Author: Animal Dogtor

Traveling With Your Pets – Best Practices and Safety Tips

Posted on by Animal Dogtor

If you plan to be traveling with your pet this summer, the Animal Medical Center of Streetsboro has put together some tips and tricks to help keep traveling with your pet safe and stress-free.

Make Sure Your Pet Has Proper Identification

Dog Identification tagNo matter where you are traveling to or how you travel there, you need to make sure your pet is microchipped for identification. You also want to make sure that your pet is wearing their collar with your name, phone number, and any other relevant contact information.

We also recommend that you place a temporary tag on their collar with your destination phone number and cell phone number for the length of your trip.

Tips for Traveling By Plane With Your Pet

Unless your pet is small enough to ride underneath your seat, we recommend avoiding air travel with your pets. If it is necessary to bring them along while flying, you will want to follow these tips:

Schedule a Veterinary Checkup

Before your trip, we recommend that you make an appointment for a routine checkup for your pet. This will ensure they are updated on all vaccinations and will allow you to obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian that will be dated within ten days of your trip.

During this appointment, our veterinarian can discuss ways that you can calm your pet before the flight in case they become anxious or afraid. If you are traveling outside of the U.S., be sure to check with the foreign office of the country where you are traveling for any additional planning or health care requirements.

Use a USDA-approved Shipping Crate

Travel CrateMake sure the crate is large enough for your pet to comfortably stand, sit, and turn around. You will also need to place some type of bedding in the crate, such as towels or shredded paper, to absorb any accidents.

You also want to tape a plastic bag of dried food into the crate, which will allow airline staff to feed your pet in case of a layover. You should also freeze a small water dish full of water. This will thaw out by the time they are thirsty during the flight. Keep the door securely closed, but do not lock it. Airline personnel needs to be able to access the crate if there is an emergency.

You also want to make sure the crate has proper identification. Be sure to make the crate with the words “Live Animal.” We also recommend you put your name, a photo of your pet, as well as your cell phone and destination phone number. We also recommend you keep a photo of your pet on hand while traveling in case they escape their crate.

Book A Direct Flight

Whenever possible, we recommend you book a direct flight when traveling with your pet. With a direct flight, you can reduce the chances that your pet is left on the tarmac during extreme weather or is mishandled by baggage staff during a layover.

Tips for Traveling With Your Pet By Car

If you are driving a long distance, there is more to traveling with your pet than just loading them into your backseat. Here are some tips to help you keep your pet safe out on the road:

Help Your Dog Get Used to The Car

Before a long trip, start by taking your pet on short drives and gradually increase the time they spend in the car. If you plan to travel across state lines, make sure you have your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states require proof at their interstate crossings.

Use Pet Carrier or Crate to Keep Your Pet Safe

Make sure the crate is large enough for the pet to stand, sit, and lie down. They should also be able to turn around in the crate. Secure the crate in the vehicle, so it doesn’t move when driving or coming to an abrupt stop. If you choose not to crate them, make sure your pet is secure by attaching their harness to the seat buckle. Do not allow them to ride with their head outside the window, as this could lead to injury.

Pack Your Pet a Travel Kit

When packing for your pet, make sure that you have a bowl, leash, food, waste bags and a scoop, medications, first aid, grooming supplies, and any important travel documents. You should also make sure to pack their favorite toy, blanket, or pillow. We recommend starting their feeding schedule a few hours prior to leaving with a light meal. Make sure to only give your pet bottled water as water from an unfamiliar area could cause an upset stomach.

Don’t Leave Your Pet Unattended in the Vehicle

Even if you leave the windows open, a vehicle can become as hot as a furnace on a hot day. When it comes to cold weather, the car can become like a freezer. Don’t put your pet at risk of heat stroke or freezing to death by leaving them in your vehicle unattended.

Schedule Your Pet’s Checkup Today!

At the Animal Medical Center of Streetsboro, we can help you prepare your pet for travel. Contact us today to learn more!

When Should I Spay/Neuter My Dog?

Posted on by Animal Dogtor

When you get a new puppy, there are various things you need to do, from puppy-proofing your house to getting them their shots. In addition, you also need to make sure that your spay or neuter your pet to keep them healthy. Having your pet spayed or neutered can prevent various health issues, lower their risk for cancer, and overall increase their lifespan.

What is Spaying?

Spaying or Neutering Your PuppySpaying, also called ovariohysterectomy, is a surgical procedure where the ovaries and uterus are removed to sterilize a female dog. This will prevent the dog from being able to reproduce.

When Should I Spay My Female Dog?

For female dogs that weigh less than 45lbs, it is recommended that you spay them at 8 months of age. Female dogs weighing more than 45lbs should be spayed at 8-18 months depending on breed and mature size.

Why Should I Spay My Female Dog?

When you spay your dog, you can prevent unwanted litters and lower the dog’s risk of breast cancer.

If you spay them after growth stops, but after their first heat cycle, there is an increased risk of breast cancer and a decreased risk of certain cancers as well as bone, ligament, and joint problems. It can also lower the risk of urinary incontinence.

What is Neutering?

Neutering, also called castration, is a surgical procedure where both testicles are removed. This procedure sterilizes or makes the dog infertile and stops its ability to reproduce.

When Should I Neuter My Male Dog?

For male dogs that weigh less than 45lbs, it is recommended that you neuter them at 8 months of age. Male dogs weighing more than 45lbs should be neutered at 8-18 months depending on breed and mature size.

Why Should I Neuter My Male Dog?

When you neuter your dog at the recommended age, you may decrease the risk of certain cancers and bone, ligament, and joint issues common in some male dog breeds.

Schedule an Appointment for Spaying or Neutering Today!

We recommend speaking with your veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center of Streetsboro today to determine the best time to spay or neuter your puppy! Contact us to learn more.

3 Most Common Allergies in Dogs and How You Can Tell If They Are Allergic

Posted on by Animal Dogtor
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from a variety of allergies. From skin allergies to food allergies, your dog may experience some type of allergy in its lifetime. Three of the most common allergies dogs suffer from are food allergies, skin allergies, and environmental allergens.
Food Allergies in Dogs
Food allergies are not as common as you may think. A true food allergy causes an immune response in your dog, with symptoms such as:
  • Skin conditions- Hives, itchiness, and facial swelling.
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms- Vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Combination of both skin and gastrointestinal symptoms.
In severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur.
What most people mean when they say their dog has a food allergy is that they have a food sensitivity or food intolerance. A food sensitivity will not elicit an immune response but rather a gradual reaction to an offending food ingredient in their daily meals. Common food intolerances include:
  • Eggs
  • Corn
  • Wheat
  • Soy
  • Milk
  • Beef
Food sensitivities can cause reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, itchiness, chronic foot or ear infections, etc. If you suspect your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, be sure to discuss their symptoms with your veterinarian.
Skin Allergies in Dogs
Skin allergies are one the most common allergic reactions in dogs. Also called allergic dermatitis, skin allergies are often caused by food allergies, environmental allergens, and flea allergy dermatitis. Flea dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction to flea bites due to an allergic reaction to the flea’s saliva. Symptoms of this condition include:
  • Extreme itching, especially near the base of the tail
  • Red, inflamed, scabbed skin.
  • Fleas/flea dirt
Skin Treatment for DogsYou will also notice itchy skin with food allergies. Dogs will typically itch their paws or ears and may experience gastrointestinal symptoms with a food allergy. When it comes to environmental allergens such as mold, pollen, or dust, your dog may suffer from an atopic allergic reaction or dermatitis. Typically, these are seasonal allergic reactions where you may notice your dog itching their paws, ears, ankles, muzzle, underarms, around the eyes, etc.
The biggest risk of skin allergies is a secondary infection due to scratching. Your dog may scratch open their skin, bite or lick it, putting themselves at risk for bacterial or yeast infections.
 Acute Allergic Reactions in Dogs
Much like humans, dogs can go into anaphylactic shock caused by a severe reaction to a certain allergen. This type of allergic reaction is very serious and can be fatal if not treated. Anaphylactic shock can be caused by things such as vaccines, medications, or bee stings. When your dog receives a new medication, food, or vaccine, be sure to keep a close eye on them. Look for symptoms such as:
  • Hives
  • Facial swelling
  • Swelling of the throat, lips, eyelids, or ear flaps.
These symptoms can often be treated with an antihistamine from your veterinarian. Anaphylactic reactions rarely occur in dogs, but it is always better to keep a watchful eye when trying new food, medication, or vaccine.
How Are Allergies Treated in Dogs?
Your veterinarian will recommend that you avoid the cause and allergen that is causing your dog to react. Treatment will depend on the type of allergy your dog suffers from. If it is a food allergy or sensitivity, you will need to change their diet, whereas if it is a flea allergy, your dog will need to be treated for fleas.
In addition to changing their diet or lifestyle, you may also need to administer them an allergy relief medication that will help control symptoms such as itchiness.
If your dog suffers from a severe allergic reaction, be sure to immediately take them to an emergency veterinarian for treatment.
To learn more about allergies in dogs or to make an appointment, contact the Animal Medical Center of Streetsboro today!

Keeping Your Pet Safe This Holiday Season

Posted on by Animal Dogtor
The holiday season brings joy and celebrations with family and friends. The last thing anyone wants is for our pets to be harmed during this happy time of year. Rather than take a trip to the emergency vet this holiday season, follow these tips to keep your pet safe.

What Holiday Foods and Drinks Are Harmful to My Pet?

holiday hazards for your petThe holidays are full of tasty treats for humans, but many of them can be harmful to your pet. If you plan to give your pet treats over the holidays, make sure that they are formulated just for them. Some common holiday foods to avoid:
  • Sweets and baked goods- These treats are often too rich for pets, and worse, they are typically sweetened with xylitol. This artificial sweetener is commonly used in baked goods, and chewing gum has been known to cause liver failure and death in dogs.
  • Chocolate- The toxicity of chocolate for dogs and cats can depend on how much they ingest, what type of they ingest, and the size of your pet. In any case, it’s safer to keep chocolate out of reach for your pets.
  • Alcohol- This can be poisonous to pets and can lead to coma or death. Even the smallest amounts can be lethal. A small dog or cat can die from ingesting as little as one ounce of alcohol. Keep in mind alcohol can be used in baked goods, so be sure to keep them away from your pets as well.
  • Bread/Yeast dough- This can cause painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating in pets.
  • Turkey/turkey skin- Even in smaller amounts, pets who ingest turkey or turkey skin can develop pancreatitis.
  • Holiday dinner scraps- Onions, grapes, and raisins can all be poisonous to pets. Table scraps of rich foods such as meat fat, and gravy can result in your dog developing pancreatitis.

What Decorations are Dangerous for My Pet?

 While we love to decorate for the holidays with greenery, Christmas trees, and twinkling lights, without the proper precautions, these decorations can be harmful to your pets.
  • Christmas trees- Your pet could tip over your tree if they try to play with the ornaments or climb up the tree. Take the time to secure the tree with fishing line by tying it to a door frame or the ceiling. You should also avoid adding any aspirin, sugar, or other water additives to the water for your tree.
  • Lights- Electric lights can cause burns to pets who chew up the cords, so be sure they are out of reach of your pet.
  • Ornaments- If broken, ornaments can cause injuries, whereas ingested ornament can be toxic or lead to intestinal blockage. Any ornaments made of salt dough should be placed out of reach of your pets. Tinsel should also be kept away from pets as it can cause intestinal blockages if ingested.
  • Festive flowers and plants- Common festive plants such as mistletoe, balsam, poinsettias, pine, holly, and cedar can all be potentially poisonous to pets if they ingest them. Avoid buying them for the inside of the home or make sure they are out of reach of your pets.
Other items to keep away from pets include:
  • Small toys and batteries
  • Anti-freeze and ice melt
  • Pet sweaters with dangling parts

Have any Questions about Making Your Home Pet Safe?

Contact the Animal Medical Center of Streetsboro today to learn more or to schedule your pet’s next check-up!

New Dog Owners Guide

Posted on by Animal Dogtor

Table of contents:

  • Preparing to bring your dog home
  • Securing your home for your new pet
  • Choosing the right veterinarian
  • Obtain your dog license
  • Training your new dog
  • Keeping your pet healthy
  • Selecting the right dog food

Adding a new puppy to your family can be an exciting moment. If you ask any dog owner, they will agree that having a loyal companion that loves them unconditionally brings great joy to their daily lives. While it is a fun and exciting experience, having a dog is a significant commitment and a decision that should not be taken lightly.

If you are a first-time dog owner, you need to know a variety of things before bringing your new pet home.

Preparing to Bring Your Dog Home

Before you bring your new pet home for the first time, there are a few things you will want to do to your home to help make it safer and more comfortable for your new pet.

Your first step will be to go shopping for all the supplies you will need to care for your pet daily. We’ve put together a list of some must-haves for your new pet:
  • Bed – To start, you can use some old blankets to give them a soft place to sleep, but once they’ve grown out of their chewing phase, you should consider getting them an actual dog bed.
  • Brush- For a puppy, you will not need a fancy brush. As their coat grows in, you can add additional grooming tools to suit their fur.
  • Bowls- Try to avoid plastic since some dogs can be allergic to it. Look for stainless or ceramic instead.
  • Pet or baby gates- These will help you block off areas of your home that your pet is restricted from as they are being trained.
  • Collar, tags, leash- You will want to have the identification tags, collar, and leash ready for your pet so you can take them with you when you pick them up to bring them home.
  • Nail Clippers- You may be able to use cat nail clippers at first, depending on the size of your puppy. You will want to make sure you purchase clippers based on your dog’s size as they grow.
  • Crate- Having a crate ready will make it much easier to begin crate training right away. You can choose from plastic, metal, heavy-duty, soft-side, and decorative crates. Each has its pros and cons, so be sure to research each type to see which best suits your needs.
  • Poop scoop and bags- An important part of pet ownership is cleaning up after your pet. You can get scoopers for either grass or concrete, and be sure to have bags ready, especially if you are leaving your property with your dog.
  • Toys- Puppies are full of energy and will want to play. Be sure to get them a variety of toys to keep them occupied. Avoid toys with anything that could come off and become a choking hazard.
  • Toothbrush- You can purchase a dog toothbrush or a kids-sized one as well. In addition to brushing, you can give your dog dental treats for days where you do not get a chance to brush their teeth.
  • Shampoo- You will want to buy shampoo specifically formulated for dogs, which is available at most pet supply stores and retailers such as Walmart.

Securing Your Home for Your Pet

Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary supplies for your dog, it’s important to evaluate your home and eliminate any hazards. You will need to go throughout the home and dog-proof everything. Start by tucking or taping any loose electrical cords to baseboards.

You also want to make sure any household cleaners are stored on high shelves or secured in cabinets. You should also move any small rugs, pack up your breakable items or place them up out of reach as your puppy navigates its new home. Make sure you have the gates set up as well as their crate. Set up their food and water dishes as well.

As you secure your home, you will also want to decide where your dog will spend most of its time. If you are working from home, you can take your dog out at regular intervals and supervise them. If you need to leave your dog at home alone, you need to decide if they will be crated indoors with a neighbor or friend taking them out for bathroom breaks or if they will spend their time in an exercise pen.

You should also research pet daycare pricing to see if that is an option for you. Be sure to determine which options are best for your dog and have arrangements in place before you bring your pet home. You also need to decide where the dog will sleep each night. You can have them in a crate in your room, give them their bed as they get older, or maybe even allow them to sleep in bed with you or another family member in the home. You may also decide to let them roam freely throughout the home at night once they have been potty trained.

Choosing the Right Veterinarian

When looking for a veterinarian, you can start by asking your friends or family for recommendations. Once you’ve found a few that you are interested in, take the time to visit the different offices and meet with the veterinarian and staff to get a better idea of what they are like. You should also ask for a tour of the facility to make sure that you are comfortable with their standards of cleanliness. Make a checklist of what matters to you most regarding veterinarian care, and make sure you look for those qualities as you do your research.

It’s crucial for your puppy’s first vet visit to be a good experience so your dog can learn to go to the vet without anxiety or fear. Once you’ve chosen a vet, schedule your dog’s first appointment so they can get a checkup and any vaccinations they may need.

Obtain Your Dog License

In most places in the United States, it is legally required that you have a dog license. Your local law may be different, but a dog tag will help return them home if they ever get lost. You can also have your dog microchipped for additional insurance. Call your local animal care and control to learn more about how to get your dog licensed. In many cases, you should be able to apply online.

Training Your New Dog

When you first bring your dog home, keep things calm and laid back. Try not to overwhelm your puppy with a bunch of visitors and let them settle in for the first few days. You should also introduce your dog to their crate so you can get started on crate training. This is a great method for house training. The crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around easily but not so roomy they can go to the bathroom on one side and lay on the other.

Another helpful tip is to put a toy stuffed with treats in the crate and close the door. When your dog starts to sniff and paw at the crate, you can open the door, let them inside, and close the door. Give your dog about 10 to 15 seconds in the crate with the door closed and then remove the treats and close the door again. Reopen the crate, place the treats back in and repeat the process. This should be repeated three to four times in a row at least four times throughout the day.

Training your pup should start as soon as you bring them home. The earlier you train them with good habits, the easier and faster they will learn good manners. This will help them learn what they can and cannot do, where their water and food dishes are, where they are supposed to go to the bathroom, which toys are theirs, where they can and cannot go in the house, and what behaviors are restricted.

You may consider hiring a dog trainer to ensure that your dog receives the best training they can get. Whether you want basic obedience training or something more in-depth, a trainer can help you achieve your goals.

When researching trainers, look for one who shares the same ethics and philosophy about dog training. You will want to make sure that they use methods you support to ensure that you will carry the training at home. You can expect to be a part of the trainer process and work with the trainer closely to reinforce the skills at home.

Consider getting recommendations from friends and neighbors. You will also want to make sure your trainer is certified and that they have references they can give you from current or previous clients.

Keeping Your Pet Healthy

To keep your dog in good health, you will want to take your puppy to the vet for a checkup every three to four weeks until they reach 16 weeks old. During these checkups, they will receive their vaccines as well as heartworm and flea/tick medication. The vet will make sure your dog is growing normally and that they are healthy. At six months old, you will schedule your dog to be neutered or spayed. As your dog gets older, your veterinarian will be able to recommend a schedule for a visit to make sure your pet gets the exams and shots they need.

Another important part of their health is keeping a regular exercise schedule—the amount of exercise your pet needs will depend on their age, size, and breed. Get into the habit of exercising your dog around the same time of day for a consistent amount of time to keep them happy and healthy. Walking, running, or playing fetch are all great ways for your dog to exercise.

Selecting the Right Dog Food

There are various dog food types and brands out there, from soft to kibble (dry food), each with its benefits and drawbacks.

Canned/wet food – Canned dog food is shelf-stable and makes for a convenient food option for dog owners. Keep in mind that this type of food is not always nutritionally complete and can also be expensive. Look for canned food that is “100% nutritionally complete.”

Kibble/dry food – This is one of the most affordable options and helps with your dog’s oral health because chewing the crunchy kibble helps remove tartar.

Semi-moist – This food resembles “meaty food” and is commonly made up of preservatives as well as artificial colorings and flavors with little nutritional value. These are usually best suited as an occasional treat for your pup.

Raw – This diet comprises raw bones, raw meat, fruit, vegetables, and raw organs. This type of diet can be great for dogs, but it has its drawbacks. It can be time-consuming to prepare, poses a risk of imbalances in nutrition and the risk of broken teeth. Speak with your veterinarian before switching to this diet.

Veterinary diet – This is a diet specifically formulated to address your dog’s specific health needs for certain types of conditions. Your vet will recommend this type of diet if needed.

When choosing food for your dog, be sure to focus on the first five ingredients of the food. You also want to look for food with top-quality digestible proteins. Avoid foods with ingredients such as poultry or meat by-products, generic fat sources like animal fat, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and added sweeteners.

The amount of food and how often you feed your dog will depend on their size and how much exercise they get each day. You want to avoid overfeeding your dog. This can lead to skin disorders, oral disease, heart disease, musculoskeletal problems, skin disorders, arthritis, diabetes, and even some types of cancer.

High-Quality Veterinary Care for Your Dog

At the Animal Medical Center of Streetsboro, we will take great care of your pet! To schedule their first exam, contact us today!

Senior Pet Wellness: How to Turn Back the Clock and Keep Your Older Pet Healthy

Posted on by Animal Dogtor

Table of contents: Senior Pet Wellness

  1. Diet for Senior Pets
  2. Exercise for senior dogs
  3. CBD Therapy for Senior Pets
  4. Signs of Aging in Senior Pets
  5. Changes in Behavior as a Pet Ages
  6. Getting A Senior Wellness Exam for Your Pet

 

Keeping your pet healthy is your top priority, especially as they age. As your pet gets older, there are several things you can do to help keep them healthy and happy. At the Animal Medical Center of Streetsboro, we have put together a guide on senior pet wellness to help you get started!

At What Age Do You Consider Your Pet to be a “Senior”?

The age at which a dog is a senior varies based on the size of the dog. For small breeds, a senior dog is 10-12 years old. Medium-sized breeds are considered senior dogs at 8-9 years old. Giant breeds are seniors at the age of 6 or 7 years old.
Senior cats are between 11-14 years of age, and geriatric cats are 15 years or older.

Diet for Senior Pets

Pet DIet - Pet FoodAs dogs enter old age, they benefit greatly from eating less fat and fewer calories. Changes in their metabolic rate occur as they get older, causing fewer calories to be burned and more to be stored as fat.
In some cases, dogs can begin to lose weight as they age, requiring more calories. Some older dogs have a decreased appetite due to a decreased sense of smell or taste or difficulty chewing or swallowing. In some cases, you may need to increase their diet’s fat content to increase the palatability and calorie content for your pet. This will depend on your dog’s unique needs.
Senior dogs need a minimum of 25 percent of calories from protein. This will help them maintain muscle. Even with exercise, older dogs will begin to lose muscle mass, which means they will experience losses in protein reserves. Losses in muscle tissue and protein reserves can weaken the immune system and decrease their response to physical trauma, stress, and tissue repair. It is also important to decrease the sodium in your senior dog’s diet and make sure they have a steady supply of cool water to drink.
For senior cats, their calorie intake will initially decrease. Still, as they reach around the age of 11, their energy requirements will begin to increase due to difficulty digesting protein and fats. Calories should be reduced by 20% for mature and senior cats, whereas with geriatric cats, you will want to increase their caloric intake to ensure they sustain a normal physique. You can control their caloric intake with portion feeding based on your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Avoid excessive phosphorus and sodium in your cat’s diet, and make sure they have regular water access. Be sure to monitor their water intake in case there is a reduction in their drinking.

Exercise for Senior Dogs

While diet is important, it is also crucial to your senior dog’s health to ensure they are getting enough exercise to occupy their minds and keep them at a healthy weight. As your senior pet ages, their mobility may decline, but they still require exercise. Your dog may not be able to go on a run with you or chase the ball as fast as they used to, but they can still engage in a variety of safe physical activity.
Exercise can help decrease the onset of ailments in your senior dog, such as muscle loss or arthritis. Walking is one great way to keep your dog active and is a favorite of all dogs, young and old.
With your senior pet, keep in mind that they can be more sensitive to changes in temperature, so make sure they are comfortable in the heat or cold on your walk. It is also recommended to walk your senior dog on grass or sand, which is a lower impact surface than asphalt or gravel, which can cause injury to their paws in hot weather.
If you notice your dog is stiff after your walk, reduce the length of the walk to keep them comfortable. Another great activity is swimming. If you can find a dog-friendly pool or lake nearby, swimming is a great way to give your dog a total body workout. This is a safe way for them to maintain their strength while keeping their joints and bones comfortable. If your pet does not normally swim, ask your veterinarian for dog trainer recommendations for a safer experience. Exercising Your Pet

CBD Therapy for Senior Pets

Full-spectrum CBD is a popular solution for pet owners to help relieve symptoms of various health issues experienced by their pets. Whole hemp extract is derived from the marijuana plant containing 80 different cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component, and the CBD (cannabidiol), which is the medical component that is used in CBD oil.
Whole hemp extract does not contain the psychoactive compound THC and is safe to administer to your pet. This extract works to relieve symptoms of various health conditions and pain by reacting with the endocannabinoid system. This is a series of receptors found in both humans and most animals. The cannabinoids interact with these receptors in your dog’s body to help relieve issues such as pain, nausea, and anxiety.
Unlike traditional pain medications, full-spectrum CBD does not damage the liver, GI tract, or kidneys. It can be used to treat conditions such as occasional discomfort, arthritis, anxiety, back pain, gastrointestinal issues, and more. Whole hemp extract can also help improve your dog’s health by:

  • Enhancing their liver and kidney functions
  • Supporting your dog’s performance and endurance
  • Supporting your dog’s connective tissue health
  • Promoting better coronary circulation
  • Supporting your dog’s brain and nerve function
  • Supporting digestion
  • Supporting a strong inflammatory response
  • Supporting healthy cellular activity

This treatment can be administered through a topical treatment applied directly to your pet’s afflicted area. Typically this treatment is administered to your pet orally. Be sure to discuss the best treatment and dosage for your pet with your veterinarian to ensure they reap the medication’s positive benefits.

Signs of Aging in Senior Pets

Aging PetEach dog ages at its own pace, but they are all eventually affected by similar age-related afflictions. Some of the most common issues include cognitive dysfunction syndrome and joint disorders. Cancer and liver failure are also common ailments in older dogs.
Teeth issues and infected gums are other common issues with aging pets. Signs of tooth decay or gum infections include plaque, bad breath, swollen gums, loss of appetite, and plaque. While tooth decay is uncomfortable for your pet, it can also lead to serious infections entering the bloodstream.
Age-related diseases are another thing to keep an eye out for, such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome. If your dog is suffering from cognitive dysfunction, they may seem to be unstable or confused at times.
Unfortunately, senility and cognitive dysfunction are not curable. Still, there are various treatments and healthy aging supplements that you can give your dog to help reduce the effects. Look out for signs such as slow response times, staring at the wall, unwillingness to go outside, etc. If you notice signs like this, be sure to contact your veterinarian.
You may also notice fatty lumps called lipomas caused by your pet’s metabolic system using less energy. They are typically harmless but should be checked by a vet.
Pain and stiffness of the joints is another sign of aging. Your dog will instinctively hide aches and pains, so you may not notice them right away. As their joints continue to deteriorate, you will see their mobility lessen, especially after a long walk or when they first wake up. Consider asking your veterinarian about joint health supplements to help improve their quality of life and joint health.
Another sign of aging is the loss of senses, such as sight, hearing, and smell. The first signs of hearing or sight loss are subtle and may include your pet becoming more easily startled or possibly aggressive when someone approaches them. Your dog may also become less responsive to commands, which can be mistaken as bad behavior. Make sure to keep their bed, food, and water bowls in the same place to keep their routine easy for them. Try to avoid sudden movements to avoid startling your dog.
Incontinence is another common sign of aging in dogs. While some do not lose complete control over their bladder, the occasional accident is common.

Changes in a Pet’s Behavior After They Age

Aging can affect your dog’s behavior in a variety of ways. You may notice that your dog is less enthusiastic when greeting you or is more cautious when exploring outside.
You may also notice that your senior dog will sleep more throughout the day and has less energy than they used to. They require more sleep, so try to avoid waking them up while they sleep during the day.
For cats, arthritis is a major problem. Changes in their behavior will include an unkempt appearance and less desire to jump to high places. You will also notice that they will avoid human interaction, dislike being brushed or stroked, or decrease or increase in their sleep.
You may also notice that they will have issues getting into and out of the litter box and will not use it reliably. Some cats may cry in the middle of the night; they will act confused and may have trouble relating to family members like they usually do. These changes can be caused by aging but may also be signs of arthritis, dental disease, or kidney disease.

Getting a Senior Wellness Exam for Your Dog

Regular veterinary care is a crucial part of your pet’s health, no matter how old they are. As your pet ages, many changes occur to your pet’s maturity and physiology that can cause disease and other serious medical concerns, such as cognition problems, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, thyroid, liver, heart, and kidney disease.
By having your veterinarian conduct a regular wellness exam, they can detect these issues early on to help prevent or minimize the illness’s progression. A senior wellness exam will include a comprehensive physical exam, a dental health checkup, vaccinations and parasite control based on health and age as well as:

  • Hearing and vision assessment
  • Supplement and medication checks
  • Life stage-specific blood tests
  • Behavior consultation
  • Screening for parasites

Your veterinarian will also provide advice about exercise, diet, and weight maintenance for your pet. Other exams or tests may be discussed based on your pet’s individual needs.

Senior Pet Health at the Animal Medical Center of Streetsboro

To learn more about caring for your senior pet or to schedule a senior wellness exam, contact your veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center of Streetsboro today!

Best Flea and Tick Prevention Options

Posted on by Animal Dogtor
Preventing fleas and ticks for your dogs is crucial to keeping them happy and healthy. These pests can carry diseases such as Lyme disease or tapeworm as well as bacterial diseases, some of which can transfer to humans as well. Bites from fleas can lead to flea allergy dermatitis, which can cause itching that lasts long after the fleas are gone.

Continue reading →