Whether you’re a serious or casual runner, having an exercise partner can make running more enjoyable and motivate you to get out there, even when you don’t feel like it. Your loyal canine companion can make an excellent running buddy, and regular exercise and companionship lead to a variety of wonderful benefits for both you and your pet.

Your team at West Park Animal Hospital is always on the lookout for ways to encourage safe and fun exercise for all of our sweet patients. We applaud you for your interest in running with your dog, and encourage you to keep the following safety precautions in mind before you hit the pavement or trail together.

Running with Your Dog, Safely

• Be aware of the type of surface your dog is running on and adjust your run accordingly. Hot asphalt or pavement can burn your dog’s paw pads. Roadside/trail debris, such as sticks, rocks, and broken glass, can cause injury. Be sure to check the condition of your pet’s paws before and after each run, and stick with soft, shaded surfaces whenever possible.
• Puppies should not engage in extended, high-impact exercise until they are 1-2 years of age (depending on breed), as permanent damage can result to still-developing bones and joints.
• Take your dog’s breed into consideration when determining how far to run with them. Sporting and herding breeds are more likely to be able and willing to run long distances, and many smaller dogs make excellent running companions. Short-nosed breeds (bulldogs, pugs, etc.) have shortened airways and should probably not run, especially in warmer weather.
• Speaking of warm weather, always be mindful of your dog’s safety and comfort while running. Don’t run with your dog in the heat of the day, and take frequent breaks for water and rest as needed. Watch your dog closely for signs of dehydration or heat stroke, such as excessive panting/drooling, stumbling, vomiting, or pale gums.
• Stay away from retractable leashes, which could pose a tripping or entanglement hazard, and allow your dog to pull too much. A standard leash and collar/harness is best (no choke, prong, or Martingale collars), or consider a specialized running harness to avoid chafing.

It can be tempting to skip the warm-up or cool-down, but your dog’s (and your) joints and muscles will pay the price. A few minutes of brisk walking or light jogging right before and after your run is all that is needed.

Give Us a Call

Before starting any new exercise routine with your pet, be sure to make an appointment for a wellness exam with your West Park Animal Hospital veterinarian. We will make sure that your pet is healthy enough for strenuous exercise and update any necessary vaccines and parasite preventives. We are always here to answer your questions and concerns regarding your pet, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!

The post Running with Your Dog: Tips for Safety and Fun appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

If you’ve ever had a scare with head lice, it’s likely you never want to experience it again. Head lice, which is a specific species called Pediculus humanus capitis, only affects humans. In other words, while lice may spread from one human family member to another, it’s impossible that your pet was the cause of the problem.

Unfortunately, however, pets get lice – just a different kind. Keep reading to learn more about this itchy, annoying, and sometimes harmful parasite.

Which Types of Lice Affect Pets?

A louse (singular form of lice) is a wingless insect that lives in the hair, skin, or feathers of a variety of species, absorbing their blood or dander. Each type of lice is species-specific, which is why, for example, the common head lice that infects humans cannot feed off your dog.

Lice are very small, but like most insects, they’re composed of a head, thorax, abdomen, and six legs. Much like fleas, lice proliferate by laying eggs called nits. Nits are tiny, white oblong eggs, resembling dandruff, and they’re sometimes the first visual indication of an infestation. It takes about 4 weeks for a nit to develop into a reproducing adult louse.

Both dogs and cats, as well as pocket pets, certain birds, and livestock, can all become infected given the right circumstances. The types of fleas that are found on dogs (and other canids) include Trichodectes canis and Linognathus setosus. Cat lice, called Felicola subrostratus, are also specific to cats and do not affect humans.

Symptoms and Treatment

Now that you know that lice are species-specific and that your family will not become infected due to dog or cat lice, it’s also good to know how they spread. Having more than one pet of the same species means you’ll need to treat all of them for lice if one gets infected (regardless of whether they show any signs).

So, what are the signs?

• Scratching, biting at skin
• Rubbing face on floor
• Redness of the skin
• Scabs
• Dryness
• Restlessness
• Hair loss
• Matted fur

In some cases, you may be able to identify the white nits on the skin or coat.

When pets get lice, treatment includes a few applications of a veterinarian prescribed medical shampoo/topical. While there are numerous products on the market, some of them are not as effective as others.

We must also stress there are products that are used on dogs that are highly toxic to cats. Never use a product formulated for dogs on cats, and cats should not be around during application. Pets who are being treated for lice should also be quarantined from other animals and should avoid dog parks. Initial treatments will kill adult lice, but not the eggs. That’s why more than one application is needed over a specific period of time.

Unfortunately, Pets Get Lice (and Other Parasites)

If your pet has been itching lately, please give us a call. Itching may indicate a wide range of issues, and oftentimes, other parasites, allergies, or dermatological issues are present. The sooner we can diagnose your pet, the sooner they can get relief from the discomfort and pain of chronic scratching.

The post Can Pets Get Lice? appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

There are few things more disgusting than receiving a big slobbery kiss from your dog only to realize they recently helped themselves to a litter box snack. It’s likely this common but annoying habit has had you Googling answers furiously looking for help. So, what’s up with this unsavory behavior and how can you keep your dog out of the litter box?

You’re in luck! The team at West Park Animal Hospital is here to help.

Dogs and Litter Box Behavior

When your dog raids the litter box, they’re exhibiting normal dog behavior. This can be a relief (there’s probably nothing wrong medically) but also a disappointment (can’t a simple pill fix this?).

Dogs are omnivores and amazing scavengers in the wild. They gobble up anything they can get their, er, paws on. So the short answer as to why your dog raids the litter box is simply because it’s there and they can.

Most likely, the situation began as a simple investigation. However, as soon as they realize there’s the potential for a yummy snack in there, this behavior quickly becomes routine. When you think about it, if one of your dog’s favorite treats is cat food, then it stands to reason that a cat box delicacy comes in at a very close second.

Is This Bad for My Dog?

For the most part, litter box snacking doesn’t pose much of a health risk to most dogs. Some vomit or have diarrhea while others are fine. Keep in mind, however, that cats may have parasites in their stool that may be transferable to dogs (and humans). Lastly, if your dog ingests a large amount of litter along with their snack, it could cause gastrointestinal upset or blockage (this doesn’t happen often but it bears mentioning).

Ways to Keep Your Dog Out of the Litter Box

It’s nearly impossible to train your dog out of this bad habit since every time they score a snack from the litter box, the behavior is strongly reinforced. You could try scooping the box immediately after a deposit is made, but unless you’re superhuman, this probably isn’t a realistic goal. Instead, let’s look at more attainable ways to keep your dog out of the litter box.

Cat door — Keep the litter box in a cat-only room, and install either a cat door or a cathole.

Baby gate — Many people use baby gates to separate their dog from the litter box. Most cats have no trouble navigating it, but then again, neither do some dogs, so you may need to look for specific models. Another option is to install the gate a few inches off the floor so it’s high enough for your cat to get underneath, but low enough to prevent your dog from going under.

Door chain — Some owners install a door chain that offers a narrow opening to the litter box room that’s big enough for your cat to squeeze through but not your dog.

Covered litter box — There are some good options on the market for top entry covered litter boxes, but make sure to introduce this slowly to your cat. Some cats reject them, as they may be too small and cause your cat to feel claustrophobic. If your cat has asthma, they’re not recommended.

Hopefully this has provided some helpful information to keep your dog out of the litter box. If you know of other effective ideas or if you have any questions, please give us a call. We’d love to hear from you!

So, what’s up with this unsavory behavior and how can you keep your dog out of the litter box?

The post Eww, Fido Did What? How to Keep Your Dog Out of the Litter Box appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Toilets and pets are never a combo you want to encounter; however, seeing a pet take a sip of toilet water is a common scene. Drinking from the toilet seems like a pretty disgusting way to stay hydrated – particularly when you offer your pet multiple bowls of fresh water around the home.

So, what’s with this obsession? Why do pets drink from the toilet, and is it safe? The team at West Park sets out to address this unsavory attraction to the “toilet bowl beverage.”

Why do Pets Drink From the Toilet?

Common sense says that animals in general are not the germaphobes most humans have come to be. In fact, you’ve likely seen your furry friend drink from a number of yucky water sources – from ditch drains to mud puddles and everything in between.

If pets aren’t so discerning about what they eat or drink, should we expect them to snub the bowl?

Actually, there are some pretty compelling reasons Fido or Fluffy may be interested in the toilet bowl flow, including:

• Cool water – Pets, like humans, prefer their drinking water to be cold or cool, and the porcelain bowl helps to maintain a cooler temperature.
• Running water – Have you ever noticed how fixated your kitty companion is with the bathroom sink tap? Most animals will seek out running water in preference to stagnant – and for good reason since stagnant water sources often carry more parasites and other nasties.
• Forgetful pet owner – On a hectic Monday morning, it can be easy to forget to check a pet’s water bowl before running off to tackle another busy day. Your pet may just view the toilet as a back-up when the drinking bowl becomes too low (or too dirty).
• Because they can! – The simplest explanation for why pets imbibe from the bowl is simply because the lid remains up and they can access it.

Is it Safe?

One of the biggest concerns – aside from the embarrassment factor – of catching a pet lapping at the loo is whether or not it is safe. For us, toilets represent bacteria-filled water that needs to be disinfected often.  Yet, toilet bowl water contains less bacteria than you might find on a kitchen counter or toothbrush.

However, toilet water becomes a concern when household cleaners are used. Make sure your cat or dog is not in the area while you clean, and keep the lid down when toilet bowl cleaners are in use. You can also switch to safer cleaners, such as white vinegar and baking soda.

So what’s the final verdict? Ultimately, the decision is up to you. If your pet is sneaking sips from the toilet, remind all family members to keep the lid down. Encourage your pet to drink from his or her own water bowl by keeping the bowl clean and changing the water frequently. Add ice cubes to keep the water cool during warmer months.

If you have any questions about this behavior or any other pet health concern, please call us!

The post Potty Mouth: Why do Pets Drink From the Toilet? appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

According to a study by AAA and Best Western International, more than 50% of U.S. pet owners bring their pets along when they travel. And who can blame them? Our pets are part of our families, and it’s hard to imagine leaving them behind while we are off having adventures.

To help your trip go as smoothly as possible, it’s important to prepare ahead of time for your pet’s comfort and safety. Bringing your pet in to see the veterinarian before traveling is an important part of that pre-trip checklist.

 

Why See the Veterinarian Before Traveling?

The pre-trip wellness check is an absolute must. Your veterinarian will assess the following aspects of your pet’s health and wellness:

• Overall health – Before embarking on any kind of trip, your pet should be checked to make sure he or she is healthy enough for travel. This is the opportunity for you to refill any medications your pet is on prior to your departure.
• Vaccinations – Your veterinarian will make sure your pet is current on all required immunizations, and will help you to determine if any additional vaccines should be considered based on your destination, such as canine flu or Lyme disease.
• Parasite prevention – Having adequate parasite prevention is crucial to your pet’s health and safety. Vector-borne illnesses, such as heartworm, are a problem in most areas of the country, and preventatives are the only way to protect your pet (most preventatives also control intestinal parasites).
• Motion sickness – If your pet suffers from motion sickness or severe anxiety, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to alleviate these concerns (pets who need to be heavily medicated may not be suitable for travel).

Veterinary Health Certificate

In order to board an airplane, travel internationally, or even cross state lines with your pet, you will need to obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from your veterinarian ahead of time. The certificate indicates that your pet is healthy enough for travel, and that he or she does not have any diseases that could be passed to other animals or people.

Travel requirements will vary depending on your destination, so it’s important that you begin the process of obtaining the required documentation as soon as you finalize your travel plans. At West Park Animal Hospital, we can assist you in determining the pet health requirements of your destination for domestic travel within the United States as well as provide certification.

If you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment for your pet before traveling, please don’t hesitate to contact the staff at West Park Animal Hospital.

The post On the Road Again? Bring Your Pet to See the Veterinarian Before Traveling appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

It’s not uncommon to see a dog munching on something we wouldn’t necessarily qualify as “food.” Dogs, after all, are the experimental gourmets, willing to ingest all sorts of things. Unfortunately, this makes them prone to poisoning when we aren’t paying attention. Among the least noxious of these “entrees” is grass.

Countless dog owners have pondered why their pooches have a palate for the lawn salad. “Is my dog sick?” “Should I stop this behavior?” “Is grass eating normal?” These are all questions we at West Park Animal Hospital have received over the years, making the mystery of why some dogs eat grass one that we’d like to help you solve.

Why DO Dogs Eat Grass?

Although some may be alarmed at the sight of a pet ingesting grass, this behavior is not out of the ordinary. Grass eating is somewhat of a normal occurrence that’s been the subject of debate for some time. Speculation has resulted in numerous theories, none of which have been proven.

However, some common reasons you may have heard include:

Evolution – Dogs are omnivores and unrelenting scavengers. Because their ancestor, the wolf, primarily hunted herbivores like rabbits and deer, it’s believed the taste of grass (which would have been found in the stomach and intestines) is reminiscent of these prey animals.

Illness – One of the most acceptable theories about why dogs eat grass is that it helps to relieve nausea. Many pet owners attest to a “rumbling belly” prior to the ingestion of grass. Additional (though inconclusive) evidence suggests that grass eating induces vomiting, which acts as a form of relief. However, vomiting only occurs in less than about 30% of dogs after eating the green stuff.

Hunger – Dogs lacking certain vitamins, minerals, or fiber are thought to be more enticed by plant material. Even when deficiencies aren’t present, those on restrictive diets will often “graze” out of hunger.

Parasites – Certain mammals have been known to use grasses and other plants as a form of “self-treatment” for intestinal parasites. Since grasses and other fibrous plants aren’t easily digested, they’re thought to act as a kind of internal “sweep” that cleanses the GI tract of parasites.

Compulsion – In some extreme cases, dogs dealing with phobias or anxiety will sometimes develop compulsive behaviors, which may include ingesting grass, feces, or other substances.

While all these arguments have some merit, in most situations, grass eating occurs because, well, your dog has access to grass and he or she simply enjoys eating it. In other words, your dog is probably just doing a normal dog behavior that isn’t cause for concern – unless, of course, this is a very new behavior that seems to correlate with another problem.

When to be Concerned

If your dog has suddenly taken an interest in grass, it’s a good idea to have him or her examined to rule out any underlying health issues. To make sure your dog is just “being a dog,” please give the team at West Park a call or schedule an appointment.

The post Pass the Greens! Why Some Dogs Eat Grass appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

We pride ourselves on the long list of services we offer our clients. Chief among them is professional grooming. Sure, some pets are apprehensive at first, but over time it becomes a wonderful treat to get a bath, shampoo, haircut, ear cleaning, nail trim, and more.

However, for the sake of convenience, scheduling, cost, or even simple pleasure, bathing your pet at home between grooming sessions is not only necessary, it’s also a good idea!

 

You Want…What?

A major element that precludes bathing your pet at home is the possible struggle. Pets can be very hard to convince that a soapy, sudsy, slippery place is beneficial, healthy, and even relaxing. Of course, your pet doesn’t readily understand that what you’re trying to do boosts the health and vitality of his or her skin and coat, so what’s an owner to do?

If You Can, Start Early

The best possible tactic supporting long-term home bathing is to start as early as possible. A young pet who is 7-8 weeks old is highly impressionable, and is open to all new experiences. Certainly, older pets can be taught to accept bath times, but it may take some time to introduce the experience.

Allow your pet to become accustomed to soft touches on the head, ears, paws, and face. Attempting these actions in the bath for the first time may trigger strong reactions. Give lots of praise, encouragement, and affection for your pet to start associating positive feelings with this interaction.

Amass the Accoutrements

Before using them on your pet, invite him or her to inspect the tools necessary for grooming, such as the brush, comb, clippers, shampoo, washcloth, towel, and anything else you intend to use.

It’s important to note that all products for your pet should be safe, gentle, and hypoallergenic. Human shampoos and conditioners should not be used on the delicate skin of your pet. We are happy to help you find the right bath products for your pet.

The Steps to Bathing Your Pet

If you have a small pet, you can probably handle bathing your pet alone. However, larger animals, or those who really hate water, require two sets of hands.

• First, brush your pet’s coat
• Remove any mats, tangles, or debris
• Trim your pet’s nails to reduce damage to your bathtub, flooring, or yourself
• Lay down a non-slip mat or towel on the bathtub floor
• Fill the tub, wading pool, or sink with lukewarm water up to your pet’s knees
• Use a cup or container if you do not have a detachable shower nozzle
• Work bathing products into your pet’s coat and skin, making sure to thoroughly rinse off any soap
• Inspect the skin for any parasites or skin problems

Other Tips

Your pet’s eyes are extremely sensitive. Be sure that soap or water do not enter the eyes. Also:

• Reduce tangles by only massaging the coat in the same direction as the coat grows.
• Don’t forget to wash the neck, paw pads, and ears.
• Dry your pet off thoroughly (air drying is fine during the warm weather, but never on cold, breezy days).
• Stick to a bathing routine of once a month, or whenever your pet is oily or dirty. Some pets only need 3-4 baths a year, depending on their breed and lifestyle.
• Itchy skin can result from frequent baths.

While some pets and owners get into a groove, bathing your pet at home might not be worth the stress. Our groomers are always happy to see your pet, and we hope you’ll call us with any questions or concerns.

The post Why Bathing Your Pet at Home Makes Perfect Sense appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.