Small Animal

With summer weather (especially in Perth County) comes high temperatures, high humidity and the occasional heat wave. Pets are especially vulnerable to the heat and we see many cases of heat stroke in the summer months. Here are some tips for how to keep your pet safe during the summer.

Never leave your pet in a car on a hot day.

Unfortunately, year after year we are still seeing pets being kept in cars. Even with the windows opened, the interior of a car can quickly reach dangerous temperatures. On a 30 degree Celsius day, the temperature in a car with windows open can reach 40 degrees in only 10 minutes. What makes it worse is that dogs have a lot more difficulty cooling off than humans; relying only on panting and sweating through their feet. This means that dogs also heat up a lot faster than people, so what may be a comfortable temperature for you may be too hot for your dog.

If you need to run errands, leave your dog at home. If you need to make an unexpected stop, ask to bring your dog into the store with you. A lot of stores can be very understanding about this.

Avoid exercising your pet on hot or humid days.    

While some dogs are good about policing their own activity levels, a lot of dogs will play until the point they overheat and suffer heat stroke. It is best to avoid exercise during hot and humid days. If you must, consider exercising them early in the morning or later in the evening when the day is cooler.

Always have cool fresh water available.

If your pet is to be left alone without supervision, make sure there is ample fresh water available. If your dog is left outside, make sure the water is kept in the shade and in a bowl that your dog cannot accidentally knock over.  Consider also adding ice cubes to the water to keep it cooler for longer. If you are out exercising with your dog, always make sure to carry water with you so that your dog may drink. Pouring some water on its feet will also help keep it cool.

Avoid walking on pavement.

Pavement can get really hot and burn your dog’s feet. Consider only walking it in dirt or grassy areas. If it must walk on pavement, consider protecting its feet with something such as Invisible Boot.

Provide shade.

Ideally, pets should be kept indoors during extreme temperatures. If your dog must be kept outside, make sure to provide an area of shade. This is best accomplished with a tree, umbrella or tarp. Dog houses get very hot with lack of air flow and are not places your dog can go into to cool. Also consider having a children’s pool filled with water available to your dog so that he can use it to cool himself.

Prevent Hot Spots and Ear Infections

We commonly see hot spots and ear infections over the summer, especially in dogs with longer hair. The most likely cause of these issues is being wet for long periods of time. Therefore, the best course of action to prevent hot spots and ear infections is to make sure to dry your dog as best as possible after playing in water. Be sure to towel dry its body well. Also, always try to have some drying ear cleanser and cotton balls to clean out its ears after swimming.

Water Safety

Always supervise your dog while playing around water. When boating, make sure your dog also wears a life jacket like the rest of your family in case an accident happens. Breeds with short faces such as bull dogs, may need life jackets at all times to keep its nose above the water. As mentioned above, make sure to dry your dog thoroughly after swimming. For more tips on water safety, see our previous blog.

Boarding

If you plan on boarding your dog this summer, you need to make sure it is up to date with all its vaccinations including kennel cough. If your dog has never been boarded before, consider doing a short trial stay first so that it can get used to the place. For more tips on boarding your animal, see our previous kennel cough blog.

Certain pets are even more at risk of heat stroke and extra care should be taken to avoid the heat:

• Short-nosed dogs
• Dogs with heart issues
• Ill or elderly dogs
• Puppies
• Overweight dogs

What are signs of heat stroke?

• Excessive panting and restlessness
• Drooling large amounts from nose and mouth
• Stumbling around/unsteadiness

What should I do if my pet is having heat stroke?

• Remove them from the hot environment
• Get towels soaked with cool water (cold setting on the tap) and place around neck, in armpits, in groin area and wet feet
• Do NOT use ice packs or ice water as this will actually prevent cooling by constricting the blood vessels
• Do NOT force water into your dog’s mouth, but offer some to him if he is interested
• Bring your dog to a veterinarian while cooling him

Heat stroke can be prevented by following the above recommendations. If you ever have any concerns that your dog may be over heating, contact your veterinarian right away. We at Mitchell Veterinary Services wish all our patients a safe and fun summer!

Recommended Read – It is Getting Hot in Perth County! Here are Some Tips on Preventing Heat Stroke in Your Dog and Cat

The May long weekend is here and we at Mitchell Veterinary Services wish you and your pets a lovely, warm weekend!   

Fireworks, as well as thunderstorms, may be a stressful time for your pets.  Dogs have sensitive hearing and it can be overwhelming to hear threatening loud noises that can’t be traced to a specific location.  Unfortunately for some animals, after each exposure to storms (or fireworks), their phobia becomes worse.  Dogs with separation anxiety may be more likely to experience storm/firework anxiety. 

An anxious dog may tremble, pant, pace, try to hide, vocalize or in extreme cases become destructive and hurt itself or its people in the process.  Punishing a dog for this behavior may increase their stress level and is not recommended.  On the other hand, soothing a dog with mild anxiety by using touch and praise is also not recommended, as you are rewarding undesirable behavior. 

We recommend remaining calm and acting as if the storm is not a big deal.  Depending on your dog, you can use this time to work on obedience training, play time or tranquility exercises.  The goal is to distract your pet and reward it for desirable behaviour.  Giving a pet a reward (a delicious treat, toy or praise) for good behavior is known as positive reinforcement.  Recordings of a thunderstorm may allow your dog to gradually become desensitized to the noise and allow you to practice your distraction and relaxation techniques.  

Individual animals respond differently to different tools.  There are multiple treatment options that Mitchell Veterinary Services recommend for your pet depending on its severity of anxiety.  Having a “safe place”, such as a crate for your dog, can give it a feeling of security.  Ideally, this would be a quiet place with a limited view of windows, like a closet, that your pet can access at any time.  Music or other white noise may help block out noises.  There are products available that wrap the dog’s body, much like a child hiding under a blanket to muffle sensations.  Supplements with natural calming ingredients may help reduce anxiety.  Pheromones also may increase the dog’s confidence in a fearful situation.  Anti-anxiety medication used in combination with behavior modification may be an effective tool as well.  In some cases, a referral to a veterinary behaviourist may be recommended. 

We wish you and your pets a fun and safe long weekend!

Plants:

They may smell and look amazing; however, that doesn’t mean they are safe for your pets. There are quite a lot of plants that can cause stomach upset or can even be fatal if ingested by your pets. Always check before you plant them in your garden or have them in your home. Below is a list of several common poisonous plants:

• Aloe Vera
• Lilies
• Daffodils
• Diffenbachia
• Foxglove
• Tulips (the bulb is very poisonous)
• Cyclamen
• Chrysanthemum
• English Ivy’s Foliage
• Jade Plants

Mulch:

Always be mindful of the mulch you put in your garden. Sometimes commercial mulch has cocoa bean shells which can be very dangerous for pets. When in doubt go with organic mulch.

Fertilizers and Pesticides:

Fertilizers and Pesticides may contain chemicals that can be deadly to pets. Always read the label to see if it is pet safe before putting on your gardens. If you are questioning whether is it safe for your pet or not, do not use it.

Allergies:

As humans we can get seasonal allergies, did you know your pets can get seasonal allergies as well? During certain times in the year they may have flare ups (usually the spring and fall). Symptoms of allergies are: skin irritation/excessive itching, hair loss, ear infections, excessive sneezing or a runny nose. Consult your Veterinarian if any symptoms occur.

Did You Know?

• Adult fleas can lay up to 40 eggs a day
• Fleas can survive up to 7 months without food
• If it is colder than 13 C outside, they won’t hatch and won’t lay as many eggs, but they are still alive!

What Are Fleas?

• Small wingless insects that feed on blood of animals
• Their peak seasons to be out are, Spring (May) – Winter (December, or first frost)

Signs My Pet Has Fleas?

• Itchiness (excessively scratching or even chewing at themselves)
• Itchy/ raw spots around lower back/ base of tail, inside thighs, on belly, and neck
• Hair loss and inflammation (usually if pet is allergic)
• Ulceration of skin
• Lethargy (if badly infested and due to blood loss)
• If you can see adult fleas on body of pet

How Do My Pets Get Fleas?

• Being around other animals
• Spending time in an area that is infested
• Not having any sort of prevention
• Fleas may also hitch a ride on humans into the house (Therefore indoor pets can get fleas too)
• Moving into a new home that contains flea eggs

Prevention:

• The best prevention is medication from your Veterinarian
• Being on flea medication from spring until the first frost
• There are different types:
  • Topicals – a liquid that gets placed on the back of the neck of the pet
  • Chewable – tablets that your pet will eat as a treat

Preventions That We DO NOT Recommend:

• Flea Collars:
  • They can be effective in some cases, but they usually only kill the fleas around the collar
  • They can cause bad skin reactions
  • Some collars can lose their effectiveness if they become wet
  • They do not treat the environment

• Topical Flea Treatment from Pet Stores
  • We never recommend using them on cats!
    • If they are specially for dogs, they are toxic to cats and can be fatal if applied
  • Many times the products fail to work
  • If they work, they only work for a short duration of action
  • The companies that make them do not offer any guarantees as to the effectiveness or safety.
• Flea Baths
  • Do not offer residual protection
  • Will not take care of the environment

All pets in the household will need to be treated for fleas to break the flea life cycle.

Why We Recommend Flea Medications from Your Veterinarian

• They are safe and effective
• Some of these products will help to clear fleas out of your house, eliminating the need for flea spray.
• The companies will stand behind the quality of their products and guarantee they will work if used properly
• Superior pest control
• Easy to use
• The safest option for both your pet and your family

Talk to one of our team members at Mitchell Veterinary Services and Pauly Veterinary Clinic if you have any questions.

Whenever your pet has any medical concerns, you should contact your veterinarian right away. However, in emergency situations it is helpful to know some tips to help your pet before you can get him to the veterinarian.

Bleeding

If your pet is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the area using a cotton pad or gauze. Do not wipe at the area as this can dislodge any clots that have formed. Hold pressure for a couple of minutes before checking to see if the bleeding has stopped.

For larger bleeds, you can apply a bandage using rolled gauze or Vet Wrap. If the bleed is severe and on the limbs, you can apply a tourniquet. In these cases, immediately take your pet to your veterinarian.

Seizures

Move objects away from your pet that it may harm itself on. Time and film the seizure to inform your veterinarian. Do not handle your pet as you may get bitten. When the seizure has ended, call your veterinarian and keep your pet calm and warm. If the seizure lasts more than two minutes, take your pet to your veterinarian right away.

Burns

Flush the burn with tepid water for 5-10 minutes and immediately take your pet to your veterinarian.

Penetrating Object

Do not remove the object. Keep your pet calm and warm and take it directly to your veterinarian.

Choking

Take your pet to your veterinarian right away. If you can see the object, you can try to very carefully remove it. Have someone try to keep your pet’s mouth open for you to do this, but keep in mind that your pet (if still conscious) may be panicked and may try to bite.

If you are not able to dislodge the object, you can attempt to perform abdominal thrusts. Learn how with this video:

Poisoning or Swallowing Something They Shouldn’t

Call your veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian may instruct you on how to induce vomiting in your pet. However, it is not always safe to do so. Some substances can do more damage if your pet vomits, so make sure to speak with your veterinarian first.

Not Breathing and/or No Heartbeat

This is an emergency. Confirm your pet is not breathing by listening near its nose, or watching its chest. Check in your pet’s mouth to make sure there is nothing obstructing the airway.

Check for a heartbeat by placing your hands on both sides of your pet’s chest around the armpit area or just beside the elbow. Feel for 10-15 seconds. If there is no heartbeat, begin CPR. If a heartbeat is present but your pet is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth breathing, but do not perform chest compressions.

Bring your pet to your veterinarian right away. It is best to call the clinic to let staff know you are on your way so that they may prepare for your arrival.

Learn more about CPR here:

It is a good idea to have a first aid kit dedicated to your pet. Here are some of the things that you should include in your pet’s first aid kit.

First Aid Kit Materials:

Bandage Material and Tools

• Gauze or cotton pads
• Bandage material such as Vet Wrap, rolled gauze and bandage tape
• Scissors

Medications

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergic reactions, make sure to have a dose written down from your veterinarian
• Topical antibiotic ointment
• Hydrogen Peroxide (use only as directed by your veterinarian to induce vomiting)
• Pain medication prescribed by your veterinarian

Information

• Your veterinarian’s phone number
• Phone number, address and directions to the closest emergency veterinary hospital
• Phone number for the Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661
• List of all medications your pet is on, as well as current/previous medical conditions

Other

• A muzzle
• Tick remover tool
• Tweezers
• Styptic powder for broken nails
• Sterile saline eye flush
• Syringes
• Blanket

In any emergency, always make sure to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian can give you directions as to what to do and how to appropriately use the tools and medications in your first aid kit.

Call our team at Mitchell Veterinary Services or Pauly Veterinary Clinic with any questions. Your pet’s well-being is our number one priority.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural, sugar-free sweetener. It is commonly found in gum, mints, food like jelly and pudding, mouth washes, human toothpastes, vitamins, peanut butter, and fish oils etc.

How Does it Affect Dogs and Cats?

When they ingest xylitol, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream which results in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas. When the insulin increases that rapidly it cause a profound decrease in the level of blood sugar. The effect that occurs will happen within 10 – 60minutes of ingestion.

Depending on the amount ingested, it can affect them differently. If only a small amount is ingested, it can cause an acute and life-threatening low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. If a larger amount is ingested, it can result in acute liver necrosis and failure.

As little as a stick of gum could be toxic to a small dog. If you suspect any amount of ingestion, call a vet clinic immediately.  Effects of xylitol can be seen as early as 30 minutes after ingestion.

Signs and Symptoms

• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Collapse
• Vomiting
• Tremors and/or Seizures
• Yellow mucous membranes
• Black-tarry stools
• Coma
• Death

How Veterinarians Treat

There is no antidote for xylitol, although symptomatic treatment is necessary and beneficial. If you suspect that your pet has ingested xylitol, call your veterinarian as soon as possible! The veterinarian will work fast and aggressively with treatment. Treatment can include: inducing vomiting, monitoring of blood glucose and liver values, IV fluids, sugar supplementation, and liver protective medication.

Never hesitate to call, our team at Mitchell Veterinary Services and Pauly Veterinary Clinic are here to help.

Did you know that Marijuana poisoning cases have increased 448% over the last 6 years?

Marijuana’s two main components are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

THC – Is the psychoactive component of marijuana – which is the component that affects pets and makes them extremely sick.

CBD – Does not make you ‘high’, it is actually used at a higher concentration in medical     marijuana (the therapeutic component for pain management).

How Marijuana Poisons Pets

• Ingestion of plant (any part of plant)
• Ingestion of edibles (laced butter, brownies, cookies, etc.)
• Inhalation of second hand smoke

Signs and Symptoms

• Central nervous system depression – difficulty walking, tremors, seizures, etc.
• Slow heart rate (sometimes increase heart rate)
• Urinary incontinence
• Lethargy/ Sedation
• Glazed expression and dilated pupils
• Potentially coma
• Signs usually can appear 30 minutes – 12 hours after exposure and can last 30 minutes to several days (depending on quantity ingested or THC levels)
• High concentration = worse/prolonged effects

Edibles, Dried Plant, and Medical Marijuana

• Edibles: #1 source of toxicity.
  • High concentration of THC
  • Top sources are cookies, butter/oil, brownies, chocolate bars, and gummy bears
• Dried Plant: #2 source of toxicity.
  • Up to 30% THC
  • Vomiting is the most common reaction
• Medical marijuana:
  • Some medical marijuana will have higher THC (50-90%)
  • Extremely high risk to pets due to the higher concentration

How to Prevent Marijuana poisoning

• Keeping edibles up high in a cupboard that pets can’t get to

• Put animals in separate room with good ventilation when smoking
• Keeping the dried plant in a closed jar and safely out of reach from pets
• Most important – Educate yourself, on the impacts marijuana can have on pets.

How do Veterinarians treat marijuana poisoning?

• There is no antidote for marijuana, the only treatment is making the animal vomit and then addressing the symptoms

Medical Marijuana for Pets?

There are a few dispensaries in Ontario that sell dog biscuits and CBD oil. They do not have any THC in them; they are altered so the pet doesn’t get high but still benefits from the therapeutic aspect of the drug. They claim that these can help with anxiety, inflammation, cancer, bone pain, not eating, and end of life care. There has NOT been enough information and tests yet to prove this theory, so if you are thinking about trying these products on your pets always ask your Veterinarian about it first!

Remember:

            If your pet has ingested any form of marijuana call your veterinarian immediately, this is not something that should wait! Large quantities ingested can be fatal to animals.

Never hesitate to call, our team at Mitchell Veterinary Services and Pauly Veterinary Clinic are here to help.

What are Ticks?

• Ticks are external parasites that feed on blood.
• They attach by their head and engorge by ingesting blood. Once they are engorged they fall off and lay eggs.

Where do Ticks live?

• Primarily in grassy fields, low-lying underbrush, near water (including swamps), and urban areas
• Increasing in population in Perth County
• Endemic in Point Pelee, Rondeau Provincial Park, Turkey point, Long Point, Prince Edward Point, Thousand Islands, Pinery Provincial Park, Rouge Valley, and Wainfleet Bog Conservation area.

When are Ticks out?

• They are out as soon as it is 4 C weather, but they peak in early spring and late fall.

Species of Ticks seen in Ontario

• Deer Tick:
  • This is one of the most common ticks seen in Ontario today.
  • They transmit Lyme Disease to animals (deer, dogs, and cats) and humans
  • There have been a few Lyme positive dogs in Perth County!
• Brown Dog Tick
  • More common in Eastern Ontario
  • Carries Borrelia, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

How do they transmit their diseases?

• Ticks will bite and transmit bacteria from their saliva.
• The bacteria in the saliva will infect the host
• Majority of dogs will not show symptoms, but a few will. The symptoms are:
  • Fever
  • Decreased energy
  • Swollen Lymph nodes
  • Decreased appetite
  • Limping

How are the infections treated?

• They are treated with an aggressive course of antibiotics
• Untreated can cause kidney damage

Prevention

• Comb through your pets fur if playing in wooded areas
• Medication from your Veterinarian – from March to December (your animals should be on prevention through this time)

Talk to one of our team members at Mitchell Veterinary Services or Pauly Veterinary Clinic or search our website for more information on ticks and Lyme disease if you have any questions.

Whether you made a resolution to shed extra pounds or you just want to get back into shape, January is the month of resolutions. Let your dog be the motivation you need! January is “Walk Your Dog Month”.

Benefits of Walking your Dog:

Physical and Mental stimulation – Walking lets them explore new and exciting smells, and lets them use all their senses, which is a great mental workout for them as well as a physical workout (for your pet and you).

Teaches Calm Behaviour – Since walking drains their energy they will be calmer at home and hopefully be less destructive.

Incorporate Training – While walking you can incorporate training and leash training. Be sure to bring lots of treats and keep his focus on you. Walking every day teaches him the proper way to walk on a leash without pulling. If your dog struggles with loose leash walking practice in your own back yard first. January is also Train Your Dog Month, so stay tuned for that upcoming blog.

Improves your Relationship – You and your dog may already have a great relationship, but it can be made stronger with daily walking. It is a great bonding experience for you and your canine companion.

Socialization – Walking also will teach your dog important social skills. During the walk, she will encounter other people and animals, which will help her build confidence and not be scared of new experiences/pets. It is especially great for young dogs.

Tips for Walking:

Set a Schedule – Dogs love routine, set a scheduled time everyday when you can go out for a few minutes to walk. This will help you commit to your walks and will make your dog get excited for its daily walks.

Cold Weather Safety – Especially for young puppies, senior dogs, small dogs, and short hair breeds, it is important for them to keep warm on their walks. Jackets or vests are a great way to keep them warm and happy while out for a walk. Remember to protect their paws! Cold temperatures and the salt can be very harsh on their delicate paws. You can get booties or there are also topical gels/wax that can be put on their paws to protect them.

Take the Necessities – Always remember to take treats with you. Giving him treats on his walk will reward him for good behaviour and will keep his focus on you. Bring a water bottle, especially if it is warm out or you are going for a long walk. Keep you and your pet hydrated. The most important of them all, REMEMBER POOP BAGS. Especially in town it is always good to be a responsible pet owner and pick up after your pet.

Mitchell Veterinary Services hopes these tips help you and your pet stick to and enjoy your daily walks.

Related article: 7 ways to turn Walking the Dog into a Workout.

                As the holidays approach, so do the hazards of Christmas. There are many ways to keep your fur baby safe this holiday season; below are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Secure the tree – Anchor the tree down so those curious pets aren’t able to move it or pull it down.
2. Ornaments – Cats and dogs are very curious by nature; try to avoid tinsel and ribbons, and keep lights away from your pets. Strings, ribbons, and tinsel are a serious hazard for cats and if they get swallowed they can cause serious injury or worse yet they could get stuck in your pet’s GI tract. Keep lights secured away from pets that will chew at them. A baby gate might be a good way to keep them away from the tree and any harmful ornaments.
3. Leave human food for humans to consume – During this holiday season, it is best to keep human food away from your furry companion. Although it may be nice to give a piece or two of turkey to your pet, it can upset its GI tract and cause you further problems. Sweets, chocolate and other sugary snacks may taste great, but are not good to give to your pets. They will cause a big stomach upset and chocolate is toxic to dogs. Everyone loves cocktails during the holiday season but it is best to keep these away from curious “thirsty” pets!
4. Holiday plants – They may look good, but did you know that holly, mistletoe, lilies, and cyclamen are actually toxic to both cats and dogs? Poinsettias on the other hand, aren’t toxic, but they will cause digestive upset. If you do have these plants around the house this holiday season, it’s best to keep them somewhere that your pet can’t access.
5. Wrapping presents – Its fun to have your fur babies help with wrapping presents; however bows, ribbons, and strings can be a serious hazard. As already mentioned (especially for cats), ribbons and bows can be a fun thing for pets to play with, but not good if they swallow them. If you are looking for appropriate toys this holiday season, browse on My Vet Store for some options!
6. Holiday glow – Candles look beautiful, but if they are in reach of curious noses or paws they can be very dangerous!
7. A safe haven – As we already know, Christmas is a time of celebration and usually a lot of family and friends come to visit. You may love having people over and socializing, but sometimes our pets don’t. Have a room set up for them to be able to get away from the holiday stress and to be able to have a rest (without constant attention).

Our team at Mitchell Veterinary Services & Pauly Veterinary Clinic hope these tips help your family have a safe and Merry Christmas!