There are some people who are so busy you can’t help but wonder when they get some shut eye. One might think that these folks hardly have two seconds to squeeze in the time to give back to others. But what if your business is all about caring and giving back to others? And what if the definition of “busy” really describes the nexus of where ambition meets heartfelt dedication? Well, in this case you have the making of a rock star veterinarian. Yes, you read correctly, rock star veterinarian. This may sound like an oxymoron, but in today’s fast-paced, social media drenched, one-on-one world, a veterinarian has the tools to garner the type of following that some rock stars would envy.

Dr. Hill (left) with Kirsten Wright of Wright Creativity

If this mythical veterinarian truly existed and were listed in an encyclopedia, the accompanying photograph could very well be that of Annmarie Hill, DVM, owner of and head veterinarian at the Animal Care Center of Huntington Beach (ACCHB). With a strong business savvy and a web partner in Kirsten Wright of Wright Creativity, Dr. Hill has harnessed the power of online social media (Twitter, Facebook, blogging, etc.) to become a veterinary force of woof to be reckoned with.

With over 6,000 followers on Twitter, Hill has garnered support not only from her real life veterinary clients, but from those in the pet cyber world who’ve come to respect her presence as a voice of veterinary wisdom within the online pet community.

In a sense, you can say that just like every rock star, Hill is realizing her childhood dream. Except instead of guitars and roadies, her dream involves establishing a reputable veterinary clinic that’s personable, welcoming, and makes a pet’s health the No. 1 priority.

“Even as a kid, I brought home all of the broken animals; all animals, even mice. I brought a sick mouse home once and I ‘glued’ him back together you can say,” said Hill in a phone interview with i Love Dogs writer Linda Chavez. “I had a desire to help animals because they can’t help themselves.”

It was at age 7 that Hill declared to her mother that she wanted to be either a veterinarian or a Christian missionary. As fate would have it, Hill’s veterinary pursuits have led her to a point where she can bring those two dreams together, and she’s just now in the process of coordinating a trip to Africa to work as a veterinary volunteer with a Christian charitable organization. There, she’ll bring her expertise to impoverished communities and animals needing the professional attention that only a veterinarian can offer. During her stint in Africa, she’ll bring the same philosophy to the animals there that she does every day at the Animal Care Center of Huntington Beach (ACCHB).

Dr. Hill's website, built by her web guru Kirsten Wright.

Securing ACCHB, the space where she plays out her dream and philosophy, has been a trying process at times for Hill. Wanting to create a veterinary practice that broke with convention, Hill spent many years with the goal of eventually owning her own clinic that would reflect the family atmosphere she envisioned for all veterinary practices. Though she tried for three years, she patiently waited as she watched corporate practices snatch up each available practice put out on the market, one after another.

In 2007, though, Hill realized her vision upon purchasing ACCHB from its original owner, Dr. Neil Boodman, who started the practice in 2001. In doing so, Hill began the journey of establishing her practice and her name as a credible resource for a pet’s needs, in both the veterinary and Twitter spheres. She began building the veterinary practice of her dreams.

“My practice essentially looks like my house; a warm, very clean, family oriented type of place,” says Hill. “I wanted it to be comfortable. I wanted people to feel like they were a part of our family and that they and their pets were welcome. I also wanted them to know that their pets would be taken care of.”

Dr. Hill with her cat, Grandma Wrinkles

Creating a family atmosphere comes in various shapes and sizes, and Hill accomplishes creating this setting in all facets of her practice, from the big picture to the small details. For example, her patients are scheduled in for 30 minute visits versus the normal 15-20 minutes that most veterinarians schedule for their patients. Why make the visits longer? Hill believes that an animal’s comfort level is of utmost importance. Adding an extra 10 minutes to an animal’s visit allows Hill to let the pet slowly acclimate to the new experience. She’ll allow the animal to explore the space, smell the new environment, and gain confidence in the professionals treating him.

“Cats are usually walking around on the ground,” describes Hill. “There are no offending smells, or loud barking from dogs in adjacent kennels. It’s a quiet calming experience. I’ll give the cat a treat and make it comfortable. It creates a lot less stress for the animal.”

In fact, Hill’s family oriented, take-it-slow strategy stretches beyond the one time visit. Because Hill is a huge proponent of preventive care, she asks her clients to come in every so often just to have their pets weighed. Not only does this routine weight check-up serve to curb pet obesity, it also allows the animal to visit its vet without the usual, unavoidable poking and prodding they might experience during a normal visit. Hill says that a pet that experiences a vet visit where all it receives are hugs, kisses, and treats, creates a pet that looks forward to visiting the clinic a lot more than most.

This philosophy has worked to Hill’s benefit. Whereas usually pet parents have to fight paw and fang to get their pets through the vet’s door, at Hill’s practice clients express that their dogs are dragging them through the door to greet the loving staff inside.

Dr. Elaine Lukic of ACCHB

Her devoted staff is an extension of Hill’s family oriented hugs and kisses philosophy. Loyal to Hill for years now, her staff, as Hill describes, are empowered to ensure their clients’ happiness.

“A lot of [my staff] I’ve trained from the ground up. Some of them I’ve been working with since 2003 at other practices,” explains Hill. “We do a lot of staff training, nutrition training, and they receive ongoing training both from me and from outside sources, such as seminars and online webinars.”

The standard etiquette at ACCHB requires that the client always receive an answer to his or her question. Hill ensures that her staff is well-informed and just as capable of helping her clients with their needs as their veterinarian.

“Any staff person who answers the phone will answer a client’s question, and if they’re not able to do so, then they’ll get someone on the phone that will have an answer,” says Hill. “They know that responding with ‘I don’t know’ is not an option.”

Mika, Technician at ACCHB

Her staff members are dedicated, intricate pieces of the finely tailored tapestry of pet services that ACCHB offers its clients. Those services run the gamut, from coffee readily available to all her clients, pet magazines of every variety, to Animal Planet and informational videos running non-stop on large plasma televisions. Hill even offers new clients a free wellness exam for their first visits. An important strategy that allows clients to experience firsthand what Hill has to offer, at no cost to them. Every patient then receives a follow-up call to make sure they had the best experience possible.

But what Hill believes is most unique about her practice is the holistic approach she takes to treating pets. Hill works at preventing disease in pets by increasing quality of life right now, rather than waiting for the disease to develop before treating it.

“That we can combine both Eastern and Western medicine is important for creating a good quality of life for an animal,” says Hill. “We always talk to clients about quality versus quantity. It’s in the pet’s and the owner’s best interest to understand the difference. I like to educate people up front about how the process will go, and make sure they know they’re part of the treatment plan.”

Hill explains that the topic of conversation with her clients is always about prevention, including weight management, diet, exercise, vitamins, home dental care, and more. She feels that these are also ways that her clients can keep their pets’ medical costs low.

Dr. Hill's Twitter profile

With so many wonderful services, of course kisses and treats are abundant at ACCHB, and on more than one occasion a sweet-faced animal will make its way to Hill’s Twitter profile in the form of a TwitPic with a cute caption and a smiley face. It’s in this space that Hill can prove that she’s a caring, flesh-and-blood veterinarian, thereby raising her veterinary practice to a whole other level.

“It has really helped people bond to me so they see that I’m a real person; that I actually care, that I’m educated, and that I’m on top of things,” says Hill of her tweeting. “It gives people a natural trust in me before they’re even in the door to meet me. Switching doctors even for humans is a really stressful, anxiety-ridden experience. Social media lets people know that I talk like a normal person and that I’m always accessible.”

ACCHB's Facebook profile

Hill has taken to social media like a fish to water (by the way, she also treats fish and other non-traditional species!). She has on several occasions spearheaded very successful TweetUps, social networking events where twitterers (or “tweeps”) can meet up in person. Just recently her Café Mozart Tweet Up (#CafeMozartTwtUp) brought in more than 70 people, and the event helped raise $278 for animal rescue efforts in Haiti. ACCHB then matched the funds raised at the TweetUp dollar for dollar, and sent the total donation to the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA, @wspaus).

Since then, Dr. Hill and the ACCHB participated in the Hotel Maya Tweet Up (#HotelMayaTweetUp) hosted by i Love Dogs, Inc. and The Hotel Maya on Thursday, March 4 to benefit the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Los Angeles. i Love Dogs, Inc. raised 390-pounds of pet food, which was matched pound for pound by two companies, including Dr. Hill’s practice. Her generosity towards the well-being of animals has no end. 

With social media in her pocket and a strong philosophy in her heart, it’s no wonder that the only way to describe Hill is as a rock star veterinarian.

For more information about Dr. Annmarie Hill, visit her profile.

PHOTOS: ocregister.com, acchb.com

Are you a fan of Dr. Hill’s work? Make sure to leave your comments below and on her profile!

LAST WEEK: HOW TO Care for Your Senior Dog

Fido’s been shaking his head a lot lately. It could be he’s rocking out to doggie tunes, but more likely he’s suffering from an ear infection. Fido’s certainly not alone – ear infections were the No. 1 medical condition for dogs last year.

According to petplace.com, a dog’s ear canals have three sections: external, middle and internal. The external ear canal goes from the outer ear lobe to the eardrum. The middle section starts at the eardrum and extends to the ear’s bones and nerves. The inner section is close to the brain and contains organs that help your dog maintain his balance.

“If the inner ear is not functional, the animal feels dizzy and the brain is not able to determine if he is standing, turning, lying down, spinning,” according to the website. “The most common abnormality associated with the middle and inner ear is inflammation, which is referred to as otitis media or otitis interna. Otitis is the Latin term for inflammation within the ear. Media and interna refer to the parts of the ear that are inflamed. Otitis externa refers to an external ear canal inflammation or infection.”

 
What are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection?

 
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, earinfectionsindogs.com recommends you should have his ears examined by a veterinarian.

 
  Itchy, inflamed ears
  A strong, foul smell from the ear
  Scratching at his ears
  Frequently shaking his head
  Cocking his head in an unusual manner or angle
  Tenderness when the ear is touched
  Excessive wax discharge
  Balance problems – This is a symptom of an inner-ear infection. You should take your dog to the vet immediately.

While an ear infection may not seem like too serious a malady, you should take care of it immediately since even a simple ear infection can develop into sarcoma, which is a tumor that forms on the ear canal and requires surgery to remove. It can also lead to other types of tumors, including hemangiosarcoma and malignant melanoma.

In a worst-case scenario, an untreated ear infection can lead to deafness, which occurs when the dog’s inner ear is damaged. In rare cases, bacteria from the ear canal can make its way to the dog’s brain stem, resulting in bacterial meningitis, an infection that is very difficult to treat.

What Causes an Ear Infection?

 
Unlike humans, who only have a horizontal ear canal, dogs also have a funnel-shaped, vertical ear canal that easily collects water and debris. So in the event of an infection, pus accumulates in the vertical canal.

These are some of the most common causes of ear infections in dogs, according to earinfectionindogs.com and the Long Beach Animal Hospital:
 

  Anatomy: Deep, vertical ear canals and long, floppy ears create a warm, moist environment in which bacteria and fungi thrive.

 
  Breed: Floppy-eared breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, and breeds with hairy ears, such as Miniature Schnauzers, Poodles and Bichon Frises, are prone to ear infections because moisture is easily trapped in their ear canals.

 
  Bacteria and yeast: Contaminated water can accumulate in the ears of retrievers and other breeds that frequently swim, causing tougher infections.

 
  Allergy: In addition to causing itchy skin and hair loss, allergies can also cause ear problems.

 
  Low thyroid: Occasionally a low thyroid hormone level can cause ear infections.

 
  Parasites: Ear mites are a frequent cause of ear infections in young dogs.

 
  Drug reactions: Any drug can cause a reaction that inflames the ear.

 
  Hygiene: Dirt and debris that accumulate in the ear canal can cause an infection.

 
  Tumors: Older dogs are more prone to tumors developing in the wax glands.

 
  Cushing’s Disease: Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, this is the most common hormone disease found in older dogs. It occurs when the adrenal glands secrete an excess amount of cortisone.

How is an Ear Infection Diagnosed?

 
The Long Beach Animal Hospital website notes that your veterinarian will likely take the following steps to diagnose the problem before determining the treatment:

 
  A physical exam is typically performed, because ear infections can indicate problems in other areas of your dog’s body. 

  Using an otoscope, the vet will examine your dog’s external ear canal and ear drum. This tool can also be used to retrieve foreign matter such as foxtails from the ear canal, and to check for tumors.

 
  The vet will swab your dog’s ear to get a sample of the discharge, and examine it under a microscope to determine if the infection is bacterial or fungal. Sometimes a culture of the discharge will also be taken to see what bacteria or fungus is causing the infection.

  A blood sample may be taken to check your dog’s thyroid level and, if necessary, to check for allergies your dog may have to food, plants or other substances.

 
How is an Ear Infection Treated?

 
The treatment for your dog’s ear infection depends on the type and cause of the infection. According to the Long Beach Animal Hospital, most vets routinely prescribe two medications: one to gently clean and clear the ear canal, and the other to kill bacteria, fungi or parasites. Both usually also contain anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe your dog’s ear. Your vet may prescribe oral medication to clear the infection and decrease the inflammation.

To apply ear drops (ideally a two-person job), vetinfo.com recommends you do the following, and suggests asking your vet to demonstrate the procedure:

1.  Have someone hold your dog, since you’ll need both hands to apply the drops. Make your dog sit, and have the helper hold down his two front legs. If you’re doing it alone, try to hold your dog between your knees. To calm your dog, you can wrap him in a warm, dry towel beforehand.

2. Lift your dog’s ear and hold it between your thumb and index finger. With the other hand, put the drops in his ear. Be careful not to touch his ear with the bottle — it may be cold and startle him.

 3. After applying the drops, hold your dog’s ear with one hand while massaging it with the other to make sure the medicine gets into his ear canal.

4. Wipe the side of your dog’s head with a tissue to blot up any excess medication.

5. Reward your dog with lots of praise, a nice tummy rub and yummy treats!

According to earinfectionindogs.com, in severe cases or if the infection is caused by a foreign object, your dog’s ear may need to be flushed out by the vet. Your dog will be sedated and your vet will use a warm, cleansing solution to remove the debris. For ear infections caused by tumors, surgery may be necessary.

 
The following two natural treatments can be tried at home with your vet’s approval, suggests earinfectionsindogs.com.

 
  Warm compress: If your dog’s ear infection is visible from the outside (as indicated by inflammation and redness), apply a warm compress on the affected area several times a day to help ease the pain.

 
  Apple cider vinegar: Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water and have your dog drink it all twice a week. This solution can also be used externally to clean your dog’s ears.

 
Adding a supplement such as Omega 3 with Green Tea to your dog’s diet can also help decrease inflammation and irritation in his ear.

What Can be done to Prevent an Ear Infection?

If your dog doesn’t have floppy ears, it’s not necessary to clean them regularly since nature will generally do the job for you. In fact, if you clean the ears too much, you can actually damage them. 

If your dog’s ears are floppy or hairy, here are some steps you can take to ensure they stay free of infection:

  Check your dog’s ears regularly for foreign matter.

   Make sure your dog is always properly groomed. The small follicles of hair that grow in his ears can block air circulation, which is crucial in maintaining the health of dogs’ ears. These hairs are often overlooked by pet owners and only trimmed when the dog visits a professional groomer.

 
   When you give your dog a bath, avoid getting water in his ears.

 
   After a bath or swim, be sure to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears.

 
   Check your dog’s ears for excessive amounts of ear wax. Normal ear wax is almost odor-free, so if you smell something foul in your dog’s ear, it may be infected.

 
  Gently clean your dog’s ears by dipping cotton balls or pads in an ear-cleaning solution you can obtain from your vet. Never use cotton swabs since they can push infection and foreign objects deeper into the ear.

 
   If your dog has fleas or mites, purchase medication from your vet that will eliminate these bacteria-producing pests.

For More Information

Further information about treating dogs’ ear infections can be found at these websites:

  earinfectionsindogs.com

  Long Beach Animal Hospital

  petplace.com

  vetinfo.com

PHOTOS: drsfostersmith.com, dogblog.8pawsup.com, marisgrooming.com, videojug.com

NEXT WEEK: HOW TO Manage Your Dog’s Allergies

Has your dog ever had an ear infection? How did you treat it?

At least three dogs in Spokane, Wash., have recently died from eating meatballs poisoned with strychnine. According to KOMOnews.com, investigators believe two of the dogs died when they ate meatballs that had been thrown over a fence into their backyard.

Several more meatballs were found on neighborhood streets. Their blue-green tint indicated they contained rat poison, which causes an animal’s organs to hemorrage. The Humane Society of the United States is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the poisonings.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips for protecting your pets from malicious poisoning.

  Be a good neighbor. Don’t allow your dog to have access to your neighbors’ yards and trash cans. If your dog is an incessant barker or howls and whines while you are away, you may want to work with an animal behaviorist or dog trainer to solve the problem. Should your neighbors have concerns, try to address them in a positive, constructive manner to avoid serious conflicts.

  Is your dog allowed outdoors in your fenced-in or otherwise secure area? It’s smart to do routine checks of this enclosed area.

  Be sure to remove unfamiliar or questionable items from the enclosure.

  Supervise your dog when he is outdoors whenever possible. Do not allow your dog to spend significant amounts of time unsupervised outdoors.

  Develop relationships with neighbors who have pets. You can join forces to create a neighborhood watch for the companion animals in the area. Be alert for anything out of the ordinary!

  Provide a safe, confined area with a secure gate when your dog is left alone outdoors.

  Never let your dog run loose or allow him to roam free. Animals who are allowed to roam simply have more opportunities to get into potentially poisonous substances.

  Teach your dog not to accept food or treats from strangers.

  Report any suspicious behavior to local authorities. Remember, animal cruelty is a crime!

Did you know you might inadvertently poison your own pet with common household products and plants? Here are tips for protecting your dog from these toxins.

If you think your dog has been poisoned, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435. 

PHOTO: KOMOnews.com

Not only can dogs use their incredible sense of smell to save lives by detecting cancer and finding people buried in rubble, they can also be trained to sniff out peanuts as well as other allergens that are potentially deadly to people with extreme allergies.

Dogs are natural-born sniffers: their sense of smell is 1,000 times greater than a human’s. While humans have 5 million olfactory receptors in their noses, dogs have a whopping 220 million.

The breeds commonly used for peanut detection are Poodles and Portuguese Water Dogs (both breeds also make good pets for highly allergic people since they don’t shed much and have little dander), Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds, along with mixed breeds such as Labradoodles.

 
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, peanut allergy is the most common cause of food-related death. Approximately 2 percent of the population is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts or both. A report in the December 2003 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that the number of children with peanut allergies doubled in the early ’00s.

Southern Star Ranch in Florence, Texas, trains dogs to detect peanuts and tree nuts. According to its website, “Peanut dogs are easily able to detect minute quantities of peanuts in any form: raw, cooked, oil, butter, dust, etc.” Sharon Perry, the facility’s director of training, told ABC News that while a hypoallergenic breed is ideal for this type of work, the most important attributes are drive and energy, because the dogs are working all the time.

“They are always aware of what’s around them and what they’re smelling,” Perry said. “It’s their nature; these dogs work because they consider it a game.”

  
It takes at least 6 months to train a dog. Perry said she starts the training process by instructing the dog to find one whole peanut in a plastic bag. She then moves on to peanut butter and other foods containing peanuts, as well as objects such as library books and groceries with traces of peanut dust or oils on them. The dog is trained to discretely scan people for peanut residue to eliminate the risk of contamination. In addition to the ranch, training locations include real-world settings like malls and libraries.

 
If a dog detects peanuts, Perry said it will perform what is called a passive alert and response. “They’re trained to sit, and you can’t get them away from that sit,” she said. When the owner says “Show me,” the dog will point at the contaminated item.

 
If you or a loved one is allergic to peanuts and you’re thinking your HMO might provide you with a service dog, forget about it. Perry said the total cost of training a peanut-detecting dog can be at least $10,000, which is not covered by any insurance plan. 

 
Sherry Mers, whose daughter has a life-threatening peanut allergy, started Angel Service Dogs to help families defray the prohibitive cost of training these dogs for children with severe allergies. “When you have a family looking at this dog and knowing that this is what’s going to save their child’s life, you can’t put a price on that,” Mers told WBZ.

While a trained dog’s sniffing skills are about 95 percent accurate, trainers warn that people still need to be on guard for allergens, and the dog should be the last line of defense. According to ABC News, some doctors aren’t convinced that a service dog is better than caution and education.

 
“Although a dog might be able to smell a peanut, the danger does not come from the oils that create the smell; they come from proteins that a person ingests,” Dr. Dan Atkins, a pediatric allergist and professor of pediatrics at the National Jewish Health in Denver, told ABC News. “What could probably help them more than a peanut-sniffing dog would be better education about allergies, potential exposures, how to avoid them, and how to cope with an accidental ingestion.”

 PHOTOS: angelservicedog.com, abcnews.go.com and peanutdog.com

Last Week: HOW TO Manage Your Dog’s Diabetes

Buddy doesn’t get up as quickly as he once did. It takes him a little bit longer and he seems stiff. He limps for the first few steps before he gets going. He doesn’t run after the ball with as much energy as he used to and after a long walk he likes to lay down.

You begin to notice other details about Buddy’s physical appearance, too. His muzzle has slowly been turning gray, his skin is beginning to sag a little and it looks like he is losing muscle mass.

Buddy’s getting older and the symptoms he’s experiencing aren’t all that different from the ones people go through as they age. The changes he’s going through are natural and, in and of themselves, nothing to worry about. But when dogs reach this stage in their lives, pet parents do need to take note of what’s happening and how they can accommodate their dogs’ new bodies.

One thing is certain: Just like with advances in people medicine, modern veterinary care now enables dogs to live much longer than in the past. That means dogs are seniors for a longer amount of time.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), veterinarians are increasingly treating more numbers of senior dogs. “The studies revealed that the percentage of owned dogs age 11 or older increased from 14.6 percent in 1987 to 15.5 percent in 2001 … During that same period, the percentage of dogs age 6 to 10 rose from 27.1 percent to 31.2 percent … Many veterinarians attribute the longer, healthier life of the typical pet to care provided by owners as well as medical advances. And the lives of cats and dogs might become even longer and healthier within the next few years,” the AVMA wrote.

“As a general rule of thumb, dogs and cats are considered ‘senior’ around age 7,” writes Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, for Vetmedicine.about.com. “Larger dogs sooner (age 5 or 6), and smaller dogs later (age 8 or 9). Dogs have such a large variety of breeds and sizes that there isn’t a single age that automatically translates to senior status.”

Knowing when your dog is approaching his senior years can help you make adjustments to his diet, exercise routine and veterinary care to provide optimal health. One of the first things to remember is that while the symptoms of aging in dogs and humans are similar, dogs mature much more rapidly than people.

Most people are familiar with the old standard of “seven years to one human year” ratio, but we now know that’s not exactly accurate. A closer guide can be found here but even within those guidelines, one must take the breed, size, health and weight into account, as those factors may affect the way a dog ages. A larger dog, for instance, generally ages more quickly than smaller dogs so, say, an Irish Wolfhound might be hitting his senior phase at around age 6, while a Chihuahua is entering middle-age at the same age.  

Common Ailments

Arthritis: Arthritis is a common ailment in both pets and humans as they age. Generally, as your dog gets older and you notice he’s moving slower, let your veterinarian know. Joint stiffness can occur in anywhere in the body, but it’s most common in the legs, neck and back. Veterinarians can prescribe medication that eases discomfort.

Cancer: Cancer is fairly common in older dogs but, as with people, not all forms are fatal. Treatment depends on the type of cancer, its location and how far advanced it is. Options might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation that can extend a dog’s life or knock the cancer into remission.

Cataracts: When a dog develops cataracts, his eyes will look white and opaque (note that this is different than a cloudy or blue haze over the eyes, which appears to be a normal sign of aging).

“The area of the lens involved by the cataract amounts to a spot that the patient cannot see through,” writes Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP for VeterinaryPartner.com. “If the cataract involves too much of the lens, the animal may be blind in that eye and there could be cataracts in both eyes, which means the pet could be rendered completely blind.

“A cataract can luxate, which means that it can slip from the tissue strands that hold it in place. The cataractous lens can thus end up floating around in the eye where it can cause damage. If it settles in a place that blocks the natural fluid drainage of the eye, glaucoma (a buildup in eye pressure) can result, leading to pain and permanent blindness. A cataract can also cause glaucoma when it absorbs fluid and swells so as to partially obstruct fluid drainage from the eye.”

Treatment for cataracts generally involves surgical removal. The dog must be in relatively good health to be a candidate for the procedure, which a thorough veterinary exam can determine. If left untreated, blindness may result for the dog.

Mitral valve insufficiency (heart disease): Hearts are designed to push blood forward in the body and prevent back flow. “In the case of a mitral valve disorder (referred to as mitral insufficiency), the valve ages and shrinks and thereby fails to completely close off the area on the left side of the heart between the two chambers,” reports PetEducation.com. Eventually, the right side of the heart will begin to fail because it’s working too hard.

Veterinarians can treat mitral valve disorder with medications that strengthen and coordinate the muscles’ contractions, PetEducation says. Medication slows down the disease’s progression but the condition typically worsens. Early diagnosis can help slow progression and keeping a dog at his optimum weight lessens the severity of symptoms. Good oral health is also ideal, as bacteria from an infected mouth can enter the bloodstream.

Dental disease: Basically, periodontal disease is inflammation of a tooth’s support structures (gingival, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone), reports the DentalVet.com website. Tissue destruction and bone loss can be the ultimate result. Signs of the disease are inflamed gums, bleeding, bone loss, bad breath and pustular discharge. Veterinarians can help with periodontal disease by professionally cleaning a dog’s teeth and treating infections with antibiotics.

At home, pet parents can brush their dogs’ teeth with toothbrushes and toothpaste created especially for dogs. There are some toys and treats specifically formulated to help remove buildup on teeth. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Kidney disease: Also known as canine kidney failure (CKF), kidney disease, or failure, is the result of poisoning or external toxins, writes Dr. Larry Siegler for HealthyHappyDogs.com. Because kidneys filter out toxins from the body via urination, keep a look out for increased thirst or urination. “A healthy kidney can concentrate toxins into a smaller amount of liquid to be urinated away,” Dr. Siegler writes. “When the kidneys are damaged and become less able to concentrate the urine, more fluid is used by the body.” As the disease progresses, other things to look out for are weight loss, nausea, constipation, low energy or fatigue and poor appetite.

Treating kidney disease will depend on what caused the problem. Some possibilities may include antibiotics, an IV of fluids, induced vomiting to eliminate a specific toxin or anti-ulcer medications, reports VetInfo.com. When other treatments are ineffective, a dog may need to go on dialysis. In rare cases, a kidney transplant is performed.

Hydration is very important for these dogs, so make sure to have plenty of fresh water available at all times. Diet is also important, so speak to your veterinarian about food choices.

Hypothyroidism: This happens when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Signs of the disease include weight gain, skin problems, hair loss, dry brittle coats, lethargy and anemia, reports VeterinaryPartner.com. Dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism are treated for the rest of their lives with oral thyroid hormone medication.

Urinary incontinence: Urinary incontinence (not to be confused with submissive urination or inappropriate urination) means that the dog has lost control of his urination. There can be several causes, and may “involve the bladder, the urethra which is the tube from the bladder to the outside, or incontinence can be caused by abnormalities in the parts of the brain and spinal cord that control bladder function,” reports Medi-vet.com.

If a veterinarian determines the dog has incontinence, the treatment will be determined by the underlying cause. “When no specific cause can be identified for the incontinence drugs may be given that increase the tone of the muscles that hold urine in the bladder,” reports Medi-vet.com.

Epilepsy: Try to stay calm while your dog is having a seizure. He’ll find it more reassuring. Also, take notes so you can describe what happened to your vet. Dogs often appear disoriented while recovering from a seizure. That’s normal.

Remember that just because a dog has a seizure, there could be other causes than epilepsy. A veterinarian can determine if epilepsy is causing the seizures. 

Gastrointestinal disease: When a dog’s stomach and intestinal tract become inflamed, usually resulting in vomiting, diarrhea or both. There are numerous causes, including food dogs should not have eaten, parasites, foreign bodies, poisoning and diseases, such as bacterial or viral.

The treatment will be determined by the cause and severity. Remember that in these cases dehydration can occur quickly, and this is especially true for older dogs, reports pet-diseases.suite101.com. Mild cases of vomiting and diarrhea can be treated at home, but anything more threatening or severe should result in veterinary care right away.

Diabetes: As in humans, diabetes comes in more than one form. Type II diabetes “is characterized by the dog’s dependency on insulin and it is normally observed in senior dogs and those that have passed their middle years,” reports DiabetesinDogs.net.

Diabetes can be managed by a proper diet (consult your vet) and medications, including the possibility of insulin shots. Diabetes can be life threatening, so treatment is a must. 

Liver disease: Liver disease can be tricky. As PetEducation.com reports, the liver will “detoxify the blood and produce numerous enzymes and proteins gradually decreases with age. Sometimes, the liver enzymes measured in a chemistry panel may be abnormally elevated in an apparently normal animal. On the other hand, some animals with liver disease have normal levels of liver enzymes circulating in their blood. This makes interpretation of these tests very difficult.”

Medication dosage will depend on how well the liver is functioning, as it is the liver that metabolizes the medications.

Bladder stones: Almost all dogs are susceptible to bladder stones, which are produced if excess minerals and other waste products solidify or crystallize in the dog’s bladder area, BladderStonesinDogs.com says. A stone, also called a urolith, can be a very painful condition and if left unattended, complications can include severe pain and possible death. If treated, bladder stones are manageable.

Treatment may include a prescription diet (even after the stones are gone), medications and proper hygiene practices. If stones have become lodged somewhere in the dog, such as a male dog’s urethra, immediate surgical removal is required, says GoPetsAmerica.com.

Hearing loss: It may become apparent that a dog is losing his hearing when, say, he doesn’t come when his name is called. Before determining whether or not his hearing is really decreasing, have a veterinarian conduct an exam on his ears to make sure there are no medical issues, such as ear infection, a growth or foreign body, writes Dr. Crosby.

“If your dog does experience hearing loss, take care to protect him/her from hazards, such as cars and kids that s/he may not hear (or see)”, Crosby continues. “Dogs do learn and adapt well using hand signals to come, stay, sit, and so on. It is a good idea to ‘cross train’ your dog early in life to recognize basic hand signals.”

As Your Dog Ages

As dogs get older and begin slowing down, their needs change. Paying attention to how they’re moving, sleeping and eating can help provide the answers to what they need most. The most important thing is to keep pets comfortable as they enter their golden years and begin to experience aches and pains.

In general, provide plenty of fresh drinking water and an age- and weight-appropriate diet. Keep their growing limitations in mind. Buddy may not be able to go on those long runs that he loves so much with you. Provide a comfortable place for him to rest and remember that he may need assistance climbing stairs, getting into the car, or jumping up on the couch with you. Doggie ramps or little steps can help him access certain favorite areas that are now difficult for him to reach.

Dogs often know when they’re newly vulnerable. Losing sight, hearing and mobility is a concern for them, too, and they may become frightened or irritable by their new physical limitations and aches. Peace of mind is the kindest thing pet parents can give their dogs in these situations. Try to eliminate things in the home that might startle them, such as sudden movements or noises. Remind small children especially that they need to be careful around older dogs.

To help ease dogs into old age, the best thing to do is give them a lifetime of preventive care. Keep them on a high-quality diet, give them supplements, make sure they exercise and keep those annual checkup appointments for the veterinarian. A little extra love and care from the beginning can possibly extend their lives by a few years.

PHOTOS: bladderstonesindogs.com, dentalvet.com, dogs.thefuntimesguide.com, askville.amazon.com, reboundhounds.blogspot.com, pets.webmd.com, boxhouseblog.blogspot.com, treehugger.com

Next Week: HOW TO Treat Your Dog’s Ear Infection

How do you care for your senior dog? Let us know!

Last Week: HOW TO Give Your Dog Medication

Diabetes (Type II specifically) is a growing epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “As of 2007, 23.6 million people—7.8% of the population—have diabetes.”

Though it’s apparent that diabetes has significantly impacted numerous people and their families, many are surprised to find out that household pets can suffer the consequences of diabetes as well. In fact, “one in every 400 to 500 dogs develops diabetes mellitus,” writes Sara Jackson for Animal Wellness Magazine. With those numbers increasing because of pet obesity, one-third of all household dogs are obese according to ilovedogs.com, and diabetes is on the rise as well.

What exactly is Canine Diabetes? What are the types?

Dogs can succumb to diabetes either because of a breed predisposition to the disease or due to obesity caused by a poor diet and lack of exercise. Diabetes in dogs comes in two forms. The first and most common among dogs is diabetes mellitus (DM), an endocrine disease similar to human diabetes.

As described by ilovedogs.com, “Diabetes mellitus … occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone which is needed to transport glucose (sugar), amino acids and minerals from the blood to muscles and other cells. When there is not enough or no insulin, glucose cannot move into the cells and the glucose level in the blood and urine rises to abnormally high levels.”

The result of untreated DM can be life-threatening for a pet. Dogs with DM are usually dependent on insulin shots for the rest of their lives, says Jackson. Diabetes mellitus is split into two categories, which includes Type I diabetes “similar to juvenile-onset (Type I) diabetes in humans,” writes Norma Bennett Woolf for Dog Owner’s Guide, and an “acquired type that is similar to adult-onset (Type II) diabetes in humans.”

The majority of dogs with diabetes have Type II, which is commonly referred to as IDDM. But a second form of the disease exists called diabetes insipidus. Also an endocrine disease, diabetes insipidus differs from diabetes mellitus in that it results from a deficiency in vasopressin, “the antidiuretic hormone that controls water resorption by the kidneys,” writes Woolf.

Risks and Causes of Diabetes

Dogs prone to diabetes can develop the disease either because of their genetics, environment, or lifestyle. In some cases, those with diabetes suffer from the disease because of a combination of these factors.

Genetically, some breeds with a stronger susceptibility to diabetes include Keeshonden, Pulis, Miniature Pinschers, Cairn terriers, Poodles, Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers and Beagles. Owners with these particular breeds should be aware of the potential for diabetes to develop in their pet.

The following are other potential risk factors and/or causes that could result in canine diabetes (as described by Woolf and ilovedogs.com):

Senior dogs (onset of diabetes generally occurs between 7-9 years of age)
Unspayed female dogs (reproductive hormones place them at higher risk)
Viral infections
Autoimmune pancreatic cell destruction
Pancreatitis or other pancreatic infections
Prescription drugs, steroids, and reproductive hormones
Other hormonal diseases, such as Cushing’s disease
Stress

It’s also important to consider a dog’s weight when it comes to diabetes. Obese animals are more susceptible to the disease.

What are the symptoms of Diabetes and how is it diagnosed?

If you have a breed of dog susceptible to diabetes, then it’s particularly important to take note of the potential symptoms involved with diabetes. If your pet is suffering from the onset of diabetes or has a more developed case of diabetes, then he or she will most likely exhibit one or all of the following symptoms depending on the severity of your dog’s illness (according to Jackson, ilovedogs.com, and Woolf):

Increased thirst (polydipsia), appetite (polyphagia), and urination (polyuria)
Weight loss
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Depression
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Decreased resistance to bacterial and fungal infections
 Liver and bladder problems
 Cataracts and blindness

If you find any of these symptoms prevalent in your dog, immediately bring your pet in to see a veterinarian. A vet can then take the steps necessary to make a proper diagnosis.

“Diagnosis depends on evaluation of early symptoms, a physical examination, and lab tests to ascertain the amount of glucose in the blood and urine,” says Woolf. “A single test for hyperglycemia (excess blood glucose levels) may not be sufficient, especially if the levels are only slightly elevated, so veterinarians may want to run more than one.”

Your veterinarian will follow these basic steps in diagnosing your dog’s symptoms (as delineated by ilovedogs.com):

Question you about your dog’s medical history
Perform a physical examination
Perform a urine test to check for glucose and for signs of urinary tract infection
Take a blood sample for a blood test
X-rays and ultrasound scanning may be required if complications or concurrent diseases, (e.g., pancreatitis) are suspected.

If your vet confirms that your pup has diabetes, then he or she will go over a plan of action for treatment.

Treating and Managing Your Dog’s Diabetes

Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes in dogs. As Jackson describes, a pet with diabetes will require delicate, daily care throughout its lifetime. Caring for a dog with diabetes requires a big commitment and dedication to that animal’s health.

Treatment of diabetes requires daily administration of insulin to your pet, either via injection (the most common and safest method) or with oral hypoglycemic agents. This process includes monitoring your dog’s blood glucose levels daily.

Most veterinarians will coach pet parents on how to monitor their dogs’ blood sugar at home using a blood glucose meter (similar to what humans use, if not the very same human tool), writes Dr. Mike Richards for VetInfo.com.

“It appears that about 50 percent of veterinary clients can manage this task readily and most can manage it with encouragement from their vet and the vet’s staff,” says Dr. Richards.

He also strongly recommends investing in whichever blood glucose meter will make it easiest for a pet parent to draw blood from a wriggling dog. A good meter will allow a pet parent to draw blood quickly so that it can be processed quickly.

The choice of insulin used for injecting your dog should be discussed with your veterinarian at length to determine the best type for your dog. The most commonly used insulin is human NPH insulin – either Humalin N (Rx) or Novalin NPH (Rx) – explains Dr. Richards, since these are more easily attained.

“Some vets prefer PZI insulin and there is now an insulin approved for use in dogs (Vetsulin Rx) that is pork based and may work more consistently for dogs since pork insulin is closer to dog insulin than the human products,” says Dr. Richards. Make sure not to exchange insulin types too often, but instead try to continue using the same insulin for optimal results.

Injecting your dog with insulin can be a fussy ordeal. The following tips from BD.com can help you make your pet’s insulin injections as comfortable as possible:

Spend as much training time as you need with the veterinarian to make sure that you understand how and when to give your dog insulin.

 
It is not necessary or desirable for you to try keeping your dog’s blood glucose at “normal” levels of 80-120 mg/dL. This puts your pet at risk of hypoglycemia (very low blood glucose).

 
Diabetic dogs can experience large day-to-day fluctuations in blood glucose levels, even if their food and insulin are kept constant. This is why it may take several months for the veterinarian to fine-tune your dog’s insulin doses.

 
It is best to inject insulin immediately after the dog has eaten. If the dog ate only some of its food, vomited or did not eat at all, your veterinarian may suggest that you decrease the insulin dose by half. Never skip the insulin dose entirely, but follow your veterinarian’s advice. If your pet does not eat for two meals in a row, call your veterinarian before injecting insulin.

 
If you inject your dog twice a day, try to give the insulin at the same general time each day, such as breakfast and dinner. However, if these times vary occasionally by 30 to 60 minutes, it will probably not matter. Your pet will probably be fine.

 
If you are not sure whether an insulin injection should be given, call your veterinarian for advice.

 
Cold insulin hurts. Do not take insulin from the refrigerator and inject it immediately into your pet. Let the insulin come to room temperature. This may take around one hour.

 
Always praise your dog or give it a treat after injecting it, so that it associates the insulin therapy with a pleasant experience.

 
Although Vetsulin pork insulin is approved for once-a-day dosing, veterinarians generally do not favor once a day insulin therapy because it is hard to regulate a dog with only one daily injection. Once-a-day insulin therapy is used only when the owner is not able to give the dog two injections a day, or in those cases where a dog can be well regulated with one daily injection. Your veterinarian can recommend a proper dosing regimen for your dog.

 
Unopened vials of insulin should be stored in the refrigerator. Write the date of opening on the vial label as a reminder to discard the vial after one month of use.

Dr. Richards also suggests creating a “blood glucose curve” to plot out your dog’s blood sugar levels throughout the day. You can create such a chart by taking down your dog’s blood glucose level at the time of your dog’s first meal in the morning and every two to four hours thereafter, for at least 12 to 16 hours.

“Plotting the blood glucose numbers on a chart allows visualization of when the level is too high, too low or just right,” says Dr. Richards. “The pattern of rises and falls in blood glucose allow the veterinarian or the client to see if the problem is an overdose of insulin, an underdose of insulin or resistance to the effects of insulin.” This chart will be a valuable tool for both you and your veterinarian as you work on creating the best treatment plan for your dog.

Though diabetes cannot be cured, and your dog will continue to receive insulin injections for the rest of his life, there are additional things you can do to ease your dog’s diabetes.

“Diet, herbal remedies and supplements, along with a change in lifestyle, are all keys,” writes Jackson.

A healthy diet that’s high in dietary fiber can reduce glucose absorption from the gut, leading to better glycemic control. Dr. Rob Butler, a veterinarian consulted by Jackson, says that “Insoluble fiber may be of most benefit.” Increase your dog’s intake of dark green, leafy veggies, whole grains, and complex carbohydrates to help combat his or her diabetes. Pet parents should also put their pets on a diet high in protein, moderate in fat and low in carbohydrates.

Antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acid supplements can make a difference in your diabetic dog’s health. In addition to changes in diet and supplementation, increased exercise can help your dog maintain a healthy weight and contribute to managing his diabetes.

The Economics of Canine Diabetes

For any pet parent, finding out a beloved dog has diabetes can be a huge blow, not only emotionally, but financially as well.

“Unfortunately, for many people, cost is a prohibitive factor in treating diabetic dogs. Because of this, many are prematurely put to sleep,” says Jackson.

As previously described, the commitment to your diabetic dog is enormous, and pet parents should be prepared for the time and money necessary for caring for their pets. But despite a pet parent’s financial situation, a dog suffering from diabetes must receive the care that he or she needs to live a healthy life.

“Not treating is not an option; in most places, providing needed veterinary care is required under dog neglect/cruelty laws,” said veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve to Jackson. “People have to make sacrifices, do the legwork, and get creative; or else be ready to make some hard decisions about re-homing or euthanizing the dog.”

Pet parents who need financial assistance with their dogs’ diabetes should consider contacting AAHA Helping Pets Fund for help. Or, for a list of resources, visit littlebigcat.com.

 PHOTOS: examiner.com, dog-health-works.com, dogchannel.com, k9diabetes.com, caninsulin.com

Next Week: HOW TO Care for Your Senior Dog

Does your dog suffer from diabetes? How do you manage their disease? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Sputter, growl, snore, lick, kick, shake, jerk, snooze – oh, the joys of watching your pooch nap!

Many dog owners have contemplated the eternal question, can my dog dream? They’ve wondered if their Pug will snore, and have thought twice about whether or not they’re willing to promote their pooch to the “people bed.” They’ve even sat about and watched their dogs nap for hours on end, and jealously questioned whether or not so much sleep was normal.

A dog’s sleeping patterns are a mystery to many; without any direct access to our dog’s mind or thoughts we truly have no definitive answer to what’s going on in there when they’re sleeping. Despite this truth, studies that prove the similarities between dogs and humans can give us a lot more insight than we might have anticipated.

Does My Dog Dream?

The short answer: yes, your dog dreams. Hooray! The age old question is answered. Well, not exactly. Rover can’t wake up from a long nap and dish about that crazy dream he had where he chased Pokey the hamster. But similarities between humans and dogs, says Dr. Nicholas Dodman for PetPlace.com, make it possible to make a very educated and pretty much close-to-accurate guess that dogs do indeed dream.

“We’re 95 percent identical genetically and physically,” says Dr. Dodman. “Because of this blueprint similarity, you might expect a lot of the inner workings to be the same – and they are. Our brains are similar, our neurochemistry is the same, and our reflexes and memory are ‘wired’ in like manner.”

One theory suggests that a dog’s brain works much like a human’s while sleeping, in that it most likely uses dreams to process the day’s data as well as for memory storage. The dream state is a time for the mind to refresh itself much like a computer; it needs time to reorganize and “re-boot.” Though this is one possible answer, there are those who disagree that dreams serve this particular function at all, even in humans. Whether or not this is the case, the good thing is humans can speak up with words instead of woofs. A human can assure us all that they had what’s called a “dream,” and if dogs are 95 percent similar, then chances are they dream as well.

When researchers study the brain waves of dogs and compare them to those of humans in a dream state, the results are similar. As Dr. Dodman explains, dogs have two stages of sleep identical to that of humans. The first is what many of us are familiar with, rapid eye movement or REM sleep, and the second is referred to as slow wave sleep or SWS. Slow wave sleep occurs just as a dog is dozing off on that cushy cushion. At this stage, the dog experiences “sleep of mind” when “mental processes are muted but muscle tone remains.”

Following SWS is our old friend REM sleep. It’s at this stage that the dog’s body sleeps, while the mind goes into that dream stage identifiable by the sputtering jerks mentioned above and by the dog’s darting eyes. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a brain wave, and a fast brain wave pattern indicates a lot of mental happenings, which points researchers straight to identifying the activity as dreams, says Dr. Dodman.

Just like humans may talk in their sleep in this stage, or jerk a leg, so do dogs. They might bark, twitch, paw at the air, and look like they’re running on their sides. And just like their human counterparts, adult dogs spend about 10 to 12 percent of their dog naps in REM sleep, explains Dr. Dodman, while puppies snooze away for a much longer time, “no doubt compacting huge quantities of newly acquired data.”

But not all dogs are the same when it comes to how much or how little they sleep. Different breeds and dog lifestyles exhibit different sleep patterns.

Is My Dog Sleeping Too Much? Too Little?

We all wonder what the pooch does while we’re away at work and the truth of what they’re doing might not be so mysterious. Chances are that with an empty house and without their usual “play things” (a.k.a. humans), a dog is spending the majority of its time basking in the sun and enjoying a nice, long nap.

A dog’s physical characteristics (age, size, etc.), personality, and environment will determine just how much it will sleep. Puppies will require quite a bit of nap time. In fact, pet parents may even have to monitor that a puppy doesn’t receive excessive exercise or stimulation by implementing nap and/or rest times. A frisky Jack Russell Terrier might definitely need a lesson or two in taking a break. Later in life, sleep patterns come around almost full circle. Elderly dogs tend to spend the majority of their time sleeping or dozing, and rarely can be bothered to sprint around the house. This is due in large part to illness at times, such as arthritis or hip dysplasia.

In adult dogs, sleeping patterns will most likely be dependent on the age of the dog and its environment. “Counting little naps and longer snoozes, most dogs sleep about 14 hours a day,” says Virginia Wells for PetPlace.com. “Some very large breeds of dogs, like Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and Mastiffs, often spend a great deal of their lives sleeping – perhaps up to 16 or even 18 hours a day.”

Though it may seem that yours is a “lucky” dog because he gets to sleep 14 hours a day, the truth is that many dogs wake from sleep more often than we humans do. A difference in lifestyle will also affect a dog’s sleeping patterns. Dogs that don’t get enough exercise or activity during the day will nap out of boredom and their pet parents will later find it difficult to get their dog to fall asleep. Dogs that spend their days chocked full of activities that include opportunities for prolonged socialization (which results in mental stimulation) will be happily begging for their doggie beds.

This mostly applies to dogs in urban cities with pet parents who spend much of their time at work. These pets tend to live in the human lap of luxury where cozy beds are their only daily solace. Other dogs, particularly those on farms, spend their days in the canine lap of luxury. They have free range of land and usually have an important job to do. These dogs, unlike their urban doggie counterparts, go to work with their humans and not because it’s dog-friendly Friday! They’re working a full-time job just like their humans, except that these dogs love heading out to do their job.

What comes easy to the farm dweller, urbanites must simulate with runs, hikes, games, toys, dog park visits, and more. If a dog doesn’t receive this kind of exercise and mental stimulation, a pet parent might find himself with a dog suffering from insomnia. This is one of the “most common dog sleeping problems,” says VetInfo.com.

Insomnia may occur for several reasons, but the easiest reason to rule out is lack of exercise. If your dog seems to be awake at all hours of the night, increase her exercise regimen and invest in some puzzle dog toys to get her mind tuckered out. Depending on the dog’s needs, she should have between 30 minutes to an hour of daily exercise. A dog should also have scheduled daily play time with you and/or other dogs to tire her out.

If making changes to the dog’s exercise routine doesn’t do the trick, then the problem might be due to health issues. One particular possibility for insomnia is that a dog may be suffering from stress, says VetInfo.com. The cause of stress can come from any number of sources, from the neighbor’s kooky cat to the cuckoo clock in the den. Or, a pet might be suffering from an ailment that’s causing it stress. Find the source of the problem by consulting with a veterinarian. Once your vet has ruled out any ailments and has given your dog a clean bill of health, move on to consulting with an animal behaviorist. Someone with this expertise can help you determine what may be causing the problem.

Does My Dog Snoring Mean He Has a Problem?

Insomnia’s not a walk in the park for most humans, but when a pet parent has a pooch that snores through the night, getting some shut-eye can be just as difficult. Those who own brachycephalic dogs are most likely all too familiar with nightly doggie snoring. According to the Mar Vista Medical Center, brachycephalic literally means “short-faced,” and includes a number of breeds like the Pug, Boxer, and Bulldog.

These dogs are physically bred in this manner and can suffer from any number of ailments, such as stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils) and tracheal stenosis (narrowed windpipe). Pet parents who own these breeds should not only prepare for the many health issues the breed encounters, but also prepare for long nights of snoring by purchasing some ear plugs!

Always consult with your veterinarian, but in those breeds that aren’t brachycephalic, it’s important to find the root cause of your pooch’s snoring since it may be a sign of a larger health problem. The reasons for snoring are numerous, but one obvious possibility is pet obesity.

In a recent article on FindAVet.us, correspondent Paula J. Owen noted that about “7.2 million dogs are estimated to be obese and 26 million are overweight, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Journal of Nutrition.”

According to VetInfo.com, “Obesity or extra weight can cause the soft palate of the dog’s mouth to collapse.” The soft palate separates the nasal passage from the oral cavity. If the flap collapses, which usually happens at night while sleeping, then snoring will result. What’s the best way to put an end to those long nights with eyes wide open? Get your dog onto a healthy regimen that includes sufficient exercise and a balanced diet. In losing weight, your overweight dog may be able to correct their snoring issue.

The following are some tips for managing your dog’s weight from VetInfo.com:

Adopt a low fat diet
Add fiber to the diet (canned pumpkin, supplements, fiber rich natural dog food)
Eliminate or minimize dog treats; Increase water intake (always make sure your dog has fresh water)
Exercise daily (at least an hour every day)

Other causes of snoring may not come from a dog’s weight, but could still be coming from what they eat. Many dogs, like humans, have food allergies that often go unnoticed. Snoring might be an indication of such an allergy. Foods that cause allergies can lead to “respiratory problems, mucus build-up, irritation of airways, and even throat swelling,” says VetInfo.com.

The best way to find out the source of your dog’s allergies, or if he has allergies at all, is to take him in to see a veterinarian. Your veterinarian will perform blood tests (either a radioallergosorbent [RAST] test or an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] test) to determine whether or not your pooch has allergies. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to better understand this process.

If you’re concerned about the cost of doing blood tests, you may want to start by removing some of the most common allergens from your dog’s diet to see if you note a difference. VetInfo.com suggests eliminating the following foods:

Dairy
Wheat
Soy
Corn
Eggs
Oils and fats
Sugar
Table scraps

If none of the issues above seems to be the cause of your dog’s snoring, other environmental problems may be the cause. Smoke and dry air, says VetInfo.com, are also common causes of snoring because of how they can aggravate your dog’s nasal passages and respiratory system.

“Dry air in the home affects the membranes of the nose, throat and bronchial tubes,” says VetInfo.com. “It can cause congestion … make the throat feel dry and it can cause or aggravate respiratory ailments.”

Try to reduce smoking in your home and purchase a humidifier to increase the humidity in the air.

Next to eating, playing, and barking, sleeping is a dog’s absolute favorite thing to do. Indulge this love by making sure your dog is in tip-top shape so he can enjoy his daily, and nightly, dog snoozing.

Sweet dreams!

PHOTOS: mypersonalizedpetblog.com, mergeyoga.wordpress.com, dogtime.com, downtownpet.com, jasentay.blogspot.com, travelpod.com

What are your dog’s unique sleeping habits? Tell us about them in the comments below.

Today Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance in the U.S., announced the top 10 medical conditions of dogs and cats in 2009, based on claims the company received last year.

The following were the top 10 medical conditions reported for dogs:

1. Ear infection

2. Skin allergy

3. Skin infection/hot spots
4. Gastritis/vomiting

5. Enteritis/diarrhea
6. Bladder infection

7. Arthritis

8. Soft tissue trauma
9. Non-cancerous tumor

10. Eye infection

 
“What we hear from many pet owners,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI, “is that nothing happens to their pet because the pet is with them daily and receives the right food and plenty of exercise, etc. Those things certainly go a long way in making for a healthy, happy animal. Despite a pet owner’s best efforts, however, VPI’s data shows that pets are still at risk for ailments that may require repeated trips to a veterinarian’s office.”

 
VPI received nearly 68,000 claims for ear infections, the No. 1 ailment in 2009, with an average claim fee of $100 per visit to the vet. The most expensive condition on the list – non-cancerous tumor – cost an average of $335 per vet visit.

 
While a few of the top 10 conditions can be associated with a dog’s natural aging process, many of them can occur no matter the age or breed. VPI recommends that pet owners familiarize themselves with their dog’s daily routine in order to identify abnormal behaviors that might indicate an injury or illness. In addition, regular, semiannual physical exams can help prevent and identify certain conditions before they become serious or costly.

 
Vitamins and supplements have also been proven to help promote your dog’s health. “Nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals such as those found in i Love Dogs products have been shown to have a physiological benefit towards the well-being of healthy animals and to complement the immune system of those suffering from chronic disease,” said Veterinarian Michael Zareski.

PHOTO: dog-obedience-training-review.com

Last week: HOW TO Treat Your Dog’s Anemia

Next to expressing their anal glands, having to give dogs medication is probably one of the least-loved aspects of pet ownership. But you can put aside your fears of losing a finger or two, or poor Fido choking on a pill the size of a blimp. These tips will help make this challenging job easier.

 
When your veterinarian gives you a prescription, you should ask if it is available in a chewable form, which will make things much less stressful for both you and your pooch. If it isn’t, ask your vet to demonstrate how to administer the pill or liquid.

Veterinarian Janet Tobiassen-Crosby recommends that you also ask your vet if the pill can be given with food, if there are any restrictions on the types of food with which it can be given, and if the pill can be cut or crushed (some must be left whole).

If the pill can be taken with food, you can try one of the following methods.

 
Hide the Pill in a Pill Pocket

 
When i Love Dogs writer Laura Goldman’s senior dog Sophie was on a daily regimen of several medications, pill pockets were a godsend. Sophie was extremely finicky about eating most other food, but would happily wolf down her meds tucked inside the chicken- or liver-flavored wraps.

You simply tuck a pill inside the hole in the rubbery, slightly greasy wrap, press it shut and voilà! Your dog will think it’s a treat. The pockets come in small and large sizes to fit various tablets and capsules, and can even hold liquid medicine. 

When this week’s HOW TO topic was announced on Twitter, one of our followers responded, “2 words on How to Give your dog medication: Pill Pockets!!! They are the best.”

Hide the Pill in Tasty Food

 
A popular method of administering meds to your unsuspecting pooch is to hide the pill in a bit of tasty food, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, butter, peanut butter or liverwurst.

Unfortunately, even if your dog isn’t a brainiac Poodle, if she tastes the bitterness of the pill beneath the yumminess of the food treat, you’ll probably have a hard time bamboozling her again.

If All Else Fails, Down the Hatch

 
If the other methods aren’t working out or the pill can’t be taken with food, you’ll have to go the hands-on route and put the pill in your dog’s mouth. Although this will probably be stressful for you and your dog, if you try to remain calm and relaxed, the process will go much more smoothly.

 
The Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine and peteducation.com recommend that you take the following steps when giving your dog a pill:

 
1. Have the pill out of the bottle and ready to give to your dog.

 
2. Using a happy, carefree voice, call your dog over to you.

 
3. Put your dog’s rear end against something so she can’t back away from you. You may have better control if you can put your dog on a table or other surface above the floor. (Make sure you have someone helping you if you do this so your dog doesn’t jump off and injure herself. Your helper should hold your dog around the shoulders and chest.)

4. Hold the pill between your thumb and the index finger of your right hand (assuming you are right-handed).

 
5. With your left hand, gently grasp your dog’s muzzle, with your thumb on one side and fingers on the other.

 
6. Squeeze behind your dog’s upper canine teeth (her long, front “fangs”) and tilt her head back so she is looking at the ceiling. Although it’s not necessary, you might want to gently fold her upper lip over her teeth as you open her mouth, so if she bites, she’ll bite her lip and not your fingers.

 
7. Your dog’s lower jaw will automatically drop a bit. Place the middle finger of your right hand on the small teeth between your dog’s lower canine teeth (don’t put your finger on a fang!) and gently push down to further lower her bottom jaw.

 
8. Quickly place the pill as far back in your dog’s mouth as possible, getting it past the “hump” of her tongue. If you don’t place the pill far enough back, your dog will probably spit it out. However, be careful not to place your hand too far in her mouth, or your dog may gag.

 
9. Close your dog’s mouth, hold it closed, and lower her head to a normal position, which will make swallowing easier. Gently stroke her throat or blow on her nose to help stimulate her to swallow.

 
When your dog swallows the pill, give her plenty of praise, and possibly a treat. This will make it easier the next time. Be sure to watch your dog for a few minutes to make sure she’s actually swallowed the pill and doesn’t spit it out.

Administering Liquid Meds

 
Medications in liquid form can be poured in a Greenies Pill Pocket, or you can administer them to your dog as recommended by the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Paw Blog.

 
1. Make a “tent” out of your dog’s cheek by hooking your finger in the skin at the corner of her mouth and gently pulling the skin away from her gum line, forming a pouch.

 
2. Insert the syringe or dropper in the pouch you made.

 
3. Slightly raise your dog’s muzzle as you quickly squirt the medication into her mouth. Do not lift her muzzle so far that it’s pointing straight up, since she could inhale the liquid into her windpipe and choke. Avoid placing the liquid in the back of her throat, which can also cause choking.
 

4. Remove the syringe and hold her mouth closed.

 
5. Gently stroke your dog’s throat or blow on her nose to stimulate swallowing.

 
This Howcast video demonstrates how to give your dog medication in both pill and liquid forms.

PHOTOS: ehow.com, dogsupplies.com, dogs.thefuntimesguide.com and vetmed.wsu.edu

Next Week: HOW TO Manage Your Dog’s Diabetes

What is your favorite method for giving your dog medication? Please share it with us!

Last month the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Oncept, a new canine melanoma vaccine that will help extend the lives of dogs with oral melanoma.

“The approval of Oncept is a milestone in the cancer vaccine field and a significant advancement for our DNA delivery technology platform,” said Vijay B. Samant in a press release. Samant is president and chief executive officer of Vical Inc., the company that developed the vaccine. “Oncept is to our knowledge the only therapeutic vaccine approved, and we believe this achievement is a major step toward the initial approvals of therapeutic vaccines for humans.”

Melanoma is a common cancer in dogs. While it is the most common malignant mouth tumor, it can also occur in a dog’s eye, nail, or paw pad. This type of cancer can affect any breed and is very aggressive. It is usually treated using surgery and/or radiation; it is resistant to chemotherapy. Even if the cancer is successfully removed locally, it frequently spreads through a dog’s body to the lymph nodes, liver, lungs and kidneys.  

Because it is difficult for a pet owner to look inside a dog’s mouth, most oral tumors are not detected in their early stages. By the time they are diagnosed, the dog has a poorer chance of recovery. However, these types of tumors are easy for your veterinarian to see during routine oral examinations. You may also be more likely to see them yourself if you brush your dog’s teeth.

If your dog has any of the following symptoms, you should have him checked by your vet:

•  Difficulty swallowing 
•  Bad breath 
•  Oral bleeding
•  Loss of teeth
•  Facial swelling

 
Oral melanoma is diagnosed by performing a biopsy of the tumor by removing a small tissue sample and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. Your veterinarian also may use x-rays or other diagnostic tools.

 
While the Oncept vaccine will not prevent oral melanoma, it will help extend the survival of dogs in stage II or III. The vaccine is DNA based, which according to petcancervaccine.com means it uses information found in DNA “to help the dog’s immune system recognize a specific protein found on cells that may normally be ignored, such as melanoma tumor cells.”

According to Vical, the Oncept vaccine contains a gene that encodes tyrosinase, a human enzyme that is associated with skin pigmentation. The human tyrosinase used in the vaccine is similar to the dog enzyme, and it stimulates an immune response against canine melanoma cells producing the enzyme. Because the enzyme in the vaccine is from a non-canine species, it makes dogs produce tyrosinase that is considered foreign by their immune systems, thus stimulating a strong immune response. Because the human tyrosinase is similar to canine tyrosinase, the dog’s immune response will target canine melanoma cells.
 

The vaccine will be manufactured by Merial, which makes several canine vaccines as well as Frontline flea and tick control products.

PHOTOS: veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com, petinsurance.com,organic-pet-digest.com