Environmental Enrichment

Environmental Enrichment for your Dog, Cat and Small mammal pets

This weeks educational topic will focus on ways to enrich the environment of your dog, cat, or small mammal during the winter months. The cold weather makes for a challenging environment to keep your pet stimulated and happy. We will offer a few simple techniques to try and get your pet moving inside and stay happy mentally and physically.


Environmental Enrichment For Your Cat

Most indoor cats are under stimulated. Cats have a highly developed prey/play drive that needs to be exercised for mental and physical stimulation. Just 15-30 minutes a day will benefit both you and your cat. The best cat toys are free but involve your interaction. These activities are best tried in a safe setting for your cat. This means if you have dog(s) around that immediately interfere with your cat playing, remove the dog(s) from the situation. Make the setting as relaxed and safe as possible to allow for the best result when trying to stimulate your cat.

-Feather string and stick- Pretend it's a fishing pole and drag it along the floor occasionally bouncing it up and down. Make sure you let him/her catch it from time to time or he'll get bored and walk away. If your cat is not interested right away, try again later or for a few days! Sometimes our feline friends need to adjust to new playful habits.

-Crumpled piece of paper/tinfoil- Roll the paper or tinfoil up into a ball and throw it. Your cat will love chasing it around and swat at it. Some cats will actually learn to fetch objects.

-Paper grocery bag/box- Few cats can resist an empty paper bag, especially when you scratch and move your fingers around different parts of the bag. Always make sure your pet can get out of the container easily and is never closed inside. Try adding a treat in the bag or some cat nip to stimulate your kitty even more!

-Training- You can teach an old cat new tricks! You can teach your cat basic commands like sit and lay down. Irresistible treats and repetition are key. You can also teach your cat to come when called. Ultimately training will lead to a more stimulated pet, and a more bonded owner-pet relationship!

-Toys- Furry mice are my cat's favorite toy! Laser lights are also great for exercise. Balls are also fun for them, some like the balls that have a bell or rattle inside. Switch the toys up from day to day. Many toys can also be made at home as a family. Getting kids involved in playing with animals is a great way to have the entire family involved to learn how to be a responsible pet owner!

-Foraging for food- An easy and inexpensive toy is an empty toilet paper roll. Cut out a few holes just large enough to get their favorite treat out, fill with treats and tape the ends with holes. You will enjoy watching them bat the roll around and get the treats out.

-Window perches/fish tanks- Cats love to watch the outdoors, especially when small animals or fish they would like to catch are visible! Place window perches around the house at windows that have a good view, it is especially of bird feeders. If feasible, a fish tank can provide visual enrichment for your kitty as they watch the fish. Also consider providing this enjoyment on your television screen! Some stations act as screen savers with moving pictures of fish and birds that can be left on for your cat to enjoy!

Environmental Enrichment for your Dog

Canines are amazing creatures with a multitude of senses that need stimulation thru a multi-modal approach which includes YOUR attention! We will offer a few common sense simple ideas to try at home.

-Fetch- Dogs love a good game of fetch and you don't need a huge house to play. Pick a smaller, safe toy in a safe environment and toss the toy around for a few minutes!

-Tug of war- This is an all time favorite! Make sure that your dog knows and obeys the release or drop it command. Never pull too hard as canines can damage their teeth from over-aggressive tug of war.

-Practice basic commands- Even if your dog knows basic commands inside and out, it's still exciting! Maybe you can even teach a new trick such as balancing a treat on their nose. Practice commands to teach your dog to behave as you would like in a fun interactive way! Want to teach them not to pull on the leash? Try walking around with them inside with the leash and practicing commands so you can take walks in the nice weather in the spring time!

-Hide and Seek- Leave your dog in one room, then go and hide. Call your dog once you are well hidden and celebrate when he/she finds you. If your canine companion has a great sense of smell, leave treats
around for them to hide.

-Hide the toy- This works especially well if you have a toy that squeaks. Hide the toy under a rug or pillow, then tell him to "find it". If he/she is having difficulty finding it, you can squeak the toy to give him a clue.

Grooming- Most dogs just love attention so basic grooming is enjoyable to some degree. Grooming is also part of responsible pet ownership and can strengthen the bond you have with your pet.

-Toys and games- There are a wide variety of games and toys available; I especially like the toys that hold treats such as the Kong brand where they have to work to get them out. There are different degrees of difficulty from easy to more challenging. For example: Take 3-4 plastic cups and hide a small tasty treat under one. Tell her to "find it" and as soon as she shows signs she knows which cup it is under, praise her and give her the treat. Just make sure they do not eat the cup!

Environmental Enrichment for Small Mammals

Small mammals such as ferrets, rabbits and hamsters that tend to spend a significant amount of time in their cage need extra special attention! Consider special treats for stimulation of taste. Consider adding things to the area to enrich their life such as chewing logs, tunnels, huts etc. Consider taking your small mammal out of their cage and create a safe play zone for them to stretch, relax, explore, interact and exercise! Consider training! Most small mammals when handled frequently and provided an enriched environment respond positively to learning commands. Remember correct husbandry (care and environment) is important! Make sure pets such as rabbits have a large supply of a quality timothy hay so they can munch slowly all day- this act alone with enrich their life AND is proper nutrition.

Dr. Santspree, Jenn LVT

Year Round Flea Preventative!

Year Round Flea PREVENTATIVE!

This week we will be talking about the importance of year round flea control. Even as the temperature drops, staying consistent with flea treatment for all of your animals is an important part of preventative care. This week we will discuss the basics about the flea, the life cycle, and why we recommend flea preventative even in the coldest of seasons.

If your pet is found to have fleas or evidence of fleas (flea "dirt" which is digested blood from your pet) the adult fleas are only the tip of the iceberg. Adult fleas represent only a small proportion of the flea life cycle that is present within your household and outdoor environment.

The life cycle of the flea is significant to understanding how to control an infestation. Adult fleas lay their eggs on their host (your pet), which then can be deposited anywhere your pet goes, especially onto favorite resting spots such as beds, floors, couches, etc. After passing through the larval and pupa stages, fleas will be attracted to their host and jump aboard. In efforts to rid fleas from your pets, measures around your home are just as important as the treatment given to them.

The adult flea represents only 10% of the population that you see. The remaining 90% are found in the form of the egg, pupa and larval stages. These stages are great at hiding in the carpet, areas that are dark and hidden, and therefore more difficult to target.

Using a multi-modal approach to resolving a flea problem or infestation means targeting the adult fleas on your pet, as well as addressing the other stages. Stay tuned this week to learn more basic flea facts as we try and increase awareness of this preventable condition.

Medical Conditions:

Fleas can cause a significant number of medical conditions for your pet, yourself, and your family.

Anemia: Fleas live by taking a blood meal. Many pets with chronic parasitism by fleas become anemic (have lowered blood levels) from their infestation.

Bacterial Disease: Bartonella is a bacteria that can become transmitted by fleas and cause significant medical conditions routinely seen within our feline companions (dogs can be affected as well). This bacteria can cause a number of serious medical conditions for your cat. This bacteria can also become transferred from your pet to you in the frequently termed "Cat Scratch Disease."

Parasitism: Fleas can transfer tapeworms to your pet. Humans are susceptible to tapeworms as well.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis: When fleas bite your pet, they inject their saliva which can cause cause mild to severe itchiness. Some pets are more sensitive than others and can have a severe allergic response resulting in itchiness and often self mutilation by the pet as they try and itch their skin.

Anxiety: Many animals can experience mild to severe anxiety and altered attitude/behavior due to fleas. As the fleas live on the pet as adults as long as they can, they run through the pet's fur which our pets can feel. This constant feeling of having fleas running over their skin can cause a physical anxiety. The feeling of constantly being bitten and having to itch without relief can also cause anxiety. The result of this physical and mental anxiety can result in a pet that has a depressed attitude, seems withdrawn, and less content.

Above are the most commonly seen diseases that come about as a result of a flea problem or infestation. The important thing about all of these diseases is that they are PREVENTABLE! Yes, flea medication from a reputable source such as your veterinarian is expensive. However, as responsible pet owners we are in charge of making sure our pets, and our family is protected against these potential sources of illness. Anemia, bacterial disease, parasitism and flea allergy dermatitis can all result in serious illness and expensive treatment

Flea Treatment:

Fighting a flea problem can be a difficult, costly, and time consuming affair. A multi-modal approach is needed to achieve the best result in the shortest period of time.

The House: Remember a significant portion of the flea problem remains in the eggs, pupas, and larvas around the house. Make sure to clean all bedding, blankets, and toys in the washing machine with hot water. Vacuum more than once a day focusing on the edges of the carpet. Mop the floors at least once a day, and dust all hard floor surfaces. Throw out all vacuum bags.

The Backyard: Contact a pest control agency or pesticide company to find out if a pesticide control outside might help control the flea problem.

Your Pets: Most times people have one than more pet. As fleas survive on the animal, if one animal in the house is affected they most likely all are. A comprehensive flea preventative plan for all animals within the household is needed. Invest in a high quality flea preventative such as Frontline, Revolution, or Vectra for your pet. Each product is slightly different, so be sure to contact your Veterinarian for the best suggestion for your pet and situation.

In severe situations, calling in a pesticide company may be necessary to relieve the problem. Remember that treating a flea problem takes time! The best way to prevent a problem is by using a year round flea control product for your pet without fail!

Dr. Santspree

Winter Safety and Health

This week’s educational topic will focus on winter safety for your pet. As the temperature begins to drop, special considerations should be made to make sure that your pet dog, cat, or small mammal is protected against the wind, cold, snow, and other wintertime hazards. Stay tuned this week to learn important medical information, and learn a few tips to keep your pet healthy, happy, and warm this winter.

HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia is a concern during the winter. Hypothermia is defined as an inappropriately low body temperature due to prolonged exposure to the cold, or inadequately heated shelter. All dogs and cats, even arctic breeds or long haired breeds, are susceptible to hypothermia.

A dog or cats normal body temperature should be between 100.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. A drop in temperature any lower than 95 degrees Fahrenheit warrants immediate attention by a veterinarian.

Warning signs: Pay attention to your dog or cats physical behavior. Lethargy, shivering, weakness, muscle twitching, unresponsiveness/stiffness, trouble breathing, cold extremities, and pale gums are all signs of hypothermia in a dog or cat.

What to do: If you believe your dog or cat is suffering from hypothermia immediately remove them from the cold. Bring them inside, place them within a number of blankets, and begin to try and raise their body temperature. Never place hot water bottles or electric heating pads directly against a dog or cats skin, always wrap them in a towel first. If your pet’s temperature drops below 95 or is not raising back up with your efforts call your veterinarian immediately.

Prevention: Many dogs find themselves within a dog house or garage during the winter time because they have “always been an outdoor dog.” However, during extremely cold weather ALL dogs should be brought indoors, or placed within an insulated warmed garage/basement etc.

If your dog must be kept outdoors, it is your responsibility to provide an appropriate shelter. It should be sturdy, insulated, facing away from the wind, and have a large flap of plastic on the front to act as a door. It should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around, so it can lie comfortably and maintain its body heat. DO NOT place blankets in the shelter if your dog will track in snow. Melted snow can freeze into ice (try straw instead) and cause hypothermia. Keep a thermometer in any outdoor area to monitor the temperature. Remember any animal out in the cold will require MORE food then normal, as their body works harder than normal to keep them warm.

Consider making your indoor/outdoor kitty an indoor only kitty during the winter months. Make sure a space is available to them to seek shelter on a porch, through a kitty door, kitty house, or garage. If your cat does go outside in the winter time, make sure they come in at night.

The following animals should never be outside for any significant length of time: Short haired breeds, toy breeds, geriatric animals, sick/immune-compromised animals, puppies, and kittens. These animals are at a significant risk for hypothermia as they do not have a normal ability to regulate their body temperature. If they do go outside, consider sweaters, protective booties, and other clothing to keep them warm.


Frostbite Awareness and Prevention

Dogs and cats exposed to extremely cold temperatures and wind chills for short or long periods of time can suffer from frostbite. Frostbite will affect extremities first. Cold weather causes vasoconstriction. This means that your pet’s body will constrict vessels in its extremities (tail, paws, scrotum, ears) to increase blood flow to vital organs such as brain, heart, and lungs. This leads to a decreased blood flow to susceptible areas. Pay close attention to your cat’s or dog’s ears, feet, scrotum, tail, and underside. Check for cold body parts, blue or pale skin tissue (black in severe cases) and decreased functionality (difficulty walking, using their tail, ears etc).

Symptoms:
If you notice any symptoms of frostbite immediately remove your pet from cold weather. Begin to warm them and contact your veterinarian immediately. Restoring good blood flow to all areas of the body is critical. Lasting damage is possible, and in extreme cases amputation may be necessary.

Prevention:
Minimize the risk of frostbite by being conscious of cold temperatures, wind-chill, and the length of time your pet spends outdoors. Remember they do not wear protective clothing like we do, unless you provide extra protection for them! Consider looking into winter clothing for pets, boots for their feet, and restricting their time outside to short periods. Do not assume your pet is safe because they are an arctic breed or have a long coat. Our pets rely on us to be responsible for their heath, and make appropriate decisions for them.


Anti-freeze and Winter Salts

Anti-freeze Toxicity:
During the winter months certain health hazards are more commonly seen. A prevalent cause of serious illness is the ingestion of anti-freeze. Anti-freeze is a commonly used chemical cryo-protectant for your car that is used more frequently in the winter months. When ingested anti-freeze is toxic and can lead to serious consequences for your dog or cat such as renal failure (kidney failure) and death if not treated.

Anti-freeze tends to be especially appealing for animals as many formulas often taste sweet. The main ingredient in many formulas, ethylene glycol, is severely toxic to dogs, an even more so to cats. Anti-freeze that has leaked from your car, has leaked from bottles, or is found in puddles around the neighborhood all exist as potential threats to your companion animals.

Prevention:
Some of the newer formulations contain the ingredient propylene glycol, which is not toxic to pets. Prevent ethylene glycol toxicity by making sure all chemicals are stored in areas not accessible to animals in the garage or surrounding areas. Invest in an anti-freeze solution with propylene glycol versus ethylene glycol to prevent toxicity.

Symptoms:
Symptoms of anti-freeze toxicity include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, neurological symptoms such as muscle spasms, inability to walk correctly, and urinating inappropriately. If you have any concern of ingestion, or have witnessed ingestion contact your veterinarian immediately. Treatment can be successful if instituted shortly after ingestion. Untreated ethylene glycol toxicity is often fatal, or can result in serious long term medical consequences.

Winter Salts
Pets that walk outdoors during the winter months may also become exposed to toxic ice salts and anti-freeze by licking their paws. Consider investing in boots for your pet to prevent toxic substance build up on their paws. Also consider washing your pet’s feet off anytime after they have been outside to reduce the chance of ingestion. Contact your veterinarian to learn more about toxic substances our companion animals are commonly exposed to in the winter months.

Winter Car Safety:
Most pet owners are aware that leaving your dog or cat in the car in hot weather can be dangerous. However, many people may not know leaving your pet dog or cat in the car during the cold winter months is equally dangerous. A car can quickly turn into a cold metal box for your pet, and if left for any extended period of time can result in death. In very cold weather, never leave your dog or cat alone in the car for any length of time longer than a few minutes no matter their breed or fur length!

Small Mammals:
Although not as frequently represented, small mammals can suffer the same consequences of winter dangers as cats and dogs. If you own a small mammal such as a rabbit that spends time outside during the summer, take caution in the winter. Small mammals are susceptible to hypothermia, frostbite, and toxicity. If you normally house your small mammal outside or in a garage or basement during the warmer months, you will need to provide a warmer environment for them during the winter months. Contact your veterinarian to learn more about appropriate environments for your small mammal. They rely on your responsible pet care to make sure they are safe, healthy, happy, and WARM all year round. There are a number of house friendly environments, or alternations that can be made to barns, garages or basement housing to make sure it is safe for your small mammal to live during the cold months!

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our hospital at 518-725-8117 to speak with a licensed veterinary technician or veterinarian.

Dr. Santspree

Healthy Weight During the Winter Months

This week we will be focusing on the topic of keeping your pet at a healthy weight throughout the winter. With the holidays and the cold weather, it is easy for us as humans and your pet cat/dog to gain weight. This week we will focus on a variety of techniques to try and keep your cat and dog at a healthy weight!

Canine and feline obesity is quickly becoming an epidemic. Our canine and feline friends rely on us as responsible pet owners to take the lead and do the right thing by not over feeding them. While a treat or food may make your pet happy in the moment, in the long run they will suffer. Pets that are overweight or obese suffer serious medical consequences and place strain on internal organ function and their musculoskeletal system. While a pound or two may not seem like much weight to you, on a dog or cat it is a significant amount of weight. For example: a ten pound dog that gains one pound has gained 10% of its body weight- This would be equivalent to a 200 pound person putting on another 20 pounds. In our pets, every pound matters, and overweight pets suffer from a shorter lifespan than healthy weight pets. Unhealthy body condition can place stress on joints, often leading to arthritis and musculoskeletal injuries that can result in expensive surgeries and chronic pain. Obesity can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, and places stress on internal organs such as liver and kidneys. Our overweight canine and feline friends are also more predisposed to serious and expensive medical conditions such as diabetes and often have a shorter life span.

Food is an important part of your pet’s day, and many of us take great joy in providing them with meals and snacks they enjoy. However, making sure we keep our pets at a healthy weight is part of responsible pet ownership.

Healthy Weight in our Canine Friends

When its cold outside, going for a long walk or run may not be feasible for you or your pet. As time spent inside increases, we as pet owners need to become creative in exercising our animals! Consider a few of the following suggestions to increase canine mobility in the winter months to inhibit weight gain:

Sit ups and push ups: Teach your canine the commands lay down and sit up. Using a low calorie treat or favorite toy have your dog do “push ups” by laying down and sitting up in a few repetitions at a time. Even a little activity burns calories.

Laser pointers: If your dog enjoys chasing a laser pointer or flash light, invest in one! These inexpensive tools can allow a fun chasing game around space in the house that will burn calories.

Play with your dog: Outside, its easy to throw a ball or go for a walk. Inside the house, invest in some toys and find a safe space to spend a few minutes a day with your dog throwing a toy or playing down on the floor with them. Not only will they burn calories but they will bond with you.

Commands: Teach your dog a few simple commands such as come, fetch, and follow. If your dog moves around the house with you, rather than laying on the couch or floor all day, they will burn more calories and form a closer relationship with you.

Use a treadmill: If your dog is a high energy dog that is used to long walks or runs, consider using or purchasing a treadmill. Many dogs do very well walking at a slow or medium pace on a treadmill for a short period of time. Work with your veterinarian to introduce this form of exercise with your pet.

Hide and Seek: Utilize your dogs sense of smell, especially for the hound breeds! A small treat that a pet has to work for or seek out within the house creates a fun game where exercise is rewarded.

Healthy Weights in our Feline Friends

Obesity among our companion felines increases every year. Most cats, especially during winter, get very little exercise but take in a large amount of calories. Exercising our feline friends can be a challenging goal. Consider the following to try and help increase your cat’s activity.

Toys: Try a number of different toys! While some cats may play on their own, most will need you to initiate play time. Try feather dusters, cat nip mice, shoe laces, laser pointers, boxes, bags, or any other device your cat finds worth chasing! Even 10-15 minutes a day of batting at a string will burn calories.

Climbing tree or scratching post: Many cats enjoy having a climbing tree or scratching post around. Climbing up and down a tree or repeatedly scratching their claws on a daily basis increases the movement of your cat which can result in increased weight loss.

Leashes: Try taking your cat for a walk! Although this may seem like a silly idea, some cats, especially of the larger breed may very much enjoy short walks where they can explore the outside.

Training: Believe it or not, cats can be trained! Use low calorie treats to teach your cat a number of different commands. Consider highly useful games, such as teaching your cat to go up the stairs or down the stairs to receive a low calorie treat or some cat nip. One treat for all that work is a decent goal for your cat and will burn calories.

Not sure if you pet is overweight?

Not sure if you are feeding the right amount of food?
Follow a few of these simple guidelines to keep track!

Visit your veterinarian: When you bring your pet to the veterinarian they will tell you whether or not your pet is getting a little heavy or is obese. A body condition score will be assigned which is based on a number of factors. For dogs and cats, the general rule of thumb is to not be able to see the ribs, but easily feel them if you run your hands over the chest. Your cat or dog should have an indentation or “waist” after the ribs and no excessive pads of fat. Every animal is different, therefore rely on your veterinarian to guide you as to how much weight your pet needs to loose.

Perform Weight Checks: Utilize your veterinarian for weight checks! Weighing your pet on a regular basis is great way to track their weight. Utilize your veterinarian for this purpose. If you suspect your pet has gained weight, or want to see if they have lost weight stop by the veterinary office. With scales present for all sizes of animals, stopping in to check your pets weight is a free, quick, and accurate tool for weight tracking.

Take charge of your pet’s weight today!

Prescription food: Consult with your veterinarian about starting a prescription weight loss food. These foods, such as Purina OM, are designed to have low calories and high fiber. You are often able to feed your pet more, so that they still feel full but lose weight. Prescription weight loss food can make a significant difference. Pick up your dog’s food bowl in between meals to control the amount of food given/eaten. Change your cat’s feeding from an automatic feeder to specific feeding times. Cats that are overweight should NOT have access to food all day long, whether or not it is weight loss food.

Specific treats: Control the treats you give your pet. For example, a piece of cheese for a small dog is the equivalent of eating 2 cheeseburgers. Even a little treat, or a couple milk bones can add significant weight to your pet. Stop feeding any table scraps or treats from the store, and invest in weight loss calorie controlled treats. A number of different kinds should be available at your veterinary hospital. Consider low calorie vegetables as well such as carrots and celery- many dogs love the natural sugar and crunch.

Medical weight loss: If your pet has not responded to increased exercise or decreased food intake, evaluation of your pet’s basic blood work might be advisable to rule out metabolic abnormalities. There are also medications available, such as Slentrol, that can be used to help control the appetite of your pet if they are ravenous while on a diet.

Ultimately, weight loss is challenging, especially during the winter months. Work with your pet and your veterinarian to devise a plan to attack the weight loss from different angles to achieve the best result.

Please feel free to contact Glove Cities Veterinary hospital anytime, or call to schedule an appointment at 725-8117. Our licensed technician Abbey is specifically trained in weight loss for pets, and can work with you and your pet one on one to devise a weight loss plan.

Dr. Santspree