Prevention

Prevention is the key. In these questionable economic times we must be more aware about our spending and do what we can to avoid unnecessary costs. If that means that you don't see me as often, that is OK because then I know that your pet is healthy and safe. Prevent medical problems by getting your pets examined and vaccinated every year. Keeping them vaccinated prevents serious disease and illness many which are costly to treat or even fatal. Keep your pets on proper heartworm and flea prevention prevents tapeworms as well. These are all costly to treat but relatively inexpensive to prevent. Keep your pets groomed regularly to prevent underlying skin problems, nail over growth, and anal gland issues as well as increased grooming fees. If you notice a problem, get it checked out sooner than later as it will be more expensive to treat a chronic problem. Consistency is important. Feeding the same food and avoiding foreign treats will alleviate a potential upset stomach and a trip to the vet. Keeping your pet in a regular routine will alleviate any mishaps and will ultimately save you in the long run.

As a country we are all feeling the burden of our economic crisis. Some more than others. We must not ignore the families who have lost their homes and their four legged friends alike. Many of these pets have been surrendered to animal control , humane and rescue organizations that are completely over populated and over burdened. Many of these pets will check in and never check out. Can you imagine this happening to you and your pet? The tip this month is to implore as many people as I can to consider lending a helping hand, either by donating time and resources to these rescue organizations, or even donating money to relieve the burden. If you can lend a helping hand , I encourage you to do so.

Back to School

A Leash on Life is a public service

organization here in Atlanta. This annual community service project allowed us to vaccinate, spay and neuter pets at no cost helping parents to alleviate one additional burden as they prepare for this new school year.

Kids are back in school, now it is time for pet owners to go to school as well!

The first lesson in Dr. Dani's school of pet ownership involves puppy training 101. Remember, the puppy is not paying the mortgage, so take control of your house. House training requires a great deal of repetition, and reward! Crate training is the best method of training your new puppy's bladder. Be consistent and repetitive about the times that you take your puppy out for relief. It is OK to leave a puppy in a nice comfortable crate until those times arise for training purposes, you are training them, don't let them train you!! Reward them with favorable praise and even a treat when their house training practices are favorable. You can even tie a bell to a long ribbon on the handle of the door you use to exit as a symbolic reminder of this great event! A smart puppy will learn to ring this bell for you to let you know it is time to go out! There is no set time period that is standard for all dogs. Be consistent for a few weeks and then give your puppy a chance to show off what has been learned!
The second lesson in pet ownership is to educate yourself as much as possible about preventative care. This will save a great deal of money, it will alleviate medical problems and ultimately keep the big bad vet away! Spay and Neuter is imperative to prevent over population, medical disorders and to prevent our pets from straying away and ultimately getting hit by cars. Vaccination is imperative and is the only way to prevent many fatal and infectious diseases spread among our pets. Some other preventive measures are: small breed dogs are predisposed for periodontal disease(bad teeth), Knee cap issues and heart problems. Active and athletic dogs often have orthopedic or ligament tears and ruptures. Cats can contract fatal diseases if kept outdoors exposed to other cats and suffer from urinary tract and kidney problems. Large breed dogs require a great deal of food and exercise and also suffer from hip and joint disorders. Know what things may happen so you can prevent and prepare for a long healthy and happy life with your pets!
An important lesson that I always encourage my clients about, is to know where the nearest emergency clinic is located closest to you! If you have an emergency you don't have time to spare.

Utilize pet services that are available to make your life easier. One of the most common causes for pets to loose their home is due to behavioral abnormalities. Cats spray in the house and dogs think they pay the mortgage. Behavioral specialists and remedies are available to help keep everyone in place. Pet sitters, mobile groomers ( ie. Pet-Fixer mobile grooming~;),
pooper scoopers, trainers, boarding resorts are all services available to make your life easier.

I hope this little lesson was enough to aid you in getting an "A" in caring for your pets.

Remember, these are hard economic times for many, lend a helping paw and help keep our furry friends out of the shelters and at home where they belong!

Beat The Summer Heat

Summer is here and along with it comes the heat!

Many outdoor dogs and cats that die during the summer months with no previous signs of medical problems usually succumb to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Unlike us, pets do not sweat. The only way they can exhaust heat is to pant. Many times without cooling aids, panting just isn't enough to prevent over heating and death.

Here are some helpful tips this month to help keep our friends cool:

1.) Dogs and cats have to wear a coat year round so we have to help them stay cool during these warm summer days. The best way to do that is to provide ample shade for our outdoor furry friends.
2.) Do not tie them up to a tree or stake, as many pets get wrapped around and cannot free themselves to find adequate shade.
3.) Do not take your pets for a quick run to the store. Even with the windows cracked, the car can heat up to a temperature that your pet cannot withstand. Leave them at home.
2.)Provide clean fresh water daily. ( Don't forget to thoroughly clean the water bowl as fungus can form quickly) I even add ice cubes to the water just because that's the way I like mine~;)
3.) A nice shave down for thick coated, or long haired dogs and cats is highly recommended.
Try Pet-Fixer Mobile grooming~;)
4.) If your dogs are outside all day long, why not let them run through the sprinkler, or let the sprinkler run over them to cool them down mid day.
5.) If it is hot out, do not take your dog for a 5k run, wait until it cools down and bring along some water for your running buddy.

If you ever get into a situation where you think your pet is overheated. Submerge their body in a tub of cool water, place alcohol on the pads of their feet, wrap them in towels saturated with cool water and rush them to your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.

The normal temperature for dogs and cats is between 99.5f to 102.5f. When they get into the 104f and above range they are in serious trouble!

Prevention is the key. Do your part by helping others help our furry friends that many times can't help themselves.

Dr. Dani
Pet-Fixer Inc.
At your service at your doorstep!

Pet Allergies

Spring is in full swing. Temperatures are rising, pollen is everywhere, and we are all sneezing!
Similar to the allergic reactions that we have, our pets suffer as well. Watery eyes, sneezing, eye and skin irritation are all probable signs of an allergic response to our green laden surfaces.

As much as I want to help you with your pets- I recommend that you try some home remedies first. The first thing you can do is make sure you clear the environment of mother natures green lace. You can hose off the deck, driveway, dog house or whatever environment your pet may inhabit. Benadryl can be used as a good antihistamine if your pet is showing signs of sneezing and watery eyes consistent with allergies. Yes Benadryl- the same kind we take. I would advise children's Benadryl just to be safe- and it should be given at a dose consistent with your pets weight. For example if your pet weighs 50 pounds you can give 50mg orally once or twice daily with food. Pills are easier to administer than liquid. Benadryl makes me sleepy-so this may also be a side effect for your pet. If your pet has a history of allergic reactions to this drug please do not give it or if your pet has an adverse reaction once given seek veterinary attention. This is rare but I have to advise you about all possibilities.

Keep some Saline Solution in your dog or cats medicine cabinet and use it to flush the eyes out if there seems to be eye irritation. Make sure you wash your hands carefully afterwards to make sure you are not contracting anything just in case it is more than just eye irritation.

Due to the rising temperatures and the rain and humidity- it might be a good idea to consider a grooming, a shave down or even a deshedding to allow the skin to breath and prevent seasonal skin problems.
Pet Fixer Mobile Groomer will be happy to help you with this!!! Mild shampoos including a baby shampoo or an oatmeal shampoo can provide a great deal of relief.

If you have a severely allergic pet and all else fails Give us a call and Dr. Dani will come to the rescue.
I hope this tip has provided you with some insight on starting this spring and summer months on the right or left paw!