ATTENTION!!!

As many of you may be aware, canine influenza has been diagnosed in the metro Detroit area. This virus is very contagious, and, as such, Oakland Animal Hospital is recommending vaccination for all at risk animals. These animals include dogs that visit any places where dogs come in direct contact with one another (i.e. grooming, boarding, doggy day care, training and obedience, dog parks, etc.). If your pet fits into this category, please contact us to discuss your best option for protection of your pet. In the meantime, we recommend limiting activities that bring your pet into direct contact with other animals. Further information can be found here:

Happy New Year!!! So, now that 2015 is upon us, it is time to get those resolutions in place! This is the time of year when everyone wants to improve their life. However,  have you stopped to think about making resolutions for your pets? It might seem silly, but your pets can stand improvement in their lives as well. Do they need more exercise? How about less chewing? What about more attention? Well, you can help them with all of these things and in turn, it will help you too! This way everyone can have the best 2015 ever! Let’s look at some easy resolutions you can make for your pets…

1. Get more exercise.

Make it a point to take more walks (or jogs) with your dog. This will benefit both of you. The exercise will help all involved lose those extra holiday pounds you have been carrying and make you both healthier in general.

2. Play more.

Take a little time each day to play with your cat or dog. Even if it is just a few minutes, that time will help to strengthen the bond you share. Plus, a few minutes of playtime a day will help to lighten your mood and your pet’s too!

3. Eat better.

Eating better is NOT just a resolution for humans. Your pets should not only be eating quality pet food, but they need to be eating the correct amount of it as well. If you have any questions about the kind of pet food you are using or how much your pet should be getting, be sure to contact your veterinarian and they will be able to help you.

4. Make an appointment with your vet.

Just as we strive to keep our bodies healthy with annual visits to our doctor, so should your pets. Or more importantly, YOU should make it happen for them. Your pet should be seeing their vet at least once a year for an annual check up, vaccinations and flea, tick and heartworm preventatives. Many conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and obesity can be caught and treated early if your vet sees your pets frequently.

5. Brush those teeth!

This is something we hope that you are doing on a daily basis already, but maybe we can recommend flossing for you if you are not already doing that! However, you should also be brushing your pets’ teeth every day, or at least several times a week. Be sure to use toothpaste that is specifically made for cats or dogs. It might take a bit of time for your pet to get used to brushing every day, but stick with it! Also, don’t forget your pets’ annual teeth cleaning with your veterinarian!

6. Be sure your pet’s ID is up to date.

If you have moved or changed any phone number, be sure this is reflected on your pet’s ID tag. Also, be sure that your vet and microchipping company have up to date information as well. If you do not have your pet microchipped, we highly recommend it! Collars can come off and tags get lost, but the success rate for finding lost pets increases dramatically with microchipping.

7.  Teach your pet a new trick.

This will help challenge both of you. And believe it or not, you CAN teach behaviors to your cat as well. All it takes with any pet is time, patience and a good reward system. Make it fun and it will stimulate both of your brains making for a healthier you and your pet!

8. Spend a few quiet minutes together each day.

This may be one of the most important resolutions on our list! In the busy hustle and bustle of today’s world, it is easy to let time get away from us. The benefits of taking a couple of minutes each day to sit down and simply pet your dog or cat are numerous. In addition to strengthening your relationship with your pet, there are also health benefits. Studies have shown that spending time with your animals decreases blood pressure and makes people happier overall.

So, let’s get ready to make 2015 the best year ever… for both you and your four legged, furry friends! Happy New Year everyone!

Though the temperatures are a bit mild for this time of year, the holidays are upon us! Now is the time for festive lights, good food, decorations and holiday cheer. It is also a time of year where there are many distractions that can keep us from watching out for our four legged friends. Amid the decorating, shopping, meal preparation and present wrapping, things sometimes get overlooked, ending in an unplanned trip to your veterinarian.

Here is a list of potentially hazardous situations that you should be aware of to keep your pet safe.

~ Holiday lights and candles.

We all know how beautiful the house and tree look all lit up. However, for many animals, those twinkling and often dangly lights present a temptation pets cannot resist. They bat, pull and chew at the lighted strands, often resulting in electrical burns to the mouth or even death from electrocution.

If you decide to light candles for the holiday season, keep them high and in places where your dog and especially your kitty (who likes to defy gravity and get to places unseen) cannot reach. Not only can your pets get seriously burned from the flame or wax, they can also knock candles over creating a potential fire hazard for your home.

~ Tinsel and other decorations

Although it is not toxic, tinsel can cause serious harm and even death if consumed by your pets. Cats in particular are attracted to the shiny stuff that glitters and flutters as though alive. Once ingested, the tinsel can twist and bunch up causing intestinal blockages.

Also highly tempting to your pets are the bright, shiny and colorful bulbs that you hang on the tree. Both dogs and cats have been known to consume tree ornaments. Many of these can shatter, causing lacerations to the mouth, esophagus or stomach. They also can be potential choking hazards.

~ Holiday plants

Though they are beautiful and certainly add to the festive holiday mood, certain plants are highly poisonous and should be avoided or kept out of reach if you have pets. If ingested these plants may cause issues:

Pine needles – Pine needles can cause irritation to the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy.

Poinsettias – Poinsettias can cause mouth irritation and vomiting.

Holly – Holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea and depression in your pet.

Mistletoe – Mistletoe can cause respiratory distress, erratic behavior, vomiting, diarrhea or even death.

~ Food

Finally, it is definitely the season for rich, delectable food. For many pets and people alike, the temptation can be great! But before you drop those scraps to your faithful friend, please remember that many foods can cause gastrointestinal issues at best or even death in the worst cases.

Chocolate  – One of the worst offenders, chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats alike, although worse for dogs.

Stuffing – The stuffing may contain nuts and herbs that can be potentially dangerous to your pets. Cats are sensitive to essential oils and sage. Many nuts, such as macadamia, walnuts, almonds and others can cause stomach irritation, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.

Fatty foods – Foods high in fat content, such as turkey skin and desserts can cause severe gastrointestinal issues and even pancreatitis.

Bones – Many people feel that it is natural to give dogs and cats bones. However, they can cause very serious health issues with your pets and should be avoided. Bones can easily lodge in the esophagus, stomach or intestines.  They can also splinter causing infection, blockages and even death if not treated.

We hope that these tips help you avoid any unplanned vet trips and that you and your pets have a Ho Ho Happy Holiday Season!

In our last post, we discussed how your kids return to school can affect your pet. With the start of school just a couple of days away, it is time to talk about how you can help your animals through the transition.

The first thing that you must acknowledge is that this is a family matter. Everyone should be involved in taking care of the family pets. The more each individual works together, the easier it will be on your fluffy family members. Let your kids know that their animals woll miss them when they are gone to school all day. Discuss ways that you can help make it easier for your pets.

First, since pets thrive on routines, start a new routine to replace the old one from summer. Each day, when the kids get home from school, have them set aside some time to play with their pets. The first few days might be rough for your pets, but they will quickly come to learn that the kids will be returning home each day. And that with their return will be plenty of time to play!

Avoid prolonged, sad goodbyes in the morning with your animals. Pets are very good at picking up on our emotional cues. The more fuss the kids make about leaving Fifi or Fido, the more anxiety your dog or cat will build up. Keep goodbyes happy, short and positive. Maybe offer a “good boy or good girl” and a quick treat as you leave.

Other environmental cues might be sources of anxiety for your pets. For example, the sight of the kids getting into their backpacks might cause barking, whining or other anxious behaviors. Or possibly the sound of your car keys may trigger this. If that is the case, then pick up your keys and walk around for a few minutes, but do not leave. Or have the kids put on their backpacks and walk around for a bit before leaving. This helps to get your animals used to these triggers, eventually making them benign.

Finally, remember that while the family is away, the dog or cat will play. And if there is nothing for them to play with, they will find something! To avoid your favorite throw pillows or other household items becoming pet toys, be sure to offer a wide array of actual dog and cat toys to keep them occupied. Once they get used to the new routine, it is most likely they will sleep most of the day. Then it is up to you and the kids to give them lots of love, attention and exercise once you get home. With the whole family working together, there is no reason the beginning of the school year can’t be a smooth one for everyone!

Whether we want to admit it or not, September is approaching quickly. For Michiganders, September signifies one thing for both parents and kids alike… School is starting again. Gone are the carefree, lazy summer days. Instead is a carefully crafted schedule of homework, sports and other after school activities. Parents tend to fall into two camps this time of year. There are those that get teary at the site of their little ones getting ready to head out the door for yet another school year. Then, on the other side of the fence, are those that are doing cartwheels at the prospect of no longer being a referee, teacher and more on top of being a parent!

However you or your kids react to the start of the school year, have you ever stopped to think about how it affects your pets? Consider this… all summer long Fluffy or Fido has had constant companionship. There is always someone around to play with, someone to snuggle up to, someone to hand out a quick pat or treat. Then, suddenly there is only you or your spouse. And if you both work, then there is no one, all day, until the kids get home from school. This can be very disturbing for a pet.

Be aware that you might see some changes in your pets’ behavior this September. Both cats and dogs may show signs of sadness and even depression once the kids return to school. What should you be on the lookout for? Your pets may sleep more and eat less than usual. Your cat may wander around meowing or your dog might stake a claim at the door, waiting. They also might start chewing things or urinating and/or defecating around the house. This usually only happens in extreme cases, but it does occur.

Pets love routines. They get used to things happening at a certain time and having the same loved ones around all day. When that suddenly changes, it is hard for them. They do not understand that you will be home at the end of the day. They only know that they are being left alone. And while some animals show mild signs of sadness, some can have full blown separation anxiety! Therefore, it is important to remember that while it might be an adjustment for you and your kids this fall, it will also take some getting used to for your animals as well. Check out our next blog entry on ways to help your animals cope with the new school year!

In our last entry, we talked about signs and symptoms that might lead you to believe your pet is suffering from arthritis. If you feel that your pet has some of the tell tale signs, the best thing you can do is to get them into your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. If it turns out that your beloved pet does have arthritis, what kind of treatment options exist? Here are a few things that your veterinarian might suggest.

First and foremost, excessive weight can be a mediating factor for arthritis. Those extra pounds put more stress on the joints. In addition, the excessive fat tissue secretes hormones that promote pain. If your dog is overweight and has arthritis, exercise will be a key component in the treatment plan. The exercise should be very low impact, so as to not place additional stress on the joints. Things likes walking on a leash, swimming and even mild jogging can help your dog to lose weight. If it is your cat that is overweight, the exercise plan might include interactive play. You can find what toys stimulate your cat and encourage them to play. Also, food puzzles can help keep your cat active and help with overeating.

In addition to exercise, your veterinarian might suggest medication to help with the arthritis. For dogs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) are the most frequently prescribed. These can include Rimadyl, Etogesic and Deramaxx, just to name a few.  There are also other non-NSAID medications that can be used such as tramadol, buprenorphine, Fentanyl. These can be used separately or be combined with the NSAIDs to provide further pain relief. This would be per your veterinarian’s discretion.  For cats, the medical treatment of arthritis is a bit different.  Most veterinarians are reluctant to give NSAIDs to cats due their sensitivity to these medications. They will however prescribe the non-NSAID medications such as buprenorphine, tramadol and Fentanyl. Finally there is one last medication that has been shown to help protect the cartilage and promote joint health in cats called Adequan. This is an injectable medication that had been shown to be very helpful with some cats.

If you do not want to go straight to medicine, there are naturally occurring supplements that can sometimes help alleviate swelling and joint pain. These include glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). Acupuncture and massage have also been shown to help in both dogs and cats. There are also the options of hydrotherapy and laser therapy, though these treatments are not as common.

The most important thing you can do is to talk with your veterinarian at length about what the best treatment would be for your dog or cat. Discuss diet, exercise, supplements and medication. Write down any questions you have in advance so that you are sure to get all the information you need. Your veterinarian will be happy to help you find the best path to getting your pets as comfortable and pain free as possible!

All pet owners know, it is hard to think about our beloved furry friends getting older. However, it is inevitable that they do age. As they get older, there are many things we, as pet owners, need to look for. One of the most common ailments that we see in older pet is arthritis. Depending on the circumstances, we even see younger pets that have the start of early arthritis. Arthritis affects your pet’s joints and causes pain and discomfort. Here are five common signs that your pet may be suffering from arthritis.

Difficulty with movement: One of the most common signs that your pet may have arthritis is that they have problems with their movement. You may notice your pets have stopped doing activities that previously were no problem for them. For example, your dog may not be able to climb stairs as easily, run and play or get in and out of your vehicle. For your cats, you may notice that they are no longer able to jump onto counters, furniture, perches or other high places that they previously liked to go. You may also see some limping or favoring of paws. Or you may notice that it takes your pet a little longer to get going in the morning or after a nap. Sometimes they need to walk around a bit to loosen up their limbs. They may also appear very stiff and uncomfortable to you.

Fatigue: You may notice that your pets are simply slowing down as they get older. Long walks and runs may be tough for them and tire them out. You may see them napping more often and for longer periods of time.

Irritability: You may see a change in your pet’s demeanor if they are suffering from arthritis. Since they are probably in a fair amount of discomfort or pain, they may growl or whimper if they are touched in a way that causes them more distress. In extreme cases, you might even have a normally mild mannered pet who will snap or bite if they are hurting too much.

Excessive grooming or licking: Sometimes an animal will lick, bite or even chew at a particularly painful area. This can cause hair loss and irritation at the site. When suffering from arthritis, pets will often over groom the area, trying to make it feel better and possibly causing more problems.

Muscle and spinal issues: One of the most serious problems associated with arthritis is when it infiltrates the joints to the point where it affects the muscles or spine. Because your pet may reduce their activities, you might notice them losing weight and muscle in their legs. Or you might notice that they have adopted a hunched position to their body due to their spine being affected. At times you may even see a loss of control over their hindquarters.

Though all of these symptoms can be very scary and difficult for you and your pets, there is also good news. When your pet is diagnosed correctly, there are treatments that can help with arthritis. In our next article, we will discuss what things you can do to help your pet when they have arthritis. If you have concerns that your pet may be in a lot of pain, please contact your veterinarian at once.

In case you have not heard us say it before, dental care for your pets is essential for their overall health and well-being! Just like it is important for you to get your teeth checked at least once a year, it is the same for your pets. Why is this so important? Dental disease affects up to 80% of animals three years and older. These diseases, though harmful in their own right, can also lead to other serious health issues. Preventative care of your pet’s teeth can prevent high dental procedure costs in the future.

Do you know how many teeth your furry friend has? By the time your cats have their permanent teeth in; they will have 30 chompers that you need to help them keep healthy. For dogs, it is a whomping 42! That is a lot of pearly whites to help keep clean!

The earlier you start dental care, the easier it will be for you and your pet. Starting at a young age, owners should get their pets used to the touching and cleaning of their mouths. Over time, it will become easier and easier, until eventually it will become routine. When your pets are young, you will want to make sure that their deciduous teeth have come out and their permanent ones have come in with no problems. Your veterinarian will also check for any bite issues or jaw issues.

Once your pets have their permanent teeth, it is important for you to help keep them healthy and clean. There are many ways that you can do this. Talk to your veterinarian, who will be more than happy to give you a lesson in canine or feline teeth brushing. Be sure to use toothpaste that is specifically made for dogs and cats. DO NOT use human toothpaste! The ultimate goal is to be brushing their teeth every day (or at least every other day). Though this may not be easy at first, and they will probably resist, repetition will get them used to it.

You can also talk to your veterinarian about specific foods that can help maintain healthy teeth and gums. There are a variety of dental treats that you can use. Again, speak to your veterinarian and they can point you in the right direction.

If your pet is older and you have not been keeping up a good dental regimen with them, do not worry. It is not too late to start! The first thing you want to look for is the presence of any dental issues. Many times, bad breath can be an indicator that there may be a problem. Drooling, discomfort when eating (or not eating all together) and reluctance to play with toys can all be signs that your pet has a dental issue.

The best thing to do is book a dental exam and cleaning with your veterinarian. At the appointment, you can discuss specific ways to help ease your cat or dog into daily brushing and other maintenance. In the end, it is all about being proactive. The more you do by the way of maintenance, the less you will have to worry about dental disease causing pain and health problems for your pet!

As much as we hate to admit it, our pets get older… just like we do. However hard it is to see that grey start around the muzzle, it is important that you take proper steps to ensure that your cat or dog is living the healthiest lifestyle they can. So, here are a few tips to keep in mind as your pets enter their golden years.

Tip 1: Feed your pet a well-balanced, nutritious diet.

Feeding your pet a nutritious diet is important no matter how old they are, but it especially becomes crucial as they get older. Good food will help with energy levels, joints and their digestion, all of which will give them a better quality of life. Talk to your vet about what diet is best for your elderly pet.

Tip 2: Keep your pet at a healthy weight.

Extra weight on a pet can be detrimental to their health. It creates strain on joints and internal organs. For dogs, be sure that your pup is getting plenty of exercise. Just because they are getting up there in years does not mean that their activity needs to stop. Where long runs might not be best for them any more, walks will help to keep their weight down. Again, a proper diet will help with this as well. For feline owners, diet is important for keeping excess weight off your cat. Also, try different toys to give them some exercise. They might not be as frisky as they once were, but usually with a little trial and error, you can find something to peak their interest.

Tip 3: Keep up on dental health.

This is one that many pet owners miss. Proper dental care in pets is essential at any stage of life, but is critical once they are in their geriatric years. Older pets are more prone to tartar build up and gum disease. This can allow bacteria to get into the bloodstream causing a multitude of issues for your pet. To help keep your pet’s teeth in tip-top shape, brush them at home regularly and schedule a dental with your vet at least once a year.

Tip 4: Take your pets to the vet for regular check ups.

Just like it is important for you to have your yearly physical, it is also important for your pets. For senior pets, some veterinarians even recommend 6 month check ups if your animal is having health problems. Be aware of any issues that your pet is having and anything they might be pre-disposed to (depending on if they are a dog or cat, what breed they are, etc). Yearly blood work is also important for elderly pets. This can help your vet to detect problems that may not be evident just by looking at them.

We love our pets. They are part of the family. And with a little attention and TLC, you can help keep them healthy and happy in their senior years!

We all know that this is the time of year for making resolutions. We want to start the New Year off on a good note. However, have you ever thought about making resolutions for your pets? It only makes sense. Certainly there are things in their life that can be made better too. So, here are a few resolutions for you and your pet to help you have the best 2014 ever!

1. Get more exercise.

Make it a point to take more walks (or jogs) with your dog. This will benefit both of you. The exercise will help all involved lose those extra pounds you have been carrying and make you both healthier in general.

2. Play more.

Take a little time each day to play with your cat or dog. Even if it is just a few minutes, that time will help to strengthen your bond. Plus, a few minutes of playtime a day will help to lighten your mood and your pet’s too!

3. Eat better.

Eating better is NOT just a resolution for humans. Your pets should not only be eating quality pet food, but they need to be eating the correct amount of it as well. If you have any questions about the kind of pet food you are using or how much your pet should be getting, be sure to contact your veterinarian and they will be able to help you.

4. Make an appointment with your vet.

Just as we strive to keep our bodies healthy with annual visits to our doctor, so should your pets. Or more importantly, YOU should make it happen for them. Your pet should be seeing their vet at least once a year for an annual check up, vaccinations and flea, tick and heartworm preventatives. Many conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and obesity can be caught and treated early if your vet sees your pets frequently.

5. Brush those teeth!

This is something we hope that you are doing on a daily basis already, but maybe we can recommend flossing for you if you are not already doing that! However, you should also be brushing your pets’ teeth every day. Be sure to use toothpaste that is specifically made for cats or dogs. It might take a bit of time for your pet to get used to brushing every day, but stick with it! Also, don’t forget your pets’ annual teeth cleaning with your veterinarian!

6. Be sure your pet’s ID is up to date.

If you have moved or changed any phone number, be sure this is reflected on your pet’s ID tag. Also, be sure that your vet and microchipping company have up to date information as well. If you do not have your pet microchipped, we highly recommend it! Collars can come off and tags lost, but the success rate for finding lost pets increases dramatically with microchipping.

7.  Teach your pet a new trick.

This will help challenge both of you. And believe it or not, you CAN teach behaviors to your cat as well. All it takes with any pet is time, patience and a good reward system. Make it fun and it will stimulate both of your brains making for a healthier you and your pet!

8. Spend a few quiet minutes together each day.

This may be one of the most important resolutions on our list! In the busy hustle and bustle of today’s world, it is easy to let time get away from us. The benefits of taking a couple of minutes each day to sit down and simply pet your dog or cat are numerous. In addition to strengthening your relationship with your pet, there are also health benefits. Studies have shown that spending time with your animals decreases blood pressure and makes people happier overall.

So, let’s get ready to make 2014 the best year ever… for both you and your four legged, furry friends! Happy New Year everyone!