San Tan Valley Vets

Valentine's Day Toxins to our pets

2012-02-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

It’s the Love month!

Love is in the air for many of us, but sometimes the wrong kind of love can put our pets in danger!

The following are common toxins that are frequently seen during Valentine’s Day.

Some common Toxins to pets:

• Lilies: frequently sold in Flower Shops and delivered for this special day. The toxin in this beautiful flower can be found in the petals, leaves, pollen or in the vase water. Lilies are extremely toxic to cats.
They can cause acute kidney failure within one or two days of exposure. If not treated, death is likely. Ingestion of just one or two leaves or petals is enough to kill a cat. For dogs, usually just mild Gastrointestinal upset is seen.

The signs of lily toxicity include:

o Salivation

o Vomiting

o Reduced appetite

o Lethargy

• Chocolate: How much chocolate is deadly?

The main toxic ingredient, theobromine is a chemical similar to caffeine but it’s highly toxic to both dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous as it contains more theobromine than the lighter chocolate.

White chocolate has very little theobromine and is not usually toxic.

The dose of chocolate is what depends on the toxic level to create harm.

If your pet only ingests a couple of small chocolate pieces it is unlikely that they will become infected. For milk chocolate, ingestion of 0.5 ounces per pound of the dog’s body weight may put dogs at risk.

Ingestions of 0.1 ounces of dark chocolate per pound of body weight may cause poisoning. Most ingestions of Bakers Chocolate are considered emergencies.
Do to the large amount of fat in chocolate; some patients may develop pancreatitis after ingesting chocolate, baked or any other goods.

Signs of chocolate poisoning include:

o Mild to severe vomiting

o Diarrhea

o Excessive thirst and urination

o Agitation

o Increased and/or abnormal heart rate

o Seizures, tremors and collapse

• Chocolate covered raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Grapes, currants and sultanas also fall into this category.

Not all dogs will develop kidney failure after eating grapes or raisins but since we do not know which dogs will be sensitive to these fruits they are best to be cause for concern and kept away from your pets. Even just a couple of grapes or raisins can cause an emergency situation with a small dog under 20 pounds.

Signs of Grapes or Raisins toxicity include:

o Vomiting within hours of ingestion

o Within 1 to 4 days of ingestion dogs can develop increased urination, increased thirst, lethargy and lack of appetite.

• Chocolate covered Espresso Beans:

Typically covered with dark chocolate, these beans may be delicious Valentine’s morning for people but they are very dangerous to both dogs and cats.

They include large amounts of theobromine. Pets can be sensitive to the effects of both theobromine as well as caffeine. While one or two beans usually won’t cause a problem, larger amounts can cause death. So please keep your gourmet coffee bean bag high up and out of the reach of your dogs and cats!

The signs of Toxicity are the same as the above chocolate covered raisins:

• Plain and Chocolate covered Macadamia nuts:
The poisoning is typically in dogs only and has not yet been reported in cats. The toxin in the macadamia nut has yet to be identified but the mechanism may involve motor neurons, muscle fibers and neurotransmitters.

Within 3 to 6 hours the dog may exhibit lethargy, vomiting, and hyperthermia.

Within 6 to 12 hours, hind end limb weakness, difficulty in walking, tremors and collapse may occur. There may also be signs of abdominal pain, lameness in one or all limbs, joint stiffness and very pale mucous membranes.

• Xylitol: A commonly used natural sugar substitute that can be found in just about every sweet goodie you can find. Gum, breath mints, candy, sugar free cake or muffin mixes, most baked goods, and even nicotine gum.

Xylitol may cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar as well as acute liver damage in dogs. So deadly that a 10 lb. dog who ingests just one piece of gum could be at risk for death.

Signs of Toxicity include:

o Within 10-15 minutes of ingestion, a drop in blood sugar (Hypoglycemia), loss of coordination, and vomiting.

o Collapse and Seizure may quickly follow. Rare occurrences have found that these symptoms sometimes are not seen for hours after ingestion.

Remember too that there are many other household toxicities.

• Human medications

• Flowers

• Fertilizers

• Pest Control products

So for this Valentine’s Day, let’s be extra careful in keeping our pet’s safe!

'Thank you for taking the time out to notice these potential dangers in and around your home and for doing all you do in making sure your pet’s cannot reach any of them.

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

NATIONAL PET DENTAL AWARENESS MONTH!

2012-02-01T09:40:00.006-07:00

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL PET DENTAL

AWARENESS MONTH!

Do you know what it really entails to clean a pet’s teeth?

Often, people hold off too long on caring for their pet’s teeth. Some of the most common reasons are:

• Cost of the Periodontal Therapy (anywhere from $300-$,1,000) or more!

• Unable to make time for appointment (simple as adjusting your work or home schedule for just one morning and one afternoon)

• Not educated in serious problems that can occur when you don’t care for your pet’s teeth!

Signs of Dental Disease include:

• Foul breath

• Drooling

• Chewing food on only one side of the mouth

• Pawing at mouth and/or rubbing face on floor or carpet

• Trying to bite when you touch around face (sign of pain)

• Always acting hungry (because they are unable to eat with bad teeth)

• Not wanting to eat (hurts to eat)

There are four stages of gum disease.

1. Stage 1- presents with reddened gingival tissues. This is the initial stage. Bad breath is one of the first signs.

2. Stage II- presents as the early stage of gum disease. Signs include moderate reddening at the free gingival margin, edema, and plaque. Most animals are between the ages of one and four. Cats sometimes are affected later. With scaling, polishing and home care, this stage is usually curable.

Edema, Swelling, Plaque and Fractured crown next to large tooth

3. Stage III- presents Established Periodontal Disease. This stage appears as edema, inflammation and the beginning of pocket formation. This marks the change from gingivitis which is reversible with treatment, to periodontitis which is controllable with therapy, but not curable. The patient presents with extremely strong “smelly breath”.

Grade 4/4 Periodontal Disease. Root Exposure, Pus, Plaque, Gum Loss

4. Stage IV- appears as severe inflammation (bleeding on contact), deep pockets, gum recession, bone loss, pustular discharge, and tooth mobility. The severe inflammation and pain in some cases causes the animals to rub their face, drop food while eating, and drool excessively. Although treatable, stage IV is not curable.

To clean the teeth:

Teeth cleaning is accomplished with the use of both hand scalers and ultrasonic power scalers. Both should be used. Hand instruments include scalers, curets, explores, and probes.

Steps of the Periodontal Therapy:

There are six steps to the Periodontal Therapy.

The first step is the oral examination. Once your pet is under Anesthesia, he will be checked for facial swellings or unevenness, swollen lymph glands in the neck while comparing the size from the right to the left. Facial sides of the teeth and gums will be examined for discoloration, swelling and fractured teeth. Lastly, all of the teeth will be examined before scaling.

The last part of the exam is charting all teeth for any abnormalities. All abnormal findings will be noted on your pet’s permanent dental record.

Abnormal growth in the gum tissue

Next is to grade the mobility of a tooth. Teeth are anchored in the jaw by the periodontal ligament. Unfortunately due to trauma or disease, teeth can become mobile.

 Grade I mobility- indicates slight movement up to 1 millimeter.

 Grade II mobility- indicates movement up to 2 millimeters.

 Grade III mobility-signifies movement of 3 millimeters or more.

At this time if there are suspicious teeth, they will need an X-Ray to determine if the tooth needs to be extracted. The Staff will also take before and after pictures for you. The doctor will determine the condition of the root and whether or not it is diseased and/or abcessed.

X-Ray of upper back teeth on a dog

Taking oral X-Rays

The second step is removal of tartar and calculus from the crown. This can be performed by either a hand scaler or a power scaler. The mechanical power scaler works by vibrations that knock off the calculus. The scaler is used with constant motion across the teeth.

The third step of the prophy is the removal of deposits below the gumline. This is also called sub gingival scaling and planing of the root surface. Hand curets are used for this procedure.

The fourth step of the is polishing the teeth. Scaling creates minute scratches on the enamel. If left untreated, these scratches attract plaque which can lead to early gingivitis. To remove these imperfections the teeth are polished with prophy paste. Polishers used to deliver paste to the teeth are electric slow speed or air driven slow speed. Polishing removes the rough tooth surfaces that were created by plaque and calculus as well as by the scaling procedure.

The purpose is to get the crown surface as smooth as possible so that plaque does not have gouges to build up tartar.

The fifth step is irrigation. The teeth and gingival sulci are flushed to remove debris from the prophylaxis procedure. This removes potentially harmful irritants from the gum pocket.

Applying Flouride with a soft bristle tooth brush

Flouride is administered to all teeth to help keep them strong. It is gently wiped off after one minute.

The final step (sixth step) is the post prophy exam and home care instructions. Home care includes those things the client does at home to provide preventative care. The main form of home care is daily brushing. Home care instructions are essential for continued patient progress.

EVER HEARD OF THE "LAY DENTAL"? WATCH THIS IMPORTANT VIDEO ON THE PROBLEMS WITH BUSINESSES WHO ARE PERFORMING DENTAL PROCEDURES WITHOUT ANESTHESIA!!

Awareness, timely dental prophylaxis when needed, and home care contribute to longer lives for their pets and the better their pet’s breath will smell better!

Diet is also an important issue.

Harder foods tend to decrease the rate of plaque deposit in comparison to softer foods. Clients should be advised that some bones can be harmful. Chewing on bones can break teeth and cut into the gum tissue. Horse or cow hooves can create a “slab” fracture of the upper fourth premolar which can expose the pulp to infection and can require a root canal or extraction. Flat rawhide chews will not usually cause problems and compressed rawhide has been shown effective as well.

Scheduling the next appointment is essential to visit.

Dental care does not end once the teeth are cleaned. Long term dental programs are outlined individually by the veterinarian for each patient. Some animals need monthly rechecks while others without observable disease can be reexamined yearly.

Most middle aged dogs and cats should have a minimum of two per year.

Patients with grade IV periodontal disease need reexaminations every two or three months.

Grade I gingivitis cases are rechecked every six to twelve months.

Those patients with Grade II and III gingivitis can usually be reexamined every six months.

How about taking a minute to check your pet’s teeth? To schedule your pet's exam please call us at 480-987-4555.

Thank you for taking the time to care for your pet’s teeth and over all health!

When Finicky becomes Fatal

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

by: Rikki Schmidt

Everybody remembers Morris the big orange cat whocame to fame because he was finicky about his food. While that seemed cute inthe commercial, in the real world if a cat isn’t eating there’s a realpossibility he won’t survive.

There are many reasons cats stop eating, including cancer, kidney disease, anintestinal blockage, a virus, an infection, even poison. But while the initialreasons may vary, they all result in the same secondary concern…liver failure.Once a cat stops eating the body looks to the liver to metabolize fat intoblood sugar. The liver gets overloaded and the animal goes into liver failure.And often the cat owner doesn’t realize how serious a non-eating cat can be.

Many cat owners can tell theveterinarian exactly when the cat stopped eating and some may not be awarethere’s a problem until the animal begins to feel even worse and stops drinkingas well, or starts vomiting. The owner may notice a yellowing of the skin andwhites of the eyes as well as pale or yellow gums. Body temperature drops. Thecat may hide.”

By then, however, it is often too late to save the pet. Dogs can survive forlonger periods without eating although it is not healthy for them either. Butif your cat hasn’t eaten in 24 hours, it needs to be seen by a veterinarianimmediately. No home remedies, no “wait and see.” Get the cat to a veterinaryclinic right away.

So remember, when the cat stops eating the clock starts ticking. Even two daysis too long. It won’t matter what the initial problem was that caused the catto stop eating in the first place. Even if that illness could have been cured,it will be overshadowed by the insurmountable spectre of fast developing liverdisease

Please watch this important Video shared by www.CatalystCouncil.org about Cat Wellness Exams.

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

A MUG YOU CAN TRUSTPet

2012-01-23T08:00:00.003-07:00

Accident Cleaning Tip

If the area is still wet you should first attempt to absorb the dog urine. Leaving it there to dry out will only encourage bacterial growth which causes the smell.

The best method is to place several layers of paper towel over the wet area and tread on it so as to soak up as much of the dog urine as you possibly can. You may have to repeat this several times until no more dog urine can be soaked up.

Sometimes dog urine accidents have already dried because you did not notice them previously. You can find dried urine spots on your carpet with the aid of a black light. The dog urine stains will fluoresce under the ultra violet light in a darkened room. Of course, you can always save the expense of a black light. Find the urine spots by using your nose. Just get down on your carpet and sniff and find the offensive urine odors that way.

Mix a solution of fifty percent white vinegar and fifty percent water. (Always pretest the solution in an inconspicuous area to avoid possible damage to the carpet.) You must use a liberal amount of this solution to reach the carpet fibers deep down. Work the solution into the carpet with a light scrubbing action with a brush, to ensure it penetrates the carpet fibers below.

Then blot the area using the paper towel method above to absorb the vinegar mixture. The vinegar will neutralize the ammonia in the dog urine. Rinse with plain water. Use the attached superabsorbent microfiber cloth and blot up the excess water. If you own a wet/dry vacuum extractor, use that to remove excess moisture.

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Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

Top 10 Pet Products for 2011

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

By Rikki Schmidt

Every year, veterinarian, author and television personality,Dr. Marty Becker, asks 100 of the top pet professionals to nominate theirfavorite new products. Here are the top 10 that made the list for 2011.

The myChase-It Toyfor Dogs

This interactive toy is comprised of a flexible rod,ergonomic handle and bungee “squeaky” squirrel for exercising and training.

Cost: $24.95 - $29.95; Available at Mychaseit.com

The Lickety StikTreat for Dogs

Ideal for rewarding dogs without the mess, the Lickety Stikis a lickable pet treat using a specially designed roller-ball to dispenseall-natural liquid treats.

Cost: $8.99; Available at Petsafe.net

The Hear DoggyUltrasonic Plush Toys for Dogs

Tuned to the ultrasonic frequency of dogs, this is the onlyultrasonic toy that your dog can hear but you can't.

Cost: Approximately $12.99; Available online and through the Quaker Pet Group at212-594-3800.

The Catit® DesignFresh Clear; Drinking Fountain

With a large surface area to add oxygen for a fresher taste,The Catit Fountain provides a continuous supply of fresh, cleandrinking water for your pet. The replaceablefilter collects food, hair and debris and helps to reduce bad tastes and odors.

Cost: Approximately $50.00; Available online and in petretail stores.

The Hidden Hollow Fantasy Forest for Cats

The ultimate extravagance for the spoiled cat, these life-like,luxury trees are great for cats to climb, hide, lounge, play and sleep on.

Cost: $399 - $1,629; Available at AHiddenHollow.com

The Tagg Pet Tracker

If your dog wanders off, The Tagg™ Pet Tracker uses advancedGPS tracking technology to locate him and alert you. The lightweight tracker attachesto your dog's collar. The service can be cancelled at any time.

Cost: $99.95, plus $7.95 monthly fee; (first month free) Availableat Tagg.com.

The Vivid IlluminatedPet Collar

Vivid is an illuminating safety collar designed to keep yourdog safe and visible at night. The super-bright white LEDs have four lightsettings. The collar's padded, water-resistant design means it can be worn allthe time.

Cost: $15.99; Available at CompanyofAnimals.

The Aikiou StimuloCat Feeding Station

Developed so cats can use their natural hunting and foragingskills when eating. The Stimulo bowl has food hidden inside its many tubes,which cats can access by using their paws

Cost: $24.95; Available at Aikiou.com.

The Kurgo Backseat Bridge

The Kurgo padded bridge connects between the front and backseats of your car to keep your dog safer while riding in the car.

Cost: $50.00; Available at Kurgostore.com.

The PuRRfect PouncerCat Toy

This 18-inch, clear flexible wand and 20-inch leather lacetoy simulates the smell and feel of real prey. A 2011 Cat Fancy Editor's Choice Award winner,the product encourages your cat to run, jump, and pounce.

Cost: Approximately $11.99; Available at variousonline retailers; Product information available at Veenterprises.com.

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

2012-01-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

Part Three

Thanks to all of you who've followed our series from the beginning! This is our final article on Puppy and Dog Training Tips! Hope you've enjoyed!
So, lets just take a minute to re-cap once again on what we've discussed so far in Parts 1 and 2.

We’ve created our Plan of Action, purchased all of the essentials in part One of our series, learned some Socialization tips as well as how to spot and correct “attention-seeking’ behavior in part Two of our series, let’s move on to some final tips.

So what’s left you say? How about the never ending Potty Training!

Yes, it can be a challenge but you can do it! repetitiveness is key! I am sure that for all of you who are yet to be successful in the potty training area are tired of hearing people say that to you! But hang on; let’s look at a couple other things here.

It is true, doing the same thing over and over will engrain it sooner or later so hang in there. Make sure you are monitoring puppy’s intake of food and water. This can help you make an educated guess as to when he will need to eliminate. Also, exercise! Mentally be aware of when and how long you played with puppy for. Most puppies’ need to eliminate after eating, playing and waking up. If you keep these simple tips in mind it will help you to successful in housebreaking.

Speaking of exercise, is your puppy getting enough? Each puppy has different needs. Do some research into your puppy’s breed so you know what to expect. A Labrador puppy will most likely require more exercise than a Basset Hound. Right?

Use feeding times to train the basic commands such as Sit and Stay. Ask puppy to Sit before you place his food down. Then ask him to wait before allowing him to walk to his bowl and eat. This will help prevent over excitement at meal times and lots of jumping and bowl spilling. Make them work for it! Sit, Wait. This uses brain power as well as promotes manners and good behavior.

Get your puppy used to being handled at an early age. Touch his paws, ears, muzzle, tail, head and all over. There should not be any part of your dog’s body that you cannot touch! Reward with a treat or lots of affection. Once your dog is comfortable and secure in being all over handled, this will make your trips to the Veterinarian and Groomer much more pleasant and less stressful for you and your pet.

Leash train your puppy right away! Teach them to “walk on a leash” without the leash too! You can practice this in your back yard by keeping treats in your hand by your leg. Reward puppy when he walks close to you. Gradually work up to hiding the treat but rewarding with praise.

Once your dog is doing well with the basics, sit, stay, down and walking on a leash, take him outside in areas with more distractions and keep on practicing this skills. Soon you will have the most well behaved dog in the neighborhood! Your dog will feel safe, secure and confident while being outdoors with people and other pets. So keep up the hard work with your new puppy or new dog. Your dedication and consistency will surely pay off!

Thank you for taking part in our Series of Training Makeovers! If there is something you’d like us to elaborate on please feel free to comment. Thank you!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

Part 2 of our Dog Training Series!

2012-01-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

Part 2 of 3:

Okay, you’ve got the basics down from last week’s Part One of Training Tips and you’ve created your “Plan of Action”. Now let’s continue our makeover series Part Two!

Many people who adopt a new puppy are still very busy with work, family and child activities. So what to do with puppy when you are busy? Here’s a good tip…..

Food stuffed toys are great! They help keep puppy occupied when you are busy. You can fill these toys with peanut butter, kibble, or Kong stuffing which is made purposely for filling Kong toys.

Let’s keep Fido OFF! Okay, it may be cute now, little baby puppy jumping up begging for your attention. But what happens when he is 35-90 pounds? That’s right…. Not too cute any more. Especially for guests or small children. Reinforce the “Four-On-The-Floor” rule. All four feet on the floor at all times!

So how do we teach a puppy his new name? The “name game” of course. Call your dog or puppy’s name in a happy and excited tone of voice. When he looks at you or comes running over, reward him with a treat. This will help teach your puppy his new name.

Try to mix up the rewards. Every dog is different. You can use a mix of treats for training as well as just good ole fashion praise and hugs. You want your dog to be just as excited for praise and hugs as he would be for treats.

Let’s talk Socialization…..

Here is a tip. Many establishments have gone “dog friendly” on their patios. Coffee shops, some restaurants and even some stores. This is a great way to socialize your pet and boost his confidence with the outdoor noises and stimulations. If a young puppy is not exposed to these elements he may grow up to be fearful of them. Try to expose your puppy to as many things as you can. People wearing hats, people carrying bags, cars honking, buses revving up, etc. We want puppy to be secure with all the surroundings he will be exposed to when he gets older.

Occasionally you will see a puppy who has learned some “attention-seeking” behavior. Be sure you and your family are aware of such behaviors so you can learn to ignore them. They may be cute now, but when older they become an annoyance. Some “attention-seeking” behaviors are, whining, jumping up, pawing at your leg or arm, and pushing against you. Watch for these and if your puppy is displaying, simply get up and ignore the behavior. Do not reward by saying anything to the puppy.

If you have Toddlers in the house it is important to teach your puppy “down-stay” whenever your toddler is in their high-chair eating. We don’t want puppy eating little one’s food! Better yet, you can send puppy to their happy crate or outside at meal times!
If you do have children in the house teach them the appropriate way to play with your new puppy. Use close supervision and don’t allow rough housing as this can increase mouthing and nipping.

Teach your puppy to target your hand and teach this to children as well. This way the dog learns that when he greets people, he is positioning his head near their hands, not their faces.

Encourage puppy to “Settle”. If your children are napping, puppy should be too. Offer the puppy a food-stuffed toy or a chew toy in their crate to encourage and reinforce calm behavior.

You are off to a great start! That’s it for part Two of Training Makeovers for your dog or puppy! See you next week for our Final Third Series!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

Pet Tips! January is "National Dog Training" month

2012-01-02T07:00:00.002-07:00

For those of you who missed last months Training Tips, here you go! For those of you who followed all three of our articles please use this months as a refresher as to what you've been practicing.

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) has declared January as their National Train your Dog Month. We are going to get a jump start on it so we can be well into training by then!

It’s a time to learn new skills, reinforce old ones and build a stronger bond with your dog.

Often people forget how much work goes into training a new puppy. It’s much like having a new baby! You must watch them closely until they learn what is allowed and what is not.

People sometimes find within a few week after adopting their new puppy that it was not an appropriate match for their lifestyle. Often these puppies end up at the pound.

If you are going to stick it out (which I hope you will) don’t despair! With some time and patience you can have a wonderful furry addition to your family.

Let’s start by writing out a plan of action. Tracking daily interactions with your new puppy can help you to see how you are progressing with basic obedience and manners. Post your written plan where all members of the household can see it and track their interactions as well. You can post it on the fridge, the computer, or on any wall that everyone will easily see. Discuss your progress daily.

Step 1

• Get yourself a good baby gate, or several. Use them to keep your puppy from getting into trouble around the house.

• Mix it up! Get a variety of puppy toys and change them out every other day to prevent boredom. This should prevent them from wanting to seek out other objects such as your shoes!

• Start Crate Training early! Being crate trained can assist in housebreaking, as dogs do not like to do their business where they sleep. Dogs are “den-dwelling” animals. They think of their crates as dens. Their own private, safe and secure get-away. This can be a real asset if you have multiple people over or small kids visiting. The puppy will have a safe and quite place to go.

• Use the crate as part of your puppy’s training. You can train them to “go to bed” or “crate”. This can be useful when visitors come over or when you want to eat at the dinner table and not have puppy begging for food off your plate.

• Get Educated! Start a Puppy Kindergarten Class! Puppies will learn to be social as well as learn well behaved manners and basic training such as sit, down, come and stay. Make sure your veterinarian has okayed you to start getting puppy out and about. Many classes will require at least the first 2-3 puppy vaccines from a licensed veterinarian and some will require that they have finished the entire series. You may know of a class already but you can also look here at www.apdt.com which has a “trainer search” feature or at http://www.akc.org/ which lists leading to the AKC S.T.A.R puppy or AKC Canine Good Citizen awards trainers.

• Stay on the same page! Make sure that everyone in the house uses the same cue words when teaching. If you say “down” to lay down, then don’t say “down” when you are trying to get them to stop jumping up on your leg. Use something like “off.” Use the same cue words for each teaching word.

• Puppy Proof your home! Review your check list of puppy proofing methods in the house as they may change as puppy grows and becomes more active.

o No electric cords dangling or in reach

o No chewables on the floor, socks, toys, small pieces of games/toys, etc.

• Visit your Veterinarian often for socialization! We want the veterinary clinic to be a positive and happy place for puppy so when you do need to come in it won’t be stressful on you or on puppy.

Okay, there it is! Part one of three in our Series of “Puppy and Dog Training Tips”

Check back soon for Part two!!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call:
480-987-4555

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT 2O11!

2011-12-28T09:33:00.002-07:00

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT 2011!

The Doctors and Staff at Johnson Ranch Animal Clinic reflect back on 2011 and want to thank all of you who shared a part of your lives with us this past year. We've had an outstanding year!

We feel so fortunate to have such amazing clients and patients! We feel blessed each day that we get to see you and assist you with all of your pet needs!

We would like to thank all of you who stopped by and wished us a Happy Holiday! Many of you brought us delicious homemade and store bought goodies and we can't tell you how much we appreciated your thoughtfulness and kindness!
If you hadn't noticed by now....... the way to a Veterinary Staff is through "SWEETS"!!

Our Doctors and Staff hope each and every one of you have a prosperous, joyful and fun filled 2012!

Remember, the tips about Christmas Safety for our pets continues through the New Year weekend!
Watch those party favors and foods!

We would also like to thank Rikki Schmidt, wife of Dr. Schmidt for her contributing articles on our Blog! Rikki is a regular contributor for the Gold Canyon Ledger and the on-line San Tan Valley.com newspaper.
Thanks Rikki!

Again, thank you all for a great 2011! See you in 2012!

Some of our 2011 memories!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

PET CARE AND SAFE HOLIDAYS!

2011-12-21T12:31:00.008-07:00

PLEASE GO TO OUR "NEWSLETTER TAB" FOR OUR HOLIDAY NEWSLETTER IN REGARDS TO PET SAFETY FOR THE UPCOMING HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

Johnson Ranch Animal Clinic wants to wish you all a very wonderful Holiday!

Our clinic will be closed Saturday, December 24th, 25th and 26th. We will be re-opened on Tuesday, December 27th from 8am until 5 pm.

If you are in need of an Emergency Clinic over the Holidays please make sure that you have the their telephone number and know their exact address/location.

Recommended are:

1st Emergency Pet Care

1423 S Higley Rd #102, Mesa, AZ 85206
(480) 924–1123

Located on Higley, North of US 60 on the East hand side of Higley Road. Turn right into the driveway with the brick buildings. Follow the driveway to the right.

Emergency Animal Clinic PLC

86 West Juniper Ave. Gilbert, AZ, 85234
Telephone: 480-253-9992

Located on Gilbert Road, North of Elliot Road and South of Gaudalupe on the West side of the road.

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

2011-12-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Do Dogs Get Alzheimer’s Disease?
By Rikki Schmidt

Some people notice that as their dogs get older they seem to exhibit behavior similar to humans suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. While Alzheimer's has not been proven in dogs, they can suffer from senility which is known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome or CCDS.

This condition may include one or more of the following symptoms:

The animal seems disoriented, interacts differently with family members, forgets housebreaking training and shows changes in eating, sleeping habits and activity levels.

The animal may also exhibit aggressive, anxious, or inattentive behavior. Our old dachshund suffered from the disease and would sit in her bed and bark for no reason or go outside and not remember why she was there.
While there are different degrees of severity, these symptom all point to CCDS.

There is not a definitive test for CCDS, but it can be diagnosed by excluding other diseases that can have similar symptoms such as kidney or liver disease and neurological disorders, such as brain tumors. If your dog is not responding to commands, a hearing test can be done by a neurologist to determine if the cause is deafness.

To diagnose a brain tumor, an MRI of the brain can be done. If the dog is having accidents in the house, blood tests and urinalysis can rule out a urinary tract infection, liver, hormonal or kidney disease.
Once everything else is ruled out, then the likely diagnosis for the behavioral changes is CCDS.The incidence of CCDS increases with age, and is more common in females, neutered animals, dogs older than 9 years, and smaller animals weighing less than 33 pounds. Studies have shown that the disease is present in 14.2 percent of dogs aged 8 to 20 years.

So if you have an older dog that seems confused and “not himself” have your pet evaluated by your veterinarian to determine if Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome is the reason.

What can you do if your dog has CCDS?

Keeping your dog mentally and physically active through “enrichment therapies” can help. These can consist of increased dog-human and dog-dog interactions using exercise, cognitive-enhancement toys and cognitive training/testing activities.

There are toys that can improve the dog's cognitive learning, such as puzzles with food rewards at the finish and toys that hide the food reward thereby challenging the dog to figure out how to get the treat.

There is also a prescription medication called selegiline (Anipryl®) which can improve cognitive function and prevent brain damage associated with aging but the medicine does have side effects and its use should be discussed with your veterinarian.

In addition, there are special prescription diets focusing on canine aging and alertness which provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids and other supplements to help brain function.

If you think your dog is displaying any of these symptoms please consult with one of our Veterinarians today. Give us a call so we can schedule your consultation. 480-987-4555. Thank you!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

Final part of our Series, Puppy and Dog Training Tips

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Part Three

Thanks to all of you who've followed our series from the beginning! This is our final article on Puppy and Dog Training Tips! Hope you've enjoyed!
So, lets just take a minute to re-cap once again on what we've discussed so far in Parts 1 and 2.

We’ve created our Plan of Action, purchased all of the essentials in part One of our series, learned some Socialization tips as well as how to spot and correct “attention-seeking’ behavior in part Two of our series, let’s move on to some final tips.

So what’s left you say? How about the never ending Potty Training!

Yes, it can be a challenge but you can do it! Receptiveness is key! I am sure that for all of you who are yet to be successful in the potty training area are tired of hearing people say that to you! But hang on; let’s look at a couple other things here.

Cement the “COME” command through games. Play “round-robin recalls” by having different members of the family call to puppy and as he comes to them, reward him. Have the next person call him, reward, and so on.

Use feeding times to train the basic commands such as Sit and Stay. Ask puppy to Sit before you place his food down. Then ask him to wait before allowing him to walk to his bowl and eat. This will help prevent over excitement at meal times and lots of jumping and bowl spilling. Make them work for it! Sit, Wait. This uses brain power as well as promotes manners and good behavior.

Puppy and Dog Training Tips continued

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Part 2 of 3:

Okay, you’ve got the basics down from last week’s Part One of Training Tips and you’ve created your “Plan of Action”. Now let’s continue our makeover series Part Two!

Considering A Pet For Christmas?

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

By Rikki Schmidt

The Christmas season is often a time when new puppies, dogs and cats are brought into the family. And if you want to make sure it’s “Peace on Earth” at your house, here are some things to consider before getting a new furry friend for your family and existing pets. Pets should never be an impulse purchase.

First, look at the pets you already have; (e.g. dogs, cats, parrots, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, reptiles) and decide whether a new dog or cat would be an appropriate addition.

Multi-dog and multi-species households can be successful but often require luck as well as work. There’s no guarantee all your critters will join paws and claws and sing “Kumbaya.”

Next, do your research regarding the pros and cons of the breed you are thinking about.
Consider your lifestyle.

-Couch potatoes shouldn’t adopt young, lively boxers or terriers.
-Avid hikers shouldn’t get a Pekinese.
-Got young children? Avoid small, delicate, nervous dogs or large, rambunctious ones
-Long haired animals need regular brushing and grooming
-A pet for Grandma? Senior citizens may do well with a quiet, senior dog.
-And do you have the time, space, money and inclination to care for and train a puppy or dog.

Once your decision has been made to get a new furry friend, consider saving one rather than buying one.

A “rescued” pet has many advantages. Dogs and cats adopted from humane societies and rescue groups have been evaluated as to their physical traits, personality and disposition.

They have already been spayed or neutered, frequently have been vaccinated and may even be microchipped and housebroken. If the animal has spent time in a foster home prior to being adopted, it has been socialized, and its behavior observed, which is important in assessing its suitability for your family.

These groups usually have a “trial period” where you can return the pet if it turns out not to be a good match for your home. By adopting you’re also helping to reduce the number of homeless, unwanted pets.

In 2010, Maricopa Country Animal Care and Control and the Arizona Humane Society took in 94,132 dogs and cats. More than half were euthanized.

If you’re buying a pet from a stranger sitting by the side of the road or from an ad on the internet, or a pet store which frequently gets animals from puppy mills, you are not only encouraging and subsidizing the pet overpopulation; you may be getting an animal with potential health problems and behavioral issues.

There are a number of good shelters and rescue groups in our area, even ones that have pure bred animals for adoption.

So if you’re looking for a dog or cat to be a Christmas gift, look there. Then you’ll be that pet’s Christmas gift as well!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

Puppy and Dog Training Tips Series

2011-11-28T07:00:00.013-07:00

PART 1 OF 3

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) has declared January as their National Train your Dog Month. We are going to get a jump start on it so we can be well into training by then!

It’s a time to learn new skills, reinforce old ones and build a stronger bond with your dog.

Often people forget how much work goes into training a new puppy. It’s much like having a new baby! You must watch them closely until they learn what is allowed and what is not.

People sometimes find within a few week after adopting their new puppy that it was not an appropriate match for their lifestyle. Often these puppies end up at the pound.

If you are going to stick it out (which I hope you will) don’t despair! With some time and patience you can have a wonderful furry addition to your family.

• Puppy Proof your home! Review your check list of puppy proofing methods in the house as they may change as puppy grows and becomes more active.

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call:
480-987-4555

Just a reminder.... Rabies Re-Visit

2011-11-27T11:33:00.004-07:00

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

2011-11-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

We hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

We are looking forward to posting some more goodies for the upcoming Holiday's!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

Enjoy the Holidays with Your Pets!

2011-11-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

By Rikki Schmidt
With the holiday season fast approaching, pet owners should be reminded that festive foods and four legged friends don’t mix.

Thanksgiving

It’s a time for sharing but don’t share the holiday meal with your pets.
One year our veterinary staff treated a small dachshund and his even smaller sister that had somehow snatched an untended turkey off a coffee table and gorged themselves on the leftovers. Feeding pets table scraps can be a recipe for trouble.

-Turkey bones are hollow and break easily, splintering into sharp pieces, which, when chewed, can cause blockage and perforate the intestinal tract.

-A pet with a turkey bone lodged in his system may not show symptoms for 1 or 2 days. -When symptoms do occur they may include loss of appetite, depression, diarrhea or vomiting. While the bone may pass by itself, sometimes it must be surgically removed.

-Even if you don’t feed your pets from the table, it’s possible they might help themselves to untended food when no one is looking.

-Besides the dangers associated with overeating, turkey sitting out too long at room temperature can cause salmonella organisms to multiply, poisoning the pet.

And be aware of your pet’s abilities. Several years back, someone’s pet pig learned how to open the refrigerator door and ended up eating everything inside, making a proverbial “pig of itself” and subsequently changing the expression “sick as a dog” to “sick as a pig.”

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

Air Travel with your Pet

2011-11-01T08:00:00.004-07:00

Planning to fly with your dog?

While air travel can be a quick way to get Fido from one place to another, you should know that every airline has different rules about transporting pets. You will need to make sure to contact your specific Airline weeks prior to travel for rules and regulations.

The following are a few Airlines that do allow pets to fly in the cabin.

· United

· US Airways

· Southwest

· Pet Airways

· NWA

· Midwest Airways

· Jet Blue Airways

· Hawaiian Airlines

· Frontier

· Delta

· Continental

· Alaska

· Air Canada

I recommend booking your flight early and if possible, fly direct, Non-Stop.

Have your pet carrier bought and ready (although with some airlines, such as Pet Airways, you do not need a carrier as they provide it for you. Get your pet accustomed to the crate in the weeks or days prior to travel. Travel can be stressful for pets. Make the crate a happy place and leave it out in the open so it becomes just another familiar object.

Take a test drive around a few blocks. Make sure your pet is happy and content in his kennel.

Visit your Veterinarian and get your pet’s Health Certificate and any vaccines he is due for. Make sure it is within 10 days of your travel day and that you will use it within 30 days when it expires.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most cases, dogs should not be given sedatives or tranquilizers prioude pressures. They can also alter the animal's natural ability Tag your pet’s carrier with the same information you’d tag your luggage. Pet’s name, your name, telephone numbers, veterinarian’s telephone number. You may also want to laminate a picture of your pet and secure it on the kennel. Carry the same picture with you when you travel in case you need to present it to authorities assisting you in your search.

Microchip your pet! It is one of the best ways to be reunited with your pet in the unfortunate event he gets lost during travel. Make sure it is registered with the company and that all of your information with the company is current such as your telephone numbers, emergency contact, veterinarian and your address.

Feed your pet at least 4 hours prior to flying. Flying on a full stomach will make for an uncomfortable flight for your pet. You should continue to offer water right up until the flight.

You can easily train your dog to drink out of a guinea pig water bottle attached to the side of the kennel door. Just entice with some peanut butter at the end of the spout. Do this prior to travel so they are familiar with it.

Get to the Airport early. Most airlines recommend you arrive at least 2 hours prior to travel. Have your Health Certificate ready to go. Passengers with pet’s need to check in at the counter. They are not allowed to use Self Service or Curbside, so give yourself plenty of time.

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, go for a walk with your pet so that they become familiar with their surroundings and new smells. Let them pick a spot in the hotels “potty area” so that they can familiarize themselves with the layout. By the time you check in they won’t be so anxious!

Your PRE-FLIGHT Pet Check list

· Health Certificate and copy of all current Vaccinations. Most importantly, Rabies.

· Any Medications your pet may be on.

· Your pet’s Veterinarian’s information as well as the nearest Emergency Vet at your destination.

· Your pet’s food and treats

· Bottle water. Sometimes new city water can cause upset stomachs. Best to use bottled if you can.

· Collar and ID Tags. A spare if you have one.

· Leash or Harness.

· Poop baggies.

· Toys, bed or blankets. Pack appropriately for weather.

Some Arizona Pet Friendly Restaurants

· Uncle Bears Grill and Bar (various valley locations)

· In and Out Burgers

· San Tan Brewery

· Sonic Drive-ins

· Dos Gringos

· Iguana Macks

· Joe’s Farm Grill in Gilbert

· Brackins Bar in Scottsdale

· Daily Dose in Scottsdale

· Duck and Decantor in Phoenix

· The Orange Table in Scottsdale

· Ken’s Creekside in Sedona

· Ni’Marcos in Flagstaff

· Delectables in Tucson

These are just a few. It’s a good idea to check out restaurants near your hotel prior to travel.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates air transportation of pets within the U.S. and all airlines are required by law to follow the guidelines below. Individual airlines may impose further restrictions or fees for flying with your pet. Make sure to check your airline as well.

USDA Guidelines

ADVANCE ARRANGEMENTS

· When booking a flight on which you wish to bring your pet, call the airline directly to make the reservation and confirm that there is a space available for your pet on the flight.

· 24 to 48 hours before your flight, it's a good idea to call the airline and reconfirm that you will be traveling with your pet.

· Advance arrangements are not guarantees that your pet will travel on a specific flight. Airlines reserve the right to refuse transport of an animal for reasons like illness, an improper carrier, or extreme temperatures. Airlines can also refuse carriage of an animal that demonstrates aggressive or violent behavior.

· Animals travel under less stress when they are accustomed to their carrier before they travel. In the weeks prior to your trip, put your dog into his carrier as often as possible for trips around town.

· Please note that pets are not allowed to travel with unaccompanied minors on any airline.

THE DAY OF YOUR FLIGHT

· The USDA requires that your pet be offered food and water within four hours before you check in. Since a full stomach might be uncomfortable for your dog during travel, we recommend feeding him right at four hours before the flight, if possible.

· While its best to refrain from feeding your dog right before the flight, you can (and should) give him water right up to the time of travel. Just be sure to empty the dish before checking in so it doesn't spill during the flight. If you're checking the dog, leave dishes in the carrier so an airline employee will be able to provide your pet with food and water in the event of an extended wait before or after the flight.

· Exercise your pet before leaving for the airport. Carry a leash with you so you can walk your pet before you check in and after you arrive at your destination. This will help your dog calm down prior to and after the flight.

· Arrive at the airport early, but not too early. You will not be allowed to check your pet in more than four hours before the flight. Most airlines recommend arriving two hours before your flight when you're traveling with your pet. Passengers traveling with pets must check in at the ticket counter. No curbside or self-service check-in is allowed.

APPROVED PET CARRIERS

· Whether your pet is a Chihuahua or a Great Dane, there is a pet carrier to match. The majority of carriers are made of hard plastic with holes for ventilation. No part of the animal is allowed to protrude from the carrier. As a result, wire carriers are not permitted. Soft-sided carriers are permitted in the cabin only.

· Carriers must be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. If the pet carrier does not allow the animal to do this, the airline will refuse transport.

· Carriers must have a solid, leak-proof floor that is covered with a towel, litter, or other absorbent lining for accidents that might occur during transit.

· Carriers must be well ventilated with openings that make up at least 14% of the total wall space. At least 33% of the openings must be located in the top half of the carrier and the carrier must have rims to prevent ventilation openings from being blocked by other cargo.

· Carriers should have either grips or handles, so airline employees don't have to put their fingers inside and risk being bitten.

· The carrier should contain two empty dishes, for food and water, along with feeding instructions and your signature certifying that your pet was offered food and water within four hours of your flight's scheduled departure.

· Mark the carrier with your pet's name and include identification tags with your home address and phone number as well as the address and phone number of someone who can be reached at your destination.

· You should mark "Live Animal" on the top and side of the carrier, with directional arrows indicating the proper position of the carrier.

· Do not put a leash or muzzle with the animal, either inside or attached to the outside of the carrier, during transit.

· Kennels can contain one adult dog. Two puppies will be allowed together if they are eight weeks to six months old, weigh more than 20 pounds each, and are fully weaned.

HEALTH CERTIFICATES

The USDA requires that your pet must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned before traveling. Only pets in good health are permitted to fly. Airlines will not transport animals that are violent, ill, or in physical distress.

All pets crossing state borders, with the exception of guide dogs, are required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to have a rabies immunization and valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of travel. If your pet is traveling via cargo, or if you are a breeder, dealer, or research facility transporting a dog, the health certificate should be issued no more than 10 days before departure.

USE OF TRANQUILIZERS

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most cases, dogs should not be given sedatives or tranquilizers prior to flying. An animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation, which can be dangerous when the kennel is moved.

Whether your dog is flying in the cabin or as a checked pet, he will be exposed to increased altitude pressures. This can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs which are sedated or tranquilized. Snub-nosed dogs (American Staffordshire Terriers, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Brussels Griffins, Bull Terriers, English/French Bulldogs, English Toy Spaniels, Japanese Chins, King Charles Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Pekineses, Pugs, Shar-Peis and Shih Tzus) are especially affected.

While sedation is generally not advised, the decision on whether or not to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet should be made by your veterinarian. If your veterinarian decides that tranquilizers are medically necessary, the name of the drug, the dosage, and how the drug was administered should be indicated on the dog's carrier.

EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS

Extreme hot and cold temperatures can pose a health risk to pets. In summer, choose early morning or late evening flights. In winter, choose mid-day flights. Whenever possible, book nonstop or direct flights and avoid weekend and holiday travel.

If you are traveling to or from a destination where the temperature is (or is forecasted to be) either below 45F or above 85F (75F for snub-nosed dogs), you will need a letter signed by your veterinarian stating that your pet is acclimated to extreme weather. If the temperature is below 20F or above 95F, your pet will likely not be allowed to travel in the cargo area even with a letter of acclimation. And some airlines will not accept

International Travel

Many countries have strict regulations regarding international pet travel. You'll find an overview of bringing Fido to many popular international destinations below. No matter where you're going, you should contact the embassy or consulate of the destintion country to confirm pet travel regulations, obtain all of the necessary paperwork (such as health certificates and documentation) regarding your pet's travel, and contact your local veterinarian to ensure your pet is in compliance with foreign health regulations. And finally, don't forget to check reulations on bringing Fido back to your home country too. Quarantine rules may apply even if your dog has only been gone a short time.

We hope this makes Travel a little easier for you!

If you are planning on traveling soon with your pet/s please contact us to schedule your appointment 480-987-4555

Thank you!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

Halloween is almost here!

2011-10-25T09:14:00.001-07:00

Halloween is almost here!

Make sure to prepare if you have pets. Halloween should be afun time, but occasionally it turns out bad if you forget to take some precautions. Please be familiar with the following Safety Tips. It’s not too early to start remembering these!

• Don't leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween: There are plenty of stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, even killed pets on this night.
• Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets: Chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.
• Be careful of pets around a lit pumpkin: Pets may knock it over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned.
• Don't dress the dog in costume unless you know he loves it. Otherwise, it puts a lot of stress on the animal.
• If you do dress up your dog, make sure the costume isn't constricting, annoying or unsafe. Be careful not to obstruct her vision
• Even the sweetest dogs can get snappy when they can't see what's going on around them.
• All but the most social dogs should be kept in a separate room during trick-or-treat visiting hours; too many strangers in strange garb can be scary for a dog.
• Be careful your cat or dog doesn't dart out through the open door.

Make sure your dogs have collars and ID tags secured on them with his name and a current and working telephone number to reach you at.

• KEEP ALL BLACK CATS INDOORS!

Microchip your pet!

Lost pet’s can come home!
The AVID® microchip is a tiny chip approximately the size of a grain of rice which has an identification number programmed into it. The chip is encased in a smooth, strong biocompatible glass, and is small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle. Once an animal is injected with the chip, he can be identified throughout his life by this one-of-a-kind number. His identification cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed.

How does the microchip work?
The microchip is generally injected deeply under the skin. It sits safely there, totally inert. A special scanner is used to send a radio signal through the skin of the animal to read the chip. The animal feels nothing as the scanner is passed over him. The microchip sends it’s number back to the scanner. It appears in the viewing window as, for example, AVID 220*609*321.

If your pet is not already Microchipped, please call us now and schedule your pet's appointment today!

We want to give you one more possiblility of your pet returning home safely to you if ever lost!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

Halloween- More Tricks Than Treats For Pets

2011-10-22T16:32:00.002-07:00

By Rikki Schmidt

Halloween is not just for children anymore- and it’s not only adults who have joined in the fun- family pets are now being included in the holiday too. But it’s not the ghosts and goblins that are the scary part for our furry friends.
First, there’s all that candy lying around which is an attractive and potentially fatal temptation for pets. Chocolate, baked goods and other treats are dangerous to animals. A chemical in chocolate, theobromine, is toxic to dogs.

The darker the chocolate the more deadly it is. Just one ounce of baking chocolate can poison a 50-pound dog. Sugar-free candy often contains xylitol, which is very harmful to pets and it takes very little to be potentially lethal for a dog. Treats healthy for people, such as raisins, can also harm pets, especially dogs, since they are toxic to the kidneys. Even the candy wrappers can be dangerous since if ingested can cause intestinal blockages.

Decorations are also a concern. Animals are naturally curious so keep pets away from burning candles or lit jack-o-lanterns since noses can get burned and tails can catch on fire.

Halloween is the second most common holiday for pets to get lost right, behind July 4th. With a parade of trick or treaters coming and going there are many opportunities for pets to escape out the front door.

Pets who are usually placid homebodies may get spooked and run away when seeing strangers dressed in scary attire. Even friendly dogs may bark ferociously or lunge at or even bite trick-or-treaters, so keep dogs leashed or in another room and don’t take them trick-or-treating.

Some animals get stressed easily, and the constant flow of people in strange costumes, the sounds, lights and decorations can cause a lot of anxiety so find a quiet room in the house, give the pet water, toys and a comfortable bed, and perhaps put on some soothing music or “white noise” to keep nervous pets calm.

Dressing up your pet for Halloween has become very popular but be sure the costume you choose:
-Doesn’t constrict, confine or overheat your pet or interfere with hearing and breathing
-Allows for an unobstructed field of vision
-Is free of decorative items that pets can chew or swallow or trip over
Get your pet used to the outfit before the holiday so they become accustomed to it. And if they refuse to wear it- don’t force the issue- not every pet is a diva.

Happy Halloween Season!
Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

SNAKE SEASON IS BACK!

2011-10-17T07:50:00.037-07:00

Okay, most of us live in Arizona because the weather is almost perfect, the sun is almost always shining, the golf courses are luscious, there are multiple and beautiful wide open spaces and endless hiking trails!

Surprisingly enough these are also places where some “not so delightful” inhabitants hang out in our state! We offer desirable landscaping to some of the most dangerous desert critters. The rattlesnake is amongst those critters. Below are some tips on how to keep yourself safe while out in our wildly beautiful, but sometimes dangerous, desert.

First of all, If you hike:

Tap ahead of you with a walking stick before entering an area where you can't see your feet. Snakes will try to avoid you if given enough warning.
When hiking in an area known to have snakes, wear long pants and boots if possible
Avoid rock piles or tall green grass/bushes where snakes like to rest.

About 150 people in Arizona are bitten every year.

You are most likely to meet up with a rattlesnake on a summer evening after the sun has gone down, or during the warm days of the spring, winter and fall.

There are a couple of ways you can tell if the snake you see is indeed a rattlesnake.

First, look for a flat, triangular shaped head. Although, that is not conclusive. Many are tan or brown/grey but not all. You can also spot the Spade-shaped head and narrow neck that they have.

Another good way to tell is to look for a rattler. Be careful, as the young rattlesnakes have not fully developed rattlers and may only have segments. No need to get too close. If you are unable, that’s good! Move the other direction!

There are 17 types of rattlesnakes in Arizona.
The Western Diamondback is the most common.

Western Diamondback

This snake attains the largest size of any of the Arizona rattlesnakes, and most bites are attributed to this species. They can grow to over five feet in length, but it is rare to see one that large that is not in captivity. Not quite as common, but definitely important to avoid, is the rattlesnake. The venom can affect the brain or spinal cord. The Mohave is usually very green in color and has wide, light bands at the base of the tail. Snake bites can be deadly! Especially to small children and pets due to their small size.

Rattlesnakes have two retractable fangs that come out full force when attacking prey. Common prey are lizards, birds, rodents and some amphibians.

Snakes generally only bite humans when their territory has been encroached or they are being provoked. Snakes also do not have eyelids or ears.

If bitten, look for swelling and change of skin color. If the area does swell and change color it was most likely poisonous.

If you do get bit: Keep the limb still, splint if able. You can use newspapers, paint sticks, yard sticks, magazines or any other hard material.

· Remove any constricting jewelry such as watches, rings, etc.

· Keep the area of the bite lower than the heart.

· Monitor the person's Vital Signs- temperature, Pulse, rate of breathing if possible.

· Bring in the dead snake only if this can be done safely. Do not risk another bite if it is not easy to kill. If you do, be careful of the snakes head when transporting it -- a snake can actually bite for up to several hours or more after it's dead (from a reflex).

Symptoms from a Rattlesnake bite

Rattlesnake bites are painful when they occur. Symptoms usually begin right away and may include:

· Vomiting

· Dizziness

· Diarrhea

· Droopy eyelid

· Low blood pressure

· Rapid heart rate

· Swelling

· Paralysis

Tips NOT to do!

· Do NOT put ice on the bite area!

· Do NOT cut open bite area! This is in the movies only! You may do more harm!

· Do NOT use a tourniquet! You will cut off circulation/blood flow that may cause you to lose the limb!

· Do NOT stand close to bushes, tall grass, or between rocks where snakes like to rest.

Do NOT give the pain medication unless a doctor tells you to do so.
Do NOT give the person anything by mouth.

Call 911 or your local emergency number if someone has been bitten by a snake. If possible, call ahead to the emergency room so that antivenom can be ready when the person arrives.

You may also call the National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222). The center can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

FOR THE DOGS

Dogs seem to get into trouble with rattlesnakes all too often. After all, where are their noses most of the time? That’s right, under bushes, in between rocks. They also seem to attack if found in their own backyard. We have to remember that they do not know they can be lethal!

Picture of a dog bitten by a rattlesnake

So what do you do if your dog gets bit?

First GET YOUR DOG VACCINATED! There is now a rattlesnake venom vaccine available for dogs!

It’s WELL worth the cost especially if you like to take your dogs hiking or live in or around a popular snake site. ! Contact your vet to see if they carry the Vaccine.

If you DO encounter a rattlesnake when you are with your dog:
FREEZE when you hear the rattlesnake!
See where the snake is located and then look carefully to make sure there is only one snake
Slowly back away until you are no longer within striking distance (at least half the snakes length) and until the snake stops rattling at you
Do what you can to keep your dog from attacking the snake, but do not put yourself in danger
And whatever you do, DO NOT attempt to handle the snake!

What are the symptoms of a rattlesnake bite in dogs?

Animals suspected of being bitten by a rattlesnake should have immediate veterinary attention even if the bite occurred several hours earlier. Antivenom is mostly available at the Emergency Clinics in the Valley. You should contact your vet to see if they have it available, if not, you will know to go straight to the ER.

Many times the owners of dogs that get bitten by a rattlesnake are not there at the time of the bite. Signs that your pet has been bitten include:

puncture wounds (often bleeding)
immediate and severe pain
swelling at the site

The more severe signs may take up to several hours to appear and include:

hypotension and shock

lethargy and weakness

muscle tremors

and neurological signs including depressed respiration.

How are rattlesnake bites treated in dogs?

Another thing you can do is SNAKE PROOF your dog. Here is a local training facility that offers snake proofing.

SNAKE PROOFING YOUR DOG:
http://www.snakeproofing.com/

Johnson Ranch Animal Clinic DOES carry the anti-venom as well as the rattlesnake vaccine. Call now if your dog needs his!
480-987-4555

Pet Obesity Awareness Day!

2011-10-13T07:00:00.001-07:00

By Rikki Schmidt

We posted this article a couple months ago but in honor of "Pet Obesity Awareness Day" we thought we'd put it out there once again due to it's importance. Thank you!

Just like humans, pets are getting fatter. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, (http://www.petobesityprevention.com/)

fifty-four percent of dogs and cats are now overweight or obese. While some weight gains can be the result of medical conditions such as thyroid problems, most pets can blame their best friend for their spare tire, love handles and less than svelte figure. Reasons why pets are fat are similar to why people are fat- the wrong kind of food, too much of it and not enough exercise.

Pet owners may become too busy and stop walking their dogs regularly. They may reward them frequently with fattening treats or let sleeping cats lie. Sometimes the problem is situational. A pet may get out of the routine of regular exercise if they are recovering from surgery and have to remain sedentary while they are healing. Then there is the “It’s August in Arizona” excuse and our high temperatures and humidity and late afternoon monsoons may have put an end to the daily before-dinner walks.

Being overweight can lead to a lot of health problems for your pet including osteoarthritis; insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure; heart and respiratory diseases; and joint problems. If your fat pet has bad hips, elbows and knees it may be caused by the excess weight which puts a strain on the joints.

When the veterinarian asks pet owners how much they are feeding their pets, owners often insist it’s “just a cup of food,” but that cup may be a Big Gulp not a measuring cup. And they may not mention the treats, rawhide bones or the table scraps the pet eats throughout the day which adds to the total caloric intake.

Here are some easy steps to help get your pet into shape:

-Got a fat cat? Try a laser pointer or a feather teaser to get your cat up and moving around or give him a toy mouse to play with.

So Low, courtesy of Kim Mac.

-Too hot to walk outside? If you have a treadmill you can teach your dog to walk on it.
Got a long hallway? Throw a favorite toy down it for your dog to retrieve and bring back.
-Don’t free-feed. Put the food dish down for only 20 minutes at meal time rather than leaving it out all day. Cut treats into bite size sections rather than the entire piece. Even better, replace commercial treats with healthier selections such as carrots, celery sticks, and green beans.
Don’t give pets table scraps.

Your veterinarian can show you how to feel for your pet’s ribs to identify weight problems, and recommend some excellent pet foods specifically designed to help your overweight furry friend shed the pounds.
And you can always bring your dog into the clinic be weighed at no charge to keep track of his progress.

Courtesy of A Dogs Life Photo: http://www.adogslifephoto.com//

Thank you for being responsible pet owners!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

2011-10-10T07:00:00.021-07:00

Please help me Celebrate the 2011

National Veterinary Technician Week!

http://www.navta.net/

Courtesey of A Dog's Life Photography

The theme of this year's NVTW is "Pets and Vets need Techs". Celebrating for one week every year solidifies the yearly commitment every veterinary technician gives to the profession of veterinary technology, veterinary assisting and veterinary medicine.

Do you know what a Veterinary Technician really does?

Studies show that over 80% of pet owners have no idea what a Veterinary Technician does or has had to do to become one.

I’d like to show you a little bit about what it takes to become a Veterinary Technician and then some. Our focus will be on Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVT's).

Veterinary Technicians are typically people that, who for as long as they can remember, wanted to work with animals. In one way or another, animals inundated their lives. It is their passion, their love, their life’s work.

Veterinary Technicians work harder than most people recognize. They do not have just one job. They have countless.

You will find them working as pet dental hygienists, surgical assistants, radiologist technicians, pharmacy technicians, laboratory technicians, exam room technicians, anesthesiologist assistants and client service representatives.

As a member of the veterinary healthcare team, veterinary technicians are educated in the latest medical advances and skilled at working alongside veterinarians to give pets the best medical care possible. They work closely with the veterinarians, veterinary assistants, practice managers, patients and owners to provide the essential link with all involved in the care process. Many veterinary technicians go on to be practice managers, hospital coordinators, student trainers, and public speakers.

There are over sixty accredited programs throughout the United States which provide intensive study of the skills and knowledge to work competently as a Veterinary Technician, including, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, clinical techniques, pharmacology, anesthesiology, surgical and medical nursing, radiology and clinical pathology training;

It is extremely important that each veterinary technician maintain certification, registration or license through the successful completion of a national and or state examination, practice lifelong learning through continuing education, bi-annual certification fees and uphold high ethical standards.

Students who study and graduate at one of the 2 or 4 year accredited programs are eligible to sit for the National and State Veterinary Technician Exam. They are hard tests to pass, even with college. The Exams allow students to take the test a total of 5 times and on average, statistics show only a few pass the first time.

Kendra, Vet Assistant

When you see a veterinary technician in your pet’s animal clinic it’s important to remember that it is also the technician who is commonly obtaining your pet’s blood sample, taking x-rays, filling prescriptions, preparing for surgery, placing an IV catheter, monitoring anesthesia, performing dental procedures including taking before and after pictures, charting the mouth, and taking the oral x-rays. Technicians also call patients the following day after their exam.

Tim, Vet Assistant

Johnson Ranch is proud to employ two Certified Veterinary Technicians!
Kim MacCrone and Christy Jax. Christy currently works full time and Kim part time. Each contribute to the success of JRAC!

Kim and Christy, CVT's

To read more about each of them please go to our business website..... http://www.jrvets.com/. Technician's must be great organizers! They must make sure that a full schedule continues to run smoothly even when the unexpected emergency or walk-in exam shows up.

They must prioritize the days tasks.

They must be thorough in completing each patients medical record by the end of the day and prepare for the next day.

This may seem abundant but it’s a typical day in the life of a veterinary technician.
Often clinics employee 2-4 technicians and the case load can be heavy. They perform many of these duties to each patient on their own but under the direct supervision of the veterinarian.

Veterinary Technicians are trained to educate you on your pet’s health needs. They attend Continued Education Classes throughout the year to maintain the certificate and to keep up to date on the ever changing medical field.

They are the shoulder to cry on when you’ve just lost your pet. They are the client advocate. They are your pet’s “away from home” loving nurse.

They are educated, professional, hard workers who are often underpaid and underutilized.
Many find their niche as a technician best because they like to manage, facilitate and take care of the doctors they work for. They have no interest in being a doctor, or they would’ve.

They are usually exceptional organizers and “out-of-the-box” thinkers. They are typically the people who create and implement any events or promotions that their practice holds. They do what they do best so that the doctors can do what they do best, perform surgery, diagnose and prescribe. Without veterinary technicians a veterinary clinic would not be as efficient of a practice.

They are a big part of the heart and soul of the animal clinic!
So next time you visit your Veterinarian please take a minute and thank a Technician for what they do as well.
After all…. It’s all that they are doing that is making your visit extraordinary!

Hug your technician today!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

Kim T., Vet Assistant

National Pet Wellness Month

2011-10-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Wellness Exam Checklist

According to the AVMA, (American Veterinary Medical Association) the following are the most important health screenings For cats and dogs. Twice yearly exams help your pet's Veterinarian diagnose, treat and hopefully prevent problems before they become a concern.

Adult dogs (1-6 years)

Immunizations

Parasite check

Heartworm check

Dental health

Additional exams for senior dogs (7+ years)

Osteoarthritis check

Chest radiograph

Blood Panel/Urinalysis

Adult cats (1-6 years)

Immunizations

Parasite check

Heartworm check

Dental health

Additional exam for senior cats (7+ years)

Osteoarthritis check

Renal disease screen

Blood Panel/Urinalysis
Blood pressure check

Courtesy of http://www.npwm.com/

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! If your pet is in need of a medical or comprehensive exam please call today so we can schedule you promptly! 480-987-4555

Champion Employee!!

2011-09-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our very own staff member, Linda Mundt recently took home the Grand Champion, Children/AA 2'9 Hunter Division at West World, with her new horse "Kodiak Kid"!

We are so proud of Linda and Kodiak!
Linda started her horse show season last weekend, September 24th and commenced their season with flying colors!

Way to go Linda and Kodiak!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

In Participation of "World Rabies Day 2011"

2011-09-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

What is Rabies?

We all know that we are required to vaccinate our puppies and dogs for it, but do you really know what Rabies is??

(Cats are not required to be vaccinated by law but it is HIGHLY recommended!!)

Rabies is an acute encephalitis (infection of the brain) caused by a viru.

Transmission can be by a bite, scratch, open wound or mucous membrane to saliva. The virus attacks the Central Nervous System Tissues and travels along to the nerves of the brain. Once in the brain, the effects are seldom reversible and usually fatal.

Incubation time varies from 20-90 days after exposure. This depends on the severity of the bite, location and age of the victim. Incubation may be shorter to bites above the waist, head, neck, and even fingertips. Typically children have a faster onset of symptoms.

dumb form

There are two manifestations of the virus. The “dumb” form and the “furious” form.

The “dumb” form refers to a paralytic form (or wild animals behaving friendly) while the “furious” form is when an animal is more likely to act wild and bite

Javelina, Raccoons, Fox,Coyotes, Bats and Skunks can all be hosts for this virus.

There is also “Urban Rabies” which is spread through unvaccinated domestic dogs and cats and “Rural Rabies” which is spread through the wild animals noted above.

Prevention consists of immunization for the virus by your Veterinarian. Wild life ownership is discouraged since many exotic animals can be infected with rabies.

Rabies is a serious disease. Over 55,000 people will die this year from rabies and most of those people are under the age of 15.

Keep your kids safe!

Educate them!

In Arizona it is not uncommon to see Bats.

Tell your kids that “Yes! Bats can give your Rabies!” If your kids see a bat, tell them to leave it alone.

Most bats do not have rabies but you cannot tell just by looking at it. If you wake up to a bat in your home tell your kids not to chase it but to get an adult. Bats only come out when the sun is down. Therefore, if you see a bat when the sun is out, or one that can’t move, there is probably something wrong with it.

Unfortunately you can’t tell if an animal has rabies by just looking at it.

A clue though is if the animal is acting strangely.
Some animals may act mad when they have rabies. They may try to bite you or other animals. In movies, animals with rabies look like they are foaming at the mouth. What´s really happening is that the rabies makes them have more saliva and that makes them drool.

Other animals may act timid or shy when they have rabies. This is the most common kind. A wild animal might move slowly or act tame.

You might be able to easily get close to it. Since that´s not the way wild animals usually act, you should remember that something could be wrong.
The best thing to do is to never feed or get close to a wild animal. Be careful of other people’s pets that you don’t know. If you see a stray dog or cat, don´t pet it or call it to you.

And if any animal is acting strangely, get an adult and have them call your local animal control officer for help.If your child or you do get bit, wash the wound well with soap and water and head straight to your family doctor!

If the adult can SAFELY catch the bat, take it with to the doctor so that the doctor can have it tested for rabies.
If he doesn’t, then no worries!

If it tests positive for rabies, the person bit will receive a series of shots to make sure that the person bit does not get rabies too!

Don’t worry; they are only as painful as the typical flu shot. The only way doctors can know for sure if an animal or a person has rabies is to do a laboratory tests.

So, if your pet requires a Rabies Vaccine and you’ve been putting it off, please, do so no longer!
Make your appointment with your Veterinarian Today!

Please click her to find more information on World Rabies Day. Go to the "Education" tab to the far right of the top part of the page. www.worldrabiesday.org.

Thank you for being responsible pet owners!

Is Your Pet Itching for a Scratch?

2011-09-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

Rikki Schmidt

Late August into September mark the beginning of peak allergy season for many pets, and the warm weather and recent monsoon rains are perfect ingredients to produce a bumper crop of allergens that can make life miserable for your pet. Pets, like people can be allergic to grass, cactus, trees and certain pollens but while our symptoms are typically itchy, watery eyes and runny nose animals respond to allergens with itchy skin. This is due to the fact that their skin is the primary organ that responds to environmental factors.

In addition to excessive scratching and licking, a dog suffering from allergies may also bite their feet and rub their muzzles on furniture and carpeting. Their tummy may be red and irritated and bald patches may appear on their skin. Recurring ear infections can also be a symptom of allergies.

The areas where the dog has been constantly scratching or licking can become infected. Some dogs will also have yeast infections between their toes and in the skin folds of their groin and armpits, since yeast like warm, dark moist areas. This becomes a vicious cycle since the infections are frequently itchier than the allergy that triggered the licking in the first place causing your pet to scratch even more aggressively.

But before treating the allergy, your veterinarian must determine that it is not another health problem such as microscopic parasites, fungal infections, fleas and ticks. If it is an allergy the treatment involves managing the underlying itchiness and curing any secondary infections that occur. For mild cases, antihistamines and omega-3 fatty acids will control most of the symptoms. More serious cases may require stronger oral and injectable steroids. Since these medications can have significant side effects it is best if they are used short term. If your pet has allergies year-round, other options need to be considered. Some dogs and cats have a food allergy so special diets may be needed. Allergy testing can be performed to determine what your pet is allergic to and injections can be prepared to desensitize the body over time to the allergens the pet is exposed to.

Some animals respond extremely well to a medication called cyclosporine. The drug reduces the body's immune response to the environmental or food triggers that lead to itching. It works relatively quickly and most dogs can be placed on a lower dose once the allergies are controlled. However, like many medications it can have some serious side effects and close monitoring by your veterinarian will be needed.

If we’re lucky, this fall’s allergy season will be mild, but if your dog or cat is exhibiting symptoms get the animal to your veterinarian before it gets worse. In addition to not wanting your pet to suffer, once infections and sores develop the problem is harder to treat, takes longer and is more expensive.

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

Fat Cat and Rover the Overeater – Obesity in Pets

2011-09-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

By Rikki Schmidt

We posted this article a couple months ago but in honor of "Pet Obesity Awareness Day" we thought we'd put it out there once again due to it's importance. Thank you!

Just like humans, pets are getting fatter. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, (www.petobesityprevention.com)
fifty-four percent of dogs and cats are now overweight or obese. While some weight gains can be the result of medical conditions such as thyroid problems, most pets can blame their best friend for their spare tire, love handles and less than svelte figure. Reasons why pets are fat are similar to why people are fat- the wrong kind of food, too much of it and not enough exercise.

Pet owners may become too busy and stop walking their dogs regularly. They may reward them frequently with fattening treats or let sleeping cats lie. Sometimes the problem is situational. A pet may get out of the routine of regular exercise if they are recovering from surgery and have to remain sedentary while they are healing. Then there is the “It’s August in Arizona” excuse and our high temperatures and humidity and late afternoon monsoons may have put an end to the daily before-dinner walks.

Being overweight can lead to a lot of health problems for your pet including osteoarthritis; insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure; heart and respiratory diseases; and joint problems. If your fat pet has bad hips, elbows and knees it may be caused by the excess weight which puts a strain on the joints.
When the veterinarian asks pet owners how much they are feeding their pets, owners often insist it’s “just a cup of food,” but that cup may be a Big Gulp not a measuring cup. And they may not mention the treats, rawhide bones or the table scraps the pet eats throughout the day which adds to the total caloric intake.

Here are some easy steps to help get your pet into shape:

-Got a fat cat? Try a laser pointer or a feather teaser to get your cat up and moving around or give him a toy mouse to play with.

So Low, courtesy of Kim Mac.

-Too hot to walk outside? If you have a treadmill you can teach your dog to walk on it.

Got a long hallway? Throw a favorite toy down it for your dog to retrieve and bring back.

-Don’t free-feed. Put the food dish down for only 20 minutes at meal time rather than leaving it out all day. Cut treats into bite size sections rather than the entire piece. Even better, replace commercial treats with healthier selections such as carrots, celery sticks, and green beans.

Don’t give pets table scraps.

Your veterinarian can show you how to feel for your pet’s ribs to identify weight problems, and recommend some excellent pet foods specifically designed to help your overweight furry friend shed the pounds.
And you can always bring your dog into the clinic be weighed at no charge to keep track of his progress.

Courtesy of A Dogs Life Photo: http://www.adogslifephoto.com/

Thank you for being responsible pet owners!

THE TEN WORST EXCUSES NOT TO SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET

2011-09-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

THE TEN WORST EXCUSES NOT TO

SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET

1. “Just one Litter and then we’ll have “Fluffy” spayed. (studies show that the entire pet overpopulation stems from the “just one litter” mentality.)

2. “My dog doesn’t run loose, so he doesn’t need to be fixed.” (Murphy’s Law says otherwise.)

3. “We always find homes for the kittens/puppies.” (And that means that an equal number of kittens or puppies at the pound will be killed.)

4. “I want the children to witness the miracle of birth.” (Rent a video. Oh yes, and also make sure they witness the killing of innocent recently “birthed” kittens and puppies.)

5. “My dog is so cute and unique; there should be more of her.” (The shelters and pounds are full of cute and unique pets, most with only a few days to live.)

6. “It’s not natural.” (There hasn’t been anything “natural” about dogs since we began to develop breeds thousands of years ago.)

7. “I just couldn’t look my dog in the eye if I had him castrated.” (Watch it, you’re anthropomorphizing.)

8. “A female dog or cat should have at least one litter for health reasons.” (Medically, factually and ethically, indefensible.) (You actually reduce the chances of testicular, mammory and uterine cancer if spayed or neutered.)

9. “Neutering my dog will make him fat and lazy.” (Too much food and not enough exercise make a dog fat and lazy.)

10. “Fixing my pet will change it’s personality.” (The primary influences on an animal’s personality are the kindness and care with which it is raised.)
If your pet is not spayed or neutered please make an appointment with your Veterinarian today and get it done! Thank you for promoting responsible pet ownership!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

Only Drug That Treats Heartworm No Longer Available

2011-08-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

By Rikki Schmidt

If ever there was a reason to get your dog on heartworm preventative, this is it.

The only heartworm treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in dogs that have contracted the deadly disease is temporarily unobtainable and it is not known when the drug will again become available.

The drug, Immiticide, used to treat dogs who have contracted heartworm, is an arsenic compound that kills adult worms.

It should not be confused with the once a month heartworm preventative which goes by many brand names and remains readily available.

News of the situation came to light in early August when veterinarians received a letter from the drug maker, Merial, warning of a shortage that could last for several weeks or months. That notice caused a run on the remaining inventory. Recently, a spokesperson for Merial has now confirmed that they are “officially out” of Immiticide.

The trouble started in 2010 when Merial reported that its U.S. supplier was having difficulty obtaining the product’s active ingredient and the FDA was reluctant to let Merial’s overseas supplier fill American orders. However it has been stated that this recent situation is not related to last year’s problems, rather it concerns technical issues in manufacturing the finished product.

Meanwhile veterinarians treating sick dogs are turning to a heartworm preventative and doxycycline to manage the disease. This alternative is less than ideal since the preventative can cause reactions in dogs already infected and the drugs do not treat the main problem which are the adult worms.

Treating an infected dog is not easy. Activity must be severely restricted to reduce the chances of a blood clot. Exercise increases the heart rate which raises the risk that fragments of dead worms in blood vessels could cause a thromboembolism.

Most heartworm cases are diagnosed before dogs show any symptoms, usually during a routine exam. The once a month preventative was considered an optional choice for dog owners in the greater Phoenix area since heartworm is not as prevalent here as in other cities.

However the number of cases are increasing and now with no medication on hand, more sick dogs will go untreated and more mosquitoes will get infected and pass the disease on.

Even when the drugs were available, the arsenic-based treatment for heartworm was difficult, dangerous, lengthy and expensive.

Now, even that is not an option to combat this deadly disease.

It is recommended that dog owners get their dogs tested and get them on preventative as soon as possible.

If you would like to schedule your dogs Heartworm Test today please call us at 480-987-4555.

Thank you for being responsible pet owners!

Poisonous Plants to cats

2011-08-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Cats and kittens love to chew on grass and other plants!

Unfortunately some of these are dangerous! Some only cause mild symptoms, diarrhea, vomiting, others can cause organ failure and even death.

Pet owners need to be aware and take the steps to protecting their cats from these plants. If you have plants in the house you should know the name of them. Some plants have different common names depending on the area of the country in which you live. Please make sure you know what you have!

If you think your pet has chewed or eaten one of these plants, please contact the poison control center for advice.

The ASPCA National Animal Control Center hotline number is:
1-888-426-4435.
There is a $60 case fee that will be billed to your credit card.

The following are some of these poisonous and dangerous plants.

• Aloe Vera

• Amaryllis

• Apple Seeds

• Apricot Pits

• Asparagus Fern (a popular one in many yards!)

• Azalea

• Bird of Paradise

• Begonia

• Black Lotus

• Bleeding Heart

• Boston Ivy

• California Poppy

• Calla Lilly

• Cherry seeds, leaves and pits

• Chinese Evergreens

• Chives

• Christmas Rose

• Chrysanthemum

• Corn Plant

• Daffodil

• Delphinium

• Easter Lilly

• Elderberry

• Elephant Ears

• Eucalyptus

• Four O”Clock

• Fox Glove

• German Ivy

• Gladiola

• Hemlock

• Honeysuckle

• Iris

• Ivy

• Japanese Yew

• Jimson Weed

• Jonquil

• Kalanchoe

• Lantana

• Larkspur

• Laurel

• Lily and Lily of the Valley

• Lupine

• Marigold

• Milkweed

• Mistletoe

• Morning Glory

• Mushrooms

• Narcissus

• Nightshade

• Oak Tree Buds and Acorns

• Oleander

• Onions

• Peace Lily

• Peach Leaves and Pits

• Philodendron

• Poinsetta

• Poison Ivy

• Poison Oak

• Poison Sumac

• Poppy

• Potato (all green parts)

• Rhododendron

• Rhubarb

• Ribbon Cactus

• Star of Bethlehem

• Stinkweed

• Tomato Plant (entire plant except ripe fruit)

• Tobacco

• Umbrella Tree

• Weeping Gig

• Wisteria

• Yew

For a complete list please visit http://www.aspca.org/. under their PET CARE Tab at the top of the page.

Thank you!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners!

Pets Need Disaster Plans too!

2011-08-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Yes we live in Arizona and not too often are we confronted with Nationwide Flooding, Earthquakes, Tornados, etc., etc. But what about those of you who may live in those regions that are their now? In lue of the Hurricane Season, if you happen to be traveling to one of the states that could possibly be faced with a National Disaster, please keep this list in mind if you own a cat or dog.

Stay Safe!

Emergency Disasters such as Earth Quakes, Tornados, Floods, etc.

The Following Preparedness list was found on the National Disaster Hotline Website.

Current Health Records for each pet with current Rabies Vaccination Certificate
Portable Pet carrier/s
First Aid Kit
List of Pet Friendly Facilities
Flea/Tick Prevention

• (1)Food pouch - vacuum sealed 5yr. shelf life, dog or cat, or both

• (6) Water Pouches - 5yr. shelf life, 3 day supply

• (10) Water Purification Tablets - 1 tablet purifies 1 liter of unsanitary water

• (2) Travel Bowls Great for when you are on the move

• (1) Collar - Adjusts from shortest length of 11 3/4" to longest 14 3/4"

• (1) Deluxe Leash/s durable 48 inch woven leash

• (1) 18-Hour Warmer - put the comfort of instant warmth under your pets blanket or bed.

• (1) BURNFREEÂ Single Dose 1/8 oz. - Add instant relief and halt the progress of burn injuries. Water based. Contains no drugs.

• (1) 12 Hour Green Emergency Light sticks to break in half, no more dead batteries

• (1) Nylon Cord 50 ft - create runner or tie down to rescue your pet

• (12) Sanitation Bags - maintain sanitary conditions.

• (1) Soft Bone Toy - Leopard spot soft bone toy, 8" long

• (1) Tennis Ball on Rope - Dogs love this kind of toy and play tug-o-war

FOR CATS:

• Pack of 4 Furry Mice

• (1) Cat Teaser

• Soft, warm fleece blanket

• (2) Pet Rescue Window Decals
• (1) Pet Disaster Guide

• (1) Packaged in a Reflective Stripe Water Resistant Sportpack- stay on the safe side at night with bright and clear stripes warning motorists and others of your presence.

We hope you never need to use but want you to remain prepared and safe!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners!

Doggie Training

2011-08-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

by: Rikki Schmidt

(pictures shared by the web and Foxie, Rikki's dog)

Did you know that number one cause of death for pet dogs is behavior problems not medical conditions? People love their dogs but often they don’t love the excessive barking, jumping, aggression, chewing, running off and not being housebroken.

And that can result in dogs being turned over to shelters and eventually euthanized.

When it comes to dog training there are many opportunities available to pet owners. Puppy “kindergarten” and adult dog obedience classes are offered through pet stores, community parks and recreation departments, dog groups and kennel clubs.

Private trainers, who provide one-on-one instruction, can come to your house and observe the home environment as well as the family’s interaction and the dog’s behavior. This helps to identify the root of the behavior problem and correct it more quickly.

You can teach an old dog new tricks, and a young one as well. But it’s not about tricks, it’s about socialization. With proper training, a puppy can be housebroken, sit, stay, lie down and come by the time they are 4-5 months old. And, if a dog gets loose, “Come” is especially important, to prevent the dog from running off or venturing out into the street. Two cases in point…

One day, while driving to our friends’ home, I noticed a “Lost Dog” sign on a nearby light pole. Soon after that, while sitting on their back patio, I saw a large tan dog, walking alone on the other side of the view fence. He looked nervously at me but ran away up the hill when called to him. Since the description on the sign matched the dog perfectly, I called the number and told the woman who answered, “I think I spotted your dog.” The woman showed up almost immediately and although she called and called and squeaked the dog’s favorite toy, he never came back. We subsequently found out the year old mastiff was “not really trained” and skittish around people. And of course with a dog that large, many people would be skittish around him.

Foxy, the little abandoned dog we adopted, was probably about 2 years old when we found her yet she was not housebroken or responsive to basic commands. With the help and advice of local trainers she soon became an absolute delight, well-behaved and eager to please. One day she wandered, unnoticed, out the front door. Although only minutes passed before I realized she was gone, by the time I ran outside and spotted her, she was fearlessly strolling towards a coyote who was just standing there, sizing her up.

“Foxy, COME!,” I screamed hysterically, and the little dog responded instantly, just as she had been taught, eagerly bounding back towards the house, unaware that she had been very close to becoming someone’s lunch.

This is how training can save a dog’s life, as well as making him a good member of your family. So if it’s “Dogs Gone Wild” at your house, ask your veterinarian for recommendations on dog training. There’s a method just right for you and your pet.

http://www.jrvets.com/. Call now for your consultation! 480-987-4555

Thank you for being responsible pet owners!

Snakes got you rattled?

2011-07-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

Western Diamond Back

by: Rikki Schmidt

Of the 15 various species of rattlesnakes found in the United States, 11 are in Arizona, more than any other state. While some people live their entire lives here without ever seeing one, others seem to trip over rattlesnakes everywhere they go. And now, as warm weather approaches, these snakes are waking up from their long winter’s nap- cranky and hungry and on the prowl. This means the chances for a snake-person, or snake-pet encounter are increasing.

Az Mountain King Snake

When it comes to rattlesnake bites, the pet involved is usually a curious dog. Cats can get bitten too but seem to be more wary (cat lovers would say “smarter”) around snakes. Rattlesnake bites can take a heavy toll on a pet’s health as well as an owner’s wallet. The venom destroys tissue and affects the nervous system. It can even result in death. And antivenin doesn’t come cheap. Sometimes a bitten animal needs more than one vial.

Az Coral Snake

A rattlesnake vaccine is now available, and like a tetanus shot, acts as a preventative, building up antibodies prior to an attack. The vaccine is administered by injection in two doses, one month apart. Booster shots are scheduled depending on the length of rattlesnake season in the area. However, even if a vaccinated pet is bitten, antivenin may still be recommended because there is no way of judging the amount or potency of the venom received, or how many antibodies have had a chance to build up.

The best treatment is prevention. Don’t let pets and snakes meet. Check your yard, even if it is walled, for snakes. Supervise your dog on walks; don’t let your pet run on ahead of you where he might “sniff out” a snake hiding in a crevice or under a rock. If your pet does get bitten, it is a medical emergency so go to a veterinarian as soon as possible. There is no first aid for snakebites

Glossy Snake

For those dogs who are “repeat offenders” and just can’t stay away from that rattler, “snake-proofing” your pet (which usually involves a shock collar) can be effective in training curious canines to keep their distance.

Remember an ounce of prevention is worth an ounce of antivenin.
For more information on rattlesnake vaccine and antivenin:
Call Johnson Ranch Animal Clinic, 480-987-4555.

Snake bites can be extremely dangerous to household pets.
The ASPCA offers the following tips to help keep your pet out of danger.
"A snake bite is always considered an emergency, because even a bite from a nonvenomous snake can be dangerous,” says Dr. Safdar Kahn, Director of Toxicology at the ASPCA Poison Control Center in Urbana, IL, who offers the following bite prevention tips:

Walk your pet on a leash.
Steer your pet clear of long grasses, bushes and rocks.
Tidy up your yard by clearing away undergrowth, toys and tools that make great hiding places for snakes.

Banded Sand Snake

Clean up spilled food, fruit or bird seed, which can attract rodents—and therefore snakes—to your yard.
A snake can strike from a distance equal to about half his body length, so if you see a snake, head back the way you came.
If you think your pet has been bitten, keep him calm by limiting his activity.

If you think your pet has been bitten by a snake, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at 1-888-426-4435

Thank you for being responsible pet owners!

Felines At the Vet’s office- Like Herding Cats

2011-07-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

By Rikki Schmidt

Did you know there are 10 million more pet cats than dogs in the United States ..about 82 vs. 72 million . But most people don't take their kitties in for regular checkups. In fact, dogs go to the veterinarian twice as often as their feline counterparts.

Why?
There are several reasons. Some people think if their cat doesn’t need shots there’s no reason to go. But cats should be seen at least once a year so they can be checked out. During a "nose to tail" physical exam the veterinarian will visually examine the cat looking for signs of disease or anything unusual. This includes feeling the skin for lesions or bumps, checking the ears for parasites, such as ear mites, the eyes for general retinal health and the mouth for signs of tartar or gum disease. The vet will also listen to the cat's heart and lungs and weigh the cat. Obesity is a common problem, especially in older indoor cats

When it comes to shots it depends on the cat’s lifestyle. Kittens usually receive a series of vaccinations for distemper, upper respiratory disease, and rabies. But cats are not necessarily routinely vaccinated for other infectious diseases, such as feline leukemia. Outdoor cats however, are at a higher risk of diseases in general, including viral and parasitic infections. And indoor cats that occasionally sneak outside are often unprotected from infectious diseases too. Vaccines for other diseases can vary from annually to every three years, depending on the cat, the type of vaccine and your veterinarian’s philosophy. So when it comes to vaccines, rather than a “onesize fits all” recommendation, each cat is viewed as an individual.

Another reason cats make rare public appearances at the vet’s is because getting them out of the house is often an ordeal. While some cats seem agoraphobic in general and owners literally have to pry their claws off the doorpost, other cats have figured out that when the cat carrier shows up nothing good is about to happen.

To reduce a cat’s stress level, it’s best to start early. Socialize your kitten as soon as possible so it is comfortable around new people, other animals and different situations. Take your kitten for a car rides. Keep the cat carrier in plain view all the time so it becomes innocuous, or, if this goes against your decorating style, bring the carrier out occasionally and make it a safe, fun place for your feline, filled with toys and treats.

Shared by YouTube:

Before bringing the cat into the veterinary clinic, cover the carrier with a towel or blanket to keep the cat calm and away from the prying eyes of the curious canines in the waiting room. It’s not uncommon for healthy cats to live into their late teens, so make sure your cat gets routine veterinary care.

Call now to schedule your cat's appointment! 480-987-4555. Thank you for being responsible pet owners!

Do Dogs get Valley Fever?

2011-07-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

Yes! Dogs are quite susceptible to getting Valley Fever!

Dogs primarily contract Valley Fever in the low desert regions of Arizona, New Mexico and southwestern Texas and the central deserts of California. Dogs accompanying people traveling through these areas or wintering in these warm climates have about the same chance as their owners of being infected.

With the recent Monsoon activity, doctors say there will likely be increased cases of Valley Fever in people as well as in Dogs!

Valley Fever is caused by a fungus that lives in the desert soil. As part of its life cycle, the fungus grows in the soil and matures, drying into fragile strands of cells. The strands are very delicate, and when the soil is disturbed - by digging, walking, construction, high winds - the strands break apart into tiny individual spores called arthroconidia or arthrospores. Dogs and people acquire Valley Fever by inhaling these fungal spores in the dust raised by the disturbance. The dog may inhale only a few spores or many hundreds.

Once inhaled, the spores grow into spherules (parasitic cycle) which continue to enlarge until they burst, releasing hundreds of endospores. Each endospore can grow into a new spherule, spreading the infection in the lungs until the dog's immune system surrounds and destroys it. The sickness Valley Fever occurs when the immune system does not kill the spherules and endospores quickly and they continue to spread in the lungs and sometimes throughout the animal's body.

About 70% of dogs who inhale Valley Fever spores control the infection and do not become sick. These dogs are asymptomatic. The remainders develop disease, which can range from very mild to severe and occasionally fatal.

The most common early symptoms of primary pulmonary Valley Fever in dogs are:

• coughing

• fever

• weight loss

• lack of appetite

• lack of energy

Some or all of these symptoms may be present as a result of infection in the lungs. As the infection progresses, dogs can develop pneumonia that is visible on x-rays.

Sometimes the coughing is caused by pressure of swollen lymph nodes near the heart pressing on the dog's windpipe and irritating it. These dogs often have a dry, hacking or honking kind of cough and the swollen lymph nodes can be seen on x-rays.

When the infection spreads outside the lungs, it causes disseminated disease. The most common symptom of disseminated disease in dogs is lameness; the fungus has a predilection for infecting bones of the legs in dogs.

However, Valley Fever can occur in almost any organ of dogs. Signs of disseminated Valley Fever can include:
• lameness or swelling of limbs

• back or neck pain, with or without weakness/paralysis

• seizures and other manifestations of brain swelling

• soft abscess-like swelling under the skin

• swollen lymph nodes under the chin, in front of the shoulder blades, or behind the stifles

• non-healing skin ulcerations or draining tracts that ooze fluid

• eye inflammation with pain or cloudiness

• unexpected heart failure in a young dog

• swollen testicles

Sometimes a dog will not have any signs of a primary infection in the lungs, such as coughing, but will only develop symptoms of disseminated disease, e.g., lameness, seizures. Very few of the signs of Valley Fever are specific to this disease alone and your veterinarian will do tests to determine that your dog's illness is Valley Fever and to rule out other causes.
Read more here.....

FAQ – Is Valley Fever contagious from animal to animal or animal to human?

Valley Fever is considered a noncontagious disease. Even if multiple animals or humans are affected in a household, each infection was acquired by inhaling spores from the soil.

Coughing cannot spread it between animals or people. In the case of draining lesions, the form of the organism in the fluid is not considered to be infectious to people or animals. Nevertheless, such lesions are best handled by bandaging. Bandages should be changed daily or every other day and discarded in outside waste containers to minimize risk of should be changed daily or every other day and discarded in outside waste containers to minimize risk of contaminating the environment.

For immunocompromised persons living in a household with a pet that has a draining lesion, it is best to consult your physician regarding this issue.

Diagnosis of Valley Fever requires suspicion of the disease from the dog's history, its symptoms, and the results of examinations and tests performed by your veterinarian. If your dog has recently visited an area where the fungus can be acquired, telling your veterinarian about your dog's travel history can be very helpful in deriving the diagnosis.

In addition to examining your dog, your veterinarian is very likely to order diagnostic tests to help identify the Valley Fever infection. Common tests include:

• general blood tests and blood cell counts

• chest x-rays

• bone and joint x-rays

• Valley Fever blood test (also called cocci test, cocci serology, or cocci titer)

• When does my dog need a Valley Fever test?

• If your dog lives in a region where Valley Fever is typical, your dog could need a Valley Fever test for any illness that manifests the common clinical signs - coughing, fever, weight loss, etc. - or illnesses with vague signs that will not go away.

What is a Valley Fever test/titer and what does it mean?

A Valley Fever test, Cocci test, or Cocci titer checks the blood to see if your dog is making antibodies against the Valley Fever fungus. If the test is positive, it means your dog has been infected with the fungus.

If the Valley Fever test is positive, the laboratory then performs a titer. The titer measures how much antibody your dog is making against the fungus. A titer is obtained by doubling dilutions of the positive blood (1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32 . . .) until the test becomes negative. The titer that is reported to your veterinarian is the last positive dilution. The laboratories typically stop the titer at 1:256 and report the result as >1:256 if the dog's blood is still positive.

In broad terms, a higher titer is equated with more severe disease. However, some very sick animals have low titers, or even negative Valley Fever tests. For these dogs, other diagnostic tests are necessary for diagnosing the illness. X-rays, blood cell counts, biopsies, and microscopic examination of cellular specimens are a few of the tests your veterinarian may need to run.

Asymptomatic dogs (infected but not showing any illness) may also have low titers, such as 1:4 or 1:8, sometimes 1:16. The titer is helpful in diagnosing Valley Fever in sick dogs, but other tests are usually needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Titers usually reduce over time as the animal's disease regresses. Dogs that start with low titers (1:4 or less than 1:4) may undergo little change in the titer. This is probably not to be interpreted that your dog is not getting well. Monitoring your dog's symptoms and other tests, such as blood counts and x-rays, will be better determinants of improvement in cases with low titers.

Some dogs will remain positive with a low titer for life. Continued treatment and monitoring of these animals needs to be determined by your veterinarian on a case by case basis.

Will My Dog Recover From Valley Fever?

The good news is that most dogs, with adequate antifungal therapy, do recover from this disease, especially with early diagnosis and intervention. Dogs with infection only in the lungs have the best prognosis for recovery and usually respond the quickest to treatment. However, dogs can have extensive lung disease that is so severe and progressive that they require hospitalization, or surgery to remove diseased lung, or may die.

Dogs with disseminated infection almost always have a more guarded prognosis than dogs with uncomplicated lung disease. As with lung infections, it seems that the majority respond well to medication and lead normal lives, though they often require prolonged drug treatment (12-18 months). A small proportion of animals must take medication for life, and another small number, unfortunately, die of Valley Fever in spite of drug treatment.

Dogs with Valley Fever in the brain (seizures, etc) also carry a guarded prognosis. Among those that respond to medication, about 80%, most will remain well with fluconazole (Diflucan), but treatment may be required for life.

For dogs that are seriously ill, requiring hospitalization and supportive therapy, the prognosis can be grave. With aggressive treatment, possibly including intravenous antifungal medication, some dogs will get well.

In animals with severe bone infections and the pain that goes with them, pain relief will often provide the support needed to allow the Valley Fever medication time to take effect. Treatment of high fevers with anti-inflammatories is helpful, also, as fever reduction can improve the appetite and energy level of the dog. Pain medicine and anti-inflammatories can be prescribed by your veterinarian.

Some dogs do not recover in spite of everyone's best efforts, either due to the severity of illness at the time of diagnosis or because of long-standing, poorly responsive disease. Fortunately, these animals represent a minority of dogs with Valley Fever.

Statistics regarding how many dogs recover compared to those which do not are not available.

Stopping Treatment

Treatment of the Valley Fever in your dog is monitored by rechecks with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will examine your dog to look for improvement as well as performing blood tests and possibly x-rays to monitor progress and make sure the medication is not harming your dog. If your dog is very ill, rechecks may be frequent at first. As the disease stabilizes and recovery becomes apparent, your veterinarian will probably only need to evaluate your dog every 2-4 months.

It is very important to continue medicating your dog as directed until the veterinarian confirms that the blood tests are negative and tells you to stop medication. If you stop treating too soon, symptoms may recur. If symptoms recur after your dog is taken off medication, your veterinarian will probably recommend resuming treatment and may suggest the dog remain on medication for life.

FAQ – Can Valley Fever relapse and can dogs be reinfected?

Valley Fever is well known to relapse in both humans and dogs. In particular, cases of disseminated infection have a 30-50% rate of relapse in humans, no matter how well the initial infection was treated. It is not known how many canine cases of Valley Fever relapse, but relapses are not uncommon.

In the case of a relapse, a return to medication is usually enough to make symptoms subside, but the dog may require several additional months of treatment. Dogs that experience more than one relapse or get very sick with the relapse should probably have lifetime treatment with medication considered.

Reinfections in humans are documented only rarely. It is not known at this time whether dogs are susceptible to reinfection or whether recurring illness is always due to the original infection.

Shared by:

The Valley Fever Center for Excellence, located at the University of Arizona in Tucson

Thank you for being responsible pet owners!

Diagnostic testing by Rikki Schmidt

2011-07-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

No matter how well-equipped a veterinary clinic is, there are no Ouija boards, crystal balls, psychics or fortune tellers on site to tell you what is wrong with your pet. And since animals can't talk, veterinarians must rely on diagnostic testing to accurately determine why your pet is sick.

1. Testing is important because different diseases have similar symptoms.

- a cough could be relatively innocuous as kennel cough or could signal heart disease, infectious bronchitis, heartworm, valley fever, cancer, pneumonia or a collapsing trachea. You cannot tell what the disease is from the sound of the cough.

- lameness could mean a sprain or strain, dislocation of a joint, bruising, arthritis, cancer or valley fever.

- itching may be caused by microscopic parasites, allergies, bacterial infections, fungal infections, or fleas or ticks. And you can't tell by the appearance of the skin.

- Also, the same disease can look different at different stages.

2. What kind of tests are available?

In addition to a complete blood workup there are specific tests to identify specific diseases such as valley fever, heartworm and parvo.
Tests that evaluate the function of organs such as liver, kidney, and pancreas, won't identify the cause of the problem, just the organ that is not working right.

Imaging tests include x-rays, ultrasound, CT scans and MRIs. X-rays can see if the heart is enlarged, the lungs are abnormal or if there is a mass somewhere. They are good for looking at bones for fractures, dislocations, and arthritis but they don't show soft tissue like muscles or the brain. That's when the other tests may be needed.

Urine tests identify diabetes and infection or inflammation of the urinary tract.
Fecal tests check for intestinal parasites (worms, protozoans) Some of these intestinal parasites can be transmitted to people. Some of those are Roundworms, Hookworms and Tapeworms.

Cytology will look at cells inside ears, skin lesions, sores, and tumors under a microscope.
Tests for eye problems include an ocular pressure test for glaucoma as well as tear production tests and a special corneal stain that shows abrasions or scratches.

3. Additional testing means additional expenses.

This can be an issue during these difficult economic times. But diagnostics enable a veterinarian to correctly find, and diagnose a problem sooner before the condition worsens, making it even more expensive to treat, or perhaps to the point where it can no longer be effectively cured. In the long run, testing can save money and maybe even your pet's life.

Thank you for being responsible pet owners!

FOURTH OF JULY SAFETY FOR PETS

2011-06-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July is a fun time! For people that is…….

Most pets do not like Fourth of July.

Loud noises can frighten your pets. It is safer and less stressful for your pet if you leave him at home rather than taking him to a Fireworks Display.

Below are tips to help you keep your pet safe for your Fourth of July Celebration!

1. Keep your pets away from Sparklers, BBQ’s and Citronella Candles. If you can’t supervise your pet at all times, keep him indoors where he will be safe. Secure him in a quiet, pet proofed room with a tv playing or soft music to alleviate the noises from outside.

2. Do not apply any sunscreens or sprays to your pet that are not made specifically for him. If your yard has excessive insects that are bothering your pet, ask your local Veterinarian for a recommendation on pet safe insect repellants such as Front Line Plus and K9 Advantage.

3. Keep your pet Hydrated. Make sure to fill his bowl if he is going to be outside with you. Water bowls can tip over!

4. Do not place party favors, glow ropes or other festive party favorites on your pet. If digested they can cause severe health problems and even death!

5. Do not include your pet in Large Celebrations outside of your yard. Noise, Fireworks, alcohol and unsupervised ingestion of foods can be harmful to your pet. Do not ever bring them with you and leave them in the car!!
6. Make sure your pet has an ID Tag on his collar with CURRENT INFORMATION! Better yet, Microchip your pet! http://www.avidid.com/ http://www.homeagain.com/

7. If your pet’s must stay in the backyard, please make sure they cannot dig under the fence or jump Never chain your pet outside, if spooked, he could strangle himself.

8. Lastly, be patient! Be prepared for the Celebration by pet proofing your yard and your home.

The Fourth of July is one of the year’s biggest days that animals get lost. If your pet is microchipped and/or has an ID tag on with Current telephone numbers, you increase your chance of being reunited with him.

If you have taken every step to help your pet through this Celebrated Day and he is still a basket of nerves, you may need to consult with your Veterinarian for alternatives such as mild tranquilizers to keep your pet quite.

We know you will take every precaution to keep your pets safe this 4th of July! Thank you for being such good pet owners!

We will be Closed Monday, July 4th in Observence of the Holiday. We will resume business on Tuesday, July 5th at 8 am.
Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July from the Johnson Ranch Animal Clinic Doctors and Team

Business Phone: 480-987-4555

Thank you for being responsible pet owners!

Over weight Pets are Increasing!

2011-06-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS BEING SHARED BY THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDANT

Article written By Lisa Acho Remorenko "THE DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL ADOPTION SOLUTIONS"

The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that out of 54 million dogs and cats in the United States, more than one out of three is overweight. Compare that with the early 1970s, when less than one out of eight had a weight problem. Obesity can lead to such diseases as: osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and many forms of cancer. Fat in the abdomen can cause labored breathing that leads pets to have increased anesthetic complications. Activity can be difficult for very overweight pets and you will very often see a decrease in heat tolerance and stamina. In addition, studies show that lean pets have an increased life span of up to two years.

The first step in controlling pet obesity is identifying that it exists in your pet. Experts say that it is better to look at the appearance of each animal rather than at the weight of the animal. Dogs tend to carry their fat behind their front legs, along their back and at the base of their tail. Cats carry their fat along their lower abdomen.

Why are pets overweight?
The answer is the same for pets as well as for people: too many calories and not enough exercise.
If you determine that your pet is overweight, your veterinarian can work with you to develop a weight loss plan for your pet. The first obvious step is to eliminate table scraps and limit the treats. A high-quality pet food is essential, so be sure to read the ingredients. “By-products” are not as good as the real thing. Some experts believe a wet food only diet is the way to go as dry food has a higher fat and calorie content. Dr. Ward, author of Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs Are Getting Fatter — A Vet’s Plan to Save Their Lives, says that the most important stat on a dog-food label is the calorie count and suggests pet owners lay off the treats. Dr. Ward states that some treats contain as much as 10 percent of a pet’s calories. It’s like drinking a 200-calorie milkshake as a snack (which, unfortunately, some people do). As always, talk to your veterinarian before switching your pet’s food.
Aside from watching what your pet eats, you should also be concerned about exercise. Your dog should be getting at least 45 minutes of exercise each day. Cat owners aren’t off the hook; cats need 20 minutes of daily activity.

Tips for Exercising Your Cat
• Move the food bowl so it’s farther away from your cat’s normal hangout spots.
• Get your cat to chase feather toys, Ping-Pong balls, or a balled up piece of wax paper.
• Buy a remote-controlled toy mouse and get your cat to chase it around the house.
• If your cat is an only cat, consider adopting another kitty for companionship as well as to keep your cat moving.

Tips for Exercising Your Dog

• Run or rollerblade with your dog.

• Play fetch or Frisbee in the park.

• Take your dog to the beach and let him swim.

• Buy a Buster Cube to feed your dog. You place your dog’s kibble inside the cube and your dog must roll the cube to get his food out. For more information, visit www.dogtoys.com/bustercube.html.
When dealing with pet obesity, prevention is key. It can be hard to get pets to lose weight, especially if it is an arthritic pet that cannot exercise. Keeping animals at a steady weight is a much easier task. If pet owners follow the same advice their doctors give them, there would be fewer 23-pound cats on clearance at animal shelters. And that would be a good thing.

Thanks for letting us share this story with our readers!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners!

Heat Stroke in Pets

2011-06-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

Please keep your pet's safe this summer! Heat Stroke is being seen all around the Valley already.
If you are not familiar with Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke, please read the following carefully.

Summer Heat can be tough on our animals. It is important to remember a few things when it comes to keeping your pet safe in the summer.

First off, dogs do not sweat. Their only means to cooling off is by panting.

If panting does not reduce the body temperature he will develop Heat Stroke. The longer coat your dog has, the more heat it holds. You can clip your dog's hair coat short, but not too short as they can also get sun burn as well as it acts as an insulator.

The color of your dogs coat also has an impact on his ability to reflect the sun's rays. Black dogs of course, absorb more of the sun's rays than lighter colored coats.

What triggers Heat Exhaustion?
• age and condition of pet (overweight, geriatric)
• breed
• hair coat
• climate

The older dog, the younger dog and the short muzzled (brachycephalic) are among the highest at risk. Short muzzled dogs include the Boxer, the Boston Terrier, Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Pekingese, Shihtzus, Lhasas, Pugs, and many more. If you own a short muzzled dog, please be very careful as to how long they are outside! These dogs should remain indoor pets in the heat!

Heat Exhaustion can happen while you are out on a walk or in your own backyard.

The old saying is: "if the sidewalk is too hot for your feet, then it's too hot for your pet's.

We've all seen people on bikes with a dog on a leash next to them. Even when it's 100 degrees outside. The bike rider is usually leisurely peddling along completely oblivious to the danger his pet is in while trying to keep up . This is not fun for the pet, rather, the bike rider is unknowingly placing his pet in a dangerous position! If your pet enjoys bike riding with you, please do so at a slow pace and preferably in the early morning, before 5:30 am or late evening when it is not so hot. This goes for walking pets as well!
I've seen children outside at 3 pm in the afternoon walking an overheated pet. Why is this?

I know that dogs like to ride in cars, or at least some of them do, but don't, even for a second, leave your dog in a parked car in the Arizona summertime! It is a sure tragedy!

What are the first signs of Heat Exhaustion?

Excessive Panting

Rapid Breathing

The skin on the inside of the ears becomes flushed and red.

Heat Exhaustion can quickly turn into Heat Stroke as indicated by the following:

• Weakness
• Staggering
• Muscle Tremors
• Fainting and/or loss of consciousness

If your pet shows any of the signs above, you will need to try to cool him down!

Transport your pet to the nearest Veterinary Hospital

http://www.jrvets.com/

Some things you can do at home before Transporting your pet to the Veterinary Hospital.
Hose your dog down with cool water, NOT COLD WATER.

Apply an ice pack to the dogs head but make sure you don't place it directly on. Cover the Icepack with a hand towel.

Cover your pet with wet towels. Cover his entire body and head, making sure to keep the head out so you can continue to assess your pet's condition and to make sure he has not stopped breathing.

Pet's can go into Shock.

When a pet goes into Shock they can no longer regulate their Body Temperature. You will need to be careful to not lower your pet's temperature too fast (that is why you cool off with cool water and not cold water)
There are many Vitals that you can be looking at such as Heart Rate, Temperature, Capillary Refill Time, Pulse, Respiration.

BE PREPARED FOR YOUR PET TO STOP BREATHING.

If you Don't Know Pet CPR, this Summer would be a good time to learn. One of our Certified Veterinary Technician's is a Certified Pet CPR Instructor who holds Pet CPR and First Aid Classes as groups in the Queen Creek Area or private in-home classes, Valley wide. http://www.kimspetcpr.blogspot.com/ or http://www.vetekchiconwheels.com/

In the heat of the summer, limit your dog's time outside. Be sure to provide shade and have available a constant water supply. Keep in mind pet's can spill water bowls.

Thank you for being responsible pet owners!

Shared by Kim MacCrone, CVT.

JUNE IS ADOPT A CAT MONTH!

2011-06-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

Need a place to go to Adopt a Cat?

Well, there are many. If you are interested in adopting a cat this month...... note, I didn't say "kitten", you will find them by the numbers in all Valley Rescues and Shelters.
Why? Because when most people consider adding a feline to their family, they think of a kitten.
Start from scratch, let it grow up with the kids, and so forth, and so forth.

Kittens vs Adult Cats (now kittens, don't get upset, you have a great deal of exposure already to be adopted so this month it's dedicated to your elders, if you will)

Kitten:

Exceptionally cute and funny, especially when they arch their backs, jump and hiss at imaginary prey.
Playful almost all the time. Never a dull moment with a kitten in the house
Expensive..... yes, their first year can be. You must prepare for all kitten vaccines which is a series beginning at about 8 weeks of age until they 4 months old.
Testing for FeLv and Fiv (Feline leukemia and kitty Aids.)
After the kitten stage you are really not sure what type of personality he or she will have. What if kitty decides he doesn't like kids or dogs? Maybe you have "attack kitty" on your hands. One that doesn't like to be petted without turning around and biting?

Adult Cat:

Older cats who are offered for adoption by shelters or rescue agencies generally have had some training in house manners.

Older cats have learned what "no" means and how to leave the leather furniture alone and use a Cat Scratcher. (If they hadn't learned that, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" cats.)

Aside from any advantages an older cat is there any good reason to adopt an older cat instead of a kitten, who has his whole life ahead of him?

Just about everyone who enters a shelter is looking for a kitten or a young cat (under 3 yrs old). An older cat has the rest of his life in front of him. You can give that older cat the best years of his life while at the same time bringing a wonderful addition into your family.
You also may want to remember that kittens can live for up to 20 years. If you don't have that long to commit to an older cat may be perfect for you!
Do older cats have any "special needs"?

Well........With a health assessment of the cat from a Shelter Representative, you will know whether any age-related conditions are present and you can take appropriate measures to address them. Otherwise, older cats need all the things younger cats do -- good nutrition, exercise (although less intensive, usually, than for a younger cat), and regular visits to the vet. Veterinary attention and medication are needed at all ages and may or may not be more costly for an older cat.
So, why Adopt a Cat? There are many adult cats who have spent years.... yes, I said YEARS in shelters that are passed up day after day, week after week because people want a "kitten".

Shelter Representatives pretty much have an idea of these cats tempermant and all personality traits and are really good at matching them to the appropriate home.

If you are ready to consider adopting an adult cat there are many Valley Shelters.
Below is a very well known Facility located in Gilbert.
They will be promoting the adopting of adult cats and senior pets this month.

Website: www.azfriends.org

Canine Parvovirus- Deadly and Preventable

2011-06-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

By Rikki Schmidt

Parvo kills. It’s a messy, dangerous disease that no dog should get, since it’s cheap to protect against. Parvovirus affects puppies as well as unvaccinated or improperly vaccinated dogs attacking the lining of the digestive system, making it difficult to absorb nutrients or liquids. Puppies are especially prone to it because they have an immature immune system. Symptoms can begin 3-10 days after exposure, and include high fever, lethargy, depression, loss of appetite vomiting and bloody diarrhea with a strong and distinctive foul-smelling odor.

Carried by infected dogs, Parvo is highly contagious to unprotected dogs, and is easily transmitted. The virus is extremely hardy and can remain infectious on contaminated surfaces for five months or more. It can be brought home to your dog on your shoes, hands and even car tires. Most disinfectants cannot kill the virus, but chlorine bleach is an effective and inexpensive agent that works.

Any areas contaminated with Parvo should be thoroughly washed with chlorine bleach diluted 1 ounce per quart of water. There is no cure for this disease, which can be fatal.

Veterinarians try to keep the stricken dog alive through supportive care, by preventing dehydration and loss of proteins by treating the animal with intravenous or sub-cutaneous fluids and antibiotics, and controlling body temperature. Dogs who survive Parvo may be able to get it again. Canine parvovirus is specific to dogs alone and cannot be transmitted to humans or other pets of a different species, such as cats.
A dog infected with parvovirus, has about a 50-50 chance of survival. If your dog, especially your new puppy, begins exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned, do not ignore them, see a veterinarian right away.

When Parvo is involved, every hour counts so it is vital that supportive therapy be started immediately. While the virus affects all dogs, for some reason, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and other black and tan breeds are especially susceptible to Parvo, and seem to die from the disease more than other breeds. The surest way to keep dogs from getting Parvo is to get them vaccinated, following the recommended schedule beginning when puppies are 6-8 weeks of age. Puppies should come into contact with strange dogs whose vaccination history is unknown until they complete their vaccination regimen.

Immunization for Parvo is usually included in your dog's distemper vaccine. This shot gives protection against several potentially fatal canine diseases all at the same time. Don’t give the vaccine yourself or have it done by someone other than a veterinarian. If the vaccine has been improperly stored, is out of date, or incorrectly administered, it will not be effective.

If you have several dogs and one becomes infected, take the following steps to keep your other dogs safe:

-Keep the infected dog isolated from all other dogs for at least one month after full recovery.

-Clean up all the “dog poop” in your yard.

-Use a 1:30 ratio of chlorine bleach and water to clean food and water bowls (4 oz. in 1 gallon of water).

-Wash any bedding the dog has been in contact with in this same bleach solution and hot water. Try to disinfect any other areas that the dog has been, like linoleum, concrete kennels, crates, etc.

Parvo takes an expensive toll on your dog and your wallet. But the best prevention is up to date vaccination.

San Tan Valley Vets

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Emergency Animal Clinic PLC

86 West Juniper Ave. Gilbert, AZ, 85234Telephone: 480-253-9992

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Canine Parvovirus- Deadly and Preventable

86 West Juniper Ave. Gilbert, AZ, 85234
Telephone: 480-253-9992