September Newsletter: Barks & Meows

“Because you never know when the day before…Is the day before. Prepare for tomorrow.” Bobby Akart

September Is Animal Pain Awareness Month

International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.

We all know pets feel pain. How do you as pet parents handle their pain? Just as with humans, our pets respond to pain such as a toothache, a sore limb, tummy ache and more. Signs of pain are lethargy, whining, whimpering, restlessness, looking at the painful area (abdomen, paw, etc.), limping, dropping food when trying to eat, etc., getting into a praying stance (downward dog pose) or won’t get up. Dental pain doesn’t mean they stop eating, they continue to eat because it is their survival instinct. Watch them for these signs and always ask our staff for guidance. You can also research more information on this site: https://ivapm.org/animal-pain-awareness-month

Use of Cannabis Products for Pets

Clients continually ask us for guidance and information about the use of CBD products for their pets. Because there have been no reliable studies made to date for treatment and/or dosing information for animals, we do not offer these products, nor do we recommend their use.

The Medical and Adult Use of Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA), the only legal use of cannabis products in California, was signed into law in June 2017 by Gov. Brown. The MAUCRSA Act establishes rules governing authenticity, efficacy, and purity of cannabis, and by definition, these drugs must contain less than 0.3%THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis), by concentration, be derived from industrial hemp, and they must carry the MAUCRSA seal for authenticity. With that seal, they are considered “human grade”.

Because there have been no studies made for appropriate, safe use on animals and there are no standards for so-called animal CBD products, no guarantees can be made that the products contain the material and dose claimed. Therefore, until we can be assured that any medication or product we recommend for your pet is backed by the manufacturer, actually contains the stated amount of medication, derives from an approved source, and agrees with its label statements, we will neither recommend nor supply it for your pets, and we urge you to be skeptical of any and all medications that have not been approved, through testing, for veterinary use. If you have additional questions, we will gladly discuss this with you at your next visit.

Recall – Pig’s Ears

At the end of July, 2019, the FDA and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), advised retailers to stop selling all pig ear treats. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/products/animal-food-feeds. At that time, there were a total of 127 people from 33 states known to be infected with a strain of Salmonella. All affected reported contact with exposure to the pig ear treats. Some of these treats were tracked back to sources in Argentina and Brazil. At this time, the FDA, and CDC, and we recommend that people avoid purchasing or feeding any pig ear treats until more information is known. In lieu of pigs’ ears, give your pet other treats appropriate for your dog such as stuffed kongs, puzzle boards, U.S. made rawhides, if they tolerate them.

Salmonella (https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/) is a bacterium that can cause illness and death in humans and animals, especially those who are very young, very old, or have weak immune systems. Those infected can develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Consult your health care provider if you have symptoms of Salmonella.

Pets with Salmonella may not display symptoms but, if they do, signs can include vomiting, diarrhea which may be bloody, fever, loss of appetite and/or decreased activity level. Infected pets can shed the bacteria in feces and saliva without showing signs of the infection. Call us if you suspect Salmonella infection in your pet.

E-Collar Option

Clients complain about using the e-collar or (cone of shame) when their pets recover from surgery or skin conditions. Here is a possible alternative to use. It is a Buster body sleeve which pets may tolerate. Give it a thought.
http://nozebra.ipapercms.dk/Kruuse/exp/PostOP/?page=14#/. If you try it, let us know so we can tell others.

Pet Emergency Planning

Reminder, when you make your emergency plan for the humans in the family, please do not forget the pets! Here are a few of the great websites and references for proper care of your pet in an emergency.

Staff Spotlight – Sandra!

I know you have seen and worked with Sandra; one of the great people who answer the phone, greet you when you arrive, schedule your appointment, and smile while you are paying your bill! Maybe you didn’t know that Sandra has been involved in animal care as a Technician, Receptionist, and Manager of several hospitals for over thirty years. Helping animals has been her life’s mission and we are thrilled to have her with us! She is married with two wonderful children who are about to leave the nest and has cats, dogs, and a flock of chickens who call her mom. Her chickens love her so much that they follow her everywhere. I emailed the head chicken to see if Sandra has a favorite, but it seems, all are her favorites. Sandra and her husband are also active four-wheel enthusiasts and, along with their club members, spend weekends in the wilderness rambling over large boulders, camping, enjoying the great outdoors as well as cleaning the environment for all to enjoy. Next time you are in the office, say hi to Sandra, if you can catch her!

Important Dates

September is Happy Cat Month! Dedicated to healthy and happy cats! http://www.catalystcouncil.org/newsroom/?ID=57.

National Deaf Dog Awareness Week – Last full week of Sept.

Did you know some breeds of dogs have deafness rates of 40 percent or more? Head to a dog park and it’s likely that two or three of the dogs you see will be hearing impaired. While deaf dogs have special needs, they can be loyal companions for their owners. Celebrate these special dogs and learn more about adoption and training during Deaf Dog Awareness Week! There are thousands of deaf dogs around the country and they are very special pets. Learn more about these special dogs at: https://nationaltoday.com/deaf-dog-awareness-week/

We hope you enjoyed your holiday!