Paintball toxicity! by Dr. Catherine Adams

Ah-h-h, summer… road trips, swimming, camping, fishing, ice cream, cotton candy, and……PAINTBALL!! Yes, paintball. Many people enjoy this rousing sport and keep supplies for the game in their homes and garages. An average size Labrador feasting on just 5-10 paintballs has the potential to develop serious sodium (salt) toxicity, resulting in tremors, hyperactivity, seizures, coma, blindness, and death. Generally, the first signs are vomiting and diarrhea and oddly enough, sometimes no paint is seen!

While the exact mechanism of action is unknown most toxicologists believe that osmotically active ingredients such as polyethylene glycol, glycerol and sorbitol cause a shift of body fluids into the colon, upsetting the delicate electrolyte balance in the body. Very high serum sodium levels (hypernatremia) and rapid sodium and fluid changes in the brain are responsible for the clinical signs. The onset of metabolic acidosis and hyperthermia play an important role as well. Treatment is essential and involves both decontamination and supportive care so a trip to your dog’s life-saving veterinarian would be a wise choice if paintballs were a part of his dinner!

Published in Butler July 2009. Authored by Dr. Catherine Adams at Pet Poison Helpline.

Polish translation!

I was pleasantly surprised to get a Fed Ex package last week - it was a hardcover copy of my book translated into... you betcha.. POLISH! :) How exciting! This was unexpected, and it's lovely to see Poland lovin' dogs as much as we do!

Dog dental treat recall!

VOLUNTARY PRODUCT RECALL
1st June 2009

Virbac (Australia) Pty Ltd has decided to announce a voluntary recall of all batches of the following products:

• VeggieDent™ Chews For Dogs under 10kg; and
• VeggieDent™ Chews For Dogs 10-30kg; and
• VeggieDent™ Chews For Dogs over 30kg.

Relevant batch numbers of VeggieDent™ include C14808, C14908, C01409 and C1509.

This is purely a precautionary measure in the interests of animal welfare and the veterinary profession. The decision has been made after discussion with key opinion leaders including Dr Linda Fleeman BVSc PhD MACVSc Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney.

Virbac has recently received reports of dogs exhibiting signs suggestive of an acquired proximal renal tubulopathy including polyuria, polydipsia and glucosuria in the absence of concurrent hyperglycaemia. As part of their diet history these animals have consumed VeggieDent™ as well as various products. There has been no establishment of a causal link with the VeggieDent™ product range.

Virbac is actively investigating this issue and encourages the veterinary profession to report any cases of dogs exhibiting similar changes following consumption of VeggieDent™.

Virbac (Australia) Pty Ltd is not aware of reports of similar illness occurring in other regions where VeggieDent™ has already been established including North America, Europe and Asia. VeggieDent™ products sold in Australia differ from products sold in other countries - they are irradiated as required by AQIS.

Fireworks are poisonous to our pets!

Planning on celebrating the 4th of July with your pet? While most pet owners are savvy enough to know that dogs are often fearful of the sound of fireworks, most people don’t know that they are poisonous too!

Fireworks can contain dangerous chemicals like oxidizing agents (which typically are from the chemical potassium nitrate), reducing agents (like charcoal or sulfur), coloring agents (which are potentially dangerous heavy metals), and less dangerous substances like binders (a starch or sugar source) and regulators (a wick or fuse). The range of toxicity varies with what type of firework is ingested, how much is ingested, and what type of coloring agents are used. Fireworks can also be dangerous to pets physically – when exposed to the spark or smoke, they can result in thermal burn injury.

If ingested, fireworks can cause gastrointestinal signs like vomiting, a painful abdomen, and even bloody diarrhea. In severe cases, tremors or seizures can be seen, along with acute kidney failure, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), bone marrow changes, and shallow breathing! If dermal exposure has occurred, then burns to the nose, face, lips, or inside of the mouth may be seen, due to the curious nature of our pets. Eye irritation or conjunctivitis can also occur from the chemicals and the secondary smoke.

If you notice your pet ingested your fireworks, don’t induce vomiting at home – rather, call Pet Poison Helpline at (800) 213-6680 to find out what first aid should be performed. You’ll likely need to follow up with an examination at a veterinarian immediately. They’ll check to make sure no burns are seen in the skin, mouth, or on the surface of the eye (the cornea). Blood work to measure heavy metal levels should be done, along with routine blood work to make sure your pet’s white and red blood cell count, kidney and liver function are all normal. Aggressive supportive care, including IV fluids, stomach protectants, and supportive care are imperative! Make sure your holiday isn’t ruined, and help keep your pets safe and your firework display beautiful!

Please spread the word on pet safety and pass this along!

Fence off that compost bin!

While I commend you for composting (it’s a great way to reduce, reuse and recycle!), make sure that you are fencing off your compost – for your dog’s sake and for the sake of the wildlife in your neighborhood! The same goes for your garbage can too… otherwise, you’ll be faced with cleaning up a tremendous mess, sometimes strewn across the entire house. More importantly, moldy garbage or decaying compost is very toxic to your pets.

Mycotoxins, the toxic component contaminating certain moldy foods or compost, can result in serious poisoning. Even very small quantities may cause illness. Mycotoxins can be found in moldy dairy foods, moldy walnuts or peanuts, grains- such as corn or wheat, hay, clover, cotton seed, moldy bread, moldy blue cheese, moldy spaghetti, compost, and other food substances. If your pet gets into this, you’ll typically see clinical signs within 2-3 hours of ingestion. Clinical signs include vomiting, tremoring, full grand-mal seizuring, an increased body temperature, increased salivation or drooling, a depressed respiratory rate, and an increased heart rate. If you notice any of these signs, bring your pet immediately to a veterinarian for treatment. More importantly, as soon as you realize your dog has raided the compost or garbage can and before signs develop, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline as soon as possible. There are preventative steps to be taken in order to limit toxicity, and it may be less expensive to treat while yielding a better prognosis (and speedier recovery)!

Helping to prevent dog bites

Did you know that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 4.7 million people each year in the United States who are bitten by a dog? Approximately 20% of those — which works out to be approximately 885,000 people a year— end up having to seek medical attention, with approximately 386,000 requiring an ER visit. A very, very small pecentage actually can be fatal (16 out of 4.7 million).

Despite these large numbers, remember that dog bites are PREVENTABLE! First of all, the more dogs you have, the more likely you are to be bitten by dogs. Adults with two or more dogs are 5X more likely to be bitten than those without dogs in their homes! Also, young children (ages 5-9 years old) are at the highest risk of being bitten (because they run and chase dogs), followed by adult males (no comment!).

While you may think it's only bad breed dogs that bite (like pit bulls, Rottweilers, etc.), know that the American Veterinary Medical Association says there’s little scientific evidence to support that claim... and in fact, recent studies (in Colorado) have shown that the top biting dog is the Chihuahua!

For a list of safety tips for children as well as things clients should consider before getting a dog, visit cdc.gov to download a fact sheet on how to prevent dog bites!

Clinical trials available for dogs with idiopathic seizures

Previously published in May 15, 2009 DVM NEWSMAGAZINE

Raleigh, N.C. -- A clinical trial to evaluate new medication for idiopathic epilepsy in dogs is being conducted in several cities nationwide through the end of this year, with veterinary neurology specialists participating. Regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and sponsored by a major animal-health pharmaceutical firm, the trial offers qualifying dogs referred by their veterinarians free medical evaluations and diagnostic tests, which may include CAT scans or MRIs, and free medication and monthly exams. Owners can have funds credited to their accounts at their referring veterinarians.

Dogs must be evaluated by an investigator within seven days of the most recent seizure. Potential risks and benefits of the medication will be discussed with owners prior to enrollment.
Trials currently are being conducted in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Other states may be added later.

Idiopathic epilepsy affects about four million dogs in the United States, about 5.7 percent of the dog population. Breeds most susceptible include Beagles, Belgian Tervurens, Bernese Mountain Dogs, British Alsatians, Collies, Dachshunds, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Keeshondens, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dogs and Vizslas.
To qualfy for the trial, dogs must be at least 4 months old, not previously treated with anti-seizure medication, weigh at least 11 pounds, not pregnant and have no previous history of seizure clusters or status epilepticus.

Raleigh-based Visionaire Research & Education, which helps veterinary pharmaceutical firms recruit for clinical trials, is helping coordinate the trials.

Vermont to pass bittering bill!

Kudos to Vermont! Their lawmakers have approved a bill (House Bill 6) to help prevent accidental ingestion of antifreeze. This was signed by the governor just last month. Typically, antifreeze - otherwise known as ethylene glycol (EG) - has a sweet taste, making it toxic to animals and children. With this new bill which goes into effect immediately, antifreeze manufacturers are requested to add a bittering agent to help deter ingestion. For the antifreeze manufacturers, this is a smart move - especially since it removes them from any liability should antifreeze be ingested.

New Pfizer chemotherapy drug released called Palladia for mast cell tumor!

Pfizer has just released a new chemotherapy drug for mast cell tumor (MCT) called Palladia (toceranib phosphate), which has just received approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Being that mast cell tumor is one of the most common types of canine skin tumors, this is a great breakthrough for our four-legged canine friends. In fact, 1 out of every 5 cases of canine skin tumors is MCT. This new drug is approved to treat MCT with or without regional lymph-node involvement.

"This cancer-drug approval for dogs is an important step forward for veterinary medicine," says FDA's Bernadette Dunham, DVM, PhD, in a prepared statement. "Prior to this approval, veterinarians had to rely on human oncology drugs, without knowledge of how safe or effective they would be for dogs. Today's approval offers dog owners, in consultation with their veterinarian, an option for treatment of their dog's cancer."

This drug is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and it's mechanism of action (how it works) is by killing tumor cells and by cutting off the blood supply to the tumor. Preliminary studies have shown a statistically significant difference in tumor shrinkage when compared with a placebo. As with all drugs, there are some potential side effects though - these include diarrhea, decrease or loss of appetite, lameness, weight loss and blood in the stool (per FDA reports).

Dog bite study unleashed - IT'S CHIHUAHUAS TO BLAME!

http://www.livingsafelywithdogs.org/documents/DogBitesinColorado-FinalReport.pdf

This article has been previously published in DVM Magazine May 31, 2009.

Colorado -- Chihuahuas are the breed most likely to bite a veterinarian, according to a new study released this week. Just in time for National Dog Bite Prevention Week, the Coalition for Living Safely with Dogs and the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) released the study on dog bites in Colorado. It was nearly two years in the making.

The study compiles results from more than 2,000 surveys from 17 of Colorado's 134 animal-control organizations. The coalition notes, however, that without a statewide census of the number and breed types of dogs in Colorado, as well as participation from every animal-control group in the state, some of the results offer only enough information for informed speculation.
For example, there may be some disparity in reports on breed types because it's considered likely that bites from large dogs are more often reported, the coalition says. "Because of the this, the percentages of bites from large breeds will be overestimated, and the percentages of bites from small breeds will be underestimated."

Still, the study reveals some interesting data on the breeds studied, bite circumstances and characteristics of different canine age groups. Overall conclusions show that running-at-large was the greatest factor in bites, and that children were more likely to be bitten than adults. The coalition states that dog owners need to be responsible for their pets and that children should be taught how to interact properly with dogs. The study shows that certain breeds are more likely to bite under certain circumstances, but emphasized that any dog will bite in some situations, though most often because of factors originating with the victim.

Is it Really Lyme Disease?

Up to 95% of dogs test positive for Lyme--but many of these results are false. How to tell if your pet is in danger.

Chances are, you'll do anything to spare your pet from Lyme disease--a serious canine illness transmitted by the Ixodes tick that can cause sudden lameness, joint swelling, and fever. But this dreaded disease is one of the most confusing and difficult to diagnose. An unreliable test for Lyme is bundled with a heartworm test your dog must get annually--which means many owners are faced each year with false-positive results and uncertainty about what to do next.

The test for Lyme, known as the Idexx Snap 3Dx or 4Dx, comes back affirmative whether your dog is sick or was simply exposed to the Ixodes tick at any time (exposure does not always progress to the disease). Rarely, the opposite can occur, too: The test may be negative in very early stages of the disease, despite subtle symptoms you are observing in your pet. But you can get definitive answers--and proper treatment for your pup--if you know your options. Here's my advice.

If the Idexx test is positive and he is showing no symptoms:

• Ask for a urine test that looks for protein loss through the kidney. It's inconvenient--you've got to wrangle a urine specimen for your vet to send to the lab--but it will confirm that he needs treatment. Plus, you can potentially avoid the use of antibiotics that may have side effects, including vomiting and sun sensitivity.

If the Idexx test is positive and he is showing symptoms:

• Treat with the antibiotic doxycycline for 1 month.

If the Idexx test is negative and he is showing no symptoms:

• You're in the clear--but keep up with preventive measures.
  

If the Idexx test is negative and he is showing symptoms:

• Ask for the urine test--it could be a very recent infection, which means your dog hasn't yet begun producing antibodies that would result in a positive test result.

Keep Your Dog Safe
The right preventive steps can protect your pooch from the ravages of Lyme disease--and spare him the side effects of treatment.

Vaccinate against the disease if you live in a prime Lyme state (dogs who live on the East Coast or in Minnesota or Wisconsin are most susceptible), own a hunting dog that ranges widely in a rural area, or hike in the woods frequently with your pet.

If the above doesn't apply to you, opt for a monthly prescription-strength preventive like tick-killing Frontline or K9 Advantix. (These are topical spot-on oil treatments that are applied monthly between your dog's shoulders and are absorbed into his skin and hair.) If you live in a severely tick-infested area, use these in conjunction with a Preventic collar, which contains ingredients that paralyze ticks, preventing them from attaching to your dog.

Be vigilant about checking your dog after every walk (examine the inside of the thighs, the ears, and the belly, which are the places the pesky critters most love to hide)--and remove any bugs you find with a pair of tweezers. Remember: Lyme is transmitted within a 36-to 48-hour window--so if you act quickly to remove the pests, there's a good chance your pet will remain disease free.

Two Breeds at High Risk

Golden retrievers and Labs are far more vulnerable to Lyme than most breeds. Although the reason remains a mystery, the disease progresses more quickly than in other dogs, and they may go from having a positive test result to death by kidney failure in just a few months. Here are the extra steps you should take to keep these two breeds safe:

1. Always use Frontline and a Preventic collar. When used in tandem, these two treatments are nearly 100% effective.

2. If you notice any of the Lyme symptoms mentioned, bring your dog to the vet immediately for some blood and urine tests.

Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, is a veterinary emergency critical-care specialist and the associate director of veterinary services at Pet Poison Helpline. She is the author of the book It's a Cat's World...You Just Live in It and It's a Dog's Life...But It's Your Carpet.

July 2009 Copyright 2009, Prevention

Kudos to Representative Barbara Sears from OHIO!

Representative Sears Advocates for Fair Canine Legislation

COLUMBUS—State Representative Barbara Sears (R-Sylvania) today gave sponsor testimony before the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, regarding current law’s stereotyping of pit bulls.

Sears is the primary sponsor of House Bill 79, which would remove the Ohio Revised Code specification of pit bull breeds being inherently vicious. Current law defines vicious dogs as having histories of unprovoked aggression as well as any dog commonly known as a pit bull. Since a pit bull is not a distinct dog breed, the term often refers to other breeds’ semblance to pit bulls, including American Staffordshire terriers, bull terriers, and mix breeds of boxers and mastiffs.

“Dogs are being unfairly targeted based on their appearance and resemblance to pit bulls, not on any offense that they themselves have committed,” Sears said. “We are implying that pit bulls by their very nature are vicious and are the only types of dogs that can attack without provocation. This is simply not the case.”

In her testimony Sears referenced results from the American Temperament Test Society, which tests the disposition of popular dog breeds based on unprovoked aggression and temper toward other dogs and people. Pit bulls received a commendable temperament grade of 84.3%, compared to the Golden Retrievers’ 84.2%, Cocker Spaniels’ 81.7% and Chihuahuas’ 70%. Sears hopes that these findings will help clear up the public misconception about pit bulls.

“Removing this stereotype from law will allow us to take a positive step toward protecting Ohioans from any dog that is truly vicious,” Sears said. “We need to leave behind this Band-Aid approach of breed-specific legislation, which is entirely ineffective.”

The Toledo area has a particularly restrictive dog ordinance that focuses on pit bulls, but despite the constraints on pit bull ownership, the number of dog bites from all breeds had risen in 2008.

“Lucas County has the highest dog license fees in the state, but the county spends this money on euthanizing innocent dogs resembling pit bulls instead of spending the money on educating the public about dog safety,” Sears said. “Toledo’s ordinance needlessly kills dogs. It does not address unfit and irresponsible dog owners.”

Did you know? Summer toxins to avoid in your pet!

DID YOU KNOW………?
By Dr. Catherine Adams

Our long-anticipated and beautiful summer is finally here. Along with travel and fun filled outdoor activities come potential hazards for our pets. Some of the most common are toxic exposures and ingestions.

Toxic Exposures
Concentrated exposures to skunk spray, either from a direct hit to the face or while in the confines of a hole, have been associated with methemoglobinemia, Heinz body anemia, or “skunk toxic shock syndrome”. Common signs of skunk toxic shock syndrome include an acute onset of vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and shock.

Stings from venomous insects such as wasps, spiders, and scorpions produce a variety of problems ranging from mild, localized swelling to anaphylaxis. Snakes and their subsequent strikes occur with some frequency to curious dogs and cats. Bite injuries may result in tissue necrosis or severe systemic illness, with seizures and death as sequelae. In the continental United States, strikes by rattlesnakes and coral snakes are the most likely to cause clinical signs.

Ingestions
Mushrooms are often difficult to identify, and ingestion of even the most innocent looking ones can cause problems. Signs vary from mild gastrointestinal irritation to cardiac and CNS effects, including seizures and hallucinations.

Fireworks
The contents of fireworks are just as difficult to identify. Ingestions may lead to gastrointestinal effects along with the potential for heavy metal toxicity (copper, strontium, barium, magnesium, phosphorus, aluminum, titanium).

Toads and frogs are intriguing to cats and dogs. Tasting, eating, or even carrying around most varieties results in profuse salivation and mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress. The most serious toxic ingestion is associated with the cane toad, common to several southern states. Buccal absorption of the bufo toxin produces immediate cardiac complications, with sudden death a distinct possibility.

Above all, be observant and react quickly, but still enjoy your summer.

Top 10 human medications ingested in our pets!

Want to avoid a phone call to Pet Poison Helpline? Child and pet-proof your house! Due to the curious nature of cats and the sharp teeth of dogs (who are able to chew through any "child-proof" cap), pets get into YOUR medications, which can be deadly.

Top 10 human medications that poison pets include:

* NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that result in severe GI signs or even kidney failure)
* Antidepressants
* Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
* Methylphenidate (for ADHD)
* Fluorouracil (a chemotherapy drug - often topically applied - that is EXTREMELY toxic to pets!)
* Isoniazid (an anti-tuberculosis medication that is EXTREMELY toxic to pets!)
* Pseudoephedrine (commonly found in cold medication)
* Anti-diabetics (oral antihyperglycemic agents that help lower the blood sugar)
* Vitamin D derivatives (found in Viactiv chocolate chews, certain types of rat poison!)
* Baclofen (a muscle relaxant)

When in doubt, call PPH at 1-800-213-6680!

Did you know? Rodenticides to avoid!

DID YOU KNOW……….?
By Dr. Catherine Adams

All rodenticides are NOT created equal! Currently there are four separate categories of rodenticides available for general use. Each has a different and unique mechanism of action. This results in four different sets of clinical signs in both the target rodent population and our curious pets who might consume them. All of these rodenticides pose some potential for relay toxicity when animals eat rodents killed by the toxin.

Long-acting anticoagulants (LAACs): By far the most well-known and perhaps most widely used rodenticides are the LAACS. This family of products acts by interrupting the body’s ability to form coagulating or clotting factors. Once the body has used up its current supply of coagulating factors clinical signs of bleeding are seen. Common signs include nosebleed, bloody urine, large and soft lumps, anorexia, and pain. Lethargy and dullness are common. It generally takes 2-5 days for these signs to occur, but chronic ingestion shortens the time period. If there is any suspicion of ingestion, a prothrombin test, usually referred to as a PT test, supports the diagnosis. Fortunately, Vitamin K1, the antidote, is routinely found in most veterinary offices.

Bromethalin: Ingestion of this active ingredient causes early cerebral edema with subsequent central nervous system signs. Cats seem to be particularly sensitive to bromethalin and exhibit signs at much lower doses. Sadly there is no specific diagnostic test and no antidote. Treatment is symptomatic and
may require an extended amount of time.

Phosphides: Zinc, calcium, and aluminum phosphides are very rapidly hydrolyzed in the stomach to form phosphine gas. Early signs include gastrointestinal inflammation and abdominal distension followed by a rapid onset of severe pain, pulmonary congestion and edema, and cardiovascular and central nervous system effects. Phosphides have a very narrow margin of safety and survival depends on prompt and effective decontamination and supportive care. Special attention needs to be paid to ventilation as human beings are susceptible to the phosphine gas fumes.

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3): Vitamin D3 based rodenticides act to increase systemic phosphorous and calcium levels which ultimately results in acute renal failure. Early elevations in serum phosphorous along with significant elevations in serum calcium are used to diagnose and guide treatment in overdose situations. Again, the margin of safety is very narrow and a complicated, long term treatment regimen is usually required. Interestingly, one of the newer treatment options is pamidronate, a bisphosphonate medication used to prevent brittle bones in women!

How long is my girlfriend’s Yorkie going to live?

The smaller the dog, the longer they live. The bigger the dog, the shorter they live. This is one of the reasons why dogs tend to have much shorter life spans than cats, as they are physically larger animals. The average life span mostly depends on the size and weight of the dog. Smaller dogs (i.e., miniature Poodles, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus) reach geriatric age by 8, but can live up to 15 years, while medium-sized dogs (i.e., mixed breeds, Beagles, Springer Spaniels) are geriatric by age 8, but usually only live 10 to 14 years. Large or giant breed dogs are geriatric by anywhere from ages 5 to 8, and rarely live longer than 12 years. Unfortunately, our four-legged family members are often killed before their time due to cancer and metabolic diseases like kidney failure, liver disease, or diabetes.

A recent Purina® study evaluated food-restricted dogs versus control-fed dogs, and found that food-restricted dogs weighed less and had lower body fat content, which may help delay the onset of chronic diseases and certainly keeps your dog healthier over time.18 Indeed, the study also showed that the average life span was significantly longer for dogs in which food was restricted. The results suggested that a mere 25% restriction in food intake increased median life span and delayed the onset of signs of chronic disease.18 In other words, thinner dogs may live longer than obese or overweight dogs, which is important considering 40% of America’s animals are obese.19 This advice is probably true for humans as well, so if you’re reading this, consider cutting back on the Cheez Whiz.

As your pets age, annual, routine veterinary care is the best thing you can provide for them. Some veterinary medications can help preserve your dog’s quality of life as she gets arthritic or when she starts wetting the bed. Finally, when your dog does become geriatric, consult with your veterinarian about re-evaluating her requirement for annual vaccines, and consider doing blood work instead to help detect medical problems sooner.

Material from It's a Dog's Life... but It's Your Carpet. Copyright 2008 by Justine Lee Veterinary Consulting, LLC.

What's doggy daycare?

Doggy daycare is just like kiddie daycare – it’s a place where you can take Precious for a few hours to socialize and play with other dogs instead of keeping her cooped up all day while you work. And just like kiddie daycare, there are some cautions you should be aware of. You know how kids are more predisposed to snotty noses and dirty germs when they run around in groups? So are puppies. Find a reputable doggy daycare that requires current vaccines along with the kennel cough vaccine. Make sure your dog’s vaccines are up to date (annually), and haven’t been given within the past 1 to 2 days. Don’t you want the vaccines to kick in and be effective before you expose Precious to all those viruses and bacteria?

Another caution about doggy daycare centers is that there is a natural canine hierarchy, and if you have a dominant or aggressive dog, you should consult with your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist before taking her to a dog park or doggy daycare. In general, I do not recommend taking dog-aggressive, toy-aggressive, or dominant dogs to dog parks or daycare, as they are prone to start fights, and you may then be financially responsible for bite wound repair at a veterinarian, which will run you several hundreds to thousands of dollars. On the other hand, if you have a very small, submissive dog, he may get “beaten up” at dog parks or doggy daycare. Look for a doggy daycare with size-appropriate play times (one for dogs <> 50 lbs).

Find a doggy daycare that is clean, has multiple people supervising the daycare, provides multiple water bowls, and is strict about their vaccine and health policy. Check it out a few times before you actually bring your “kiddo” there. See if there are any dog bullies. Find out their injury policy, and who their emergency veterinarian is. Does that day care have a “living” will for Precious? If something happens and you want the gold-card medical treatment, make sure your doggy daycare knows: “Only the best for Precious!” In general, doggy daycare is a wonderful opportunity for easy-going dogs to have some play time with their friends on the block in a safe environment. Just make sure it meets all your strict parental requirements!

Material from It's a Dog's Life... but It's Your Carpet. Copyright Justine Lee Veterinary Consulting, LLC. 2008.

Is there dog-dating at doggy daycare?

Will Cliffy meet the dog of his dreams at doggy daycare? Possibly! My dog doesn’t have a lot of friends, but he does have an old girlfriend flame (the first girl dog he ever met, Aggie). You may discover that Cliffy has one or two pals that he prefers. Another benefit of doggy daycare is human dating. Dog parks and daycare centers are perfect dating pools for owners. Looking for a non-animal allergic, non-judgmental friend. And there’s nothing more innocuous than an innocent play-date outside of daycare hours…

Can I take my dog to work?

According to Hartz’ Human-Animal Bond survey, almost 30% of people would be interested in taking their pets to work, and a recent study by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) showed that people actually work more efficiently and longer hours if they know they don’t have to rush home to let their dog out to pee. Hey CEOs - you want an efficient, well-oiled, hard-working team but can’t afford to pay everyone 6-figures to give that much more? Throw your employees a bone and let them take their four-legged pets to work. They’re probably better company than most of your colleagues, anyway!

In another recent study of working Americans, nearly one in five U.S. companies let dogs come to work. Why? Because polls have shown that pets at work help relieve stress, improve working-relationships with colleagues, and make for a happier team or workforce. Employees polled believed that having dogs at work would also help minimize absenteeism, make a more productive work environment, improve the relationship between managers and their employees (Sic, Fido, sic!), and would inspire workers to be more creative and work longer hours. Does your office have a casual, dress-down Friday? How about instituting a “Furry Friday” where your employees get to bring your dog to work?

Of course, this would be a nightmare for those employees who are allergic. If your job has multiple floors, suggest to your boss that all the allergic people or non-dog people work together in a different floor or section. It is important to respect those who are timid, allergic, or perhaps just not dog people (How odd!). A structured pet policy is imperative. Personally, I believe in the 3-strikes rule - if your dog is too hyper, drooling, destroying work property, uber-obnoxious, or a bit of a barkaholic, it’s just not fair to subject your fellow co-workers to his antics. Stringent rules should be enforced in the work environment, such as no dogs on furniture, no dogs in meeting rooms or eating areas, and strict work leash-laws. And it goes without saying that non-poop scoopers lose immediate privileges. Lastly, remember to respect those who don’t appreciate our 4-legged babies. If we had a “bring your screaming 2-legged kid to work day,” I’d quit too.

Does my dog understand baby talk (or any talk)?

Believe it or not, your dog may understand what you’re saying to him, although he may not always want to listen. At the same time, there may be times when he has no idea what you are babbling about (but he still loves you anyway). Hardly anyone believes me when I tell them that my dog can spell and comprehend what I’m saying to him, but he really can. He knows “W-A-L-K” and a few other random words. Some dogs may have a larger vocabulary than others, while some animals may not respond to your talking to them at all (i.e., a cat).

The more you “talk” to your dog during commands, the harder it is for them to hear the command. Think of the classic Gary Larson comic, when all the dog hears is “Blah, blah, blah, blah, Ginger, blah, blah, blah, blah, Ginger, blah, blah, blah.” For this reason, we recommend that commands be short, sharp, and to the point (i.e., one word like “SIT!”). Another important consideration when communicating with your dog is the intonation and pitch. He may just hear the inflection or high pitch in your voice and respond to that (in the same way that he responds to hearing the can opener working).

I personally believe that dogs can recognize your voice and find it soothing. While I don’t “baby talk” to my dog or cats, I know lots of people who do. Of course, I own a Pit Bull, so how silly would that look? If I owned a Maltese, I might baby talk to her. That being said, I am crazy enough to call my pet sitter to “talk” to my dog on speaker phone, so take my advice with a grain of salt. Regardless of whether or not you baby talk to your dog, remember that he likely enjoys hearing your voice!

Can I take my dog on the plane?

In general, dogs don’t understand the loud noises, vibrations, feelings of nausea, and general concept behind traveling on an airplane. If you are only going for a weekend to week-long trip, consider whether it is worth putting your dog through so much stress. He may prefer to be sleeping at home instead of spending the trip confused and fearful of loud noises. Of course, if you are driving up to your cabin at the lake and your dog loves to swim, then it might be well worth it. In general, here are a few tips about safe air travel facts that you should consider before flying your #1 baggage.

First, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian (with advanced notice) for a routine examination. Your dog must have a current health certificate to verify that he’s healthy, isn’t carrying any external or internal parasites (fleas, ticks, or gastrointestinal worms), and is current on his vaccines. This typically needs to be dated within 10 days of travel. Remember to carry his health certificate with you at all times while traveling, as it may need to be shown to police officers and border control. While you are at your veterinarian getting your health certificate, ask the staff to trim your dog’s nails at the same time, so they don’t hook in the bedding, appall the staff, or scratch the door while your dog whines and pleads to get out of the crate.

If you do need to fly with your dog, make sure to thoroughly investigate travel plans with your airline company. Different airlines have various requirements from breed restrictions (for example, Continental won’t fly Rottweilers or Pit Bulls – I however will bite my tongue and not advocate the boycott…), crate size restrictions, specific crate types or brands, temperature restrictions, identification or labeling protocols, and water and food requirements. Please check with the airline weeks in advance to make sure you aren’t scrambling at the last minute. Check to see if the airline will allow you to take miniscule dogs on board in a soft-sided carrier. This often requires a $50-100 animal fee, and your dog must stay in the carrier under the seat at all times (which may require some sedation); this is to help respect those stuffy, uptight people around you who do not like animals or are allergic. It is typical practice to make amends with these people by presenting some sort of gift that shows the usefulness of animals, such as a new sweater threaded with dog hair. That way, they gain something from the dog in return for having to sit next to him. Everybody wins!

When booking a flight, book a direct flight so your pooch doesn’t have to endure a long lay-over or wait on the tarmac in hot conditions. If you are flying during the summer, make sure to pick flights that are early morning or late evening to avoid peak heat hours. During the winter, pick the shortest flight possible and provide a secure but snug blanket to help keep him warm (as long as you know that he isn’t going to eat the blanket since most airlines wouldn’t feed him or even you unless you were in visible hunger shock). If you are going to carry him on board, book a flight that is a non-peak but direct, as that may be less stressful to you both.

Next, purchase (or borrow) the appropriate sized crate and slowly acclimate your dog to it – in other words, not the night before! See the question on how to crate train a dog for more helpful hints. Unless your dog is a diabetic or has underlying metabolic problems where he can’t be fasted, feed him 4-6 hours prior to air travel; this is to prevent him from vomiting and potentially developing aspiration pneumonia if he gets nauseated in the back of the plane. Have fun taking that crate home!

Lastly, before you even leave for the airport, make sure to provide lots of extra time to find the animal drop-off area, walk him (no seriously, POOP, pooch!), and address your own pre-travel hysteria. Remember that your dog can sense your anxiety, so try to stay calm! You’ll both get through it okay…and at the very worst, if you end up stranded on a creepy desert island somewhere, you can resort to him for food. Just kidding! People don’t survive plane crashes. Good luck!

Can my dog donate blood?

Yes, please, and thank you! Just like human patients, veterinary patients also require blood transfusions if they are anemic, have a clotting problem, have hemophilia, or have acute blood loss from trauma. We use dog blood donors that are young to middle aged (1 to 7 years of age), good natured, more than 50 lbs (in lean body weight), healthy, vaccinated, and only on preventative medication (such as flea, tick, and heartworm prevention). Blood donors should have never been transfused before, and ideally, not previously bred or pregnant. Each patient is screened for numerous infectious diseases, hemoglobin levels, and metabolic screens (which averages about $700 to $1000 per doggy donor), and owners are given all the results of the blood work, so this is a great way of getting “free” routine screening for your dog!

If you live near a veterinary school, call to see if you can help out other pets by volunteering your baby’s blood. We ask that owners commit to having their dog donate 4 to 6 times a year in exchange for free dog food, routine physical examinations, blood work results, and free heartworm preventative. Make that moochy poochy earn his keep!

The process isn’t painful and dogs don’t typically need to be sedated. They just lie quietly on their side while getting lots of TLC, petting, and soothing during the 15 to 20 minute donation process. Afterwards, they get to pick a toy or bone of their choice, and get a few snacks for being such a loyal participant.