While in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are resorting to activities to allow ourselves to enjoy feelings of enhanced independence. Backyard vegetable gardens are popping up everywhere, and some people are keeping chickens in coops to have readily available fresh eggs.

As the warnings continue for us to “wash our hands,” it’s especially important that we do so if we are handling live poultry.

The birds carry the bacteria on their fathers, feet, and droppings. Hand-washing and coop cleaning is quite necessary.

“Symptoms of salmonella begin 12 to 72 hours after a person is infected and include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramping.” These conditions can last from a few days to a week on average, and most individuals recover without medical intervention.

The most vulnerable members of our community for this disease are the very young, and the very old.

If you collect your chicken’s eggs, wash them thoroughly, and cook them thoroughly as well. Enjoy the animals and the eggs--with both caution and respect.

Source: www.cnn.com

We hope everyone is staying well and complying with government-mandated quarantines and processes.

There seem to be a great deal of talk about pets spreading this virus. While there are two dogs in Hong King and one cat in Belgium that have been diagnosed with the Coronavirus, there is CURRENTLY NO EVIDENCE to indicate that pets spread COVID-19 to other animals or to people. There are no grounds or testimonies to suggest alarm is warranted.

If you are not ill with COVID-19, you may continue to interact with your pet as you typically would. Continue walking, feeding, and playing with your four-legged family member. It’s best to take extra pre-cautionary measures like washing your hands before and after interactions, and keeping water/food bowls and bedding clean.

If you are ill with COVID-19, please avoid contact with your pet until further information is gathered on and about this dangerous virus. Have a family member or friend tend to your pet.

If you have a service animal and you are reliant upon him or her, please always wear a facemask and refrain from hugging, kissing, and sharing food with your pet.

Source: AVMA

While the country is under strict quarantine, we are all having to make adjustments. One thing to consider is how much your four-legged family member(s) help soothe you during this unprecedented time in our history. In this example, I will focus on dogs.

Dogs, by their very nature, tend to have a calming effect on us. They now also often serve as our proxy for other humans. And a dog’s “simple presence, and willingness to be touched, is viscerally satisfying.”

While the Covid-19 outbreak has created hardship on us, at least it has given dogs what they’ve always deserved: more of our companionship.

Please remember to care for them as they take care of you. They need to still be walked outdoors. If you have concerns after walking your pups, promptly give them a soap and water bath to assure cleanliness.

It’s a fine time to be reminded what a true privilege it is to keep the company of animals.

Source: The New York Times

Dr. James Dear of Edinburgh University’s Centre for Cardiovascular Science said, “I am delighted that the blood test we developed to improve the diagnosis of liver disease in humans can be used to help dogs, too.” The test tracks levels of the blood molecule miR-122, a known marker of liver disease.

Vets at the University of Edinburgh’s Vet School joined with medical doctors like Dear to look at miR-122 levels in 250 dogs. The study was then published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

These blood tests will allow vets to make a more accurate and rapid diagnosis of liver disease. Vets formerly had to rely solely upon biopsies which are both expensive, and can lead to further complications.

Source: www.bbc.com

While we are often tempted to “Google” the symptoms and scenarios that are applicable to our beloved pets, we must be cautious about what we believe.  A better resource is your vet who has the required medical background and real-life experiences to debunk and dispel Internet misinformation.

According to pet specialist Roxanne Hawn, 42% of dog families have K9s over 7 years of age, and 44% have older cats. Therefore, it is important to work closely with your vet to monitor, diagnose, and manage age-related conditions. For example, conditions worth tending to promptly include joint and mobility problems, cancer, diabetes, cognitive issues, coronary problems, and immune system disorders.

There are ways to help your pet live an enjoyable life even when these conditions exist.

Senior dogs often have urinary incontinence, and therefore may require an indoor potty option such as potty or pee pads. These pads vary in type and may be made of artificial turf, or be disposable or machine washable. Also, a ramp may be useful for when your pet must access the car. They involve less strain on joints. It’s very critical to buy one that will be safe relative to the pet’s weight.

For geriatric four-leggeds, feeding dishes may be necessary as well. They should be sturdy, rust-resistant, and kick proof. One should also consider the proper height of the dish and the gradient spill. Your vet can offer advice to be sure you meet your specific pet’s needs.

As they age, animals may also require orthopedic beds rather than just bed pillows or pads. This is especially true in the event of arthritis and hip dysplasia. It’s best to get a cover that can be removed easily to clean, and a bed that will retain its shape and loft. Some are specifically calibrated for larger animals.

Finally, as our pets age, we may need to make adjustments in their food. Again, most pets are considered to be seniors after age 7. Monitoring caloric intake, food textures, and content is important when age increases and exercise decreases. Your vet will factor in the breed, pet’s health conditions, and genetics to help you make a wise nutrition choice.

With close to half of the pet population being seniors, it’s essential to work with your vet to address aging issues when they arise and as they exist day-to-day.

Source: mwiah.com and elderlypet.org

We all tend to indulge a bit during the holiday season, but it’s important to keep an eye on your pets as temptations prevail! The integrative vet, Dr. Carol Osborne, has a few important suggestions worth noting:

1. Pet-proof your Christmas tree. Be sure it is securely anchored, and hang only pet safe ornaments on the bottom half of the tree--in reach of their precious paws. Also, place netting around the tree stand to prevent your four-legged family members from drinking the water. If they start eating the pine needles, spray the tree with a red pepper and water solution to discourage needle-eaters right away.
2. Keep pets away from the following common holiday items: alcohol, grapes, yeast/dough, raisins, macadamia nuts, coffee grounds, onions, chives, garlic, small bones, and chocolates.
3. Reward good behavior with “good” holidays treats like pumpkin, cranberries, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and green beans.

Our clinic sincerely wishes everyone a safe and joy-filled holiday season and the very happiest New Year!

According to Emerald Animal Clinic, chocolate toxicity is “biggest concern for pets.” While we are tempted to share our sweet delights with our sweet four-legged family members, it is not a good idea.

Chocolate toxicity can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.

When in doubt, call your vet immediately. You may be advised to induce vomiting so your pet can purge the poison. One tablespoon of peroxide every five minutes is often the initial suggested treatment. If this does not work, medication-induced vomiting may be the next necessary intervention.

It’s also important to watch pets to be sure they do not ingest candy wrappers. They can cause intestinal blockages which may require surgery for removal.

Enjoy the ghosts, ghouls, and goblins--but don’t let your pets eat out of your trick or treat bag!

According to a study by Dennis Turner, a Swiss-American biologist researching the relationship between humans and domestic cats, cats do get emotionally attached to their owners, but they do not display this affection as readily as dogs. He explains, dogs are pack animals; cats are not.

The cat’s ancestor is the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). This animal only eats small animals: mice, reptiles, rats, and birds. It therefore hunts alone. Today’s feline companions have inherited this tendency. The exception to this feline rule is lions, however, who do live like wolves and hunt in packs. But this is very unusual for most cats. They are typically self-reliant and rather aloof.

Further, as penultimate creatures of habit, cats do not like change. They may reveal their protests to change or stress by urinating indoors. This “protest pee” is a result of anxiety, not intentional meanness. They are “acting out” as would an upset child.

While your cat may not be as fun and communicative as Snoopy or even Garfield, he or she likely cares and has feelings for you, the owner. Cats are not demonstrative, but please remember, they do have hearts.

Source: www.dw.com