dogs that are put to death in animal shelters. Although this is a valid argument, it is not the sole reason that neutering should be considered.

Unneutered male dogs have a higher incidence of certain cancers and prostatic diseases. Female dogs that are left intact are more likely to develop mammary tumors, uterine and ovarian cancers, and uterine infections. All of these medical conditions can be quite serious, and may even result in a shortened life span for your companion. Neutered pets tend to live longer and enjoy a healthier life.

Dogs that resist training may also benefit from neutering, because after the procedure they more likely to accept the owner’s leadership. Neutered dogs are also less likely to roam the neighborhood — and hence have a lesser risk of being hit by a car, being involved in a dogfight, or becoming a nuisance to your neighbors.

The Best Way To Clean Up Puppy Pee

August 28, 2012 by Good Hope Animal Hospital

Does your puppy urinate in the house? Then you may be wondering to best clean up the mess.

Most puppies have at least a few accidents during the housebreaking stage. These need to be thoroughly cleaned up so that the puppy does not return to the same spot in the future. I f your puppy is having many accidents, you should readjust your housebreaking techniques.

The best way to clean up a spot of urine is to soak up as much of it as possible. If the spot is on linoleum or another hard surface, paper towels and disinfectant can be used. If the urine spot is on a rug, cover the spot with a paper towel and some layers of newspaper. You can stand on the spot to draw out as much urine as possible.

Once the urine is soaked up, it is necessary to use an odor neutralizer to eliminate the lingering odor of ammonia. If a dog smells any residual urine odor, it is likely to urinate in the same area again. Many pet stores and veterinarians carry effective urine odor neutralizers.

Remember that your puppy is just like a baby and needs to be monitored at all times. Most puppies will show subtle signs that they need to go to the bathroom prior to having an accident. If you can’t be right there beside your puppy at all times, it should be left in a crate. A dog views a crate as a private den that it will not want to soil with urine or feces.

It is also important to establish a set routine and stick to it every day. Most puppies need to eliminate frequently when they are young, especially after heavy eating or playing. Paper training is used by some owner, but this method should be viewed as a temporary approach to training. Crate training is a much more efficient means of housebreaking a dog.